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    1. Safety & Health

    COVID-19: Cleaning & Disinfecting at the Fire Station

    May 1, 2020
    As your leading source for fire/rescue and EMS coverage, Firehouse is committed to providing you the latest impact on our community.
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    The coronavirus pandemic is impacting responders around the world. As your leading source for fire/rescue and EMS coverage, we are committed to providing you the latest impact on our community. Read the latest news at firehouse.com/covid-19. Download a free PDF here.

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    On vehicle-exhaust capture and removal systems, clean/wipe down the exterior/high-touch areas with a disinfectant that’s approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use against COVID-19; “high-touch” includes the exhaust hose and the hose that connects the system to the vehicle, the safety disconnect handle, the manual fill and deflation valves and the exhaust blower control unit.

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    In the laundry area, in addition to following NFPA 1851: Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting, run sanitization cycles in washing machines between loads; a disinfectant that has EPA Registration Number 1839-166 or 1839-169 can be added (three such disinfectants are Pro Quaternary by Clorox, GS Neutral by Spartan Chemical and Strike-Bac by GenLabs); all surfaces that are in the laundry, including holding bins, tables and drying racks, should be targeted, too.
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    All surfaces that are used in the preparation, serving and consuming of food should be disinfected frequently and immediately following delivering, preparing and serving meals; these surfaces include countertops, ranges, cabinets (including knobs and pulls that are frequently touched) and refrigerator/freezers; any items that are purchased and delivered from outside of the station should be disinfected prior to storage, and any boxes or bags should be removed immediately from the kitchen and disposed.
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    Most true disinfectants potentially can harm recliner, chair and sofa fabrics, but mild soap and water generally can be used to clean the surface; some materials can be cleaned with a mild disinfectant solution, which has a greater effect than soap and water, but care should be taken to not use harsh disinfectants on delicate fabrics. Note: Microfiber is breathable cloth; although you can clean the outside, viruses and pathogens can get into the foams; if you have microfiber furniture, call the manufacturer to see how to wash it, if at all.
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    When it comes to bedding and mattresses at the station, take a shower before going to sleep or taking a nap; furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends following standard operating procedures for containing and laundering used linen and to avoid shaking the linen; wash sheets, pillowcases, mattress pads and bedding regularly; outer bedding might be stored when not in use.

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    Assuming racks for turnout gear are powder-coated steel (and that dirty surfaces have been scrubbed with a detergent or soap and warm water and then dried), wipe down steel surfaces with a bleach/water combination (1/3 cup of bleach per gallon of water); use a spray bottle on areas that are more difficult to access, such as wire shelves; avoid direct contact with PPE; let sit for approximately 10 minutes before wiping off. Note: Put on disposable gloves, eye protection and gowns that are compatible with the disinfectant that’s used.
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    Moderate physical fitness activity remains one of the most important bolsters to immune function, and exercise training on duty is a critical activity that should continue; practice social distancing while training; now is not the best time for group sessions during which equipment is shared by multiple participants or the battle ropes are set up right next to the rower that someone else is using; increase ventilation by opening doors and turning on fans, or move the training session outside; leave the fans on after training is complete; limit the number of off-duty personnel who are using the area and ensure that they observe the same station healthcare guidelines as on-duty personnel (temperature checks, social distancing, etc.); clean all surfaces prior to and after each training session.
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    Direct contact with patients is an exposure risk; thus, exposed gear presents an elevated risk; with that in mind, clean and disinfect on scene as best as possible; then, red bag potentially exposed gear on scene; conduct an immediate specialized cleaning with a disinfectant wash cycle in a washer extractor at the station.

    About the Author

    Firehouse Staff

    Content written and created by Firehouse Magazine editors. 

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    sara janke
    Dr. Jahnke’s work has focused on a range of health concerns such as the health of female firefighters, firefighter mental health, and the risks to firefighters of injury, cancer, cardiovascular events, and substance use.
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    SFPE
    The research team will collaboratively work with the SFPE Foundation and its technical review panel throughout the entire project.
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    NFPA
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    Firefighter trapped in collapse taken to hospital