Professional Decontamination Services for Dallas Airports

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Provides Professional Decontamination Services for Dallas Airports

Coronavirus has been in the news cycle for weeks as thousands of confirmed cases have emerged in the US. This particular virus leads to the COVID-19 virus (a.k.a. Coronavirus disease 2019) that attacks the respiratory system.

Because this disease originated abroad (in China), there is concern that people traveling from outside the country will bring more of the virus to the States. When assessing someone who has fallen ill, one of the criteria for giving a coronavirus test asks if the person has recently traveled internationally.

With heightened concerns about who may be carrying the disease by plane, the public may be increasingly suspicious of airports. Decontamination of facilities may be necessary as a precaution against spread of the disease.

Passengers, staff, and TSA agents could be exposing each other to pathogens. The virus can live on surfaces for up to three days. So if an investigation ties an airline or airport to a confirmed case of the disease, decontamination will be necessary.

Thorough and professional cleaning of airport surfaces with industrial-grade products (like aircraft cabin cleaners) should be part of an action plan to prevent the spread of this disease that has traveled the world.

Terminal Disinfection Should Be Handled by Professionals

To understand how this newer strain of the virus would impact high-traffic public areas (like an airport) we consider how it is passed around.

The Coronavirus is mainly spread when an affected person coughs or sneezes viral droplets into the air. It’s also presumed that if the microorganisms attach to the hands, the virus can enter the body by a person touching vulnerable points (mouth, nose or eyes). Since we believe the microorganisms are able to survive for up to three days on surfaces, it’s important to take additional sanitation measures.

SERVPRO is here for the "what-ifs." What if you receive a report of a symptomatic passenger or staff member? What if you review your janitorial operations and you’re not sure if it’s enough to eliminate pathogens?

We’re prepared to assist airports in the greater Dallas area in limiting the spread of disease. Our Dallas biohazard cleanup service decontaminates the affected areas and surfaces. If needed, we carry out the safe disposal and carry of infected materials.

Keeping things clean is how airport staff can best be proactive for public health. Be skeptical of any claims that a product or service will prevent or even cure this virus. Such claims are unsubstantiated. No product has been tested and proven to cure nor prevent this strain of the Coronavirus.

Maintaining Your Dallas Airport During the Coronavirus Outbreak

SERVPRO is meticulous and thorough with our cleaning procedures and aims to promote awareness of trouble areas.

The CDC highly recommends consistent cleaning of "high touch" areas. Below is a list of areas that are more likely to collect germs.

Cleanup Scope of Work and Planning

Keep these "high-touch" areas clean:

• Counters
• Tabletops
• Doorknobs
• Light switches
• Bathroom fixtures
• Toilets
• Phones
• Keyboards
• Tablets
• Tables

Be mindful of heavy use areas:

• Kitchen/food areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/classrooms
• Offices
• Retail spaces
• Water fountains
• Shelving and racks
• Sales counters
• Carpets and rugs
• Stair handrails
• Elevator cars
• Playground equipment
• Fitness equipment

Precautionary Measures for Airports and Airlines

Below is a list of recommendations specific to the airline industry.

• Monitor staff and passengers for symptoms (take the temperature if possible). Look out for those who are coughing, have difficulty breathing or present flu-like symptoms. Keep sick people away from others and follow sickness reporting protocol.
• A staff member experiencing symptoms should get clearance before continuing or returning to work.
• Wear personal protective equipment when necessary.
• Use additional ventilation wherever possible.
• Reduce contact through social distancing (and minimize public outings during layovers).
• Wash hands with soap frequently and thoroughly.
• When hand-washing is unavailable, use hand sanitizing products.
• Avoid touching faces.

It should be emphasized that airport staff who are in constant contact with people and objects (e.g. TSA agents who process a continuous queue) are more at risk for exposure to pathogens. They should be trained on how to protect themselves and prevent the spread of germs.

Why Choose SERVPRO as Your Dallas Airport Cleaning Service

SERVPRO takes public health seriously. Our professional cleaning services give peace of mind to everyone involved in your airline operations.

If you find out someone has been on a plane or in the airport has come down with the virus, we’re prepared to do the necessary bioremediation and decontamination of all affected areas.

A professional cleaning also reassures the public that you’ve taken proactive steps to ensure that your facilities are safe.

Our Commitment to the Community:

• SERVPRO professionals are trained in adhering to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.
• SERVPRO is performing all cleanup and bioremediation in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CDC and local authorities.
• SERVPRO’s proprietary cleaning agent, SERVPROXIDE, is an EPA-certified, hospital-grade disinfectant that has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19) on hard, non-porous surfaces.

We at SERVPRO North Irving are actively monitoring the CDC for the latest information and advisories for Dallas residents. We are equipped to do well beyond your daily janitorial cleaning routine. We respond with consideration for your specific situation whether it's a preventive measure or discovery that a confirmed COVID-19 case is connected to your airport. We’ll be equipped with any and all resources needed to thoroughly clean, disinfect and sanitize the facility.

One such example of our specialized cleaning methods is our industrial-grade Esporta Wash System. This decontaminates any cloth material and includes the safe transfer of any affected objects.

We are on call 24 hours a day to assist with clean up in the event of an airport emergency. For immediate action, we’re there when you need us. We are diligently following all CDC guidelines and regulations and staying up to date with communications from the FAA the same way airports and airlines are also doing.

SERVPRO is committed to doing our part to promote public health in high traffic environments. We understand that the Coronavirus situation has made a substantial impact on the airline industry, and we are here to help.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you have about potential public health hazards. If you have any questions about our cleaning services, please reach out. Call us at (972) 986-7677 anytime.