5 Tips for Cleaning Heavy Equipment Cabs Against COVID-19
As the UK’s construction industry starts its return to some form of normality, concerns around coronavirus are likely to continue for some time. Naturally, site-workers are searching for ways to keep themselves and others safe, so we’ve put together some tips for cleaning heavy equipment cabs.
When it was first announced that the UK was going into lockdown, many in the construction industry were confused about how they could safety distance in their roles. Even in more isolated spaces like heavy equipment cabs, the virus could still spread through simply touching a contaminated surface and then your eyes, mouth or nose; this is why it’s so important to keep these spaces regularly sanitised.
Cleaning the Cab Exterior
Cleaning the exterior surfaces of your heavy equipment cab is an important part of the sanitation process. This is because exterior features like door handles, or metal grab handles, will of course be frequently touched by anyone entering or exiting the cab, making them a high-risk surface for spreading coronavirus. When cleaning these areas, it is recommended to use ammonia-based cleaning solutions, such as non-bleach disinfectant wipes and cleaning spray, or alternatively, ethanol.
Cleaning the Cab Interior
Key heavy equipment cab interior touchpoints include the steering wheel, gear shift, controls, handles, latches or engine access points. Like the exterior surfaces mentioned, these areas are likely to be frequently touched, so need particular attention.
When cleaning your cab’s interior, it’s useful to split it into sections, so as to not get overwhelmed and start with the areas most likely to be contaminated. It’s recommended to use low concentration cleaning products intended for automotive use here, as general household cleaners risk damaging, dulling or discolouring the interior. You should also be particularly careful when cleaning around any monitors and touch screens, as harsh chemicals could lead to damage.
Cleaning Cab Upholstery
Make sure not to overlook upholstered surfaces when cleaning your heavy equipment cab, as these areas may become inadvertently infected. This means items like seat covers, seat belts, and even mats. Take care to clean the full length of the seatbelt, and to wipe down the buckle too. Mats should be removed and scrubbed clean with a brush and cleaning solution, to then be rinsed and air dried.
When cleaning upholstery, like other interior cab areas, try and avoid use of cleaning products that contain bleach to prevent any damage.
What to Wear
What you wear is a particularly important, and perhaps easy to overlook, part of cleaning your heavy equipment cab. You not only want to make sure you’re not putting yourself at risk, but also that you’re not unknowingly spreading the virus, as it has been found that the virus can be asymptomatic. Making sure to wear a simple pair of latex rubber gloves and a face mask can reduce this risk. It would also be a good idea to encourage any workers to wear the same during their shift.
Its is very important to follow your Company’s specific guidance towards PPE use and Covid -19 control measures
Maintenance of Cab Cleanliness
The initial cleaning of your cab is only half the job. Maintaining a good level of cleanliness is key and adds to making your efforts worthwhile. A primary way of doing this is ensuring you spray all your heavy equipment’s door handles and grab bars once you have finished your deep clean, as touching these surfaces can spread germs again. Having employees also wipe down these surfaces at the start and end of each shift is also an effective method to help reduce the spread of germs; this can be done with some simple disinfecting wipes or even a spray bottle cleaner kept to hand in the cab.
Here at Jaytrac, keeping our customers and staff safe is our number one priority and we trust this generic guidance is helpful, please make sure you follow your local and Company advice. We look forward to supporting your further with supplying our heavy equipment replacement parts soon.
Stay safe.