Why Your Business Should Hire a PNW Biohazard Cleanup Company to Handle Your COVID-19 Cleaning

As more and more businesses around the Pacific Northwest are resuming in-person operations (with some limited restrictions, of course), the importance of making sure your premises is clean and disinfected in light of reducing the spread of this virus is crucial. Yes, you could let your regular janitorial or cleaning service handle it, or perhaps you’ve considered doing it yourself. But there are some very good reasons why the best idea is to work with a professional biohazard mediation and cleanup company like ours.

Professional biohazard cleaning companies have the trained staff and equipment to handle working with possible contamination by any infectious disease organism, not just this one.

A regular janitorial service may not have this particular type of training. And while no doubt they’ve educated themselves on the particular required or recommended protocols, they most likely lack the experience. This is, after all, a newly emerged disease. But a biohazard remediation company like MedTech has been working in this industry for awhile, and there are certain procedures common decontaminating and sanitizing from ANY infectious organism.

Are you thinking of doing the cleaning yourself? We don’t recommend it.

As a business owner, your health and safety is crucial to the operation of your business as well as the livelihood of your employees. And chances are, you’ve got quite a bit of other things to do to get your business up and running again. Plus, the same reasons apply as the point above; in all likelihood you aren’t trained to do this properly. You may not even be aware of all the requirements. Yes, getting areas sanitized effectively is important, but so is doing it with the safety of the cleaning person in mind.

Don’t be tempted to have your employees handle the cleaning.

We understand that the desire to be able to get people back to work is strong, and we support that. But bringing in your employees to do COVID-19 cleaning is NOT a good idea. You risk the liability you’d assume if they got exposed. You need those employees for the jobs you hired them to do, and this type of work is likely not it!

So, if it’s time to get your place of business back in operation, and you need COVID-19 cleanup, disinfecting, and sanitizing to do that, give us a call. We are a trained biohazard remediation company serving the greater Seattle and Spokane areas, as well as other locations around the nearby Pacific Northwest. Professional cleanup from this virus, that meets or exceeds CDC and EPA standards, is just one of our services.

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So…What Exactly Is a Biohazard?

Perhaps you’ve seen the term ‘biohazard’ on a disposal container or trash receptacle at your doctor’s office. Or maybe you’ve seen the term in news articles. But do you know what a biohazard is and why there are specialized containers as well as companies that do biohazard cleanup? Biohazard remediation – that includes cleanup and restoration – is our business, and we’d like to give you the basics so you’re informed.

The first part of the word – bio – comes from the Greek word indicating something living. That’s an important distinction. And ‘hazard’ indicates that it could be dangerous. A biohazard is something that can threaten the health of a living being. But it also indicates that the contaminant is (or was) alive or contained living matter. Examples range from blood, vomit or feces to organisms that can cause infectious diseases, such as viruses and bacteria. Surgical waste is a biohazard. and so are molds.

The current COVID-19 virus is a biohazard. But so are used syringes and needles that could be contaminated with blood. That’s why medical facilities have special bins (usually red) for safe disposal of needles, sometimes called sharps. The international symbol is an interlocked set of 3 broken circles, usually on a yellow background. But signs use a variety of styles and colors. Shown below are some examples of biohazard warning labels.

Biohazards are classified from Level 1 to 4 in terms of danger or threat. These are:

Level 1: Minimal risk; usually gloves or a face covering are sufficient to protect yourself. Chicken pox and e. coli bacteria are examples of level 1 biohazards.

Level 2: Biohazards classified as 2 can cause mild illness, although for some it can be severe, depending on state of health. Transmission is by contact, and Level 2 biohazards include the various hepatitis strains, Lyme disease, and HIV.

Level 3: These biohazards cause severe illness that can be fatal. But treatments for Level 3 organisms are available. Level 3 includes malaria, West Nile virus, and SARS-CoV-2. (This is the medical term for the disease caused by COVID-19.)

