Cleaning and Disinfecting Play Equipment and Site Furnishings During COVID-19
Planning for Reopening
As communities across North America plan to reopen their parks and recreation facilities, we've received many questions regarding the cleaning and disinfection of outdoor play equipment and site furnishings. Based on the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces guidelines, GameTime recommends the following:
Clean Surfaces with Soap and Water
Always clean the surface with soap and low-pressure water (ie. using a garden hose, high pressure may damage paint and surfaces) prior to disinfection. Normal routine cleaning with soap and water removes germs and dirt from surfaces and lowers the risk of spreading COVID-19.
Disinfect with Bleach Solution
To disinfect most surfaces, the CDC recommends using diluted household bleach solutions, prepared by mixing:
- 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water or
- 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application, ensuring a contact time of at least 1 minute. Rinse your site furnishings and let them completely dry before allowing them to be used. Note: Bleach solutions may damage wood finishes, a disinfecting solution containing 60% to no more than 70% alcohol is recommended.
WARNINGS:
- Check to ensure all cleaning/disinfectant products are not past their expiration dates. Expired products will not disinfect properly.
- Check to ensure the product is compatible with the surface it is being applied to.
- Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser as toxic gases may occur.
- Wear recommended protective gear when applying a disinfectant.
Using the above CDC recommended solutions will not harm your equipment and your warranty will remain for its duration.
Observe CDC Guidelines for Public Spaces
It is also important to maintain safe practices that reduce the potential for exposure including posting signs at public gathering spaces highlighting the current CDC guidelines, including:
- Avoid gathering in groups
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds at a time.
- Avoid touching your face.
- If you’re sick with any ailment, stay home. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- When in public, maintain physical distancing of at least six feet.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw it away. If you don’t have a tissue, use your elbow.
- Clean your hands with a CDC approved hand sanitizer after touching public equipment.
Provide Hand Sanitizer Stations
CDC Guidelines state hand sanitizer is a viable option for cleaniing and disinfecting hands when soap and water are not available. GameTime offers durable outdoor enclosures for hand sanitizer. They're available for pump style bottles, lever dispensers, or touchless mechanisms.
Help Stem the Spread
While no single measure can eliminate the presence of all germs, following the CDC guidelines can help slow the spread of germs and harmful diseases like COVID-19. If you have questions about cleaning and disinfecting your outdoor play and recreation equipment, contact the GameTime representative in your neighborhood.