UK
In light of the situation that we all find ourselves in, sanitation is at the top of everyone’s agenda. For laundry practices large and small, this is about laundering methods and procedures and also about keeping staff and customers safe by ensuring a hygienic environment.
Christeyns UK is part of a global group that not only has laundry expertise but also specialists in hygiene across many industry sectors, producing a range of premium chemicals for many specific tasks. A team of highly experienced hygiene specialists work continually to research and develop products that meet the challenges of modern day living.
As Covid-19 (novel Coronavirus) cases in the UK are continuing to appear, albeit at a slower rate 9as of 4 May), and further research into the virus is conducted, evidence is emerging that infectivity on hard surfaces can remain for up to several days in the right conditions and therefore reducing the risk of contamination is crucial.
Currently there have not been any specific tests against formulated products with regard to Covid-19. However, research published in Medical News Today has indicated that an oxidising disinfectant is the most effective. The research demonstrates that solutions of Hypochlorite, Peracetic Acid (PAA) or Hydrogen Peroxide are particularly effective, as are solutions greater than 70% alcohol.
Additional research is emerging on the efficacy of disinfectant products based on quaternary ammonium compounds (Quat) which can be combined with a suitable detergent for hard-surface and common contact point cleaning to provide a one-stage decontamination regime. Christeyns UK have both PAA based hard surface sanitisers (Phagospore) and Quat based (Bacticlense) – both products are in ready-to-use form.
Use of a hydrogen peroxide solution such as HuwaSan TR3 has proven virucidal efficacy against encapsulated viruses, bacterial and fungicidal activity. Uniquely stabilised with ionic-silver, the solution is available in a ready-to-use trigger-spray format.
“On top of hard surface sanitation, the rigorous reinforcement of personal hygiene standards is of the upmost importance, in particular the regular washing of hands using warm water and a good quality soap. Where hand-washing facilities are not available then the application of an alcohol-based hand disinfectant is recommended,” states Peter Littleton technical director at Christeyns.
For laundry purposes, Peracetic acid disinfectants are suitable for use in the main wash, whereas disinfectants based on quaternary ammonium compounds can be used in the rinse zone only and are not recommended for use in CBWs due to the complexity of the water flows within the machine. Quaternary ammonium compounds are not compatible with main wash detergents.
Healthcare linen should be disinfected in accordance with the UK recognised standard thermal disinfection protocols and healthcare laundries should continue to follow their EN14065 procedures, paying close attention to foul and infected linen procedures, it is recommended that known COVID 19 contaminated linen be treated as such. RKI listed processes are also available – these are approved chemical disinfection processes used in Germany where the peracetic acid disinfectants used within these processes are compliant with EN 14476 for virucidal activity.
Where laundries are restarting their operations after a period of closure, there may be a need to decontaminate machines where biofilms have formed – Lufragerm, a Quat based product, is a suitable product for such activity.
Information and search results pertaining to Covid-19 are continuing to evolve. Christeyns will maintain close monitoring of developments to ensure all is being done to help protect staff, partners and customers and will issue further guidance to its customers should the situation change, or new technologies become available.
