Environment

Chapter 5: Environment

Overview:

• Discusses the decontamination of resident equipment and articles
• Provides a table assessing the levels of equipment processing
• Explains the various types of cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation
• Provides additional tables for sample cleaning schedules
• Explanation of pest control and waste management

Description:

This chapter examines the preparation and maintenance of resident care equipment, the type of supplies and equipment that staff members use in resident care, the effectiveness of environmental services and the way in which pest infestation and waste disposal is managed.

Topics:

• Decontamination of resident equipment
  • Cleaning, disinfection, and sterilisation
• Resident care articles and equipment
• Environmental services: cleaning the kitchen and laundry
  • Cleaning; food; and laundry services
• Pest control and waste management

Kevin J. Kendall
Kevin is an experienced practitioner in infection control. Having originally trained as a general nurse and midwife, Kevin’s involvement in infection control has spanned more than 17 years and his expertise in this field has been sought by hospitals, community health centres, medical practices, extended care facilities and child care centres. He has worked with many health professionals and aged care staff on program assessment, development and review; environmental safety matters; compliance with standards; education and training programs.

Kevin has held executive committee positions on the Victorian Infection Control Nurses Association, the Sterilisation and Research Advisory Council of Australia, the Wound Management Association of Victoria, and the Australian AIDS Nurses Resource Group. He is currently working as an infection prevention team leader for a large public health service in Australia.

Professional Reviews: