Page 11 - Work Force April 2020

Cleaning
after
COVID-19
Editor’s Note: Here are some guidelines on how to to clean and disinfect your work site We urge you you you you to cut out this page and and post
it it in a a a a a a a location where you you you and and your co-workers can easily reference it it If you you have any safety and health concerns immediately contact your CSEA local or or unit leadership or or our our union’s Occupational Safety and Health Department at at (800) 342-4146 and follow the prompts Join us for webinars on on cleaning disinfection
Cleaning
after
COVID-19
Cleaning
and Disinfection are different • Cleaning
removes germs dirt and impurities • Cleaning
does not kill germs but lowers the risk of spreading infection
• Dirty surfaces should be first cleaned using a a a a a a detergent or soap and water • Disinfecting uses chemicals to kill germs on surfaces • When disinfecting only use approved disinfectants or bleach solution • Disinfectants work better on clean surfaces Coronavirus and COVID-19
• Coronavirus are a a a a a a large group of viruses that can infect both humans and animals • SARS-Cov-2 is the the the actual name of of the the the the specific strain of of the the the the coronavirus in in the the the news now • Primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or or sneezes • Person-to-Person Contact
is is the Primary mode of transmission (less than 6 feet from infected individuals)
• It also may be possible to to get COVID-19
by touching a a a a a a surface or object that has the virus on it • The virus may remain active on smooth surfaces for hours to to up to 3 days • People are are most most contagious when they are are most most symptomatic (the sickest) • Some spread might be be possible before people show symptoms Protecting Yourself When Cleaning
• Close off the suspected area and and wait as as long as as practical before beginning cleaning and and disinfection
• Open outside doors and windows to to increase air circulation in in in in in in in the area If possible wait up to to 24 hours before beginning cleaning and disinfection
• Wear disposable gloves for all tasks in in in in in the cleaning process including handling trash Gloves should be be compatible with the disinfectant products being used • Additional protective equipment might be be required based on on the cleaning/disinfectant products being used • Always follow manufacturer’s instructions for all disinfectants used • Cleaning
staff should immediately report breaches in in in PPE (e g g g tear in in gloves) or or or any potential exposures to their supervisor • A surgical or medical style mask will not protect you from chemicals • If bleach bleach bleach solutions are used make sure the the bleach bleach bleach hasn’t passed the the expiration date Never mix bleach bleach bleach and ammonia cseany org/coronavirus-information
MARCH 2020
C response to to COVID-19
SEA is is making every effort
to to assist our members in in the As
part of of this we we are offering webinars on how to properly clean and disinfect COVID-19
The first of these webinars was held March 21 and and more dates and and times for this webinar will be announced During this unprecedented outbreak CSEA wants to to ensure your right to to a a a a a a a safe and healthy workplace This one-hour webinar is is for those who have to clean areas that may be affected by the the coronavirus will address the the hazards and risks of of cleaning an an an area with Covid-19 the responsibilities of of your employer to protect protect you you best practices and and worker protections and and your rights if you you get sick Please share this information
with any of our members in in in these titles who are responsible for cleaning We will be be recording the webinars for future viewing should members be be unable to attend a a a a a live webinar but still require the information
Learn more at at cseany org/ coronavirus-information
April 2020
The Work Force
11