Aim: To provide a hygienic environment. HEALTH AND HYGIENE POLICY Explanation: Effective hygiene practices are promoted and implemented to avoid the risk of cross infection and to provide a safe environment. Implementation: The staff will endeavour to implement the following precautions to the greatest extent possible under the circumstances on any given day. It is anticipated that there will be occasions on which some of the precautions may need to be waived for some reason. In line with guidance form Staying Healthy Preventing infectious diseases in early childhood education and care services. 5 th Edition, soap and water are the primary cleaning materials and items must be cleaned thoroughly before being sanitised or disinfected. To further protect the health of children and staff members squirt bottles are used instead of spray bottles wherever possible so that chemicals are discharged onto the surface not into the air where they can be breathed in by children or educators. To avoid the risk of cross infection of communicable diseases, centre staff will take the following precautions during first aid: - Use disposable gloves. Avoid contact with blood, faeces and urine if hands or lower arms have cuts or open wounds. Wash hands, lower arms and other body parts in contact with blood, faeces and urine, thoroughly with soap and water. Place wastes after contact with blood in a plastic bag and seal for disposal. Wash thoroughly all scissors and other instruments in water to remove blood. Instruments can be effectively sterilised by using viraclean as per directions. If a child has contact with blood or faeces, body parts should be washed with soap and water. The following procedures should be carried out at all times: ALWAYS WASH HANDS (see Hand Washing Policy) Before preparing food After toileting children Before eating Before and after nappy changes Before (if possible) and after first aid treatment After handling a sick child FOOD HANDLING Staff are to wear gloves when handling food. PREPARATION AREAS
Craft and food preparation areas are to remain separate. Food preparation areas and chopping boards are to be sanitised. TEACHING CHILDREN Children are given opportunities to learn about health and hygiene related issues throughout the year. When possible, visits will be conducted by health professionals at the centre for children to learn about relevant issues. Posters about health and hygiene are placed around the centre promoting good health and hygiene. This policy links to the following NQS: National Quality Standards: 2.1.3, 2.1.4 See Appendix 1-National Law (section) and National Regulations (regulation) CLEANLINESS AND SANITATION The goal of the Centre s cleanliness policy and procedures is to maintain an environment that minimises risk of contraction or spread of illness. Maintaining a clean, sanitary environment is the responsibility of all staff. Staff are responsible for: The maintenance and cleaning of all areas, and materials the children use, which are not the responsibility of cleaners. This includes kitchen cleaning, except the floors, all tables and benches and paint off the walls, art space, bathrooms during the day, all outside cleaning, step stools used by children, coffee machine, concrete just outside classroom doors. All details of frequency, product, and techniques are on Cleaning Chart at the end of this document. They need to be followed precisely. Basic steps of cleaning and background information. Use detergent and warm water. (if cold water rub more vigorously) Vigorously rub the surface Rinse the surface with cold water Dry the surface. NB All situations require cleaning first. Disinfectants are only necessary when surface is known to be contaminated with potentially infectious material, but surfaces must be cleaned and dried before disinfectants are applied. In our setting disinfectant is to be used only after routine cleaning during outbreaks of for example, a gastrointestinal disease. They must be used as per instructions to ensure adequate time to be effective. Spray disinfectant e.g. Glen
20, is used only when other product cannot be applied (eg on lounge surface), as air- borne particles can be breathed in. Disinfectants must be correctly diluted following manufacturer s instructions. Gloves should be worn when handling disinfectants, as disinfectants are a common cause of dermatitis. Items should be washed before disinfecting as substances such as blood, mucous, pus, vomit and faeces reduce the activity of disinfectants. NB. Any educator who could be pregnant is advised to double glove and may ask for duties or a role which minimises exposure to body fluids. NB Alcohol based hand rubs. Soap and running water are best options. Alcohol based hand rubs can be used if there is no access to water. It can reduce the number of germs but won t remove dirt. If provided at the entrance to a service it can remind educators and parents to have clean hands when entering the Service. They should be kept out of reach of children and used under adult supervision. NB Educators should wash their hands on entering and leaving the