Disinfection at CEGEPs and universities: preventing outbreaks from the start of the academic year

Why is hygiene a major issue on a campus?

A CEGEP or university is like a small city. Thousands of students and staff move through it every day. They go from buildings to lecture halls, then from labs to cafeterias, often from morning till night. At the start of the fall semester, this density coincides with respiratory virus season. Germs travel very quickly then. They go from a hand to a doorknob, then from a card reader to a keyboard.

For a building manager, the start of the academic year is therefore a crucial time. Rigorous hygiene reduces the transmission of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. It also protects more vulnerable individuals. And it supports the continuity of classes and research. Good news: on a campus, targeted measures are far more effective than occasional deep cleaning.

Which areas of the campus present the greatest risk?

In a large establishment, not all spaces are created equal. Some areas combine high traffic, shared spaces, and long hours of use. These are hotspots to monitor:

• lecture halls and classrooms, where desks and armrests are used by several cohorts in the same day; ;
• laboratories and workshops, where the equipment is handled by many students; ;
• cafeterias and food service areas, which combine food preparation areas and high foot traffic; ;
• libraries and study rooms, with computer workstations and shared tables; ;
• sports complexes (changing rooms, training equipment, handles and benches); ;
• student residences, where shared kitchens and bathrooms are used continuously; ;
• common areas, lobbies and service areas (counters, self-service kiosks).

Map these areas. Then adapt the maintenance frequency accordingly. This is the first step in an effective protocol.

Which frequently touched surfaces should be disinfected as a priority?

Frequently touched surfaces are those that many people touch in a single day. They are also called "high-touch points." On a campus, these include:

• door handles, push bars, stair railings and elevator buttons; ;
• student card readers, turnstiles and self-service kiosks; ;
• switches, keyboards, touch screens and shared computer workstations; ;
• the lecterns and armrests of the amphitheaters; ;
• taps, soap dispensers and toilet handles; ;
• shared laboratory and training equipment; ;
• cafeteria tables, vending machines and refrigerator handles in common areas.

A simple principle guides prioritization: the more frequently a surface is touched, the more often it needs to be cleaned and disinfected. In high-traffic areas, add disinfection during the day. End-of-day cleaning is not always sufficient.

What are the best practices for the respiratory virus season?

The period from autumn to the end of winter sees a concentration of respiratory virus circulation. CNESST also offers a guide of health recommendations for public facilities In the context of infectious respiratory diseases, here are some concrete measures that managers of a CEGEP or university can implement:

1. Increase the frequency of disinfection of high-touch areas. Focus particularly on corridors, restrooms, and cafeterias.
2. Install hand sanitizer stations at the entrances to the buildings and cafeterias. Keep enough soap and paper in each toilet.
3. Coding the colors of linens and equipment helps prevent cross-contamination between areas.
4. Ventilate the premises whenever possible. Good ventilation reduces the concentration of airborne particles.
5. Train maintenance staff on techniques, products and contact times.
6. Document work routes by pavilion. This way, no critical area is overlooked on busy days.

According to the Government of Canada, hand hygiene It remains one of the most effective measures. Surface disinfection complements it. It never replaces it.

How to meet the specific challenges of large institutions?

The size of a campus creates unique challenges. Consider the surface area, the multiple buildings, and the long opening hours. Add to that the coordination of several teams or subcontractors. To manage these challenges:

• establish clear work routes by building and by time slot, including evenings and weekends; ;
• adapt the frequency to the actual traffic in each area, rather than to a uniform schedule; ;
• avoid cross-contamination: color coding and rigorous maintenance of equipment (carts, mops, buckets); ;
• Establish periodic quality control, which validates the application of protocols everywhere.

Note: CF Salubrité offers the service of calculation and development of visual and written work routes in addition to quality control service.

Do equipment and training really make a difference?

Yes. That's often where everything hinges. The best product will give poor results if it's applied incorrectly. The same is true if it's applied to a dirty surface or wiped off too soon. Conversely, a well-trained team achieves consistent results. They have the right equipment and clear work procedures. All this, with less effort.

Investing in staff training remains highly profitable. The same is true for appropriate accessories: microfiber cloths, color-coded labels, and dispensers. Regular quality control completes the package.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should surfaces on a campus be disinfected?

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at least once a day. In high-traffic areas, do this more often, ideally during the day. This is especially important during respiratory virus season.

Which surfaces should be disinfected as a priority in a CEGEP or university?

Prioritize door handles, student card readers, and handrails. Add shared computer workstations, lecture hall lecterns, and faucets. These are the most frequently touched surfaces.

Should you clean before disinfecting?

Yes. We always clean first to remove dirt, then we disinfect. A disinfectant on a dirty surface loses much of its effectiveness.

How to manage maintenance across multiple pavilions?

Establish work routes by building and time slot. Adjust the frequency according to the traffic in each area. Finally, implement periodic quality control for consistent application.

Prepare your campus for the season with CF Sanitation

Based in Longueuil, on Montreal's South Shore, CF Salubrité supports building managers. We serve the education, healthcare, municipal, government, and institutional sectors. Our team offers... personalized consultation, including the quality control, work routes and equipment evaluation. We also offer specialized training in hygiene and sanitation.

Are you looking to prepare for your CEGEP or university exams this season? Contact us.