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Microbe Management for Schools

Discover the importance of cleaning and sanitation in schools to reduce health risks from microbes. Learn about effective cleaning methods and the impact of maintaining a clean environment on student health and absenteeism. Find resources for safe cleaning practices.

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Microbe Management for Schools

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  1. Microbe Management for Schools How to reduce the risks

  2. Cleaning & sanitation is important • Molds, mildews, bacteria and viruses present risks • Dirt & filth provide food and habitat for insects, rodents and other pests • Proper cleaning & sanitation reduces illness and absenteeism

  3. Impact of proper cleaning & sanitation • Cornell University Medical School study at special needs school in New York showed amazing results from improved cleaning

  4. Higher Risk Continuum Lower Cleaners & disinfectants also pose risks • Chlorine / Sodium Hypochlorite • Very effective antimicrobial • Corrosive to eyes and skin • Respiratory irritant • Environmental concerns from production, contaminants, byproducts • Mixing can create poisonous gas • Phenols • Effective against TB – HBV assumed • Corrosive to eyes and skin • Damage floor finishes and other surfaces • Strong pungent odor – respiratory irritant • Environmental concerns. Possible estrogen mimic. • Quats • Typically not proven effective against TB or HBV • Less toxic then Phenols – eye, skin and surface corrosivity • Toxic to aquatic life • Peroxide • EPA Sanitizer. Not a disinfectant. • Irritating to eyes and skin

  5. Identify and separate cleaning tasks from disinfection tasks • Cleaning with standard detergent and water is sufficient for most areas • Disinfection (after cleaning) is of greater risk and should only be done in areas where microbes pose higher risks • Bathrooms • Locker rooms • Food preparation areas • Blood or vomit situations • High touch areas (rails, knobs, fountains, computers, etc.)

  6. Separate disinfection from cleaning • No cleaners should contain disinfectants • Check any all-purpose cleaners and make sure they don’t contain any disinfectants • Combination products do not work • Proper disinfection requires that surfaces be cleaned prior to disinfection

  7. Cut back on antibacterial soaps • Antibacterial soaps may cause bacteria to become resistant to controls • Should only be used in food preparation areas • Remove them from restrooms and classrooms

  8. Stop using aerosol products • Combination air fresheners and disinfectants are especially bad • Aerosol products often contain volatile oils or solvents • Pump bottles pose lower risks • Less solvent • Larger droplets • No explosion hazard • Lower flammability

  9. Avoid air fresheners • Many are powerful asthma triggers • Stop using paradichlorobenzene (same stuff that’s in moth balls) blocks in urinals • It is a carcinogen (cancer causing) • Alternatives • Eliminate odor sources (clean doesn’t smell) • Improve ventilation in odor prone areas

  10. CRITERIA FOR PRODUCT SELECTION • No persistent, toxic or bioaccumulative chemicals • No carcinogens, mutagens or teratogens • No ozone depleting chemicals • Low Volatile Organic Compounds • No hazardous waste characteristics • No combination cleaner / disinfectants www.wa.gov/ecology/pubs/wac173303.pdf

  11. Carefully read labels & MSDS’s • Look for Ingredients lists • Check signal word • Check precautionary statements • Physical or chemical hazards • PPE needed

  12. Follow label directions exactly • Personal protection • Clean first • Proper dilution • Contact time • Ventilation

  13. Always clean all equipment after use • Clean and rinse mops • Clean and rinse pails • Clean and rinse any measuring devices

  14. Properly store all cleaners & disinfectants • In secure areas inaccessible to children and untrained staff • Keep labels and MSDS’s in central file • Store in original containers or labeled service containers • Ventilation • No ignition sources • Regularly inspect containers • Have spill response materials nearby

  15. Remember non-routine use of disinfectants requires licensing • Duct cleaning • Mold remediation • HVAC cooling towers

  16. Resources • Green Seal • http://www.GreenSeal.org/ • Janitorial Products Pollution Prevention Project • http://www.westp2net.org/Janitorial/jp4.htm • Scorecard • http://www.scorecard.org/chemical-profiles/index.tcl • State of Massachusetts Purchasing Guidelines • http://www.state.ma.us/osd/enviro/products/cleaning.htm • Office of the Federal Environmental Executive • http://www.ofee.gov/ • Children’s Health and Environmental Coalition (CHEC) • http://www.checnet.org/ • Healthy Schools Network • http://www.healthyschools.org • The Ashkin Group • http://www.AshkinGroup.com/

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