ASSOCIATIONINSIGHT
Portable Sanitation Association International News
BIWEEKLY EDITION AUGUST 5, 2020
Page 21
Why Has the World Stopped over COVID-19?…Continued from page 20
Finally, think about all the people who don't have enough
paid time off to cover an illness that lasts three weeks or more.
Also consider the impact on their companies while they are
out sick, and of all the people who are then affected by their
absence. If the person with COVID-19 has kids, think of them
having to take more time off to care for their children when
they almost surely catch COVID as well. These are just a few
of the impacts, and that's why it is a big deal even if you don't
personally mind taking your chances with the illness.
What Do Portable Sanitation Companies and Their Workers Need to Know about Handling Waste
during the COVID-19 Pandemic?
According to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), waste generated by people with confirmed COVID-19
does not present additional considerations for wastewater disinfection in the United States. Coronaviruses are
susceptible to the same disinfection conditions in community and healthcare settings as other viruses, so normal
disinfection procedures including the use of EPA-approved cleaners
should be sufficient.
To maximize protection when working in portable sanitation and
hauling waste from restrooms, workers should:
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including
waterproof gloves, face masks, and face shields. Use shields
to help workers avoid breathing in virus particles that may be
in the air inside a portable restroom or which may become
vaporized during pumping or splashing of waste.
• Stock and use only EPA listed cleaners that are effective against COVID-19.
• Wipe down all surfaces inside and outside portable restrooms and hand wash stations with an approved
cleaner.
• Ensure equipment is stored on the truck to
avoid cross-contamination.
• Clean equipment, truck cab, and storage
compartments at the end of each shift using
an EPA-listed product.
• Maintain social distances of six feet or more
from all persons throughout the work day,
especially if the worker is not wearing a
mask.
COVID-19 is a big deal. It affects more people,
has no effective treatment or vaccine, and has
exponentially greater costs to society—in terms
of health and economic consequences—than
the flu. Taking the virus seriously, and doing
your part to protect yourself and others is just
common sense. v
Total # of Cases per State 8/4/2020
