The purpose of this training is to equip Health Care workers in Centralized Sterilization Service department with knowledge and skills regarding basic Infection Prevention and Control in their environment.

About the course

  • Course Design: Self-directed

  • Duration: It will take 3 hours to complete.

  • Eligibility for this course:
    • Centralized Sterilization Service Department (CSSD) operators
    • Theatre staff
    • Dental staff
    • Must be registered with the relevant professional council
    • Working in Western Cape

  • Accreditation: WCHDW Nursing accredited for 3 CPD points in Area of Practice. HPCSA accredited for 3 Clinical CPD points - level 1.

  • Certification: Participants need 70% pass mark for final quiz.

  • Published: February 2024

Course curriculum

This course covers the following content:

  • Introduction and welcome to CSSD
  • Legislation
    • Understand what legislation around CSSD local and international is available and why.
    • Understand IPC objectives for CSSD
    • Understand International standards and regulations
    • Understand role of Employee and Employer
    • Understand Good Manufacturing Practices
    • Minimum requirements of a disinfection policy
  • Principles of decontamination and sterilization when reprocessing medical devices
    • Introduction on CSSD and terms used
    • Important definitions
    • Principles of decontamination& sterilization – reprocessing medical devices
    • What you need to run an SSD
  • Methods for cleaning,  decontamination and disinfection
    • Understand the difference between cleaning, disinfection and sterilization
    • Distinguish between disinfectants and antiseptics
    • Explain the risks involved in cleaning medical devices in clinical areas (outside the SSD)
    • Describe the Spaulding classification for the reprocessing of medical devices
    • Explain the importance of cleaning
  • Decontamination layout
    • Sterile supply cycle
    • Workflow
    • Layout of Sterile Supply Department (SSD)
    • Infra structure for the SSD
    • Water and electrical supply
  • Risk assessment in CSSD
    • What is the role of sterile in transmission? Surgical site infections
    • Explain the role of sterile services in transmission
    • Know the difference between surgical and non-surgical site infections


Western Cape Government Department of Health and Wellness
People Development Centre

Acknowledgements:

  • Infection Control Africa Network (ICAN)