Best Practices for BSCs

Here are a few tips to helps BSCs be able to provide a clean and healthy facility.

Understand which disinfecting products are effective against the coronavirus that causes COVID-19

See the product manufacturer's website or contact them.
Look for a product on the EPA website or the Center for Biocide Chemistries website, which lists products that can be used against the virus per the EPA’s Emerging Viral Pathogen Guidance.
Check the product’s master label on the EPA website using the EPA registration number found on the product label. Look for the virus(es) listed next to “enveloped virus” under the Emerging Viral Pathogen claims section. Follow the contact time of the virus(es) listed when using the product against the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

Review your surface cleaning and disinfecting protocols and update as needed

TIPS ON EFFECTIVE DISINFECTING PRACTICES

Disinfect all frequently touched surfaces daily including desks, conference room tables, cafeteria tables, restroom stalls/stall doors, door handles, keyboards/mice and sink fixtures.
Disinfect after your routine cleaning is complete, including emptying trash, dusting and vacuuming to minimize cross-contamination.
Remove any visible soil from the surface with a detergent-based cleaner before applying a disinfectant.
Disinfect surfaces from high areas to low areas so that any dirt/dust that may contain microorganisms dislodged from above are removed when you clean the lower surfaces.
Disinfect surfaces from “clean” areas, such as office spaces, to “dirty” areas, such as bathrooms, to minimize cross-contamination.
For convenience, consider using a one-step disinfectant cleaner instead of a disinfectant that always requires a cleaning step prior to disinfection. One-step cleaner disinfectants ensure that workers can clean and disinfect in one pass.
When disinfecting, ensure surfaces remain visibly wet for the contact time specified on the product label.

Make supplies accessible to employees

Planning for your staff

Plan for staff absences
- Have a flexible attendance and sick-leave policy. Identify critical job functions and positions, and plan for alternative coverage by cross-training staff (similar to planning for holiday staffing).
Address the concerns of your staff who are at high risk for infection
- People who are generally considered a high risk for respiratory infections include:

– Those aged 65 and older

– Pregnant women

– People with weakened immune systems

– People with asthma

Encourage high-risk individuals to consult their healthcare provider on how to protect their health.

Stay informed

Get up-to-date information about local illness activity from your local public health department.
Sign up to receive alerts and updates directly from the CDC.