Cleanliness

 

 Cleanliness

Cleanliness is the most important step in prevention of disease and promotion of health. Absence of dirt is called cleanliness; dirt can be of two different types- organic dirt and inorganic dirt . inorganic dirt is more dangerous in hospital setting dust is composed of sand , bacteria , crumbs of food, scales of skin , dried secretion etc.

Dirt is removed mechanically by brushes or mops, by use of water and soap, air and sunlight , by suction with vacuum cleaner, a solvent , a solvent or detergent.

Purposes of cleaning:

1.      To remove all dust and breeding places of germs with least disturbances to the patient .

2.      To leave clean, polished surface  whenever possible so that dirt may not be accumulated.

3.      To prolong life of the articles

4.      To keep the articles ready for use

5.      For the safety of the patient

Methods of cleaning and care of care of the patients environment:

Equipment’s and furniture :

Polished surface- damped soft cloth is used to the dust the polished surface. If the surface is contaminated with oily material like grease, then soap and warm after is used.

After wet cleaning surface is dried with dry cloth at once .

      Painted surface- these surface is washed with soap and water, mild detergent is advisable to minimize damage to paint.

Utensil :

      Aluminium :  wash with soap and cold water first and then with warm water

       Porcelain :  wash  with water and soap, to remove stains lime juice , kerosene , vinegar or diluted hydrochloric acid is used.

       Stainless steel: wash with soap and water and keep dry to avoid staining.

        Other metals like brass and copper:

             Washed with soap and hot water, detergents may be used, after cleaning dry well , metal polish can be used

Crockery : wash with soap and hot water.

Drinking glass: wash with soap and hot water , rinse with plenty of water and dry with soft cloth.

Cupboard .inspect the cupboard regularly ; do not overstock linen in cupboard.

Linen

·         Prevention of staining the linen is a necessary economy measures.

·         Though hospital linen is prone to develop various stain, the linen should maintain stain free; hence proper measures to be taken immediately to remove stain.

·         Linen should be  used be used only for the purpose for which it is intended , it should be kept as clean as possible.

·         All articles should be separately marked and checked before sending to the laundry.

·         Do not torn linen on beds. Lending and borrowing from wards should be avoided . do not store wet linen for long in laundry bag .

Blanket

·         Blankets are not placed directly on patients body, always place over a sheet. Do not drag blankets on flor at any time.

·         Avoid laundering the blankets repeatedly . blankets can be disinfected by drying the under direct sunlight for six to eight hours.

·         Before folding blankets shake ell to remove all dust particles. Store the blankets in proper place like tin boxes with moth balls.

 

Mattresses :

·         Mattress should be protected from wetting by using mackintosh of proper size.

·         In hospital mattress are used with cover; these covers are checked regularly for damages and changed whenever necessary.

·         After use by one patient matters is aired well and examine for tears and stains, change the surfaces periodically to prevent damage.

Pillow

·         If there  is any danger of the pillow becoming soiled by blood , vomitus or any discharge, it should be covered with plastic or rubber cover /pillow case.

·         After use by one patient pillow should be aired well in the direct sun light , do not fold the pillow as it cause damage.