Ideas That Work: Clean Washer Spray Arms Daily

Practical pearls from your colleagues

When it comes to SPD processes, remember this key task: “Washer spray arms must be cleaned out a minimum of once daily and inspected after each shift,” says David Jagrosse, CRCST, CHL, president of David Jagrosse Consulting and past president of the HSPA. “Degrading labels, stickers and other particulates will end up in your sets and in your patients.” Mr. Jagrosse says a robust decontam checklist is necessary so tasks like cleaning washer spray arms aren’t missed or neglected. This checklist must be followed prior to the start of the shift for each tech that is assigned before they start the job. It should address detergent levels, PPE, cleaning implements such as brushes and other items, and include critical reminder questions such as, Do you know if the required daily tests were done? Did you check the wash screens, arms, etc.?, he adds.

Automation makes these checks even easier. “SPDs that have tracking systems can do this within the system,” says Mr. Jagrosse. “If the task is not done, the manager or supervisor will get an alert or notification.” OSM