Mr Matt Hyland1, Mr Ryan Weller
1Gama Healthcare, Beaudesert, Australia
Biography:
Matt Hyland is Head of Acute Healthcare at GAMA Healthcare Australia, with 15 years’ experience in infection prevention, wound care, ostomy and continence management. He is passionate about advancing evidence-based infection prevention practices and improving patient outcomes across acute healthcare settings.
Abstract:
Introduction
Effective cleaning and disinfection are fundamental to infection prevention and control (IPC). However, increasing use of disinfectants and wipes within healthcare environments has led to growing concerns regarding material compatibility and environmental stress cracking (ESC) of medical equipment and surfaces. Damage associated with repeated chemical exposure may compromise equipment integrity, impact cleanability, increase replacement costs, and create unintended patient safety risks. Despite this, awareness of ESC within IPC practice remains limited. This research aims to improve understanding of material compatibility and ESC within healthcare settings and explore practical strategies to reduce unintended equipment damage, while maintaining effective decontamination practices.
Methods
This practice-focused presentation reviews the interaction between disinfectant chemistries, material composition, and environmental stressors commonly encountered in healthcare settings. Real-world healthcare examples and product observations are used to demonstrate how repeated exposure to disinfectants, combined with mechanical stress and cleaning practices, can contribute to material degradation over time. Practical mitigation strategies, including product selection, staff education, and manufacturer collaboration, are explored.
Results
Examples demonstrated that repeated exposure to incompatible disinfectants may contribute to cracking, surface deterioration, reduced equipment lifespan, and challenges in maintaining effective cleaning practices. Lessons learned highlighted the importance of understanding manufacturer compatibility guidance, standardising product selection where possible, and improving staff awareness regarding correct product use and contact times.
Conclusion and Future Actions
Material compatibility is an important but often under-recognised component of IPC programmes. Greater awareness and incorporation of compatibility considerations into procurement, policy development, and education may reduce unintended damage, improve equipment longevity, and support safer, more sustainable healthcare environments.