Are you aware you can meet the AS/NZS4187:2014 standard with an undercounter washer-disinfector?

AS/NZS4187:2014 requires individual Health Service Organisations to develop their own work place procedures to ensure their reprocessing activities result in safe reusable medical devices that are not hazardous to either staff or the environment. The objective is to produce reusable medical devices that can be used safely without risk of transmission of infectious agents, thereby reducing the possibility of an adverse reaction from residues. Thorough cleaning is an essential process when using a washer disinfector. This is a reproducible and validated process. You will also reduce Occupational Health & Safety risks for your staff and free them to undertake important clinical practice.

Often, day surgeries do not have the room, the capacity or budget to create a 3 Zone, Safe by Design concept. They do, however, have the ability to meet the standards with some simple floor designs and the capabilities of automated washer disinfectors. “There are some pragmatic solutions to create a safe process”, says Allard van Beek, National Sales Manager of Miele Professional.

Images (l-r): In a row, at the opposite, around the corner.

You can see the suggested solutions require greater staff discipline to prevent cross contamination, but with a good logistic floorplan, it is very easy to contribute to patient safety. All situations have a clear direction from dirty to clean. Commencing with a sink to rinse the instruments if needed, the instruments are then placed in the machine, when the machine is at capacity processing is undertaken. After the cleaning and thermal disinfection cycle are completed, the door automatically opens undertaking drying, thereby preventing corrosion of instruments. The instruments are unloaded in the clean area, inspection and functionality testing is progressed and then prepared for sterilisation. Your outcome is achieved by using the correct equipment and creating a clear logistic flow. Be sure you are using a fully compliant device to clean and sterilise the instruments.

Miele’s PG8582 washer-disinfector does not only stand for great performance, efficiency and safety, but also for the perfect solution for reprocessing ward utensils and medical instruments in hospitals and surgeries complying with the relevant market standard ISO EN15883 – 1&2.

For more information, please call 1300 731 411, write info@miele-professional.com.au or visit www.miele.com.au/professional