PPRuNe Forums - Protective suits for cabin crew and protection for flight crew

Below is from the CDC.

The problem with the CDC and WHO recommendations is that passengers who have not been symptomatic have been spreading the virus, on flights. That is a fact, look at the articles about cruise ship passengers being brought home. The CDC/WHO recommendations have changed as the virus evolves and clearly there are many things the experts do not know, so better to be on the side of prevention, with common sense. Here the recommendation from the CDC, recommends wearing a PPE for cleaning, for flight attendants or cleaning personnel, certain airlines are still asked to do cleaning after the 1st sector.

See the difference between the procedures between symptomatic passengers and non symptomatic passengers.

We do agree that PPEs should go to doctors and nurses, etc first,
Interesting to note with the shortages that PPEs can still be purchased on Amazon

https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/air/m...-airlines.html

¨¨ If no symptomatic passengers were identified during or immediately after the flight:
- Follow routine operating procedures for cleaning aircraft, managing solid waste, and wearing PPE.¨
If symptomatic passenger(s) are identified during or immediately after the flight, routine cleaning procedures should be followed, and enhanced cleaning procedures should also be used as follows:
- Clean porous (soft) surfaces (e.g., cloth seats, cloth seat belts) at the seat of the symptomatic passenger(s) and within 6 feet (2 meters) of the symptomatic passenger(s) in all directions.
  - Clean porous (soft) surfaces (e.g. seat covers and carpet) by removing visible contamination if present and using appropriate cleaners that are compatible with aircraft surfaces and components in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. For items that can be laundered, use the warm setting and dry items completely on high heat.
- Clean non-porous (hard) surfaces (e.g., leather or vinyl seats) at the seat of the symptomatic passenger(s) and within 6 feet (2 meters) of the symptomatic passenger(s) in all directions, including: armrests, plastic and metal parts of the seats and seatbacks, tray tables, seat belt latches, light and air controls, cabin crew call button, overhead compartment handles, adjacent walls, bulkheads, windows and window shades, and individual video monitors.
  - Clean non-porous (hard) surfaces with disinfectant products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims that are expected to be effective against the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) and ensure these products are compatible with aircraft surfaces and components. All products should be used according to label instructions (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, PPE).
- Clean lavatories used by the symptomatic passenger(s), including: door handle, locking device, toilet seat, faucet, washbasin, adjacent walls, and counter.
- Properly dispose of any items that cannot be cleaned (e.g., pillows, passenger safety placards, and other similar items as described below).
Recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during Enhanced Cleaning:
Disposable gloves that are recommended by the manufacturer of the disinfectant should be worn.
Disposable gowns should be worn while cleaning the cabin and lavatories.
If splashing is possible, eye protection, such as a faceshield or goggles and facemask may be required according to the manufacture’s label.
General Recommendations during the Enhanced Cleaning Process:
Ground and cleaning crews should not board the plane until all travelers have disembarked.
Ventilation systems should be kept running while cleaning crews are working aboard the airplane.
If visible contamination (e.g., a body substance such as blood or body fluids) is present, routine airline cleaning procedures should be followed based on blood or body substance spill management according to , 29 CFR 1910.1030.OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030external icon.
Airlines should ensure workers are trained on the hazards of the cleaning chemicals used in the workplace in accordance with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200external icon.
Airlines should train ground and cleaning crews on and require that crew members demonstrate an understanding of when to use PPE, what PPE is necessary, how to properly don (put on), use, and doff (take off) PPE.
After doffing (taking off) PPE, cleaning staff should immediately clean hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water not available and hands are not visibly dirty, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol may be used. However, if hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.
- Airlines should consider providing alcohol-based hand sanitizer to cleaning staff for their personal use.
Cleaning staff should immediately report breaches in PPE (e.g., tear in gloves) or any potential exposures (e.g., contact with blood or body fluids without wearing appropriate PPE) to their supervisor.
Cleaning staff should dispose of PPE and other disposable items used in cleaning following the airline’s routine procedures. Note that all waste from international flights will also fall under jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
Ground crews assigned to wastewater management operations should follow routine procedures.
Employers should educate workers to recognize the symptoms of COVID-19 and provide instructions on what to do if they develop symptoms.
- Cleaning staff should immediately notify their supervisor if they develop symptoms of COVID-19.¨