Sanitization

What disinfection products do we use?
All the products we use for disinfection have been approved by the local regulatory bodies in the countries where we provide the disinfection services. For example, in Pakistan, they fully comply with national approvals and, in the US, with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.

 

What safety measures are taken during a disinfection service?
We have extensive safety procedures in place, developed by our highly experienced team of experts and can undertake disinfection in a wide range of business sectors. Our disinfection services are safe to be applied in facilities that include offices, shopping malls, educational institutions, hotels, care homes, leisure centers, sports facilities and other health providers.

Our technicians wear the most suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) for the disinfection service they’re providing, such as respirators, N95 masks, goggles, coveralls, nitrile gloves, and rubber boots, as appropriate. They’re extensively trained in procedures and practices to minimize risks in exposed environments, including:

• personal protection and proper use of personal protective equipment.
• protecting themselves from injury in handling sharp objects.
• carrying out appropriate decontamination procedures.
• basic good hygiene practices such as regular, thorough handwashing.

At all stages of our service, our local team of consultants will ensure suitable safety procedures are applied at every stage, including for compliance with legislative requirements such as for biohazard-handling.

 

How long does a disinfection service take?
The time taken to disinfect an area or a building depends on the size and type of the building and treatment area for disinfection, but your premises will be safe to use again 30-45 minutes after the disinfection service or as soon as the disinfection products are dry (whichever is the greater).
Our disinfection service team will let you know the duration of the treatment after a survey has been carried out and once the level of disinfection service has been agreed. We offer four types of service for dealing with exposure to SARS-CoV-2 (the coronavirus that causes COVID-19), which have different levels of preparation, disinfection procedures and safety requirements.

• High-level disinfection – for recently confirmed contamination
• Intermediate-level disinfection – for suspected contamination
• Precautionary disinfection – to prepare your premises for re-opening
• Contingency survey – to help you make contingency plans for disinfection in case of future contamination

The disinfection service team can discuss the right service for your premises according to your business needs.

How much does a disinfection service cost?
The cost varies according to the size of the building or area to be treated for disinfection, the type of facility and the type of disinfection service required.
We’ll need to carry out a survey of your premises first and discuss the disinfection service level that’s right for you before being able to provide an estimate of the cost. Contact our local office to arrange a meeting with one of our disinfection experts.

 

How often does a disinfection service need to be carried out?
Again, this depends on the type of business and what the building is used for. Buildings with large numbers of people visiting or that are more likely to have infected people bringing the virus into it (and other associated risks) will need more frequent treatments to ensure the safety of users.

Public organizations should have their properties disinfected before re-opening and further treatments will depend on local government guidance and requirements for public health. We follow these as a matter of course so that all our services comply fully with advice from local public health authorities.

What is my responsibility toward keeping my individual work space clean and sanitized?
Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to keep their personal items (e.g., cell phones, other electronics, etc.) and personal work and living spaces disinfectant. Students, faculty, and staff should use disinfectant wipes to wipe down shared desks, lab equipment, and other shared objects and surfaces before use.

 

What should faculty, staff, and students do to disinfect work equipment that was taken home and will be brought back to campus?
Items such as keyboards, laptops, monitors, mouse(s) should be wiped down at home, prior to returning to campus, with an approved EPA-approved non-commercial disinfectant wipe. Staff should follow the labeled instructions on the bottle for disinfection. FM can furnish a list of non-commercial products that directly cross-reference to the EPA-approved standards upon request.

 

Do I have to use university-issued cleaning products at work or can I bring my own from home?
You may not bring your own cleaning products to use at work. You may use your own alcohol-based hand sanitizer.  Disinfecting cleaning products and hand sanitizer provided by the University have been reviewed by EHS for safety and effectiveness against coronaviruses.

 

How do I know household products are safe and effective?
Disinfecting cleaning products and hand sanitizer provided by the University/Company have been reviewed by WHO for safety and effectiveness against coronaviruses.  WHO has verified that disinfecting wipes provided do not require the use of personal protective equipment (gloves or eye protection).   Caution must be taken with chemicals provided in a spray bottle.  Some of these products are commercial grade and do require gloves and/or eye protection.  Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label.

 

How does common areas and how frequently are they cleaned and disinfected?
Common areas as those that are high-visibility, high-use, or high-profile, such as restrooms, entrance lobbies, elevators, or other areas designated to receive focused disinfectant/cleaning efforts at a minimum of once a day.

