Covid 19 Disinfection Guide From Black Diamond
Black Diamond Equipment Disinfection Recommendations
In response to requests for guidance on equipment disinfection to prevent the spread of COVID 19, Black Diamond has collected the following guidance on cleaning and disinfecting personal, institutional, and/or rental equipment. As a reminder, cleaning and storage recommendations for each product can be found in the product’s instructions supplied with the product and available on the Black Diamond website.
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), products must not be exposed to solvents or corrosive disinfectants. This is particularly important for textile-based PPE such as harnesses, ropes, runners, cam slings, etc. Products can be identified as PPE by the presence of the CE mark either laser etched on metallic products or on the label of textile products.
The following methods are recommended for disinfection of PPE products:
Warm Water and Non-detergent Soap – All PPE and non-PPE can be washed in low pressure warm water (below 158 o F/70 o C) and soap. Non-detergent soap is an extremely effective disinfectant and has no adverse effects on the strength or performance of PPE products. Products should be thoroughly rinsed and dried in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight before use.
o Note: Most soaps marketed as “gentle” or “skin friendly”, laundry soap for delicate clothing, most dish soaps, and all soaps made from natural ingredients are non- detergent.
Isopropyl Alcohol – Isopropyl alcohol can be used to disinfect metallic products or components only. Care must be given to ensure that products disinfected with alcohol are dried thoroughly prior to use to prevent cross contamination with textile products such as ropes or harnesses.
Quarantine – Research shows that COVID 19 has a limited lifespan on surfaces. If possible, equipment may be quarantined for a period of 5 days as a disinfection strategy.
Non-PPE
Non-PPE products such as packs, chalk bags, trekking poles, headlamps etc. may be disinfected using more aggressive methods. Follow the PPE disinfection guidance above If you are unsure as to whether your product is PPE or non-PPE. Black Diamond recommends the following strategies for disinfecting non-PPE products:
Warm Water and Non-detergent Soap – All PPE and non-PPE can we washed in warm water (below 158 o F/70 o C) and non-detergent soap. Non-detergent soap is an extremely effective disinfectant and has no adverse effects on the strength or performance of PPE products. Products should be thoroughly rinsed and dried away from direct sunlight before use.
o Note: Most soaps marketed as “gentle” or “skin friendly”, laundry soap for delicate clothing, most dish soaps, and all soaps made from natural ingredients are non- detergent.
Isopropyl Alcohol and Disinfectants – Isopropyl alcohol and disinfectants can be used to disinfect non-PPE products, however, this may reduce the lifespan, performance, or cosmetic appearance of the product. Care must also be given to ensure that products disinfected in this manner do not cross contaminate PPE products. For this reason, Black Diamond recommends the use of warm water and soap if possible. Care must be given to ensure that products disinfected with isopropyl alcohol or disinfectants are thoroughly rinsed and dried prior to use to prevent cross contamination with textile PPE products such as ropes or harnesses.
Quarantine – Research shows that COVID 19 has a limited lifespan on surfaces. If possible, equipment may be quarantined for a period of 5 days as a disinfection strategy.
This information has been presented by Black Diamond however if you have any further questions do not hesitate to contact us!