How Frequently Should I Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces in My Office Building?

Regular cleaning staff can clean and disinfect community spaces per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Employers should ensure that cleaning staff are appropriately trained on how to use cleaning equipment and EPA registered disinfection chemicals. Since coronavirus (COVID-19) can survive on surfaces for up to 17 days, there are a number of high-touch surfaces that should be cleaned multiple times each day by janitorial staff to reduce the likelihood of any kind of potential transfer. 

Read, ‘The Truth About Fogging: CDC Recommended Cleaning & Disinfection Procedures for COVID-19.’

HIGH-TOUCH SURFACE IN WORKPLACES:

  • Stair railings
  • Door knobs/door handles
  • Water fountain buttons
  • Sinks
  • Faucets
  • Elevator buttons
  • Light switches
  • Computer keyboards/mouse
  • Telephones
  • Remote controls 
  • Countertops in shared spaces
  • Conference tables
  • Breakroom tables

Who Should Cleanup After COVID-19?

Should an employee test positive for COVID-19 it is recommended that businesses seek assistance from industry professionals specializing in infectious disease cleanup rather than attempt to tackle the situation themselves. The negative implications of doing it in-house are two-fold; it endangers janitorial staff that is not properly trained in infectious disease cleaning and can leave your business open to liabilities under the General Duty Clause, 29 USC 654, section 5(a)(1).

Cleaning Up After a Confirmed Case of COVID-19 in the Workplace

  • Close off the areas used by the confirmed COVID-19 positive person(s) immediately.
  • Advise all staff and contractors to not enter the building until further notice.
  • Contact professionals experienced in biohazardous and infectious disease cleanup.
  • Wait 24 hours before they clean AND disinfect the area.
  • Request the professionals wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) open outside doors and windows to the area to increase air circulation.
  • Ensure all areas used by the person are cleaned and disinfected including shared offices, bathrooms, common areas, shared electronic equipment like tablets, touch screens, keyboards, remote controls, etc.

Workers without close contact with the person(s) who tested positive can return to work immediately after disinfection. Meanwhile, daily cleaning and disinfection should continue, paying special attention to high-touch surfaces. 

Alternative Disinfection Methods Not Recommended by the CDC

Alternative disinfection methods like ultrasonic waves, high-intensity UV radiation, and LED blue light against the COVID-19 virus are not known at this time.

The CDC states that ‘The EPA does not routinely review the safety or efficacy of pesticidal devices, such as UV lights, LED lights, or ultrasonic devices. Therefore, EPA cannot confirm whether, or under what circumstances, such products might be effective against the spread of COVID-19.”

Additionally, the CDC does not recommend the use of sanitizing tunnels. They have found no evidence that sanitizing tunnels are effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19.

The CDC only recommends the use of the surface disinfectants identified on List N. These are all disinfectants Aftermath Services is experienced and well trained in how to use effectively.

When to Seek Professional COMMERCIAL Coronavirus Cleaning

Disease outbreak is an extremely serious situation and we understand that the health and safety of you, your family, and employees are on the line. Don’t take any chances; call in the professionals as soon as you have a confirmed case of COVID-19. Aftermath Services can answer any questions you have and also explain the entire process from start to finish. For more information on how we clean visit our COVID-19 webpage or call us with any questions at 877-769-6917.

More Information on COVID-19 

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