child care service. Drying hands properly is imperative. Wet hands transfer 1000 X more bacteria than dry hands. Candles and celebration cakes. Candles are not used in this service for a number of reasons including contamination. Wash your hands before and after putting on gloves. Cough or sneeze into your inner elbow if you cannot access a tissue. Wash hands after disposing of tissue. Educators should be excluded from Services as for children with infectious diseases. Playdough. Ensure high salt content. Children and adults should wash hands before and after using playdough. Use playdough for only one day. If large amount made, use part each day and store in airtight container away from children. All cleaning cloths and mops need to be washed thoroughly and well dried after use (preferably in the sunlight). This policy links to the following NQS: National Quality Standards: 2.1.3, 2.1.4 See Appendix 1-National Law (section) and National Regulations (regulation)
HANDWASHING POLICY Aim: To ensure regular and appropriate hand washing by staff and children. Explanation: Consistent, effective hand washing procedures will be used to prevent the spread of infection and maintain a healthy, clean environment. Implementation: Hand Washing Procedure: a. Turn on the tap. b. Dispense soap. c. Rub your hands vigorously under running water. d. Wash all surfaces backs of hands, wrists, between fingers and under the fingernails. e. Rinse well. f. Dry hands Staff should wash hands: After using the bathroom, or assisting a child to use the bathroom. Before and after changing a nappy. After handling soiled items, including blood, dribble, urine, faeces or discharges. After cleaning up. After handling a sick child. Before preparing/handling any food. Before eating or drinking. After coughing or nose blowing. Before (where possible) and after first aid. When to assist children to wash their hands: After they use the bathroom or have their nappy changed. After they have touched a child who may be sick or have handled soiled items. Before they eat or drink. If they have handled a pet or animal. After touching nose secretions or blowing their nose. After playing outdoors. NB Babies need their hands washed as thoroughly as older children. If they can stand, use the process as for older children. If they can t stand at basin hold them at an adult height handwashing facility or use disposable hand wipes. Hands must be dried thoroughly. Learning experiences Staff will provide regular opportunity for discussion about the need for hand washing to prevent disease. Poster and photographs will be strategically placed in areas where hand washing occurs. Note: The Rumpus Room Children s Centres and their immediate surrounds are drug, smoke and alcohol free zones. This policy links to the following NQS: National Quality Standards: 2.1.3, 2.1.4 See Appendix 1-National Law (section) and National Regulations (regulation)
SIMPLIFIED CLEANING CHART (Details available within Policies or in Staying Healthy 5 th Edition, which is the reference) for cleaning to be done by educators. We will adopt the following Colour Coding. Red Laundry, bathrooms, toilets, basins, and bathroom floors. Blue food and surfaces used for food Green. General cleaning, Craft Paper towel or Yellow Contamination, body fluids, urine, faeces, blood. Area/ Description Frequency Technique Animal faeces (eg Chooks) when seen Gloves, toilet paper, flush. If paper towel, bag, seal and bin. Flood area with detergent and water. Wash your hands. Gloves, Place in bag, seal and bin. Replace with clean litter. If fleas are present treat. Animal litter (bedding) Babies bottles After use Parents should provide adequate bottles for use throughout the day. So bottle is rinsed and put in child s bag. If bottle is needed wash in detergent and water and sterilise as per instructions. Bathrooms Beds or mattresses and cot frames. When visibly dirty and in middle of day. - If used by multiple chn. Weekly if same child. or weekly if used by same child Gloves. If Body fluids use toilet paper as appropriate, flush. If required use paper towel, bag and seal, bin. Red cloths or red mop and red bucket, detergent and water. Wash cloth, mop and bucket, Mop heads are to be washed in laundry powder which now contains a sanitiser. Dry in sun where possible. Wash your hands. Full clean done by contractors. Green cloth and detergent and warm water. Dry with Green cloth when air drying isn t possible. Bed or cot sheets, Wash in detergent and hot water. If contaminated see below. 2-5 year olds take home bed linen. Bench tops daily Detergent and water. Green cloth. Child task. Body fluid contaminated fabric, cloth nappies or children s clothes As required Use gloves. Put in plastic bag, seal and place in a) Lidded bucket to be collected by family. Label bag. Put message on kiosk to collect. b) Bin if item is owned by Rumpus Room and cheaply and easily replaced. c) When necessary Soak in Saniclean laundry powder 24 hours in covered bucket to remove bulk of contamination. Wash separately in hot water and Saniclean. Dry in sun if possible or hot cycle of dryer.
