COVID-19
To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, owners and operators of buildings have obligations to take proper measure to disinfect their properties. Sanitization of buildings can be performed using EPA-registered disinfectants applied either through direct surface (abrasive cleaning) or through vaporized mist fogging.
Important Information Regarding COVID-19 Related Testing:
Currently, there is no analytical test available to determine if a surface is contaminated by the COVID-19 virus. An alternative would be a “cleaning efficacy survey” which would demonstrate that a sampled surface has been effectively cleaned of bacteria. If no bacteria is detected on a sanitized surface, then there is very likely no other microorganisms (fungi, viruses such as COVID-19) remain as well. If a virucide (a disinfectant designed to kill viruses) was also included in the surface cleaning protocol, then the surface test would indicate if the surface was properly treated. The test should be performed as soon as possible/immediately following cleaning of each area.
Recommended Cleaning Protocol:
When using a disinfectant, chlorine or peroxide-based cleaners have been found to be very effective against the COVID-19 virus and work by creating hydroxyl free radicals that kill pathogenic microbes such as bacteria, viruses (including COVID-19), and mold/fungi; the free radicals attack membrane lipids (fats), DNA, and other essential microbe cell components the cannot survive without. Because of this, these types of disinfectants are ideal cleaning choices for any property that requires a sterile environment.In addition to how the disinfectants work, another key aspect is their application. While direct surface cleaning can be useful in small areas/surfaces, properties with large areas or hard-to-reach spots may require a more sophisticated method. For these conditions, a vaporized mist fogger is useful to reach into corners and crevices that may be missed or are inaccessible for direct cleaning. Another cleaning option is to use ultraviolet light (UV) treatments to assist with sterilization; a combination of both fogging and UV treatment has been found to be very useful in reducing/eliminating microbes on a given surface.
What An Inspection Looks Like:
Our technician will collect surface samples from the recently sanitized areas to determine the efficacy of the cleaning. The inspector will note which areas have been sanitized and collect multiple samples from the desired locations to provide a representation of the surface (recommended minimum of 2 samples for smaller surfaces, larger surfaces as needed based on size). The ATP swab is placed into a luminometer which measures the Relative Light Units (RLUs) which is indicative of the amount of bacteria present on a surface; this type of testing is the same that is performed in healthcare and food processing settings. The inspector will be able to provide a rapid assessment (as fast as on-site or next business day) of the surfaces to determine if bacteria is detected; if no bacteria is found on a sanitized surface, then is very likely no other microorganisms (fungi, viruses such as COVID-19) remain as well.
