Cleaning & Disinfecting

When cleaning and disinfecting, employees should always wear Personal Protective Equipment PPE appropriate for the chemicals being used. Additional PPE may be needed based on an area of the building and the product used.

Follow CDC cleaning and disinfection recommendations.

Students should not be present when disinfectants are in use and should not participate in cleaning and/or disinfection activities, unless part of Work Experience or Career & Technical (CTE) curricula.

Disinfectants must be products that meet EPA criteria for use against SARS-Cov-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and be appropriate for the surface.

CVES must identify cleaning and disinfection frequency for each facility and area type; and CVES must maintain logs that include the date, time, and scope of cleaning and disinfection in a facility or area. Schedule (at least daily) cleaning and disinfecting of touched surfaces during the regular school day. Cleaning and disinfecting should include frequently touched surfaces (PE equipment, door handles, sink handles, bottle filling stations) and shared objects (toys, games, art supplies) between uses. Consider scheduling this task late morning and early afternoon.

Protocols:

• Ensure safe and correct application of disinfectants ensuring adequate contact times
• Students should not be present when disinfectants are in use and should not participate in cleaning and/or disinfection activities unless part of CTE or work experience curricula.
• Keep products away from children
• Ensure ventilation systems operate properly and increase circulation of outdoor air as much as possible by opening windows and doors, or other methods
• Do not open windows and doors if they pose a safety or health risk (e.g., allowing pollen in or exacerbating asthma symptoms) risk to children using the facility. Follow NYS DOH and/or local Public Health guidelines
• Take steps to ensure that all water systems and features are safe to use after a prolonged facility shutdown to minimize the risk of Legionnaires’ disease and other diseases associated with water
• Soft Surfaces – Clean the surface using soap and water or with cleaners appropriate for use on these surfaces

Frequently touched surfaces in common areas shall be cleaned and disinfected at least daily. Examples include (but are not limited to):

• Doorknobs
• Light switches
• Tables
• Countertops
• Desks
• Phones
• Restrooms
• Handrails
• Faucet handles

For frequently touched electronic devices it is recommended that hand sanitizing stations are provided with directions to sanitize hands before and after use of the device. Examples include (but are not limited to):

• Touch screens
• Copier controls
• Keyboard & mouse

 

Cleaning/Disinfecting Procedure

Appropriate cleaners:

• Surface cleaner

• • Spray bottle
  • Bucket

• Soap & water

• • Spray bottle
  • Bucket

*Spray bottle recommended to minimize cross contamination

Step 1. Clean

• Wear disposable gloves or any other required PPE to clean and disinfect
• Clean surfaces using an appropriate cleaner making sure you produce friction on the surface
• Read all labels and follow instructions (PPE may be required)
• Cleaning reduces the number of germs, dirt and impurities on the surface. Friction action breaks biofilm on any virus allowing disinfectant to contact the area
• Consider changing out cleaning cloths (microfiber) often or use disposable products
• Clean surfaces prior to disinfecting
• Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces. Be sure not to miss high touch surfaces (i.e. PE equipment, door handles, sink handles, bottle filling stations) and shared objects (toys, games, art supplies)

 

Step 2. Disinfect

• Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces
• Ensure the area or item is cleaned with a cleaning agent before disinfecting
• Then disinfectant can be used
• Take all precautions on the label such as PPE, and safe handling procedures
• Consider changing out cleaning cloths (microfiber) often or use disposable products
• Use EPA-registered disinfectant. Follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product. Many products recommend:
  • Keeping the surface wet for the entire contact/dwell time (see product label)
  • Precautions such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product

• Diluted bleach solutions may also be used if appropriate for the surface
  • ⅓ cup bleach per gallon of water – highly concentrated solutions may result in adverse health effects, discoloration and residue
  • Bleach solutions should be made fresh and not kept for more than 24 hours
  • Check the label to see if your bleach is intended for disinfection, and ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Some bleaches, such as those designed for safe use on colored clothing or for whitening may not be suitable for disinfection
  • Unexpired bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation
  • Never mix bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser
  • Leave solution on the surface for at least 1 minute

Laundering

Launder items (if possible) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely or disinfect with an EPA-registered disinfectant

• Washing face coverings in a washing machine and drying in a dryer is recommended to properly clean a face covering
• If masks are hand washed prepare a bleach solution of 4 teaspoons household bleach per quart of room temperature water. Soak the face covering for 5 minutes. Rinse the face covering thoroughly with cool water. Air dry, in direct sunlight, when possible. Wash hands for 30 seconds after washing the mask
• Face coverings must be completely dry before wearing

