Preventive disinfection of premises: where it is needed and how it is carried out

Millions of bacteria around us cause infections that spread rapidly and cause entire epidemics, so to protect people in places with potential danger, disinfection is carried out. This is a method of disinfection that destroys the ways of spreading infections. It consists of measures to destroy pathogens and toxins and is carried out differently at different facilities.

The following types are included in preventive disinfection:

• scheduled – carried out with ultraviolet light to clean surfaces, air and some objects;
• epidemiological – carried out at a high risk of an epidemic or during its outbreak. The goal is to stop the spread through objects and infected people;
• sanitary and hygienic – includes antiseptic hand treatment, disinfection of instruments, wet cleaning, ventilation.

Disinfection measures should always be supported by prevention. In areas where there is a probable presence of infectious agents – a sick person or a carrier – it should be carried out systematically.

Objects subject to regular treatment are public places and large enterprises – food shops, saunas and swimming pools, educational institutions, public transport, train stations, medical institutions, hotels, etc.

Disinfection is aimed at stopping the spread and accumulation of pathogens, and depending on the type of object and the purpose of disinfection, specialists carry out the following actions:

• disinfection of tap water, chlorination of water in swimming pools;
• in medical institutions – disinfection of air and instruments;
• sterilization of dairy products;
• wet cleaning;
• treatment of surfaces with disinfectant aerosols, etc.

Methods of preventive disinfection

Disinfection measures consist of examination of the object, examination, elimination of the pathogen, treatment and further control.

Depending on the level of threat and the speed of the epidemic spread, specialists carry out:

• physical disinfection – involves heat treatment or ultraviolet;
• mechanical treatment – wet cleaning, air and water filtration, treatment of tools, surfaces and hands.

But these types of disinfection are auxiliary. More than 95% of viruses and bacteria on surfaces and in the air are destroyed by chemical treatment. It is based on the use of modern preparations based on chemical compounds with antimicrobial action. These chemicals are quickly soluble in water, do not have a pungent odor, and are safe for people and the environment.

Regular preventive disinfection will help minimize the risks of the spread of bacteria and viruses in public places, create safe working conditions in production, preserve the quality of products and the health and life of people.