Daily Steps Schools Can Take to Prevent and Control Infections
Daily Steps Schools Can Take to Prevent and Control Infections
Your Local Commercial Cleaning & Janitorial Partner
Serving Houston, Texas
Serving Houston, Texas
From crowded hallways to shared desks, schools are hubs of activity—and with that comes germs. Every day, students sneeze, cough, and touch surfaces with unwashed hands, leaving behind a trail of bacteria and viruses. These shared spaces, such as desks, cafeterias, and hallways, become breeding grounds for infections, which can quickly spread throughout the school. Without proper preventive measures, a simple sneeze or missed hand-washing session can turn into an outbreak, affecting both health and education. At HTX Facilities, we understand that maintaining a clean, healthy school environment is essential, and it can be achieved with a few simple daily practices.
1. Invest in Cleaning and Disinfection
A clean school is a healthy school, but not all cleaning is equal. To effectively prevent and control infections, schools must prioritize daily cleaning and disinfection. Here’s how:
• Target High-Touch Areas: Focus on frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, desks, cafeteria tables, and shared equipment. Don’t forget commonly overlooked spots like seats, floors, and shared supplies. These areas are the hotspots for germs.
• Use EPA-Approved Disinfectants: Ensure that cleaning products are EPA-approved to guarantee they’re effective against viruses and bacteria. Not all products are created equal, and choosing the right one is crucial for a safe environment.
• Follow Daily Disinfection Routines: Set up a routine that targets high-traffic areas like hallways and classrooms, along with obvious spots like bathrooms. Though it may take time, consistency in daily disinfection will prevent the spread of harmful germs.
• Use EPA-Approved Disinfectants: Ensure that cleaning products are EPA-approved to guarantee they’re effective against viruses and bacteria. Not all products are created equal, and choosing the right one is crucial for a safe environment.
• Follow Daily Disinfection Routines: Set up a routine that targets high-traffic areas like hallways and classrooms, along with obvious spots like bathrooms. Though it may take time, consistency in daily disinfection will prevent the spread of harmful germs.
2. Promote Daily Hygiene Practices Among Students and Staff
Infection control starts with good hygiene habits. While cleaning is essential, it won’t be effective if students and staff don’t practice proper hygiene. Schools must encourage hygiene routines to complement cleaning efforts.
• Regular Handwashing Breaks: Schedule regular handwashing times throughout the day, especially before meals and after recess. Teach proper handwashing techniques, reminding students to scrub their hands with soap for at least 20 seconds.
• Hand Sanitizing Stations: Place hand sanitizing stations in high-traffic areas like entrances, hallways, and cafeterias to encourage use. The simple act of having stations readily available will prompt students and staff to sanitize frequently.
• Hygiene Education: Incorporate hygiene education into the daily routine. Use posters, videos, or classroom demonstrations to teach students the importance of hygiene. Make it part of the culture to remind everyone to cover coughs and avoid touching their faces.
• Hand Sanitizing Stations: Place hand sanitizing stations in high-traffic areas like entrances, hallways, and cafeterias to encourage use. The simple act of having stations readily available will prompt students and staff to sanitize frequently.
• Hygiene Education: Incorporate hygiene education into the daily routine. Use posters, videos, or classroom demonstrations to teach students the importance of hygiene. Make it part of the culture to remind everyone to cover coughs and avoid touching their faces.
3. Utilize Specialized Cleaning Equipment and Eco-Friendly Products
The right tools and cleaning products are key to achieving a truly clean and healthy school environment. Specialized cleaning equipment and eco-friendly products can make a significant difference in infection prevention.
• Advanced Cleaning Equipment: Invest in equipment like HEPA filter vacuums, auto scrubbers, and microfiber cleaning systems. These tools are effective at removing dirt, dust, and pathogens, which ensure a deeper clean.
• Eco-Friendly Products: Many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to children and staff. HTX Facilities uses non-toxic, eco-friendly solutions that protect health and support sustainability.
• Proper Training: Ensuring that cleaning staff are properly trained in using specialized equipment and eco-friendly products maximizes their effectiveness. This results in consistent, thorough cleaning, helping prevent the spread of infections.
• Eco-Friendly Products: Many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to children and staff. HTX Facilities uses non-toxic, eco-friendly solutions that protect health and support sustainability.
• Proper Training: Ensuring that cleaning staff are properly trained in using specialized equipment and eco-friendly products maximizes their effectiveness. This results in consistent, thorough cleaning, helping prevent the spread of infections.
Conclusion
Preventing and controlling infections in schools requires a combination of thorough cleaning, good hygiene practices, and the right tools. By investing in effective cleaning routines, promoting hand hygiene, and utilizing specialized, eco-friendly equipment, schools can significantly reduce the risk of infections, leading to a healthier, safer learning environment for everyone. With the right steps, schools can create a space where both students and staff thrive.
Written by:
Pui Fong