Coronavirus Disinfecting Services Faq

Until 2020, few businesses, with the
exception of Food and Healthcare related facilities thought much about
disinfecting services for their shop, office, restaurant, warehouse, or even
government facility. Well, we are now living in a new world defined by
coronavirus COVID-19. But unfortunately, there’s still a lot that business
owners and managers don’t know about professional disinfection services. As
Stratus Building Solutions franchise model has been in the business of commercial
cleaning and disinfecting services for over 14 years, we are hoping to answer
some of your most important questions here:

What are Disinfecting Services?

Disinfecting services are cleaning procedures that utilize a
disinfectant. According to the EPA, a disinfectant is an antimicrobial
pesticide used on inanimate surfaces and objects to destroy or irreversibly
inactivate microorganisms. Disinfectants are distinguished into two
categories, hospital-type and general use (household). Disinfecting services
for commercial facilities should use hospital-type disinfectants that are
used for infection control, as Stratus Building Solutions
franchisees do across the US and Canada.

The disinfecting cleaning procedures used can vary depending on
the facility, tools, chemical, even company providing the service ranging
from deep cleaning, disinfectant fogging and electrostatic-sprayer
dispersal.

Does a Suspected/Confirmed Coronavirus Exposure in
a Building Require HAZMAT Cleaning?

According to the CDC and OSHA,
HAZMAT cleaning protocols are not needed for facilities exposed to
coronavirus. Most professional disinfection services utilizing EPA N List
chemicals meet the guidelines outlined by these organizations, including
coronavirus cleaning and disinfecting
services provided by Stratus Building
Solutions. 

Why Should Soiled Areas Be Cleaned Prior to Disinfecting?

Cleaning soiled surfaces prior to disinfecting allows the
disinfectant to work more effectively. If you have a layer of dust, dirt or
oils, this creates a barrier between the surface and the disinfectant which
prohibits the disinfectant from destroying or inactivating the microorganisms
on the surface face. 

What is the Difference between Disinfecting Services vs
Sanitizing Services?

Disinfecting services use a disinfectant which is any chemical
that destroys or irreversibly inactivates microorganisms on surfaces.
Sanitation services tend to use less potent chemicals, sanitizers, which
reduce but not always eliminate microorganisms from materials. Hospital-grade
disinfectants and disinfection services are best used for infection control,
like coronavirus COVID-19,  where sanitizers and sanitizing services are
best used in relation to food, carpet, or clothing (EPA). 

How Much Do Commercial Disinfecting Services Cost?

Of course, as most services do, disinfecting services price ranges
vary based on location and size. It can also depend on the type of facility
and the potential risk involved. Disinfecting services pricing is usually
calculated based on square footage. For example, Stratus franchisees
calculate pricing based on square footage typically ranging between $.05
– $.10 per square foot for spaces larger than 5,000 sqft. Some
companies can charge up to $2.50 per square foot.

When Should I Disinfect My Business?

There are multiple occasions when someone should use disinfecting
services at their business, and an outbreak is definitely one of them.
Recurring disinfecting services benefit high traffic businesses who see a lot
of customers and/employees on a daily basis. Additionally, those facilities
like doctors’ offices, clinics, and hospitals that need to be concerned with
infection control benefit from recurring services.

For the Coronavirus crisis, it is important to get your facility
disinfected if you have a suspected/confirmed coronavirus COVID-19 exposure.
This means you know, or suspect, an employee or customer came into your
business while infected with the virus. Disinfecting services are also
important for “essential businesses” who need to stay open to support public
needs; so they can remain open and productive for the benefit of not only
their business, their employees, but the general good as well.

What Should Businesses Do to Prepare to Re-Open After
Coronavirus?

As businesses prepare to reopen after the coronavirus outbreak, it
would be advisable to get a disinfection service conducted at your facility
prior to doors-open and your employees return. There is still not enough data
to know how long the coronavirus COVID-19 lives on surfaces, it ranges from
hours to days on different materials according to the CDC, and you want to
help assure the health and safety of your customers and employees upon their
return.

It is important to note that disinfecting services are viable
until a surface comes into contact with human touch or fluids, so if you can
guarantee no one is going to your business during your state’s stay-at-home
period, it is beneficial to jump on these services prior to the expected rush
once the orders are lifted.

You may also want to consider adding, or increasing the frequency
of your janitorial services. Customers and employees are going to be very
conscious (and thankful) of your efforts in this regard after experiencing
such a dramatic period. It also helps us all reduce the opportunities for the
coronavirus’s resurgent return if we all have better health and cleanliness
habits. 

Stratus Building Solutions has also created a 4-Point
Back to Business Plan: A Safer Way to Re-Open Your Business to help
businesses prioritize their cleaning needs in this unprecedented
time.

How Do I Verify if the Right Disinfectants Are Being Used to
Combat Coronavirus COVID-19?

The EPA has released List N: Disinfectants for Use Against
SARS-CoV-2. This is a list of primary EPA chemical registrations that have
been deemed effective against “Emerging Pathogens”, or those viruses more
hard-to-kill or similar to coronavirus COVID-19. You can verify the chemicals
used in your facility are listed in two ways: by either finding the EPA’s
Emerging Pathogen disclosure/badge on the label or by comparing the first two
sections of the EPA Registration number and comparing it with the chemicals
on List N. More information can be found on the EPA’s FAQ Page

It is also important to note that Stratus Building Solutions
franchisees when conducting professional disinfection services use EPA List N
chemicals. You can learn more about our services on our website.

Contact us if you have any further questions about disinfecting
services for your business. Stratus Building Solutions is proud to be your
partner to help keep your workplaces clean and productive, and your customers
and employees safer during this unprecedented time.

Please contact your local
regional office to arrange a quote to disinfect your facility,
recurring services are available. We look forward to working with
you.