Touch Surfaces

Stair rails, vending machine buttons, shopping cart handles, sink knobs and other “touch surfaces” are all part of our daily lives – but almost never “top of mind” for the transfer of germs. Still, they can host a culture of viruses and bacteria including H1N1, MRSA, HIV and more.

Just touch a germ-contaminated surface, then touch your eyes, nose or mouth and an unpleasant cold, flu or infection develops within a few days.

The best defense is to disinfect surfaces. Traditional disinfectants cease working as soon as they dry. And they offer NO residual protection.

Home Surfaces

Fortunately, scientists have recently developed SpectraSan 24, an advanced broad-spectrum disinfectant based on silver dihydrogen citrate. It’s especially effective against “super bugs” like H1N1, and this season your community’s health may depend on that technology.

The following is a list of Touch Surfaces in a home environment that should be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis to avoid contamination and the spread of germs:

Bathroom

Flush handles

Toilet seats

Shower curtains

Bathroom counters

Faucets

Kitchen

Kitchen counters

Refrigerator/Freezer handles

Stove/Range/Microwave controls

Counters

Knobs on cabinets

Faucets

Living Areas

TV remotes

Computer keyboards

Telephones

Light switches

Bedside tables

Arm rests on chairs

Downloadable Reference:

Special Cleaning & Disinfecting Protocols

Office Surfaces

The following is a list of Touch Surfaces in an office environment that should be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis to avoid contamination and the spread of germs:

General Areas

Elevator buttons

Door handles

Escalator rails

Cubicle desk tops

Telephones

Computer keyboards

Fax machines

Copy machine controls

Public staplers

Vending machine buttons

Coffee machine stations

ATM touch screens/keypads

Restroom toilets

Flush handles on urinals and toilets

Restroom door locks

A/V equipment

Remote controls

Laser pointers

Reception Areas

Chair arm rests

Sign-in pens

Counters

Tables

Magazine covers

Living Areas

TV remotes

Computer keyboards

Telephones

Light switches

Bed side tables

Arm rests on chairs

Downloadable Reference:

Special Cleaning & Disinfecting Protocols

Planning for 2009 H1N1 Influenza

School Surfaces

The following is a list of Touch Surfaces in a school environment that should be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis to avoid contamination and the spread of germs:

Classroom

Desks

Chairs

Door knobs

Computer keyboards

A/V equipment

Shared lab equipment

Stairwell hand rails

Athletics

Wrestling mats

Sports equipment

Lockers

Benches

Training tables

Weight benches

Cafeteria

Vending machines

Tables

Drinking fountain handles

Napkin dispensers

Restrooms

Flush handles

Toilet seats

Soap dispensers

Paper towel dispensers

Faucets

Downloadable Reference:

Recommended School Cleaning and Sanitation Protocols

Quick Reference Guide for School Nurse, Physician or Infirmary Staff

MRSA Guidelines for Athletes & Athletic Facilities

Special Cleaning & Disinfecting Protocols

Daycare Surfaces

The following is a list of Touch Surfaces in a daycare environment that should be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis to avoid contamination and the spread of germs:

General Areas

Play tables

Counters

Restrooms

Wash sinks

Flush handles on toilets

Toilets

Toys

Play equipment

Mats

Drinking fountains

Telephones

Furniture

Cribs

Mattresses

Downloadable Reference:

Recommended School Cleaning and Sanitation Protocols

Special Cleaning & Disinfecting Protocols

Travel Surfaces

The following is a list of Touch Surfaces in a travel environment that should be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis to avoid contamination and the spread of germs:

Escalator rails

Queue ropes and stanchions

Monitor touch screens

Security X-ray bins

Railings

Door handles

Ticket counters

Waiting area chairs & tables

Aircraft overhead bin handles

Aircraft tray table latches

Aircraft tray tables

Aircraft light, music and air controls

Aircraft lavatory sink handles

Railcar doors

Railcar/subway grab bars & straps

Railcar/subway seats

Ferry railings, seats

Ferry lavatory

Luggage handles

Taxi arm rests

Rental car steering wheels

Rental car gear levers, consoles

Rental car glove box latches

Rental car climate controls

Downloadable Reference:

Cleaning and Disinfection Protocol Chart for Cruise Industry

Special Cleaning & Disinfecting Protocols

Hospital Surfaces

Hospital Surfaces

The following is a list of Touch Surfaces in a hospital/medical environment that should be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis to avoid contamination and the spread of germs:

Nursing Stations

Counters

Medical charts

Computer keyboards

FAX/copy machine buttons

MRI/Radiology

Pads

MRI tunnels

Hand rails

X-ray film

Imaging equipment touched by patients

Patient Rooms

Door knobs

Light switches

Flush handles on toilets

Bedside tables

TV remotes

Bed remote controls

IV poles

Food trays

Stethoscopes

Blood pressure cuffs

Downloadable Reference:

Advice for Achieving a Clean Hospital

Quick Reference Guide for School Nurse, Physician or Infirmary Staff

Special Cleaning & Disinfecting Protocols

Assisted Living Surfaces

The following is a list of Touch Surfaces in an assisted living/longterm care environment that should be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis to avoid contamination and the spread of germs:

Patient Rooms

Bedside tables

Hand rails

TV remotes

Food trays

Flush handles on toilets

Nursing Stations

Computer keyboards

Counters

Office machines

Stethoscopes

Blood pressure cuffs

Wheelchair handles and arm rests

Bed pans

Social Areas

TV remotes

Tables

Chairs

Hand rails

Canes

Walkers

Physical therapy equipment

Door knobs and handles

Downloadable Reference:

Advice for Achieving a Clean Hospital

Quick Reference Guide for School Nurse, Physician or Infirmary Staff

Special Cleaning & Disinfecting Protocols

Reference links:

Center for Disease Control and Prevention 2009 H1N1 Flu

Health and Human Services Flu Information

World Health Organization