Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection Guidelines in Company Facilities

Environmental Protection Department

Revision: 1.0
Issue Date: March 9, 2020

1.0 Introduction

Objects that are frequently touched pose a high risk for transferring communicable diseases
from person to person. In general, cleaning followed by disinfection is the best measure for
preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases. However, when
there is heightened concerns of communicable disease spread, enhanced cleaning and
disinfection is required. This guideline describes enhanced cleaning and disinfection
procedures in Company facilities.

2.0 Disinfectant

The section below describes the disinfectant types, their preparation & use along with
precautions.

2.1 Disinfectant Type

The section below describes the main types of disinfectants.

2.1.1 Hypochlorite Solution

For high traffic and high touch areas a 0.1% hypochlorite solution shall be used for
disinfection.

Hypochlorite solution, commonly known as ‘Clorox’, is a very powerful disinfectant and is

commonly available. However, regular hypochlorite solution may contain up to 5.25%
hypochlorite. This concentration is too strong to be used. Accordingly, this section
describes how to dilute a solution to attain the desired 0.1% concentration.

2.1.2 Alcohol Based Solutions

If hypochlorite is not available or if sensitive equipment such as keyboards are being

disinfected, alcohol based solutions with at least 70% alcohol can be used.

2.1.3 Alternative Disinfectants

Alternative disinfectants must be capable of deactivating emerging viral pathogens such as

COVID-19. EPD can be contacted for advice on their suitability.

2.2 Procedure and Precautions for Diluting Hypochlorite Solution

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use

 This section describes the procedure for diluting hypochlorite solutions and associated
precautions.

2.2.1 Precautions for Diluting Hypochlorite Solutions

 Prepare hypochlorite solutions in places with good ventilation.

 Wear gloves, masks and eye protection.
 Do not mix hypochlorite solution with acids or alkaline.
 Do not use hot water to dilute the chemical.
 Prepare only the volume of diluted solution that is needed that day.
 Store concentrated hypochlorite solution in secure places and away from sunshine
or sources of heat.
 Always ensure that the hypochlorite container is properly labeled.

Note: If hypochlorite solution comes in contact with the skin or eyes wash with
plentiful amounts of water.

2.3 Procedure for Diluting Hypochlorite Solution

Estimate the volume of working solution required and add the required volume of water into
a plastic container. One part of hypochlorite solution should be diluted with approximately
50 parts of water to result in a working solution of 0.1% strength. For example, if 5 liters of
0.1% hypochlorite solution is needed, pour 5 liters of water into the container and add
approximately 100 milliliters of 5.25% hypochlorite solution.

Caution: Hypochlorite solutions shall be prepared daily to ensure their effectiveness.

2.4 Using Hypochlorite Solution

 Use color coded mops wetted with 0.1% hypochlorite solution to disinfect the floor. All
visible surfaces including furniture, window sills, doors and windows should be wiped
with a cloth dampened with diluted hypochlorite solution. After five to ten minutes, use
another piece of cloth dampened with water to wipe the surfaces again.
 Color coded disposable J Type cloths should be used. Using multi use cloths risks
spreading any potential infection over multiple surfaces.
 Hypochlorite solution is for general disinfection purposes. Computers and electronic
equipment should be cleaned first using other agents.
 After cleaning and disinfecting, wait for the wet surfaces to dry completely before using
the facilities again.

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 3.0 Procedures for Cleaning and Disinfection Within Company Facilities

3.1 General Procedures for Cleaning and Disinfection of High Touch and High
Traffic Areas

Identify all high touch areas in the facility (e.g. door handles, switches, bathrooms etc.) and
determine an appropriate cleaning and disinfection frequency. In common areas, routine
cleaning and disinfection on an hourly basis may be sufficient. In other areas such as
bathrooms it may be more appropriate to clean and disinfect between users.

Ensure all surfaces are visibly clean by using a multi-purpose detergent solution and
allowing it to dry. Next, disinfect the visibly clean surfaces with a cloth dampened with 0.1%
hypochlorite solution.

3.2 Procedures for Cleaning and Disinfection of Multi User Computer Stations

Keyboards, screens and mouse of computer workstations, especially those intended for
multiple users, should be cleaned and disinfected periodically. After cleaning do the
following:

 Use cloth dampened with alcohol to wipe the keyboard and mouse.
 Wait until the alcohol has evaporated before returning the computer to normal usage.
 Use 0.1% hypochlorite solution to disinfect the surfaces of CPU and monitor casings.

3.3 Procedures for Disinfecting Offices and Office Equipment

 Floors with PVC floor tiles should be mopped using 0.1% hypochlorite solution.
 Floors with carpets should be vacuum cleaned before carpet shampoo is used for
further cleaning.
 When cleaning desks, all items should be disinfected and removed. The desk should
then be cleaned and disinfected using detergent solution and then 0.1% hypochlorite
solution.
 Items that cannot be disinfected and are suspected of being contaminated should be
placed in a plastic bag and sealed.
 Keyboards, screens and mouse of the computer station should be disinfected
periodically using a 70% alcohol solution while the CPU and monitor casing should be
disinfected using 0.1% hypochlorite solution as described above.
 Other office equipment such as photocopiers and laser printers should be disinfected
using 0.1% hypochlorite solution as described above.

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 3.4 Procedures for Disinfection of Accommodations

 Use 0.1% hypochlorite solution to mop the floor and dampen a cloth to disinfect surfaces
in common areas such as corridors, pantry and bathrooms on a daily basis.
 Resident’s room should also be disinfected using 0.1% hypochlorite solution.
 Cooking utensils, cutlery and food containers should be washed and disinfected using
hypochlorite solution and then rinsed with water.
 All rubbish bins should be emptied daily and the contents properly disposed of.
 Before cleaning desks, chairs, wardrobe, window sill, windows, blinds, bed frames and
bookshelves, all items should be removed from the surfaces to be cleaned. Clean using
a detergent solution and then use 0.1% hypochlorite solution to disinfect the
surface. Wait until the disinfectant is dried up, and then replace the items.
 Items that cannot be disinfected and are suspected of being contaminated should be
placed in a plastic bag and sealed.
 Clothing, bed sheets, blankets, shoes and personal Items that are suspected of being
contaminated should be washed as soon as possible, using a ‘medical grade wash
cycle’. A disinfectant detergent should be used. Whether hypochlorite should be added
would depend on individual items, and washing guidelines on items.

3.5 Procedures for Disinfecting Lifts

 Clean all surfaces with a general purpose detergent prior to disinfection.

 Mop floors with 0.1% hypochlorite solution.
 Wall panels, hand rails and control panels should be disinfected with a damp cloth with
0.1% hypochlorite.
 Lifts should be cleaned and disinfected more frequently.

4.0 Additional Guidance

For additional guidance or for matters not detailed in this document, contact the Supervisor
of the Environmental Health Unit of EPD.

Saudi Aramco: Company General Use