• Wear disposable gloves when handling dirty laundry from a person who is sick
• Dirty laundry from a person who is sick can be washed with other people’s items
• Do not shake dirty laundry
• Clean and disinfect clothes hampers according to guidance above for surfaces
• Remove gloves and wash hands right away

Classrooms

• Teachers may be responsible for general cleaning within the classrooms and should be provided with appropriate cleaning supplies
• Keep cleaning supplies out of reach of children
• Schedule (at least daily) cleaning and disinfecting of touched surfaces during the regular school day. Cleaning and disinfecting should include frequently touched surfaces (PE equipment, door handles, sink handles, bottle filling stations) and shared objects (toys, games, art supplies) between uses. Consider scheduling this task late morning and early afternoon, ensuring adequate contact time for the disinfection
• In order to facilitate cleaning and disinfection, classroom materials should be removed to the greatest extent possible
• Trained Custodial staff should be responsible for heavier cleaning and disinfecting within classrooms

Suggested Cleanliness and Disinfection Standards

This section outlines the process and expectations following an extended school closure for the continued levels of cleanliness and disinfection required to meet federal and state mandates.

Classroom

• Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces (but not limited to):
  • Classroom desks and chairs
  • Door handles and push plates
  • Bathroom faucets
  • Light switches
  • Shared telephones
  • Shared desktops
  • Shared computer keyboards and mice
• All trash receptacles emptied, and trash removed from the room
• Floors swept and dust mopped
• Floors spot mopped or full mopped
• Wipe clean: Tables, furniture and counter tops
• Window in the classroom door is cleaned at minimum once per week
• Walls are spot cleaned
• Carpets are spot cleaned
• Make sure all windows are locked
• Clean/Disinfect classroom sink and toilet area (if applicable)
• Vacuum carpet daily if applicable
• Re-stock all paper and soap products
• Clean Baseboards – Weekly
• Clean Light Fixtures – Weekly
• Replace Lights (Notify Custodian or Maintenance)

Restrooms and Locker Rooms

• Clean and disinfect toilets, sinks and shower areas
• Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces (but not limited to):
  • Drinking Fountains
  • Door handles and push plates
  • Light switches
  • Handrails
• All trash receptacles emptied and trash removed from the room
• Floors full mopped
• Clean Doors and Partitions in Restrooms and Locker Rooms
• Walls are spot cleaned
• Check that toilets, faucets, and drains are working
• Check Sanitary Napkin Boxes
• Clean Exterior of Dispensers
• Make sure all windows are locked
• Restock all toilet paper and soap products
• Clean Baseboards – Weekly
• Clean Light Fixtures – Weekly
• Replace Lights (Notify Custodian or Maintenance)

Common Areas

• Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces (but not limited to):
  • Bottle filling stations
  • Door handles and push plates
  • Bathroom faucets
  • Light switches
  • Handrails
  • Buttons on vending machines
• All trash receptacles emptied, and trash removed
• Floors swept and dust mopped
• Floors spot mopped or full mopped
• Walls are spot cleaned, when soiled
• Carpets are spot cleaned
• Make sure all windows are locked
• Make sure all unoccupied classrooms are locked

Medical Office

• Clean and disinfect health cots regularly (after each student use)
• Discard or launder coverings after each use
• Cover treatment tables and use pillow protectors
• Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces (but not limited to):
  • Classroom desks and chairs
  • Door handles and push plates
  • Bathroom faucets
  • Light switches
  • Shared telephones
  • Shared desktops
  • Shared computer keyboards and mice
• All trash receptacles emptied, and trash removed from the room
• Floors swept and dust mopped
• Floors full mopped
• Wipe clean: Tables, furniture and counter tops
• Window in the door is cleaned at minimum once per week
• Walls are spot cleaned
• Carpets are spot cleaned
• Make sure all windows are locked
• Clean/Disinfect classroom sink and toilet area if applicable
• Vacuum carpet daily if applicable
• Re-stock all paper and soap products
• Clean Baseboards – Weekly
• Clean Light Fixtures – Weekly
• Replace Lights (Notify Custodian or Maintenance)

Clerical/Admin Offices

• Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces:
  • Door handles and push plates
  • Bathroom faucets
  • Light switches
  • Shared telephones
  • Shared desktops
  • Shared computer keyboards and mice
• All trash receptacles emptied, and trash removed from the room
• Floors swept and dust mopped
• Floors spot mopped or full mopped
• Wipe clean: Tables, furniture and counter tops
• Window in the door is cleaned at minimum once per week
• Walls are spot cleaned
• Carpets are spot cleaned
• Make sure all windows are locked
• Clean/Disinfect shared sink and toilet area if applicable
• Vacuum carpet daily if applicable
• Restock all paper and soap products
• Clean Baseboards – Weekly
• Clean Light Fixtures – Weekly
• Replace Lights (Notify Custodian or Maintenance)

