Disinfection Education

With restrictions on number of occupants and spacing guidelines, churches are having to get creative to provide access to in person worship experience.  Multiple services provide this opportunity, but also present challenges to make the space in a short time frame between services.

Is it actually possible to disinfect a large space in a short time?

Absolutely!  

Based on our experience, we recommend Electrostatic Spray disinfection.  We choose this option, because disinfectant solution is given a mild charge, causing it to be attracted to grounded surfaces, and wrap the surface for a more even distribution.  ULV Fogging is also possible, but electric cords are a lot slower, and more time is required after application while solution 'settles'.  Electrostatic charge reduces suspended solution, allowing for earlier re-entry time.  This 'wrapping' effect, allows for more complete coverage over pews or chairs and can cover a large sanctuary in about 15 minutes with proper application.  We provide an online certification training course for this exact purpose, if you are looking to train church staff or congregants to complete disinfection after each service.  

Options to minimize time between services:

• Encourage everyone to do their part

Having the area relatively 'clean' makes disinfection more efficient.  We recommend removing paper/envelopes from pews, instead providing them in one central location.  Also remind participants to remove any coffee cups etc. that might get left behind.

• Consider 'rotating' the area used

If you are blocking off pews or chairs to provide proper spacing, consider using the alternate row for the second service, and blocking off the first.  We still recommend completing general disinfection - especially in common areas like bathrooms, but this may reduce the area required to be treated.  

• Use more people
  Consider having multiple people complete disinfection, either with one person screening the area ahead of application to clean/remove garbage, or having multiple spray units.  Make sure that each person has a clear understanding of which area they will complete to avoid confusion.
• It's also a good idea to have multiple people trained to have back-up options

• Reduce 'high touch surfaces' and soft surfaces

disinfectants work best on hard surfaces.  Anywhere you can be creating to reduce light switches with motion detectors, and leave doors open, will reduce the amount of disinfection required

Timing

Clear the Sanctuary area

Visiting can be encourage outside, or in an alternate location outside the sanctuary area immediately following the service.

Consider the sequence of application.  You will need to complete the sanctuary area before the next service, but bathrooms may be completed during the second service.

Disinfectant Used

Disinfectants have dwell time requirements, which is the time required to achieve 99.99% kill of virus.  To be on the government approved list it must be 10 minutes or less.  Which means you will need 10 minutes from the last applied spray before use.  

We use anolyte solution, which is electrolyzed brine or hypochlorous, because it's natural, pH neutral and fragrance free.  We recommend fragrance free because with the quantity of solution used, some people may find they are bothered by residual smell, even if it's safe.  Food safe, rinse free solutions also greatly improve efficiency and don't materially cost more if you find the right solution. 

Application Tips

• Spray the back of each pew from the adjacent pew to allow proper distance, once complete work back, again spraying from the adjacent
• Maintain a consistent pattern to avoid missing a section
• Backpack type units will save time due to less refills required, however they are also bulkier, and heavier which may be more restrictive on who can use them.  We've had good success with battery powered hand held units.  We have more information on what to look for when purchasing an electrostatic sprayer
• Maintain a good supply of disinfectant solution, stored in a safe & convenient location.  Have a plan for refill with funnel or battery powered plastic transfer pump.
• Have a MSDS/SDS available for the disinfectant, and check that it's on the approved list for COVID19
• Personal Protective equipment will vary based on the disinfectant selected.  Again, a smaller battery powered electrostatic unit that doesn't have air assist will be less likely to require a respirator when paired with a more natural disinfectant.  

• Feel free to message us if you want further support or have questions.  We are passionate about seeing churches well equipped to serve their communities in this critical time.