The Coronavirus pandemic saw the need for office disinfection companies taking the frontlines, along with health workers who take on the COVID-19 outbreak. To save time and manpower, and ultimately protect their employees’ health, business owners turn to companies that specialize in disinfection.

If you’re a business owner planning to hire a disinfection company, here are some things to look out for.

1. Choosing a Safe Disinfectant

Germs can survive on surfaces of different materials for at least 2 to 3 days. Thus, surfaces potentially contaminated with microbes should be sanitized. For this, an appropriate  disinfectant should be used. The EPA has a list of approved disinfectants for use in commercial establishments. Each disinfectant should be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Check with the disinfection company as to which type of disinfectant they use in the whole process of removing germs and bacteria. Typically, most disinfectants have a kill rate of 99.999%. In this case, efficacy should not be the sole basis when choosing a disinfectant. Since offices are occupied built environments, the disinfectant that they use should also be human-grade and safe for humans. For this reason, chemical-free disinfectants are always preferred. These types of disinfectants do not have contact time and can be left to air dry, without the hazards of people ingesting them.

2. Disinfection Method

Disinfecting large office spaces with between 4,000 square ft. of office space to 60,000 square ft. require an extensive disinfection method that will cover all high-touch surfaces’ nooks and crannies. There are different types of disinfection methods for surfaces:

• Spraying

Spraying is a proven method to disinfect large areas. Mobile spraying units apply the disinfectant to surfaces quickly, easily and even over large areas. Through spraying, a comprehensive surface coating is activated with the disinfectant. This leads to a significant reduction in microbial presence of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. In addition, disinfectants which are in liquid form are suitable for surface application. Types of disinfectants such as alcohol, aldehydes, biguanides, bisphenols, diamidines, peroxygens, phenolics, quaternary ammonium salts and halogen-releasing compounds are better delivered through spraying.

• Fogging

The CDC has approved fogging as an effective disinfection method against pathogens. Fogging is done by using a static, built-in system with nozzles. Foggers are usually mobile equipment. Fogging staurates the atmosphere with a disinfectant fog, therefore, killing viruses and bacteria. Whole room disinfection through fogging enables difficult-to-reach places to be thoroughly disinfected.

• High-Pressure Steam

It is also possible to disinfect without chemistry. High-pressure steam is another effective method of disinfection. The ideal steam for disinfection and sterilization is dry, saturated steam and entrained water. Pressure becomes a means to obtain high temperature and kill microorganisms.

3. Safety Protocols

Office disinfection companies never come in empty-handed. The team should properly wearsuits, disposable gloves, and masks when proceeding with disinfection to avoid risks of contamination. Here are some safety guidelines according to the Dubai Municipality:

• Wear disposable gloves, disposable long-sleeved gowns, eye goggles or a face shield, and an N95 mask.
• Avoid touching the nose and mouth (goggles may help as they will prevent hands from touching eyes).
• Gloves should be removed and discarded if they become soiled or damaged, and a new pair worn.
• All other disposable PPE should be removed and discarded after cleaning activities are completed. Eye goggles, if used, should be disinfected after each use, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Hands should be washed with soap and water immediately after each piece of PPE is removed, following completion of cleaning.
• Masks are effective if worn according to instructions and properly fitted. Masks should be discarded and changed if they become physically damaged.