Don't just clean..sanitise

Cleaning up after a flood is never easy or pleasant. Diversey has issued some guidance.

As water in flooded areas can contain a wide variety of pathogenic organisms, great care must be taken to avoid direct contact with flood water, associated debris and contaminated surfaces.

Protective clothing and gloves are advisable and fresh water should be used for all cleaning tasks.When this is not possible the water that is available should be boiled before use.

Good cleansing of the hands and skin by using an alcohol based sanitiser helps reduce the risks.

When kitchen areas have suffered flood water damage it is important to clean and sanitise thoroughly.

Each area should be cleaned using a sanitising detergent containing chlorine or an oxygen based bleaching system as some organisms are unaffected by the usual kitchen sanitisers and then disinfected by repeat use.

Physical debris and damaged items should be removed and disposed of safely.

Affected surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned using a sanitising detergent and then disinfected through repeat use of the sanitiser or a terminal disinfectant.After the areas have been cleaned and sanitised, they should be dried out as soon as possible as mould and fungi growth can cause health problems.