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Proper Surface Disinfection
Against The Antibiotic-Resistant MRSA “Superbug”
Spray Nine Corporation
Explains Recommended Cleaning & Disinfecting Techniques
(
Schools, prisons and other community areas are
making national news with reported cases.
MRSA,
which is spread through skin contact or through contact with contaminated
objects and environmental surfaces, is forcing a closer look at cleaning and
disinfecting regimens. Spray Nine Corporation, manufacturer of an
EPA-registered (#6659-3) cleaner/degreaser/disinfectant that kills MRSA in 45
seconds, has released information pertinent to cleaning and disinfecting
surfaces to help prevent MRSA’s spread.
“The CDC has identified five C’s associated with the spread of MRSA – Contact, Crowding, Contaminated items,
Compromised skin integrity and Cleanliness” explains Regulatory and
Safety Manager, Marjorie Derrico. “Since there are no vaccines in place at this
time, proper hand washing and proper techniques for cleaning and disinfecting
surfaces play an important role at preventing MRSA’s spread.”
According
to Derrico, many factors play into proper hand washing, cleaning and
disinfecting:
·
Hand washing should be done frequently to reduce the risk of infection.
Alcohol based hand cleaners are effective when hands are not visibly dirty.
Otherwise, hand washing should be performed with antibacterial soap and warm
water.
·
Commercial disinfectants cannot guarantee results on porous surfaces
including clothing, sheets, and blankets. These surfaces should be washed in
hot water above 160 ◦F using bleach. User a
commercial drying machine on high heat to help kill the bacteria.
·
An EPA-registered disinfectant proven effective against MRSA should be
used to disinfect hard, non-porous surfaces. Look for a registration number on
the label.
·
A product that kills Staphylococcus aureus does not necessarily kill
MRSA, which is an antibiotic-resistant variant. Make sure the label
specifically lists Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as a germ
killed, or call the manufacturer to obtain proof.
·
To ensure complete disinfection, each product will list a “contact
time” on the label. Surfaces must be wet with disinfectant for the duration of
this contact time. Disinfectants with longer contact times can require up to 10
minutes, meaning surfaces must be kept wet with disinfectant for 10 minutes.
Maintenance staff must be properly trained in this concept to ensure effective
application, especially since long contact time often means re-applying
disinfectant to the surface once or more.
·
When quaternary disinfectants are used on surfaces that may come into
contact with food, a thorough rinsing with water is necessary to remove the
thin coating they form.
·
Do not dilute a ready-to-use disinfectant, as doing so may weaken the
product’s ability to kill germs as advertised.
·
A cleaner/disinfectant can clean and kill germs on hard, non-porous
surfaces in areas such as locker rooms, classrooms, cafeterias, bathrooms,
lockers and other high-traffic areas.
·
Suggested high-traffic surfaces considered critical for regular
cleaning and disinfecting include desks, tables, chairs, benches, lockers,
toys, door knobs, light switches, telephones, sinks, toilets, showers,
refrigerator exteriors and more.
More
information on cleaning surfaces and disinfecting against MRSA is available by
visiting www.spraynine.com/MRSA. Questions can also be
answered by calling 1-800-477-7299. Interviews available, contact extension
116.
ABOUT SPRAY NINE – Spray Nine is an EPA-Registered (#6659-3) Cleaner /
Disinfectant that kills MRSA in 45 seconds and helps prevent the spread of
germs through cross contamination of surfaces. For over 50 years, millions of
customers worldwide have trusted Spray Nine to clean tough soils, disinfect
against germs, and help prevent mold growth.
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