Research released in September 2014 from the American Society for Microbiology reveals just how rapidly germs and viruses spread.  You may be practicing good hygiene; however your colleagues could be putting you in danger spreading germs on to everyday office objects. The study from the ASM points out to the fact that germs spread within a matter of 2 to 4 hours. Samples from a doorknob, table-top, computer equipment and phone reveal that 40 to 60 percent of those who had been in contact with these items had picked up the germs in a matter of 2 to 4 hours. The researchers took samples from all the surfaces tested in the study and found between 60 to 100 fomites. Such a high amount can harbour many harmful organisms.

The study used a replica germ similar to the norovirus called bacteriophage MS-2 (safe for humans) to simulate the spread of flu. The study covers a number of work places such as office buildings, hotels, and health care facilities. Following these alarming results, a prevention/intervention test had to be carried out.

Flickr – Mariogv

Prevention phase – cleaning

During the intervention phase, cleaning was conducted using disinfectants (which contains quaternary ammonium compounds) and anti-bacterial solutions, often in the form of anti-bacterial wipes. These wipes were applied to the same surfaces and objects prior to the intervention.  The following results concluded that there was a reduction of fomites by 80% and that the concentration of viruses had reduced by 99% or more.

Conclusion

The nature of the workplace means viruses such a norovirus and flu can spread rapidly and that cleaning/intervention can significantly reduce the risks of illness. Hence the importance of computer cleaning and the role it plays in protecting employees up and down the country.

Source

Our tips and germs information:

Before & After Photos: Keyboard & Telephone Cleaning Service

Before and After Photos: Keyboard Cleaning
7 Common ways germs are spread
Before & After Photo: Telephone Cleaning
Infograph: How safe is your office or workplace?
Hand Sanitiser: Protecting Against Germs, Flu & Disease

Let us know what you want cleaning and get a free no-obligation quote now. Call 0800 013 2182 or request a quote online.

The post Research: How quickly do germs spread? Germs & Sanitisation appeared first on Capital.

One of the main purposes of our service is to stop the spread of germs. Our past posts have included tips on reducing the spread of germs at work and the amount of germs on keyboard. Leading on from those posts we want focus on how and where germs are spread.

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• Commercial Cleaning London
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Germs can be passed from person to person or indirectly by touching unclean equipment or surfaces.  (NHS) 

Face: Your face is susceptible to spreading and catching germs.  Your nose, mouth and eyes spread and catch germs. Sneezing, coughing and rubbing eyes are all simple ways to spread germs. Use a tissue when you’re coughing and sneezing.

Bad hygiene and hands: Hands touch everything and having bad hygiene only increases your risk of attracting germs.  Wash and sanitize your hands thoroughly before eating and greeting people. Continue to practice good etiquette when using the toilet, bath, shower and sink. One of the most common daily hazards is the keyboard. As we’ve strenuously pointed out keyboards contain more germs than a toilet seat and it is vital you get your IT equipment cleaned.

Taken from Chazfound.com

Food, hands and kitchen: The process of preparing food requires hands to be clean. Mixing roar/uncooked chicken with raw foods such as salad can be hazardous.  Make sure food is washed separately to avoid contamination. Bins with a foot release avoid any touching and help avoid germ.

Public transport, public spaces & work – Once again this mainly involves hands and how important it is to wash hands after long periods in public spaces. Definitely advisable to wash your hands before eating. Handles and rails pose the greatest risk of all, especially those that travel on public transport.

Taken from getyourfeetofftheseat.tumblr.com

Animals to people:  Animals carry various types of germ hence why it is important to wash hands before making contact with others and food.

Children & nappy changing: Anyone changing a nappy must wash their hands for hygienic reasons. Children with diarrhoea pose a high health risk and the germs cause many problems. The principle can be applied to anyone that has been in contact with an infected person.

