Microbial contamination of interior elevator buttons in a university

Abstract

Objective To investigate the microbial contamination on the interior elevator buttons in a university, and to provide data reference for elevator disinfection and sanitation management.

Methods The interior elevator buttons in a university were sampled for 4 consecutive quarters (140 elevators in total). The total number of bacteria, colifonn bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus on the surface of elevator buttons are tested by referring to “Sanitary Inspection Methods for Public Places-Part IV: Microorganisms for Public Utensils” (QB/T 18204.4–2013). The results were evaluated with reference to the hygienic requirements for public utensils and utensils in “Sanitation Indicators and Limit Requirements for Public Places” (GB 37488–2019).

Results The bacteria contamination rate of the interior buttons of public elevators in the university was 98.57%, and 19.29% of which exceeded the maximum level for public appliances (300 CFU/25 cm ²). The total qualified rate of total bacteria, coliform bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus were 80.71%, 99.29% and 95.71% respectively. The qualified rate of Staphylococcus aureus varied by season (χ ² = 12.11, P<0.01), and the qualified rate of Staphylococcus aureus was the lowest in summer (82.86%). The pass rates of the three elevator sanitation indicators in the administrative building, teaching building and comprehensive building did not vary by different building functions (total number of bacteria: χ ²= 3.53, coliform: χ ²= 2.37, Staphylococcus aureus: χ ² = 2.08, P>0.05).

Conclusion Bacterial contamination was found in most of the interior buttons of public elevators in university, with vast number of bacteria and pathogenic bacteria. Relevant departments need to strengthen the disinfection frequency and effect monitoring of the interior buttons of public elevators in schools. All the staffs and students in the university need to increase their awareness of hand hygiene after using the elevator.

Abstract

【摘要】 目的 调查某高校公用电梯内部按钮表面的微生物污染情况, 为电梯消毒卫生管理提供数据参考。 方法 连续 4 个季度对某高校公用电梯内部按钮进行采样(共计 140 台次电梯), 参照《公用场所卫生检验方法第 4 部分:公共用品用 具微生物》 (GB/T 18204.4—2013) 检测按钮表面的细菌总数、大肠菌群及金黄色葡萄球菌, 参照《公共场所卫生指标及限 值要求》(GB 37488—2019)中公共用品用具的卫生要求进行评价。 结果 某高校公用电梯内部按钮的携菌率高达 98.57%, 19.29%的按钮携菌量超过公共用品用具规定限值(300 CFU/25 cm ²);细菌总数、大肠菌群、金黄色葡萄球菌总合 格率分别为80.71%, 99.29%, 95.71%;不同季节金黄色葡萄球菌的合格率差异有统计学意义(χ ² = 12.11, P<0.01), 夏季金 黄色葡萄球菌合格率最低(82.86%); 行政楼、教学楼和综合楼电梯内部按钮的细菌总数、大肠菌群、金黄色葡萄球菌指标 合格率差异均无统计学意义(χ ²值分别为3.53, 2.37, 2.08, P值均>0.05)。 结论 某高校公用电梯内部按钮存在细菌污染, 携菌率高、携菌量大且有致病菌的存在。相关部门需加强学校公用电梯内部按钮的消毒频率和效果监测, 师生使用电梯后 需增强手卫生意识。