Playgrounds

• Playgrounds should be cleaned per CDC guidance:
  • outdoor areas, like playgrounds in schools generally require normal routine cleaning, but do not require disinfection
    • do not spray disinfectant on outdoor playgrounds- it is not an efficient use of supplies and is not proven to reduce risk of COVID-19 to the public
  • high touch surfaces made of plastic or metal, such as grab bars and railings should be cleaned routinely
  • cleaning and disinfection of wooden surfaces (play structures, benches, tables) or groundcovers (mulch, sand) is not recommended

 

 

Shared Athletic/Gym Equipment

• Shared athletic/gym equipment (e.g., balls, protective gear) should be cleaned between use per manufacturer’s directions
• OT/PT equipment should be cleaned between use per manufacturer’s directions
• Shared use of equipment should be limited to the extent possible

Exterior Doors

Ensure that proper signage is posted on exterior doors to inform building occupants and visitors of what needs to be considered prior to coming into the building. This shall include a health screening, face mask requirements, phone number for visitors to use for health screening questions, etc.

Fire Code Compliance

Maintain buildings according to all codes established from NYS & NYSED

• Do not block egress paths with screening stations, barriers or other items
• Maintain at least 36” aisles between desks
• Maintain at least 8’ clear width in hallways
• Only install products that are fire retardant or fireproof

Hand Dryers in Restrooms

Powered air hand dryers in restrooms can atomize moisture from the surface of hands which can carry viruses and germs, making them more easily inhaled into the lungs. If possible, hand dryers will be taken out of service and replaced with paper towel dispensers.

HVAC System

• A schedule for cleaning and/or replacing HVAC filters will be kept by the Director of Facilities
• Dampers on unit ventilators in rooms will be open to allow for maximum amount of fresh air in classrooms and other occupied spaces, weather permitting.
• Building ventilation systems will be evaluated and adjusted to run according to optimal manufacturer recommendations.

• Occupied areas shall be provided with mechanical ventilation of at least 15 cfm per occupant of outside air during periods of occupancy
• Ventilation and air filtering capacity may be increased, within design parameters, as needed.
• Verify that systems can handle changes such as:

• An increase in MERV filter ratings
• Switch to HEPA filters
• Switching operating schedules to meet needs of the space

*It is planned for buildings to run HVAC systems in occupied mode, in all areas, for a week prior to employees returning to the building.

 

 

HVAC Information

Filters consist of media with porous structures of fibers or stretched membrane material to remove particles from airstreams. Some filters have a static electrical charge applied to the media to increase particle removal. The fraction of particles removed from air passing through a filter is termed “filter efficiency” and is provided by the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) under standard conditions.

• MERV ranges from 1 to 16; higher MERV = higher efficiency
• MERV ≥13 (or ISO ePM1 ) are efficient at capturing airborne viruses
• MERV 14 (or ISO equivalent) filters are preferred
• High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are more efficient than MERV 16 filters.

Increased filter efficiency generally results in increased pressure drop through the filter. CVES will ensure HVAC systems can handle filter upgrades without negative impacts to pressure differentials and/or air flow rates prior to changing filters.

Overall effectiveness of reducing particle concentrations depends on several factors:

• Filter efficiency
• Airflow rate through the filter
• Size of the particles
• Location of the filter in the HVAC system or room air cleaner

HVAC Servicing

For HVAC systems suspected to be contaminated with SARS-CoV-2, it is not necessary to suspend HVAC system maintenance, including filter changes, but additional safety precautions should be taken. The risks associated with handling filters contaminated with coronaviruses in ventilation systems under field-use conditions have not been evaluated. Workers performing maintenance and/or replacing filters on any ventilation system with the potential for viral contamination should wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment PPE:

• A properly fitted respirator (N95 or higher)
• Eye protection (safety glasses, goggles or face shield)
• Disposable gloves

Some things to remember include:

• Consider letting the filter load up further than usual to reduce frequency of filter changes
• Don’t let pressure drop increase enough to disrupt room pressure differentials
• Confirm filters remain snug in their frames

When feasible, filters can be disinfected with a 10% bleach solution or another appropriate disinfectant, approved for use against SARS-CoV-2, before removal. Filters (disinfected or not) can be bagged and disposed of in regular trash.

When maintenance tasks are completed, maintenance personnel should immediately wash their hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Water Systems

The building water distribution system and all outlets shall be flushed for at least 10 minutes before buildings are reoccupied.

Bubblers/Drinking Fountains

CVES is planning for having a bottle filler location in each building.

Capital Project

• Verify construction workers will be screened daily. Verify COVID-19 safety plans have been received and reviewed by construction management firm.
• Construction workers shall wear face covering/masks at all times when not able to social distance.
• Keep a daily log of all persons entering the building; name, date, time in, time out. Swipe cards may also be used. This can be used for contact tracing if/when a person tests positive.
• Construction workers in the building after school hours (2^nd shift work) will be required to notify the director of facilities the area of the building they will be working in. Their access shall be limited to that area of the building only so proper disinfecting can happen when they are done working and prior to school starting in the morning.

Hallways

• Depending on the configuration of individual buildings and occupancy the following may be utilized in the hallways:
  • Walk on the right side with your right shoulder toward the wall.
  • Where lines may form place floor markings every 6 feet.

General Office Area

• Reduce tasks requiring large amounts of people to be in one area
• Staff should not linger or socialize in common areas
• Eliminate reception seating areas and request that visitors phone ahead or install a plastic partition at the reception area
• Review floor plans and remove or reconfigure seats, furniture and workstations as needed to preserve recommended physical distancing in accordance with 6 ft. guidelines
• Post social distancing markers using tape or signs that denote 6 ft. of spacing in commonly used and other applicable areas.
• Employees strongly encouraged to use virtual meeting tools, including phone and virtual teleconference, in lieu of in-person meetings, whenever possible
• If in-person meetings are essential, should be held in open, well-ventilated spaces with appropriate social distancing among participants
• Staff members are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings in all meetings, even if 6 ft. social distancing is maintained
• Designated areas for pick-ups and deliveries shall be established, limiting contact to the extent possible.
• Hand hygiene stations for personnel will be provided and maintained, including handwashing with soap, water, and paper towels, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer for areas where handwashing is not feasible.
• Employees are asked tidy and clean their personal workspace at the end of each workday to assist in disinfection activities

Breakrooms:

• Temporarily remove amenities that are handled with high contact frequency, such as water coolers, coffee makers, and toasters.
• Use of these items by multiple people should be discouraged. If they must be used then each person should wipe the touch surfaces with disinfectant wipes or use a cleaning spray to wipe them off, before and after use
• Communal meals will not be provided to employees, and food will not be available in common areas where employees may congregate
• Stagger lunch breaks to minimize occupancy in break rooms and allow for social distancing
• Congregating in kitchen areas should be discouraged
• Seating and tables should promote social distancing
• Postings and reminders must be placed in these areas
• Cleaning and/or disinfecting supplies must be supplied in these areas

Copier Rooms/Areas

• Small spaces (i.e.: copy rooms, mail rooms, etc.) will be occupied by only one individual at a time
• Congregating in copier rooms/areas is strongly discouraged

Security Cameras and Software

Verify that cameras are operational, they will be useful if we have to track the movement of an individual through a building that is suspected to have or has the COVID-19 virus.

Delivery of Items to District Buildings

• If there is limited access/contact there is no need to trace their presence
  • Personnel with limited access/contact between buildings may be considered:
    • Maintenance personnel
    • IT personnel
    • Teachers
    • Administrators
    • Support Staff
  • UPS/USPS/FEDEX: Do not need to track, required to have masks on. Should be dropping delivery and leaving immediately.
  • Food Delivery- for staff ordering food delivered to the facility, they should meet the delivery driver outside the building so they are not entering the facility.

 

COVID-19 Safety Compliance Officers:

If you have a COVID-19 question(s) related to working at CVES, please e-mail the question to one of the CVES COVID-19 Building-Level Compliance Officers. The CVES COVID-19 Safety Compliances Officers are as follows:

• District: Jeff Sisson
• WAF & Sibley: Matt Slattery and Dan Valenzuela
• CV-TEC/JWH: Michele Friedman and Adam Facteau
• Satellite Campus: James McCartney
• Administrative/District Office: Eric Bell
• ISC: Jeff Sisson and Matt Walentuk
• Yandon-Dillon (Mineville): Grace Stay
• OneWorkSource: Cathy Snow

 

Building Code & Compliance with Guidance

CVES will follow NYS building code requirements and coordinate with the Office of Facilities Planning as required by NYSED, NYSDOH, & NYSDOL guidance.