Coronavirus is not something to be taken lightly, as the world has understood.
Leading commercial disinfection companies have come forward in helping these properties reduce the risk of infection.
This guide will talk about ways a professional cleaning and disinfecting company can help your property prevent, control, and reduce the spread of Covid-19.
Current Situation
According to the World Health Organization, there have been 35,229,302 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 610,180 deaths from 3 January 2020 to 6 August 2021 in the United States of America.
Unfortunately, coronavirus cases have been increasing because of the new Delta variant. This strain is believed to be twice as contagious as others, making it more important than ever to practice preventative measures.
How Does Coronavirus Spread?
Covid-19 is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2.
It primarily spreads through respiratory droplets, such as aerosols, from an infected person who sneezes, coughs, speaks, sings, or breathes close to others.
The risk of infection is thought to be more severe in enclosed spaces as compared to the outsides.
This is why you must consider professional disinfection and sanitization of your commercial facility. Coming into contact with contaminated objects and surfaces, called fomites is a common indirect route of transmission.
The risk of the virus entering the body is increased when someone touches their mouth, eyes, or nose after touching an infected surface. Surface and area disinfection can help in preventing the spread of coronavirus and other health threats.
Benefits Of Disinfecting
Every business has a primary goal of earning profit while keeping their customers and employees safe and comfortable. In healthcare and nursing home settings, the administration is focused on preventing the spread of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other germs.
Businesses need to adapt quickly in the present times to open and operate safely. There are few in-house cleaning crews with adequate training to properly address the presented issues.
Upon cleaning an object, only visible traces of dirt, dust, and grime are removed. The goal of disinfection is to kill 99.999% of germs using light, heat, chemicals, etc.
For instance, wiping a countertop with a bleach solution is a good example of disinfection. Coronavirus is known to persist on nonporous and hard surfaces for long hours.
On some surfaces, the virus can remain active for days and weeks. The likelihood of cross-contamination or an infection spread is increased by 50% without proper and frequent disinfection.
This method can effectively inactivate or kill the virus providing you with peace of mind.
It is important to use the right disinfectant solution and method to keep your premise infection-free while protecting your surfaces, furniture, and fixtures. Disinfectants contain antimicrobial agents that are targeted at killing germs. However, this can only work when the surface is not soiled.
How Disinfection Companies Help
These are three ways how commercial disinfectant contractors help affected properties in maintaining a safe and hygienic environment:
1. Showing the Affected Properties the Process They Have to Go Through
Disinfection is not as simple as applying a solution and wiping it away. There is a lot that goes into making a premise safe.
It is a two-step process – cleaning and disinfection.
The CDC defines cleaning as removing impurities from surfaces using soap or detergent. Whereas, disinfecting is the effective removal of germs and other pathogens.
Sanitization is another method used, and it refers to lowering the number of pathogens on a surface.
Commercial cleaners are experienced in disinfecting. They can show affected properties the proper way of disinfection to prevent cross-contamination.
The CDC’s recommendations include:
- Use specific equipment on an area basis to prevent cross-contamination.
- Start with the lowest risk areas and move to high-risk areas.
- Create a checklist to ensure nothing is missed.
- Ventilate properly following the disinfection process to remove odor and reduce the risk of allergies and breathing problems.
- In case any quarantined patient decides to clean and disinfect on their own, assess the overall cleanliness and results.
- Prioritize high-touch areas such as controls, light switches, handrails, door handles, utensils, linen, toilets, furniture, keyboards, mouse, cleaning equipment, and recycling or refuse bins.
Another important part of the process which is often overlooked is reviewing linen management. The risk of contamination can be reduced by minimizing the handling and shaking of used linen. The materials should be washed at the highest temperature and stored separately.
2. Using Green and Safe Disinfectants
Disinfectants are necessary to ensure an infection-free environment.
However, the chemicals used can cause several health-related issues, such as breathing problems, asthmatic attacks, allergies, and others.
Experienced disinfecting companies are aware of these health concerns. They know the benefits of using a green disinfectant solution.
They also know the products that provide maximum benefits with minimum side effects. Another important factor to consider while choosing the right disinfection solution is that it should be effective against Covid-19.
Facility managers must opt for a solution that is on the List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Kill time or the amount of time a particular product needs to be left on the surface to be effective is another factor to consider.
Bleach or sodium hypochlorite has the shortest kill time. However, these products are also irritants, making it necessary for the cleaner to use gloves and other personal protective equipment. Bleach should be kept away from acids to prevent the release of toxic gases.
Surface cleaning methods depend on the type and size of the surface. It can get difficult for property managers and business owners to choose the right type of cleaner.
Larger sprays and aerosols should be avoided by businesses if they are not working with a commercial disinfecting and cleaning services provider. This is because these chemicals need training for proper handling.
Managers are required to control cleaning agents and other hazardous substances to protect their employees.
3. Using Advanced Disinfecting Equipment
It is not enough to have the right solution for disinfecting your space. You need to employ the right technique as well.
In a Covid affected property, it is necessary to ensure the right method is used for reducing the risk of an infection spread, and the best way to do so is by hiring a commercial service provider.
Few of the more advanced disinfection equipment include electrostatic spraying, ultraviolet disinfection system, and fogging.
An ultraviolet disinfection system is a form of chemical-free sterilization that is useful in infection-prone areas. The system makes use of Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) light for inactivating the RNA and DNA of bacteria and viruses alike in controlled environments, like airport lounges, hotels, offices, hospitals, and commercial spaces among others.
The equipment is capable of destroying severe disease-causing pathogens, such as C. Difficile, MRSA, and others. It can also be used towards disinfection electronic equipment, computers, and other gadgets.
Fogging machines produce a fine mist that envelopes the entire room. The fog is created using the disinfectant solution, generally aerosol-based.
This type of disinfection takes the entire room and space into account. All objects and surfaces are coated in a fine mist. However, the method is only as good as the disinfectant used. Also, extra care needs to be taken not to use harsh chemicals since they can cause allergic reactions.
Another great device for decontamination of surfaces is electrostatic spraying. This is a little better than fogging since the fine mist is statically charged. The aerosol droplets cling to dirt, grime, and pathogens preventing them from flying around. The disinfectant solution doesn’t need to be removed with wipes resulting in optimal kill time.
A commercial cleaning and disinfecting company will be able to recommend the best equipment based on your particular needs.
Proper Disinfection Tips
Disinfection is not easy if you are not trained to do it right. Improper sanitization and decontamination can be major problems for affected properties.
These are a few tips that should help you get started. However, it is recommended that you get professional disinfection carried out if somebody has been tested positive in your facility.
- Choose the correct disinfectant based on your particular purpose and needs.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions mentioned on the label.
- Check the label for the kind of personal protective equipment you need.
- Never disinfect a dirty surface. Clean visibly dirty surfaces using detergent or soap before disinfecting.
- Always use disinfectants mentioned in the EPA List N. Don’t forget to look at the kill time on the label. You need to keep the product on the surface for that long before wiping it away.
- Ventilate the space during and after the disinfection process.
- Make sure you wear gloves and wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to remove any chemical residue.
How To Make Best Use of Disinfection Products?
Disinfectant solutions come in all shapes and sizes. You need to know how to use a particular disinfectant if you want it to get the job done.
It is best to work with an experienced cleaning and disinfecting company when in doubt.
How can you make the best use of the products bought? Keep reading to find out.
1. Comparing the Disinfectants
While there are several broad-spectrum disinfectants, there are many that are focused on specific pathogens. EPA-approved disinfectants for removing coronavirus are mentioned in their list N. You can choose from the available products mentioned on that list.
2. Cleaning the Ducts
The majority of facility owners forget to clean and disinfect the ductwork. This can be catastrophic if you have central air conditioning. Don’t forget to disinfect the ductwork and the ventilation systems.
