Cleaning and disinfection in educational institutions

Until the best therapies are identified and vaccines are widely used to ensure the population's protection against SARS-CoV-2, the most effective method for controlling the spread of the virus is the application of good hygiene and disinfection practices.

In the Covid-19 epidemiological context, but not only – because there are other types of viruses that can spread very easily – it is necessary to apply protection measures, consisting of the use of disinfectants, especially in high-traffic spaces, such as educational units (schools, kindergartens, nurseries).

Cleaning and disinfection

Cleaning means the physical removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces using detergent and warm water. This process reduces the presence of germs to a level considered acceptable by public health authorities, but it does not guarantee the elimination of bacteria and viruses, as some of them show greater resistance.

Disinfection involves the use of chemical substances that help eliminate bacteria, fungi, and viruses by 99.99%. Before disinfection, it is important to first clean off the dirt, because dirt can reduce the ability of a disinfectant to eliminate germs.

Cleaning and disinfection, standards in educational units

It is essential that the cleaning and disinfection process in schools/kindergartens be carried out diligently by the administrative staff. They must prioritize the protection of children and staff, ensuring that necessary supplies are not missing (detergent, cleaning products, hand disinfectant solution, surface disinfectant). An effective solution is to install a hand disinfectant dispenser that is refilled periodically. The dispenser has the advantage of being usable by multiple people without constantly changing its location, and one can also opt for a device with a sensor, to eliminate the need for touching it.

• Every person entering the educational unit – employee, student, parent, teacher – must disinfect their hands at the entrance to the premises.
• The administrative staff will clean and disinfect frequently touched spaces, such as: door handles, desks, light switches, elevator buttons, kitchen counters, dispensers, cabinet handles, bathrooms and toilets, including faucets, sinks, railings, shared keyboards, and mice.
• Spaces that are not frequently touched will also be cleaned periodically: floors, walls, cabinet door surfaces, blinds. Wet cleaning is more effective than dry wiping. It is recommended to clean walls and blinds when there is visible dust or a dirty area.
• Sanitization of a classroom (floors, desks, teacher's desk) will be performed at each shift change, if a morning shift and an afternoon shift study in the same room. Classrooms will be properly ventilated.
• Furniture items (tables, desks, teacher's desk) will be cleaned and disinfected appropriately, using disinfectant for surfaces approved by the Ministry of Health and competent organizations in the field. A microfiber cloth that is washed with a professional detergent will be used.
• Avoid performing sanitization and disinfection of rooms when people are present in that space. It is important that the rooms are well ventilated before students resume their activities.
• Carefully read the manufacturer's information specified on the labels of disinfectants and cleaning products.
• In case of cleaning electrical equipment or areas around it, isolate the equipment and turn off the power source (if possible) before cleaning with liquids.
• When there are confirmed cases of Covid-19 (meaning if there is a local outbreak) or suspected cases, cleaning in the respective rooms will be performed more frequently.
• Protective equipment will be used when performing sanitization: surgical mask, gown, fluid-resistant disposable gloves.
• Students, teachers, and staff must frequently use alcohol-based hand disinfectant as an alternative to soap and water, especially when handwashing with liquid soap is not possible.
• Used tissues will be thrown into the trash can to avoid the spread of germs.
• Bathroom and shower floors in preschool units will be covered with non-slip materials to prevent children from getting injured. These materials must be washable and disinfectable.
• Children's toys in preschool units are washed and disinfected periodically. The optimal interval is once/week during the school year, after every school vacation, or whenever necessary.
• Before serving meals, ensure that preschoolers have developed the habit of washing their hands properly.
• The cleaning staff will work in a well-ventilated area and will wear individual protective equipment.
• Do not mix substances together, such as toilet bowl detergents, including acids – vinegar or anything containing ammonia.
• Detergents and disinfectants will be stored in separate rooms, to which students do not have access.

Cleaning and disinfection, protocol for canteens

In the situation where meals are provided in the canteen or dining hall, scheduled times will be established for meals and access, to avoid queues and meetings between groups of students.

It is also essential to observe the following protection standards:

• Handling of common items (trays, cutlery, glasses) should be adapted to limit contact. As far as possible, the use of disposable cutlery is recommended.
• Students must wash their hands – before and after meals.
• Dining halls will be ventilated – before and after meals.
• Physical distancing measures will be respected, both at the table and during transit intervals, movement in hallways.
• Protective masks will be removed by students only when they sit down to eat.
• Cleaning and disinfection of dining halls will be carried out according to the Cleaning and Disinfection Plan.
• Avoid using carpets/rugs to limit the spread of germs.

Sanitization of sanitary facilities in schools and kindergartens

Common spaces in educational units – especially bathrooms, are frequented daily by tens/hundreds of students, depending on the size of the school. It is important to ensure the careful cleaning of surfaces, as there is an increased risk of the development of microbes, bacteria, and viruses there.

For cleaning and disinfecting toilets, professional disinfectants will be used. The bathroom requires special attention, especially in the area of the toilet bowl, and a suitable product is Klintensiv WC disinfectant. This sanitizes effectively, eliminates germs quickly, does not contain chlorine, does not discolor, and has virucidal, yeasticidal, fungicidal, and bactericidal action.

It is essential that each toilet be equipped with the following:

• Dispenser for liquid detergent, preferably with a sensor so it is not touched by many people. Such a product is the Klintensiv Liquid soap dispenser with sensor which has a capacity of 1 L, is very easy to maintain by cleaning staff, and very simple to use, having a proximity sensor.
• Liquid soap for hand cleaning.
• Professional hand dryer or paper towels
• Hand disinfectant solution
• Toilet paper
• Trash can for disposing of used paper

Floors will be sanitized periodically (multiple times a day) with surface disinfectant, ensuring the cleaning of sinks, toilets, and mirrors as well, to avoid the spread of microbes.