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March 17, 2020

New Electrostatic Sprayer To Amplify Cleaning Efforts

By Kelly Saavedra

Cleaning for health has always been the underlying approach to campus custodial services at Carnegie Mellon, but the university is taking additional preventative measures to keep the campus community safe and slow the spread of viruses and infections.

One of the most notable new measures is the deployment of EvaClean Protexus electrostatic disinfectant systems for use in University Health Services, classrooms and high-traffic public spaces. The EvaClean Protexus is an EPA-certified, human- and environmentally-friendly solution that earned recent recognition from The Infection Prevention Strategy (TIPS) as a 2019 Top Innovation of the Year.

“The EvaClean tool is a device used in hospitals, and its touchless disinfection and sanitizing capabilities can treat an entire room in under three minutes,” said Steve Guenther, University Engineer and assistant vice president of Facilities Management and Campus Services.

Staff were trained how to use the tool during Spring Break. Meanwhile, disinfecting wipes are being introduced at dining locations and public study spaces to allow people to clean table tops before use.

Custodial Services staff start each day with refresher training on hygiene standards and sanitation of high-touch surfaces. They are cleaning public spaces in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines – typically the public gathering places in campus buildings are cleaned daily.

“Even more frequent cleaning is performed at University Health Services and dining locations,” Guenther said. “Weekend cleaning frequencies are being increased in public gathering areas of academic buildings.”

Hand sanitizing stations are mounted at building exits and in other high-traffic areas as a reminder that hand hygiene is the most important tactic to prevent infection. FMCS has ordered additional, portable hand sanitizing stations to be installed in visible locations.

“Hand hygiene is the most important tactic to prevent infection,” Guenther said. “Please remember to practice good hygiene to protect yourself and others from illness. Wash your hands with soap and hot water frequently. Cover your coughs and sneezes. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Stay home when you are sick. And get plenty of rest.”

If you see a space on campus that you feel needs cleaning, please contact Facilities Management and Campus Services at cleanit@andrew.cmu.edu. To learn more about the university’s response to COVID-19, visit CMU’s coronavirus website.