This guidance provides recommendations on the cleaning of tools to help prevent spread of COVID-19
▪ Anyone handling tools should wash their hands or use a proper hand sanitizer before and after use to help prevent contamination.
▪ Anyone 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, that is consistent with the CDC’s approved process.
CLEANING PROCEDURE
- Clean the product surface with mild soap and water to remove dirt and grease.
- Dip a clean cloth into the diluted bleach solution.
A 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
- Wring out the cloth so it is not drippng wet.
- Gently wipe each handle, grasping surfaces, or outer surfaces with the cloth, using care to ensure liquids do not flow into tool.
- No other cleaning material should be used, and the diluted bleach solution should never be mixed with ammonia or any other cleanser.
- Allow the surface to air-dry naturally.
- Anyone cleaning tools should avoid touching their face with unwashed hands and should immediately wash their hands after the cleaning process is finished.
Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6923e2.htm
https://www.lni.wa.gov/agency/outreach/novel-coronavirus-outbreak-covid-19-resources
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