Return-to-Site Guidance

Routine Cleaning

Routine cleaning of high-touch surfaces

Custodial staff performs routine cleaning of common spaces in occupied buildings in accordance with CDC guidelines. This includes common/ high use/high touch spaces such as kitchens, restrooms, door handles, lobbies, stairwells, etc. In addition, all staff are encouraged to perform additional cleaning of common areas between custodial visits. Staff are also expected to regularly clean their office spaces, tools, vehicles, equipment, and personal property used on site. Cleaning supplies and protective equipment (e.g., wipes, gloves, and EPA-approved disinfectants) are available to all staff. Guidance documents for proper use of cleaning/disinfection products are available to all staff.

In response to a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case on site, Custodial staff work with the OMC, Line Management, and Facility Management to determine cleaning/disinfection needs. In accordance with CDC and General Services Administration guidelines, if a person who has been sick or tested positive for COVID-19 has been in a facility within the last 24 hours, the spaces occupied by that person should be cleaned and disinfected. If more than 24 hours has passed since the person has been in the space, routine cleaning is sufficient. If more than three days have passed since the person was in the space, no additional cleaning is necessary. Judgment should be used in identifying the appropriate scope of the cleaning and in cleaning industrial and radiological work areas. Each case is evaluated separately for operational impact, access concerns, equipment type, and health and safety concerns. The appropriate cleaning/disinfection processes and procedures are then initiated.

Hygiene

Wall-mounted sanitizer station

Wall-mounted hand sanitizer stations have been placed throughout the site in the high traffic common areas (e.g., main entrances, lobbies) of occupied buildings. In addition, portable hand sanitizers (e.g., hand pumps, travel sized bottles) have been placed throughout workspaces and made available to all staff. All provided hand sanitizer is FDA-approved, with at least 60 percent ethanol.

Personnel are encouraged to wash their hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer or alcohol-based hand rubs frequently. Signs reinforcing the importance of hygiene have been posted in buildings/building entrances throughout the site.

Cleaning Supplies Available to On-Site Employees

Between custodial visits, all staff are encouraged to clean and disinfect “high touch” surfaces within community/common areas (Micro Marts, kitchens, breakrooms, conference rooms, etc.), personal workspaces such as offices and cubicles, as well as interiors of government vehicles. Remember to always follow label instructions for safe handling and application when using a disinfectant. Supplies are available through Lab Stores Inventory. Please use the PeopleSoft Financials Pick Ticket page for ordering. Learn more.

Tap Water and Fountains

Some Lab facilities have not seen regular use in two years. This includes kitchen faucets and water fountains. When water sits in pipes for a long period of time, metals can leach out of the pipes into the water. Be sure to flush faucets and fountains thoroughly before use. This may be longer than the EPA recommended 15 to 30 seconds. The Lab's drinking water has been tested routinely throughout the pandemic. But to ensure the best quality water, always flush the tap before use.   For more information, see: Tap-Water Recommendations and Water Cooler Cleaning tips.