Carry any dirty linen in clothes basket not against your clothes. Children s noses As required Gloves not needed. Wash your hands after wiping child s nose, even if you wore gloves. (Alcohol based hand rub if water is not available.) Dispose of dirty tissue immediately. Cleaning Cloths - Blue Can be washed with ordinary laundry as Saniclean contains sanitising properties. Dry in sun. Cleaning cloths - Green Can be washed with ordinary laundry as Saniclean contains sanitising properties. Dry in sun. Cleaning Cloths - Red Wash red cloths separately when suitable sized load ready with Saniclean. Dry in sun. Cleaning Cloths - Dispose of Dispose of at end of use. Yellow Cushion covers incl. large floor cushions. Have 2 sets of covers. Wash in machine. Dry in sun when possible. Curtains Remove stains Detergent and water. Green cloths. as they occur. Walls- spot clean Remove paint and crayon etc immediately. Detergent and water. Gumption or Merri Magic cleaners. Glass doors and door handles Detergent and water only. Green cloth. Child task. Contract cleaners use Reflection. Kitchen dishes Where possible children should rinse their dishes in soapy water after scraping food scraps. Children s dishes are washed in dishwasher and allowed to steam or air dry when possible. Dishes should not be stacked when wet so use a clean tea towel to dry when needed. Then put that towel in laundry as soon as that group of dishes are done. Use paper towel for single items. Staff are to wash and dry their own dishes, or large items using Blue cloth or detergent brush. Kitchen benchtops and chopping boards Nappy change area a) After each change Wherever possible put chopping boards through dishwasher. Use dishmatic brushes for washing up. Wash chopping boards or bench tops with detergent and water. Rinse. Use Blue cloths when needed for bench tops. Sanitise both bench tops and chopping boards with Rinse Free Sanitiser before use as a food preparation area as per instructions on bottle. Allow time to dry before using. Glove. Rub with yellow cloth or paper towel, detergent and warm water. Rinse (squirt with water and dry with a paper towel). Wash your hands. b) ½ daily Remove waterproof sheeting or morning change mat and wash thoroughly with detergent and water, rinse and dry in sun. Use new surface for afternoon. Wash your hands.
c) end of day As above Paint As needed Wipe with cold water and green cloth initially then wash with detergent and water. Sandpit Rake each morning, cover each night. Children should wash hands before and after playing in sandpit. Room routines require hand washing when coming inside from outside play. Sandpit If contaminated Use gloves. Remove contamination and sand around using shovel, into a plastic bag. Rake remaining sand at intervals during the day and leave exposed to the sun. If large contamination area remove all sand. Tables used for craft Tables used for eating. Inside and outside. Repeatedly throughout day. Before and after eating Plastic protective sheeting is encouraged. Detergent and water, Green cloth. Wipe surfaces and table legs and chairs as required. Child task. Use detergent and water in container taken to tables. Rub with blue cloth. Dry with blue cloth. Before eating - adult task. After eating. child task Tea Towels Dishes should be air dried when possible. Tea towel is used for one batch of dishes only then taken straight to laundry. Wash tea towels in hot water. Dry in sun when possible. (Approved procedure Newcastle City Council 25/1/17 Sarie Wheatland Senior Environmental Health Officer- Food Inspector) Toys and objects put into mouth, or sneezed on etc. or used by sick child Toys Toys - soft toys Create a toys to wash container in younger rooms and outside. Mouthed toys added as soon as child has finished chewing. If child uses a toy while nappy changing put it to be washed. in 0-2 area Can be put into net washing bag and washed in dishwasher but not with dishes. Wash and rub with detergent and water and nail brush if appropriate. Rinse. Air dry, in sun where possible. in 0-2 area Are discouraged unless easy to wash. In washing machine with detergent and hot water. Dry in sun when possible. Weekly Nominate a different day in the week to clean specific items. Monday Wooden blocks and bookshelves, Tuesday Home Corner and dress ups, Wednesday books and windows, Thursday Playdough or manipulative equipment, Friday other and help with outside toys. Most are supported child tasks. Books Weekly or when visibly dirty Wipe with moist green cloth with detergent on it and allow drying in sun. Do not use till dry. Dress ups Weekly Some items will need to be hand washed to preserve. Others into washing machine and detergent. Fridges Weekly. Food items to be cleaned out weekly. Soiled surfaces should be washed immediately. Blue cloths
