Assessment: Sanitization service providers typically start by assessing the specific needs of the environment or facility. This involves identifying high-touch surfaces, potential contamination risks, and areas where pathogens may be more likely to spread.
Cleaning: Before disinfection, thorough cleaning is essential to remove dirt, debris, and organic matter from surfaces. Cleaning helps improve the effectiveness of disinfection by allowing the disinfectant to come into direct contact with pathogens.
Disinfection: Sanitization services use approved disinfectants and sanitizers to kill or inactivate a broad spectrum of pathogens. The choice of disinfectant and application method may vary depending on the environment and the types of pathogens of concern. Common methods include spraying, wiping, or fogging.
High-Touch Surfaces: Special attention is given to high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, handrails, faucets, and countertops, as these areas are more likely to harbor and transmit pathogens.
Electrostatic Disinfection: Some sanitization services employ electrostatic disinfection, a method that uses charged particles to evenly distribute disinfectant and cover all surfaces, including hard-to-reach areas.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Sanitization technicians typically wear appropriate PPE, such as gloves, masks, and eye protection, to protect themselves while handling disinfectants.
Certification and Compliance: Many sanitization services follow guidelines and standards set by health organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They may also provide documentation or certificates to confirm compliance with sanitization standards.
Frequency: The frequency of sanitization services may vary depending on the environment and the level of risk. High-traffic areas, healthcare facilities, and food service establishments often require more frequent sanitization.
Emergency Response: Sanitization services may offer emergency response options for situations like disease outbreaks, confirmed cases of infectious diseases, or biohazard incidents.