Surface disinfection and frequent hand sanitising works hand-in-hand to prevent transmissions of infectious diseases. 

Many of us are aware of the human-to-human transmission of infectious diseases, whether by direct contact or airborne droplets. That is why we wear masks and practise regular hand washing and sanitising. 

However, transmission of diseases via pathogen contaminated surfaces are just as likely to make you sick. In fact, it is potentially more dangerous due to the lack of knowledge and awareness leading to negligence when it comes to proper disinfection and maintenance. 

Did you know that disease-causing pathogens in the form of bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa that are deposited on hard surfaces through human contact can survive and remain infectious from anywhere between a few hours to a few months? This means that you might catch a disease just by touching a contaminated surface long after the infected individual has left the area. 

Here are some examples of how long various pathogens can survive and remain infectious on hard surface:

 

Salmonella and campylobacter 

1-4 hours

Common cold virus

24 hours

Flu virus

48 hours

Coronavirus

up to 9 days

Norovirus and hepatitis A

up to 60 days

Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteria including MRSA

up to 4 weeks

influenza

4 Weeks

Source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

SURFACE DISINFECTION IS ABSOLUTELY VITAL AND MUST NEVER BE TAKEN LIGHTLY AS A DISEASE PREVENTING MEASURE. 

As a rule of thumb, places under an indoor setting that see high traffic and exposure to different individuals are required to conduct frequent disinfection with special attention paid to high touch surfaces. This works hand-in-hand with hand sanitising to keep the area at low risk from transfer of harmful micro-organisms. 

These are few of the various industries that would require stringent disinfecting regime involving an effective disinfectant, usually containing a 70% alcohol content. According to studies, these 70% alcohol-based disinfectants are able to kill off 99.9% of harmful pathogens in as quick as 1 minute.

Places That Needed Frequent Surface Disinfecting

-Schools and Childcare Facilities

– Colleges and Universities

– Fitness, Sports and Recreational Centres

– Event Spaces and Venues

– Religious Centres 

– Government Offices

– Shopping Centres

Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities

– Airlines and Public Transportation

– Banking Institutions

– Beauty and Wellness Centres

– Food and Beverage Outlets

– Businesses and Office Buildings

– and many more

In industries such as the above, more so for hygiene critical settings such as hospitals, healthcare and food-handling, frequent disinfection of high touch surfaces such as table tops, door handles, sinks, toilet handles, touch screens and switches are crucial in preventing the ongoing transmission of infectious diseases. 

 GUIDE FOR GOOD DISINFECTING WORK

The purpose of preventative or targeted disinfection on hard surfaces is to kill off harmful pathogens to prevent cross-transmission of infectious diseases. To ensure that all disinfection efforts are effective and not just a mere waste of time, good disinfecting work is important in the fight against harmful germs. 

Simple disinfecting tips for optimal hygiene and safety.

 

  1. Clean visibly dirty surfaces with soap and water.
  2. Disinfect using an effective disinfectant containing at least 70% alcohol, like GShield™ Disinfecting Wipes.
  3. Consider items to be moved or removed completely to minimise frequent handling by multiple individuals.
  4.  A good disinfection routine only works if done regularly and consistently. 
  5. Always follow directions on the label to ensure safety and avoid misuse. Always store disinfectants safely and away from children.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Determining areas that need to be cleaned.

 

A. What Are The Area That No Does Not Need Disinfection? 

  1. Outdoor areas only require routine cleaning. Outdoor environments with heat and sunlight naturally destroys germs. However, certain outdoor areas and facilities like bars and restaurants may have additional requirements.
  2. Unoccupied areas within the last 7 days only require routine cleaning as viruses generally do not survive this long. 
  3. Soft porous materials require thorough cleaning or laundering with soap and water.

 

B. What Are The Area That Needs Disinfection?

 

  1. Indoor areas that are occupied daily has to be disinfected.
  2. Frequently touched objects or surfaces by multiple people such as door handles, desks, phones, switches, taps should be disinfected daily. More frequent cleaning is required based on the level of usage and exposure. High traffic and high touch surfaces in public areas, for example, touch screens, shopping carts and point-of-sale (POS) keypads should be cleaned and disinfected after every use. 
  3. Non-porous materials like glass, metals and plastic should be disinfected. For example: tables, door knobs, switches, counter tops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, taps, sinks and touch screens. 

 

C. How frequent do surfaces need to be disinfected?

 

Frequently touched and handled surfaces in high human traffic areas such as keypads on payment terminals and ATM machines, touch screens, lift buttons, door handles, countertops, trolley handles should be disinfected  a few times daily. 

Less frequently touched surfaces in lower human traffic areas such as toys, equipment, computer keyboards, electrical switches can do with a rigorous daily disinfection. 

Outdoor surfaces or semi-outdoor surfaces that are exposed to sunlight generally do not need disinfecting, but for good measure, periodic disinfection from time to time is recommended for optimal hygiene. 

 

D. Why Are Disinfecting Wipes Preferable Over Spray Dispensers?

 

  1. Consistency. Wipes are saturated evenly with disinfecting solution to provide even and reliable application every time.
  2. Minimise Damage. Controlled concentration of chemicals ensure even application to avoid over-application that can cause damage to surfaces. 
  3. Safe. Over-applying disinfecting chemicals can release toxic fumes. Each wipe contain just the right amount to prevent harmful inhalation. Overuse can also be a potential fire hazard. 
  4. Prevents Unnecessary Mishaps. Evenly-moistened wipes prevent accidental ingestion by children and animals. Misuse by combining disinfectants can also cause respiratory irritation or release fatal gasses.
  5. No Spills And Mess. Each wipe is moistened with just the right amount to allow effective disinfection without any drips. This makes it safe enough to be used over switches.
  6. Cost Saving and Low Wastage. It is easy to over-apply disinfectant with spray dispensers. Disinfecting wipes reduce wastage and save costs in the long run.