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• Not wiping after the contact time is met. The mechanical action of wiping further adds to the overall efficacy of the process, physically removing several logs of organisms. Wiping also removes product before it builds up on the surface, which can make disinfecting more difficult and cause surface discoloration or damage over time.


• Spraying too close to electrical equipment vents. Professionals need to be wary of spraying near electric equipment, as spray droplets can enter vents and potentially cause issues with a wide range of electrical equipment.


• Using the wrong chemicals. Not all disinfectants are appropriate for use in an ESS. ESS can produce small droplets that can be inhaled deep into the lungs, which can create health and safety risks for the worker. Before using an ESS, the facility should conduct an exposure risk assessment to ensure the staff can use the ESS safely. Some chemicals, such as chlorine bleach, have the potential to create a significant risk when sprayed through an ESS and should not be used.


An exposure risk assessment may dictate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff when using an ESS. This would involve PPE fit testing and oversight to ensure employees wear it properly. Given these points, BSCs and facility managers should be appropriately cautious when selecting new equipment.


Best Practices for BSCs and Facility Managers When choosing a disinfectant, there are a number of features to consider:


• Check that the product is approved for the pathogens of concern. For COVID-19, the disinfectant needs to be able to inactive SARS- CoV-2. The manufacturer needs to be able to make claims against the virus.


• Purchase a one-step disinfectant with a shorter contact time – preferably five minutes or less. Cleaning and disinfecting in one step will accomplish your goal without sacrificing performance and a short contact time helps ensure the product is used in compliance.


• Look for a product range that offers solutions in wipe, concentrate and ready-to-use formats to meet a variety of needs. Not all product forms are appropriate for all situations. Having flexibility in how the product is applied is important.


• The best products are gentle on skin and surfaces while tough on pathogens. Look for products with accelerated hydrogen peroxide that offer high efficacy and low toxicity.


Once you’ve selected products, conduct training to avoid common cleaning and disinfecting mistakes. For example, skipping the pre- cleaning phase when there is gross soil or ignoring the disinfectant contact time will impact efficacy. Mandate that employees follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep surfaces wet for the full duration of the contact time.


Failing to wipe the surface is another common mistake. The cleaning process selected should include physical wiping of surfaces.


Consider supplying staff with microfiber or cotton cloths, or disposable wipes, as disinfectants can bind with certain materials. Be sure to train employees to follow proper cleaning procedures to avoid cross contamination or equipment and surface damage.


If you choose to use electrostatic sprayers, select one tested for use with your disinfectant so you know it is safe for workers and will perform as expected. Also, look for equipment that produces reasonably sised droplets and consider whether an exposure risk assessment is needed. Train staff on disinfecting procedures, including applying the proper thickness of product and wiping surfaces to maintain efficacy.


Cleaning in a New World


Employees need to know how to properly clean, sanitise and disinfect surfaces, especially during and after the pandemic. When in the market for disinfectants, building service contractors and facility managers should pick a product that is fast-acting, effective and less likely to cause irritation and surface damage.


Peter Teska is a Global Infection Prevention Application Expert at Diversey, the leader in smart, sustainable solutions for cleaning and hygiene. He is a member of the Diversey Hygiene Academy and can be reached at: peter.teska@diversey.com


For more information, visit: www.diversey.com FSM 31


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