The World Health Organization recommends that laboratories clean their floors twice a day. Waste should also be removed at that frequency. General cleaning, including the ceiling, walls and window panes, should be performed monthly or semi-annually, depending on the characteristics and workload of the laboratory.
These procedures should preferably be carried out at the end of the work shift before the start of the next shift, so as not to expose cleaning technicians and employees to risks and to avoid inconveniences.
Based on these recommendations, each laboratory should develop a POP with its own schedule for the execution of decontamination and cleaning procedures for its environments.
Frequency of disinfection and cleaning of the workbench:
This is a job that should not be left to the cleaning staff. No one knows better than you the risks of working on a work table that has not been properly decontaminated. Therefore, disinfect your table with 0.5% sodium hypochlorite or alcohol 70% (w/w), before and after performing your work routine.
Recommended procedure for disinfection and cleaning of floors and workbenches:
In the presence of biological material, such as blood and secretions on the floor or on the work table you will adopt the following procedures:
- Pour 0.5% sodium hypochlorite around the spilled material or first place absorbent paper towel or gauze over the material and then pour the hypochlorite on top. If powdered hypochlorite is used, it is necessary to carefully place it over all spilled material. Either of these two procedures, as long as they are done carefully, will prevent splashing and aerosols. Take care to ensure that all material comes in contact with the hypochlorite.
- Let the disinfectant act for at least 20 minutes.
- Collect everything with an absorbent cloth or paper towel, and place it inside the plastic bags, take it for sterilization by autoclave and then for final disposal as biological waste.
- Proceed to clean the floor or workbench, as is routine.