SAFERTOUCH FAQs
What are Fomites?
Fomites are at the core of the problem for surface contamination. Fomites are inanimate objects (such as doorknobs or handles) that harbor microorganisms for a specific period of time. If this same fomite is then touched by another person, contaminants on the surface can pass to that individual.
Examples of Fomites are handles, knobs, levers, buttons, railings, surfaces, touchscreens, phones, tablets, kiosks, ATM machines, payment devices, toilet seats, remotes, tables, armrests. Fomites can be any surface or object routinely touched by people.
What methods are being used now to keep surfaces free from contamination?
- AVOIDANCE – physically avoiding an area, the workplace for example
- BARRIERS – wearing masks, using plexiglass, coverings or shields
- DISINFECTION – routine wiping or spraying with harsh disinfection chemicals
- FOGGING – Misting or aerosolizing volatile & hazardous chemistries
- TECHNOLOGY – Passive, ‘always-on’ antimicrobial protection, such as SaferTouch
Are these methods working and what are the drawbacks or limitations?
- AVOIDANCE – Initial response is to limit capacity, reduce workforce, reduce capacities
- BARRIERS – Offers little protection from airborne microbes and viruses
- DISINFECTION – Spraying hazardous chemicals many times per day, no lasting effect
- FOGGING – Third party expensive services, once per day offers limited long-term protection
- TECHNOLOGY – Safer. Always there & ‘always-on’ to provide continuously clean surfaces
Are there any other concerns with current practices?
Some of the methods above are being used inconsistently and haphazardly. In addition, some are being used in combination as a catch-all approach with little understanding of effectiveness, persistence, cost or safety. Over spraying of harsh chemicals has also resulted in physical damage to sensitive electronics. There are now current studies being performed to understand the impact of over-use of disinfection chemicals and what harmful residues are being left behind.
What is the alternative
Safertouch™ films are designed to adhere to any fomite. Safertouch can help reduce touch anxiety for these fomites, encouraging a return to normal business. Typical applications include door handles, touchscreens, buttons and kiosks. Applications for SaferTouch are practically limitless.
What is Safertouch™?
Safertouch™ is a thin polymer film embedded with EPA registered antimicrobial agents that prevent the growth of microorganisms on the surface of the film for up to 90 days.
The film is comprised of multiple layers for built-in antimicrobial protection, and also utilizes a surface coating with a quick-kill antiviral & antibacterial component. The film once applied provides a continuous or ‘always on’ kill.
In addition, the film is tinted blue to show evidence of the protection being in place with complementary ‘awareness stickers’ which are placed nearby to provide knowledge and assurance.
It is designed to adhere to your most important touch points to highlight areas that need disinfection. Our dual-actives are EPA registered and help keep the film cleaner in between cleanings. Safertouch can help reduce touch anxiety for these surfaces, encouraging a return to normal business. Typical applications include door handles, touchscreens, buttons and kiosks. Applications are virtually endless.
How do I know that it works?
Safertouch™ features a proven and durable antimicrobial technology that is designed to protect our films from microbial contamination and degradation. Our films contain EPA registered chemistries from world leading companies that pass microbial industry tests like JIS Z 2801 and ISO 22196. Our films are tested versus untreated controls to evaluate efficacy in controlling the growth of a range of organisms.
These studies are for our own product evaluations and are not public health claims. Our data must not be used to make claims or implied health benefits.
Does Safertouch™ kill COVID -19?
Our products have been tested to determine they effectively kill the COVID -19 virus, however the EPA limits what treated articles can claim for specific organisms, including viruses. Safertouch does not not currently have approval from the EPA to make “kill” claims against the COVID-19 virus.
One of the antimicrobial agents used in the Safertouch product has been given Emergency Use Authorization by the US EPA to control and reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus in certain application such as airlines and medical centers. Because of this, we believe that our products can be effective and will have more robust claims in the future.
Safertouch should therefore not be used to claim that it kills the COVID -19 virus, or any specific human pathogens. We recommend following CDC guidelines and other governmental recommendations for reducing the spread of COVID-19.
How long does Safertouch™ last?
Safertouch antimicrobial films are designed to remain active up to 90 days of routine use. We recommend replacing the films regularly before 90 days or when the films have become noticeably worn.
Performance of the product does not depend on external agents such as light to ‘activate’ the chemistry. Normal cleaning and disinfection of the surfaces protected by Safertouch do not deactivate effectiveness.
Can I use Safertouch™ outside?
The product is suitable for indoor and outdoor applications. The antimicrobial performance of Safertouch is unaffected by exposure to sunlight, temperature or other elements.
Does Safertouch contain harmful chemicals?
No, the active agents in Safertouch have been used safely for decades to control the growth of microorganisms. The low use levels of the actives have been approved by the US EPA for use for this application.
Will using Safertouch replace cleaning and disinfection?
No. Safertouch is designed to reduce the spread of microorganisms via surfaces. It should be deployed at key touchpoints to reduce this risk and to provide a visual indicator of protected surfaces.
Safertouch does not sanitize or disinfect a person’s hands. The film is limited to act on microbes that come into contact with the surface. Normal cleaning and disinfection routines can continue and will not damage the Safertouch film.
Has this ever been used before?
Yes, these particular antimicrobials have been used for many decades in the US and around the world. Industry leading companies across a broad range of industries have used this technology to create products that will resist the growth of microorganisms. Companies in the flooring, consumer goods, office products, building materials, bedding, and many others have used this technology to help keep their products free from degradation by microbes. Please visit our regulatory page for further information.
How do I clean a surface covered with Safertouch film?
Use a soft cloth with mild cleaning detergent or a mild bleach wash. Performance will be unaffected.
Have a question that’s not listed? Need advice on an application for Safertouch? Ask us here.