We know that the Coronavirus can spread from one person to another, often due to close contact with other people. Transmission occurs because of respiratory droplets which stick on surfaces. Contaminated surfaces play a huge role in virus transmission. Most virus disinfection service in Dubai offer preventive disinfection solutions  to combat the virus.

The Dubai Municipality has released a set of guidelines on virus disinfection service in Dubai.

1. Preparation

Before cleaning and disinfection is carried out, the facility should first be prepared for a more effective cleaning and disinfection. Follow the Dubai Municipality guidelines below:

• Remove curtains/ fabrics/ quilts for washing, preferably using the hot water cycle. For hot-water laundry cycles, wash with detergent or disinfectant in water at 70ºC for at least 25 minutes. If low-temperature (i.e. less than 70ºC) laundry cycles are used, choose a chemical that is suitable for low-temperature washing when used at the proper concentration.

• Where possible, seal off areas where the confirmed case has visited, before carrying out cleaning and disinfection of the contaminated environmental surfaces. This is to prevent unsuspecting persons from being exposed to those surfaces.

2. Cleaning Guidelines

Cleaning is a prerequisite to disinfection. Cleaning involves the removal of visible dirt, soil, and germs on surfaces. Below are the Dubai Municipality guidelines on Cleaning of Built Environments with suspected cases of Coronavirus:

• When cleaning areas where a confirmed case has been, cleaning crews should be attired in suitable PPE (see section 2.2 above). 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. Goggles, if used, should be disinfected after each use, according to manufacturer’s instructions. Hands should be washed with soap and water immediately after the PPE is removed.

• Clean toilets, including the toilet bowl and accessible surfaces in the toilet with soap and water solution.

• Cleaning methods that might aerosolize infectious material, such as the use of compressed air, must not be used.

3. Disinfection Guidelines

Disinfection is the process of eliminating viruses and bacteria. It is usually done with a chemical disinfectant solution. The Municipality suggests a bleach formula (10% bleach and 90% water) which is effective in itself as a disinfectant agent. The specific guidelines are below:

• Keep windows open for ventilation, where workers are using disinfectants.

• Mop floor with disinfectant or the prepared bleach solution.

• Wipe all frequently touched areas (e.g. lift buttons, handrails, doorknobs, arm rests, seat backs, tables, air/ light controls, keyboards, switches, etc.) and toilet surfaces with chemical disinfectants (use according to manufacturer’s instructions) and allow to air dry.

• Bleach solution (dilute 1 part bleach in 49 parts water, 1000 ppm or according to manufacturer’s instructions) can be used. Alcohol (e.g. isopropyl 70% or ethyl alcohol 70%) can be used for surfaces, where the use of bleach is not suitable.

• Clean toilets, including the toilet bowl and accessible surfaces in the toilet with disinfectant or bleach solution.

• Wipe down all accessible surfaces of walls as well as blinds with disinfectant or bleach solution.

• Arrange for a disinfection company to properly disinfect the mattresses, pillows, cushions or carpets that have been used by the person who has been confirmed to have germs and viruses.

• Repeat mopping the floor with the prepared disinfectant or bleach solution.

• Disinfect non-porous cleaning equipment used in one room, before using for other rooms. If possible, keep the disinfecting equipment separated from other routine equipment.

• Disinfect buckets by soaking in disinfectant or bleach solution, or rinse in hot water before filling.

• Discard equipment made of cloths/ absorbent materials (e.g. mop head and wiping cloths) after cleaning each area, to prevent cross contamination.

• Disinfectant or bleach solution should be applied to surfaces using a damp cloth. They should not be applied to surfaces using a spray pack, as coverage is uncertain and spraying may promote the production of aerosols. The creation of aerosols caused by splashing liquid during cleaning should be avoided. A steady sweeping motion should be used when cleaning either floors or horizontal surfaces, to prevent the creation of aerosols or splashing.

4. After Cleaning & Disinfection

Upon cleaning & disinfection, it is essential to dispose of biohazard materials and equipment used to prevent cross-contamination. Follow the strict rules of Dubai Municipality in terms of waste disposal.

• Discard cleaning equipment made of cloths and absorbent materials, e.g. mop head and wiping cloths, into biohazard bags after cleaning and disinfecting each area. Wear a new pair of gloves and fasten the double-bagged biohazard bag with a cable tie.

• Leave the disinfected area, and avoid using the area the next day.

• Biohazard bags should be properly disposed of, upon completion of the disinfection work.

• Cleaning crews should wash their hands with soap and water immediately after removing the PPE, and when cleaning and disinfection work is completed.

• Discard all used PPE in a double-bagged biohazard bag, which should then be securely sealed and labeled.

• The crew should be aware of the symptoms, and should report to their occupational health service if they develop symptoms

The Municipality has published a list of companies that provide virus disinfection service in Dubai.

Source: Dubai Municipality Guidelines for Cleaning & Disinfection in Built Environments