Infection Control Handbook for Schools

Primary Authors

Lynn Rose 
Carol Westinghouse

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the members of the National Cleaning for Healthier Schools and Infection Control Workgroup for their participation in a series of monthly conference calls that resulted in the 2010 Handbook and the reviewers for the 2020 update.



Funding

This report was prepared with funding from and in collaboration with the Toxics Use Reduction Institute, University of Massachusetts Lowell in 2010 and 2020.

Introduction

A comprehensive understanding of how microbes move through the environment and into our bodies and of the roles that cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting have in safely preventing our exposure to these microbes provides the foundation for planning infection-control strategies and developing work practices.

Introduction

The information in this chapter is provided to serve as guide in developing a school’s own set of protocols.



Before choosing any type of cleaning or antimicrobial product, it must be determined what “level” of microbe control is most appropriate for the surface or object. See also Chapter 3.C. Managing Surfaces for Infection Control to determine which surfaces require microbe control and what types of products can be used on each type of surface.

Introduction

One of the key strategies in reducing the use of toxic products is to prevent their purchase. After an infection-control program is developed, purchasing the right products enables implementation.



The documents in this chapter can be used to identify hazardous ingredients in products; to compare equipment, supplies, and less-toxic products; and to select the best methods for applying the products.

Introduction

Safe work practices need to be developed for each product that is being used because each product has specific hazards, precautions, and directions for maximum effectiveness. The information in this chapter is provided to ensure that all necessary factors are taken into account when developing cleaning protocols, with the goals of protecting employees and building occupants and using the products most effectively.

Introduction

• Institutional cleaning technology has undergone rapid change over the past few years. New advances in device technology are providing environmentally friendly and safer ways to care for public buildings while protecting the health of the users and other occupants.