[Web4lib] Germs and public keyboards

[Micah Stevens]

Fortunately, keyboards are mostly mechanical devices, there are hardly
any electronics in them, as long as you don't soak it, and there is no
residue left from the spray, you're probably alright.

9 times out of 10 you can throw a keyboard in a dishwasher and it will
come out clean and working.

Personally, although I'm not a doctor, supporting the immune system is
probably your best bet along with your typical keyboard replacement
plan. The flu is a virus, which may or may not be affected by
anti-bacterial sprays.

The UV light might be a good idea too, that works on most all of the
crawlies according to a quick scan on google.

-Micah

On 12/02/2008 09:23 AM, Cloutman, David wrote:
> Not a bad idea, considering that most keyboards are filthy to begin
> with, and I'm sure one attached to a public workstation is probably
> worse. One has to wonder about how dangerous it really is though, given
> that it is highly likely that most public workstations are perpetually
> growing colonies of fecal coliforms and most people seem able to deal
> with it. The gross-out factor may be higher than the health risk for
> most people with healthy immune systems.
>
> My 45 seconds of Google searching came up with this:
> http://saniguard.com/
>
> That may not be your only option, but spraying down the keyboards and
> mice with some sort of volatile antiseptic a few times a day might help.
> I would avoid anything with a high water content, as that could damage
> the electronics, or anything corrosive to skin like bleach or ammonia.
>
>
> - David
>
>
> ---
> David Cloutman <dcloutman at co.marin.ca.us>
> Electronic Services Librarian
> Marin County Free Library 
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org
> [mailto:web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Judy McBrian
> Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2008 8:13 AM
> To: web4lib at webjunction.org; dynix_l-request at codi.org; Horizon; INPUBLIB
> list
> Subject: [Web4lib] Germs and public keyboards
>
>
> In the grand scheme of things related to libraries, this is not a big 
> deal, but if you're the one sneezing....
>
> It's that time of year when everyone is sniffling, coughing. etc.
> Director is concerned mainly about staff going to pc's to help patrons 
> with issues on the computer.
> Many of our patrons are teens, and many are not to careful about 
> handwashing,etc.
> When staff touch an "infected" key board, then because they are busy, 
> for get to use
> hand sanitize, they catch whatever.
> Does anyone use anything to help this situation.  The grocery has wipes 
> for cart handles, but wiping a
> keyboard that's in use can get pretty funky.  
> I've heard of germ killing lights???
> Sprays that work, don't gunk up the keyboard, and can actually be 
> inhaled by a
> living organism???
>
> Any input appreciated.  
>
> Judy McBrian
> Boonville Warrick Public Library
>
>
>
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