I think it can be a really valuable exercise to consider, and align on semantic meaning of words, even words that may seem to everyone to mean one particular thing, and triage is a great example of that. When we spend time agonizing over words in documents, arguing about glossaries, what we are doing is aligning over semantic usage for terms that may have drifted a lot.
And don’t even get started on cultural appropriation of words.
The technical nature of our work means that semantic change, which is already a natural and inevitable process in language evolution, is going to happen. Words that we regularly use acquire new meanings or shift in their usage over time. Look what we’ve done to the poor word leverage or pipeline for just to examples.
Like data, we need word stewards, the keeper of the glossary. This role is in service to the process owners to enforce them agreeing on terms and using them the same way as possible. This is why I strongly believe in central glossaries. The dangers of not doing this can be impaired communication, with the message being lost or misinterpreted. And that leads to inefficiencies, and errors, and history has shown us those errors can get pretty significant.
To the average person on the floor, there are just things to clean with. However, cleaning and sanitization are very different, and it’s important to recognize this and ensure folks are properly educated. I can’t count how many audits I’ve had where this became a tripping point.
The primary difference between a cleaning solution and a disinfectant solution lies in their purposes and the outcomes they achieve.
Cleaning Solutions
Purpose: Cleaning solutions are designed to remove dirt, dust, grime, and impurities from surfaces. This process involves using soap, detergents, or other cleaning agents combined with water and physical action (e.g., scrubbing) to lift and wash away contaminants.
Effectiveness: Cleaning physically removes germs from surfaces but does not necessarily kill them. It reduces the number of germs and prepares the surface for further treatment, such as sanitizing or disinfecting.
Examples: Common cleaning agents include all-purpose cleaners, dish soap, and glass cleaners.
Disinfectant Solutions
Purpose: Disinfectant solutions are specifically formulated to kill or inactivate harmful microorganisms on surfaces, including bacteria and viruses. They contain chemical agents that are effective against a wide range of pathogens.
Effectiveness: When used correctly, disinfectants are designed to kill nearly 100% of the germs listed on their labels. They are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and must meet stringent efficacy standards.
Examples: Common disinfectants include bleach solutions, alcohol-based solutions, and products containing quaternary ammonium compounds (QUATS).
Here is a table comparing the key differences between cleaning solutions and disinfectant solutions:
Aspect
Cleaning Solutions
Disinfectant Solutions
Purpose
Remove dirt, dust, grime, and impurities
Kill or inactivate harmful microorganisms
Effectiveness
Physically removes germs but does not necessarily kill them
Kills nearly 100% of germs listed on their labels when used correctly
Examples
All-purpose cleaners, dish soap, glass cleaners
Bleach solutions, alcohol-based solutions, QUATS
Function
Reduces the number of germs
Kills or inactivates germs
Usage
First step in the cleaning process
Applied after cleaning to kill remaining germs
Regulation
Not always regulated by the EPA unless they have sanitizing or disinfecting claims
Must be registered with the EPA and meet specific efficacy standards
Contact Time
Not applicable
Requires specific contact time (usually 5-10 minutes)
Safety
Generally safer, fewer precautions needed
May require precautions such as gloves or ventilation
Impact on Equipment
Less likely to cause wear and tear on equipment
Can be harsh on surfaces and equipment, potentially causing damage over time
Comparison of the key differences between cleaning solutions and disinfectant solutions
Investigations of a Dog 