Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, our editorial team received several questions, some of which related to electroplating in general and some specifically. We supplemented some of these questions with further information and created an FAQ that covers theory and (above all) practice.
Question: What is the difference between bacteria and germs?
Germs are a very general term for pathogens. This includes bacteria, viruses, fungi and many more.
Question : What are viruses?
Viruses are not self-sufficient organisms, but infectious organic structures. They consist only of an envelope that contains their genetic material. Their primary task is to multiply.
Question: At what temperature do germs die?
Most germs die at temperatures > 60 °C. Some fungi and viruses are also resistant beyond this temperature.most germs die at temperatures > 60 °C. Some fungi and viruses are also resistant above this temperature.
Question: Are viruses killed by low temperatures?
No, on the contrary. In research, viruses are even preserved at temperatures of -180 °C.
Question : Does a working environment in electroplating and in offices have to be absolutely sterile?
No, especially when it comes to bacteria. Many bacteria-no, especially when it comes to bacteria. Many bacteria are very important for our health. They live, for exampleFor example, they live in our intestines, on our skin and in our oral cavity. Only about one percent of all bacteria cause disease in humans. Despite all precautionary measures, a sense of proportion must not be lost, as an overly sterile environment can also make you ill in the long term.
Question: What is effective against bacteria?
Above all, high temperatures (which is why we get a fever in the event of an infection) and substances such as alcohol, aldehydes or chlorine, but also UV light. above all, high temperatures (which is why we get a fever in the event of an infection) and substances such as alcohol, aldehydes or chlorine, but also UV light.
Question: Do all viruses make you ill?
Not all viruses infect humans and not all viruses that infect us make us ill. In most cases, the immune system takes care of the intruders. Nevertheless, there are diseases that are triggered by viruses.
Question: Where do viruses occur?
Viruses multiply by infecting so-called host cells. These can be plant, animal or human. Without corresponding cells, viruses die after a few days. Viruses can survive on surfaces for up to nine days, usually four to five days. Studies with Covid-19 have so far shown that the viruses can still be detected on stainless steel and plastic even after 72 hours and that cell cultures can be formed from these viruses
Question: What works against viruses?
Outside the body, disinfectants, UV radiation and heat help. In the human body, the case is more complicated. Antibiotics are ineffective against viral diseases. Although there are antiviral drugs, these only help against certain types of viruses. However, once our body's own defenses have dealt with the pathogen, we are immune to this particular virus in many cases.
Question: Which areas in the electroplating plant require special protection?
Basically all areas where people have direct contact with surfaces. This includes, among other things
- door handles
- handrails
- sanitary facilities
- Keyboards and mice
- Switches and buttons
- Steering wheels on forklifts
- Handles on transport equipment
- Handles on manual sliding doors
- and much more.
Such surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected at least once a day.
Question: Our customer wants a guarantee that our surfaces are free from biological substances. Can we give this guarantee without hesitation?
Unfortunately, no. Firstly, because you cannot control 100% of what happens to the surface between the electroplating shop and the customer. For example, it is enough for someone in the warehouse to cough on the goods. Secondly, it can be assumed that the surface is already contaminated by biological substances directly after electroplating, although the extent of this can vary greatly. The cause lies partly in the type of drying, the ambient air of the electroplating process, but above all in the rinsing water.
Question: What pollutants are contained in the rinsing water? Shouldn't it be absolutely pure due to the circulation system?
The water is pure, at least in terms of salts or ions in general. Circulating water in electroplating plants is purified using ion exchangers. Long-chain molecules, such as most organic substances, can also remain here, but there is no guarantee of this. In recent years, it has become increasingly apparent that rinsing tanks are a very good place for bacteria and fungi to form. If the final rinsing process is also affected, such organic matter will also be detected after drying.
Question: How do we obtain germ-free rinse water?
There are several approaches to this. The use of UV lamps is becoming more and more widespread. The water is not further contaminated by chemicals and the UV light destroys the organic matter, at least in theory. In wastewater chemistry, this can be easily understood by measuring TOC values, but less aggressive processes are usually used in rinsing water. This does not completely destroy the pollutants, but merely puts them in a state in which they can no longer multiply.
Biological substances are also used to purify the water. However, the use of activated carbon is rather unsuitable, especially in terms of cost.
Question: Can the surfaces be treated afterwards?
That depends very much on the surface and the requirements. If the goods are subsequently tempered, the problem can be considered solved if the temperature is appropriate. Inert surfaces such as chrome, aluminum, titanium or precious metals can be disinfected afterwards, provided the appearance is not negatively affected. For other surfaces, attention must also be paid to properties such as corrosion protection, solderability and contact resistance. Several disinfectants may need to be tested in advance and agreed with the customer.
Question: What additional measures can be taken to provide more safety?
In wet areas, it is particularly important to ensure that liquids do not stand around unnecessarily and, above all, for long periods of time. This applies in particular to containers that are temporarily filled with water (buckets, barrels) and tend to stand around for several days or weeks. Emergency showers should be circulated to prevent the formation of streptococci in particular. These should nevertheless be used several times a year. On the one hand to test the function, on the other hand to bring fresh water into the outlet area of the line.
Opened eyewash bottles should be discarded after use and not refilled with tap water.opened eyewash bottles should be discarded after use and not refilled with tap water.
Special attention should be paid to supply and exhaust air systems. Both can be a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi if poorly maintained and inadequately cleaned.
Irrespective of the substances described above, make sure you have sufficient protective clothing (gloves, respirators, etc.) of good quality. Despite all the caution against germs, it should not be forgotten that toxic and corrosive substances are used in electroplating shops.
