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|Articles|December 30, 2015

Guidelines for Environmental Cleaning and Decontamination After a Flood

Ling, et al. (2015) provide an executive summary of the Asia Pacific Society of Infection Control (APSIC)'s Guidelines for Environmental Cleaning and Decontamination. It describes best practices in routine cleaning and decontamination in healthcare facilities as well as in specific settings -- such as management of patients with isolation precautions, food preparation areas, construction and renovation -- following a flood. It recommends the implementation of environmental hygiene program to keep the environment safe for patients, staff and visitors visiting a healthcare facility. Objective assessment of cleanliness and quality is an essential component of this program as a method for identifying quality improvement opportunities. Recommendations for safe handling of linen and bedding; as well as occupational health and safety issues are included in the guidelines. A training program is vital to ensure consistent adherence to best practices.

Reference: Ling ML, Apisarnthanarak A, Anh Thu LT, Villanueva V, Pandjaitan C and Yusof MY. APSIC Guidelines for environmental cleaning and decontamination. Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control 2015; 4:58.

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