Keeping it Clean Amidst COVID-19

We are all struggling – and working – together to get past the vast and vicious aspects of the Coronavirus. Keeping people safe is Priority #1, and facilities of all types are working diligently through the processes required to clean facilities.

From essential business forced to stay open to those forced to close, all are working diligently to stop the spread of COVID-19. Keeping facilities clean is a daily task to that end. And keeping medical facilities, hospital operating rooms, and all workers safe is top of mind for everyone.

Many facilities, including hospitals, have for years, been using intercom stations to maintain communications. Keeping them clean – amidst this COVID-19 pandemic – is paramount. But, intercom stations that are indoors are a bit more difficult to clean without damaging them. The good news is that many manufacturers offer push-button stations as well as liquid-safe LCD touch screen intercoms, like those currently used in hospital operating rooms. And, many systems can be upgraded while using existing wire infrastructure.

As your security integration partner, NextGen is here to help improve sanitary communication and employee safety. Intercoms remain a very viable means of urgent communication, especially during these trying times. We partner with the leading manufacturers of indoor intercom stations and are working closely together with them. We are at the ready to help guide you through the ways to keep intercoms and all security systems clean, safe, and fully operational.

We offer below, and are very grateful for, the very informational guidelines from the CDC to assist in how to clean and disinfect facilities.

Together, we will follow these safety guidelines. Please contact us to discuss viable options and how we can help you get through this, together.

Stay well and safe.

CDC Guidelines – How to Clean & Disinfect Facilities

Hard (Non-porous) Surfaces

• If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
• For disinfection, most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.
  • A list of products that are EPA-approved for use against the virus that causes COVID-19 is available here. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products for concentration, application method and contact time, etc.
  • Additionally, diluted household bleach solutions (at least 1000ppm sodium hypochlorite) can be used if appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application, ensuring a contact time of at least 1 minute, and allowing proper ventilation during and after application. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
    • Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:
      • 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water or
      • 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

Soft (Porous) Surfaces

• For soft (porous) surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes, remove visible contamination if present and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. After cleaning:
  • If the items can be laundered, launder items in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and then dry items completely.
    • Otherwise, use products that are EPA-approved for use against the virus that causes COVID-19pdf iconexternal icon and that are suitable for porous surfaces

Electronics

• For electronics such as tablets, touch screens, keyboards, remote controls, and ATM machines, remove visible contamination if present.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products.
  • Consider use of wipeable covers for electronics.
  • If no manufacturer guidance is available, consider the use of alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol to disinfect touch screens. Dry surfaces thoroughly to avoid pooling of liquids.

Linens, Clothing, and Other Items That Go in the Laundry

• In order to minimize the possibility of dispersing virus through the air, do not shake dirty laundry.
• Wash items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty laundry that has been in contact with an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.
• Clean and disinfect hampers or other carts for transporting laundry according to guidance above for hard or soft surfaces.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Hand Hygiene:

• The risk of exposure to cleaning staff is inherently low. Cleaning staff should wear disposable gloves and gowns for all tasks in the cleaning process, including handling trash.
  • Gloves and gowns should be compatible with the disinfectant products being used.
  • Additional PPE might be required based on the cleaning/disinfectant products being used and whether there is a risk of splash.
  • Gloves and gowns should be removed carefully to avoid contamination of the wearer and the surrounding area. Be sure to clean hands after removing gloves.
  • If gowns are not available, coveralls, aprons or work uniforms can be worn during cleaning and disinfecting. Reuseable (washable) clothing should be laundered afterwards. Clean hands after handling dirty laundry.
• Gloves should be removed after cleaning a room or area occupied by ill persons. Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed.