4.1 This test method shall be used to determine if a chemical intended for use as a non-food contact sanitizer or as a one-step cleaner-sanitizer provides percent reductions of the selected test organisms on treated carriers as compared to control.

1.1 This test method is used to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of sanitizers on precleaned, inanimate, hard, nonporous, non-food contact surfaces against Staphylococcus aureus, or Klebsiella pneumoniae or Klebsiella aerogenes, or a combination thereof. Appropriate modifications to the method may be required when testing organisms not specified herein. When utilizing test surfaces not described herein (see Test Method E2274) or when evaluating spray-based or towelette-based antimicrobial products, modifications may also be required.

1.2 This test method may also be used to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of one-step cleaner-sanitizer formulations recommended for use on lightly soiled, inanimate, nonporous, non-food contact surfaces.

1.3 It is the responsibility of the investigator to determine whether Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) are required and to follow them where appropriate (see section 40 CFR, 160 or as revised.)

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.5 This standard may involve hazardous materials, chemicals and microorganisms and should be performed only by persons who have had formal microbiological training. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.