Environmental cleaning is one of the most essential actions taken to prevent the spread of illness. Because pathogens are not visible to the naked eye, cleaning every area is necessary. While any staff member can keep patient areas clean, trained EVS workers perform thorough cleaning and disinfection.
In order to remove pathogens, EVS staff work methodically to clean and disinfect within the healthcare environment. This must be done with the appropriate cleaning or disinfecting product. It is also crucial to know which areas are most likely to be contaminated, as those areas need disinfection that is more frequent.
Pathogens can live on surfaces for months How long do pathogens live on surfaces. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains lists of approved disinfectants, which can be searched by pathogen name. Examples below:
EPA List of Disinfectants for Emerging Viral Pathogens
EPA List N: COVID-19 Disinfectants
EPA List K: Antimicrobial Products Effective Against C Diff
Not only is it necessary to use the correct product, understanding the label is imperative. The label lists important information, such as active ingredients, storage and disposal information, and directions for use, but also lists contact time. Contact time is the amount of time a surface must be wet in order for pathogens to be killed or inactivated- a major factor when cleaning.
How to Read a Disinfectant Label
Environmental cleaning is necessary for patient and staff safety. While EVS is responsible for most cleaning and disinfection, all healthcare workers have a role to play.
CDC and ICAN. Best Practices for Environmental Cleaning in Healthcare Facilities in Resource-Limited Settings. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC; Cape Town, South Africa: Infection Control Africa Network; 2019
Kramer, A., Schwebke, I. & Kampf, G. How long do nosocomial pathogens persist on inanimate surfaces? A systematic review. BMC Infect Dis 6, 130 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2334-6-130