What Is A Shared Device?

Shared devices are objects within a facility that are used by a variety of different people. Workplaces, hospitals, schools, libraries, airport, taxis, buses, internet cafes, crosswalks etc. all contain such devices. These are objects you likely use every single day! If you could visually see the bacteria on these items do you think you would touch them? Objects that have the ability to collect pathogens and bacteria, are known as “fomites.”

It really depends on the facility. Some have strict guidelines in place, others do not. But how often are menus cleaned at your favorite restaurant? Probably never. The pen you use to sign documents at the bank? Maybe once in a blue moon. Oh and what about those community toys at the pediatrician that your child is putting in his mouth?! We don’t really know, but why are they always sticky…? Some facilities use chemical wipes, some use cleaners, others are sticklers about employees washing their hands. These are all helpful, but they all have a few major flaws. The first is human error. How easy would it be to miss a spot on a menu? Another flaw is the nature of the cleaner: a.k.a.— almost all cleaners are liquid. Did you know on most disinfecting wipe bottles the instructions tell users to leave the surface wet for several minutes? Who does that?! And how well do your electronics hold up when doused in liquid?