As the country reopens and many Americans finally have the opportunity to get back to work, it is critical that we all continue to follow effective public health strategies to prevent another widespread outbreak of COVID-19.
As a small business owner, you have a responsibility to your customers, your employees, and yourself to ensure that your workplace is cleaned and disinfected.
CLEANING VS DISINFECTING: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
Cleaning with soap or detergent and water removes the surface dirt and some of the germs, but it does not necessarily kill those germs. Some risk of spreading infection remains. Disinfecting, however, kills germs on contact.
BENEFITS OF DISINFECTING
It is important to note, however, that these two processes actually work together. A thorough cleaning done before the disinfection process ensures that the remaining germs cannot avoid contact with the disinfectant when it is applied. Germs can hide in soil where the disinfectant's antimicrobial agents cannot reach them.
There are many different types of disinfectants available. Your disinfectant service provider has the knowledge and skills necessary to determine which type will be the most effective for your particular industry. The benefits of disinfectant service include:
- Effective Virus, Bacteria and Tuberculosis Killing Agents
- Biocidal Agents to Eliminate Germs on Hard Surfaces
- Use of Registered and Approved EPA Disinfectants
- Non-Irritating Deodorizing and Sanitizing Properties
- Knowledge of and Adherence to CDC Guidelines
CDC GUIDELINES FOR DISINFECTING
SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus that causes COVID-19, can be killed if you use the right products. A reputable disinfectant service provider will use products that have been both proven effective in killing the virus and EPA approved to do so.
THE N LIST
The products approved by the EPA for use against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) are documented on the N List on the EPA website. Your disinfectant service provider should only be using products that have an EPA registration number on the label. All professional disinfectant service personnel should be familiar with this.
If you are doing your own disinfecting in lieu of hiring a disinfectant service provider, be sure the products you purchase have an EPA registration number. You can find this information at epa.gov/listn. When checking a registration number at the EPA website, you enter the first two parts of the number into their database.
If you are looking at a registration number that has three parts, such as xxxxx-xx-xxxx and the first two parts of the number are identical, then the product you are looking at is equivalent and safe to use.
Once you have verified and purchased your disinfectant, be sure to follow these five steps for safe and effective disinfecting:
- Read the Directions - Remember, there are different types of disinfectants for different surfaces, so check to see where you can use the product, and be sure to read the precautionary statements.
- Pre-Clean the Surface - Wash the area with soap and water, even if it does not appear dirty.
- Know your Contact Time - In order for the disinfectant to be effective, the contact time directions must be followed to the letter. This means that the surface must remain wet for the duration.
- Wear Gloves - Be sure to protect your hands, and wash your hands after removing your gloves. Discard disposable gloves after each cleaning. If you choose to wear reusable gloves, dedicate that pair of gloves to COVID disinfecting only, and wash your hands after each use.
- Store Unused Disinfectant Properly - Make sure lids are secure and it is stored out of the reach of children or pets.
METHODS OF DISINFECTION
In addition to the spray and wipe method of disinfection, there are other methods as well. These include:
- UV Light - The jury is still out on whether or not application of UV light can inactivate COVID-19, but studies have shown that is quite effective in eradicating other viruses. However, germicidal UV lamps must be used with extreme caution, because accidental overexposure can lead to painful sunburn. Only trained disinfectant service personnel should operate germicidal UV lamps.
- Foggers - The HaloFogger has been approved by the EPA for emergency use against COVID-19. Disinfectant service professionals have used it during the SARS and Ebola outbreaks. Halosil is EPA certified and approved for use with the Halofogger. It quickly disperses vapor, which can reach places that other methods cannot. The Halo system should be operated by a trained disinfectant service professional.
- Wipes - There are EPA-approved wipes for COVID-19 use, however, these can be used as part of your routine cleaning protocol for frequently-touched surfaces after disinfectant service.
Disinfectant service is the first critical step to reopening your business. Developing a proactive routine cleaning protocol will keep both your employees and customers safe for the long term. A disinfectant service specialist can offer guidance after the disinfectant service process is complete.
