Title / Infection Control Manual
Section 2.4 – Cleaning Drug Fridges
Document Type / Policy
Document Number / IPCT001/07
Version Number / 3rd Edition
Approved by / Infection Control Committee
Issue date / October 2015
Review date / March 2016
Distribution / All NHS Borders Staff
Prepared by / Infection Prevention & Control Team
Developed by / Infection Prevention & Control Team
Equality & Diversity Impact Assessed / No


2.4 CLEANING SCHEDULE DRUG FRIDGES

For all cleaning procedures:-

·  put on PPE of disposable gloves and plastic apron

·  assemble cleaning items required: - General purpose detergent diluted in warm water (dilatation rate on side of container) and sufficient colour coded disposable cloths/paper for both washing and drying.

Daily

·  check drug fridge temperature and record on temperature chart

·  comparisons should be made between present and previous readings and the safe zone temperatures for fridges, stated on the recording chart (2-8ºC). Report any deviations from this to Estates via electronic helpline and ensure action(s) completed within agreed timescale

·  maximum and minimum temperature memory on fridges must be re-set each day after recording previous 24 hours maximum and minimum temperatures. Temperature memory should also be reset after cleaning, stock takes and expiry checks once the temperature has returned to the safe zone (2-8°C).

Monthly Clean – Drug Fridges by User Ward/Department

1.  Remove all medicines from the fridge which is to be cleaned and carefully pack them into a suitable thermal container.

2.  Clean all surfaces thoroughly then dry with a disposable cloth or paper.

3.  Allow the fridge temperature to return to within limits (2˚C - 8˚C) before replacing any of the stock.

4.  When replacing stock do a stock and expiry check returning unlabeled and out of date stock to Pharmacy. Ensure cold chain is maintained when returning drugs to pharmacy by requesting the pharmacy porter supplies a cool box for this purpose.

5.  Sign and date register.

  1. If fridge is not self defrosting defrost monthly.

2

IPCT001/07

Issue Date: August 2013 Review Date: August 2015

UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED