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How Clean Are Classrooms?

11/01/17 By Dana Szymkowiak

In this presentation, ISSA Senior Training Specialist Mark Warner speaks about cleaning and disinfecting facilities for the upcoming school year and provides input on how to remain germ-free throughout the year. Warner explains that it is the school’s responsibility to thoroughly clean all appliances and utilities before kids return to school. Therefore, it is a mission of ISSA to help schools prepare during summer. At the same time, Warner notes that it is impossible to disinfect every single surface. And no matter how unblemished the building may be, “as soon as people start entering the building, they bring along with them anything they could be carrying on their skin or the soles of their shoes for that matter”. His advice? Be on your own guard. Wash your hands often and refrain from touching your face and scratching wounds in order to keep sickness away.

  • Every school should have a kit to clean up spills like blood, bodily fluid, and vomit. Our National Standard EZ-Cleans Kit, originally designed for school busses, is an economic alternative for workers not needing complete face and body protection. This kit is easy to use and all components are disposable for easy clean up.
  • SaniZide Plus is a convenient, fast-acting, multipurpose cleaner, disinfectant, and deodorizer that can be used on a variety of surfaces such as floors, walls, ceramic, stainless steel, and more. This product controls mold and mildew and helps prevent cross-contamination while complying with health standards. Also, try our ready-to-use, durable SaniZide Plus Germicidal Wipes.

Where is the area of biggest concern with germs at school?

The interviewer suggests a restroom would ideally be one of the most hazardous places at school when talking about germs, but Warner claims it is not necessarily. Warner admits bathrooms are detailed nearly every day so it is likely to be a less hazardous area. Of course, cafeterias, gymnasiums, and locker rooms are all areas of concern. “Any room with horizontal surfaces above the floor”, such as desks, tables, and shelves, are the most likely to unnoticeably collect bacteria. Surfaces can be easily overlooked if they seem unsoiled. One of the most overlooked areas, according to Warner, is a reception or welcome desk simply because there are many people frequently coming in and out of that area. 

Should children be encouraged to use hand sanitizer or soap and water?

Most hand sanitizers are created to kill germs and bacteria. However, bacteria and germs have evolved to survive certain sanitizers and wipes. Soap and water does not kill bacteria, but Mark Warner claims, “It doesn’t matter if it is dead or alive if it’s going down the drain. You don’t have to kill it if you can remove it”. Soap and water is still just as effective as anything else.

  • In the absence of soap and water, try our p.a.w.s. Antimicrobial Hand Wipes. This convenient product kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria and has the ability to remove debris and soil from hands and underneath fingernails while complying with CDC, APIC, and OSHA hand washing recommendations.
  • Safetec Instant Hand Sanitizer prevents the spread of germ causing illnesses and infections, killing 99.9% of widespread germs. This product meets OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard 1910.1030 and CDC hand washing recommendations in the absence of soap and water.
  • SaniWash is an antimicrobial hand wash that aids in reducing the risk of cross-contamination while helping you meet APIC, CDC, and OSHA standards for hand washing. This product is formulated to kill germs effectively while remaining gentle on skin.

Are air hand dryers a better option than paper towels after using the restroom?

The answer depends on the type of dispenser that is being used. Paper towel dispensers used to have levers. These levers were hubs for cross-contamination so air dryers began to emerge. Although air hand dryers are preferred over lever-operated paper towel dispensers, there is still a contamination factor. As air jets out of the dryer, there is a possibility that germs and bacteria are propelled into the surrounding air. However, most modern paper towel dispensers are now “no-touch” and highly sanitary. Warner suggests paper towels from a “no-touch” dispenser are the best option if available.

 

Source: https://www.issa.com/video#533