Introduction
Environmental cleaning and disinfection are core pillars of Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) and play a critical role in reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The Environmental Cleaning & Disinfection Program provides practical, evidence-based training on how to clean, disinfect, and maintain hygienic healthcare environments using standardized procedures, correct chemical selection, and safe work practices. This program strengthens both patient safety and staff safety by improving compliance with cleaning protocols across all care areas.
Scope
This program covers environmental hygiene practices across multiple healthcare and community-care settings, focusing on:
- Routine and terminal cleaning procedures
- Disinfection protocols for high-touch areas and patient-care surfaces
- Cleaning schedules, checklists, and documentation systems
- Use of disinfectants (selection, dilution, contact time, compatibility)
- Spill management (blood/body fluid spills)
- Cleaning equipment handling (mops, cloths, buckets, mechanized tools)
- Quality monitoring methods (audit tools, fluorescent markers, ATP testing concepts)
- Special areas: ICU, OT, isolation rooms, labs, OPD, waiting areas, washrooms
- Safety measures: PPE, chemical handling, storage, and waste disposal
Objectives
After completing this program, learners will be able to:
- Explain the importance of environmental cleaning in infection prevention
- Differentiate between cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization
- Identify high-risk zones and high-touch surfaces needing priority cleaning
- Select the correct disinfectant based on organism risk and surface type
- Apply correct dilution methods and ensure appropriate contact time
- Implement standardized cleaning workflows for routine and terminal cleaning
- Demonstrate safe chemical handling, PPE use, and spill control procedures
- Use cleaning checklists and documentation tools for compliance monitoring
- Support audit readiness and quality improvement in housekeeping services
Who can enroll
This program is suitable for:
- Housekeeping and sanitation staff (hospital & healthcare facilities)
- Infection Control Nurses (ICN) and Infection Control Team members
- Nursing staff and ward supervisors
- Hospital administrators and quality managers
- Facility management teams
- Laboratory and OT support staff
- Healthcare students and trainees interested in IPC
- Any healthcare worker involved in environmental hygiene operations
Study Content on TERRALEAP.COM
Learners will receive structured learning support through:
Video Lessons (step-by-step cleaning demonstrations, protocols, and best practices)
PDFs (SOPs, checklists, audit formats, posters, and study notes)