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