Cleaning equipment and accessories:  Cleaning tools such as washing- up brushes, mops, buckets, cloths, sponges, hoover bags, duster and hoovers should be kept clean and functional, as they can harbour dangerous germs. Disposable or paper cloth are preferred so they can be thrown away. Otherwise it is recommend they are washed thoroughly.

Contact Our Team Today

Source

Before & After Photos: Keyboard & Telephone Cleaning Service

7 Tips: How To Keep A Clean And Germ Free Office
Who has flu in your office?
10 Reasons why IT cleaning is better than office cleaning
What is Freshers’ Flu? Causes, symptoms and prevention
Dirty Keyboards and Smartphones contain more germs than toilet seats
Do you have a Seasonal Allergy? Hay Fever, Allergies, Rhinitis & Pollen
How many dirty keyboards produce this much dirt?

To find out more about Capital’s computer cleaning services, contact us on 0800 013 2182 or contact us here

The post 7 Common ways germs are spread appeared first on Capital.

Over 25 years we’ve noticed certain trends that repeat year on year. Seasonal allergies and viruses have been a reoccurring theme over the last 2 decades for us. They are always noticeable when you see colleagues suffering at work. Seasonal cleaning always demanded the best from our computer cleaning service, especially during Summer and Spring. Flu viruses fade out during March and in comes hay fever during April. These allergies and viruses affect all of us in many ways, and sometimes the cycle seems endless. The best thing to do is prepare and find the best way to cope. Below we listed some of the most common allergies and viruses through the year.

Taken by Mary Lou – Flickr

Allergic Rhinitis

One in five people in the UK are affected by rhinitis. Inflammation inside the nose is caused by pollen, mold, dust or flakes of skins from certain animals.

Symptoms – Many of the symptoms are typical of colds. Sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, itchy sinuses, itchy throat, itchy eyes, itchy ear canals, ear congestion and postnasal drainage. Many of the allergies do share similar attributes and it is important to distinguish between them. The severity of symptoms depends on the state of your immune system. For more professional advice and information on allergic rhinitis, click here.

Taken by RH Photographic Art – Flickr

Hay Fever

Hay fever is a relation of allergic rhinitis and also affects one in five people. It is caused by allergic reactions to pollen. Pollen is released by plants as part of their reproductive cycle. Often grass accounts for 90% of suffers symptoms. Tree, grass and weed pollen all contribute to hay fever. Often is a pollen count is used to identify the levels of pollen in the air.

Symptoms – The three main symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes. For more professional advice and treament information on hay fever click here.

Taken by Peet Sneekes – Flickr

Seasonal Influenza

Flu is a viral illness and a common infection spread by coughing and sneezing. Flu is not to be confused with the common cold, as flu is longer lasting and has severe symptoms.

Symptoms – Common symptoms are high temperature, headaches, aches, pains, tiredness, sore throat, lose of appetite, feeling nauseous and coughing. More flu information here.

Previous flu posts

Who has flu in your office?

What is freshers’ flu?

Children are more likely to spread flu

Heat Allergies

One of the most common heat related reactions is heat rash. Heat rash is pink or red in appearance. Usually found on parts of the body covered by clothes.  Commonly caused by blocked and swollen sweat ducts. Hot and humid climates are the most common triggers.

Symptoms – Rash can appear on the head, neck and shoulders. Clothes help to irritate the rash. Scratching the rash will only go on to make the symptoms worse. More information on heat rash can be found here.

Taken by Evilemsplem – Flickr

Summer Colds

It can be difficult to distinguish between colds and allergies during Spring and Summer as symptoms are similar. Either can trigger asthma or make allergies worse.

Symptoms – The main symptoms that can help establish a cold from an allergy in the summer is fever or muscle aches. These two symptoms are normally associated with colds. More information and advice is available here.

Seasonal Asthma

Airborne allergies such as hay fever  cause inflammation and constriction of  airways, which in turn can trigger asthma. Also a  sudden rise in temperature can trigger asthma attacks, and in extreme cases it is thought that thunderstorms can also cause attacks.

