What should facility staff be trained in regarding the use of disinfectants?

Facility staff should be trained in the proper dilution and contact time of disinfectants because these factors are crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of the disinfectant in killing pathogens. Each disinfectant has specific instructions provided by the manufacturer regarding how it should be mixed (diluted) and the amount of time it must remain in contact with a surface to effectively reduce the microbial load. Following these guidelines is essential to achieve the desired level of disinfection and to prevent the spread of infections.

Understanding the correct dilution is important because using too concentrated a solution can damage surfaces or become hazardous to health, while too dilute a solution may not effectively eliminate pathogens. Similarly, the contact time is critical; if disinfectants are not allowed to sit for the recommended period, they may not have enough time to work effectively against viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms. Proper training ensures that staff can confidently and correctly implement disinfection protocols that align with best practices in infection prevention.