CLEANING AND DISINFECTING INSTRUCTIONS
UPDATED MAY 2020 IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19
The Australian Government’s Department of Health (2020) suggests that the length of time that SARS-COV-2 (the cause of COVID-19) survives on inanimate surfaces will vary depending on factors such as the amount of contaminated body fluid present, such as respiratory droplets, and environmental temperature and humidity. It is unlikely that Coronaviruses will survive for long once droplets produced by coughing or sneezing dry out.
Safe Work Australia (2020) recommend a combination of cleaning and disinfecting as the most effective way to remove the COVID-19 virus from surfaces in the workplace. They make the following distinction between cleaning and disinfecting:
Cleaning is the physical removal of germs, dirt and organic matter from surfaces.
Disinfecting is using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces.
It is important to clean before disinfecting because organic matter and dirt can inactivate the ability of disinfectants to kill germs.
Follow the cleaning instructions below when divider s, wall or ceiling surfaces are visibly dusty or dirty. Cleaning will reduce the soil/dust load on the surface , allowing a disinfectant to work and kill theCOVID-19 virus.
CLEANING Warning: DO NOT SATURATE PRODUCT WITH WATER.
REGULAR CLEANING
Vacuum regularly using low suction and smooth attachment. A lint roller can be used to remove most light dust and fluff particles.
Professional cleaning recommended.
Do not use dishwashing or laundry detergents, only use upholstery detergent.
Allow to dry away from direct heat thoroughly before re-use.
SPOT CLEANING
Treat spills and stains as soon as possible.
Avoid concentrated rubbing and use minimal pressure only.
Gently scrape soil or mop liquid from the surface of the fabric, do not scrub.
Apply proprietary cleaning agents strictly according to instructions to remove the residue of the spill.
Dry cleaning solvent can be used for spot cleaning.
Ensure adequate ventilation if the product is likely to be subject to excessive moisture.
DISINFECTING
The Department of Health (2020) suggests the use of a disinfectant for which the manufacturer claims antiviral activity, such as commonly used chlorine-based disinfectants like household bleach with active ingredient Sodium Hypochlorite or hospital grade disinfectants with active ingredient Benzalkonium Chloride.
A variety of strengths of household bleach are available. The concentration of active ingredient can be found on the product label. The Department of Health (2020) recommend using a 1000ppm (0.1%) bleach solution.
For example; White King Premium Bleach has a concentration of 4.0% Chlorine, so to achieve a 0.1% bleach solution, you would use 1 part bleach to 39 parts water or 250ml bleach in standard 10L bucket of water.
Note: Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and protective eye wear, should be worn when handling and preparing bleach solutions or disinfectants.
PREPARATION AND USE OF BLEACH SOLUTION
Bleach solutions should be made up daily using manufacturer’s instructions for appropriate dilution and use. Using a disposable paper towel or cloth, wipe the cleaned surface of Panel with bleach solution. Sufficient time is required to kill the virus, i.e., at least 10 minutes contact time.
USE OF DISINFECTANT WIPES
Using a disposable disinfectant wipe with active ingredient Benzalkonium Chloride 0.47% w/w, wipe the cleaned surface of a Mumble Panel. Sufficient time is required to kill the virus, i.e., at least 10 minutes contact time.
Please refer to individual product specification sheets, if provided.
References
Australian Government Department of Health. (2020). Environmental cleaning and disinfection principles for COVID-19. https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/03/environmental-cleaning-and-disinfection-principles-for-covid-19.pdf
Safe Work Australia. (2020). Cleaning to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-04/COVID-and-Cleaning-info-sheet.pdf