Symptoms – Symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, chest pain and chest pressure. Advice on treatment and further information can be found here.

Indoor Allergies

Indoor allergies can be caused by a number of things. Dust, dust mites, mold, pet dander and cockroaches are often contributors of indoor allergies.

Symptoms – Recognising the symptoms can be the initial problem. Runny nose, itchy eye, nasal secretion, chills and aches, and long lasting symptoms. More information & detail can be found here.

Taken by Leeber – Dust

Extreme temperatures

Extreme tempertures are also linked to changed in bodily function. Cold and damp weather can impact the mobility of your joints, where as high temperatures have been linked to an increase in heart risk.

Please consult your doctor for professional medical advice. We can only help with computer cleaning and clearing up the aftermath of allergies and viruses.

Sources

//www.webmd.com/allergies/features/pollen-survival-guide
//www.weather.com/activities/health/allergies/helpclinic/help_allergy_pollen.html
//www.nhs.uk/conditions/Allergies/Pages/Introduction.aspx
//www.healthline.com/health/allergies/seasonal-allergies
//www.nhs.uk/conditions/Rhinitis—allergic/Pages/Introduction.aspx
//www.weather.com/activities/health/allergies/helpclinic/help_allergy_mold.html
//www.hpa.org.uk/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/InfectionsAZ/SeasonalInfluenza/
//www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/Pages/Introduction.aspx

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To find out more about Capital’s computer cleaning services, contact us on 0800 013 2182 or contact us here

The post Do you have a Seasonal Allergy? Hay Fever, Allergies, Rhinitis & Pollen appeared first on Capital.

16 percent of smartphones have traces of excrement

According to American Genius 16 percent of smartphones have excrement on them. Time and again we keep hearing about the amount of germs on keyboards and smartphones. So we have decided to bring together all the keyboard germ information into one place.

Photo taken by field manager Elle – 2014

The most recent research from Which? tested 30 keyboards, smartphones and tablets. Keyboards showed 600 units of Staphylococus per swab, compared to 20 units on a toilet seat. You can see a significant difference. High traces of Staph bacteria can cause stomach bugs and food poisoning.

The Food Standards Agency said that this amount of bacteria in a food environment would be unacceptable, and that workers would be required to drastically improve personal hygiene. E. coli, salmonella, listeria, excrement, and staphylococcus have all been found on keyboards to our knowledge. All previous studies have ultimately conlcuded that keyboards, smartphones and tablets have more germs than toilet seats. Research suggests the following can be contracted from a dirty keyboard:

• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Stomach bugs
• Food poisoning
• Flu
• The spread of MRSA

Photo taken by cleaner Kam, showing the amount of dirt in a keyboard

Ibtimes listed where the most bugs can be found. These are the top 5:

• Bin 25,000 (bacteria per swab)
• Toilet door 22,000
• Handle on a London bus 21,000
• Computer keyboard 7,500
• Toilet seat 5,400

For American Genius the remote control is the single dirtiest item one can touch.

Causes

Photo taken by field manager Elle – Mould inside a keyboard

It all starts with office hygiene and germs – 7 Tips: How to keep a clean and germ free office

Not washing hands – Many people do not wash their hands properly. This is the main source of spreading germs. Wash hands before eating and using the toilet.

Personal hygiene – Coughing and sneezing blast out germs you can’t see. Often these germs are active for 48 hours. Imagine using a keyboard that’s been coughed on. Cover your mouth or use a tissue. Avoid biting nails and putting fingers in your mouth.

Eating lunch at your desk and snacking – Spit, saliva and food will be on your keyboard, hands, phones and tablets without you realising. Crumbs; drop into the keyboard and begin to mould. This bacterium will remain there and get worse until it is cleaned. Avoid eating anything at your desk and take a quick break. Research may also suggest eating at your desk will not make you successful.

Rushed toilet breaks – You’ll regret not washing your hands if you get ill. It will only take an extra minute or two.