Kitchen appliances Weekly Use Blue cloths. Wipe appliances with detergent and water. Soft toys Weekly in 2-5 area Are discouraged unless easy to wash. In washing machine with detergent and hot water. Dry in Toys including plastic and wooden items including blocks and home corner equipment. Windows, Bookshelves and other surfaces Weekly, if not known to be contaminated, in 2-5 areas. Weekly or as needed. sun when possible. Can be put into net washing bag and washed in dishwasher but not with dishes. Wash and rub with detergent and water, green cloth and nail brush if appropriate. Rinse. Air dry, in sun where possible. Children are very much involved in process. Detergent and water. Green cloth. Carpets, Mats and curtains and fabric lounges. Term 6 monthly Steam cleaning after daily vacuum Dishwasher 6 monthly Use dishwasher cleaning solution through an empty machine. Fridges End of Term Remove trays and wash in sink with detergent and water. Wash surfaces with Blue cloths, detergent and water. Stove 6 monthly Should heavy soiling be present use oven cleaner taking care to protect yourself and others from chemical impact. Remove trays and wash in sink with detergent and water. Wash surfaces with Blue cloths, detergent and water. Dispose of any cloth in contact with oven cleaner. Walls Merri- magic sponge or gumption as needed.
CLEANING BY CONTRACT CLEANERS Red Bathrooms, toilets, basins, and bathroom floors. Green General cleaning. Craft Blue food and surfaces used for food. Paper Towel or Yellow Contamination, body fluids, urine, faeces, blood. clean ( Contractor has provided detailed procedure following training, as at 27/03/2017) Va uu all arpets a d ats i ludi g hildre s a ti ity roo s, ot roo, staff area corridor, store rooms. Vacuum first then wet wash the following areas. All vinyl surfaces in classrooms, foyer, office, laundry, front porch (Green mops). Vacuum first then wet mop kitchen with Blue mop. Laundry, Nappy ha ge area, adult athroo a d hildre s toilets. (Red op) Bathrooms and Nappy change area. Wash tap handles, toilet seats, toilet bowls, exterior of toilets, cisterns, push buttons, particular effort at base of toilet where accidents occur, Grab points, door handles and face plates, spot clean windows and doors, which are used a lot. Remove any remaining garbage from all areas. Note bin liners must be replaced. Bin surfaces to be washed Weekly clean (rotate through these activities during the week or do a long clean on weekend.) Windows, window sills and skirting boards Verandah entrance from Carpark Office equipment Staff to do Kitchen cleaning, except floor. All tables and benches, paint off walls. Art Room. Childre s athroo duri g the day, when required. All outside cleaning, except bathroom. Step stools used by children to access toilets and basins. Coffee machine. Concrete just outside of classroom door
PRODUCTS TO BE USED Spray bottle use is to be minimised as they put chemical into the air where it can be breathed in by educators and children. Bulk supply produ t is de a ted to s aller plasti ottles ith lear a ufa turer s la els and squirt tops. Surface Dishes, food benches, Most cleaning where surfaces need to be washed. Floor washing Food surface sanitising Laundry powder for Fabrics and Sanitising Disinfectant Window cleaner for use by contractors only Pen, pencil or grease from walls Laundry, Bathrooms, toilets, basins, and bathroom floors. General cleaning. Craft Food and surfaces used for food. Contaminated with body fluids, urine, faeces, blood. Product SUDZEE. Dishwashing detergent High sudsing Neutrol Neutral detergent for floor washing. Low sudsing RFS Rinse Free Sanitiser Saniclean Laundry detergent Viraclean Reflection Merri Magic Minis or gumption Red- Red cloths and mops and buckets. Green cloths, mops and buckets. Blue cloths, mops and buckets. Yellow cloths and mops