What Is Included In Professional Disinfection Services And Is It Necessary?

What is a professional disinfection service?

According to the Centers for Disease Control And Prevention , disinfection is the process of eliminating as many as possible or even all pathogenic micro-organisms that are present on surfaces, air and inanimate objects.

As such, a professional disinfection service would refer to individuals or teams who are properly trained to use the appropriate chemicals and equipment to eradicate all potential sources of contamination quickly and safely.

Professional disinfection services are often engaged to help reduce health and safety risks due to harmful pathogens in both private and public spaces. While they are not mandatory, they should be a vital part of running a business, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cleaning services vs disinfection services

Cleaning services accomplish their goals by physically wiping or scrubbing surfaces to remove visible dirt and soils. For example, a cleaning service would clean the pantry area of an office by wiping down the counters and sinks. Cleaning should be part of the daily routine for households and businesses.

Disinfection services, on the other hand, work to kill viruses that are present on objects and surfaces. Chemicals are used and dwell time is allocated to ensure that the viruses are killed.

Professional disinfection service benefits

While it is possible to carry out disinfection services on your own, here are some reasons why you should consider getting the professionals to do it:

• Professional disinfection technicians are specially trained to carry out the job. They will be able to provide you with a vulnerability assessment, as well as issue you a certification and report upon completion of the disinfection process.
• There will be minimal disruption in your business operations as disinfection will be carried out at a predetermined time or schedule. Professional disinfection teams are able to close off areas securely for safety purposes when the disinfection process is carried out.
• There will be maximum coverage as large areas, frequent touchpoints and hard to reach surfaces will also be taken into account.
• Professional disinfection services usually use registered, professional-grade solutions that are effective in protecting against harmful pathogens for weeks and months, as compared to regular disinfectants
• It is an added protection for your clients and staff. This is especially if you’re talking about viruses like the coronavirus that can stay on surfaces for up to 6 days.

Types of disinfection services

Professional disinfection services usually offer several ways to eradicate bacteria and viruses in a particular environment. These may include:

Bio-fogging/misting

Surface cleaning

Bio-fogging/misting

Fogging refers to the use of disinfectant by spraying it from a fogging machine. You would get what looks like a fog or a mist in the space you’re disinfecting.

Fogging/misting is a very effective way to reduce airborne contaminants and to get rid of harmful pathogens from horizontal surfaces.

It is also one of the best ways to disinfect hard to reach surfaces or areas. For example, small, confined spaces or even forgotten spots such as light fixtures, and computer keyboards.

Fogging can reduce the spread of pathogens on surfaces, textiles, and in the air and is considered very safe if done correctly.

Surface cleaning

Surface cleaning entails using disinfecting wipes to rid surfaces of bacteria, viruses and other harmful allergens. While surface cleaning is not suitable for hard to reach surfaces, it is ideal for high contact areas. This would include:

• Door handles
• Entryway doors
• Handrails
• Light switches
• Elevator buttons
• Restroom faucets, dispensers and toilet flushes
• Computer keyboards, mouse and other electronics
• Phones
• Pantry items such as water dispensers

Professional disinfection service process

While the process might differ slightly for each company, professional disinfection services usually include:

1. A full onside vulnerability assessment. This assessment would be site-specific, guided by the most current safe operation procedures and completed by a trained technician.
2. Sealing of exposed electrical points to ensure the safety of the building and building occupants. The area that is to be disinfected is also cordoned off.
3. Bio-fogging, misting or electrostatic distribution disinfectant is carried out in the specified areas. A completion certificate and report are issued if required.
4. The disinfection process is complete and the client enjoys a virus-free environment.

Who should consider professional disinfection services?

Professional disinfection services are essential for spaces that are frequented or frequently used by people.

This would include:

• Commercial properties such as malls, banks, restaurants, bars, shops, service centres and more
• Schools
• Child care and educational centres
• Dormitories
• Hospitals, clinics and other medical-related spaces
• Hotels
• Factories
• Laboratories
• Residential properties
• Private and public vehicles
• Air conditioners or ventilation systems of buildings

Covid-19 disinfection service

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) , the coronavirus spreads when:

• A person inhales virus-containing aerosols of respiratory droplets from an infected person, or when they come in direct contact with the nose, mouth or eyes.
• The space is crowded or poorly ventilated, as virus-containing aerosols remain suspended in the air for longer periods of time.
• Touching virus-contaminated surfaces and then touching their nose, mouth or eyes without cleaning or sanitizing their hands.

Studies have also demonstrated that the coronavirus can live for up to 72 hours on certain surfaces.

As such, it’s important to know who you can call for Covid-19 disinfection services if you do encounter confirmed or suspected cases. It is also important to know the differences between sanitising and disinfecting to eliminate viruses effectively.

Professional disinfection services are able to respond and carry out the disinfection process within 72 hours of a suspected or confirmed case of Covid-19.

Safety measures are taken to ensure that the public, as well as those who are carrying out the disinfection, are safe. Effective disinfection solutions are used to kill the coronavirus as well as any other pathogens that are present. Touchpoints such as light switches and door handles are given extra attention to ensure that they are free of the virus.

Besides disinfecting only when there is a suspected or confirmed case, precautionary disinfection services should also be considered. Carrying out disinfection even when there is no case of Covid-19 ensures that your premise has high levels of hygiene, reducing the risk of virus transmission.

How to choose a disinfection service in Malaysia?

With so many disinfection services popping up due to the current global pandemic, here are some questions you can ask to help you choose those that are truly effective: How long has the company been providing disinfection services?

A comprehensive disinfection program requires expertise.

• Is the disinfection program offered based on best practices and compliant with expert/government guidelines?
  Disinfection programs should be continually updated with the latest findings and most current guidelines.
• What types of disinfectants are they using?
  Certain chemicals are not only ineffective but harmful. Ask if the solutions are safe for babies and pets.
• Are their equipment, techniques and training vetted by industry experts?
  Look for companies that have in house experts and/or relevant outside experts who are testing the effectiveness of the disinfection program.
• Are they properly trained and accredited?
  It’s important to know the science behind disinfection.
• How much does it cost?
  While there may be a wide range of pricing, disinfection services should cost more than regular cleaning services. Be wary of companies that are quoting prices that are way lower than their competitors.

Disinfection service near you

One of the best things you can do to look for a disinfection service near you is to check online. Professional disinfection service providers such as ServisHero cover many areas and can easily be contacted via WhatsApp WhatsApp Line @servishero (with @) as well as on their service booking website.

Conclusion

Professional disinfection services are vital for both homes and businesses at this point in time.

It will keep your family and staff as possible from potentially harmful pathogens. Additionally, customers will feel more confident when they know that effective disinfection is periodically carried out at the premises.

If you’re looking for a professional disinfection service and wondering how to choose a professional disinfection service in Malaysia, ServisHero provides one of the best value disinfection and decontamination services as per the latest industry guidelines.

Start your journey for a healthy and safe space by filling in the call back form today.