Colour coding hospital cleaning materials and equipment
Colour coding of hospital cleaning materials and equipment ensures that these items are not used in multiple areas, therefore reducing the risk of cross-infection. The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) has developed a National Colour Coding Scheme for cleaning materials. The recommendation is that all NHS organisations adopt this code as standard in order to improve the safety of hospital cleaning, ensure consistency and provide clarity for staff.
There is currently no single colour code in use across the NHS. The National Colour Coding Scheme is designed to standardise, and in some cases streamline, existing schemes. It will have minimal resource implications for the service.
Cleaning materials and equipment that should be colour coded
All cleaning materials and equipment, for example, cloths (re-usable and disposable), mops, buckets, aprons and gloves, should be colour coded. The method used to colour code items should be clear, permanent and in accordance with existing local practice. The NPSA is happy to advise as necessary.
Materials and equipment that do not need to be colour coded
Cleaning products such as bleach and disinfectants do not need to be colour coded. Also, the code does not extend to catering equipment (for example, chopping boards and knives) where there is already a well-recognised and well-established procedure to ensure food hygiene and food separation issues are addressed.
For more information please download the NPSA-Safer-Practice-Notice-15.pdf
