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Public PC Maintenance

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by jsy

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This may seem an odd question, but in light of anthrax and other bio-hazards, my question is about PC cleaning.

I have staff who clean keyboards, mice and monitors of public use PCs and I was wondering if anyone has procedures that take into account the new threats? Or am I just being paranoid?

My concern is especially with keyboards, since our current method involves using compressed air to blow out the debris.

Any suggestions, observations or other words of wisdom are appreciated.

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by chrisms

If you think you are that important that some lunatic will want to put anthrax on your keyboard, I suggest you get some bodyguards and an expendable secretary. :-)
More seriously, I can't see someone going to all that trouble, and have you noticed how there hasn't been an anthrax attack in the last week.
Chris

by jsy

I never met a secretary who wasn't expendable. ;)

Seriously, though the only reason I asked is because my boss had the police here yesterday doing a security program and he asked how this might effect our procedures. So I thought I'd see if anyone had considered it.

by williams887

Think about it. What if the users open there mail at there desk and that letter happens to have some biological germs in it.
It could fall right into the keyboard. Then you come by and use can air to clean it and the germs go everywhere.
This is real far fetched but you never know what can happen, I mean did you expect someone to blow up the Trade centers.

by lordinfidel

While the suggestion is noble. I do not believe it to be practical.

However, there is no harm in being cautios.
Bleach does kill anthrax. But I would not reccomend giving your keyboard a bleach bath.

A light rubdown might not hurt. But do not drench it. Can air will not help because it will just displace it.

But.. If you suspect there to be anthrax, do not attempt to clean it your self. Leave the room and seal it. Shut off the AC to that room. Call the authorites. Wash your hands and face.

It's all common sense stuff that we forget in the heat of the moment.

by nicknielsen

At most, I would recommend increased vigilance and keyboard covers; at least wipe down the keyboards daily and keep your eyes open.

Germs have always been passed through public facilities such as doorknobs and handles (who knows where the last hand before yours has been?). Under normal circumstances, the individual is responsible for taking action such as washing before eating to reduce the chances of catching something.

In today's world, it's much more difficult to be casual. Report suspicious powders/vapors to medical or emergency services immediately. Wash whenever necessary. Keep your eyes open.

Defending against terrorism is mostly a matter of paying attention to your surroundings and making yourself a difficult target.

Had our anti-highjacking steps worked, September 11 would only be a gleam in bin Laden's eye.

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