MRSA

With the outbreak of MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) in many school districts, gyms, and health clubs, we would like to take this opportunity to remind you of preventative actions everyone can take to assist in avoiding the infection. Since MRSA is most commonly spread through person-to-person contact, through contact with contaminated items or due to poor hygiene, it is important that everyone follow these preventative practices:

- Wash hands frequently with soap and water and utilize hand sanitizers whenever in contact with others.

- Keep cuts and any open wounds clean and covered with a bandage.

- Avoid contact with another person's wounds or bandages.

- Don't share personal items such as razors, towels, uniforms, ect.

- Contact a doctor or healthcare provider if you have a skin infection.

MRSA can live for days or months depending on the type of infected surface, therefore, it is important to establish a routine cleaning schedule for preventative measures. When using a cleaning product, look for products that carry the MRSA kill claim (also known as staphylococcus aureus-methicillin resistant) as not all cleaning products will rid of the bacteria. Athletic equipment, mats and any other surface where direct bodily contact has occurred should be cleaned with an approved MRSA bacteria killer. Also, ensure that there is proper amount of soap and hot water available for everyone.

As your cleaning company, we are committed to provide you with the most accurate and current information that we have available through our suppliers. We would like to remind you that we are here to assist you with our expertise or service needs regarding this matter, so please feel free to call us if you have any questions.

**An in-depth decontamination cleaning program can be provided.

Cleaning not only makes schools & facilities look nice, it is also helps make schools healthy and safe places. Removing "dirt" we can see by cleaning is the first step. Once the dirt we can see is removed, we disinfect, or remove germs, by wiping down surfaces with a school-recommended cleaning product. Germs (bacteria and viruses) are killed during routine cleaning and disinfecting activities. Allergens (mold, pollen, dust mites and other irritants) are removed during cleaning activities like vacuuming, sweeping and mopping.

Our recommendations, listed below, may refer to policies that are already in place, as well as policies that should be developed or adopted.

General Guidance

1. Hard surfaces and equipment such as floors, light switches, door handles, hand-rails, tables, and desks should be cleaned routinely.

2. Athletic equipment and areas such as wrestling mats, wall padding, locker rooms, and shower facilities should also be cleaned routinely.

3. If during a sporting event there is a release of bodily fluids (blood, pus or drainage) cleaning and disinfecting should be completed before the activity is allowed to continue.

 General Guidance-Athletic Areas

1. All hard surfaces that may come in contact with body fluids should be cleaned1 and disinfected2 daily with an EPA-approved disinfectant, including benches, weights, workout machines, etc.

2. All floors/wall padding in athletic settings should be washed daily (if room is used).

1 Clean all visibly soiled areas, using friction.

2 Disinfect or sanitize "clean" areas to remove bacteria. Always wear gloves when using disinfectants.

3. Locker rooms, including any shower areas should be cleaned daily, if used.

4. If soap is furnished, it should be accessible from a wall dispenser.

5. Ensure that athletic areas, locker rooms and restrooms all have separate cleaning mops and buckets, and that all mops (washable micro-fiber heads or disposable mop cloths preferred) and buckets are cleaned regularly.

Wrestling Room and Mats

1. Wipe down padding along walls, benches and door pulls/knobs with a quaternary ammonium (quat) or bleach solution (household bleach diluted 1:100 with water) after practices/matches. Please refer to the manufacturer's directions for recommended contact times for the various disinfectants.

2. Clean floors when mats are stored and before mats are used again.

3. Use "dedicated" mops to clean athletic areas, and wash mop heads on a regular basis. May use Swiffer style mop with disposable mop cloths that are discarded after each use.

4. Clean and sanitize mats before and after practice and matches. When mats are rolled up, all sides of mats should be cleaned before they are rolled up.

5. Use "dedicated" mop heads to clean mat surfaces. Wash these mop heads on a regular basis; athletic department may be responsible for this.

Weight Room

1. Wipe down grips on weights and lifting belts at least daily.

2. Clean floors, benches, supports, pads, light switches and door pulls/knobs daily.

Locker Rooms/Shower Rooms

1. Soap dispensers should have disposable soap "unit" refills.

Sports Equipment

(May be responsibility of Athletic Department)

1. Schedule regular cleanings for sports equipment: balls (football, basketballs, baseballs, softballs, volley balls), racket grips, bats, gloves, pads, etc.

2. Clean and sanitize sports equipment that comes in direct contact with the skin of players, such as wrestling headgear, football helmets and fencing equipment (including wires) after each use.