The use of pool vehicles is a virus spreading opportunity just waiting to happen.
A virus will most likely spread through close contact with an infectious person, contact with droplets from an infected person’s uncovered cough or sneeze (if you are within 1.5 metres or two large steps of an infected person) or touching objects or surfaces (keys, steering wheels, windows and other controls) that have cough or sneeze droplets from an infected person (including an infected person’s contaminated hands) and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes, food or drinks.
The HAZARD
Close contact with another person - unable to distance 1.5 metres from other passengers.
Touching objects or surfaces [keys, steering wheel, windows, and other controls] that have been touched by other persons.
Using the boot for storage when other unknown objects have been previously stored.
Boxes of tissues and drink containers sitting in and around shared vehicles may have been contaminated by other users.
ELIMINATE the risk
Consider whether it is necessary to travel at all, can a telephone call or other remote communication suffice?
Is it possible to travel alone without ride sharing?
CONTROL the risk
Clean the car thoroughly after every use
Drivers and passengers should use alcohol-based [70%] hand sanitiser to wipe all surfaces before initially touching them including external door handles and all internal fittings.
Drivers should consider using disposable gloves when driving.
Keep plastic bag in the car for disposal of gloves, wipes etc – replace after each driver leaves the vehicle for the next user.
Keep a vehicle log of each driver and passenger with contact details.
END of USE CLEANING – after each user
Sanitise or wash with detergent the interior and exterior ‘touch points’ when returning the vehicle.
Touch points include door handles, seat belts, steering wheel, gear shift, handbrake, arm rests controls and switches (indicator, windscreen wiper, mirror, window, radio and heating/aircon), glove compartment handle and pens, logbook and fuel card.
Side windows must also be cleaned as they may be contaminated with droplets from coughing, sneezing and talking.
Dispose of used wipes (and disposable gloves if they are used) in a rubbish bag and do not leave used wipes in the vehicle. Allow surfaces to dry naturally (do not dry with paper towels or cloths).
DISINFECTION PROTOCOLS - end of day vehicle clean
Before the car can be disinfected, the surface or item must be clean so the disinfectant can work.
Cleaners should wear disposable gloves and use alcohol-based hand rub before putting on and after taking off the gloves.
Use detergent-based wipes for regular cleaning, then use disinfectant, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Alternatively, use a one-step, 2-in-1 detergent/ disinfectant wipe (wipes must either be alcohol-based with a minimum 70% alcohol content or have 1000 ppm available chlorine.
Clean and disinfect all internal and external touch points (including the boot and bonnet), handles, steering wheel, seat belts, seats, carpets, roof lining, windows, the boot interior and bonnet.
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