Infection control in the workplace advice needed

Ethel · Oct 26, 2004

We use a product called surfacide on our trollies but I have seen one of our Dr's spray it on a cloth and clean the phone as he does not like GERMS.

The staff working the phones at our crisis agency are especially vulnerable to picking up viruses during cold and flu season as they work in closed triage areas and are constantly on the phones which are so notorious for spreading germs.
I know handwashing is the best defense, but any ideas as to the best product to buy for disinfecting the phones and surrounding areas? I know some products harm the phone, so I have to be careful there.
Would it be a good idea to have the agency invest in a dehumidifier?

Judy Keen · Nov 1, 2004

In the absence of flu vaccine in our hospital this is a big concern for me as the Infection Control Nurse. I have heard that there is a biodisc that can be put on the phone base which is supposed to disinfect the phone when it is returned to the base. Have you heard of this by chance? I am telling staff to keep alcohol preps in their pockets to clean the phones until I find something better and easier to comply to.

Judy

The staff working the phones at our crisis agency are especially vulnerable to picking up viruses during cold and flu season as they work in closed triage areas and are constantly on the phones which are so notorious for spreading germs.
I know handwashing is the best defense, but any ideas as to the best product to buy for disinfecting the phones and surrounding areas? I know some products harm the phone, so I have to be careful there.
Would it be a good idea to have the agency invest in a dehumidifier?

sbic56, BSN, RN · Nov 2, 2004

In the absence of flu vaccine in our hospital this is a big concern for me as the Infection Control Nurse. I have heard that there is a biodisc that can be put on the phone base which is supposed to disinfect the phone when it is returned to the base. Have you heard of this by chance? I am telling staff to keep alcohol preps in their pockets to clean the phones until I find something better and easier to comply to.
Judy

I have never heard of the biodisc, but it sounds like a great idea! I'll have to do a search....

Judy Keen · Nov 2, 2004

If you find a product like this let me know, I will do the same. I did hear that in our hospital based medical practice clinic that a drug rep brought these in for the phones but no one seems to remember which drug company.

I have never heard of the biodisc, but it sounds like a great idea! I'll have to do a search....

vievelota · Nov 9, 2004

It would be better to make policy in disinfecting equipments in the area. Make routine cleaning especially if the phone is used by several people whom you don't know. I highly agree to bring along alcohol to disinfect the phone before using it and after usage of somone else. Handling the phone properly must also be observed. Avoid your lips/mouth touching on the mouth piece of the phone. Bring the issue to you Infection Control Committee (if you have one).

Nurse Bird · May 19, 2005

Hi

Why not invest in alcohol impregnated wipes to decontaminate the phones in between each use by a different person or when they are becoming a bit grubby?

Nesher, BSN, RN · May 19, 2005

In stem cell transplant land we wipe all tools machinery etc that goes into and out of our patient's room - scales, EKG machines for example - we wipe them with a product called Santi-wipes. Our desk staff wipes their phones and desk area every day as well. We of course do not allow ANYONE with symptoms onto the floor.