Action 3.14

Intent

The health service organisation minimises infection risks to patients and the workforce from equipment, device, product and environmental hazards.

Reflective questions

• Is there an overarching policy or guidelines for the procurement and introduction of new procedures and technology, which require new equipment, devices or products?
• What systems are used to ensure infection control risks are assessed for new capital or minor works, furniture and furnishings?
• How are infection risks for new and existing equipment, devices and products determined?
• Does the organisation have a preventative maintenance program in place?
• Does the organisation have policy and plans in place to respond to novel infections, local outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics?
• How does to the organisation evaluate and respond to infection risks associated with novel infections?
• How does to the organisation evaluate and respond to infection risks associated with public health response or pandemic activities?
• What action has been taken to ensure equipment/devices are cleaned and maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions?
• How does the organisation determine if linen supplies and laundering comply with Standard AS/NZS 4146: 2000 Laundry Practice?
• If a contractor supplies reusable linen, how is this segregated (clean from dirty) and transported?

Examples of evidence

• Public health response, pandemic and/or outbreak management plan
• Policy documents for evaluating and responding to the risks associated with linen, equipment, devices, products, buildings, furnishings and fittings in both clinical and non-clinical areas
• Policy and procedures for reporting unsatisfactory practices by contracted staff or outsourced services (e.g. cleaning, reprocessing, laundry and linen management, equipment maintenance servicing) in both clinical and non-clinical areas
• Relevant documentation from committees and other meetings where practices such as linen, cleaning, equipment, devices, products, buildings, furnishings and fittings are reviewed and discussed
• Organisation's preventative maintenance plan in both clinical and non-clinical areas  
• Commissioning reports for new or refurbished buildings
• Records of business decision-making about repairs and upgrades to buildings, equipment, furnishings and fittings.
• Maintenance schedules for buildings, equipment, furnishings and fittings in both clinical and non-clinical areas
• Risk assessment and risk management plans for construction or refurbishment
• Audit results of environmental cleaning and handling, transporting and storage of linen
• Contracts with contractors that outline responsibilities for minimising infection risks in both clinical and non-clinical areas
• Evaluation processes for the procurement and introduction of new devices or pieces of equipment (i.e. evaluation form, minutes of meetings, infection prevention and control considerations)
• Audit results of compliance with the maintenance schedules for buildings, equipment, furnishings and fittings in both clinical and non-clinical areas

See also: