Equipment Cleaning & Disinfection
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.
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
Remove paper coverings (if used) and discard.
Clean visible soil with mild detergent or approved cleaning wipe.
Apply EPA‑registered disinfectant to the entire surface, including: Table top, Side rails, Headrest/face cradle and adjustment levers
Ensure the surface remains visibly wet for the required contact time.
Allow to air dry completely before the next patient.
B. Exercise Equipment (Weights, Bands, Balls, Bikes, Pulleys, etc.)
Clean visible soil from handles, grips, and surfaces.
Disinfect all high‑touch areas, including: Handles, Seats, Adjustment knobs and Touchscreens or counters
For porous items (e.g., foam handles), use disinfectants approved for porous surfaces or replace if not cleanable.
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
Introduction
LifeCare Therapy Services, as an outpatient rehabilitation provider in Broward County, Florida, delivers physical, occupational, and speech therapy in both clinic and home-based settings. This program integrates OSHA-compliant Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) training with CDC-based Standard Precautions, tailored to the unique challenges of outpatient and home-based therapy. Our policies and the associated training address regulatory requirements, infection transmission, practical application scenarios, and documentation, ensuring that all staff are equipped to protect themselves and their patients across diverse environments.
Regulatory Context
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)
The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard applies to all persons with reasonably anticipated occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM), including therapists providing direct patient care in both clinic and home settings. Key definitions include:
Bloodborne Pathogens: Microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease (e.g., HBV, HCV, HIV).
Occupational Exposure: Anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or OPIM.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Specialized clothing or equipment for protection against hazards.
Engineering Controls: Devices that isolate or remove hazards (e.g., sharps containers, needleless systems).
Work Practice Controls: Procedures that reduce exposure risk by altering how tasks are performed (e.g., no recapping of needles).
Employers must establish a written Exposure Control Plan (ECP), provide initial and annual training, offer Hepatitis B vaccination, and ensure post-exposure evaluation and follow-up.
CDC Standard Precautions and Outpatient Guidance
CDC’s Standard Precautions are the minimum infection prevention practices that apply to all patient care, regardless of suspected or confirmed infection status, in any healthcare setting—including outpatient clinics and home care. These include:
•Hand hygiene
•Use of PPE based on anticipated exposure
•Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette
•Safe injection practices
•Environmental cleaning and disinfection
•Safe handling of laundry and waste
CDC’s Guide to Infection Prevention for Outpatient Settings outlines the minimum expectations for safe care, emphasizing the importance of consistent application across all therapy environments.