Purpose
To establish standardized procedures for members to safely decontaminate themselves, their clothing, tools, and equipment to prevent the spread of contaminants and maintain a safe working environment.
Policy
MPD members shall use the following OSHA approved cleaning procedures when disinfecting or decontaminating themselves or equipment while on-duty:
Hand Decontamination
- Wash hands completely with soap and water.
- Rinse completely; dry with a clean towel or air dry.
Clothing, Tool/Equipment Decontamination
- Mix 1/4 cup bleach per gallon of water. (Note: More bleach is not better.)
- Immerse objects in solution for 10 minutes; if clothing, gently agitate periodically. (Note: Dark clothing/fabric may produce bleach spots.)
- Transfer objects to a soap and water solution for 10 minutes; if clothing, gently agitate periodically.
- Allow clothes and tools/equipment to thoroughly air dry before re-use.
Severe Surface Decontamination
- Use for decontaminating only the most seriously affected surfaces.
- Mix 1 ½ cups bleach per gallon of water.
- Douse surfaces with heavy contamination and allow to sit for 3 minutes.
- Wipe the contamination from the surface with a paper towel and douse the surface again but use the hand wash solution.
- Wipe off residual contamination with a paper towel.
Important Considerations
- Use gloves and eye protection.
- Prepare bleach solutions daily and allow to stand for at least 30 minutes before use.
- All containers should be labeled "Bleach-disinfected water, Do Not Drink "
- Do not mix bleach with products containing ammonia.
- DO NOT IMMERSE ELECTRICAL OR BATTERY-OPERATED TOOLS/EQUIPMENT IN SOLUTIONS; clean exterior with a rag soaked with soap and water or disinfectant solution.
Definitions
Refer to the Commonly Used Terms page for general definitions.