What are the procedures for cleaning research facilities if someone with COVID-like symptoms has been in the research space? (Added June 4)

June 4, 2020

COVID-19 cleaning and disinfecting a lab or facility

Protect Purdue Expectations – COVID-19

  • All members of the campus community are expected to monitor for symptoms prior to coming to campus or the lab.
  • All members of the campus community must stay home if they are sick. It is the supervisor or principal investigator’s role to ensure that this message is communicated often in order to inform all members of the work or lab group.
  • All members of the campus community are required to wear a face mask or higher level PPE as required in the lab.
  • All members of the campus community are expected to follow enhanced hygiene protocols, including washing hands or using hand sanitizer often.
  • If an individual is in the lab and exhibiting symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) they must be sent home and advised to contact a medical professional for guidance.

Lab Cleaning Guidance

If an individual with COVID-19 symptoms has been in a lab or common area for a significant amount of time within the past 7 days, the following process is recommended:

  • Close off areas used by that individual.
    • The lab does not need to cease operations if impacted area(s) can be closed off.
  • Open outside doors and windows if possible, to increase air circulation in the area.
  • Wait 24 hours before you clean or disinfect. If 24 hours is not feasible, wait as long as possible.
  • Using disposable gloves, utilize products appropriate for your lab. Clean and disinfect all areas used by the person who is sick, such as lab tables, shared electronic equipment such as tablets, touch screens, keyboards, and controls.
    • Building Services will clean common areas.
  • Once the area has been appropriately disinfected, it can be opened for use.
    • Workers without close contact with the person who is sick may return to work immediately after disinfection.
    • Workers with close contact may return to work and should monitor for symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath etc.)
  • Continue routine cleaning and disinfection. This includes everyday practices normally used to maintain a healthy environment.

Adapted from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/disinfecting-building-facility.html