Planning To Reopen - Identify What Needs To Be Disinfected

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

This is the fifth installment in a series of blogs that we hope will help our communities begin to prepare for the state of Massachusetts to reopen. Please keep in mind the purpose of these CDC  guidelines are to serve as a foundation for your planning.

Determine what needs to be disinfected

Following your normal routine cleaning, you can disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects using a product from EPA’s list of approved products that are effective against  COVID-19.  It is important to make sure that the appropriate disinfectants are used.

Disinfecting hard and non-porous materials 

Some examples:

• Glass
• Metal
• Plastic

Cross reference the list of approved products to  determine the most appropriate disinfectant for the surface or object to be cleaned. Pay special attention to the personal protective equipment (PPE) that may be needed to safely apply the disinfectant as well as the manufacturer’s recommendations concerning any additional hazards. Remember to keep all disinfectants out of the reach of children. Please visit CDC’s website on How to Clean and Disinfect for additional details and warnings.

According to the CDC frequently touched surfaces and objects will require routine disinfection. Some examples are:

• tables and countertops
• doorknobs and handles
• light switches
• desks
• phones
• keyboards
• toilets, faucets and sinks
• gas pump handles
• touch screens and pens
• ATM and Credit Card machines

Disinfecting soft and porous material, carpet, rugs, or seating areas

Soft and porous materials are generally not as easy to disinfect as hard and non-porous surfaces. The EPA has also approved a limited list of products for disinfection of soft and porous materials. The CDC recommends that soft and porous materials which are not frequently touched should only be cleaned or laundered, following the directions on the item’s label, using the warmest appropriate water setting. Find more information on CDC’s website on Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility for developing strategies for dealing with soft and porous materials.

Each business or facility will have different surfaces and objects that are frequently touched by multiple people. For example the CDC has provided specific guidance for transit stations. To view the CDC's cleaning and disinfection guidance for transit stations click here.

Consider the resources and equipment needed

Keep in mind the availability of cleaning and disinfection products and appropriate PPE. Always wear gloves appropriate for the chemicals being used for cleaning and disinfecting. Follow the directions on the disinfectant label for additional PPE needs. In specific instances, personnel with specialized training and equipment may be required to apply certain disinfectants such as fumigants or fogs. For more information on appropriate PPE for cleaning and disinfection, see CDC’s website on Cleaning and Disinfection for Community Facilities.

We will continue to share with you guidance from the CDC to follow to prepare for reopening. Also, we at SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley know that not every business has access to the resources necessary to meet these strict guidelines. For those businesses, we are here to help!

Specialized Training

The Disaster Remediation Teams at SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley are specialists in cleaning services and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work of "normal daily cleaning". Call SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley today for a free consultation - (617) 332-9000.

All of us here at SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley want you and your loved ones to stay safe and know that we will make it through this together! Rest assured, we will continue to do our best to keep you up-to-date and informed!