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 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 .