Level 4: Level 4 represents something that causes severe and often fatal illnesses, and there is no current treatment. These include the ebola virus and certain hemorrhagic fevers.

There are biological safety procedures that go along with each of these hazard levels. And there are 3 stages: containment (so that the biohazard doesn’t spread), decontamination, and disposal of contaminated materials. At times reconstruction and repairs might also be involved. For example, sometimes we need to remove carpeting and pads that have been soaked with blood. The underlying subfloor might have to be replaced, and then new carpeting installed. We also perform these tasks or work with contractors to get it done.

While you might be able to safely handle cleanup of a Level 1 biohazard, it’s recommended that for anything that is Level 2 or greater that you let a professional biohazard cleanup company handle it. If you don’t know the proper procedures, you could actually make things worse in your attempts to clean.

If you have any questions about whether you should be taking care of a biohazard cleanup yourself or arranging for a professional to handle it, please contact us. We serve a number of communities in the greater Pacific Northwest. We handle COVID-19 cleanup as well as other biohazards.

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Biohazard and Virus Cleanup: When Disinfecting, It’s Important to Read and Follow Label Directions

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The EPA just announced it has approved two Lysol spray disinfectants as effective against the COVID-19 virus (technically SARS-CoV-2). The announcement indicates the sprays will kill the virus when sprayed on hard surfaces that are not porous. (This excludes cloth surfaces, carpet, furniture, etc.).  According to the EPA – which lists over 400 products on its list as effective against what they term ‘harder to kill’ microorganisms, these two are the first to be tested against this particular virus and shown to be effective.  They are:

  • Lysol Disinfectant Spray
  • Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist

This video from ABC7 news shares the information:

 

But there is a catch – spray and wipe won’t do it.  Disinfecting is a different process than cleaning, and you need to use different techniques. We’re used to spraying and then immediately wiping when cleaning, but using that method for disinfecting simply wastes the product and does not disinfect.  (Most disinfectants need to remain wet on a surface for an extended period – usually about 2 or three minutes.)

With these Lysol sprays, it takes 2 minutes to be effective, which means that the surface sprayed needs to remain wet the the product for at least 2 minutes. We want to point out that use of these disinfectant sprays – as well as any other disinfectant product – will only achieve the desired results when the instructions on the label are followed. 

As a bio-hazard cleanup and remediation company, we understand the importance of reading and following label directions for any products we use, regardless of whether they are for cleaning or disinfecting.  If you have questions about COVID-19 approved cleaners and disinfectants and how to use them, we encourage you to visit the EPA website.

MedTech Cleaners is currently offering COVID-19 cleanup and disinfecting in a number of areas of the Pacific Northwest, specifically in the greater Spokane and Seattle areas, but we also have other locations in Idaho, Oregon, and Montana.  To find out if we cover your area, please callus at (877) 691-6706.  Our phone is answered 24/7. 

 

 

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Should You Re-Use Disposable Face Masks? Basic Information

With the current COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC has recommended people wear face coverings in public. In addition, many entities such as retail stores, health care facilities, and other places require them.  They are also required for businesses re-opening in the State of Washington when the 6-foot social distancing cannot easily be maintained.

woman wearing surgical mask and protective coveringThere are several types of face masks the general public is using, but in this particular article we’re going to cover the disposable ones most people are familiar with.  These include surgical masks as well as the N95 masks worn both by health care professionals as well as other industries such as painters.  The woman shown at right is wearing a surgical mask. The photo below shows an assortment of industrial N95 masks and respirators.  (Please note: until very recently industrial grade N95 masks were not approved for health care workers; this restriction was lifted due to the short supply of medical-grade protective masks.)

The first thing you should be aware of is that the CDC DOES NOT recommend the public purchase and use the surgical grade masks or N95 masks (unless you have been directed otherwise by your health care professional) due to these masks being in limited supply and sorely needed by health care workers and first responders.  Still, you may see individuals out in public with either of these types of masks. 

