Friday Jun 30, 2023

Mastering Infection Control: Expert Insights from Dr. Greg Whitely * BCWA S7:E21

In a world plagued by superbugs and antibiotic resistance, the cleaning industry plays a vital role in controlling the spread of pathogens.

But what happens when disinfectants are used improperly?

Join Dr. Greg Whitely as he uncovers the shocking risks and consequences, leaving us questioning the safety of our cleaning practices.

In this episode, we take a look back into 2021 to see what we should still remember today, 2023!

Explore the profound impact of diligent cleanliness and hygiene practices amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Absorb knowledge about the evolution and nature of pandemics, reinforcing a conscious understanding of their widespread repercussions.
Gain insight into the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and why they've become a cornerstone in fighting the pandemic.
Peek into the trials and tricky terrain of dealing with different virus variants.
Recognize the essential role played by the cleaning industry and the hazards of home-based disinfectant misuse.

My special guest is Dr. Greg Whitely

Introducing our next guest, Dr. Greg Whitely. A paramount figure in the Australian industry of cleaning and hygiene for a solid 45 years, Dr. Whitely leads one of the country’s predominant disinfectant sterilant manufacturers. His educational background, which includes a doctorate from the University of Western Sydney, a master's degree from the University of New South Wales, and an undergraduate degree from Hawkesbury Agricultural College, bolsters his credibility further. A longstanding member of ISSA and an executive committee member at the Cleaning Industry Research Institute International, Greg’s insights promise to be both engaging and enlightening.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Introduction,

00:01:31 - Pandemic Background,

00:04:02 - Delta Variant Concerns,

00:09:25 - Virus Survival and Mortality Rates,

00:13:23 - Future Variants and Competition,

00:16:19 - The Speed of Vaccine Development,

00:19:00 - Concerns about Children and School Spread,

00:21:43 - The Importance of Basic Hygiene,

00:25:44 - The Risk of Superbugs and Biofilms,

00:29:13 - Inherent Resistance vs. Acquired Resistance,

00:32:36 - The Importance of HEPA Filters in Cleaning Equipment,

00:33:42 - Aerosol Generating Procedures in Dentistry,

00:34:42 - The Threat of Superbugs,

00:36:08 - The Challenge of Cleaning Biofilms,

00:39:32 - The Importance of Chemistry and Methods in Cleaning,