General Disinfection Guidelines for Hepatitis A

General Disinfection Guidelines for Hepatitis A

General Disinfection Guidelines for Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus. Highly contagious, the Hepatitis A virus is usually transmitted by the fecal-oral route, either through person-to-person contact or consumption of contaminated food or water. Contamination can occur when infected persons do not wash their hands properly after going to the bathroom and then touch other objects or food items. Surfaces that are frequently touched and any items shared with the public should be cleaned and sanitized often.

  • Toilet Room Surfaces
  • Kitchen Surfaces
  • Doorknobs
  • Recreation Equipment
  • Light Switch Plates
  • Phones
  • Computer Keyboards
  • Railings
  • High Chairs
  • Tables and Chairs
  • Wheelchairs and Walkers
  • Remote Controls

Effective Disinfectants

Unscented Chlorine Bleach: Mix and use the chlorine solution promptly.

  • 500 ppm: 1/4 cup bleach in 1 gallon water.
    Use for stainless steel, food/mouth contact items, tile floors, nonporous surfaces, counters, sinks, toilets. Use frequently during operating hours.

Other Disinfectants

To determine if a product is effective against Hepatitis A, review the product label or product specification sheet and ensure it states “effective against Hepatitis A” or “effective against Feline Calicivirus”. You many also search the product name in the Environmental Protection Agency’s registered product database at: https://iaspub.epa.gov/apex/pesticides/f?p=PPLS:1

Steps to Clean Spills of Vomit or Feces

  • Put on personal protective equipment, including two sets of gloves and masks.
  • Block-off area immediately.
  • Clean up visible debris using disposable absorbent material (paper towels or other type of disposable cloths) and minimize aerosols.
  • Discard soiled items carefully in an impervious plastic bag.
  • Thoroughly clean affected area.
  • Disinfect area and objects surrounding the contamination with an appropriate disinfectant effective against Hepatitis A. See “Effective Disinfectants”.
  • Take off outer set of gloves and mask, in that order, and discard before exiting contaminated clean-up area.
  • Place discarded PPE in an impervious plastic bag.
  • Wearing the inner set of gloves, transport bag to a secure trash container; do not allow the bag to come into contact with clothing.
  • Always wash your hands after handling any contaminated material, trash or waste.

Specific Cleaning Methods

Wear Gloves and Protect Your Clothing

Hard Surfaces

Disinfect surface with bleach, or other approved disinfectant, ensuring the correct contact time is being met. If the surface is in a food preparation area, make sure to rinse the water after. For surfaces that are corroded or damaged by bleach, use another product that is effective against Hepatitis A.

Person wearing yellow gloves cleaning a toilet seat with a cloth.

Proper Handling

  • Use chemicals in well-ventilated areas
  • Avoid contact between incompatible chemicals
  • Prevent chemical contact with food during cleaning
  • Handle contaminated material as little as possible and with minimal agitation to reduce aerosols
  • Manage waste safely and dispose in a secure trash container

Preventing the Spread of Illness

  • All employees must practice diligent handwashing and good personal hygiene (see below for handwashing procedures).
  • Use gloves to eliminate bare hand contact.
  • Thoroughly and continuously disinfect the facility using the guidelines at the reverse of this document.

Handwashing

  • Employees shall thoroughly wash their hands and arms with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; thoroughly rinse with clean running water and properly dry their hands and arms.
  • Ensure handwashing signs are posted in the appropriate locations. Do not use hand sanitizer to replace proper handwashing.

Employees shall wash their hands in all of the following instances:

  • After touching bare human body parts other than clean hands and clean, exposed portions of arms.
  • After using the toilet room.
  • After caring for, or handling any animal.
  • After coughing, sneezing, using a handkerchief or disposable tissue, using tobacco, eating or drinking.
  • After handling soiled equipment.
  • Before putting on gloves to start working and when changing tasks.
  • After engaging in other activities that contaminate hands.

General Employee Health Guidelines

All employees must be knowledgeable of the relationship between personal health and hygiene

The Employees Should Notify the Person in Charge

  • Notify the Person in Charge if you have been diagnosed with a Hepatitis A infection.
  • Remember, you should not work if you are sick with acute gastrointestinal illnesses. Acute gastrointestinal illness is diarrhea, either alone or with vomiting, fever or abdominal cramps. Always follow your employer’s sick policy.

The Person in Charge is should

  • REPORT to the Alameda County Environmental Health Department (EHD) when an employee is diagnosed with Hepatitis A. Call (510) 567-6700.
  • EXCLUDE an employee from work if diagnosed with Hepatitis A.