In the United States, the total case numbers grow at an average rate of 30% a day. More than half of the U.S. states have declared a state of emergency,  and numerous events have been rescheduled or canceled, including major sporting events and public-school programs.  The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging organizations and individuals to follow best practices, including practicing good hand hygiene, being mindful of meetings and travel, safely handling food and staying home if you feel sick.

In an age when viruses can quickly spread throughout work, school and other public environments, it’s crucial for facility managers to understand the latest outbreak updates and best practices for keeping indoor environments clean during periods of elevated illness. From high-traffic hotel lobbies to school cafeterias and classrooms to restrooms and waiting areas in healthcare facilities to open office environments, chemical dispensing systems help clean and disinfect surfaces by measuring the right amount of chemical and water required for cleaning and disinfecting solutions.

It’s important for facility managers to understand the impact of an outbreak like COVID-19, the role that chemical dispensers play in upholding cleanliness and best practices for selection, installation and maintenance. Likewise, using the proper cleaning tools can help prevent the spread and overall impact of an outbreak.

Preparing for the worst

Unfortunately, there’s not a guaranteed way to completely avoid contracting a virus such as COVID-19. In fact, recent projections estimate 160 – 214 million people in the United States could be infected over the course of the pandemic.  What’s most concerning is that symptoms can be mild and similar to the average cold or flu, making it difficult for people to realize they’re sick with coronavirus before spreading it to someone else.

Wherever people go, germs follow. For this reason, hotels, cruise ships, airlines, schools and universities, offices, retailers, restaurants and healthcare facilities must be prepared. Thankfully, there are several ways to reduce the risk of being exposed to the disease.

Disinfecting Considerations

During an outbreak or pandemic, it’s important to pay special attention to high-touch surfaces when disinfecting, such as restroom counters and sink handles, floors, light switches, door handles, desks, office telephones and more. You should also understand the differences between cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing:

• Cleaning removes dirt, germs and other impurities by using soap or detergent with water to physically remove germs from surfaces. Cleaning doesn’t always kill germs, but removing them helps reduce the spread of infection.
• Disinfecting uses chemicals to kill germs. This process does not always clean a dirty surface or remove germs, but it does kill germs, which lowers the risk of infection.
• Sanitizing a surface lowers the number of germs to a safe level according to public health standards or requirements. To sanitize a surface or object, it must be properly cleaned or disinfected.

To promote health and well-being in facilities, clean and disinfect regularly. Surfaces that are visibly soiled, such as food contact surfaces in a kitchen or floors, should be cleaned and disinfected immediately. At minimum, clean and disinfect surfaces to kill germs on a daily basis and more often if cases of coronavirus have been reported in your immediate area. Follow label directions on cleaning products and disinfectants. Most disinfectants require time to work properly, so allow the chemical to dwell on the surface for as long as directed.

It’s also crucial that facilities take the right precautions around linens like bed sheets, towels, employee uniforms, patient gowns and privacy curtains. Hospitality and healthcare facilities have a responsibility to clean these items at the proper temperature and with the right chemicals. The EvoClean venturi-based dispenser is an ideal solution for on-premise and industrial laundry facilities, as it eliminates the service and maintenance associated with traditional squeeze tubes. Dispensing precision helps ensure that linens are cleaned correctly the first time.

The Role of Chemical Dispensers

Manually measuring cleaning chemicals can put employees in harm’s way. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that 2.8 million people in the cleaning industry are exposed to potentially dangerous chemicals every day.  Improper handling of chemicals can lead to spills which could cause injuries like burns and respiratory problems from fume inhalation. Additionally, using products at the wrong dilution can result in skin irritation and surface damage.

Amid the COVID-19 outbreak, the American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) Center for Biocide Chemistries (CBC) created a list of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pre-approved products to use against emerging enveloped viral pathogens.  However, without proper dilution, these products won’t achieve their kill claims. If an employee cleans a surface with an improperly diluted solution, germs that cause illnesses like COVID-19 could continue to survive on the surface for hours.

Keeping staff healthy throughout an outbreak means keeping safety top of mind. To prevent workers from being exposed to cleaning chemicals, and to reduce the spread of harmful germs, facilities can install a chemical dispenser.

