The Covid-19 epidemic shows no sign of going away any time soon, and this means restrictions, including lockdowns, will be in place for some time to come. Lockdowns usually mean businesses must close, but there are many, across a wide range of industries, which need to stay open – albeit with Covid secure systems in place.
Contamination by Covid 19 depends on varying factors including how much virus is shed by individuals and the type of surface which can be vulnerable to retaining virus particles and for how long. To prevent the spread of the virus within the workplace employers should comply with all government regulations when it comes to cleaning as well as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This means utilizing the very latest and best cleaning and sanitising products on the market to protect workers and others from the virus. Here, the workplace specialists at WorXmart have provided guidance on how to go about decontaminating your workplace.
Fogging Machines
These machines are perfect for combating Covid-19 indoors or outdoors and come in a range of sizes from small, compact handheld ones up to giant machines capable of decontaminating large industrial areas.
Fogging machines work by spraying a very fine mist of a chemical solution and often an antiviral disinfectant onto surfaces and into difficult to reach corners. The fine mist it produces can also help to neutralize airborne contaminants. Once enough time has elapsed after fogging, surfaces are generally left clean and sanitised and safe enough for human contact again.
Sterilisation
Sterilisation is the ultimate in decontamination as it destroys every trace of bacteria and viruses, and this is why sterilisation is most commonly used in hospitals and other medical settings. In these cases, it will involve disassembling equipment to ensure absolute cleanliness and will use industrial-grade disinfectants and very hot temperatures.
Sanitisation for Personal Use
Hand sanitisers, often alcohol-based, are a common sight everywhere and should be the first point of contact for all people entering or leaving a work area. These should ideally contain between 60-80% alcohol for maximum virus-beating effectiveness and should be used several times a day. Hand sanitisers should not be used on surfaces as they are not as effective as a disinfectant at eliminating microbes on hard surfaces.
Cleaning Products for General Use
Cleaning is the most basic and most important part involved in keeping places and people safe from infection. Regular and thorough cleaning is recommended for all domestic and industrial settings to assist in limiting the spread of Covid-19 and other viruses. Public Health England recommends that all surfaces are regularly cleaned, especially after coming into contact with people, using standard cleaning products such as soap and hot water, bleach and strong disinfectant. This should apply to communal kitchen and bathroom areas within all industrial and retail settings.
It is also essential that personnel wash their hands regularly and, when necessary, wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if using strong chemicals to clean by hand or machine.
Every item within a workplace could be a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria, from pens and keyboards up to industrial equipment. It should be kept free of fingerprints, dirt and dust which can harbor the virus. Disinfectant wipes and sprays along with regularly changed cleaning cloths should be supplied to every employee and workstation.
Be Vigilant
Covid-19 spreads through droplets in coughs and sneezes as well as through direct contact, and it is for this reason that an essential tool we have at our disposal is vigilance. Regular cleaning and disinfecting with specialist equipment, in conjunction with daily cleaning by individuals is the surest way to combat this disease and keep workplaces safe.
