While hydrogen peroxide (H202) fogging has become the most widely used and generally accepted to be better than UV disinfection, there are considerations to be taken into account when using it.
H202 & other disinfectants are biocidal chemicals used to control contamination by micro-organisms. H202 & other chlorine-based disinfectants are classified as hazardous substances. Although disinfectants used in healthcare are especially selected so that potential residues left on surfaces etc, are not harmful to people, they may affect the skin, eyes or respiratory system and can be harmful if ingested in sufficient quantity.
IC Solutions have always promoted the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when healthcare staff are using disinfectants, indeed we offer all of the appropriate PPE for anyone purchasing or using our equipment.
There are benefits to using PPE, apart from obviously reducing any risks with long term contact/use of disinfectants, it will speed up the process if you are using PPE while carrying out fogging treatments with a number of providers equipment, check with your supplier if PPE can or should be used.
For example, after 30 minutes following fogging treatment, it is possible to enter the area while wearing PPE, open windows (where possible) & remove HVAC covers, if they have been used, take the fogging machine out of the room and use it elsewhere if required. This significantly speeds up the process, so long as your supplier can still guarantee that by doing this, you won’t be compromising on the efficacy of the treatment!
Of course there are trusts that do not use PPE during their fogging treatments, many are still taking 3 or 4 hours to fog a room, if time isn’t that crucial, then that is ok, but if you are looking for a rapid turnaround, then PPE and an appropriate gas detection meter are necessary.
I have often heard “oh, we didn’t fog the room because it was needed”, well, for the sake of the time it takes to carry out a fogging treatment, it can save on extended bed stays which tend to be far more than just a few hours!
Likewise, there is no need for staff to be using ladders/steps for isolating smoke detectors or vent covers, we provide inexpensive equipment that means the staff keep their feet on the ground while carrying out this essential operation.
If you would like further information on available PPE or the latest HALO fogging generator from IC Solutions, feel free to get in touch and we will be happy to discuss with you.
