[Web4lib] Disinfecting monitor and keyboard[Scanned]

[David Rothman]

Carol-

There have been studies about keyboard disinfection (we care a lot about
this in our hospital library and keep hand sanitizer and alcohol wipes near
every computer along with signs encouraging users to wipe down the keyboard
and mouse before using them- details here:
http://davidrothman.net/2006/07/11/library-keyboards-and-public-health/).

It is the view of our hospital's infection control specialists (MDs and
BSNs) that alcohol wipes are the preferred method of keyboard disinfection.

This article evaluates the efficacy of various keyboard disinfectants:
http://www.unc.edu/depts/spice/dis/ICHE-Apr2006-p372.pdf

I would recommend going with one of those shown in this study to be
effective.  For the sake of public health and potential liability for your
organization, you just can't mess around with something you THINK will work.

Sorry I can't say much about monitors.

You might also try calling your local hospital's IT/IS or BioMedical
Engineering department and ask them how they clean delicate hardware that
has been used in hospital rooms where patients are believed to be carrying
something contagious and nasty.  Those folks will be absolutely expert in
the disinfection of computer hardware.

If you like, I'll ask those folks at the hospital where I work tomorrow
morning.

Best,

-David


On 2/8/07, Erik Adams <eadams at pvld.org> wrote:
>
> "Windex with Vinegar" or various orange cleaners (the ones you see on
> infomercials) will disinfect and tend to be gentle enough for flat panel
> monitors. Good luck!
>
> Erik
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org
> [mailto:web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Carol McGeehon
> Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2007 2:08 PM
> To: web4lib at webjunction.org
> Subject: [Web4lib] Disinfecting monitor and keyboard[Scanned]
>
>
> We've had a person at one of our public computers have a seizure which
> resulted in body fluids (possibly blood) on the monitor cover and
> keyboard.  Does anyone know of a good way to disinfect this equipment?
> Also, how would one disinfect a flat panel monitor?
>
> This happened to us today and we are looking for information, resources,
> etc.  Any help will be appreciated.
>
>
> Carol McGeehon
> Technical Support Manager
> Douglas County Library System
> 1409 NE Diamond Lake Blvd
> Roseburg, OR   97470
> 541-440-6005
>
> When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.
>
>
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