Sanitation in schools: what is the importance and how to do it?

Sanitation in schools: what is the importance and how to do it?

Although we still don’t have a specific date for the return of classes in all schools in the country, sanitization in schools is something that directors and maintainers should already start thinking about.

Sanitization is the process that uses chemical products, such as disinfectants and sanitizers, to reduce to acceptable levels or eliminate pathogenic microorganisms that can pose risks to human health.

If you work in schools, colleges or any other educational institution, this post is for you! Take time for this reading and find out how to prepare for back to school!

Why Sanitize Schools?

Schools are places where, almost always, there is a large concentration of people per square meter. In some classrooms, there may be up to forty students, not counting the teacher and, perhaps, assistants.

In these environments, even with frequent cleaning, the accumulation of mold, fungi, and bacteria is common, including the presence of some types of viruses.

Over time, colonies of microorganisms develop and can end up becoming a major problem, affecting the health of students and teachers.

To reduce health risks, it is necessary to sanitize schools with some frequency, even more so in times of a pandemic, such as the one we are experiencing today.

Through it, you can eliminate these harmful bacteria to humans and ensure the health safety of the space, reducing the chances of the proliferation of various diseases.

How is sanitation done in schools?

Sanitation in schools is very similar to sanitation in any other location. For it to be effective, you should start with a thorough cleaning of the site, removing most of the large particles, such as sand and dust.

In places where there is a presence of fat, such as kitchens and canteens, all residue must be removed before starting the process, as lipids and proteins can affect the effectiveness of sanitizing products.

Despite being a very dangerous virus, the Coronavirus can be easily eliminated with soap and water. However, care must be taken to avoid recontamination of the site.

After cleaning, the appropriate sanitizing agent is applied to each type of environment within the school, in order to eliminate the rest of the microorganisms present.

This application can be performed directly, using sprayers or even using nebulizers. Each of these pieces of equipment has a specific application, so it is necessary to evaluate each situation separately.

Finally, it is necessary to wait for the chemical to take effect to then use the site again.

Which sanitizers can be used?

There are no restrictions on which types of sanitizers can be used in a school, however, it is necessary to understand how they will be applied.

There are some types of sanitizers, such as those based on iodine, that have a strong color and can end up staining the surface.

In kitchens, for example, you should avoid sanitizers that leave odor residues that can end up impregnating food, changing its flavor. In this space, the use of alcohol-based sanitizers.

In areas of common use, such as courtyards and classrooms, the most recommended method is the use of chlorine-based sanitizing products, as they have great bactericidal power and, depending on the contact time, even eliminate spores.

For chairs, desks, and other furniture, the use of alcohol is ideal, as they do not leave residues that can occasionally cause allergies, especially in younger children.

The choice of the correct sanitizer will be guided by the type and needs of each environment within the school, the types of materials present in it and the activities carried out.

What equipment to use for sanitization?

Basically, there are two main types of equipment that can be used to sanitize schools: sprayers and nebulizers.

The sprayers are indicated for the application of sanitizers on the ground and in easily accessible areas, since they have a smaller range and the size of the particles is larger, making it difficult to access high places, for example.

This equipment is excellent for carrying out the control of urban pests and vectors, such as cockroach rats and scorpions, precisely because they release a greater amount of product.

The nebulizers, on the other hand, have a high range (up to 20 meters) and, due to the atomization process, deliver microparticles that reach even the most difficult places, such as corners and crevices.

Also called atomizers, these equipment are capable of sanitizing from floor to ceiling in any environment, however, the use of flammable sanitizers, such as alcohols, should be avoided in these equipment due to the risk of fire.

For sanitizing upholstered furniture, such as office chairs, sofas and waiting room benches, it is also recommended to use nebulizers, as they cover the surface without soaking it.

How does sanitization help in the fight against the coronavirus in the reopening of schools?

Most sanitizers have high virucidal power, that is, they manage to eliminate most viruses and, according to some recent studies, they also end up with COVID-19.

By sanitizing school environments correctly, you will be ensuring the health and safety of these spaces, preventing the spread of diseases.

To get an idea, according to these same studies, the Coronavirus can survive for up to five days on different types of materials, such as paper, metal, glass, and ceramics. However, it must be remembered that the sanitization process is not the only fundamental measure.

It is necessary to encourage the habit of washing hands frequently, make gel alcohol available in all environments and encourage physical distancing among students.

Despite being a serious disease, the means of prevention are simple and within reach of the majority of the population.

Performing sanitation in schools is essential to ensure a safe return of students, regardless of how long this takes to happen. In several cities in Australia, we already have schools that are partially operational again. Now that you know a little more about the importance of sanitation in the school environment, take the opportunity to read our Sanitization and Hygienization Guide!