title: APSIC Guidelines for environmental cleaning and decontamination.
abstract: This document is an executive summary of APSIC Guidelines for Environmental Cleaning and Decontamination. It describes best practices in routine cleaning and decontamination in healthcare facilities as well as in specific settings e.g. management of patients with isolation precautions, food preparation areas, construction and renovation, and following a flood. It recommends the implementation of environmental hygiene program to keep the environment safe for patients, staff and visitors visiting a healthcare facility. Objective assessment of cleanliness and quality is an essential component of this program as a method for identifying quality improvement opportunities. Recommendations for safe handling of linen and bedding; as well as occupational health and safety issues are included in the guidelines. A training program is vital to ensure consistent adherence to best practices.
authors.affiliation: Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, 169608 Singapore.
authors.forename: Moi Lin
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Ling
authors.affiliation: Thammasat University Hospital, Khlong Luang District, Thailand.
authors.forename: Anucha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Apisarnthanarak
authors.affiliation: Cho Ray Hospital, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam.
authors.forename: Le Thi Anh
authors.initials: le TA
authors.lastname: Thu
authors.affiliation: Chong Hua Hospital, Cebu City, Philippines.
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Villanueva
authors.affiliation: Association of Infection Prevention Control Nurse, Jakarta, Indonesia.
authors.forename: Costy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pandjaitan
authors.affiliation: University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Mohamad Yasim
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Yusof
keywords: Decontamination; Environmental cleaning; Environmental hygiene