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Cleaning and disinfecting are two different things. And when it comes to your big rig it’s important to know the difference. Ongoing concerns about COVID-19 have prompted many questions about safety and prevention.
Here are some quick tips to follow to keep you in your rig virus free.
“People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs, sneezes or exhales droplets. This is why it’s important to stay more than 3 feet away from a person who could be sick.”
Source: World Health Organization (WHO).
Acquire disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray. It is also recommended to use disposable gloves while cleaning when possible. Most disinfectants will kill viruses, but to be sure to check out this list of affective cleaners to make sure you are sanitizing properly. Due to many products running low or being unavailable at this time, some people are creating homemade solutions for cleaning. Certain chemicals being mixed together can be hazardous, so please only create homemade disinfectants according to CDC recommendations.
If the option is available to you, it’s good practice to wash your hands before you get back into your rig. This can significantly prevent the spread of germs In your cab.
As a reminder: Be sure to wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
Let’s keep this simple. The places is in your cab that you frequently touch are most important to keep sanitized.
Keep the following things in mind while disinfecting:
Some bacteria and viruses (including COVID-19) can live on various surfaces for hours or even days. A virus isn’t always transmitted from a person to a surface by touch…it can also become airborne through coughing, sneezing, talking, or even breathing. After becoming airborne, it will then land on a surface.
So, it is also important to wipe down and/or vacuum areas that are not frequently touched as well – particularly if someone has been in your cab other than you. This includes:
Reminder: be sure to check the cleaning products you use and familiarize yourself with the surfaces and materials they can be used on.
For more tips on preventing the spread and transmission of COVID-19 please check out these Best Practices for Truckers During a Pandemic.