Today, there are many benefits to implementing proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the cleaning and training processes. But now more than ever, there are also more severe consequences to not using PPE…
PPE Helps Keep Your Crew Safe During Disinfection
To help prevent the spread of viruses like COVID-19, you and your crew need quality PPE that protects against chemicals that act as irritants. This includes items like:
- Disposable gloves
- N-95 masks
- Protective eyewear
- Face shields
During the cleaning and disinfecting process, it’s important to protect vulnerable parts of the body, such as the eyes, skin, and respiratory system, from coming into contact with potentially dangerous chemicals. This is especially important for your crew to remember when using spray devices in their daily routine, as consistent exposure to harmful chemicals can lead to even worse side effects.
One might think this only applies to lengthy, multi-step cleaning processes, but even simple tasks like wiping carts in grocery stores or disinfecting light switches in hotel rooms require proper protection against harsh chemicals. Exposure to chemicals (even for a short period of time) can result in left-behind residue that irritates the body more and more the longer it stays with you.
How to Properly Use PPE
The CDC has made numerous recommendations for keeping people safe when using disinfectants. For one, any room that’s being disinfected should be unoccupied for at least 30 minutes after using the product (even when wearing the proper eye and skin protection).
In addition to wearing eye and skin protection, other recommendations from the CDC regarding the use of PPE during disinfection include:
- Wear disposable gloves and gowns for all tasks in the cleaning process, including handling trash
- Remove gloves and gowns carefully to avoid contamination of the wearer and the surrounding area
- Use additional PPE if there is risk of potential splash hazards
- Do not apply any products to your skin or your pet’s skin that are not approved for use on these areas
Learn more about effective application and removal of PPE here. Then, print and post in your facility to ensure your entire crew is on the same page about safe disinfection.
Everything You Need to Know During COVID-19
At Midlab, we’re all about providing a safe environment for your crew and customers. To ensure you have the resources you need to stay healthy long after COVID-19, we created our free COVID-19 Learning Center. There, you’ll find everything you need to disinfect safely, including tips on proper product use and additional printable facility resources aimed at preventing and eliminating the spread of germs.
For more articles like this, make sure to follow the Midlab journey on Facebook and LinkedIn!
*The information found in this article is sourced from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).
