We know that for a bacterium or virus to survive and multiply (some estimates are 64,000,000 in twelve hours or less), they must have food and a supportive environment.  This food can be as simple as a smudge on a door handle, light switch, table surface or other area where the microorganism settles and begins to grow.  Just because that food is microscopic and thereby invisible to the naked eye, does not mean that it is not sufficient to enable the growth of C. diff (Clostridium difficile), MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) or a host of other hostile microbes that can be passed on from person to person through contact, in the air and yes via touch points that should be disinfected often enough to at least minimize such transmission. 

It should be noted that the most hostile environment for a microorganism (both friendly and not so friendly) is a clean, dry surface exposed to air and light.  Many microorganisms thrive and multiply between 95-100 degrees (which places the human body at 97.6 right in the middle).

It should also be noted that application of an appropriate disinfectant for sufficient contact (dwell) time is crucial to stopping the growth and eliminating the risk of contagion.  Use of a clean, quality microfiber cloth (0.3 microns) after the disinfectant has been wet (yes for the entire five or ten minutes) will be the best way of eliminating all or most of the pathogens.

In the next article we will go through an exercise to identify touch points and determine the best way to really clean them.  

I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, keep it clean...

 

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678.314.2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net.


posted on 4/22/2013