Chemical dispensers enhance cleaning effectiveness and productivity by the following functions:

Providing accuracy and safety. Dispensers eliminate measuring guesswork for employees. Closed-loop systems prevent spills and exposure to chemicals by eliminating the traditional and unsafe “glug-glug” method of measuring product by hand. With each use, systems accurately dispense the proper amount of chemical and water required. By making cleaning and disinfecting easier, these systems can encourage workers to clean more frequently and properly.

Promoting a healthy environment. Chemical dispensers help reduce the spread of germs by accurately dispensing disinfecting chemical according to manufacturer recommendations. Dispensing systems can be used to fill spray bottles for surface cleaning and mop buckets or autoscrubber tanks for floor cleaning. Chemical can also be dispensed into sink compartments for warewashing needs. Using a chemical dispenser to perform these tasks helps a facility reduce the spread of germs and uphold its positive reputation.

Enhancing sustainability and cost savings. When dispensers dose the right amount of chemical, this helps reduce chemical and water use while limiting packaging waste, supporting environmental stewardship and increasing the bottom line. Additionally, it ensures cleaning is done right the first time, improving productivity and reducing labor costs.

Preventing another outbreak. When an outbreak like COVID-19 hits, facilities everywhere are suddenly reminded to clean areas thoroughly. Using chemical dispensers can help promote cleaning regularly and efficiently, helping to prevent the spread of germs and potentially avoid another outbreak.

Dispensing System Best Practices

When considering investing in a dispensing system, it’s important to review the system’s features as well as tips for installation, training and maintenance. To guide your business when looking for a dispensing system, consider the following best practices:

1. Determine who will use the system and how often. A user-friendly interface will simplify training and encourage employees to conduct frequent cleaning. During an outbreak, it’s especially important for employees to clean and disinfect on a daily basis, so the dispensing system needs to function without interruption.

2. Make a list of the types of products you use most. If your business uses numerous types of chemical, you’ll need a dispenser capable of managing multiple products without chemical carryover issues. Use a dispenser like Hydro Systems’ AccuMax QDV which utilizes technology to channel incoming water to the proper educator, resulting in the right amount of chemical in the water stream. While eliminating the possibility of chemical carryover, the QDV can automatically dilute solutions into spray bottles, buckets and other containers. Additionally, if you use multi-purpose products for cleaning and disinfecting, your dispenser will need to provide multiple dilutions to provide accurate measurements.

3. Prioritize water flow and pressure. All buildings have different water pressure and flow, and it can vary throughout the day, impacting the dilution of a cleaning or disinfecting solution. Find a dispensing system that is designed to eliminate dilution variance and includes venturi-based units that regulate water flow automatically. Hydro Systems’ patented AccuPro Technology delivers accurate dilution regardless of fluctuations in water pressure, ensuring chemical gets diluted even as water pressure rises.

4. Search for a smart system. Today, some dispensing systems feature technology that offers predictive maintenance, remote monitoring and automated adjustments, including Hydro’s Dositec Multi-Washer Systems. Technology that can record and capture data on dispenser key performance indicators, like Hydro Connect, can help an organization understand how much product, water and energy is being used and track how often the system is being used to meet cleanliness goals. During an outbreak, it’s essential for facility managers to have access to this information to ensure loads of laundry and surfaces were cleaned with the proper solution.

5. Select the right area to install the system. Dispensing systems should be installed in an area that is easy to access and where water is readily available. Search for a compact dispensing system that does not take up valuable wall space.

Most importantly, a dispensing system should be well-suited for current and future needs within the business. Over time, keep up with maintenance by checking on the filter, metering tips and tubing. Replace parts as needed and encourage employees to report any possible issues, such as no chemical draw. Taking these steps ensures that your facility is prepared if and when the next outbreak or pandemic occurs.

Creating a Healthy Environment

Widespread outbreaks and pandemics, such as coronavirus, can have a drastic impact on an organization. From schools to offices to restaurants to retail stores, there are many different facilities that must reevaluate policies and procedures as the virus continues to spread. To promote the health and well-being of employees, building occupants and visitors, every facility must prioritize regular cleaning and disinfection. Having the right tools in place that support health and wellness, like dispensing systems, helps facilities better maintain cleanliness and improve productivity during times of an outbreak.