Sanitizing Your Work Space

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the office, the warehouse, or the conference room is where we all spent a lot of our time. Whether it is the coronavirus or the sniffles, sometimes you can hear the coughs and sneezes from your coworkers.

Viruses and germs can be found on the various surfaces in your workplace. The influenza virus can survive on surfaces and still infect a person 2 – 8 hours after being shed on the surface. As we emerge from this pandemic and start returning to the office and every day life, keeping your personal work space clean and germ-free can help prevent the spread of workplace colds. It is vital to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

What kills viruses and germs that live on surfaces in the workplace?

  • High heat (167 – 212°F)
  • Chemical germicides such as chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap) iodine-based antiseptics, and alcohols.
    • Always protect your hands while working with strong disinfectants with disposable gloves.

Viruses and germs are spread when someone touches something that is contaminated and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air and carry viruses with them. A person can become infected by touching a surface where these droplets land before touching their eyes, mouth, or nose. Frequent hand washing prevents virus transmission from infected surfaces.