Clean and disinfect effectively

The University of Washington School of Public Health has released new guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting.

Follow these steps to keep COVID-19 at bay in North Idaho.

Best Practices for Safe and Effective Cleaning and Disinfecting During a Pandemic

1. DEVELOP A PLAN. This applies all the time, whether it’s a pandemic or not. Develop and maintain a set of written standard operating procedures for cleaning and criteria for when to sanitize or disinfect. This should include schedules for routine cleaning operations and activities performed periodically.
2. START BY ASKING, ‘DO I NEED TO DISINFECT, AND IS IT NECESSARY?’ If not, use fragrance free soap/detergent and water or an all-purpose cleaner with Safer Choice, Green Seal or Ecologo labels. Soap inactivates the new coronavirus by dissolving the lipid (fatty) membrane that envelops the virus and allows it to stick to our cells. Soap and water, with microfiber cloths or mops can also get rid of 99% of bacteria.
3. ROUTINELY CLEAN ALL FREQUENTLY TOUCHED SURFACES: These surfaces include workstations, counter tops, light switches, railings, doorknobs, and equipment (such as steering wheels and machinery). Use cleaning agents regularly used in these areas, following directions on the label. Select products with Safer Choice, Green Seal or Ecologo labels. Use a clean surface of the cloth to prevent cross contamination. Alcohol wipes can be used on electronics.
4. SELECT A DISINFECTANT OR SANITIZER THAT CONTAINS LESS HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS: If you determine disinfection is necessary, use products registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) List N Disinfectants for Use Against SARS CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2

Look for DfE products — the Responsible Purchasing Network has made it easy for you! If none are available, look for products containing the safer active ingredients mentioned above.

Avoid sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and quaternary ammonium compounds, if possible; these ingredients can cause asthma. Let disinfectants stay glistening wet on the surface or air dry for the right dwell or contact time on the product’s label instructions. Otherwise, resistant germs will remain and grow, which can lead to “superbugs.”

1. PROVIDE INFORMATION AND TRAINING. Remember, employers must ensure workers are trained on the hazards of the cleaning chemicals used in the workplace in accordance with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). People need to know the right way to use the products and symptoms of possible harm. Protective equipment — including gloves — needs to be appropriate for the product. If information isn’t on the safety data sheet, call the manufacturer for specific glove materials, or ask an occupational health specialist.

Use accepted best practices and technology for cleaning. For example, perform restroom cleaning from high to low, toward the doorway, and with dry cleaning tasks performed prior to wet cleaning tasks.

1. EVALUATE. Evaluate the plan. Get feedback from people using the products and from those in the spaces where they are used.