Changing Hygiene Solutions – FAQs on Surface Protection
In order to reduce costs for cleaning at this time, Nviro have suggested making some changes to the cleaning specification that will help keep your building clean, hygienic and safe but reduce costs.
Nviro are going to be deploying surface protection and surface enhancer chemicals which have a range of benefits. Here is some more information:
Surface Protection
1. What is surface protection?
Surface Protection is the application of a protective coating that improves hygiene. This coating delivers an anti-microbial chemical to surfaces via an electrostatic spray gun, which leaves a protective layer of anti-microbial chemicals. This coating kills bacteria, viruses and germs for up to 60 days. This means that germs that would normally spread on surfaces are killed before they have a chance to infect anyone else. This doesn’t kill airborne bacteria but will kill anything that lands on a treated surface.
2. How long will this protect us?
This protection lasts for 60 days. After 60 days, the anti-microbial chemical becomes less effective but is still working. However, we will re-apply the surface and enhancer protection each 60 days or each half term depending on your requirements.
3. Why does this coating affect me?
Having the protective coating will have benefits for you and all building users as it creates a healthier environment without the use of harmful chemicals. This long-term protection will protect surfaces from bacteria, viruses, and germs, which will reduce sickness levels.
4. How is this going to help?
As the chemical kills bacteria, viruses and germs that land on it you will have a healthier environment without the use of harmful or harsh chemicals. It will reduce sickness and absence.
5. Does this use an antibacterial product like bleach?
No. Most disinfectants you buy in the supermarkets kill viruses on contact or for a few minutes after use. This new protective coating remains active on the surface for 60 days meaning you are protected for longer.
6. Does this protect us from Covid-19?
This protective coating not only protects you from Covid-19, but it also protects against other viruses, bacteria, and pathogens as the anti-microbial spikes penetrate and kill anything they come into contact with.
7. I don’t see the cleaners around as much. Is my building still safe?
You won’t be seeing the janitor or cleaning colleague cleaning touch points like door handles and stair rails in your building all day long, but this protective coating will provide the same standards of safety for two months. Additionally, windows don’t need to be left open for ventilation as the area will be protected so the classrooms will remain warm and save energy for the building.
8. Why haven’t we done this before?
These chemicals have been used in other sectors for a decade but are new to the educational sector.
9. Does the product have a smell, is it sticky and will I feel it in my hands?
This product is applied on the surface to protect the area. It will dry immediately and won’t leave a sticky feeling. It doesn’t have any smell and you won’t feel anything in your hands.
10. How do we know when an area is protected?
We will provide a door hanger on classrooms and offices letting you know that the protective coat will be sprayed within the next 24 hours. We ask you to remove all personal items from the desk and tables to avoid damage. After the protective coat is applied, we will use a door hanger advising the area has been protected. But the room can be used immediately.
11. Do you have any studies that prove this works?
Surface protection services have been on the market for a number of years. Since the pandemic, we have started monitoring hygiene levels and have seen that this protective spray is effective. With swab (ATP tests) we can tell if the surface reaches the cleanliness standard we expect.
12. Door handles will be used daily. If they are not cleaned daily, won’t they become dirty?
Even though touch points are not cleaned throughout the day, the protective coating protects the surface for 60 days and so germs won’t be passed on by multiple people touching door handles.