1E Follow procedures for environmental cleaning

Surfaces, like all other objects, can act as an agent for the transmission of infection. Floors, benches, furniture and even blinds can all be reservoirs of infection. The greater the number of reservoirs of infection, the greater the risk of transmission of infection. Whether you are working in an aged care or home and community care environment, it is your job to make sure the measures taken to keep surfaces clean are done effectively, efficiently and safely. You must ensure that you are confident about wearing PPE during cleaning; removing all dust, dirt and physical debris from work surfaces; cleaning all work surfaces correctly before and after each session and when visibly soiled; decontaminating equipment requiring special processing to ensure full compliance with protocols; drying all work surfaces before and after use; replacing surface covers where applicable; and maintaining and storing cleaning equipment.