SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Clean wards and medium-risk, high-risk and isolation patient areas 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
110466  Clean wards and medium-risk, high-risk and isolation patient areas 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Hygiene & Cleaning Services 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Cleaning, Domestic, Hiring, Property and Rescue Services 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Learners working towards this standard will be learning towards the full qualification, or will be involved in or working within a cleaning services environment. Qualifying learners are able to clean and disinfect medium-risk, high-risk wards and isolation patient care environments. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
The learner has completed the following unit standards:
Maintain personal hygiene, health and presentation (No. 12514).
Clean above the floor surfaces (No. 12523).
Apply basic microbiology.
Use chemicals in cleaning procedures (No. 12517).
Clean and maintain toilets and urinals (No. 12519).
Clean and maintain restrooms and bathrooms (No. 12522).
Sweep floors (No. 12527).
Wet mop floors (No. 12521).
Operate scrubbing/buffing and burnishing machine (No. 12524)
Buff, burnish and scrub hard and resilient floors (No. 12533). 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
1. The scope of this unit standard is for any person who cleans medium-risk, high-risk and isolation patient care areas in hospitals, clinics, mental institutions, research units, and dentist and veterinary rooms.
2. In the context of this unit standard, cleaning refers to routine and terminal cleaning. The context includes high-risk infections e.g. notifiable diseases and hospital acquired infections.
3. The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the process is limited in range, very repetitive and familiar, no generation of new ideas are needed and the person has no responsibility for the learning of others.

Range statements that refer to assessment criteria in this unit standard

1. Assessment criteria marked with * are assessed according to worksite procedures.
2. Bed status refers to whether a bed in a patient unit is occupied or unoccupied.
3. Cleaning sequence for above the floor surfaces refers to starting at the point in the room furthest from the door and working towards the door, and cleaning higher areas before lower areas.
4. Cleaning sequence for floor cleaning refers to first removing wet/sticky dirt, followed by dust sweeping and finally buffing of the floor.
5. Colour-coded wiping system refers to:
  • Red bucket and cloth - cleaning toilets and urinals.
  • Green bucket and cloth - cleaning showers, baths and basins.
  • Blue bucket and cloth - cleaning furniture, doors, window ledges and other above the floor surfaces.
  • Yellow bucket and cloth - cleaning isolation rooms.
    6. Correct folding and wiping technique refers to the "containing and not contaminating technique".
    7. Disposable dust sweeping cloth refers to a dust control cloth. It is important to dispose of the cloth after cleaning one patient room so that micro-organisms are not spread from one patient room to another.
    8. Disinfectant applied to bodily fluid spills must contain 250 ppm active chlorine.
    9. Hand contact surfaces refers to but is not limited to handles, light switches and bed curtains.
    10. Infection control procedure refers to but is not limited to all procedures related to the control of hospital-acquired infections.
    11. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) refers to but is not limited to gowns, headgear, masks and footwear.
    12. Patient care equipment refers to but is not limited to respirators, dialysis and cardio equipment.
    13. Risks in a healthcare environment refers to but is not limited to infections that could be acquired by healthcare workers though exposure to existing sites of infection, bodily fluids and sharps such as needles and blades.
