Who is the course for

This course is aimed at National Health Service staff or contractors required to carry out periodic testing of surgical instrument washer-disinfectors employing thermal disinfection as defined in NHS guidance (HTM, SHTM, WHTM).

Aims & objectives

To provide delegates with the necessary skills and procedural practices to apply the requirements of BS EN 15883 parts 1 & 2 and NHS guidance.

BY THE END OF THE COURSE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO:

– Explain the principles of decontamination in healthcare sterile services

– Identify relevant technical standards and NHS guidance publications

– Explain roles and responsibilities of key personnel involved with washer-disinfectors

– Explain general operating requirements for various types of washer-disinfector

– Calibrate and use thermometric measuring and recording equipment

– Undertake and evaluate water hardness and conductivity tests

With specific reference to washer disinfectors employing thermal disinfection:

– Undertake and evaluate reference load thermometric tests

– Verify calibration of installed temperature instrumentation

– Undertake and evaluate cleaning efficacy tests (residual & applied soil)

– Carry out automatic control tests

– Complete a quarterly periodic test and report to NHS Guidance requirements

– Identify additional BS EN 15883 quarterly tests

– Reference and describe periodic testing procedures up to annual level

Prerequisite to attending the course

A basic working knowledge of mechanical and electrical engineering principles.