Techniques BSCs Use to Carry Out Infection Prevention Practices

For years, many building owners have expected their building service contractors (BSCs) to clean for appearance, without much thought of cleaning for safety or infection control. Then the COVID pandemic spread across the globe and building owners received a crash course on the importance of cleaning for health and safety, and in removing invisible but potentially life-threatening pathogens. 

This new awareness has provided BSCs with the opportunity to develop and implement consistent infection prevention protocols and product recommendations across all their facilities. With more comprehensive services that fulfill both a clean appearance and safety metrics, BSCs can offer additional selling points to their clients. 

However, there is no “one-size-fits-all” protocol that ensures safe, healthy environments. Each facility type comes with its own set of risks, operational schedules, occupant behaviors, and regulatory requirements. Healthcare facilities, for example, enforce disinfection protocols with hospital-grade products registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Schools require safe, child-friendly products that are effective, while low in toxicity. Office buildings often prioritize attention to high-touch surfaces. Industrial facilities may involve unique contaminants, larger square footage, and 24/7 operations. 

Despite these differences, the fundamental principles of infection prevention remain universal: eliminate pathogens, prevent cross-contamination, and promote hygienic behaviors by developing a framework adaptable to each environment. 

As a starting point, “Understanding the distinct processes of cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing is key to feeling knowledgeable and competent in infection control,” says Ron Segura, Founder and President of Segura & Associates, San Francisco. 

“Cleaning involves the comprehensive removal of dirt, dust, and contaminants from various surfaces,” explains Segura. “By utilizing soap or detergent in conjunction with water, debris is cleaned away. While cleaning does not universally eradicate germs, it does reduce their presence, making an environment healthier.” 

Meanwhile, disinfecting involves the use of chemicals (disinfectants) to eliminate pathogens on surfaces, specifically by killing them. Experts agree that the process of disinfecting is more impactful than regular cleaning at ridding surfaces of pathogens, but it’s more effective when the surface being disinfected has already been cleaned properly. 

“Sanitizing involves the reduction of microbial populations to a level deemed safe according to public health standards,” explains Segura. This process may encompass either cleaning or disinfecting; however, its primary objective is to diminish microbial counts to thresholds considered acceptable for health and safety. 

In summary, cleaning eliminates dirt, sanitizing lowers pathogen levels to a safe standard, and disinfecting eradicates pathogens. Each process is essential for maintaining hygiene and safety.