What is all the fuss about fogging?

Date: 20-09-2021
General Cleaning

What is Fogging?

 

Fogging utilises a specialised disinfectant or sanitiser that is sprayed via a Fogging machine. This creates what looks like fog in the room. The fogging particles are usually between 5-20um in size.
It is an effective way to disinfect horizontal surfaces, hard to reach areas that are often missed or forgotten and small, and confined spaces such as extractor units. It can also be effective at disinfecting vertical surfaces.

 Particle Size Comparison. Image courtesy of Visual Capitalist

Image courtesy of Visual Capitalist

 

Generally, Fogging should be viewed as an additional protection measure, following successful cleaning and disinfection practises. As the flowchart illustrates, the technique should be regarded as the top-level measure for disinfection and should not be considered as a replacement for cleaning & disinfection practices.

 

As mentioned, vertical surfaces are likely to receive minimal contact with the disinfectant fog due to the weight of the wet solution, which will cause downward fall.

 

The Benefits and Shortfalls of Fogging

 

Fogging provides the user with a range of benefits – some have been touched on but the full list includes:

 

  • Fogging is seen as being safe and effective if carried out correctly.
  • Effective at reducing air-borne contaminants.
  • Effective at disinfecting hard to reach areas.
  • Highly effective at disinfecting horizontal surfaces.
  • Hygiene Direct has a range of surface sanitisers, which are suitable for Fogging, have proven effectiveness on surfaces obtaining test results of 5 log (99.999%) reductions after 5 minutes.

Despite its many benefits, fogging does have certain limitations:

  • Fogging is only partially effective on vertical walls due to the presence of gravity, meaning the disinfectant will drip/fall.
  • Fogging is not effective at disinfecting the undersides of horizontal surfaces.
  • It has no impact on closed areas – electrical boxes etc.
  • Electrical components can be damaged by the fog if not bagged up or removed from the area.
  • Fogging is not a replacement for standard cleaning practises.
 

Fogging with Hygiene Direct's Products

 Hygiene Direct has the following approved sanitisers that are suitable for Fogging, these include:

 

Who Should Use Fogging?

 

Fogging can be used across various sectors as an additional measure for disinfecting. It is used commonly in food and beverage production in environments such as abattoirs, where there is a lot of bacteria from raw meat.

It is also effective in open areas such as schools, universities, aged care facilities, shopping complexes, restaurants, hospital wards, factories, public transport and much more – as long as any electrical equipment is adequately covered or removed.

Until recently, Fogging has not generally been seen as suitable or necessary for the public sector. However, due to the Coronavirus outbreak this looks like it may begin to change. Fogging of public sector areas and public transport may give extra piece of mind to everyone; as well as preventing the virus from contaminating surfaces.

  

Foggers Available from Hygiene Direct

 

Hygiene Direct also stock fogging machines

Jetstream ULV Fogger

 

Hygiene Direct - PROTECT Service Experience

 

Hygiene Direct now offer our very own fogging service for clients. We do all the work for you.
 
Contact us for an obligation-free quote 0800 828 4426 or email orders@hygienedirect.nz