Cleaning & sterilisation record

What you need to know

The plain-English guidance that comes with this document.

• A record turns "we always clean our tools" into proof. Everyone says they clean up; this shows it. If a client ever raises an infection, or an inspector asks, a kept, dated record is the difference between your word and evidence. It's simple and it's worth it.
• Match the method to the risk. Tools that only touch clean, intact skin or hair can be washed and disinfected (an approved solution or barbicide jar, made up fresh). Anything that could touch blood or broken skin must be single-use and binned, or sterilised in an autoclave — disinfectant alone isn't enough for those.
• A barbicide-type jar only works if it's fresh and tools are clean first. Solutions lose strength and get dirty — make them up fresh as the label says, and clean visible debris off tools before they go in. A cloudy jar of old solution is doing nothing.
• If you use an autoclave, look after it. Follow the manufacturer's cycle and maintenance, and note if it's playing up. A steriliser that isn't working properly gives false confidence — the worst kind.
• Sharps and clinical waste, not the bin. Needles, blades and blood-contaminated items go into a proper sharps or clinical waste container, collected by a licensed waste carrier. This log can note when they're used and disposed of.
• It pairs with your infection control policy. The policy says what you do; this record shows you did it. Keep them together, and keep the completed sheets.
• Applies UK-wide. Tool hygiene expectations are consistent across the UK; extra rules apply to skin-piercing treatments (registration or licensing) — see your infection control policy and check with your local council.