Portable Sanitation Association International

Page 10 ASSOCIATIONINSIGHT Portable Sanitation Association International News BIWEEKLY EDITION MARCH 4, 2020 Continued on page 22 Coronavirus Update …continued from page 2 What else can be done to decrease the chances of getting the virus? There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. Recommended preventive actions include: • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. • Stay home when you are sick. • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. If you are sick, or you are around people who are sick, wear a face mask. Operational actions you should take No one knows how long the outbreak of COVID-19 will last or how far it will reach. Regardless of whether it reaches your area or not, you should prepare your company and demonstrate that you have taken every responsible action you can to protect your workers and the public. At a minimum we recommend: • Review your cleaning products and make sure you are using one of the ingredients listed above that is most likely to be effective on COVID-19. If necessary, check with your disposal facility to ensure they will accept loads containing this substance. • Make sure you have the right concentrations to maximize the chance of killing COVID-19. For example, in some pre-mixed commercial cleaning products containing hydrogen peroxide, the substance is present at 1.5% which should be more than adequate for these purposes. If you choose to mix your own cleaning products, do your research before mixing. Again looking at hydrogen peroxide, this liquid comes in various strengths – basic household strength is 3%, food grade is 35%. Make sure you know how to mix it properly and safely. Check this online resource. Similar guides are available online for other substances. You should also consult the Safety Data Sheet and train your staff for any chemical you use in your operation. • Educate your team about COVID-19 and review your cleaning procedures with your service personnel. Your cleaning products won't kill anything if they aren't used properly. Note that the tests reported above required a 1-minute exposure to the cleaning product. Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. CS314915-A STOP THE SPREAD OF GERMS For more information: www.cdc.gov/COVID19 Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19.

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