In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued new guidelines on how businesses should clean and disinfect their facilities. These guidelines include steps to take for the everyday, when someone is sick, and other considerations for employers.
Everyday Cleaning
The CDC recommends wearing gloves when cleaning and to clean surfaces first with soap and water and then disinfectant.
Recommended disinfectants include EPA-registered household disinfectants, diluted household bleach solutions, and alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol.
Frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned routinely. These surfaces can include:
- Doorknobs
- Light switches
- Countertops
- Phones
- Keyboards
- Toilets, faucets, sinks
The CDC says surfaces in public places that are used by each customer—like point-of-sale keypads—should be cleaned and disinfected before each use.
Cleaning When Someone is Sick
Begin by closing off the area used by the person who is sick. The CDC says if companies can close off the infected area, they do not necessarily need to shut down operations.
Open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation.
If possible, wait 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting. Then clean and disinfect all areas used by the person who is sick, including offices, bathrooms, common areas, shared machinery and electronic equipment, etc. Once this is complete, the area can be reopened for use.
Other Considerations
When it comes to outdoor areas, sidewalks and roads should not be disinfected.
Develop policies for worker protection and provide training to cleaning staff. This training should include when to use PPE, what PPE is necessary, how to properly put it on and take it off, and how to properly dispose of it.
Comply with OSHA standards related to Hazard Communication standard when working with cleaning chemicals as well as OSHA’s standards on Bloodborne Pathogens.
View the full CDC recommendations here.
