How to Disinfect Your Construction Equipment
Category: Equipment and Solutions
Construction equipment cleaning is necessary all year long. Disinfecting your construction equipment prevents the spread of germs and keeps operators safe, and sanitation practices are easy to add to your regular maintenance and workday practices.
9 Tips for Disinfecting and Cleaning Your Construction Machinery
Here are our tips for construction equipment cleaning:
1. Wear PPE
Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes latex or synthetic gloves and face masks or coverings. Wearing PPE protects workers from fumes and bacteria. Protective gear also prevents the wearer from spreading germs around on the surface they just disinfected.
2. Find the Right Disinfectant
As you choose your disinfectant, make sure you check that your cleansers are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You should also keep in mind that isopropyl alcohol solutions are effective on hard surfaces as long as they are over 70%. We recommend using automotive cleaners for your construction equipment.
3. Wash Surfaces Before Sanitizing
Dirt and grease can lessen the effects of your disinfectant. Before applying disinfectant, wash the exterior and interior of your equipment with gentle soap, water and a sponge or cloth. Cleanse windows, doors, mats and any other surfaces that are visibly dirty.
4. Find High-Touch Surfaces
High-touch areas spread bacteria and viruses quickly. Cleaning and disinfecting these areas can help prevent person-to-person contact. These areas include:
- Handles
- Doors
- Knobs
- Gear shift
- Steering wheel
5. Use Upholstery-Safe Cleaner
Most household cleaners can damage vinyl or upholstery. Using bleach causes discoloration and wears down the fabric. You can find upholstery-safe solutions at auto supply stores to thoroughly clean the equipment’s interior surfaces before applying a disinfectant.
6. Cleanse Hard Surfaces
Make sure to deeply clean all edges and hard surfaces in the cab and exterior. You can spray and leave some disinfectants, which makes cleaning more convenient. Regular deep cleaning prevents dirt buildup that can damage plastic, paint and metal.
7. Pay Attention to Electronics
When cleaning monitors and touch screens, make sure you use an electronic-safe cleaning solution. You can find an EPA-approved cleaner and spray it on a microfiber cloth for most screens and devices. Consult your owner’s manual for specific details.
8. Finish With Handles
At the end of your cleaning routine, spray the handles with a disinfectant solution. The handles are the last thing you touch, so they should be the last thing you clean.
9. Provide Cleaning Supplies for Every Shift
Daily deep cleaning is not necessary for all surfaces. Workers should have access to disinfecting wipes, cloths and spray at the start and end of every shift. Continuous cleaning practices prevent the spread of germs and keep your equipment looking its best.
Heavy Duty Equipment From NMC Cat
Whether you work in construction or landscaping, cleaning your construction equipment can help keep your workers safe on the job. NMC Cat offers durable Cat® equipment in Nebraska. We offer support for all Cat equipment owners, including cleaning and maintenance routines and services.
Read more on our blog or contact us to learn about our available equipment.
