Which Selden products are most effective against Swine Flu?
Trust S, Selgiene Ultra

What’s the difference between an Alcohol Sanitiser, Rub and Steriliser?
Steriliser is a commonly used term but actually refers to decontaminating medical instruments. Rub is the correct term for these products, both in the UK and internationally. Sanitiser is the American term, but through greater marketing by US companies has become commonly recognised in the UK. We print both Rub and Sanitiser on the label to make the products universally recognisable

What is the difference between the different versions on Trust S?
They all have the identical active ingredients and differ only in viscosity. The finger pump product is designed for spraying and so is quite thin. The 450ml pump is a thick gel and the 1 litre bottle, which can also be used for topping up dispensers, is somewhere in-between.

What are the test methods?
EN1500 is the in-use hand rub method. Products are compared to a ‘standard’ skin disinfectant specified in the standard. EN1276 is the European disinfection suspension test for bacteria. It is approximately 10 times harder to pass than the British QAP standard it replaced. EN13704 is the test for spores, which can be thought of as bacteria hibernating in a hard waxy shell. EN14675 is a virucidal test performed at low temperatures, commonly used for veterinary products.

What are the various standards Selden is accredited for?
9001 is the Quality Management Standard, it replaces the British Standard 5750. 14001 is the Environmental Management Standard 18001 is the Management Standard for Occupational Safety and Health UKAS is the accreditation scheme run in the UK for laboratories. In this case it demonstrates the accuracy of our microbiology lab performing disinfectant tests.

Why use alcohol for disinfecting hands?
Because it works! Because it’s convenient and easy to use on the move, particularly when there is no access to running water. Because it’s the mildest alternative for hands. Alcohol free products leave corrosive residues which irritate the hands. Conversely, alcohol evaporates completely leaving nothing behind which can damage the skin. Because it dries fast so hands are usable again within the minute.

Why use Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs) for disinfecting hard surfaces?
Because they’re stable. Because they don’t attack surfaces. Because they’re highly effective against bacteria and flu-like viruses. Because they don’t taint. Because they are safe.

Is there anything which Alcohol and QACs are not effective against?
They are the safest and most effective biocides to use against all the common pathogens, including flu viruses, food poisoning bacteria and MRSA. There are some more resistant microorganisms which require different approaches but these have their downsides for routine use.

Why is it so important to use EN (European Norm) standard tests methods performed by UKAS accredited laboratories?
The EN standards are the latest available. They have been developed to address specific issues and demonstrate the effectiveness of products. UKAS accredited laboratories are routinely audited to ensure they have the sufficient expertise and safeguards in place to ensure reliability and reproducibility of their work. A product tested to an EN standard by a UKAS accredited lab is the most reliable way of ensuring the product will meet the required performance.

Are there any cases where you wouldn’t use an EN standard?
Clearly companies based outside the EU may use their local standards, typically American. But occasionally products are developed where there is no EN standard available to verify the performance of the product. This was the case when Selden invented the world’s first biocidal washing up liquid which genuinely killed bacteria during dishwashing. The product specific test was developed in-house, it was then performed by the most reputable test lab in the country (Campden BRI). The results were then peer reviewed by leading scientists, both for robustness of test method and significance of results, before being published in the journal “Letters in Applied Microbiology”. Tests which are not EN standards or have not been published in Scientific Journals may be completely meaningless.

Is it possible to impregnate or coat a surface to kill pathogens on contact?
Not in practice. All non-volatile biocides (including QACs) will leave a residue which can be shown to have an effect under favourable conditions. However in practice, a microscopic layer of soiling will be deposited on top of the biocide shielding subsequent bacteria from the biocide, preventing it from working. In the 90’s domestic chopping boards were developed with an impregnated biocide but the kill rates achieved in practice were woefully short of the hygiene standards required for food preparation, often requiring a 24 hour contact time to have a measurable effect. There have been areas where this technology has been successful: clothes based on merino wool or impregnated with silver and anti-fouling paints used on boats. However, these products simply inhibit the rate of growth on a surface rather than kill the pathogens. A far simpler way of reducing pathogen growth is to keep surfaces clean and dry, thereby removing the essential ingredients for bacteria to grow. No EN method has been developed for impregnated household surfaces and no peer reviewed work has been published in the Scientific Journals in support of these products.

Why is cleaning important?
Two reasons: Firstly, disinfectants work most effectively when there is no contamination which can interfere with the disinfection process. The EN standard tests normally include an element of ‘dirt’ to account for a small amount of soiling but all products will be effected by heavy soiling. Secondly, bacteria require food and water to multiply. Cleaning takes these away and so reduces the rate at which bugs can grow on a surface.

Which cleaning products do Selden recommend?
For skin it is important to use a mild soap so that the skin remains healthy. Harsh products can produce cracks in the skin which can harbour pathogens. All Selden branded soaps have been formulated to be mild, with added conditioners to protect skin, but the So Gentle foam soap is specifically designed for frequent healthcare use. Selden has a wide range of cleaning chemicals for any specific task. But where a product is to be used immediately before Selgiene Ultra for the purpose of removing a heavy soiling prior to disinfection then any of the following would be suitable: C012 Selosol F004 Selsolv F104 Amphoclen

Are these products safe?
Trust S is classed as a Cosmetic Product and has been subjected to a rigorous safety assessment. It is perfectly safe for the intended application of skin disinfection. Obviously, it is not fit for drinking. Selgiene Ultra is regulated under the Biocidal Products Regulations and conforms to their requirements. It is classified as non-hazardous, contains no toxic ingredients and abides by the Defra endorsed Sustainable Cleaning guidance. It does not contain bleach.