By Mary Czaplicki
Research Scientist, GOJO Industries
As schools open, now is the time to think about how best to keep our school buildings and classrooms clean and disinfected. Below are some tips school administrators, teachers, and building maintenance staff can follow to maintain a safe environment and reduce the risk of exposure for their students.
1. Use a surface disinfectant with an approved Health Canada Drug Identification Number (DIN).
Health Canada regulates surface disinfectants to ensure they are effective and safe for use by consumers. In today’s environment it’s important to use a disinfectant that is effective against coronavirus. While most disinfectants will work against coronavirus, a list of hard-surface disinfectants from Health Canada are supported by evidence following drug review, demonstrating that they are likely to be effective and may be used against SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The disinfectants on this list, which include PURELL® Professional Multi-Surface Sanitizer & Disinfectant, are expected to be effective against all strains of SARS-CoV-2, as genetic changes to the virus are unlikely to impact the efficacy of disinfectants.1
2. Choose a surface disinfectant that is worry free around children.
Student safety is of utmost importance in a school setting. For instance, PURELL® Surface Disinfectants do not contain harsh chemicals and don’t require health hazard warning statements. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends, “When possible, only products labeled as safe for humans and the environment, containing active ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide, ethanol [alcohol], citric acid, should be selected, because they are less toxic, are not strong respiratory irritants or asthma triggers, and have no known carcinogenic, reproductive, or developmental effects.”2 Limit the use of disinfectants that contain precautionary statements when students are present.
3. Ensure surface disinfectants remain visibly wet for the contact time specified on the product label to ensure that they are effective.
Disinfectants are only effective if they are used as indicated on the label. Refer to the product label to familiarize yourself with the recommended contact time and use instructions. Reapply the product if necessary. Keep in mind that not all products have the same contact time. PURELL® Professional Multi-Surface Sanitizer & Disinfectant kills many organisms in 30 seconds,3 including SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
4. Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces frequently.
Health Canada recommends increasing frequency of cleaning, especially washrooms, cafeterias or food service locations and high touch surfaces or equipment.4 Examples of surfaces include:
- doorknobs/push buttons
- light switches
- faucet handles
- desks
- electronic devices
- locker handles
- pencil sharpeners
- water fountains
- handrails and seats
Before using a disinfectant on screens or electronics, check with the manufacturer to make sure it is compatible with the device surface to prevent damage. PURELL® Surface Disinfectants are safe to use on electronic touch screens, including cell phones and tablets.
5. Re-disinfect surfaces regularly.
High-touch surfaces should be re-disinfected between uses as much as possible, especially after periods of increased activity. The use of shared equipment is discouraged, however when necessary, items should be disinfected between uses. Make sure you’re using the right disinfectants on the right surfaces – for instance, many disinfectants are not safe to use on soft surfaces, according to their label.
These tips can be part of your school’s broader strategy to create a safer, cleaner environment this school year. We are also providing protocols, training materials, and educational content to support schools in maximizing the impact of the products they have available, including when and how these products should be used, and where to place wall-mounted dispensers, floor stands, and tabletop bottles – so sanitizing and washing fit into the normal flow of the school day. For additional materials, visit our PURELL® Brand Well-Being Centre.
1. Accessed August 6, 2021. Hard-surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers (COVID-19) https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/disinfectants/covid-19/list.html#tbl1
2. Accessed July 23, 2020. COVID-19 Planning Considerations: Guidance for School Re-entry. https://services.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/clinical-guidance/covid-19-planning-considerations-return-to-in-person-education-in-schools/
3. PURELL Professional Multi-Surface Sanitizer & Disinfectant (DIN 02469529) meets the requirement to make efficacy claims against the emerging viral pathogen COVID-19 with a kill time of 30 seconds as it meets the following criteria per Health Canada’s Safety and efficacy requirements for hard surface disinfectant drugs. Refer to https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/hc-sc/migration/hc-sc/dhp-mps/alt_formats/pdf/prodpharma/applic-demande/guide-ld/disinfect-desinfect/hard-surface-surfaces-dures-eng.pdf Guidance document - Safety and efficacy requirements for hard surface disinfectant drugs section 5.0 Claims against emerging viral pathogens policy. Broad spectrum virucide, supported by an efficacy claim against: Canine Parvovirus 30 second kill time and Poliovirus type 1 30 second kill time.
4. Accessed August 6, 2021. COVID-19 guidance for schools Kindergarten to Grade 12. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/health-professionals/guidance-schools-childcare-programs.html