 

How is Shine Plus ensuring that my building is being regularly cleaned and disinfected?

Shine Plus has created a Daily Disinfecting Supervisor Log utilizing Smart Inspect cleaning software. This log contains a checklist that allows the following:
Managers and Supervisors to check off assignments as they are completed, which automatically creates a record of the date/time of inspection.
All data will be compiled and reviewable by Senior Management via Smart Inspect and reports.

 

What does Shine Plus specifically clean/Disinfect in lab spaces?
Daily removal of trash and recycling

• Weekly floor vacuuming
• Weekly floor washing and disinfection
• Glass cleaning
• Restocking hand soap and paper towel products

 

What is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting service?
Cleaning is the necessary first step of any disinfection process. Cleaning removes organic matter, salts, and visible soils, all of which interfere with microbial inactivation. The physical action of scrubbing with detergents and surfactants and rinsing with water removes substantial numbers of microorganisms. If a surface is not cleaned first, the success of the disinfection process can be compromised. Removal of all visible inorganic and organic matter can be as critical as the germicidal activity of the disinfecting agent.

 

Should we assume that faculty and students are responsible for disinfecting lab spaces and equipment between classes?
Yes, faculty and students are responsible cleaning the above.

 

Do paper towel dispensers use products made with recycled materials?
Yes, all dispensers are stocked with Georgia Pacific paper towels made with 100% recycled material.

 

Is disinfection service team allowed on campus at this time?
disinfection service team has approval from Facilities Management to work on specified projects.  These projects have all been through an approval process and are following COVID-19 site-specific plans for the safety of contractors and the public.

 

How often are bathrooms Disinfect?
Shine Plus team clean all bathrooms across office/building at least once per day.

 

What do Shine Plus clean and what is my department expected to clean?
Shine Plus team disinfect restrooms and high-touch surfaces in public spaces.  Individuals should clean and disinfect frequently touched items in their own work area on a daily basis, including computer and peripherals, phones, desks, tools and other shared equipment.

 

Is it okay to use disinfectant wipes intended for surfaces to clean my hands?
Unless clearly indicated in the instructions provided by the manufacturer, most cleaning products (including disinfecting wipes) are designed for use on hard surfaces and should not be used to sanitize hands.  These products are often formulated with harsher chemicals than similar sanitizing wipe products intended for use on a person and may residue in accidentally wiped into the eyes.

 

Which is better – hand sanitizer or washing with soap and water?
The WHO advises that the best way to prevent the spread of infections and decrease the risk of getting ill is to wash your hands with plain soap and water.  Washing hands often for at least 20 seconds is essential, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing, or blow one’s nose. If soap and water are not available, WHO recommends consumers use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% ethanol.

 

Are all hand sanitizers the same? If not, which are effective against the virus that causes COVID-19?
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% ethanol or isopropyl alcohol are most effective against COVID-19.  The WHO does not recommend those with any other material listed as the active ingredient for COVID-19 be used.

 

What is the difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting?
Cleaning removes dirt and impurities on surfaces using soaps, detergents, and water. On the other hand, sanitizing reduces germs on surfaces to a safer level through a variety of methods, and disinfecting significantly kills germs and bacteria on surfaces by the use of chemicals.

Occasionally, these chemicals can be dangerous; however, there are chemicals are much more preferable to use than others from a hazardous standpoint, but you will have to stay tuned because this is another frequently asked question about disinfection services we will address shortly.

 

What Products Does a Sanitizing and Disinfection Service Provider Shine Plus use?
Shine Plus is a sanitizing and disinfecting service provider that uses hypochlorous acid or HOCl as our star sanitizing and disinfecting solution.

Derived from naturally occurring minerals, HOCl not only eliminates odors at their source but kills a wide range of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Salmonella enterica, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and viruses including norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus on hard, non-porous, environmental surfaces. It meets the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists’ germicidal spray standards for hospital-grade disinfection and is on the EPA N List of products determined to meet the criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. As a result, this treatment will help eliminate bacteria and viruses that may reside in your environment without the use of harsh chemicals or fumes.

 

Do I have to clean my house or business before hiring disinfection services?
We recommend it! Cleaning before disinfecting is essential, and as we mentioned, there is a difference between cleaning and sanitizing and disinfecting. In fact, WHO says “cleaning is the necessary first step of any disinfection process.”

