Each and every day, tens of
millions of people walk through the doors of schools, office
buildings, malls, banks and restaurants leaving behind the
unseen. Over the last several years the world has witnessed
outbreaks of viruses including Norovirus, C-MRSA, Avian Bird
Influenza H5N1 and most recently Swine Influenza H1N1. These
viruses and microorganisms are not going away. In fact, the
concern is that they will become stronger and have a much larger
impact on society. So what can be done to help reduce these
diseases from spreading and causing businesses to shut down?
First, organizations must understand that disinfecting the
surface one time after an outbreak is not sufficient to ensure
the facility is properly protected on a regular basis. This is an
ongoing process and every organization must have the proper
procedures in place to ensure that the facility surfaces have
reduced bio-loads each and every day. These actions require the
Right Staff, Right Training, Right Chemical and Right Equipment
at the Right Time.
It is critical for facilities to have an
ongoing surface disinfection program with highly trained
individuals who understand proper disinfection techniques and who
know what surfaces have the biggest impact on the facility. The
use of EPA hospital grade disinfectants, such as the 3M line of
cleaning products and Rubbermaid’s HYGEN microfiber system,
assist in providing front line protection to the facility and the
people who work or visit there.
Most important though, is the
staff that provides the cleaning and disinfecting of the facility
must understand how to break the chain of infection. Poorly
trained cleaning crews that incorporate improper procedures can
actually do more harm than good by spreading the virus. Proven
techniques such as using color-coded cloths on specific surfaces
helps reduce cross contamination and will further protect your
facility, employees and visitors on a regular basis.
About
Jani-King Healthcare
Services From Jani-King International’s
global headquarters in Addison Texas, CDC news and local
conditions are monitored to ensure that all Jani-King Regional
Support Offices have the most up to date information on any
outbreaks or natural disasters. Jani-King also works closely with
the American Society of Healthcare Environmental Services to gain
critical knowledge of the proper procedures and best practices
for surface disinfecting.
