The global pandemic caused by the infectious coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has changed how many view cleaning and disinfection, hygiene and prevention of the spread of infections (POSI) in our personal and professional environments.
The SGS approach for tackling such situations incorporates a combination of international best practices for cleaning and disinfection, WHO guidelines, ISO 45001 and SGS’s own expertise in prevention of the spread of infection (POSI).
What are the key success criteria for an effective cleaning and disinfection program?
- A proper review or gap assessment of current protocol and procedures, including disinfection plans and staff training provisions
- Cleaning process supervision and cleaning products validation (e.g. EPA/ECDC registered disinfectants)
- Pre-cleaning visual inspection and cleaning efficacy verification through white glove technique and UV light
- Cleaning validation through sampling and testing, including a combination of on-site and laboratory testing for surface swab samples in order to validate site cleaning and disinfection procedures by means of:
- Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and surface debris testing as a metric for the hygiene status assessment
- We also offer clients an optional service for SARS-CoV-2 testing based on reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) – allowing the screening of the targeted virus
- Tracking all critical non-conformities and swiftly implementing remedial measures
The result of successfully passing the above process is the issuance of the SGS Disinfection Monitored Mark, valid for one year with intermittent surveillance checks. The Mark is issued to client sites displaying conformity in line with international standards and guidelines, including local regulations where applicable.
SGS, as a global business with local presence, supports our clients in a multitude of industries by providing on-site and/or a combination of virtual monitoring (via SGS QiiQ virtual inspection technology) to assess the effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection procedures.
Theodore Julian Pillay, Head of Project Management – Hospitality Services, SGS