You always need to clean before disinfecting because your disinfecting application will be much less impactful if it is blocked by dirt and dust particles. Germs can hide under debris, making it hard for the disinfecting solution to reach them.

 

How often should I hire disinfection services?
The WHO recommends cleaning and disinfecting regularly, you must have to disinfectant your office/home once in a week.

 

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 disinfection service?

Yes, when a suspected/confirmed coronavirus exposure in a building, you must require disinfection service.

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 20 PKR – 30 PKR per square foot for spaces larger than 1000 sqft. Some companies can charge up to 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 WHO, 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.

 

Do I need to disinfect the kitchen floor?
We recommend that you disinfect the kitchen floor at least once a week. Only in this way can the multiplication of fungi be prevented. Disinfection per week is enough, because fungi are slowly growing. Other germs are not dangerous because they cannot get in contact with the food.

 

How do I use the right dosage of disinfectants?
Please act according to the recommendation stated on the product label. Example with a two-percent solution, exposure time 15 minutes: Establish a two-percent solution by mixing, for example, 200 milliliters of disinfectant with ten liters of water.

 

What should I consider in terms of exposure time to disinfect correctly?
Ensure that the area is completely covered with disinfectant during the exposure time. The concentration of the agent must be in accordance with the prescribed exposure time.

 

 

Do I need to hire a professional for disinfection Service?
It all amounts to how important workplace safety is to you. Disinfection programs are a team effort. Staff members will be required to disinfect their personal work stations and shared equipment between uses throughout the day, but at night, you should have a janitorial provider you can count on to deliver enhanced disinfection services.
This includes electrostatic disinfection, the most effective method of disinfection. Electrostatic disinfection devices use positive and negative charges to achieve 360-degree disinfectant coverage. We recommend electrostatic disinfection at least one time per week.
Electrostatic disinfection is not a replacement to routine cleaning and disinfection of the workplace. Surfaces still need to be cleaned to remove dirt and dust before they are disinfected. Touchpoint disinfection throughout the day is the only way to maintain a clean environment in between services.
Our programs are in place and we are ready to provide your staff with the resources they need to maintain respiratory etiquette, hand hygiene and disinfection of personal and shared work stations. Together, we can keep your employees, customers and worksite visitors safe.

 

Why is electrostatic better than other methods such as misting or fogging?
Electrostatic technology is the newest innovation in disinfecting and superior because it completely wraps around any surface, providing 100% disinfecting coverage. The technology works like powder coat paint where the disinfectant particles are charged and then are attracted to the opposite charge on surfaces. The disadvantage to misting or fogging is the disinfectant solution is sprayed and simply falls wherever gravity pulls it down. So, it will not provide the same amount of coverage, especially the undersides of surfaces and inside crevices.

 

Do you do disinfect homes?
Yes, our service is for homes and businesses and will include all areas and all touch points; doors, handles, switches, furniture, computers, equipment, washrooms, kitchens, etc.

 

Can you disinfect vehicles?
Absolutely. We have serviced semi-trucks, delivery trucks, airplanes, busses and personal vehicles.

 

Can you disinfect a home for move-ins/move-outs?
We sure can. We have worked with realtors and property managers disinfecting homes prior to prior to a new occupant move-in.

 

Beware Cheap Disinfecting Services Prices

Why are some disinfecting services cheaper than others?
Ask what type of disinfecting they do; electrostatic, fogging, misting. Electrostatic is superior. If doing electrostatic, ask what type of sprayer they use. Cheap electrostatic sprayers are inconsistent incoverage, break down often and cost much less to purchase. We use the best systems which is the most advanced, effective sprayer on the market, is proven through robust Clorox testing and costs 10x more than the cheap sprayers some companies use.

 

Can the disinfectant be used on computer equipment?
Certainly. The material viability testing has been done and can be provided upon request. The disinfectant can be used on papers, computers, monitors, phones, industrial machinery, etc. To be safe, if you have highly sensitive areas, such as I.T. rooms, we will typically recommend that you disinfect those areas yourself by hand.

 

What do I have to do to prepare for the disinfecting service?
The technician will arrive at your scheduled time. Please leave open any cupboards, drawers, closets etc. that you would like sprayed. Remove or cover any food items that are in the spray area. Please relay any other instructions to our tech on site.