3. Applying the Disinfectant
Every disinfectant solution comes with manufacturer instructions on the best way to apply it. You should follow these instructions completely, especially where the kill time is concerned.
Not leaving the solution on a particular surface for an adequate time will render it ineffective.
4. Sealing the Property
Prevention is the best weapon. Facilities should take steps to effectively seal the property against coronavirus.
They can set up temperature readers to prevent people with symptoms from entering the property. However, even with these precautionary measures, regular and frequent disinfection is necessary.
Safety Protocols and Process for The Infected Properties
Consider the following steps as a guideline in ensuring the safety of your staff, clients, and visitors on your premises during or after a disinfection process:
- Always read the directions before attempting to disinfect. You need to follow all product directions as listed on the label. Check the surface types and use sites to determine areas where the chemical is safe to use. This step is important even when you are using green disinfectants. Don’t forget to read the precautionary statements as well.
- Always pre-clean a surface before disinfecting it. Dust and grime don’t allow the disinfectant to coat a surface properly. You won’t get an effective removal of pathogens. You can use soap and water to clean surfaces before using a disinfectant.
- The next step is to follow the contact time. This will be mentioned in the directions. The surface should remain wet the entire kill time to ensure the product is effective. If the product dries up too quickly, don’t hesitate in using another coat.
- Always wash your hands after disinfecting the area. In the case of Covid affected properties, it is recommended to change gloves, PPE, (Personal Protective Equipment), and clean equipment before moving to another area.
- Close lids tightly, clean all equipment and tools, and keep them out of reach
How The Process Helps the Company
Commercial disinfection providers can keep their employees and cleaning crew safe by following this process. They can also ensure more thorough disinfection of their client’s facility.
How The Process Helps the Affected Properties
The process is geared towards effective and complete disinfection of an area. By following pre-cleaning and ensuring adequate kill time, facility providers can be confident that their premise is germ-free.
This is important in maintaining confidence and keeping fear at bay amongst your staff and clients.
Who Should Perform Disinfection?
It is more important than ever to regularly sanitize and disinfect a commercial facility, healthcare facility, nursing home, old age home, or any other place of business.
You may want to consider hiring a team of professionals if you are unsure about incorporating a cleaning and disinfection schedule in your operational procedures.
It is recommended that you consider the following factors while choosing a disinfection service provider:
1. The Company Must Be Registered
A disinfection company must be registered with the proper certifications and licenses. They should be able to show you all the important paperwork.
They should also be insured to prevent any problems later on.
2. The Company Must Have the Proper Tools
Different equipment is used by different companies. Determine if the equipment is in good condition and serves your purpose.
For instance, if you have a lot of electronic equipment, electrostatic spraying may be more beneficial. This statically charges the disinfectant to ensure it coats all surfaces evenly.
3. What Problem Are You Trying to Solve?
Before you ask commercial disinfecting companies for free estimates, you should determine your particular needs.
Do you want disinfection of the entire premise or a particular area?
Did someone recently test positive?
Do you have several high-traffic areas in the building?
What are the chances of cross-contamination?
Common Disinfectants Used
There are five main chemicals registered with the EPA as disinfectants currently. There are several products listed on the N List that are a combination of these chemicals and other additives.
The five common disinfectants in use today are:
- Quaternary Ammonium
- Hypochlorite
- Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide
- Phenolics
- Peracetic Acid
These are mostly hospital-grade disinfectants and are useful for different purposes. Some of them work on bacteria while others on viruses, fungi, molds, and mildew.
Experienced Disinfecting for a Variety of Businesses & Industries
Servi-Tek is proud to provide experienced and professional disinfecting services to a wide variety of organizations and businesses from all industries.
You can count on us to do everything to keep your facility germ free whether you are a school, retail outlet, church, warehouse, gyms, manufacturing plant, restaurant, hotel, grocery store, or office complex.
Our disinfection technicians are here to help you with solutions unique to your needs.
Give us a call today or use our online form. We are here to answer your questions and to keep you and your facility safe.
