Updated: November 6, 2012
Infection Prevention and Control Program consultation is required when new hospital equipment is being considered for purchase
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Products used for cleaning and disinfection must be approved by those responsible for product selection, an individual from OHS and by an individual with IPC expertise (e.g., facility’s Infection Control Practitioners).The equipment that is to be cleaned must be compatible with the cleaning and disinfecting agents used in the health care setting and manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning must be followed.
Items that can ONLY be ordered with IPC approval Endoscope reprocessors
Sterilizers
Bed pan washer disinfectors
When purchasing new non-critical medical equipment, these points must be taken into account for cleaning:
Do not purchase medical equipment that cannot be cleaned and disinfected according to the recommended standards.
When purchasing cleaning agents or equipment, consideration must be given to occupational health requirements, patient safety, and IPAC and environmental safety issues.
Must include written item-specific manufacturer’s cleaning and disinfection instructions. If disassembly or reassembly is required, detailed instructions with pictures must be included. Staff training must be provided on these processes before the medical equipment is placed into circulation (e.g., patient lifts, specialized chairs and beds).
Items that are provided by outside agencies and returned to the agency for cleaning and disinfection are subject to the same standards as in-house equipment (e.g., therapeutic beds/mattresses).
The PIDAC document on disinfection and sterilization states that IPC shall be one of the stakeholders at the table for sterilizer purchase decisions, but the PIDAC Best Practices for Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection has recommendations for other equipment surfaces and cleanability and purchasing in section I-1 as well.
Refer to PIDAC’s Best Practices for Cleaning, Disinfection and Sterilization in All Health Care Settingsfor more information regarding the purchase of new medical equipment. Available at: http://www.oahpp.ca/resources/pidac-knowledge/best-practice-manuals/cleaning-disinfection-and-sterilization.html.
If none of the alternatives are suitable for the department ordering equipment, please contact the Infection Prevention and Control Program @ 250-727-4021 (VGH local)
Item HSSBC No-Go Criteria Required for Item Alternatives to Offer
Jetted tubs Interior of tub must be smooth and sealed Hydro sonic tubs Regular tubs
2 main recommendations:
o ARJO Rhapsody (hydro-sound)
o Parker without jets Cloth furniture,
fixtures and fittings
fabric must be fluid resistant
fabric must be able to withstand hospital grade cleaning solutions
furniture should be made of material that is easily cleanable with hospital grade cleaners
Vinyl-covered furniture Metal furniture
Review PIDAC Best Practices for Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection
Exposed foam products
items must be washable or encased in sealed cover
foam products that are designated as single use items are acceptable but must be disposed after use by a patient
Unsealed wood wood on chairs or other furniture must be sealed so that it can be cleaned with hospital grade cleaning solutions
Plastic frames Metal frames Ice packs Items designated as single use must be disposed of after use by a patient
Cloth-covered wheelchairs
fabric must be fluid resistant
fabric must be able to withstand hospital grade cleaning solutions
Vinyl covered wheelchairs Metal wheelchairs
Cloth-backed commodes
fabric must be fluid resistant with a non-textured finish Commodes with cleanable backs
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If none of the alternatives are suitable for the department ordering equipment, please contact the Infection Prevention and Control Program @ 250-727-4021 (VGH local)
fabric must be able to withstand hospital grade cleaning solutions seat must have the capacity to be removed for thorough cleaning Carpeting Consult with IPC to discuss suitable locations for carpets (e.g., offices,
meeting rooms) as opposed to unsuitable locations e.g., any patient care spaces. Refer to page 28-29 of the PIDAC Environmental Cleaning guidelines for further information.
Vinyl or laminate flooring
Ice dispensers An protocol for cleaning and maintenance must be in place Hands free ice dispensers
Domestic washers and dryers on units
Must be commercial grade
Must have the ability to monitor and record temperature achieved and length of time that temperature is maintained
Follow steps outlined in the Laundering on the Units section of the IPC Manual
Cloth covered mattresses
Surface of mattress must be fluid repellent Vinyl covered mattresses
Multi-patient sheepskin Items
It is alright if the patient has their own product for personal use
Cleaning and
disinfecting products with no DIN and not VIHA endorsed
Must be hospital grade Must be VIHA approved Must have a DIN
If none of the alternatives are suitable for the department ordering equipment, please contact the Infection Prevention and Control Program @ 250-727-4021 (VGH local)
Item HSSBC No-Go Criteria Required for Item Alternatives to Offer
Cloth BP cuffs Vinyl or wipeable material
Disposable cuffs Household sinks as
dedicated hand hygiene
Must comply to hand hygiene sink requirements (CSA Z8000) Many available that comply with CSA Z8000 standards
Dremel tools Bits must be single use or must be able to be sterilized Podiatry designed tools
Must have a dust management system
High speed drills that can be cleaned
Electronic scales (i.e. diaper scales)
Must be cleaned regularly using hospital grade disinfectant and must have smooth surfaces
Plastic plants Must be cleaned regularly
Artwork Must have cleanable/wipeable surface
Follow steps outlined in the Posted Signage and Other Posted Materials
section of the IPC Manual
Laminated posters if poster will be up for more than 30 days
Fish tanks Must be cleaned regularly using hospital grade disinfectant Water/filter needs to be changed regularly
Decorations Must be cleanable and stored in a lidded container
Follow steps outlined in the Storage of Decorative Items section of the IPC Manual
If none of the alternatives are suitable for the department ordering equipment, please contact the Infection Prevention and Control Program @ 250-727-4021 (VGH local)
OT Assessment kits
Toys Follow steps outlined in the Play Equipment and Toys section of the IPC Manual
Washable toys
Cork Boards Traditional cork boards cannot be used in patient care areas Solid surface must be cleanable with hospital grade disinfectant
White boards
Self-sealing rubber board
Sealed cork boards (contact FMO to seal)
