Cleaning Tools to Prevent the Spread of COVID

▪ People handling tools should wash their hands or use a proper hand sanitizer before and after use to help prevent contamination.

▪ People handling tools should be properly trained and protected using necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

▪ Clean tools with mild soap, a clean damp cloth, and, as needed, an approved diluted bleach solution only. Certain cleaning agents and solvents are harmful to plastics and other insulated parts and should not be used.

▪ If possible, do not use cleaners that have conductive or corrosive materials such as gasoline, turpentine, lacquer thinner, paint thinner, chlorinated cleaning solvents, and household detergents containing ammonia.

▪ Never use flammable or combustible solvents around tools.

CLEANING OPTIONS:

MILD SOAP & DILUTED BLEACH SOLUTION

First clean tools with a mild soap and damp cloth to remove dirt and grease and then decontaminate with a diluted bleach solution, which is consistent with CDC advise. The full diluted bleach cleaning procedure can be found below. 

PROCEDURE

1. Clean the product surface with mild soap and water to remove dirt and grease.
2. Dip a clean cloth into the dilute bleach solution.
3. Wring out the cloth so it is not dripping wet.
4. Gently wipe each handle, grasping surfaces, or outer surfaces with the cloth, using care to ensure liquids do not flow into tool.
5. No other cleaning material should be used as the diluted bleach solution should never be mixed with ammonia or any other cleanser.
6. Allow the surface to dry naturally.
7. The cleaner should avoid touching their face with unwashed hands and should immediately wash their hands after this process.

A properly diluted bleach solution can be made by mixing:

▪ 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water; or

▪ 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

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