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Decontamination Operative

As a Decontamination Operative, you will play a vital role in keeping patients and healthcare staff safe by cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilising medical equipment used in hospitals and healthcare settings. 

You will carefully follow strict procedures to make sure instruments are safe to use again, helping to prevent infections and support high-quality patient care. 

If you enjoy working with attention to detail and being part of a team that makes a real difference, this could be the role for you.

Decontamination Operative is also known as Decontamination Technician, Sterile Services Technician.

Role Characteristics

  • Disassemble and reassemble of the reusable medical devices in accordance with Manufacturer’s instructions
  • Clean and sterilise equipment
  • Check that all medical equipment is working properly
  • Pack and deliver sterilised equipment to wards and departments
  • Restock supplies of items like dressings, needles, and syringes
  • Operate steam sterilising machines

Skills

  • Following instructions
  • Problem-solving
  • Using technology
  • Operating equipment
  • Team work
  • Organisation

Day in the life

Watch this video to hear more about Stephen's work in Sterile Services

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

  • Maths and English skills
  • GCSEs
  • BTEC, T-Level or A-Levels
  • Apply directly
  • Volunteering or work experience

How to become

To become a Decontamination Operative, you will usually need to secure a role with an employer and complete on-the-job training, often working towards a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Decontamination, Sterile Services, Healthcare Support, or a related subject.

There are many ways to access this role, and you can explore lots of current opportunities in the section below.

  • Study a course or qualification – useful qualifications include GCSEs in English and Maths, Science-related subjects, Health and Social Care courses, T Levels and BTECs.
  • Apply directly to entry-level vacancies and complete training while you work.
  • Gain experience through volunteering or work experience in healthcare, hospitals, laboratories, care settings or other environments where infection prevention and cleaning procedures are important.
  • Complete a healthcare support worker, facilities, or decontamination apprenticeship, where available.

You may also be able to work towards qualifications such as a Level 2 Certificate in Decontamination, Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support, or other employer-supported training programmes.

Where can this role lead

As a Decontamination Operative, you'll develop valuable skills in infection prevention, quality standards, attention to detail and using specialist equipment. These skills could help you specialise in roles such as Healthcare Scientist or Medical Engineering Technician where you can build on your technical knowledge and work with advanced healthcare technologies.

If you're looking for a change, you could move into related roles such as Laboratory Technician or Pharmacy Production Assistant using your experience of following procedures and maintaining high standards. 

With further training and experience, you could progress into roles such as Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomist or Healthcare Scientist.

Location

  • Hospitals
  • Prisons
  • Armed Forces

Working hours

  • Weekdays
  • Weekends
  • Nights
  • Part Time
  • Full Time
  • Casual Hours
  • Overtime
  • Flexible Hours

Opportunities

Two people smiling whilst working Woman in facemask working
Access to university
Access to Higher Education (Science, Medical, and Health)
Our Level 3 courses are designed to give learners the UCAS points needed to progress to university.
Organisation
Heart of Yorkshire Education Group
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BTECs, T-levels or A-levels
Leeds City College Health and Social Care courses
Find BTEC, T-Level or A-Level courses in Health and Care at Leeds City College
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Leeds City College
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BTECs, T-levels or A-levels
Calderdale College Health and Social Care Courses
Find out more about Health and Social Care courses at Calderdale College.
Organisation
Calderdale College
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BTECs, T-levels or A-levels
T Level Science (Applied Laboratory Skills and Technical Science)
The T Level in Science is an exciting two-year qualification designed for students who are passionate about laboratory work, experimentation, and the practical application of scientific principles.
Organisation
Bradford College
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Volunteering
Volunteering in Health and Care
Find out more about volunteering opportunities in Health and Care
Organisation
Volunteering Opportunities
View opportunity
BTECs, T-levels or A-levels
Kirklees College Health and Social Care Courses
Find out more about Health and Social Care courses at Kirklees College.
Organisation
Kirklees College
View opportunity
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