training, in September 2023 we began Phase II which involved our EVS department currently working with a new version of the product which will incorporate the ability for use with hydrogen peroxide. We implemented this product for all daily and discharge cleans. The product adds a blue color to bleach and peroxide wipes for instant visible confirmation of surface coverage. The color fades to clear with effective wiping, helping staff clean more efficiently and effectively. By providing immediate visual color feedback, this approach empowers all staff to confidently remove contamination and create a safer and cleaner environment for patients, staff, and the community.
The use of this product also assists in teaching the mechanics of friction cleaning. The wipes also ensure that touch points are cleaned properly by providing real-time color visualization, best disinfection practices and real time compliance for our most vulnerable patients. ●Salt-free hypochlorous acid After a successful two-year trial and research period with the company that produces salt-free hypochlorous acid( HO- Cl)-based cleaner and disinfectant, and ORMC being registered with the EPA, these products have now been integrated as a part of our permanent cleaning protocol. We have two on-site machines that generate the cleaning and disinfecting solutions on demand to ensure constant supply of the products. The use of HOCI reduces the chemical hazards for a cleaner environment and preserves the surfaces of our furniture and equipment, therefore extending the life for a more pleasant and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. Due to overuse of bleach during the pandemic, EVS team members developed bleach fatigue and chemical-related illness. In turn, we saw in increase in call-outs and workers’ compensation cases. With the use of these products, our team member chemical-related illness has seen a dramatic decrease in incidents. By using safer chemicals solutions, our savings in chemical usage was $ 252,053 for the year. ●A new linen vendor Our EVS department partnered with a different linen vendor to minimize our carbon footprint and work to bring totally recycled products into healthcare. The new linen product is single-use, and upon bed linen changes, are sent back to the plant for reprocessing. These sheets are made exclusively with man-made fibers and are substantially more water-efficient and ecologically sound than their cotton-based equivalents. Cotton is the most water-intensive of all crops and the most toxic. Because cotton plants are exposed and vulnerable to insects and diseases in the field, numerous toxic pesticides and chemicals including known carcinogens are applied to the crops to prevent them from being destroyed. We have assisted in getting the sheets approved as a medical device with the FDA, with our most vulnerable patients being the first benefactors. ●UV-C light disinfectant We use a UV-C light disinfectant for optimal disinfection and are at 100 percent compliance with protocol. The portable unit can move around easily and fits in smaller spaces, is safe and effective for surfaces, is nontoxic and produces no fumes or chemicals, and is suited for patient rooms, bathrooms, fixtures, workstations, and offices. It is also cost-effective, with a low operating cost and minimal maintenance required. ●Leapfrog QR Codes Program We have expanded our Leapfrog QR Codes Program, to where we implemented to complete Leapfrog audits for compliance with the Leapfrog Program in accordance with Section 6D of the Leapfrog Action Plan with respect to soap dispensers’ inspections, sanitizers, and paper towel dispensers. In addition to standardizing and adjusting these machines for the volume delivered to be consistent, installing all hands-free soap and paper towel dispensers in public areas, hallways, public restrooms and entrances to patient rooms, we now have a more advanced method of tracking which includes a much larger database from 2,000 surveys to 15,000 surveys. Audits are performed by EVS leads and supervisors by scanning the QR code assigned to each dispenser. Questions populate on department-issued tablets and upon submission, data is sent to a database which is then reviewed by department leadership.
We also continue to update our procedure and training manuals which outlines cleaning procedures for each area, as well as support other hospitals in the system( both EVS and non EVS). Our certified AHE certified trainers( T-CHEST, T-CSCT, T-CNACC) also give correct and quality instruction to ensure team members can accomplish their duties while giving the best recordable results.
Environmental Sustainability When started this transformative journey in 2021, our intention was to create initiatives to provide safer products for our team and our patients, reduce our carbon footprint, realize better outcomes for our surfaces, decrease landfill waste by an additional 1 percent each year, and increase recyclables by 1 percent annually. This plan would bring us to the best demonstrated practices category according to Practice Green Health Partners for Change.
Our EVS department continues to utilize and enhance previously implemented initiatives to reduce waste and our carbon footprint:
● Annual Packaging:
Disinfection wipes: 45 cases per week, packaging four per box at 5.73 pounds per bag equals 1031.4 pounds of waste per week; at 52 weeks this equals 53,632.8 pounds annually.
Floor cleaners, disinfectants, glass cleaners, bowl and bath cleaners: More than 1,040 plastic bottles.
● QR mattress and furniture Inspection: By implementing mattress and furniture inspections by QR codes, we saved 51,600 sheets of paper each year, or 103 reams of paper or five trees.
● Electronic standard works: Switching to electronic standard works allow us to save approximately 32,760 sheets of paper or 65 reams of paper( four trees) plus 10 cardboard boxes, plus 84 feet of non-biodegradable plastic strapping per year.
● Different linen vendor: By using these sheets in our BMT rooms we are saving more than 25,757.20 gallons of water per year. This is calculated by:
• On average, 14.90 per pounds of water are used to launder sheets, pillowcases, bath towels, washcloths and blankets
• Our average patient stays three days and we currently average four patients per week.
• 14.90 pounds of water multiplied by three days average times four patients per week times four at 12 months equals 25,747.20 savings of wastewater
mar-apr 2025 • www. healthcarehygienemagazine. com •
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