High Touch Points = High Risk. Here’s Everything You Need To Know To Protect Your Business.

When it comes to preventing the spread of germs, taking care of your high touchpoints is paramount. And it’s not just the obvious places either, especially in office, medical and fitness settings, there are many hot spots that you can easily overlook. But before we explore WHERE to clean, it’s important we understand a bit more about high touchpoints. 

What is a high touchpoint?

If an area has frequent contact with people’s hands, that’s considered a high touchpoint (HTP). This means you need to pay special attention and ensure it’s regularly cleaned and disinfected. Even if it doesn’t look dirty, you need to remember that germs and bacteria are often invisible to the naked eye. 

How do I clean a high touchpoint?

We recommend using an alcohol-based solution containing at least 70% alcohol, a diluted bleach solution, or household disinfectants registered classed as hospital-grade. You should always follow the manufacturer’s guidance to ensure they work properly, and please make sure to wear gloves.

At a minimum, all high touch surfaces should be wiped down twice a day. We advise creating a roster or reminder system with specific times to ensure this is carried out. Of course this is variable depending on the scale and frequency of foot (and hand) traffic; Shopping centres and public spaces should have a much more frequent rotation of disinfecting HTP’s, but this gives you a good idea of best practice.

Where are the high touchpoints?

When we think of high touchpoints, we think of door handles, phones and light switches. But there are many other spots that will quickly build with grime and become social hangouts for germs to spread. These include: 

• Edges of doors — To avoid touching the handle many people put their hands above it on the door or around the edges to push it open. The ironic part is so many people do this that you’ll often start to visibly see grime build up. 
  

• Toilet cubicles — When people go to stand up, they often put their hands on the sides for support. This is one of the most common areas we see hidden handprints that many wouldn’t notice
  

• The resting hand spots above urinals… Nothing more to be said.
  

• The resting hand spot on the top of door frames - we see those tall people's handprints!
  

• Kitchen appliances — These can easily get forgotten. Just think about how many times the kettle has been handled by the time everyone in the office is on their 3rd cup of coffee. 
  

• Anything on a reception desk is a germ magnet — People love to fidget and pick these things up so make sure to consider any bells, EFTPOS machines and business cardholders
  

• Window coverings — The window blind handles and window handles themselves are often adjusted throughout the day, so these are another one to add to your list. 
  

• *BONUS TIP* — Now this is not so much a hot spot itself, but they normally always need attention- dishwashing sponges/cloths. These should be changed out regularly; if using a reusable cloth (much better for the environment than disposables) a good rule of thumb is to have a few under the sink which can all be washed at the end of the week.
  

Conclusion

To maintain a safe environment for your clients and staff, you must be properly addressing each and every one of your high touchpoints. Due to the nature of germs and bacteria, even if you only miss one touchpoint, the risk of transmission is still extremely high.

Therefore, it is crucial you engage a team of professional cleaning technicians who possess the skills and equipment required.

Here at Clean Feeling, we have the experience and the capability to ensure these harmful germs are dealt with, and your premises are protected. Get in touch today for a free, zero-obligation quote.