In any commercial or public environment, high-touch areas—such as door handles, light switches, elevator buttons, and bathroom fixtures—are hotspots for bacteria, viruses, and germs. Regular disinfection of these areas is essential for maintaining a clean and healthy space, protecting the well-being of employees, clients, and visitors alike. This guide highlights the importance of proper disinfection practices for high-touch areas, especially as they relate to janitorial services. Let’s explore why disinfection matters, best practices, and how janitorial teams can ensure thorough coverage of all key areas.
Why High-Touch Areas Need Regular Disinfection
High-risk areas in commercial settings see constant interaction, accumulating germs that can spread quickly between individuals. Proper disinfection in these zones minimizes the risk of infections, including respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases. With high-touch surfaces acting as potential vectors for viruses like the flu, colds, and even more severe infections, regular cleaning alone isn’t enough. Disinfection is required to kill pathogens effectively.
The benefits of consistent disinfection in high-touch areas include:
- Disease Prevention: Regular disinfection stops the spread of germs, creating a safer environment for employees and visitors.
- Reduced Absenteeism: Fewer sick days mean enhanced productivity, as employees are less likely to catch contagious illnesses.
- Peace of Mind: People feel more comfortable in a well-maintained space, which fosters trust in a business’s commitment to health and safety.
Identifying High-Touch Surfaces for Effective Disinfection
Every business environment has unique high-touch areas depending on the layout and purpose of the space. However, some common surfaces across most office and public spaces include:
1. Door Handles and Push Plates: These are handled countless times each day and are primary zones for cross-contamination.
2. Light Switches: Often overlooked, switches accumulate germs and require regular disinfecting.
3. Restroom Fixtures: Faucet handles, toilet flush levers, soap dispensers, and paper towel holders are essential for thorough bathroom disinfection.
4. Office Equipment: Items like telephones, computer keyboards, and shared copiers/printers should not be ignored.
5. Elevator Buttons and Handrails: Both areas are constantly used, especially in multi-story buildings.
Effective janitorial services should create a list of these high-touch areas and incorporate them into a regular disinfection schedule.
Best Practices for Effective Disinfection
To achieve optimal results in high-touch disinfection, it’s essential to understand the difference between **cleaning** and **disinfection**. Cleaning removes dirt and dust, while disinfection kills germs on surfaces, and both are necessary for a thorough janitorial regimen.
1. Use EPA-Approved Disinfectants
Select disinfectants that are **EPA-approved** and effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria and viruses. Check the product label for efficacy on common pathogens like influenza, staphylococcus, and more. Look for disinfectants with fast kill times and minimal residue.
2. Follow Proper Application Techniques
The effectiveness of disinfection depends heavily on application technique:
- Dwell Time: Allow the disinfectant to remain on the surface for the recommended dwell time to effectively kill germs. Rushing the process may leave harmful pathogens behind.
- Surface Coverage: Ensure that disinfectants are spread evenly across the surface. Inconsistent coverage leads to patchy results and leaves room for germs to survive.
- Avoid Cross-Contamination: Use clean, disposable wipes or microfiber cloths that are changed frequently to prevent spreading germs from one surface to another.
3. Schedule Frequent Disinfection
High-touch areas require frequent disinfection, especially during peak hours or seasons of high illness transmission. For offices or public areas with high foot traffic, janitorial staff should aim to disinfect at least once every few hours.
4. Train Janitorial Staff in Disinfection Protocols
Training janitorial staff is crucial for ensuring consistent and thorough disinfection. Staff should be well-versed in the proper use of disinfectants, the importance of dwell times, and high-touch areas to target.
5. Focus on Sustainable Practices
To promote eco-friendly practices, look for sustainable disinfecting agents that meet EPA standards but are also environmentally friendly. Many janitorial services are now adopting green cleaning solutions to minimize their carbon footprint and reduce chemical exposure for staff and building occupants.
Integrating Disinfection into Janitorial Services
An effective janitorial service seamlessly integrates disinfection into daily routines while customizing frequency based on the needs of the environment. Key strategies for achieving this include:
1. Creating a High-Touch Disinfection Checklist: A checklist can help ensure no area is overlooked. Include restrooms, workstations, common areas, and entrances in your list.
2. Daily Disinfection Protocols: Set specific tasks for daily disinfection, especially during peak hours. For instance, restrooms and entry points may require frequent attention throughout the day.
3. Designate a Rotation for Deep Disinfection: Even with regular disinfection, some areas benefit from a periodic deep-clean approach. This should include a deep disinfection session for all high-touch surfaces every week or bi-weekly.
4. Document Disinfection Procedures: Tracking and documenting each disinfection cycle ensures accountability and provides a record that clients can review to see how often and how thoroughly areas are being sanitized.
Tools and Technology to Enhance Disinfection
Modern janitorial services use advanced tools to streamline disinfection processes and improve results. Some technologies to consider include:
- Electrostatic Sprayers: These devices provide a fast, even coating of disinfectant on surfaces, making them ideal for reaching all sides of high-touch areas.
- UV-C Light Technology: Ultraviolet light devices are increasingly used in settings requiring a high level of disinfection, such as medical facilities. UV-C light kills bacteria and viruses on contact, offering an added layer of protection.
- Foggers and Misters: These devices apply disinfectants in a fine mist, ensuring broad coverage and reaching nooks and crannies that standard spray bottles can’t.
The Impact of Proper Disinfection on Health and Safety
By prioritizing disinfection in high-touch areas, janitorial services can have a significant impact on the overall health and safety of a workspace. Effective disinfection has several positive outcomes:
- Reduced Illness Transmission: With pathogens being eliminated regularly, the spread of illness among staff and clients is minimized, fostering a healthier workspace.
- Enhanced Business Reputation: Businesses that invest in disinfection practices demonstrate a commitment to health, enhancing their reputation with clients and employees.
- Compliance with Health Standards: Regular disinfection ensures that businesses meet health and safety regulations, avoiding penalties and keeping occupants safe.
Final Thoughts
High-touch areas in workplaces and public spaces are prime zones for contamination and require special attention to maintain a safe, healthy environment. Proper disinfection by a trained janitorial team plays an essential role in reducing illness transmission, enhancing indoor air quality, and maintaining a professional appearance.
For businesses, partnering with a janitorial service that understands the importance of regular, thorough disinfection is a wise investment in employee well-being and productivity. A proactive approach to disinfection not only helps prevent the spread of germs but also underscores a commitment to maintaining a safe, welcoming space for everyone.
NOVA BUILDING SUPPLY is your one stop shop for top tier cleaning products, supplies, and equipment across North America. We ship directly to our customers ensuring a seamless shopping experience. Explore our catalogue to enjoy significant savings.