How to keep your office sanitized during COVID-19 times

New Delhi, April 6  In a bid to help fight against the new coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), health experts have shared some tips for disinfecting your office to stop the spread of the virus.

According to the experts, office spaces, including conference rooms should be cleaned every evening after office hours or early in the morning before the rooms are occupied.

“Cleaning and sterilization are the essentials that need to be followed amid the COVID spread. Depending upon the number of users, disinfectants must be used frequently. The most common and effective disinfectant is Sodium Hypochlorite (commonly known as Household Bleach) is available with 5-6 per cent solution which can be diluted with water,” Dr Meenakshi Jain, Associate Director, Internal Medicine, Max Hospital Patparganj, told IANS.

Any surface including tabletops, countertops, tables, handles, door latches and knobs etc. should be left for one minute in contact with the solution and then wiped off.

“Certain precautions are – it is essential to keep the doors open, ensure proper ventilation, and one should not directly inhale it and should not be mixed with any other disinfectant which are quaternary ammonium compounds. For electronic gadgets like mobiles, desktops, laptops, mouse, keyboards, normal sanitizers can be used which has a composition of isopropyl alcohol (70 per cent),” Jain said.

“For sterilization of rooms, with expected gatherings, using UV-C band of light in the room, is an easy way of disinfection. The room should be closed and the light should not be seen directly as it can be dangerous for vision,” she added.

According to Dr Rakesh Chawla, Senior Consultant, Respiratory Medicine, Saroj Super Speciality Hospital in Delhi, it is important to keep the office ambience hygienic and well sanitized.

While most of us prefer to keep various items which has a potential of multiple touches, clean, but other things include, clothes (uniform), carpets, rugs, doormats etc. which also needs to be cleaned, the doctor said.

“Normally available disinfectants like Lysol, Harpic, 256 DT (diluted with water) can be used to clean the floor and soap solution can be used to disinfect cloth materials which can be washed in the warmest water possible. Basically cleaning has to be done effectively especially things which are easily touchable,” Chawla said.

According to the guidelines issued by the Union Health Ministry, hand sanitizing stations should be installed in office premises (especially at the entry) and near high contact surfaces.

In addition, all employees should consider cleaning the work area in front of them with a disinfecting wipe prior to use and sit one seat further away from others, if possible.