It doesn’t stop at the washroom!
Placing hand sanitiser and signage in offices, breakrooms, high-traffic areas, and common areas is a step in the right direction. But studies show it simply isn’t enough to make a real impact. Targeting “hot spots” with hand and surface hygiene, is a key step toward reducing the spread of germs. Objects that are touched by lots of people throughout the day − such as doorknobs, lift buttons and copiers − should be cleaned and disinfected daily in order to help break the chain of germ transmission.
Get the basics right!
| Cleaning removes germs, dirt, and other impurities from surfaces or objects. Cleaning works by using soap (or detergent) 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 |
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Make it easy to drive cleaning and hygiene habits!
Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
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 offices and manufacturing facilities
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.
Potential hot spots in Manufacturing Environments
Potential hot spots in Office Environments
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Knowing the stats!
Knowing the FAQs
1 – Why is maintaining a clean surface important?
Cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection is a best practice recommended by the CDC for prevention of respiratory illnesses in community settings.
2 – 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.
*For food contact surfaces, use a food-surface safe EN registered chemical
3 – What are the recommendations for a good surface cleaning protocol?
The guidance from the CDC is to use a 2-step Clean and Disinfect process. Routinely clean and disinfect all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, keyboards, telephones, handrails, and doorknobs.
- Step 1 – clean the surface with a detergent or soap and water.
- Step 2 – follow that by disinfecting the surface using EN-registered disinfectants. The CDC also recommends providing disposable wipes so that commonly used surfaces (for example, doorknobs, keyboards, remote controls, desks) can be wiped down by employees before each use.
4 – What does the science say about how reusable cotton cleaning towels can bind and neutralise quaternary ammonium disinfectants?
Poorly disinfected surfaces may serve as fomites, increasing the risk of germ transfer to people. This study observed that some reusable cotton cleaning towels reduced the performance by up to 85% of 3 common surface quaternary ammonium (QAC) disinfectants. Conversely, synthetic microfiber towels did not alter the disinfectant performance. The conclusion of the study suggests that the use of cotton cleaning towels with QAC-based disinfectants should be reconsidered.
5 – What are the proper steps to sanitise hands?
Dispense one dose of hand sanitiser into cupped hand, covering all surfaces. Rub hands to palm. Right palm over left dorsum with interlaced fingers and vice versa. Palm to palm with fingers interlaced. Backs of fingers to opposing palm with fingers interlocked. Rotational rubbing of left thumb clasped in right palm and vice versa. Rotational rubbing, backwards and forwards with clasped fingers of right hand in left palm and vice versa. Once dry, your hands are safe.
6 – What are the steps for proper hand washing?
Wet hands with water. Apply enough soap to cover all hand surfaces. Rub hands palm to palm. Right palm over left dorsum with interlaced fingers and vice versa. Palm to palm with fingers interlaced. Backs of fingers to opposing palms with fingers interlocked. Rotational rubbing of left thumb clasped in right palm and vice versa. Rotational rubbing, backwards and forwards with clasped fingers of right hand in left palm and vice versa. Rinse hands with water. Dry thoroughly with a single-use towel. Use towel to turn off faucet. Your hands are now safe.
7 – Why should I use soap and water to wash my hands?
Germs can get onto your hands and items you touch throughout the day. When your hands may be dirty, its best to wash them with soap and water to remove whatever germs and chemicals may be on them.
8 – What if I do not have soap or water to wash my hands?
Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Reference Sources
1. University of Westminster, “Changes in the number of different types of bacteria on the hands before and after drying using paper towel, continuous cloth roller towel, warm air dryer and jet air dryer” (2010)
2. 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
3. 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
4. Patrick DR, Findon G, Miller TE. 1997. Epidemiol Infect. 119(3):319-25. Huang C, Ma W, Stack S. 2012. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 87(8):791-798.
5. Pyrek, K.M., 2014. Cross-Contamination Prevention: Addressing Keyboards as Fomites
6. 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).
7. Borchgrevink, C.P., Cha, J. and Kim, S., 2013. Hand washing practices in a college town environment. Journal of environmental health, 75(8), p.18.; Hand Washing Practices in a College Town Environment, Journal of Environmental Health
8. Source: https://www.ehstoday.com/archive/article/21904825/the-dirty-truth-about-your-desk
