Restoration logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Restoration logo
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Products & Technologies
    • Submit Your Product
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
  • EDUCATION
    • KnowHow.
    • Podcasts
    • Trade Shows & Expos
    • Training & Certification
    • Webinars
    • Whitepapers
  • TOPICS
    • Water Damage
    • Fire & Smoke Damage
    • Mold
    • Contamination
    • Odor
    • Contents
    • Architecture
    • Catastrophe
    • Cleaning
  • BUSINESS
    • Managing Your Business
    • Insurance/Legal Matters
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • VIDEOS
    • Ask Annissa
    • Ask the Expert
    • Ironclad Marketing Minute
    • TradeTalks
    • Video Channel
  • INFOCENTER
    • Mold and Mycotoxins
  • THE EXPERIENCE
    • Conference & Exhibition
    • Convention & Trade Show
    • R&R Special Issue
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP

RIA Provides Prevention Tips for H1N1 Influenza

September 2, 2009
As schools and colleges open for the fall semester, concerns regarding transmission prevention of the H1N1 (swine) influenza virus in these settings becomes a priority for administrators, educators, students and parents. 

Columbia, Maryland – As schools and colleges open for the fall semester, concerns regarding transmission prevention of the H1N1 (swine) influenza virus in these settings becomes a priority for administrators, educators, students and parents. The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) provides these recommendations for reducing the spread of the virus in various education settings.

  The H1N1 flu is considered a Type A influenza virus, so the normal protocols followed for outbreaks of norovirus and other types of flu should be utilized. According to the Dept. of Health & Human Services pandemic website, survival times for influenza A particles on surfaces vary from 8-12 hours on paper or cloth to 24-48 hours in ambient temperatures on non-porous surfaces such as doorknobs, counters, desks and the like. When surfaces are wet, the influenza A virus can survive up to 72 hours.

  Hard surfaces can be cleaned with a normal household or commercial disinfectant. Surfaces to pay particular attention to in a school setting include: desk tops, door knobs, light switches, hand rails, computer keyboards and mice, telephones, microphones, elevator buttons, cafeteria tables and chairs, buttons/panels on office equipment (copiers, postage machines, shredders), water fountain handles and vending machines. In rest rooms, a trash receptacle should be placed close to the door so individuals exiting the lavatory can use a paper towel to open the door and then dispose of it properly. 

  In break rooms, utensils, plates, cups, microwave buttons and handles, silverware, coffee pot handles, cabinet handles, refrigerator handles, towels and sponges should all be disinfected regularly.

   During an outbreak, touch points in high traffic areas such as door knobs and hand rails, should be disinfected several times a day to reduce the spread of germs.

  In elementary schools and daycares, additional precautions should be taken because younger children may not cover their mouths when they sneeze or cough, and may not follow good hand hygiene. Toys, furniture and equipment may need to be wiped down more frequently with a normal cleaning or disinfecting agent. Hand washing with soap and water or an alcohol-based cleaner should be more frequent as well, especially after coughing or sneezing.

  The same precautions apply to colleges and dormitories. Regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces, not sharing food or drinks, plus isolating individuals who are sick from the rest of the students can also help reduce the spread of the virus.

  “Following good hand hygiene, utilizing thorough and regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces, and using common sense can help schools reduce the transmission of influenza” said RIA President Jeff Jones, CRS.

  A fact sheet on cleaning and remediation recommendations for the H1N1 influenza is available from RIA by calling 443-878-1000 or visiting www.restorationindustry.org. 

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • mold remediation

    Fighting Mold and Bacteria Damage

    Successful mold remediation can be multidisciplinary,...
    Contamination Restoration & Remediation​
    By: Josh Woolen
  • certifications and licenses for restoration professionals

    Certifications and Licenses Every Restoration Company Needs

    Restoration companies need to make sure they have the...
    Restoration Training/Education
    By: Sharon Elzarat
  • a wall covered in moss and fungus

    Zero Tolerance for Toxic Molds: Essential Steps for Successful Remediation

    Understanding the importance of zero tolerance for toxic...
    Mold Remediation
    By: Michael A. Pinto CSP, SMS, CMP, RTPE, FLS, ERS and Kendra Seymour
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Subscribe For Free!
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • Manage My Preferences

More Videos

Popular Stories

wall cavity drying

Dry or Demolish? Navigating the Complexities of Wall Cavity Restoration

Ask the Expert: Unlocking Efficiency in Water Damage Restoration

Unlocking Efficiency in Water Damage Restoration

Ask the Expert: Catastrophe Panel - Back to the Basics Part 1

Catastrophe Panel – Back to the Basics Part 1

Submit Your New Product/Technology to R&R!

Would you like to promote a new restoration, remediation or cleaning product/technology with Restoration & Remediation? Fill out the question below to start your submission:

Events

September 3, 2025

The Experience Convention and Trade Show

The Experience Convention & Trade Show logoJoin us in Las Vegas for The Experience Convention & Trade Show, the leading event for cleaning, restoration, and remediation pros, packed with hands-on demos, expert speakers, and high-impact networking. Happening September 3–5, 2025 at Caesars Forum—this is where the industry comes to learn, connect, and grow!

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Restoration Services

What restoration/remediation service do you prioritize most?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary.

See More Products

Related Articles

  • RIA Addresses H1N1 Influenza Clean-up Issues

    See More
  • RIA Provides Health and Safety Tips for "After the Flood"

    See More
  • Paul Davis Restoration Provides Tips for Spring Storm Safety

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • COVER pdf.jpg

    How to Get More Restoration Jobs in 14 Days... (ebook)

  • Water-Damage---Part-2.gif

    Water Damage - Mitigation & Restoration Volume II - Technical Procedures

See More Products
×

Stay ahead of the curve with our eNewsletters.

Get the latest industry updates tailored your way.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
    • Submit a Press Release
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eNewsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Reprints
    • Marketing Services
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing