Cleaning, disinfecting and sterilising
Single use disposable sterile items like disposable splinter forceps, should be used to reduce the risk of cross infection. When disposable items are used for first aid they should not be reused.
Non-disposable items need careful handling and should be processed after each use. The method of processing depends on the purpose for which the equipment is to be used.
If first aid equipment has contact only with intact skin, such as bandage shears, then it requires cleaning.
Cleaning removes soil and reduces the number of germs from the surface.
If the equipment becomes contaminated with blood such as used kidney dishes and liquid containers, or has contact with intact mucous membranes, such as a thermometer in the mouth, then the equipment needs cleaning and disinfecting.
Disinfecting inactivates bacteria, viruses and fungi, but not necessarily bacterial spores.
When reusable equipment such as reusable splinter forceps come into contact with wounds or are used to penetrate the skin, they should be cleaned and sterilised immediately.
Sterilising completely destroys all germs. The only practical means of achieving sterilisation, in the first aid setting, is by using an autoclave.
Thorough cleaning of all items should start as soon as possible after use. Protective gloves should be worn during cleaning and care should be taken to avoid eye splashes.
Further information on cleaning, disinfecting and sterilising is provided in section 2.4.2 of the First Aid Advisory Standard 2004 (now known as a Code of Practice)
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