COVID-19 and Virus Disinfection in Boston, MA

Because the cause of COVID-19 is a biological agent, exposure precautions are called for when working around a known illness. The specific category for cleanup varies by setting and by whether bodily fluids, regulated waste or blood are present too. Routine surface disinfection is not the same task as blood cleanup or hazardous waste removal.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer can reduce germs on your hands when soap and water are not available. Use a product with at least 60 percent alcohol and rub all hand surfaces until dry. Hand sanitizer belongs on your hands rather than on electronic equipment, furniture or rooms. Use soap and water to wash hands with visible dirt.

A virus may be a biological hazard due to its ability to cause disease. How much risk exists is shaped by the setting, task, route of exposure and virus. Your plan for disinfection needs to fit the real hazard. Access restrictions, protective equipment, cleaning and a suitable disinfectant each play a part, though none can replace all the others.

You should not assume automatic coverage. Many policies may view routine or preventive disinfection as maintenance, while another event may be treated differently depending on the policy. Explain the reason for the work when calling your insurance company, then ask about the deductible, exclusions and records you must submit. Keep the scope, product list, photos and invoice for the claim check.

With an appropriate concentration, surface and wet contact period, alcohol can inactivate the virus responsible for COVID-19 infection. For hard surfaces, use an EPA-registered product or another product recommended by the surface maker, and follow its label. Never spray alcohol around flames or heat, and remember that wiping quickly may not allow adequate contact time.

Check whether the wood is sealed and read both the furniture care directions and disinfectant label. After a spot test, you may apply a compatible product to sealed wood. Unfinished or delicate wood can stain, swell or lose its finish, so avoid soaking it. When a surface is not permitted by the label, choose a material-appropriate method.

Look for an EPA-registered disinfectant with a label permitting use for the virus in question or directing emerging viral pathogen use. Rely on the label, not on perceived strength or fragrance. For intended performance, follow the label's directions about surfaces, product dilution, application, protective equipment and contact time.

Clean visible soil first, then apply an EPA-registered disinfectant that is suitable for the surface and target virus. Keep the fully covered surface wet for as long as its label specifies. Never mix cleaning chemicals, ventilate according to directions and wear the protective equipment listed on the label.

A focused home area may be completed in one visit. Cleaning a big commercial property, school or workplace may last longer or be split into stages. The schedule varies based on access, contact times for products, sensitive surfaces, furnishings and the number of rooms. Have the scope list the areas being treated and all guidance about reentering them.

Start with rooms and touch points used by the ill person. After keeping others away, clean off visible soil and treat compatible hard surfaces according to disinfectant label instructions. Wash suitable fabrics according to their care directions. For sensitive materials, large common areas or documented room-by-room scopes, a professional visit may be useful.