    14. Uniform refers to but is not limited to clothing, footwear, headwear and a name badge. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare to clean the patient care area. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Wears the correct uniform*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Explains the reasons for wearing the correct uniform. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Follows the correct hand washing procedure*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Explains why the correct hand washing procedure must be followed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Selects and dilutes the correct chemicals*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Explains why it is important to use the correct chemical dilutions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Gives an example of when a disinfectant should be used. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Explains why s/he would use an infection control procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. Selects dedicated cleaning equipment*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    10. Explains why dedicated cleaning equipment is selected. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    11. Identifies the areas to be cleaned in the patient care unit*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    12. Explains why s/he only has to clean specified areas in the patient care unit. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
    13. Explains the risks of working in a healthcare environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 14 
    14. Explains why s/he regards these as risks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 15 
    15. Explains how these risks can be minimised. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Clean and disinfect above the floor surfaces. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Greets patients, doctors, nurses and visitors*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Explains the importance of greeting patients, doctors, nurses and visitors. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Follows the cleaning sequence according to the bed status*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Explains his/her choice of cleaning sequence. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Explains why the correct sequence and cleaning methods must be used. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Uses the accepted colour-coded wiping system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Explains why the colour-coded wiping system is used. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Identifies the correct colour-coded cloths and buckets for specific areas in the patient care unit. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. Follows the accepted folding and wiping technique. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    10. Explains why the folding and wiping technique is used. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    11. Cleans and, where necessary, disinfects above the floor surfaces*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    12. Explains the meaning of contaminating and containing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
    13. Explains the difference between cleaning and disinfecting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 14 
    14. Has cleaned or disinfected all hand contact surfaces. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 15 
    15. Explains why a surface must first be cleaned to remove visible dirt before it can be disinfected. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 16 
    16. Explains why special attention must be paid to cleaning hand contact surfaces. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 17 
    17. Does not assist or touch the patients. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 18 
    18. Explains why s/he must not assist or touch the patients. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 19 
    19. Empties the waste bin contents into the waste bag on the cleaning trolley without touching any of the contents. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 20 
    20. Explains the importance of not touching the contents of the waste bin when emptying it into the waste bag on the cleaning trolley. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 21 
    21. Inspects the quality of work continuously. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 22 
    22. Explains the importance of working as quietly as possible. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Clean the floor. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Chooses the correct equipment for spot mopping, sweeping and buffing floors*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Explains why dedicated equipment is used. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Follows the cleaning sequence*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Explains the importance of the cleaning sequence. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Spot mops where appropriate*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Explains how spot mopping wet/sticky dirt prevents it from being spread over a larger area. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Sweeps the floor using a dust-sweeping tool fitted with a one-room, disposable dust sweeping cloth. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Explains the importance of dust sweeping. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. Deposits the dirty one-room cloth in the waste bag on the cleaning trolley. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    10. Explains why a dust sweeping cloth should be disposed of after sweeping one patient room. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    11. Uses the dedicated plug points for the buffing machine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    12. Explains how unplugging patient care equipment could harm a patient. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
    13. Explains why only dedicated plug points are used for the buffing machine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 14 
    14. Buffs the floor. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 15 
    15. Explains why the floor needs to be buffed. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Spot clean spills containing bodily fluids. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Spot cleans the spill as soon as possible after it occurs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Explains why bodily fluid spills have to be spot cleaned as soon as possible after they occur. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Wears plastic apron and disposable gloves when spot cleaning the spill. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Explains why disposable gloves should be worn. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Applies a hospital grade disinfectant at the correct concentration to the spill*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Explains the importance of applying a hospital grade disinfectant undiluted to bodily fluid spills. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Localises the spill by blotting with a disposable towel in order to contain and not contaminate. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Explains the importance of localising and not spreading bodily fluid spills. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. Blots up all fluids, folds the glove over the towel, binds the glove end, and disposes of it in a red bio-bag*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    10. Explains why the glove end is bound and the sealed glove disposed of in the red bio-bag. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    11. Spot mops the floor with a hospital grade disinfectant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    12. Explains why spot mopping after blotting the spill is important. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Perform additional infection control procedures in high-risk and isolation patient areas. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Explains the reasons for strictly following additional infection control procedures specified by the infection control department when cleaning high-risk and isolation patient areas. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Wears additional PPE*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Explains the reasons for additional PPE. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Explains why terminal cleaning is carried out after discharge of an isolation patient. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Uses only dedicated equipment in these areas*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Explains why only dedicated equipment must be used. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Cleans and disinfects all environmental surfaces*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Explains why cleaning and disinfection of all environmental surfaces is essential. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. Disposes of waste*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    10. Cleans and disinfects all cleaning equipment before removing it from the patient area*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    11. Washes his/her hands before leaving the patient area*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    12. Explains why the concentration of the disinfectant must be increased when resistant micro-organisms in the patient area have been identified*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
    13. Explains why dust sweeping with the disposable sweeping cloth is important. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 14 
    14. Explains how often dust sweeping must take place in a high-risk or isolation area. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 15 
    15. Explains why additional infection control measures are necessary when dealing with waste from these areas. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 16 
    16. Explains why bed curtains are laundered after discharge of an isolation patient. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 17 
    17. Explains why cleaning equipment must be cleaned and disinfected before removing it from the patient area. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 18 
    18. Explains why PPE worn when cleaning isolation rooms must be bagged for laundering before leaving the isolation room. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 19 
    19. Explains why his/her hands must be washed before leaving the patient area. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Perform end of shift procedures after cleaning medium-risk, high-risk, and isolation patient areas. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Disposes of waste according to environmental requirements*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Explains the reasons for disposing of waste according to environmental requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Holds the waste bag away from the body when transporting waste. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Explains why waste bags must never be carried close to the body. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Cleans, dries and stores all equipment *. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Explains the reasons for storing equipment in a clean and dry condition. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Cleans and disinfects colour-coded cloths and mop*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Explains why colour-coded cloths and mop heads must be cleaned and disinfected after use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. Observe that the learner washes his/her hands. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    10. Explains the importance of hand washing before leaving the premises. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    11. Observe that the learner performs end of shift reporting duties*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    12. Explains the reasons for the end of shift report. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. An assessor accredited by the Services SETA ETQA will assess the competency.
