Cleaning Efficacy Testing Services

Cinnaminson, NJ, June 4^th, 2020

 

With each passing day, regions of North America continue to loosen COVID-19 stay-at-home orders and the restrictions that caused the temporary shutdown of countless businesses, schools and institutions.

As people begin to venture out and these entities begin to reopen, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently released Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting – Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools and Homes. The guidance is intended for all Americans, whether they own a business, run a school or simply want to ensure the cleanliness and safety of their home.

The CDC reports that reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19 by cleaning and disinfection is an important part of reopening public spaces that requires careful planning. According to the agency, cleaning and disinfecting public spaces requires:

• Developing a plan
• Implementing the plan
• Maintaining and revising the plan

 
The guidance document recommends people first develop a plan by evaluating the workplace, school, home or business to determine what types of surfaces and materials comprise the area. Most surfaces and objects will require normal, routine cleaning. However, frequently touched surfaces and objects such as light switches and doorknobs will need to be cleaned and then disinfected to further reduce the risk of germs on surfaces and objects.

Once a plan is in place, read all manufacturer’s instructions for the cleaning and disinfection products that will be used. Wear gloves and other required personal protective equipment (PPE) to begin the process of cleaning and disinfecting. The agency’s general framework for cleaning and disinfection practices includes:

• First, clean the surface or object with soap and water.
• Then, disinfect using an EPA-approved disinfectant.
• If an EPA-approved disinfectant is unavailable, one can use 1/3 cup of bleach added to 1 gallon of water, or 70% alcohol solutions to disinfect. Do not mix bleach or other cleaning and disinfection products together.

“Keeping workers and the public safe from exposure to pathogens is critically important for reopening efforts,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “EMSL specializes in indoor environmental quality testing services for a wide range of pathogens, along with other microbial and chemical contaminants. This includes confirming cleaning and disinfection procedures through surface testing. EMSL also provides sampling supplies, test kits, air monitoring instruments and personal protective equipment.”

EMSL provides COVID-19 Surface Testing by RT-qPCR technology. As an alternative analysis, EMSL also offers Cleaning Efficacy Testing Services that can determine if the sampled surface area has been effectively cleaned and free of bacteria or fungi. Click here for more information on EMSL’s COVID-19 laboratory services.

To help disseminate the CDC’s cleaning and disinfecting guidance for reopening, EMSL recently sponsored an educational video that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/ti7QnbFjCSI.

To learn more about this or other building science, environmental, health and safety testing services and products, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.

 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 46 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.