FAQs

Your questions about healthy environments answered

Questions about the Healthy Environment System

Because it goes far beyond cleaning. Even the cleaning component to our system goes far beyond that of standard cleaning protocols because we focus on air quality, sanitisation, and clothing as well as providing residual protection for surfaces. It is best described as a comprehensive biological defense system against infection and pathogens. We also require all companies that use our products to complete a RTO delivered training program .

The BIOPROTECT products that we use extensively are non-toxic, non-hazardous, and require no personal protective equipment (PPE) when using. This is very different to most disinfectants used in Australia, which are chlorine (bleach)-based and toxic to humans and animals.

Most antimicrobial disinfectants work by poisoning the microorganisms and thereby inhibiting bacteria and other microbes quickly. However, they also poison the environment and dissipate rapidly, so they are not effective for long. BIOPROTECT products actually pierces the cell membrane of microbes and kill them in mechanical way rather than with toxic chemicals, and it has a residual effect by creating a biostatic layer that blows microorganisms apart as they come into contact with the surface.

Our antimicrobial disinfectants and cleaners can be applied to almost any surface, both porous and non-porous, including high-touch surfaces, textiles, and building materials.

Most cleaning protocols focus only on eliminating pathogens from surfaces. As many people discovered during the COVID-9 outbreak, we are also exposed extensively to airborne pathogens. Most standard air filters cannot filter out miniscule viral pathogens. True protection requires a multifocal approach that includes special attention to air quality as well as sanitation measures from staff and (in some environments) measures to keep clothing disinfected - not just surface cleaning.

The Healthy Environment services are modular. You can order the services you need as you need them. This should be discussed during an initial consultation where you can relay your requirements and we can provide guidance on how best to create what you’re after.

The Proactive Infection Control Program is the starting point for many organisations looking to create a healthier environment. It is specifically designed to provide protection against the Coronavirus that causes COVID-19 and to make employees feel safe about coming to work, with a biological approach to controlling exposure to both surface and airborne pathogens, as well as educating your people on sanitisation and maintaining a virus-free workplace.

BIOPROTECT™ products continue working on porous and non-porous surfaces are tested for 28 days and can remain effective for up to 90 days.

Yes - we are committed to educating the cleaning industry about improving hygiene through the use of environmentally safe cleaning methods. As our solutions are part of a holistic system, we offer cleaning companies the opportunity to become H.E. Champions and be trained in our complete approach.  Note that using single products in isolation will not be effective in achieving a healthy and safe environment. It requires a multifocal approach.

No. Typically, most facilities have high touch points cleaned several times a day. After implementing our HE System, touch-point cleaning can revert to daily in most cases. This is because the environment will have been treated with an antimicrobial that is effective in reducing pathogens for 28 to 90 days depending on usage.

No. They are colourless and odourless and do not leach onto other surfaces. This is because our antimicrobials work mechanically rather than by giving off gasses to kill microbes.

It depends on the exact nature of your environment but our products can be applied by backpack sprayer, trigger sprayer, pump up sprayer or with the use of fogging equipment. 

General questions about infection and pathogen control

“Microbes” is another name for microorganisms, which are microscopic organisms that include bacteria, fungi, yeast and algae. Technically viruses are not microorganisms as they are non-living entities but they are often included in the broad term.

Good question. Currently the best measurement for this is a combination of ATP monitoring, air quality testing, and an inspection from one of our team to assess present levels of hygiene and infection control, as well as exposure to harmful toxins. ATP monitoring is a quick test that checks surfaces for organic matter on surfaces and, if you pass this test, it is likely that your hygiene and sanitation levels are on a par with most hospitals. 

With most disinfectants, a ten-minute dwell time on a hard surface will render most microbes inactive. Unfortunately, these disinfectants do not work well on porous surfaces and off-gas poisons to be effective against microbes. After they are wiped off or evaporate, they provide few residual benefits. This renders dry surfaces ineffective at killing bacteria, fungi, etc.

However, BIOPROTECT continues working for up to 28 days as it produces a biostatic layer that persists long after the surface (whether porous or non-porous) is dry. This has been particularly important in the past in healthcare environments but is now becoming more of a general requirement.

With most disinfectants, a ten-minute dwell time on a hard surface will render most microbes inactive. Unfortunately, these disinfectants do not work well on porous surfaces and off-gas poisons to be effective against microbes. After they are wiped off or evaporate, they provide few residual benefits. This renders dry surfaces ineffective at killing bacteria, fungi, etc.

However, BIOPROTECT continues working for up to 28 days as it produces a biostatic layer that persists long after the surface (whether porous or non-porous) is dry. This has been particularly important in the past in healthcare environments but is now becoming more of a general requirement.

A biostatic layer is a residual layer left on surfaces, which microbes are unable to penetrate or multiply on.

A biostatic layer remains intact until it wears off over time. Abrasives like scouring pads and harsh chemicals with a pH level of 11 or higher will also remove the antimicrobial layer.

Questions for your employees

A commitment to a healthy environment by an organisation is an ongoing commitment to the health of its people: not only protecting them against pathogens and communicable diseases but also limiting exposure to harmful toxins. It is a commitment that your company should be proud of and that every employee is an integral part of. By committing to this, employees should feel confident about coming to work in a safe and healthy environment.

“Staff Safe” is a designation provided for organisations that commit to the Healthy Environment system. Organisations will display signage that indicates this commitment.

We will provide signage that you can display in your workplace to promote the fact that is is a healthy environment. We also recommend that signage is installed   to remind employees and cleaners of agreed protocols.

Before our team arrives, clear desks as much as possible and conduct regular cleaning immediately before we begin. We can start immediately after your regular clean. 

Other than following pre-agreed protocols with regards to hand sanitizing and (in some particularly high-risk environments) new laundry procedures for clothing, sheets, blankets, etc. your commitment to a healthy environment won’t impose on your normal daily routines. Our trained professionals will look after most aspects of the healthy environment protocols and we will provide recommendations for your regular cleaners.

Yes, as part of the service, our professionals will help to educate your people on how to create and maintain a healthy environment for the future.

Yes. The biostatic layer of our disinfectants does not cross the skin barrier or leach from the surfaces into the environment. All hand sanitizers we use are alcohol-free, gentle on the skin, and long-lasting so that they do not need to be used regularly during the day.

If you want to keep surfaces clean, daily cleaning provides some protection but may expose your people to harmful toxins and does not provide lasting protection against pathogens and infection. Most commonly-used disinfectants are chlorine or peroxide based and therefore toxic to humans.

We also find that most cleaning provides a “people clean” outcome. When we test with an ATP swab we usually find that the surfaces are not biologically clean, indicating the shortcomings of  normal cleaning  to eliminate pathogens.  

We provide a complete botanical-based biological defence system that promotes safety, health, and protection from pathogens and infection on multiple levels: surfaces, air, hands, and clothing, as well as ATP swab testing, air-quality testing, and body temperature monitoring. A specialist hygiene solution applied monthly by our professionals achieves a biological clean .