Aircraft Disinfection and Cleaning Procedures

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NBAA MEMBERSHIP

D E D I C A T E D T O H E L P I N G B U S I N E S S A C H I E V E I T S H I G H E S T G O A L S.

AIRCRAFT DISINFECTION
AND CLEANING PROCEDURES

1 Aircraft Disinfection & Cleaning Procedures


NBAA MEMBERSHIP

On Jan. 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), and on March 11, 2020, WHO characterized the
outbreak of COVID-19 as a pandemic.
FAA and CDC recommend that air carriers and crewmembers take precautions to avoid exposure to COVID-19. These precau-
tions can be found in SAFO 20003. CDC has also provided recommendations for aircraft operators to clean and disinfect aircraft.

CDC AIRCRAFT CLEANING RECOMMENDATIONS


If no symptomatic passengers were identified during or immediately after the flight:
• FIollow routine operating procedures for cleaning aircraft, managing solid waste, and wearing personal protective equipment
(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 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 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 1910.1030.
• Operators 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 1910.1200.
• Operators 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 removing PPE, cleaning staff should immediately clean hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and
water are 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.

Aircraft Disinfection & Cleaning Procedures 1


NBAA MEMBERSHIP

• 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.
• 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.

The following recommendations have been developed with NBAA members and professional aircraft detailers:

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
The products listed here are some options, but not the only options, that have been tested and proven safe for use on aircraft
interiors. Additional disinfectants for use against COVID-19 can be found on the EPA’s website [https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-
registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2]. However, these products require testing on interior surfaces prior to full use.
• Disposable medical grade gloves • Sontara aerospace wipes
• Safety glasses or goggles • Celeste Sani-Cide Disinfectant
• N95 respirator mask • Celeste Sani-Cide EX3
• Microfiber towels • Celeste Sani-Cide FSC
• Terry cloth towels • Perrone Leather Cleaner & Conditioner

INTERIOR DISINFECTION PROCEDURES


It is recommended that the following procedures are carried out by trained personnel. All manufacturer guidelines and
instructions should be followed.
Ensure all crew and passengers have exited the aircraft. Adorn all personal protective equipment.
Use new microfiber and towel products when transitioning between sections of the aircraft. Do not transfer use from one area
to another. Replace gloves, respirators and all towel products when moving to a different aircraft.
Galley & Kitchen Areas
1. Aircraft galley and food prep areas should receive disinfection with Sani-Cide FSC. After 30 seconds of contact time,
surfaces can be wiped clean with a new microfiber cloth. Surfaces are now ready for use.
2. Trash bins should be emptied, and all garbage removed from aircraft.
3. Mirrors, glass and screens should be cleaned with Sani-Cide EX3.

Cabin Area
1. Working in small areas, spray hard surfaces with Sani-Cide Disinfectant or EX3 and allow a contact time of 5 minutes prior to
wiping clean with a microfiber cloth. Following disinfection, surfaces can be cleaned with an interior product to provide a final finish.
2. Spray and wipe leather surfaces with EX3. Follow by cleaning with Perrone Leather Cleaner/Conditioner.
3. Upholstery and carpet should be lightly misted with EX3 and allowed to air dry.
Lavatory Area
1. Spray toilet area with EX3 or Disinfectant and allow the full contact time. Using Sontara wipes or a similar cloth product,
wipe all areas clean. Immediately dispose of cloths and gloves into a dedicated trash bin outside of the aircraft.
2. Using new gloves, spray remaining hard surfaces in lav area and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
Flight Deck & Cockpit Area
Due to the delicate nature of instruments, screens and components found in the cockpit area, it is recommended to use
approved procedures and products in accordance with OEM guidance.

Aircraft Disinfection & Cleaning Procedures 2


NBAA MEMBERSHIP

National Business Aviation Association


1200 G Street NW, Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20005
www.nbaa.org
(202) 783-9250 | ops@nbaa.org

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
NBAA thanks the volunteers of who developed and re-
viewed this association publication. The principal author is
Tyler Harper of AEM Logistics, who can be reached at thar-
per@aemlogistics.com. For additional guidance on Coronavi-
rus, visit the NBAA website at nbaa.org/coronavirus.

ABOUT NBA A
Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is the
leading organization for companies that rely on general
aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more
efficient, productive and successful. Contact NBAA at
800-FYI-NBAA or info@nbaa.org. Not a member?
Join today by visiting nbaa.org/join.

Aircraft Disinfection & Cleaning Procedures 3

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