Coronavirus: A Guide to Disinfection for Workplaces

March 17, 2020
Coronavirus: A guide to disinfection for workplaces

In his recent public speech on March 12, 2020, Singapore’s Prime Minister, Mr. Lee Hsien Loong addressed the economic concerns arising from the current coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak. To support businesses, workers and households in crisis, the government announced a $4 billion support and stabilisation package last month. A second package of measures to keep everyone stay afloat while grappling with the current challenging situation has been promised.

While several economic measures are undertaken in this period, the National Environment Agency (NEA) has issued specific guidelines for cleaning and disinfection for businesses in the non-healthcare sector to keep their premises safe from SARS-CoV-2, the official name of the coronavirus causing the Covid-19 disease.

Studies reveal that the virus can survive on surfaces of different kinds for 2-3 days. The virus can survive on plastic and stainless steel for up to 72 hours and on cardboard for up to 24 hours. So, before you start your shift from the office or shared working space:

  1. Disinfect your laptop or desktop, keyboard, mouse, phone and any object you often touch
  2. Maintain at least six feet physical distance from your colleagues to reduce the risk of infection through droplets

Items to use for disinfection

The disinfection process you need to undertake is quite stringent. Bleach can be used for cleaning and disinfection provided it is left for a contact time of at least 10 minutes on surfaces. However, bleach cannot be used on all surfaces. Alcohol-based solutions are recommended for surfaces like metal to keep the coronavirus away.

While carrying out cleaning and disinfection, you must wear disposable gloves, disposable long sleeved gowns, eye goggles and N95 masks at all times. Wash hands with soap and water before a new cleaning equipment is worn. It is also important to dispose of all wearables responsibly.

Disinfection and post-disinfection care

Cleaning guidelines for areas exposed to confirmed cases is a step-up from the normal practice. These identified areas must be sealed off first before disinfection. Also, the area has to be ventilated. Apart from cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, toilets and floors, curtains and fabrics should be removed and washed using a hot water cycle, ie, washing with detergent  in water at 70 degree C for at least 25 minutes. Sendhelper laundry service provides professional antiviral and anti-bacterial washing and dry cleaning services across Singapore.

NEA reiterates on the necessity of responsible disposal of cleaning equipment after cleaning and disinfection. Mop head, wiping clothes, gloves and gowns must be collected in biohazard bags after disinfecting each area to prevent cross contamination. Also, it is important to avoid using the area the next day.

Hire specialists to disinfect

Keeping your workplace clean and hygienic has never been more critical and necessary than ever before. We recommend you to follow NEA’s guideline while performing the disinfection process. If you find you do not have the expertise and experience to carry out such an extensive deep cleaning process, use Sendhelper professional disinfection service that uses our partner’s proprietary technology to protect your premises for upto a year.

We offer two kinds of disinfection service to choose from: Titan365 and Germclean.

Titan365 gives your premises maximum protection for 365 days. Through photocatalytic activity of Titanium Dioxode (TiO2), this disinfection process eliminates up to 99.99% of virus, bacteria, mould, and fungus. Our hygiene specialists will sanitise all surfaces including hard-to-clean corners.

Germclean uses a proprietary Germclean solution in a specialised electrostatic machine. This disinfection service protects your workplace including hard-to-reach places for 30 days from viruses and bacteria.

Services recommended for you

1 Paya Lebar Link, #12-01/04, Paya Lebar Quarter, PLQ, #1, Singapore 408533

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