Importance Of Sanitizing Schools and Colleges
In order to prevent the spread of germs and infectious diseases in schools and colleges, it is essential to take measures and preventive steps which will slow down and stop the spread of common infections like the common cold and flu, as well as infections like strep throat and chickenpox. This is the importance of sanitizing schools and colleges regularly and effectively.
There is a difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing. When you clean a surface, you are removing the dirt and impurities that are found on it. This can be done by using soap or detergent with water and physically removing the germs from these objects.
Cleaning does not really kill the germs, but it simply decreases their numbers. The disinfection process makes use of chemicals to kill germs on the surfaces. Disinfecting after cleaning the surfaces further lowers the number of germs and the risk of infections.
When we talk about sanitizing, the process requires either first cleaning or disinfecting surfaces and objects and then sanitizing. Sanitizing is a means of lowering the number of germs on surfaces to a level that has been judged safe by public health requirements or standards.
With the Covid 19 pandemic being in its third year, the need for sanitization and disinfection has become more urgent. Coronavirus is known to remain on surfaces for long periods of time. Schools and colleges must follow prevention strategies to protect and safeguard the students, the teachers, and other working staff and visitors who come to their premises.
Effective measures to stop the spread of infections and diseases
- Routine Cleaning and Disinfecting
Standard cleaning procedures must be followed for this purpose. Daily sanitize surfaces that are most often touched, like doorknobs, desks, countertops, and keyboards. Immediately clean surfaces that look dirty or soiled. Use gloves to clean surfaces that have been contaminated by blood or other bodily fluids.
- Use of Cleaning Products
The cleaning and disinfecting agent being used should match your requirements to the kinds of germs you want to kill. Some viruses are comparatively fragile, and killing them is easy. For other tougher viruses, special processes of cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing might be needed.
Fumigation, wiping of walls and ceilings are done in such extreme cases. However, these processes might cause other side effects such as skin infections, aggravated asthma, weighted asthma, or irritation in the eyes and nose. So one needs to be really careful. Following the directions of use on the product label is highly advisable. All who are involved in the cleaning and disinfecting process must understand the importance of safe and appropriate use of the cleaning agent.
If required, training should be provided to the staff responsible for the cleanliness and hygiene of the school or college building.
Bathrooms and showers, lockers, and child care facilities are places that should be considered a priority for disinfection and sanitization against germs.
Dwell Time
The disinfectant being used must be given enough time to remain on the surface for it to work. This time is called ‘dwell time.’ The dwell time varies with different products. Some need a longer dwell time while others can work faster and in a short space of time. It is a factor that needs to be kept in mind. If dwell time is not given, the cleaning agent will be unsuccessful in killing all the germs on the surface.
Waste Disposal
Proper disposal of waste is important. It should be done immediately. Emptying the trash cans and waste bins and keeping them clean is an essential part of disinfecting objects. Washing hands with soap and using a sanitizer afterwards is also an important step to keep yourself protected against germs and infections.
Keep Schools and Colleges Safe for Children
As schools and colleges reopen, teachers need to make sure that the children’s education can continue in a safe and healthy environment. Students in schools, colleges, and other institutions must be made to realize the importance of hygiene and sanitation.
If all students follow personal hygiene, if the school follows a regular cleaning routine and proper disinfecting and sanitizing procedures, then it will become easier to minimize the spread of infections and diseases.
Our school and college kids are our future. They are our assets. We need to produce healthy and happy kids as they are the ones who will take the reins of the country in their hands sooner than later.
Call 911 Restoration of Tampa
If you are looking for professionals who will sanitize and disinfect each and every part of your school or college, contact 911 Restoration of Tampa now at 813-280-0696. Our trained and IICRC certified team of professionals is ready to provide professional commercial or residential sanitization services 24/7.
Our sanitization process has two different parts; first, we use special decontaminating solutions to eradicate all bacteria from the property completely. The second part is the cleaning up process to make sure nothing is left behind.
Our customers’ health and safety are of the utmost importance to us, and each and every member of our team stays up to date with the latest CDC and EPA protocols. We can provide you with all the equipment and skills you would need to disinfect and sanitize your property completely.
