General Cleaning in GP and Allied Health Practices – Free Online Course
A complete guide to cleaning in general practice and allied health settings
This course provides all the essential information for keeping healthcare environments safe, hygienic, and compliant.
It is ideal for practice managers, reception staff, nurses, and contracted cleaners.
Module 1: Cleaning Responsibilities and Policy Overview
Infections can spread quickly in healthcare environments if cleaning duties are unclear.
A written cleaning policy ensures that everyone knows their role in maintaining a safe workplace.
Key Points:
- Shared Responsibility: Clinical staff, non-clinical staff, and contracted cleaners all contribute to a clean environment.
- Cleaning Policy: Must list all areas and items to be cleaned, how often, who is responsible, approved cleaning products, and compliance monitoring.
- Contractors: Should receive the policy and have clear contractual expectations.
- Admin Staff: Should coordinate rosters, verify cleaning logs, and liaise with cleaning providers.
- Best Practice Tip: Keep the cleaning policy visible and review it regularly.
Module 2: Work Health and Safety (WHS) Considerations
Cleaning tasks can expose staff to physical, chemical, and biological hazards.
Practices have a duty to make cleaning safe for everyone.
Key Points:
- Safe Work Environment: Store chemicals properly, maintain safe electrical equipment, and ensure PPE is fit for use.
- Training: All cleaning staff should be trained in chemical safety, PPE use, and spill management.
- Incident Reporting: Have a system for reporting hazards or injuries.
- Best Practice Tip: Display WHS guidelines and refresh training quarterly.
Module 3: Scheduled Cleaning and Documentation
Regular, documented cleaning ensures consistency and accountability.
Cleaning Schedules Should:
- Identify each surface/area
- Specify cleaning frequency
- Assign roles
- Detail methods and products to be used
Example Cleaning Frequency Table:
- Door handles (consult rooms): Daily
- Door handles (toilets): Twice daily + after symptomatic patient use
- Treatment room benches, sinks, floors: Daily
- High-touch surfaces (switches, dispensers): Twice daily during outbreaks
- Carpets: Vacuum daily; steam clean yearly or when soiled
- Mobile devices and keyboards: Frequently
Best Practice Tip: Keep laminated schedules in each work area and maintain daily cleaning logs for audit purposes.
Module 4: Cleaning Agents and Methods
Choosing the right cleaning products and methods ensures effectiveness and safety.
Key Points:
- Detergents: Remove dirt but must be rinsed
- Disinfectants: Kill microorganisms but only work on clean surfaces
- Two-Step Cleaning: Clean first, then disinfect
- Tools: Use disposable wipes where possible, colour-code cloths, never reuse dirty solutions
- Safety: Ensure ventilation, wear PPE, and avoid mixing chemicals
- Best Practice Tip: Label all cleaning containers with contents and preparation date.
Module 5: Cleaning the Reprocessing Area
This high-risk area must be handled with extra care.
Key Points:
- Only trained staff allowed
- Separate dirty and clean zones
- Clean least contaminated areas first
- Surfaces must be impervious and easy to clean
- Daily tasks include cleaning benches, sinks, and floors with fresh mop heads and solutions
- End-of-day: Dispose of used cloths, replace waste bins, inspect for missed spots
- Best Practice Tip: Maintain a dedicated cleaning log for this area with time, method, and initials.
Enrol Online
This training is available free of charge, and completion earns a Certificate of Completion.
Click here to enrol in General Cleaning in GP and Allied Health Practices