CuraFlow DC-F16CQCSection F · Health, Safety and Infection Prevention
Decontamination of Reusable Equipment policy
For CQC-registered domiciliary care services · version 1.0 · last reviewed 1 June 2026
Reusable care equipment needs cleaning, disinfection or sterilisation depending on how it is used. The three levels of decontamination are explained alongside the Spaulding classification for matching method to risk, the difference between single-use and single-patient-use devices, everyday cleaning practice, when disinfection applies, and guidance for particular items.
What this policy covers
- Why decontamination matters in domiciliary care
- The framework — law and current guidance
- The three levels of decontamination
- The spaulding classification — matching method to risk
- Single-use and single-patient-use devices
- Cleaning care equipment — the mainstay
- Disinfection — when and how
- Equipment-specific guidance
- Decontamination before repair, maintenance or return
- Decontamination in the home environment
- Annex a — decontamination method by equipment type
- Annex b — care equipment cleaning record
Regulations and guidance it supports
Supports the fundamental standards at Regulations 12 and 20 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.
- Health and Social Care Act 2008
- UK Medical Devices Regulations 2002
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)
Common questions
- Is the decontamination of reusable equipment policy CQC-aligned?
- Yes. It is written and reviewed by practising UK compliance consultants against current CQC expectations, and supports the fundamental standards at Regulations 12 and 20. It is a controlled starting-point document that you adapt to your own service — you remain the accountable provider.
- Can I download and edit this policy?
- Yes. It downloads as Word (.docx) or PDF with your company name, registered manager, CQC ID and address already filled in on the cover page and throughout the document. The Word version is fully editable.
- Can I buy this policy on its own?
- Policies are sold as a complete library rather than individually, because CQC expects a coherent set that cross-references properly — a single policy in isolation creates gaps. The domiciliary care library contains 141 policies and can be bought outright as a one-off purchase and kept permanently.
- How often is it reviewed?
- The library is re-reviewed every six months and after any material regulatory change. This policy was last reviewed 1 June 2026, and is at version 1.0. Updates reach you automatically, so downloads always reflect the current version.