Mobile devices in toilets – The popularity of mobile devices amongst the younger generation means they’re taking them into the toilet with them, sitting on the toilet watching videos on their smartphone or tablet. These germs are later transferred to where they are, eventually getting back to the keyboard, even if they’ve washed their hands. Don’t take your phone to the toilet, but if you must, be sure to clean it afterwards.

Cleaning

Ibtimes highlight the fact that IT cleaning services exist and are not fully utilised. Having your hardware, computers and keyboards cleaned regularly can protect staff against illness and infection. IT cleaning services include computer cleaning, keyboard cleaning, phone and desk cleaning. A professional service will offer you the highest level of protection for both staff and equipment. Capital offer a clean to 99.9% of germs from your keyboard.

10 reasons why IT cleaning is better than office cleaning

Alternatively you can have a go at cleaning yourself, however IT cleaning can be time consuming. Professional cleaners can apply cleans in a matter of minutes and are relatively cheap on the whole.

The dangers of a dirty keyboard are evident. What are you going to do to protect your staff and their IT equipment?

Tell us how many keyboards or computers you want cleaning and how often. We’ll be able you provide you a quote. Email – sales@capital.uk.com or call 0800 013 2182

Before & After Photos: Keyboard & Telephone Cleaning Service

Meet the Team: Alex in Scotland – IT Cleaning Service Specialist
8 Reasons why Capital offer the best data centre cleaning service
Who has flu in your office?
What is Freshers’ Flu? Causes, symptoms and prevention

The post Dirty Keyboards and Smartphones contain more germs than toilet seats appeared first on Capital.

How to protect your staff: 75% of Pandemic Flu Carriers Show No Symptoms

by Nicolo Lazzati – Flickr

How to protect your workforce

Research led by UCL suggests that three quarters of people show no symptoms when infected by influenza. The research has been conducted over a period of 5 years, finding that many of the participants had reported no symptoms. As a result less of the infected saw a doctor, passing it off as a minor cold or flu.  The article from the UCL points out that there are variants strengths of influenza and it is hard to pinpoint exactly when & how infection is transmitted.

The fact that flu can spread undetected is rather alarming to us at Capital. We thought we’d come up with some useful tips to help protect your staff.

by Vinos Photo – Flickr

Nothing can offer us 100% protection against influenza. However you can take precautions. We want to offer our advice on how to protect yourself and your staff. However we suggest going over to the NHS advice site for medical information.

How to protect yourself & your workforce:

Flu jab

– NHS site has information on who is eligible for flu vaccination. It is important to understand flu vaccination.

Washing hands

– Washing hands in general is important to stop the spread of germs, especially when you eat or shake hands. Using hand sanitisers in the office is a pro-active way to promote hygiene.

Go to the doctor

– It’s always best to be safe than sorry. You may be unaware of the severity of your infection.

Coughing & sneezing

– Cover your mouth or use a tissue when coughing or sneezing. This more about stopping the spread of germs than it is about manners.

Strength and mood

– When the body and mind are not behaving normally, it can be a sign that something is wrong. Take a break and re-assess how you feel. Take time to re-energise and take appropriate action.

Seasonal flu

– Often winter is the worst time of year as the research points out. You may want to think about taking extra precaution. Offering staff tips and weekly reminders on protecting themselves. Why not consider a mask similar to the ones used in the far east? (Pictured above)

Computer cleaning service

– Having your computer and office area cleaned professionally by an IT cleaning company can make a huge difference. The benefits of computer cleaning offer more than just flu protection.  Quarterly cleans give you the best protection from our experience. Even 6 monthly cleans can protect staff against infection and viruses.

Tell us how many computers you want cleaning and how often. We’ll be able you provide you a quote. Email – sales@capital.uk.com or call 0800 013 2182

Don’t forget to check out our pieces –

Dirty Keyboard and Smartphones contain more germs than toilets seats
7 Tips: How To Keep A Clean And Germ Free Office
10 Reasons why IT cleaning is better than office cleaning
8 Reasons why Capital offer the best data centre cleaning service
Eating At Your Desk Will Not Make You Successful

The post Who has flu in your office? appeared first on Capital.

