Home › Forums › Infexion Connexion › ICE MACHINES › Re: ICE MACHINES
Author:
Glenys Harrington
Email:
infexion@ozemail.com.au
Organisation:
Infection Control Consultancy (ICC)
State:
Joanne,
The following is a summary of findings from a literature review of Infection
Control issues associated with the use of ice machines. There are a number
of reported outbreaks and clusters of infections that have been associated
with ice machines. The two main sources of micro-organisms are from
a)potable water (the water source used to make the ice) and b)organisms from
hands of staff/patients.
Common Organsisms
POTABLE WATER*
Legionella species, Non-Tuberculous mycobacteria, Pseudomonas species,
Burkholderia cepacia, Stenotrophomonas species and Flavobacterium.
HAND TRANSFER*
Acinetobacter species, Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus, Salmonella and
Cryptosporidium species.
*Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control In Health Care Facilities,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2003.
It is important to minimise the risk of acquiring micro-organisms from the
ice machines.
If an ice machine is purchased for a ward a regular cleaning and maintenance
schedule is required in accordance with manufacturer instructions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)1 recommend the
following cleaning and maintenance procedures for ice machines;
*If using a chest type machine on a weekly basis empty and clean the
chest with soap and water, rinse with water then a dilute solution of Sodium
Hypochlorite and allow all surfaces to dry.
*On a monthly to quarterly basis remove removable parts for cleaning
and check for breakage.
*Sanitise the machine by circulating Sodium Hypochlorite solution
through the ice making and storage system for 2 to 4 hours, then drain and
flush with fresh tap water.
In addition all staff should be instructed on appropriate handling of ice
from the machine including the following;
*Frequent hand washing
*Use a scoop to remove ice from the machine not hands
*Ice machine scoop/s should be smooth, impervious, and be kept on a
tray when not in use (i.e. dry) and routinely cleaned and disinfected.
Ice machines that dispense ice directly into a portable container provide a
more sanitary method to store and obtain ice, however they do not eliminate
the potable water as a source of contamination.
If the unit decides to purchase an ice machine (chest type or self
dispensing) the unit should liaise with Engineering Services and Cleaning
Services to ensure;
a) Recommended maintenance procedures are in place
b) Recommended cleaning procedures are in place
Regards
Glenys
Glenys Harrington
Consultant
Infection Control Consultancy (ICC)
PO Box 5202
Middle Park
Victoria, 3206
Australia
H: +61 3 96902216
M: +61 404 816 434
ABN 47533508426
Joanne Bird
Hello All,
I am enquiring if other hospitals use bench top dispensable ice machines in
ward areas and if you may have Policy/ Guideline that you are willing to
share?
Looking forward to some responses,
Joanne Bird
Infection Control Nurse
Katherine and Gove Hospital
PH:89 739266 Mobile: 0427394492
Didya wash ya hands ? NO GERMS ON ME!
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