Cleaning, sanitation and disinfection

Basics

Maintenance measures for objects, surfaces and premises are important. These measures are effective in reducing the transmission of infections, provided that the products, their use and the frequency of maintenance are adequate. Inappropriate use of a product can render measures ineffective and result in occupants not being protected against infections and unnecessary exposure to chemicals. The inappropriate use of several products can cause chemical reactions and expose occupants to toxic chemical fumes.

 

Maintenance measures must be adapted according to the risks of transmission of infections, the characteristics of surfaces and objects as well as the means available.

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Surfaces

Identifying where infectious agents are found helps target interventions. Certain objects and surfaces should be particularly sought out because of the high transmission risk they represent.

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High-risk surfaces and objects, which include areas at risk of contact with blood, stools, other body fluids and skin, for example:

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• Veterinary examination table;

• Grooming table;

• Baths;

• Cages;

• Animal enclosures;

• Toys, etc.

 

Certain characteristics of surfaces and objects influence the choice of maintenance measures. There are two types of surfaces:

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• Porous;

• Non-porous.

 

A non-porous surface is smooth and impermeable. A porous surface is permeable. It allows liquids or gases to pass through it and therefore retains micro-organisms. A carpet is an example of a porous surface. Porous surfaces cannot be disinfected, as no disinfectant product is considered effective for them. They can only be cleaned and sanitized. It is for this reason that they are not recommended in places likely to be in contact with blood or other biological fluids.

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The 3 levels of maintenance: clean, sanitize, disinfect

 

CLEANING

Elimination of 80% of microorganisms

Loona odor eliminator

Loona floor solution

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Cleaning should always precede sanitation or disinfection. Cleaning removes a certain number of infectious agents, but it does not destroy them. It eliminates elements that are conducive to their proliferation, such as dirt, water, grease, dust and organic matter that can harbor microorganisms and harm the action of the disinfectant. ​

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SANITATION

Elimination of 80% to 90% of microorganisms

Loona Extreme

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Sanitation reduces the quantity of infectious agents to a level deemed safe and harmless without completely eliminating them.​

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DISINFECTION

Elimination of 99.99% of microorganisms

Loona Ster-San

Loona Ster-San PV Concentrate

Loona Ster-San PV RTU

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Disinfection irreversibly destroys or inactivates infectious agents. Disinfection is necessary for objects and surfaces most at risk of contamination, in the event of outbreaks and for certain objects and surfaces which have been in contact with biological liquids or which are at risk of being so, for example the table grooming or examination, animal cage or enclosures. Disinfection is carried out using a chemical product. The product used must be recognized as a disinfectant, have a Health Canada DIN and be virucidal.