Athletic Facilities Research and Care

The Study

Open abrasions, therapeutic whirlpools, treatment tables, locker rooms (LR), and athletic equipment are identified as potential areas of transmission in athletic training rooms (ATR) and LR facilities. To determine the prevalence of MRSA and to identify control measures in ATR and LR, the authors collected samples from nine surfaces at seven high schools over a four-month period. Initial analyses considered both suspected colonies and confirmed MRSA colonies with analyses of variance revealing significant differences of suspected colonies based on regular cleaning product and facility surface. Of the 67 positive MRSA cultures collected during this study, 60 (89.6%) were found in LR facilities. Contrary to what was hypothesized, the girls’ LR surfaces presented the highest rate of positive MRSA cultures, followed by the boys’ LR and ATR surfaces. The rate of positive MRSA cultures was also assessed by the type of flooring found in the LR facilities. Of the regular cleaning products used in the ATR at the different schools, bleachwater solutions had the highest rate of positive MRSA cultures 8.3%, followed by Whizzer 6.2%. The use of Matt Kleen, Sanizide, and Sanizide with a filter box showed no MRSA strains. The use of two different cleaning products were Lysol and Cavicide. Lysol resulted in a higher rate of positive MRSA cultures 5.6% than did Cavicide 2.1%. The highest rate of MRSA was found in both girls’ and boys’ LR's where carpet was present, followed by concrete and tile. Results indicate a need for more effective cleaning products and schedules in LRs.

 

Hostetter, K. S., Lux, M., Shelley, K., Drummond, J. L., & Laguna, P. (2011). MRSA as a health concern in athletic facilities. Journal Of Environmental Health, 74(1), 18-25.

This would be how to clean and disinfect Athletic Facilites Properly.

Cleaning & Disinfecting Athletic Facilities for MRSA

 Athletic facilities such as locker rooms should always be kept clean whether or not MRSA infections have occurred among the athlete.

•  Review cleaning procedures and schedules with the janitorial/environmental service staff.  Cleaning procedures should focus on commonly touched surfaces and surfaces that come into direct contact with people's bare skin each day.
•  Cleaning with detergent-based cleaners or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered detergents/disinfectants will remove MRSA from surfaces.
•   Cleaners and disinfectants, including household chlorine bleach, can be irritating and exposure to these chemicals has been associated with health problems such as asthma and skin and eye irritation.
•   Take appropriate precautions described on the product's label instructions to reduce exposure. Wearing personal protective equipment such as gloves and eye protection may be indicated.

Follow the instruction labels on all cleaners and disinfectants, including household chlorine bleach, to make sure they are used safely and correctly. 

• Some key questions that should be answered by reading the label include: How should the cleaner or disinfectant be applied?, Do you need to clean the surface first before using the disinfectant (e.g., precleaned surfaces)? Is it safe for the surface?
• Some cleaners and disinfectants, including household chlorine bleach, might damage some surfaces (e.g., metals, some plastics). How long do you need to leave it on the surface to be effective (i.e., contact time)?, Do you need to rinse the surface with water after using the cleaner or disinfectant?

If you are using household chlorine bleach, check the label to see if the product has specific instructions for disinfection. If no disinfection instructions exist, then use 1/4 cup of regular household bleach in 1 gallon of water for disinfection of pre-cleaned surfaces.

Environmental cleaners and disinfectants should not be put onto skin or wounds and should never be used to treat infections.

The EPA provides a list of registered products that work against MRSA on List H.

Repair or dispose of equipment and furniture with damaged surfaces that do not allow surfaces to be adequately cleaned.

Covering infections will greatly reduce the risks of surfaces becoming contaminated with MRSA.

CDC. (2012). Cleaning & Disinfecting Athletic Facilities for MRSA. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/environment/athleticFacilities.html