Restoration News: Ebola Decomtamination
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 actually put together a complete guide on properly 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 full document, click here.)
Guidelines for Cleaning and Disinfection
Workers must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when conducting cleaning and decontamination activities.
Immediately clean and disinfect any surfaces contaminated with blood, urine, feces, vomit, or other body fluids that are suspected or known to contain 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 on to saturate the area.
Allow disinfectant to soak into spills for the recommended time period for the specific disinfectant being used (see manufacturer’s instructions).
To assure complete disinfection, further disinfect the surface after the bulk material(s) has been removed.
