4.5 hours minimum.

Candidates should be able to explain the following:

• The benefits of high standards of cleaning and disinfection and the disadvantages and costs of poor standards of cleaning and disinfection.
• The legal and moral reasons for cleaning and disinfection.

The meaning of the following terms:

• Contamination and cross-contamination
• Cleaning
• Disinfection
• Detergent
• Disinfectant
• Bactericide
• Bactericidal detergent/sanitiser
• Sterilising
• Contact time
• Dilution rates
• The requirement for an employer to provide sufficient and adequate facilities for cleaning and disinfection.
• The use of a documented cleaning schedule.
• Why it is important to monitor cleaning standards.
• The importance of high standards of personal hygiene.
• The relationship between hazards and risk and the importance of risk assessments.
• reporting safety hazards and faults in cleaning equipment to supervisors.
• The correct use of chemicals, COSHH & Safety data. To recognise and explain the hazard symbols on chemicals.
• Cleaning Equipment and Processes.

For each of the following cleaning processes candidates should know and understand:

• The types of contamination that could be present.
• How the process can help prevent the spread of infection.
• How ineffective methods can spread infection.
• What system can be put in place to prevent contamination and reduce cross-contamination.
• How ineffective cleaning can be a source of contamination.
• Why cleaning equipment must be maintained in good order.
• How premises and equipment can be effectively cleaned and disinfected.

The processes:

• Dust control mopping.
• Suction cleaning – hard and soft flooring.
• Single mopping.
• Double mopping.
• Dusting and damp dusting.
• Spray cleaning.
• Floor buffing.
• Machine scrubbing and drying.
• High level cleaning.
• Toilet cleaning/urinals and sinks.
• Stain removal.
• Window ceaning.
• Waste disposal.