 

Because there is such a limited supply of surgical and N95 masks that are required for health care workers, what was once considered a disposable item is now often being reused by necessity.  The question then arises – can disposable face masks safely be re-used?

The answer is a little complicated. No, it’s not recommended (after all, they were designed to be disposable – removed and safely disposed of as the person is leaving the restricted area, such as an operating room or a hospital room where a patient is in isolation, such as someone with MRSA or another infectious disease.  They were NOT designed to be reused, but under the current circumstances there is often no choice.  But for them to be safely re-used, there are certain precautions that need to be taken.

  • DO NOT touch the front of the mask when removing it.  Proper removal is crucial.  Medical personnel are taught to avoid touching their masks, but it’s a difficult thing to do.  Most of us – without realizing it – touch our faces about two dozen times an hour.  If you’re wearing a mask, you’ll need to make a conscious effort to avoid doing so.  Take the mask off using the ear loops.
  • Store the mask in a sealed yet breathable container for a few days. Based on what we know about how long the virus will live on paper or cardboard, we recommend 48 hours.  Some nurses use a simple paper lunch bag. You’ll want something that will allow the mask to air out and breathe; putting it in a sealed package like a plastic container or zip storage bag can trap moisture, causing mold.
  • Can you clean the mask to re-use it?  No. Hospitals have special equipment that uses gas to sterilize disposable masks that are not available to the general public. Don’t attempt to clean it with a spray, and DO NOT microwave it.  There have been some social media posts recommending both of these, but they are not advisable.  Cleaners will remain in the mask, which means you’ll be breathing in the vapors when you next wear it.  And microwaving them may start a fire, especially if the masks contain any metal (the N95 masks often have a metal strip in the nose bridge area).

In an upcoming post we’ll discuss how to safely use and re-use those homemade cloth masks you’re seeing everywhere.  The purpose of that type of mask is to prevent YOU from passing on infectious organisms, not to prevent you from catching COVID-19.  As far as that prevention goes, these masks will only provide you with a false sense of security.

We’re very familiar with the safe and proper use of face coverings like surgical masks and N95 types, as our biohazard remediation techs usually wear them.  MedTech Cleaners is one of the Pacific Northwest’s leading biohazard and trauma cleanup companies, and COVID-19 cleaning is one of our services.  We serve the greater Spokane and Seattle areas, as well as other Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Idaho communities, including Boise.

 

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Disinfecting in the Face of Viruses and Other Biohazards: Helpful Tips

With the empty shelves at stores everywhere – a shortage of toilet paper, hand sanitizers, hand soap, and disinfectant cleaners, people are understandably concerned about protecting themselves from the spread of COVID-19.  We’ve seen lots of reports and social media posts showing people using disinfectant cleaning wipes (most of them improperly).  Here is some basic information on cleaning and disinfecting that is generally applicable to any infectious agent.

  • Cleaners and disinfectants are two separate things.  Cleaners don’t disinfect, nor do disinfectants clean.  Anything you do to take care of germs in your home requires two steps: clean first, then disinfect.
  • Most people use disinfectants improperly.  Simply wiping and drying off the surface accomplishes nothing.  In fact, you may make things worse.  Whether you use sprays or wipes, wipe in ONE direction only. Otherwise all you are doing is spreading the germs by wiping back and forth.  You’re dragging a cloth or wipe that is now germ-laden over a surface you’ve previously applied disinfectant to, effectively re-contaminating it.
  • Disinfectants must remain wet to be effective. Once a surface is clean, if you use a disinfectant product, it MUST remain wet on the surface for a sufficient amount of time in order to kill the germs.   For example, a bleach solution requires about a 10-minute time frame of remaining wet to be effective.  Other disinfectants may recommend 3 minutes. Whatever you use as a disinfectant, read the label for the manufacturer’s recommendation.
  • Wear gloves when cleaning or disinfecting – disposables are best. If you use non-disposable gloves, they will need to be disinfected as well, such as soaking in a bleach solution.  If you are not wearing gloves, your hands can become infected, and then whatever you touch (like your face) will be contaminated.
  • Sponges, wiping cloths, etc. should either be disposed of properly or sanitized. The best method? Your microwave.  Research shows that 2 minutes in a microwave will effectively kill bacteria and viruses.
  • Wipes or sprays? Previously it was felt that wipes were a better way to disinfect than spray cleaners, mostly because they were a one-use item that was convenient and could be easily disposed of.  However, many experts believe that spray disinfectants are a better way to go.  In fact, Dr. Oz today stated when he guest hosted on “The View” that he believed using wipes did more to spread it than kill germs.  (He has said this in other interviews as well.  You can read more of his coronavirus survival tips in this article.)
  • Don’t forget to sanitize items your hands touch. This includes phones, tablets, computer mouses, keyboards, etc., and even your car keys – not just hard surfaces in your home.  Keep in mind that certain solutions should NOT be used on digital items, so check with the manufacturer for their recommendations.

