National Colour Coding Scheme for Hospital Cleaning

Overview of Colour Coding

Colour coding of hospital cleaning materials and equipment is crucial to prevent cross-infection by ensuring items are used only in designated areas.

National Colour Coding Scheme

The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) has developed a National Colour Coding Scheme for cleaning materials:

• Adoption Recommendation: NHS organisations are encouraged to adopt this scheme to enhance hospital cleaning safety, ensure consistency, and provide clarity to staff.
• Standardisation: The scheme aims to standardise existing practices with minimal resource implications.
• Scope: Includes items such as cloths, mops, buckets, aprons, and gloves; excludes cleaning products like bleach and disinfectants.

Implementation Guidelines

The NPSA recommends the following guidelines for implementation:

• Policies and Action Plans: NHS trusts should develop policies and action plans to introduce the National Colour Coding Scheme.
• Raising Awareness: Staff awareness programs are essential to ensure understanding and compliance.

Colour Coding Categories

The colour coding categories are:

• Red: Bathrooms, washrooms, showers, toilets, basins, and bathroom floors.
• Blue: General areas, wards, departments, offices, and public area basins.
• Green: Catering department's ward kitchen areas and patient food service at ward areas.
• Yellow: Isolation areas.

A NHS poster detailing the colour coding is available for reference in the student download area.