Disinfection Tips for Childcare Providers

Disinfection Tips for Childcare Providers With the recent outbreak of coronavirus and the upcoming flu season, we feel it important to advise the importance of sanitizing and disinfection for childcare providers in nurseries and schools. They provided us with some valuable information and great tools we think you’ll find helpful. Disinfection at schools and nurseries is very important, and has gained attention with the spread of respiratory illnesses like colds, influenza (flu), and more recently, the coronavirus. According to the Government, an average of 20,000 children under the age of five are hospitalized each year because of flu-related complications.

Clean – The process that physically removes debris from the surface or area by scrubbing, washing, and rinsing with soap or detergent and water.

Sanitize – A product that kills 99.9% of germs identified on its label.

Disinfect – A product that kills nearly 100% of germs identified on its label.

Standard procedures will vary by facility and regulations can vary by location. Typically, standard procedures include daily cleaning and sanitizing of frequently touched surfaces and daily disinfection of specific areas including bathrooms.

It is important to do routine cleaning and disinfection, as studies have shown that the flu virus can live and potentially infect a person for only 2 to 8 hours after being deposited on a surface. In addition, make sure you are using cleaners and disinfectants that are proven to remove or kill these types of germs, and follow their instructions for use.

Government encourages staff, children and parents to take every day preventative actions, including:     

Stay home when you are sick Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze Wash your hands often with soap and water Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth Clean and disinfect surfaces or object frequently

Disinfecting With Chlorine Bleach Fresh chlorine bleach sodium hypochlorite is commonly used to disinfect surfaces and objects. Disinfection of certain organisms and viruses requires higher concentrations of bleach. In nurseries and schools, 50-200ppm chlorine bleach can be used for general purpose sanitizing and 500-800ppm can be used for general purpose disinfection. Again, these guidelines vary by location. It is best to check with your local health officials for sanitizing and disinfecting regulations.