Developed by the Simmons Center for Hygiene and Health in Home and Community in collaboration with the Cleaning Industry Research Institute (CIRI) August 2009.
What is H1N1?
H1N1 is considered highly contagious and spreads from person to person most likely in a couple of different ways: when an ill person sneezes or coughs, the infected droplets can enter another person through the nose, mouth, or eyes; or the droplets can land on a contact surface (e.g. a doorknob) that is then touched by another person who then puts his/her hand up to their face.1 Because H1N1 is a new variant virus, most people do not have immunity and may become ill or even die.
The following guidelines have been prepared specifically for Janitorial, Cleaning and Maintenance Staff and will address the following:
Measures to reduce the risk of infection for janitorial cleaning personnel
Routine cleaning procedures to reduce the risk of transmission during flu season or for any high risk community.
Additional cleaning procedures during an H1N1 flu outbreak
Guidelines for Cleaning Staffs
Measures to reduce the risk of infection for cleaning personnel
Wash hands frequently with soap and water and proper hand washing technique*. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 62% alcohol.
Treat hands as potentially contaminated and avoid touching the nose and eyes.
Sneeze or cough into a disposable tissue and discard it immediately in a wastebasket.
- If you are sick with the ‘flu, stay away from work and other people for at least 7 days if possible and until you have no fever for 48 hours.1
Routine cleaning procedures
Effective and routine cleaning procedures can reduce the risk of transmission during flu season or for any high risk community.
If using EPA registered disinfectants or cleaning/disinfectant products with demonstrated (proven) virucidal claims against flu viruses, remember to check the manufacturer’s instructions on “spectrum of action” and method of use (dilution, contact time, etc.). If using a product that’s labeled only for use as a disinfectant, remember that by federal law, the surfaces to be treated are required to be cleaned first.
While bleach is often used by itself, it does not clean, is highly corrosive to metals and is hazardous to skin, mucus membranes, and the respiratory system. If household bleach is used, an effective solution would require 1 part bleach for 10 parts water. Some bleach or other cleaning products (e.g. in spray form) may not require dilution and can be used “neat”. Regardless, always check the cleaning product’s label for use- dilution instructions and cautions.
Launder or replace potentially contaminated cleaning cloths and sponges between cleaning periods.
Wear appropriate protective equipment: gloves and splash protection2 (a face mask to prevent droplets containing flu virus from entering the eyes, nose, or mouth while cleaning.)
Clean surfaces that are touched by the hands or face diligently:
Doorknobs, light switches, elevator buttons, remote controls, handrails
Computer keyboards and mice, telephones, microphones
Cafeteria tables and chairs, coffeemakers, vending machines
Supply break rooms with dishwashing detergent and paper towels; clean and renew sponges frequently.
Renew bathroom supplies diligently: soap, disposable paper towels, effective waterless hand sanitizer, posters demonstrating proper hand washing procedure. Repair nonfunctioning air dryers ASAP.
Additional cleaning procedures
The H1N1 flu virus is effectively killed by bleach-based products or EPA registered disinfectants or cleaning/disinfectant products with demonstrated (proven) virucidal claims against flu viruses and effective cleaning protocols as previously described. However, during an H1N1 flu outbreak the following additional cleaning procedures are advisable:
- Touch points in high-traffic rooms and common areas (e.g. door handles for a main entrance) should be disinfected a minimum of 3 times daily.2
- Disinfectant “bombs” that set off a dry disinfectant meant to cover every surface in an enclosed rooms are recommended for certain crowded facilities such as schools.2
- Consider supplying individual offices and classrooms with disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer.
- Remove all reusable utensils, plates, cups, sponges, and towels from break rooms and cafeterias; replace with disposable goods.2
- Every business cleaning service should have a planned cleaning procedure to be used in an H1N1 flu pandemic, as well as a contingency plan should the janitorial staff become ill and unable to work.
- Swine flu: preventing spread in the home and community. International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene. April 2009. Downloaded from http://www.ifh-homehygiene.org on July 24, 2009.
- H1N1 Fact Sheet For Cleaning Professionals. Downloaded from http://www.cleanlink.com/cp/article/H1N1-Fact-Sheet-For-Cleaning-Professionals--10915 on July 24, 2009.
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