Hello, long time watcher first time poster. I’m grateful for any advice on how to stay safe cleaning windows with the high traffic glass doors and windows that are highly likely to have the Coronavirus. I’m concerned about 1. Keeping minuscule water droplets from my face from the cleaning process. They said n95 masks don’t work, but is that just tiny coughing mist? Is the window cleaning splashing different? I got a face shield and look ridiculous, maybe anti fog glasses and a bandana around nose/mouth?
2. Keeping my tools sanitized and contained.
Thanks -Kelly
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Just think of it as an addition to flu season in terms of possibly catching it. Read reliable info online to keep yourself informed. I wouldn’t feel like there’s any higher risk for window cleaners to get it. Don’t shake hands with people, be mindful not to touch your face as much as you can help it.
Remember, as much as we should be concerned with our health, be educated and aware, don’t panic over it, there’s already enough people who are going to do that.
And I could be mistaken, but I think it’s the surgical masks that they are saying are ineffective, I don’t think they were referring to the N-95s as not being helpful. I haven’t really seen the need to wear anything like that yet.
If you’re concerned with sanitizing tools, a mild bleach solution will do just fine, keep your hands washed with with warm soap and water.
And remember, we’re window cleaners, not doctors, so we can’t really give much more advice than what is common sense and what other medical pros say. Look a few posts back, I posted a link to what WHO recommends, I’m having trouble copying the link again right now.
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Thank you, this was very level-headed and helpful.
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I agree 100% with @AdamPWC as far as necessity for wearing a mask and exposure risk for us cleaning windows, but I offer the following information for you to have if you choose for yourself, your level of personal protection.
I have had a lot of experience in my younger years with N95 masks. I started working on ambulances when I was 16 and we were trained and tested with them to make sure they fit properly to handle Anthrax and TB exposure patients. N95 masks are normally a condensed paper and fabric design that is pre-formed to fit snugly around you nose, mouth and chin and create a seal with your skin. It is highly recommended that you do not have facial hair, sorry @Luke, as the hair will allow gaps for air to pass through without going through the filter medium. There are some cheap dust masks that you will find at Home Depot and the like that are not N95, I want to say they are N30, which is more for large dust particulates. These will not stop the microscopic pathogens.
The “surgical masks” that you commonly see with the expanded accordion folds, are not form fitted, which allows air to get in around the mask material, and they are not actually designed to protect YOU. They are actually designed to protect the exposed body cavity/wound from the healthcare provider exposing them to the bacteria in their exhaled breath. They do work as splash shields for the wearer so that blood or other body fluids are not squirted directly into their mouth, eyes, or nose.
The Public Health Service directs you to use one tablespoon of bleach per one gallon of water to create a sanitizing solution.
Some cleaners wear Nitrile gloves in colder climates to keep their hands dry and therefore warmer while cleaning. If you choose to wear them, DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE with them still on. Proper use for gloves is to remove and replace them between patients, or in this case jobsites. Take them off before you get in your vehicle or touch any part of it to load up your tools. You would essentially be cross contaminating your “clean” vehicle and handles with any potential germs you have collected while touching the various surfaces. After you have removed them wash and dry your hands. Then load up you equipment. Even if you are still wearing them while you are sanitizing your tools, remove (the gloves not your hands) and wash your hands anyway.
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