The virus is transmitted by droplets and indirect transmission by hands. In this context, the cleaning and disinfection of premises is a priority to ensure the health and security of individuals in their workplace.
Our article in the form of questions and answers brings you the essential information to adopt good hygiene practices and avoid contamination with Covid-19 on surfaces.
Cleaning and disinfection against Covid-19: questions and answers
How long does the Coronavirus survive on surfaces?
We all know how long the virus survives outside the body, on an object, on a surface or on the skin. If we are to believe the numerous scientific studies carried out, the survival time of the Coronavirus could be from a few hours to several days and would depend on the support (plastic, stainless steel, cardboard, etc.), the temperature or the humidity level. . To date, contamination from an infected surface, we can not prove nor exclude. It is necessary to ensure the hygiene of premises and equipment, (washing hands, wearing a mask , etc.).
How do you know if a product is effective against Covid-19?
Disinfectants are biocidal products. They contain active substances that have various spectra of activity. Others affect only a specific micro-organism (fungi, viruses, bacteria, etc.).
To get a specific biocidal activity, it is necessary to use a product which meets the biocidal standards sought. Check if a disinfectant product satisfies the microbicidal activities it claims (virucidal, bactericidal, fungicidal, etc.). This information appears on the label of the disinfectant product.
Coronavirus being a micro-organism which belongs to the family of viruses. When disinfecting hands, surfaces, and medical devices, virucidal activity is crucial. … The reference standard for these activities is EN 14476.
Should specific cleaning or disinfection against the coronavirus be carried out?
Keep using the usual detergents and biocides; the disinfectants should simply have virucidal properties and meet professional cleaning standards.
For the operating mode:
- Respect the contact time, the dilution rate and the method of application, professional cleaning products, etc.
- Be sure to apply professional cleaning techniques, namely, clean from the cleanest to the dirtiest, from the highest to the lowest, from the furthest to the most central.
- Carry out a rigorous and complete cleaning of the toilets and the kitchen, which are real breeding grounds for bacteria, parasites and viruses: (toilet bowl, flush, latch, sink and washbasin tap, worktop, etc.)
- Pay particular attention to surfaces frequently touched by hands and contact areas such as door handles, computers, telephone handsets, screens, window openings, light switches, work surfaces, etc. clean them several times a day with a virucidal wipe meeting standard EN 14476, a cloth impregnated with diluted bleach or a virucidal product in solution applied with a paper towel or cloth.
Ventilate the premises several times a day for at least 10 minutes when possible.
Coronavirus: do we need to clean more?
A distinction should be made between cleaning surfaces, which consists of degreasing and dusting, and disinfection, which aims to eliminate or kill microorganisms. In addition, it should not be forgotten that disinfection is only effective at the time of the operation.
It does not prevent subsequent recontamination. The surfaces we need to disinfect must be clean beforehand with a professional detergent product. Repeat the operation if the surfaces are subject to numerous contacts or when the disinfection cleaning protocol provides for it.
When surfaces have a low degree of soiling. 2-in-1 products that combine detergent and virucidal disinfectant are just as effective.
Coronavirus: should you wear disposable gloves to protect yourself?
Gloves are part of the PPE that we must wear when handling any cleaning product. Here again, a distinction between the single-use medical glove (or surgical glove) and the household glove .
The thicker household glove protects the hands and forearms against detergents and/or disinfectants (irritation, burns, allergies, cuts, etc.).
We still don’t know the coronavirus and all of its secrets. With the data, we now know that the virus is transmitting directly between people by spitting (sneezing, coughing) and by indirect contact with the hands, mouth, nose, or mucous membranes of the eyes.
Read more:How to establish a cleaning and disinfection plan?
