At Edwards we've been keeping events safe since 1965, and hygiene is a key part of that. Our team have pulled together their audio-visual / technology hygiene routines for our clients to share.
At event venues, in offices and meeting rooms, especially now people hotdesk and move around different places, many people are frequently touching desks, keyboards, screens and mouses.
While research is only just reaching conclusions about the Coronavirus COVID-19, studies related to SARS have shown that viral germs can live on most surfaces anywhere between several hours to a few days.
Viruses generally live longer on non-porous surfaces such as metals and plastics, meaning microphones, handles, phones and keyboards are particularly rife with germs.
These are the protocols that Edwards staff follow to avoid the spread of any germs, not just Coronavirus / COVID-19:
Tips for cleaning:
We prefer to use alcohol based rather than ammonia-based products - (being in the sound industry has probably cause that), but never baby wipes. If you are out of disinfecting spray, you can make it yourself – white meths or Iso-propyl Alcohol 70-90% and water for the rest. You can use the same fluid to hand-sanitise too.
If possible wear gloves whilst cleaning surfaces and dispose of them afterwards, but always wash your hands thoroughly before and after. Spray onto a paper towel or cloth and gently wipe the surfaces - we are also cleaning equipment handles, microphones, all door handles, microwave, and fridge handles several times per day.
We have been propping open all doors so no-one needs to touch the handles during the day (not the bathrooms!), extra anti-microbe soap everywhere for hand-washing, hand sanitiser at the counter and reminding each other repeatedly when we see someone touching their face.
After washing your hands, how about you rub an onion on your fingers. This probably still won't keep your hands away from your face as we do it habitually!
Tips for phones and touchscreens
Unplug the device
Don’t spray the disinfectant directly onto the phone, spray it onto a cloth and wring out the cloth if you over-spray.
Paper towels or a cloth soaked in soap and water will work too, but again remember to wring them out. Avoid using abrasive cloths and don't soak your device - better refer to the manufacturers' guidelines.
Tips for keyboards and control panels
Unplug them.
Tilt the keyboard upside down, if light enough, and remove any debris.
If you have a can of compressed air, spray it in between the keys.
Clean the keys using alcohol or ammonia-based product – if you have made it yourself maybe test it on an inconspicuous area to avoid discolouration or damage.
Run your damp cloth along the top of all keys and surfaces, scrubbing heavily on high contact areas such as the enter key.
Tips for microphones
Try a UV Antivirus sanitizer. These generate negative ions and also claim to deodorise the microphone
Change pop screens/wind filters between uses.
Wipe down the mic with alcohol disinfectant cloths, including the barrel.
Allow it to air dry.
Safest of all: use your own microphone (goes for headsets especially)
Tips for office spaces and vehicles
As New Zealand's distributor for Antari, we are now importing Antari Air Disinfectant Machines to support the campaign to stamp out COVID-19. The fog disinfection process involves fogging the entire space with the a proven anit-viral disinfectant to provide proper disinfection of surface areas, touch-points, and equipment, which means it is highly effective for antiviral infection control in halls, homes, businesses, and sensitive spaces such as hospitals and healthcare locations, retail showrooms, waiting rooms, rest homes, trains and carriages and reception areas etc. Read more or contact us for further information.
We have also put together a set of guidelines you may wish to implement to keep your employees and clients safe around technology such as microphones and other high contact services. Read more.
All of the above will be undermined if you haven’t washed your hands – so keep your 20 second hand washing up too.
More information: Government advice on cleaning and COVID-19