    2. Assessment procedures will be supplied to the ETQA in alignment with NSB requirements.
    3. All assessment activities must be fair so that all candidates can have equal opportunities.
    4. Assessment will be free of gender, ethnic or other bias.
    5. Questions and answers must determine the theoretical knowledge.
    6. Direct observation, preferably in the workplace, or as a second choice in simulated conditions are preferred.
    7. A practical demonstration of competencies is required in this unit standard.
    8. Reporting skills are demonstrated by effective communication that may be verbal or any other agreed upon method.
    9. Internal Moderation: could be determined by the provider. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    On completion the learner can understand and apply knowledge as described in the assessment criteria of all the outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which response displays that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made. Evident in specific outcomes:
  • Spot clean spills containing bodily fluids.
  • Perform additional infection control procedures in high-risk and isolation patient areas 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community. Evident in specific outcomes:
  • Clean and disinfect above the floor surfaces
  • Clean the floor.
  • Spot clean spills containing bodily fluids.
  • Perform additional infection control procedures in high-risk and isolation patient areas. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively. Evident in specific outcomes:
  • Prepare to clean the patient care area.
  • Clean and disinfect above the floor surfaces
  • Clean the floor.
  • Spot clean spills containing bodily fluids.
  • Perform additional infection control procedures in high-risk and isolation patient areas.
  • Perform end of shift procedures after cleaning medium-risk, high-risk, and isolation patient areas. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation. Evident in specific outcomes:
  • Clean and disinfect above the floor surfaces
  • Spot clean spills containing bodily fluids
  • Perform additional infection control procedures in high-risk and isolation patient areas. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by. Evident in specific outcomes:
  • Clean and disinfect above the floor surfaces
  • Clean the floor.
  • Spot clean spills containing bodily fluids.
  • Perform additional infection control procedures in high-risk and isolation patient areas.
  • Perform end of shift procedures after cleaning medium-risk, high-risk, and isolation patient areas. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation. Evident in specific outcomes:
  • Spot clean spills containing bodily fluids.
  • Perform additional infection control procedures in high-risk and isolation patient areas.
  • Perform end of shift procedures after cleaning medium-risk, high-risk, and isolation patient areas 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large by participating as a responsible citizen in the life of local, national and global communities. Evident in specific outcomes:
  • Prepare to clean the patient care area.
  • Clean and disinfect above the floor surfaces
  • Clean the floor.
  • Spot clean spills containing bodily fluids.
  • Perform additional infection control procedures in high-risk and isolation patient areas.
  • Perform end of shift procedures after cleaning medium-risk, high-risk, and isolation patient areas 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Dust sweeping must take place in a high-risk or isolation area every 8 hours.

    Definition of terms within this unit standard:

    1. Bodily fluids. Refers to but is not limited to blood, saliva, urine, semen, faeces and vomit regardless of whether they contain visible blood or not. Sweat is not classified as a bodily fluid.
    2. Cleaning. Mechanical removal of dirt and micro-organisms from the environment.
    3. Disinfection. Destruction of undesirable micro-organisms through interference in their structure or metabolism. The objective of disinfection is to reduce the number of pathogenic micro-organisms to such a level that they are not able to initiate an infection.
    4. Hospital grade disinfectant. A chemical that will remove bacteria and viruses and that can kill bacteria and viruses.
    5. ppm. Refers to parts per million.
    6. Red bio-bag. Refers to a colour-coded bag used for biological waste.
    7. Terminal cleaning refers to the additional cleaning and disinfection measures specified by the infection control department when a patient on isolation precautions has been discharged. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  36233   National Certificate: Specialist Hygiene and Cleaning Services  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SERVICES 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.