Apparatus and Facility Cleaning
- If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
- For disinfection, diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.
- Diluted household bleach solutions can be used if appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
- Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:
- 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water or
- 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
- Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).
- For soft (porous) surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes, remove visible contamination if present and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. After cleaning:
- If the items can be laundered, launder items in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and then dry items completely.
Other items being used locally to disinfect the inside of apparatus and rooms inside a fire house:
SaniGuard Total Release Fogger: http://www.saniguard.com/pdfs/publicsafety.pdf
GermAway UV Tabletop UVC Surface Sterilizer: https://www.cureuv.com/collections/room-sterilizers/products/germawayuv-table-top-uvc-surface-sterilizer
American Chemistry Council list of COVID-19 fighting products: https://www.americanchemistry.com/Novel-Coronavirus-Fighting-Products-List.pdf