Tools for Cleaning

Chapter 7

Objectives:As a result of successfully completing this chapter,

students will be able to:

Explain the importance of using purified water in the cleaning process, and review procedures to test for water purity

Discuss factors that impact water purity Provide an overview of components and products

that are important in water purification systems Explain the basics of distillation, deionization, and

reverse osmosis water purification systems Identify common cleaning chemicals, and review

basic protocols for their use Note the importance of bushes, cloths, and sponges

in an effective cleaning process

Before the cleaning process can begin…

• Central Service Technicians must ensure that they have the proper tools necessary for a successful process

• Testing for Water Quality

Tap Water• Raw Water that comes

from the city’s water supply, it is clean and safe but not pure

• There are many impurities in water that can impact cleaning processes

• Water from any source contains minerals, dissolved solids, particles, gases, and organic and non-organic chemicals

• Some water also contains bacteria, algae, and parasites

Purification Testing

Water Testing• Can be

performed by facility personnel, manufacturers or distributors of cleaning products, or contract services

Obtain a sterile plastic container

Locate the source where the final rinse enters the sink (manual system) or cleaning equipment

Let the water flow for several seconds, then fill the collection container

Close the lid tightly and send the container to the testing facility as soon as possible to minimize changes that can occur over time

A report will be generated

Water Quality Report Information

• Conductivity• Total Dissolved Solids• pH• Chlorides• Silicates• Particle Count

ConductivityA measurement of the ability of

water to carry an electric current

Resistance Testing

•Measures freedom from dissolved solids by measuring conductivity• Liquids must be able to

resist 300,000 ohms

Total Dissolved Solids

Elements such as iron, magnesium, silicates and calcium that may cause stains on

processed items. (Hard water)

Silicate

A mineral commonly found in water that is derived from silica found in quartz and

other components

Acidity or Alkalinity

(pH)

pH interactions can occur between water and cleaning products

Chlorides

A compound commonly found in water that is created when chlorine is

combined with another element or radical. In high concentrations,

chlorides will damage instrument finishes

Other Particles

Particles (usually small solid objects like pieces of rusted pipes, and small pieces of plastic, etc. that can impact water quality

Water may also contain sediment, such as sand, clay or dirt

Turbidity

Occurs when water contains sediments or solids that, when stirred, make the water appear

cloudy

Water Purification Systems

Filters•Made of different materials depending

on the intended use

• Filter size is measured in microns

• Specific filter applications should be are different and they must be applied, used, and maintained according to manufacturers’ recommendations

Granular Activated Charcoal(GAC)

•Used to remove chlorides in water.

•Used as the first step in deionization and reverse-osmosis systems.

•An acceptable chloride level in final water rinse is 100ppm or less.

Softeners

•Used to remove calcium and magnesium (the main elements that contribute to the hardness of water)

•Uses a cation resin tank

Cation Resin Tank

A tank into which untreated hard water flows, and in which sodium ions

are exchanged for calcium and magnesium ions to produce soft water

Purified/Distilled Water

•Water that is heated to evaporation and then condensed. The process leaves impurities behind

•Distillation removes dissolved solids, gases, organics, particles, bacteria, pyrogens, and endotoxins

Pyrogens

• Pus-producing organisms that can cause fever

Deionization• The process by which ions with an

electrical charge are removed from water

•Deionized water is used in heating/cooling therapy units and in the final rinse water for automated cleaning equipment

Reverse Osmosis Water

•Water that is purified using a molecular filter system

• This process removes most dissolved solids, and organics and is capable of bacteria, pyrogens, and endotoxins

Cleaning Chemicals

Enzyme Products

• Contain protease enzymes that are useful for breaking down soils, like dried blood and tissue

• Enzymes help detergents work more quickly

Detergents

• Contain emulsifiers and chelating agents

• Break down soil and suspend it for easy rinsing

Descalers

•Descalers are not typically required if water quality and detergent mixtures are correct

• Removes/prevents formation of the chalky, while substance that forms on cleaning equipment and sinks.

Pre-soaking Chemicals• Substances used to prevent the drying of

blood and tissue after us

• Common pre-cleaning agents include; enzymatic detergents, detergent solutions, enzyme-germicide detergents, and plain water

• Pre-cleaning should be done immediately after an instrument is used

Manual Cleaners

•Help water penetrate soil faster

• Should be low-foaming and free-rinsing

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions for dilution, mixing and use

Mechanical Cleaner Chemicals

• Follow the equipment manufacturer's written instructions

• Should be low-foaming and free-rinsing

Safety Concerns• Follow manufacturers’ instructions for

handling and use

•Wear recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Review Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

•Dispose of all chemicals properly

CLEANING TOOLS

• Brushes• Cleaning Cloths• Sponges• Stylets• Pressure Nozzles•Air Nozzles•And more…

Several Tools are Needed for Cleaning:

Brushes• Brushes should be

disposable

• If they are reusable, clean at least daily to and subject to a biocidal process to prevent them from becoming a source of contamination

Brush Safety

• Brush items under the surface of the water to prevent the formation of aerosols

Cleaning Cloths & Sponges

• Use lint-free or low-lint cloths

• Change often

• Verify that cleaning chemicals are not deactivated by cloth

• Sponges cannot be cleaned for reuse

• Discard daily