(2) Walls and ceilings. Walls and ceilings should be cleaned annually; spot
cleaning must be done as necessary (when grossly soiled) with a detergent-disinfectant
solution and followed with a thorough rinsing.
(3) Windows and screens. Logistics/Supply and Service Division (or, in
some cases, the installation engineer) is responsible for maintaining the exterior
cleanliness and maintenance of windows and screens. Central materiel services, or
custodial service, if provided, will be responsible for cleaning the interior surfaces of all
windows.
(4) Utilities. Each faucet must be cleaned daily by removing the filter
screen, inspecting it, replacing it as necessary, and autoclaving prior to reassembly.
Air-conditioning vents must be cleaned monthly. The Post/Hospital Engineering Officer
and manufacturer of the air-conditioning system should be consulted for the best
method of cleaning and solutions to be used. All the electrical fixtures, connections,
and outlets must be carefully inspected periodically, for malfunctioning.
c. Fixed Equipment.
(1) Daily cleaning. Each day all counters, tables, and sinks are cleaned with
a water-based detergent-disinfectant solution. The sterilizer must be wiped out each
day and the strainer removed, cleaned, and replaced.
(2) Weekly cleaning. The sterilizers are inspected and cleaned weekly. All
baskets, trays, racks, and so forth are washed thoroughly and rinsed. The strainer is
removed and the unit flushed with hot sodium phosphate. The gasket on the sterilizer is
checked for wear and replaced when necessary.
(3) Monthly cleaning. Storage cabinets are emptied, cleaned, and dried at
least every 30 days. Environmental conditions may require cleaning more often.
d. Summary. Excellent housekeeping, using the most effective supplies,
techniques, and equipment, is an important part of the CMS because it helps control the
spread of infection. As you work in CMS, you must constantly be aware of infection
control. Good housekeeping and cleaning techniques will reduce the number of
microorganisms present in your work environment and help protect the patient.
Section VI. SAFETY AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION
2-11. SAFEGUARDING PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT
a. General. Good safety habits are very important in the CMS because of the
type of equipment and supplies handled and used. In CMS, you will use combustible
material (material that will burn) such as cloth and paper goods for packaging supplies.
You will handle sharp objects such as needles, knife blades, and razor blades.
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