EN 14347 Test for disinfectants used in Public spaces

For public health and safety, maintaining hygienic environments is very important, especially in areas vulnerable to microbial threats. EN 14347 is a standard test method that specifies the test procedure and requirements for validating the sporicidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics which plays a crucial role in ensuring safer public spaces. This article talks about the EN 14347 standard and how this standard is applied to protect environments from harmful microbial spores that cause health risks.

Understanding EN14347 for public space disinfectants

Overview of the Standard

EN 14347 is a European standard that provides a detailed protocol for testing the sporicidal activity of chemical disinfectant products. It is applicable for evaluating the effectiveness of disinfectant products used for maintaining hygiene in various sectors including 

• Medical field
• Veterinary medicine
• food hygiene industries
• Industrial sector and 
• domestic areas.

Key Requirements and Test Method

The standard recommends that a product, when tested under specified conditions which includes specific temperature and exposure time, must achieve a minimum of 4 log reduction in viable spores. The mandatory organisms used for these tests are Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus. It involves mixing a test product with bacterial spore suspensions and incubating at 20°C for different contact times (30, 60, or 120 minutes) followed by neutralization of product’s activity and measurement of the reduction in viable spores. A minimum 4 log reduction in spore count is required for a product to pass the test.

EN14347: Application in various fields

The use of disinfectants tested as per EN 14347 is extremely important in various public spaces where sterile environments are obligatory such as offices, hotels, gyms, schools, and public transportation where infected surfaces are capable of transmitting spore-borne ailments.

Hotels: Hotels must maintain high sanitation standards to prevent the spread of infections among guests who use the same facilities. EN 14347 ensures that the disinfectants used can effectively eliminate bacterial spores that might be present on surfaces like bathroom fixtures, door handles, and furniture.

Gyms: Gyms are places with high-touch areas and moist conditions which can lead to bacterial growth including spore forming bacteria. Sporicidal disinfectants tested under EN 14347 can be used to treat surfaces and equipment reducing the risk of cross-contamination among gym users.

Offices: EN 14347 tests the efficiency of sporicidal disinfectants in office spaces which is crucial for sanitizing high-touch surfaces and shared facilities. It helps in maintaining air quality by treating ventilation systems and supports compliance with health regulations. Ultimately it enhances workplace safety and reduces spread of disease.

Schools: In schools, young children are exposed to various surfaces and materials shared among many students making it a potential hotspot for the spread of infectious diseases. Using sporicidal agents verified by EN 14347 can help in effectively disinfecting classrooms, cafeterias and play areas thus protecting children’s health.

Public Transportation: Vehicles and facilities in public transportation systems are used by thousands daily making them critical points for disinfection. EN 14347 ensures that the products used to clean these spaces are capable of deactivating resilient spores, thereby enhancing the safety of public transport environments.

EN14347 for public space disinfectants: Enhancing Safety

Preventing outbreaks

Regular use of such sporicidal agents verified through EN 14347 can lead to a significant decline in the risk of disease outbreaks caused by spore-forming bacteria. In a scenario where sanitation is most important like the COVID-19 pandemic, these standards ensure that disinfectants are safe and at the same time effective.

Compliance and regulation

Compliance with the usage of EN 14347 certified disinfectants assures that the facilities meet all the legal standards and safety measures, thus avoiding penalties and enhancing public confidence. Regulatory bodies can carry out periodical checks to ensure compliance, hence guaranteeing that only certified products are used.

Best practices encouraged in the industry

The standard sets guidelines to lead manufacturers towards high production standards and more efficient innovation of antimicrobial formulations. The EN 14347 is a standard for testing disinfectants that is of great importance in the maintenance of public health and safety. This will provide a rigid framework for testing the antimicrobial efficacy of disinfectants and antiseptics and help protect public health and enhance the quality of life. The organizations have to source testing services of high competence in order to enhance their compliance and certification provided by these standards.

Engage with Microbial Investigations Switzerland  (MIS)

To ensure your products meet the highest standards of hygiene and safety, consider leveraging the expertise of Microbial Investigations Switzerland (MIS). At Microbe Investigations (MIS), we ensure the antimicrobial effectiveness of products while prioritizing customer convenience, accuracy, and timely service delivery. Our team of specialists offers comprehensive microbiology testing services for disinfectants, textiles, coatings, and plastics. Equipped with world-class facilities, our labs reduce errors throughout the antimicrobial evaluation process.

MIS team experts are available to assist with EN 14347 testing for public space disinfectants and other microbiological evaluations. We specialize in phase 2, step 1 and step 2 tests for disinfectant and antiseptic formulations. EN 14347 (phase 1) and EN 14348 (phase 2, step 1) are among our most requested tests. 

Contact us today, to get a quotation and for professional consultation from our experts.