 

Do I have to leave when the spraying is being done?
No, you don’t have to be out of your home of office space. You will be required to be in an area separate from the one being sprayed but you can re-enter the space soon after.

 

Do you have offer service for a positive COVID case?
Yes. We offer an emergency call-out service for an additional fee, to be on site within 12-24 hours (and often we can get there sooner than that).

 

Can you provide documentation that the service has been done?
Yes, upon request, we will send you a certification letter of disinfecting including your business information and date of service.

 

Do you offer weekly service?
Yes. If you are looking for on-going protection, we have daily/weekly disinfecting programs. You get preferred pricing, emergency-call-out priority and signage so staff and customers know your facility is regularly disinfected with electrostatic technology.

 

How do I pay for the service?
You can pay the invoice on-line  by e-transfer or by cheque or Cash.

 

What kind of businesses should use electrostatic disinfecting?
Any type of business will benefit from this service, from industrial to retail. As well as any type of organization, such as schools, churches. Anywhere people gather.

 

Does electrostatic disinfecting make sense for large industrial spaces?
Absolutely. We use modern technology which is especially adept at doing large spaces, fast and efficiently. And it’s safe to use on machinery, tools, etc.

 

Transportation and Industrial Businesses Benefit with Uninterrupted Operations

What kind of businesses benefit from a weekly or monthly electrostatic disinfecting service?
Essential businesses, such as trucking companies, that need to ensure they can keep operating a full capacity especially benefit from on-going disinfecting protection.

 

Do I need to clean an area before electrostatic disinfecting?
Only if there is visible dirt or grease covering the surfaces to be disinfected.

 

How does electrostatic disinfecting work?
The technology came from the auto painting industry. Similar to powder coat paint, the disinfectant particles are charged and adhere to the opposite charge on surfaces, providing for 360-degree wrap-around coverage.

 

How long does electrostatic disinfecting last?
The disinfection lasts until the surface is touched again.

 

What PPE do you wear during the disinfecting service?
Our technicians wear masks and gloves. Because the disinfecting system is touchless, it is very safe.

 

Is ‘fogging’ an effective disinfectant method?
Physically cleaning surfaces with detergent and warm water, followed by disinfection when needed, is the most effective way to kill the virus that causes COVID-19. Fumigation or wide-area spraying (known as ‘disinfectant fogging’) does not clean surfaces effectively and there is little evidence that it is effective at killing COVID-19. Additionally, if fogging is not done correctly, it can expose workers and others to hazardous chemicals.

 

Is a sanitizer a disinfectant?
A sanitizer is a chemical that is designed to kill some, but not all, bacteria and some viruses that can cause disease in humans or animals. These chemicals are not as strong as disinfectants, which makes them safe to use on skin. For example, provided your hands are not soiled, when you should wash your hands with soap and water, a hand sanitizer with ≥60% alcohol will kill the COVID-19 virus. If you’re disinfecting a hard surface or object, use a disinfectant not a sanitizer.

 

Does heating or freezing kill the virus?
Extreme heat will destroy the virus that causes COVID-19 but is not recommended as a general disinfection method. Viruses are generally resistant to the cold and can remain viable if frozen.

 

Will an antibacterial product kill COVID-19?

Most disinfectants will kill both bacteria and viruses. To be called a disinfectant wipe or solution it must kill both bacteria and viruses. Antibacterial products are designed specifically to kill bacteria, however, COVID-19 is caused by a virus rather than by bacteria, so unless it has an antiviral claim, an antibacterial product may not be effective.
Detergent and warm water are suitable for cleaning surfaces and should be used prior to using a disinfectant.
For cleaning hands, regular soap and warm water, then thorough drying with a clean towel/paper towel is effective.

 

Can I use the same disinfecting wipe on multiple surfaces?

No. Disinfecting wipes are designed to be used on a single surface and then disposed in a rubbish bin (not flushed down the toilet). If you use a disinfecting wipe on multiple surfaces it will lose its effectiveness and may even transfer germs from one surface to another. If the product you are using is not a combined (2-in-1) cleaning and disinfecting wipe, clean the surface first.
Ensure you read and follow the directions that come with the disinfecting wipes.

If you are looking for Disinfection service (Sanitization OR Fumigation) Contact us now.