Utility Room
A utility room, or sluice room, is a designated working space within the facility, accessible for healthcare workers only. The utility room is a closed room that is appropriately equipped and used for
Sluicing, decontamination and storage of bedpans, urinals and bowls
Testing
and disposal of resident specimens
Disposal of clinical waste, non-reusable soiled items and other hazardous or body waste
Cleaning and holding of used equipment awaiting collection
Storage of soiled linen awaiting collection
Utility rooms should have a separate basin available for hand washing, and PPE should be available for employees to use.
Housekeeping
Utility rooms must have a clear, one-way workflow from dirty to clean to avoid cross-contamination
All workspaces should be uncluttered
Towels, sheets and blueys (disposable waterproof sheeting) or disposable sheeting should not be used to cover benches
Cleaning
The utility room should be kept clean, dry and free of spills
A schedule for routine cleaning of all shelves and cupboards should be established and recorded
Utility Room Storage
Utility equipment should be clean when stored
Do not use the utility room to store surplus supplies, equipment, or sterile stock
Items that can and cannot be stored in the utility room are listed below.
|
Items That Can Be Stored When Clean |
Items That Cannot Be Stored |
|
Bedpans / Urinals |
Medical equipment such as pumps and stands |
|
Bedpan covers |
Wheelchairs |
|
Washbowls |
Walking aids |
|
Urinalysis equipment |
Manual handling equipment such as lifters and slings |
|
Specimen jars |
Blueys and waterproof plastic sheeting |
|
Linen skips and waste bins |
Incontinence pads |
|
Vases |
Residents' hygiene products |
|
Rubbish bags |
Unused sharps containers |
|
PPE that is required for tasks performed within the utility room |
Urinary catheterisation equipment, drainage bags and holders |
|
|
Emesis bags |