Enhanced Cleaning

Documents:

• Example - Enhanced Cleaning Frequency Chart
• Example - Enhanced Specification

Documentation is available via the Hayward Services client sharepoint portal.

Enhancing our cleaning requirements for our clients has been a priority during this year, with all efforts towards preventing the spread of the virus whilst operating within the guidelines.
 

Measures to Prevent Contamination:

Our concern at the beginning of the pandemic and of course still is, that there are no products proven to kill COVID-19.  Many suggestions were made, some extremely harmful such as bleach-based products, not confirmed to eradicate the virus.  Our focus was on a product that was, safe to the user, others and the surface being cleaned.   In summary, effective where reasonably practicable in managing the virus with an enhanced cleaning process.

We decided upon Selgiene Ultra, a viricidal disinfectant sourced to work alongside non harmful detergent based products.  Our existing products used in schools are detergent based and as detailed below, the narrative from clinical experts indicate they are highly regarded as critical in managing viruses by firstly breaking down the surface of the dirt and grime and preparing surfaces for the use of a suitable disinfectant. 
 

Clinical Experts Say:

For effective regular, everyday cleaning of surfaces, a neutral detergent is a perfect cleaning agent to choose.  The detergent will remove dirt and contaminants that can harbour pathogens and if the facility has a satisfactory standard of routine cleaning, then regular removal of dirt and dust should minimise the build-up of bacteria and viruses and the formation of a biofilm.

However, detergent solutions have been known to become contaminated with bacteria, (often found in the water used to dilute) if not changed frequently results in the cleaning process actually spreading these pathogens around the environment instead of removing them.  
 

Hayward Services:

As part of our routine induction and refresh training, operatives are trained on the correct methods, and how to manage the chemicals they use. 
 

Clinical Experts Say:

There are several indications when a disinfectant would be the product of choice, primarily in situations of high levels of contamination.  Disinfectants reduce higher bacterial counts than detergents but the product still relies on the removal of organic soil to be effective (Neutral Detergents).

Most experts recommend using a disinfectant to decontaminate the room infected with infectious disease. Multiple studies have demonstrated that a person is at a higher risk of infection if they were admitted to a room previously occupied by a person with the virus.  A disinfectant product is also used when there is persistent contamination with a pathogen, such as during an outbreak or when the area has endemic rates of disease.   Additionally, there are some pathogens which have potential resistance to detergent-based cleaning including C. difficile, MROs, and norovirus. Aside from the potential environmental toxicity issues, one of the draw-backs of disinfectants is that they require a minimum contact time to kill the pathogens. In practice this is not always achieved which may compromise their efficacy. 
 

Hayward Services:

We would recommend increased daily disinfectant use during periods where there is the risk of infection. The two products described above cannot work alone, and therefore are the ideal combination based on the information and guidance given.