Infection Control In Commercial Buildings
Infection Control in Commercial Buildings: A Comprehensive Guide for Facility Managers and Cleaning Professionals
Keeping a commercial building safe from infectious diseases requires a systematic approach that goes beyond routine cleaning. Infection control in commercial buildings integrates cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, decontamination, and environmental design strategies to stop the spread of germs, bacteria, viruses, pathogens, and biohazards. For facility managers and commercial cleaning professionals, implementing hospital-style infection control protocols provides assurance to building occupants and demonstrates proactive commitment to public health.
The Four Pillars of Infection Control
Effective infection control builds on four distinct but interconnected processes:
Commercial infection control services are designed specifically to stop the spread of infections and disease while removing dangerous pathogens.
Core Strategies for Preventing Pathogen Transmission
1. Adherence to and Monitoring of Cleaning Protocols
Consistent cleaning protocols are the foundation of infection control. Facilities must establish documented schedules for cleaning high-touch surfaces (door handles, light switches, elevator buttons, countertops) and monitor compliance through checklists or digital tracking systems.
2. Terminal Disinfection
Terminal disinfection is the hospital industry's foundation for all infection control efforts. This comprehensive overnight process involves strategically directing aerosolized disinfectant through air handling systems as a fine fog when workers are absent, providing genuine disinfection for commercial structures including offices, schools, and buildings. Advanced HVAC systems can deliver aerosolized disinfectants like Sandia to combat worst-case scenarios throughout entire commercial spaces.
3. Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation
Primary interventions to interrupt transmission of airborne particles include:
Ventilation: Increasing air exchange rates to reduce pathogen concentration
Filtration: Using high-efficiency filters to capture airborne pathogens
Isolation/Pressurization: Implementing negative or positive pressure rooms and airborne infection isolation rooms that control airflow from unclean to clean areas
Facility directors should work with subcontractors specialized in infection control to control airborne pathogens using physical barriers and negative pressure in critical environments. When implementing these measures, use wipeable materials and ensure negative air machine filters are regularly maintained.
4. Surface Selection and Material Design
Choosing appropriate materials significantly impacts infection control:
Regardless of surface choice, diligent sanitation practices must be followed.
Essential Infection Control Infrastructure
Hand-Hygiene Infrastructure
Promote hand-hygiene compliance through:
Clearly visible sinks in convenient, standardized locations
Hand sanitizer gels at entry points and high-traffic areas
No-touch electronic fauceters to reduce contact spread
Physical Barriers and Contactless Entry
Single-patient rooms or designated isolation areas
Separate entryways and exits to minimize foot traffic overlap
Foot pulls on doors instead of hand handles
Motion sensor doorways for interior spaces promoting contactless passage
Scanner access systems rather than manual passcode entry
No-contact sales stations and socially distant seating areas
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Appropriate use of PPE is an essential strategy to prevent contact spread of infection. Provide staff with trained and certified infection control services including Care Barrier Guard protection.
Special Considerations for Construction and Renovation
During construction or renovation, implement Infection Control Risk Assessments (ICRAs) using these strategies:
Containment Solutions
Physical barriers with wipeable materials
Negative air machines with regularly maintained filters
Exhaust strategies to remove particulates from construction sites
Phasing, controlled breaches, and interstitial containment to reduce risks
Worker Flow Management
Designated construction worker routes (elevator use for personnel/materials)
Movement of debris and traffic flow protocols
Bathroom and food facility provisions for construction workers
Training for staff, visitors, and construction personnel
HVAC and Water System Protection
Phasing for temporary provisions during HVAC modifications
Protection from airborne contaminants during demolition
Emergency planning for utility outages and evacuation
Waterborne Pathogen Prevention
Interrupting waterborne pathogen transmission requires three primary approaches:
Water disinfection: Chlorination, hyper-chlorination, superheat-and-flush, copper-silver ionization, or ultraviolet germicidal irradiation
Design element selection: No-touch electronic fauceters, point-of-use filters, carefully considered decorative fountains (open fountain systems precluded inside healthcare facilities)
Safe plumbing practices: Eliminate dead legs and maintain optimal water temperature/pressure
Recommended Disinfectants and Cleaning Products
The Environmental Protection Agency maintains a list of disinfectants meeting criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2. Industry-recommended products include:
Vital Oxide: Recommended for carpet sanitization
3% Hydrogen Peroxide: CDC-confirmed as stable and effective disinfectant against viruses; use 50/50 mix with water
UVC-equipped commercial vacuum cleaners: Effective in reducing microbes on carpet
Risk Assessment Framework
Conduct proactive risk assessments using these steps:
Identify the hazards
Decide who might be harmed and how
Evaluate risks and decide on precautions/mitigation strategies
Record findings, propose actions, and identify action leaders
Review assessment and update periodically
Facility Design Considerations for Infection Control
Building designers should specify:
Airborne infection isolation rooms with proper pressurization
Special HVAC needs for air exchange rates
Water and plumbing systems with contamination-minimizing design
Materials for surfaces and furnishings that resist contamination
Outdoor Space Optimization
Design outdoor seating areas with:
Shade awnings
Natural barriers
Walking trails
Additional meeting spaces encouraging healthy activities
Outdoor spaces take advantage of nature's ventilation system and natural disinfectant: the sun.
Implementation Best Practices for Commercial Cleaning Professionals
Response Time and Service Responsiveness
Maintain rapid response times for infection control incidents, as timely intervention prevents pathogen spread throughout facilities.
Equipment Selection
Invest in commercial cleaning equipment designed for infection control, including:
UVC vacuum cleaners for microbial reduction on carpets
Fogging systems for terminal disinfection
High-efficiency scrubbers for hard surface floors
Staff Training
Ensure cleaning staff receive training in:
Proper disinfectant application techniques
PPE usage and disposal
Infection control risk assessment protocols
Documentation and monitoring procedures
Documentation and Compliance
Maintain detailed records of:
Cleaning schedules and completion times
Disinfectant concentrations and application methods
Staff training certifications
Risk assessment updates
Conclusion
Infection control in commercial buildings requires a multi-layered approach combining thorough cleaning protocols, advanced disinfection technologies, strategic facility design, and continuous monitoring. By adopting hospital-style infection control protocols—including terminal disinfection, enhanced ventilation, appropriate surface selection, and comprehensive hand-hygiene infrastructure—facility managers can significantly reduce pathogen transmission and create safer environments for employees, customers, and clients.
The commercial cleaning industry plays a critical role in implementing these strategies. Trained and certified infection control services that integrate cleaning, decontamination, disinfecting, and sanitizing provide the comprehensive protection necessary to eliminate harmful biohazards and pathogens from commercial properties. As infectious disease threats evolve, maintaining rigorous infection control standards remains essential for protecting building occupants and maintaining operational continuity.