Cleaning Drug Fridges

Temperature checking / CLEANING SCHEDULE DRUG FRIDGES

For all cleaning procedures:

• put on disposable gloves and plastic apron
  
  
• assemble cleaning items required: Detergent wipes or general purpose detergent diluted in warm water (dilution instructions on side of container) and sufficient colour coded disposable cloths/paper for both washing and drying

Daily

1. Check drug fridge temperature and record on temperature chart
   
   
2. Observe readings for trends to ensure the fridge temperature remains within the safe zone (2°– 8°C). Report deviations to Estates and ensure action(s) completed within agreed timescale
   
   
3. Temperatures should not be recorded during cleaning, stock taking and expiry checks until the fridge has returned to usual function
   
   
4. Temperature deviations should also be reported to pharmacy to review suitability to continue to use the medicines if the fridge has been out of range

Weekly Clean – Drug Fridges by User Ward/Department

1. Decant all medicines from the fridge; another fridge is preferable (however a thermal container with pre-chilled cool packs can be used) for the duration of the clean and whilst waiting for the fridge to come back in range after cleaning.
   
   
2. Clean all surfaces thoroughly then dry with a disposable cloth or absorbent paper.
   
   
3. Allow the fridge temperature to return to within limits (2˚C - 8˚C) before replacing any of the stock.
   
   
4. When replacing stock undertake a stock and expiry check returning unrequired, unlabeled and out of date stock to Pharmacy. To ensure drugs for pharmacy remain cold, request a cool box from pharmacy for this purpose.
   
   
5. Sign and date cleaning schedule.
   
   
6. If fridge is not self-defrosting, defrost monthly