Restoration News: Ebola Decomtamination
Updated: Jun 15, 2023
As the ebola virus continues to spread, there is a possibility your restoration company may be asked to decontaminate an area where the virus is suspected to be present. Understanding this to be the case, OSHA has put together a complete guide on adequately removing the virus from contaminated areas, including suggested cleaners and protective equipment.
We wanted to highlight a few tips from them to help prepare your restoration company for the cleanup possibility. (To view the entire document, click here.)
Guidelines for Cleaning and Disinfection
Workers must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when cleaning and decontaminating.
Immediately clean and disinfect any surfaces contaminated with blood, urine, feces, vomit, or other body fluids suspected or known to contain the Ebola virus.
Isolate areas of suspected Ebola virus contamination until decontamination is completed to minimize exposure of individuals not performing the work.
Use signage to restrict access to areas of suspected or known Ebola virus contamination until decontamination is completed to minimize exposure of individuals not performing the work.
Treat any visible contamination with a suitable disinfectant.
If there is a bulk spill or bulk matter, cover the material fully with absorbent material (e.g., paper towels), then pour disinfectant to saturate the area.
Allow the disinfectant to soak into spills for the recommended period for the specific disinfectant used (see manufacturer’s instructions).
To enensure complete disinfection, further disinfect the surface after the bulk material(s)removing .
