Healthcare and hygiene environments that require specific attention to infection control, safety and sanitation for the health and wellbeing of service users. This includes a range of both public and private sector environments that require high levels of cleanliness to avoid the growth of bacteria and the spread of diseases and viruses. The Healthcare Cleaning Operative may also work in establishments that require cleaning to a healthcare standard to prevent adverse effects on the health of high-risk service users. For those undertaking this apprenticeship, their role must solely be for the purpose of cleaning such areas and they must be able to achieve the full breadth of the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to successfully complete this apprenticeship within their everyday role. Candidates will cover these areas on their course: Knowledge & Skills National and local standards, policies, guidelines and procedures which could include: manual handling use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) the NHS cleaning specification waste disposal safeguarding and data protection How to manage risk (i.e. follow out risk assessments, risk categories and colour coding) and identify when there is a need for change from routine to enhanced cleaning protocols in line with the Local and National standards and polices. Preparation for cleaning methodologies and techniques Chemical competence to include dilution ratios and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Selection and use of correct cleaning equipment and machinery for a range of routine and specialist cleans (e.g. hard floors, clinical areas, communal areas, dining areas) including cleaning of equipment after use and principles of PAT testing to ensure safe to use The roles and responsibilities in relation to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) (e.g. schedules of work, recording of completed tasks, fault reporting and stock recording / ordering) The principles of infection prevention control and how these apply to the role. For example: segregation of waste types the correct identification and use of a range of waste storage containers (sacks and bags) the safe disposal of waste and spent solutions, the cleaning of rooms where a patient is being barrier nursed. compliance with the cleaning and disinfecting policy as well as colour coding How to recognise the signs of pest infestation and the methods to deal with each e.g. rodents, cockroach, insects & pigeon waste. How to report according to local procedures and work with partners to eradicate them in line with local and national standards and policies. How to respond to different rapid response cleans e.g. bodily fluid, chemical spillage, hazardous waste The principles of scheduled and periodic cleaning, prioritisation of work and the escalation process Types of cleaning and the difference between disinfection and cleaning to include: terminal cleans barrier cleans isolation cleans discharge cleans decontamination cleans The principles of personal hygiene and the implications for the role i.e. clean uniform, hand hygiene and cross contamination for example; use of PPE the bare below the elbow process hand hygiene requirements. How to assemble and disassemble a range of service user equipment for cleaning (e.g. hospital beds, trolleys and trays) Soil classification/contaminating material and removal methods to include: organic soiling inorganic soiling microbiological residues Housekeeping of storage areas best practice, techniques and implications to include: stock rotation ordering of materials optimum storage environment for chemicals and machinery Security of cleaning equipment and materials, reasons and implications Communication techniques which could include: conflict management dealing with patients with dementia dealing with very young patients The principles of Equality & Diversity, the importance of culture awareness and implications for the role. e.g. age, race, religion, disability, those with dementia) Importance of portraying a positive corporate image (e.g. customer service, smart appearance) Behaviours Dignity, respect and professionalism Working independently and as part of a team; having the courage to challenge areas of concern and working to evidence based best practice Reliability and consistency, taking responsibility for the integrity of your own actions and completed work Time management and ability to complete work to schedule A flexible approach to your work when required Analytical thinker and problem solver