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  1. Colour coding in hospitals

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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.