As a company who professionally cleans and disinfects to address the presence of viruses, bacteria, and other biohazards, we take every precaution to make sure we’re killing germs and not just cleaning surfaces. If you’ve got questions about our services or the area we cover, please contact us.  

 

 

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Protect Yourself Against Infectious Disease: Skip the Masks – Good Old-Fashioned Hand Washing Is One of the Best Ways

Sure, it may have been annoying the way your mom made you wash your hands so much as you were growing up.  Wash after going to the bathroom, wash your hands before you eat, wash your hands after playing outside.  Wash, wash, wash.  And water as hot as you could stand it and plenty of soap were required.  With the recent outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus and near panic worldwide, the focus on how to protect against an infectious disease is at the top of the list for conversations on social media, news programs, and more.

Perhaps you’ve seen photos and videos of people in China walking around out in public wearing masks over their mouths.  Even here in the U.S. it’s happening, and with the prevalence of celebrities doing so, many people are rushing out to buy those disposable face masks, almost to the point of them selling out.

First, the good news.  You don’t need those masks, because they really won’t keep you from getting a virus. They were designed mostly to keep someone’s cough droplets from spewing forth.  The CDC and other health experts say the only ones who should be wearing those respirator masks are those who are already sick with a virus and health care workers.  It gets further complicated by the fact that for those masks to be effective at all, they have to fit properly and remain in place.  This morning on “Good Morning America,” Dr. Jen Ashton, their resident health expert, said she had to try five different ones to find one that fit her well.

The other thing to keep in mind is that if you’re wearing one of those masks, you have to resist the urge to lift the edge to scratch your nose.  Touching your face is one of the ways that infectious diseases are spread.  That mask is worthless if you’re going to touch your face underneath it.  The mere act of placing your finger underneath means you’ve already contaminated the surrounding are with whatever bugs your finger is harboring, and now it’s in close proximity to your mouth and nose rather than being dispersed into the air.

And there’s more good news.  Turns out Mom may have instinctively known some things.  Hand washing with hot water and plain old soap is sufficient.  You don’t even need anti-bacterial soap.  (In fact, there is some evidence that overuse of anti-bacterial agents has actually contributed to the development of resistant organisms.) What’s the proper hand washing standard?  A recent study showed that about 97% of us don’t do it right.  This is what the official site of the Centers for Disease Control says:

Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.

And 20 seconds may be longer than you think.  Here’s a good guideline to teach your kids:  Sing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song twice – that’s just about the right amount of time.  (Some places recommend the ‘ABC’ song instead.)Washing should be followed up with drying, using a clean towel.  Air-drying is the second best if no clean towel is available.  And please don’t use those wall-mounted blower dryers; they only spread disease around in the air.

Obviously there are other guidelines for health care workers, especially doctors and nurses about to go into an operating room. And technicians who work for a biohazard and trauma cleanup company like ours have other protective protocols. But for most of us, washing our hands sufficiently with soap and running water whenever available is one of the best ways to cut down on transmission of infectious diseases.

 

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