The Coronavirus (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)) pandemic which causes the disease (Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)) has had a rapid global spread, causing a worldwide health crisis and subsequent financial crisis. The ripple effects of second and subsequent waves are being felt all around the world including here at home in Australia.
Infection is caused when the virus enters the body through the eyes, nose or mouth. Transmission of the virus through the eyes, nose or mouth if often a result of touching the face after touching a surface containing the virus. Droplets ejected from someone's cough or sneeze is another potential source of the virus.
The best way to prevent infection and the spread of COVID-19 is through the regular washing of hands with soap and water and the practising of social distancing.
Our Tiered Covid-19 Cleaning System
In an attempt to slow down the spread of the virus, we have implemented a tiered cleaning system that simplifies your choice in how to address the cleaning needs of your site.
| Level | Service | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Standard Office Cleaning | Currently in effect | Standard office cleaning (pre COVID-19). (*) |
| 2 | Enhanced Office Cleaning | When requested | Standard office cleaning + disinfecting of telephones and door handles. (*) |
| 3 | COVID-19 Overlay Cleaning Non-TGA Listed Disinfectant |
When requested | Standard office cleaning + cleaning of designated surfaces and high frequency touch points using a Non-TGA listed disinfectant (effective against COVID-19). (*) |
| COVID-19 Overlay Cleaning TGA Listed Disinfectant |
When requested | Standard office cleaning + cleaning of designated surfaces and high frequency touch points using a TGA listed disinfectant (effective against COVID-19 for up to 7-days or 200 touches, whichever is the lesser). (*) | |
| 4 | COVID-19 Deep Clean Fogging | When requested | Full office fogging clean of all surfaces using a TGA listed fogging disinfectant (effective against COVID-19 for up to 30-days). |
| * Available to customers that receive a regularly scheduled service (being a service which is completed at least once a month). | |||
High-Frequency Touch Points
There are points around your office that are touched regularly by you and your staff each day. Paying particular attention to these points whilst cleaning can reduce the chance of COVID-19 cross contamination between staff.
Such points typically include the following:
- Door handles
- Door frames
- Cupboard handles
- Desktops / table tops
- Desk / draw handles
- Telephones
- Keyboards
- Mice
- Light switches
- Remote controls
- Printers
- Photocopiers
- Fridges
- Microwaves
- Dishwashers
- Taps
- Other areas identified whilst on-site
Various COVID-19 Cleaning Methods
Just as there are various ways to clean a site, there are various ways to disinfect a site against COVID-19. Whilst some methods are more economical, other methods can be more thorough. Making the right choice depends on the situation at hand.
Overlay Cleaning (2-step Cleaning)
We use the general term 'Overlay Cleaning' as this type of clean is a 2-step process and can only be performed after a Standard Office Clean has been carried out. The active ingredients in a 2-step disinfectant that is effective against the COVID-19 virus should be applied to a clean surface. If the surface is not clean (EG: Visibly dirty with contaminates) then the disinfectants active ingredients may be used neutralising the surface contaminants instead of the COVID-19 virus.
2-in-1 Step Cleaning
The alternative to a 2-step clean is a 2-in-1 step clean. This type of clean removes the need to clean the surface prior to disinfecting. Whilst this initially appears to be a more attractive option, the cost associated with the acquisition of these particular types of disinfectants often makes this option much more costly.
Deep Clean Fogging
Cleaning by fogging is a practise commonly used in the food industry to clean commercial kitchens, cold rooms and slaughter rooms. A specialised fogging machine emits disinfectant as a fog or mist allowing it to adhere to all the rooms surfaces, even those inaccessible by hand. Generally speaking, these rooms are then hosed down to remove any residue. That said, this step would obviously be skipped in environments such as offices, etc.
Should a workplace that has had a confirmed case of COVID-19 require cleaning then fogging is the preferred option though it should be remembered that any and all surfaces will come into contact with the fogging disinfectant, including surfaces such as furnishings, carpets, electrical and electronic devices. Whilst that may be of initial concern, the TGA approved fogging disinfectant we use has passed all applicable tests for use on electrical and electronic devices.
What To Do If A Staff Member Tests Positive For COVID-19
If an office staff member tests position for COVID-19 then there are a number of sensible steps one should take to prevent further spread and to get your business back up and running as quickly as possible.
- Immediate close your office (to stop any further spread of the virus).
- All staff members who were in your office up to 2-days beforehand should immediately isolate in home quarantine for 7-days (to prevent any possible further spread of the virus).
- Contact us at Q CLEAN to schedule a COVID-19 deep clean fogging service of your office.
Scheduling in a deep clean fogging service is only a telephone call away. Once we receive notification of a confirmed case in your office, our response time to schedule and perform a fogging service is usually 6 - 12 hours.
Staff members who were not exposed to the confirmed case may return to your office as soon as 6-hours following the fogging service.
Should evidence of a valid COVID-19 deep clean be required then a document indicating such can be issued. Upon request, Swab Testing documentation can also be issued though this is required at the time of booking and will prolong the time required to schedule and preform the fogging service.
COVID-19 Disinfectants
TGA Listed Disinfectants
Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA) listed disinfectants are disinfectants that comply with specified microbiological tests. (1)
Here at Q CLEAN we use two different TGA listed products depending on the level of cleaning being performed.
For all Level 3 (manual) cleaning we use Aeris Active to disinfect surfaces and kill the COVID-19 virus. This hospital grade disinfectant is not only effective against the COVID-19 virus, but it also leaves an invisible protective antibacterial film ensuring the surface remains germ free for up to 7-days or 200 touches.
For all Level 4 (fog) cleaning we use Forcefield 4in1 Disinfectant + Protector to disinfect surfaces and kill the COVID-19 virus. This hospital grade disinfectant is not only effective against the COVID-19 virus, but it also leaves an invisible protective antibacterial film ensuring the surface remains germ free for up to 30-days.
Non-TGA Listed Disinfectants
Non-TGA listed disinfectants are disinfectants that have not been tested by the TGA but with the correct percentage of ingredients, is still effective against the COVID-19 virus.
Here at Q CLEAN we use hospital grade disinfectants which either contain the active ingredient Sodium Hypochlorite or Benzalkonium Chloride. When used correctly, these disinfectants also kill the COVID-19 virus.
COVID-19 General Protection Guidelines
To protect yourself, others and the further spread of COVID-19:
- Regular wash your hands with soap and water.
- Use a hand sanitiser when you are unable to wash your hands. If your hands are visibly dirty then a hand sanitiser will not do. You must wash your hands with soap and water. The same applied after going to the toilet, before and after preparing food and eating.
- Maintain social distancing of at least 1.5 metres and avoid crowded places.
- Wear a mask.
- Follow social etiquette when coughing and sneezing. Use a bent elbow or a tissue to cough or sneeze into, then dispose of the tissue into a bin.
- If you feel sick, stay at home, even if the symptoms are minor. Symptoms typically include a cough, headache and mild fever.
- If you are sick with a fever, cough and having difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention. Remember to call in advance to protect others.
- If you are sick and you need to leave your house, wear a mask to protect others.
References
- TGA instructions for disinfectant testing. https://www.tga.gov.au/publication/tga-instructions-disinfectant-testing