We think our desks are clean, but unless they’re disinfected regularly, they’re actually a hotbed of germs. A University of Arizona study found that there are around 400 times more bacteria on computer keyboards than there are on toilet seats. Yuck!

 Cleaning Services

• Office Cleaning Services
• Office Chair Cleaning
• Commercial Cleaning London
• Electrostatic Cleaning Services
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Here are a few of our top tips to help keep your office germ free and healthy:

1. Wash your hands

We may say it a lot, but it really is important to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly to avoid the spread of germs. Wash your hands when you arrive at work. Think of all the things you may touch on the way to work: your keys, phone or tablet, the Tube or train, or your car if you drive, buttons in the lift, a newspaper… All of these, especially those touched by others, will be full of germs.

Also wash your hands before you eat or drink anything – putting unclean fingers in your mouth greatly increases your risk of e-coli or salmonella. And of course, don’t forget to wash your hands every time you use the bathroom!

2. Be careful what you touch

The average person touches 300 surfaces every 30 minutes, exposing themselves to 840,000 germs. Consider the number of things you and your colleagues all touch in your office, often without thinking: shared surfaces in meeting rooms, the kitchen and other communal areas, doorknobs and doorframes, the photocopier or printer, colleagues’ desks, to name but a few.

You’re touching and spreading millions of germs each day! Touching them is unavoidable but washing your hands to help eliminate them is not so difficult.

3. Use hand sanitiser

OK, so it might not always be possible to pop to the bathroom to wash your hands every few minutes. Using hand sanitiser can help minimise the risk of spreading germs when you can’t get to the sink. Keep some on your desk, in meeting rooms, other communal areas and at your reception desk, so that visitors can also clean their hands before they shake yours.

4. Don’t eat at your desk

Food crumbs on your desk encourage the growth of nasty bacteria and spilling food encourages germs to spread. But it’s not just germs lurking on your desk that could give you colds, gastroenteritis or food poisoning. Eating at your desk also makes you less effective and can affect your productivity. Read our blog post on why eating at your desk will not make you successful.

5. Coughs and sneezes spread diseases

While we all know coughing and sneezing causes germs to spread and be caught by others, you’re far more likely to catch a cold from a contaminated surface. Germs and bugs can survive on surfaces for up to 72 hours, so it’s absolutely crucial to clean them regularly, especially if you or a colleague has a cold. Diligent washing, wiping and sanitising can help reduce incidents of colds and flu by as much as 80%.

6. Take extra precautions if you’re ill

And if you do have a cold or flu, do your colleagues a favour and work from home if you can, or take the time off. They will thank you for it and you will also recover more quickly. If it’s unavoidable for you to go into work, take extra precautions. Use tissues to catch the drips from your nose, wash your hands more often, use hand sanitiser after you’ve blown your nose or caught a cough or sneeze in your palms, and disinfect your desk, keyboard, mouse and phone.

7. Have your computers professionally cleaned

Does this all sound a bit much? Professional computer cleaning, such as that offered by Capital Computer Care, can help you minimise the germs spreading. It will also improve your staff morale and productivity, saving you money in the long run. So let us take the stress out of cleaning your desks for you.

To find out more about Capital’s computer cleaning services, contact us on 0800 013 2182 or visit www.capital.uk.com. 

What other tips do you have for keeping your office healthy?

Contact Our Team Today

Written by Jane Rogers

Dirty Keyboard and Smartphones contain more germs than toilets seats
10 Reasons why IT cleaning is better than office cleaning
8 Reasons why Capital offer the best data centre cleaning service
Who has flu in your office?
Eating At Your Desk Will Not Make You Successful

The post 7 Tips: How To Keep A Clean And Germ Free Office appeared first on Capital.