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Highly Touched Objects or Surfaces

Date: 29-Sep-2017
Cleaning 101

 

How do you really make sure that every surface has been cleaned? Are Highly Touched Objects included in your list of things to clean?

Highly Touch Objects (HTOs) are surfaces or objects that are frequently touched. Sometimes called Frequently Touched Objects, these objects or surfaces are where most bacteria harbour. Once a sick person touched this surface, it can easily be transmitted to another person who also touched that same surface.

Imagine someone with a cold sneezed on his hands and decided to go out of the room. The first thing that he is going to hold is the doorknob to open the door. How about those elevator buttons? Imagine in a hospital where patients come and go and use the elevator.

Proper handwashing is one way of making sure that you don’t easily pick up the germs from these surfaces. The correct way of cleaning and disinfecting these surfaces is also a good defense against these bacteria.

Have you ever wondered why some public toilets do not have any doors when you are entering or exiting the toilets? We all know that some people do not wash their hands after using the toilet. Without these doors, there is one less surface to contaminate.

Below are some common HTOs:

  • Door Knobs
  • Light Switches
  • Elevator Buttons
  • Faucets & Sinks
  • Toilet Seats
  • Keyboards
  • Mouse
  • Telephone
  • School Desks
  • Touch Screen Terminals
  • Chair Arm Rest
  • Bed Rails

 

What is your cleaning program when it comes to HTOs? Have you identified them? Do you have a process and frequency of cleaning them? Talk to one of our Green Rhino hygiene experts to create a customized hygiene plan for your company!