DISTRICT HOSPITAL, KATNI (MP)
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR CLEANING
(Appendix II of Guidelines for implementation of Kayakalp initiative, MOHFW, GOI, 2018)
CLEANING OF LABOUR ROOMS
1. Whenever any equipment from the outside is brought into the labour room, wipe all
equipment surfaces down with HLD before bringing them into the room.
2. Cleaning sequence
a. Always clean the labour room before cleaning connected passages and rooms.
b. When cleaning labour room proceed in a top-to-down sequence i.e., ceiling
based equipment first, walls, then floor based equipment & lastly the floor.
When cleaning floor, begin at the end farthest from door & move towards door
(in to out). The cleaning staff should always move from clean to unclean areas
and never vice versa.
c. When cleaning individual equipment: clean from top to down.
3. Apply the following general rules to facilitate fast and easy cleaning:
a. Minimize the numbers of equipment.
b. Minimize the number of horizontal surfaces.
c. Provide smooth finishes and minimum joints in surfaces.
d. Round off corners wherever possible for easy cleaning access.
4. Equipment and environment surfaces that have become rough should be repaired /
replaced.
5. Soiling with blood/body fluids should be cleaned as soon as possible.
6. Items that are not regularly required in the labour room should not be stored there.
Materials that are used at other locations should not be stored in the labour room.
7. A broom should not be used in the labour room. Use a dust pan and a piece of stiff
plastic/cardboard to gather particulate debris from the floor. All cleaning should be
done by wet mopping/wiping technique.
8. When picking up sharp items from the floor e.g., dropped needles, use a forceps to hold
it. Do not pick up sharps by hand.
9. Do not use domestic vacuum cleaners in the labour room.
10. Always use the recommended cleaning/mopping technique.
11. Never mix any two disinfectants or disinfectant with soap.
12. During cleaning inspect all areas for water seepage and report immediately. Mop the
affected area with HLD at least once a day until the problem is resolved.
13. Use separate dedicated mops for
a. Floor and ceiling based equipment e.g., labour table, lights, trolleys etc.
b. Floors and walls
c. Use colour coding (one colour for each type a & b) to prevent accidental
exchange
14. Labour room walls may be cleaned 2-3 times a week. Clean as soon as possible if visible
dust is present and whenever soiling with blood/body fluids occurs.
Daily Routine Cleaning and Disinfection for Labour Rooms
1. The labour room & connected passages and rooms should be cleaned at least twice a day at
fixed times. At other times spot cleaning of visibly soiled areas and cleaning of blood / body
fluid spills should be done as soon as possible when soiling occurs.
2. Use an HLD. Use the same dilution as used for OT cleaning.
3. Wear utility gloves. Change the gloves when indicated.
4. Perform all cleaning by wet mopping/wiping
5. Daily morning wet clean all surfaces as follows:
a. Prepare all cleaning material and wear clean utility gloves.
b. Wipe all switches on the wall, the door handles.
c. Wipe all equipment beginning at top & moving downwards. Clean sides & legs also.
d. Clean all trays, bottles and sterile containers on the trolley.
e. Clean the equipment in new-born baby corner. Place clean covers on equipment.
f. Check all surfaces – especially horizontal surfaces – for visible dust and ensure all
such dust is removed.
g. Wash the hand wash basin with soap and water. Clean the soap and antiseptic
bottles. Replace them if empty.
h. Check BMW bins for presence of proper colour coded bags. Add bags if required.
i. Check whether the sharps waste container is available and ready for use
j. Clean the floor last, beginning farthest from the door and moving towards it.
6. BMW - Remove BMW at least thrice a day or when the waste container is 3/4ths full.
7. Cleaning after a delivery
a. Begin cleaning as soon as possible
b. Wear utility gloves. Wear a gown and goggles if splashing is expected.
c. Clean all blood/body fluid spills.
d. Ensure BMW is discarded into the correct colour coded bag.
e. Remove soiled linen carefully and put it in a waterproof container/bag.
f. Remove instruments used in delivery & send / transport them for cleaning and
sterilization.
g. Change the utility gloves and wet wipe the equipment used in the delivery (i.e.,
table, IV stand, stool, etc.) with an HLD.
h. Wet mop the floor around the labour table with an HLD.
8. Labour room slippers should be washed with soap and water every evening and when they
are visibly soiled/dirty.
9. Soiled gowns used during delivery, soiled goggles, soiled footwear should be collected
separately and disinfected by immersion in chlorine solution (500-1000 ppm) for 5-10 min)
followed by a plain water rinse before washing them with soap water.
10. Cleaning after all deliveries are over
a. Perform the steps mentioned for “cleaning after a delivery”.
b. Perform the steps mentioned for daily morning cleaning.
c. Keep the labour room closed after the final cleaning.
Detailed Wash-down of the Labour Room
1. Perform detailed wash-down of the labour room, using the procedure mentioned for
detailed wash-down of the operation theatre.
2. Perform this cleaning at least twice a month.
