Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all therapy equipment—including therapy tables, mats, and other physical therapy devices—is consistently, safely, and effectively cleaned and disinfected to reduce the risk of infection transmission.  

Policy  

LifeCare Therapy Services will maintain a clean, sanitary environment by ensuring that all therapy equipment is cleaned and disinfected between patient use and at the end of each day. Only EPA‑registered disinfectants approved for healthcare settings will be used. Staff must follow manufacturer instructions for both equipment and disinfectant products.

This policy applies to all personnel involved in patient care or equipment handling.

 

Definitions

Cleaning: Removal of visible soil, sweat, lotions, or debris using detergent or soap and water.

Disinfection: Use of an EPA‑registered disinfectant to kill microorganisms on surfaces after cleaning.

High‑Touch Surfaces: Surfaces frequently contacted by hands, such as therapy tables, mat tables, exercise equipment handles, and treatment tools.

Responsibilities

All Clinical Staff

• Clean and disinfect equipment after each patient encounter.

• Follow contact time (“wet time”) listed on disinfectant labels.

• Report damaged or non‑cleanable equipment to the OPT Administrator.

 

OPT Administrator

• Ensure adequate supply of disinfectants, wipes, gloves, and cleaning materials.

• Maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all cleaning products.

• Provide training and annual competency review.

Procedures

A. Therapy Tables  

1. Remove paper coverings (if used) and discard.

2. Clean visible soil with mild detergent or approved cleaning wipe.

3. Apply EPA‑registered disinfectant to the entire surface, including: Table top, Side rails, Headrest/face cradle and adjustment levers

4. Ensure the surface remains visibly wet for the required contact time.

5. Allow to air dry completely before the next patient.

B. Exercise Equipment (Weights, Bands, Balls, Bikes, Pulleys, etc.)

1. Clean visible soil from handles, grips, and surfaces.

2. Disinfect all high‑touch areas, including: Handles, Seats, Adjustment knobs and Touchscreens or counters

3. For porous items (e.g., foam handles), use disinfectants approved for porous surfaces or replace if not cleanable.

4. Allow to air dry before next use.

C. Modalities (Ultrasound, E‑Stim, Hot/Cold Packs)

Ultrasound & E‑Stim Units

• Clean and disinfect treatment heads, leads, and control panels after each use.

• Use disinfectant compatible with electronic surfaces.

Hot/Cold Packs

• Wipe down reusable packs after each use.

• Launder terry covers daily or when visibly soiled.

D. Gait Belts

• Wipe down with disinfectant after each use.

• Cloth gait belts must be laundered daily or when visibly soiled.

E. Parallel Bars & Gait Training Equipment

• Clean and disinfect handrails, uprights, and adjustment knobs after each patient.

• Mop or wipe the surrounding floor area if sweat or debris is present.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Staff must use:

• Gloves when cleaning or disinfecting

• Eye protection if splashing is possible

• Additional PPE as required by product SDS

Storage & Handling of Cleaning Products

• All disinfectants must be stored in labeled containers.

• SDS must be accessible to all staff.

• Products must never be mixed.

• Expired products must be discarded.

Training & Competency

All staff will receive:

• Orientation training on cleaning procedures

• Immediate retraining if non‑compliance is observed