Cleanroom and Critical Environment

Are you preparing to reopen your facility or workplace following the COVID-19 outbreak? Are you working to establish suitable procedures to ensure your workforce and other individuals are safe on their return to work?

Having a robust plan for safe working and minimizing any risks of virus transmission will help ensure your business can operate effectively and efficiently.  Establishing clear procedures for cleanliness and hygiene will also help reassure staff and boost their confidence that they can return to work safely.

Social distancing and masks will help to minimize the risk of direct transmission of the virus from person to person, but how can you prevent the infection from being transmitted via surfaces?

Recent studies have reported that the coronavirus can survive for varying amounts of time on different surfaces, up to 7 days in some cases.

• Cardboard - 24 hours
• Copper - 4 hours
• Plastic - over 72 hours
• Stainless steel - over 72 hours

If the virus can remain active for so long, how can we protect the workforce from inadvertently transmitting the virus as they touch door handles, tools, and equipment?

Luckily, research has also shown that coronaviruses can be mitigated within one-minute by using alcohol-based disinfectants, bleaches, and other cleaners. So, which are the best cleaning products for eliminating coronavirus in the workplace?

Using 70% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) as a Disinfectant

IPA or isopropyl alcohol is a widely available disinfectant that is very effective against bacteria and some viruses, including coronavirus. When using IPA 70% as a disinfectant, it's essential to ensure you are using the 70% version, which contains 70 parts IPA to 30 parts water. The 30% water content is crucial to the process, facilitating the IPA to penetrate and deactivate the coronavirus.

Other concentrations of IPA are available, but are generally used for different purposes. 70% solutions are optimum if your primary aim is to disinfect.

70% IPA spray

Transferring IPA 70% to spray bottles is an economical and ideal way for cleaning large surfaces, ensuring the area is left clean and sanitized. You'll also need to choose an appropriate type of dry wipe for applying the spray:

• Disposable wipes - to minimize the risk of cross-infection, you may wish to use a cheaper disposable option with your 70% IPA spray. This is good for large surfaces that receive regular contact and where frequent cleaning may be required.  
• Reusable wipes - for some applications, a reusable wipe might be appropriate, although it will be necessary to take steps to ensure it is disinfected between uses to avoid cross-contamination of surfaces.  For general purpose cleaning, a poly-cellulose wipe is ideal. Higher grade wipes have reduced the risk of linting if you are working in a cleanroom environment.

Presaturated 70% IPA wipes

This type of wipe comes in a presaturated IPA solution dispenser pack, allowing convenient use, making them ideal for frequently touched surfaces or shared tools and equipment. The convenience of use means they can be incorporated into work procedures, and they're ideal for encouraging use by individuals whenever they may need to use shared areas.

TechSpray Isopropyl Alcohol 70% Wipes are a high-grade wipe which is ideal for cleaning electronics. They're made of a lint-free, tear-resistant, highly absorbent cellulose-polyester material, and they're plastic-safe.

Lab Pro 70% IPA Wipes are an excellent general purpose wipe, ideal for cleaning workspaces, tools, and other surfaces. They're made of a durable, lint-free, tear-resistant polyester.

Personal Protective Equipment

Don't forget that those undertaking cleaning activities will need protection. Disposable gloves are essential to avoid cross-contamination via the hands.

Disposable Powder Free Nitrile Gloves are ideal for general hand protection. They have enhanced strength and tear resistance and come in all sizes from extra-small to extra-large.  They do not contain any latex, so you don't need to worry about potential allergies.

It may also be appropriate to wear a mask when carrying out cleaning, and a wide range of types are available depending on requirements. Make sure you choose a suitable mask type depending on your specific needs and risk assessments.

Personal Hygiene

You'll also need to ensure that staff have access to the facilities and products necessary to maintain good personal hygiene. Washrooms should all be equipped with an effective disinfecting soap, and hand sanitizer should be made available to all employees.

RICCA Hand Sanitizer is formulated to meet the World Health Organization (WHO) and FDA requirements. It contains 75% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA), which is effective against coronavirus and is available in 10-liter cubes perfect for countertop use.

For over 40 years, Lab Pro Inc. has been committed to providing lab and office cleaning disinfectants in California and worldwide. To learn more, visit the biggest Lab Supply showroom in California, or contact us online or at 888-452-2776.