F.02.Res.02 Hygiene and sanitation

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Performance standards

  1. Each prison has in place an approved, documented and monitored hygiene and sanitation plan for all areas of the prison which takes account of the purpose of the area and the frequency of cleaning required.
  2. Prisons comply with sanitation, hygiene, health, and safety standards as defined in national and local government departmental legislation and regulations, and Departmental policies.
  3. Staff and prisoners are provided with protective clothing specific to their tasks.
  4. Appropriate cleaning agents and equipment are available to prisoners so that they can keep themselves, their cell or self-care unit, furniture, clothing and property clean and tidy.
  5. Suitably trained staff are assigned to undertake and document monthly hygiene and sanitation inspections of the prison.
  6. Hygiene and sanitation reviews are to be undertaken by relevant external agencies every six months. The Corrections Inspectorate will monitor the external inspection reports to ensure that problems raised in the reports are being addressed.
  7. Prison premises are kept free of vermin and pests. (See CIE Policy & Procedures 2.10)

Developing and monitoring a hygiene and sanitation plan

Procedure standard

  1. The prison sanitation and hygiene plan is developed, authorised, implemented and monitored through a consultative and systematic process.
  2. A hygiene and sanitation plan is developed to maintain the environment in a condition which promotes the health and well being of prisoners and staff.

Procedure

  1. The regional manager invites nominations for involvement from staff or interested parties to write or review the sanitation and hygiene plan and then staff are designated to write or review the plan.
  2. The sanitation and hygiene plan requirements are identified through discussion with local authorities and reference to legislative and regulatory requirements.
  3. The sanitation and hygiene plan is prepared.
  4. The draft plan is circulated for comment to all interested parties.
  5. Senior management team finalise the plan or request revision of the plan.
  6. Once the plan is agreed to by the senior management team, the regional manager gives written confirmation of approval.
  7. Monthly sanitation and hygiene inspections are undertaken by suitably trained personnel and are documented. (ICR)
  8. Six monthly sanitation and hygiene reviews are undertaken by relevant external agencies and are documented. (ICR)

Issues to be addressed when developing hygiene plans

  1. Cleaning
    • Areas used, e.g. dining, sleeping, working recreation etc.
    • Frequency of cleaning, e.g. at least daily, weekly, more frequently.
    • Tasks required and suitable persons.
    • The cleaning method (how and what with).
    • Monitoring (supervision responsibilities).
    • Recording (documenting and filing).
  2. Handling and storing of cleaning agents. (See F.02.Res.03 Handling and storing cleaning agents)
    • The handling, use and storage of cleaning agents follow the recommendation of manufacturer's recommended specifications.
    • Chemicals and cleaning agents are clearly labelled.
    • Harmful substances are safely and securely stored.
  3. Personal hygiene
    • Acceptable minimum standards of personal hygiene.
    • Special requirements of a prisoner’s activity and nature of employment.
    • Supervision of personal hygiene.
  4. Waste disposal (See F.02.Res.04 Disposing of waste)
    • Liquid or solid dangerous wastes and medical wastes are collected, stored and disposed of in a manner that avoids nuisance and hazards so as to protect the health and safety of prisoners and staff.
  5. Water supply
    • Water supply is certified and complies with any drinking water standards for the time being issued by the Ministry of Health.
  6. Control of vermin and pests
    • Licensed pest control professionals are readily available to the prison to conduct regular inspections to identify and eradicate any insects, rodents, or vermin.

Key roles and responsibilities

Regional manager

  1. Invite nominations from staff and interested parties for the writing or review of the sanitation and hygiene plan.
  2. Select from nominated staff to write or review the sanitation and hygiene plan.
  3. Finalise the plan with the senior management team, and then approves it, when appropriate.
  4. Ensure strategies are in place to provide all parties with knowledge of relevant procedures.

Senior management team

  1. Discuss and make specific recommendations on alterations to the draft sanitation and hygiene plan.

Staff designated to write sanitation and hygiene plan

  1. Become familiar with the sanitation and hygiene plan requirements.
  2. Draft sanitation and hygiene plan.
  3. Consult with interested parties and if necessary, revise the draft plan in light of their comments.
  4. Forward draft plan to senior management team, and make revisions to the plan upon request of the senior management team.