What is the primary concern of HTM07-01?

HTM07-01 focuses primarily on decontamination standards in healthcare settings, which are crucial to ensuring patient safety and reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections. The document provides guidance on how to effectively decontaminate instruments and surfaces within clinical environments, particularly dental practices. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to robust protocols for cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization to maintain high standards of infection control.

While waste management, water quality control, and infection control are important in their own rights, HTM07-01 specifically addresses the methods and practices related to decontamination. Understanding the guidelines set out in HTM07-01 helps dental professionals ensure that all procedures involving instruments and equipment are performed safely and in compliance with best practices, thereby protecting both patients and staff from potential contamination and infection risks.