An education in hygiene
Brian Warren, Managing Director of Nviro, gives his top tips for keeping children and staff safe through COVID-19 and beyond.
During the pandemic, Nviro undertook research across many of their schools to support their clients in keeping building users safe. The results revealed an urgent need to re-educate on the importance of a comprehensive cleaning and hygiene solution in educational facilities.
Using state-of-the-art Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) testing, we took over 1200 swabs, enabling us to identify areas which are commonly forgotten in cleaning, and develop into bacteria and virus hotspots. Some of the most shocking results showed 99% more bacteria on a staffroom kitchen tap compared with the visitor toilet door in one school, and in another, 95% more bacteria was found on the staffroom coffee machine compared to the boys’ toilet.
“Improved air quality not only reduces the risk of airborne
viruses and bacteria, but also improves the
environment to induce higher concentration levels and less drowsiness.”
COVID-19 has meant we’re far more aware of sanitising touchpoints like door handles. However, our research highlights that there are many high traffic areas that get forgotten and these are generally areas in schools or workplaces that the end user is expected to clean and maintain themselves, such as hot desks, telephones, and kitchen equipment.
Identify bacteria hotspots
ATP testing measures the amount of organic material on a surface, allowing the user to identify areas that have higher levels of organic matter. It helps to strategically develop cleaning regimes to combat these hot spots.
After identifying the high-risk areas, an electrostatic sprayer can be used to apply disinfectant to surfaces, combating invisible bacteria in under a minute, and killing Coronavirus-
34 | EDUCATIONAL AND SCHOOL FACILITIES
like germs. A protective bio-shield layer can then be applied, stopping viruses such as COVID-19 adhering to the surface.
The technology charges the chemical particles which result in the spray mist forming a wraparound effect covering all surfaces, providing a targeted, fast, and safe way of deploying chemicals. This strategic approach to cleaning allows a more time efficient and financially effective cleaning regime to be implemented.
Never mix chemicals
Individuals may think bringing in their own cleaning products to supplement cleaning is helpful. However, the reality is that mixing products can be extremely dangerous and cause a chemical reaction, particularly if you use bleach. Always check with your cleaning provider before introducing cleaning products to ensure they won’t react with products used in your cleaners’ regimes.
Anti-bacterial wipes are expensive and contain high levels of plastic, which damage the environment. Single-use plastic pollution has been exacerbated by the pandemic with increased use of chemicals as well as single-use masks. Instead, try using paper-based wipes that can be recycled and safer chemicals, or reusable washable microfibre cloths.
Check the kill log
Cream cleaners, aerosol sprays and products which contain high levels of bleach, soap or alkaline can be dangerous to the health of the user. Instead, use products that are health and environment friendly.
These regularly come with a kill log of three (99.9%), making them highly effective at protecting classrooms, staffrooms, homes, and the workplace.
Install air filtration
Government guidelines for the coming Autumn term are suggesting that we will need to continue to keep windows open to allow fresh air to flow throughout buildings. Being able to provide effective ventilation, at the same time as providing heating to all rooms, is a challenge.
By working with a partner in air quality, you can not only improve air quality by the means of purification systems, but also assess what areas of your building need attention through air monitoring systems. Through targeted purification, you can achieve significantly improved air quality and save significant money on heating bills. It has been proven that improved air quality not only reduces the risk of airborne viruses and bacteria, but also improves the environment to induce higher concentration levels and less drowsiness.
www.nviro.co.uk twitter.com/TomoCleaning
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