Current conditions have changed our daily lives in a short period of time. Now more than ever we all want to know that we are doing everything we can to keep ourselves and our colleagues and visitors safe and well. To ensure we can do this requires understanding the science behind surface wiping and cleaning.
Why is workplace hygiene important?
Creating a more hygienic workplace, healthcare facility and place to shop and eat does not stop at the washroom. Placing hand sanitiser and signage in common areas is a step in the right direction but studies show it simply isn’t enough to make a real impact.
In the span of 24 hours, the average adult touches 7,200 surfaces1 and touches their face 552 times2, therefore targeting “hot spots” with hand and surface hygiene is a key step toward reducing the spread of germs. No matter which surfaces they come into contact with throughout their day, give your employees and visitors greater peace of mind by providing proven cleaning and disinfecting solutions to help break the chain of germ transmission.
What is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting?
Cleaning – removes germs, dirt, and other impurities from surfaces or objects. Cleaning works by using detergent (or soap and water) to physically remove germs from surfaces. This process does not necessarily kill germs, but by removing them from the surface, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.
Disinfecting – kills germs on surfaces or objects. Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects.* This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.
Step 1: Clean the surface of commonly touched objects — use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
Step 2: Disinfect the surface — using the appropriate EN-registered disinfectant. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for dilution, application and contact time.
Clean these hot spots to help reduce germs in manufacturing facilities
No matter which surfaces they come in contact with throughout their day, give your employees and visitors greater peace of mind by providing proven cleaning and disinfecting solutions to help break the chain of germ transmission.
Exceptional Workplace Solutions
If you would like to make your workplace truly exceptional – a place where everyone feels equipped and empowered to contribute to a more hygienic world then Greenham have Kimberly-Clark Professional™ range of solutions to help you offer a more hygienic and safe workplace.
Disclaimer: The information provided through Greenham Pulse is for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Greenham Pulse is not a substitute for Health and Safety consultancy. You should seek independent advice about any legal matter.
1. Zhang, N., Li, Y. and Huang, H., 2018. Surface touch and its network growth in a graduate student office. Indoor air, 28(6), pp.963-972
2. A frequent habit that has implications for hand hygiene Kwok, Yen Lee Angela et al. 2015. American Journal of Infection Control, Volume 43, Issue 2, 112 – 114
3. “Decreased activity of commercially available disinfectants containing quaternary ammonium compounds when exposed to cotton towels,” Charles Gerba, Ph.D, etal, American Journal of Infection Control, April, 2013, www.ajicjournal.org.
4. Pyrek, K.M., 2014. Cross-Contamination Prevention: Addressing Keyboards as Fomites
5. Martínez-Gonzáles, N.E., Solorzano-Ibarra, F., Cabrera-Díaz, E., Gutiérrez-González, P., Martínez-Chávez, L., Pérez-Montaño, J.A. and Martínez-Cárdenas, C., 2017. Microbial contamination on cell phones used by undergraduate students. Canadian Journal of Infection Control, 32(4).
6. “Microbial contamination of hospital reusable cleaning towels,” Charles Gerba, Ph.D, etal, American Journal of Infection Control, March, 2013, WITH Engelbrecht K, D Ambrose, L Sifuentes, C Gerba, I Weart, DW Koenig. 2013. Decreased Germicidal Activity of Commercially Available Disinfectants Containing Quaternary Ammonium Compounds when Exposed to Cotton Towels. American Journal of Infection Control. 41 (10), 908-911. Sifuentes LY, CP Gerba, I Weart, K Engelbrecht, and DW Koenig. 2013. Microbial Contamination of Hospital Reusable Cleaning Towels. American Journal of Infection Control. 41 (10), 912-915.
7. U. of Arizona study by Gerba, C. 2002. First In-Office Study Dishes The Dirt on Desks
