Decontamination & Disinfection
Child Care Facilities
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DECONTAMINATION AND DISINFECTION
RISK MANAGEMENT
The first and most important duty facing management is how to prepare an appropriate risk management policy and then implement the procedures based on proven and best global practices.
DECONTAMINATION
Decontamination is a process to clean and remove contaminants and microorganisms from solid surfaces.
The method of application and choice of disinfectant is an important consideration because chemical residue and wet spray or mist is harmful and can damage electric/electronic components due to corrosion over time.
OVERCOMING THE LIMITATIONS OF MANUAL CLEANING
Clean does not always mean disinfected
Harmful microorganisms can survive on poorly cleaned surfaces and it is simply impossible to get to all areas during the cleaning process. Infection control personnel in hospitals perform disinfection processes after terminal cleaning to create a truly clean environment.
Despite proper training and assessment of cleaning operatives and the use of adequate cleaning/disinfection products, even hospital environment-related infection rates cannot be lowered above a certain level. It might be because of an intense workload, lack of motivation, or the oversight of some potentially contaminated surfaces.
In some situations, the risk of acquiring an infection is too high to only rely on human performance. COVID-19 is one of those risks where airborne disinfection and surface decontamination using Nocolyse should be considered for the complete destruction of dangerous pathogens.
When one deals with COVID-19 and other infectious pathogens, every square mm must be cleaned and disinfected and this is very difficult to achieve with a
manual deep cleaning process.
Eradicating germs in childcare facilities presents more of a challenge because babies and young children are constantly mouthing toys.
Surfaces Most Likely To Be Contaminated
Surfaces most likely to be contaminated are those which children are most likely to have close contact with.
These include:
- Toys that children put in their mouths
- Cot rails
- Food utensils
- Cups and plates
- Surfaces likely to become contaminated with germs such as nappy-changing areas and toilets.
- Mattresses
DISINFECTION
Disinfection is a process to kill (destroy the DNA) pathogens including COVID-19. Every square mm in the most impossible to reach areas is disinfected including air spaces where airborne pathogens are transported in the airflow.
The NocoTech Automated Concept For Disinfection
The Nocotech automated concept of disinfection consists of a submicron diffusing process using a biodegradable disinfectant (Nocolyse, Nocolyse one-shot, Nocolyse food) which is dispersed via an automated disinfection device. The disinfection device transforms the disinfecting liquid into a completely dry fog. This is achieved by generating a particle size of fewer than 5 microns through highspeed diffusion. The process, therefore, creates a dry gas which disinfects all surfaces without exception.
This is particularly useful for unreachable areas that are difficult to get to and clean manually.
Every square centimeter of the space is disinfected with a lethal effect on COVID-19 as well as staphylococcus (including MRSA), Enterococcus (including VRE), H5N1, H1N1, legionella, aspergillus niger, Candida Albicans and other highly infectious microorganisms to > 6 -log reduction.
Simplicity – Easy To Use
Measure the space and enter the volume on the touchpad and LED display. The disinfection process can be started by simply pressing the start button on the device or via the remote control for automatic activation from outside the room.
Our system designed timer allows for automatic activation when it suits you. The disinfection process can be set to automatically activate at night, after a shift, between operations or at any time which best suits the customers’ needs.
The device will automatically shut down after dispensing the exact amount of disinfectant. No wiping, rinsing, or airing is required after the decontamination process has been completed.
THE PROCESS OF DISINFECTION
Larger childcare facilities could have multiple areas that need disinfection at the same time and security will always be a factor especially when the disinfection process takes place after hours.
In these instances a disinfection port can be created in a door or through a wall. The operator simply activates the disinfection process for a few minutes
and moves on to the next area. In this way the entire facility can be disinfected in a few hours. In smaller facilities the disinfection device can be permanently mounted at a convenient place in the nursery.
The responsible person could lock up, activate the disinfection device when leaving and return to a completely safe and pathogen free environment in the morning.
The disinfection process will be selected for either preventative or curative purposes.
The curative option should be selected where cases of confirmed infection has been reported whilst the preventative option is based on risk management which may be daily, weekly or monthly.
The process to achieve effective disinfection comprises of two phases:
- Emission time (36 seconds to 60 minutes depending on the size of the space)
- Contact time (preventative 30 minutes and curative 2 hours)
Entry into the area whilst undergoing decontamination is forbidden. Signage should be provided as a warning at the doors and entry points. Contact time remains consistent irrespective of emission time or room size.
No Corrosion,
No Residue
No Need To
Rinse
100%
Biodegradable
Non-Allergenic
Verification of the successful decontamination process can be tested by using our Nocobox technology. Nocobox is a surface contact box with nutrients to foster bacterial growth. A simple smudge across surfaces will indicate bacterial growth and serves as an excellent and speedy quality control procedure.
Colour metric strips are available to check whether the disinfection process has been distributed evenly throughout the area.
