Draft Reference and Guidelines for Post Cleaning Validation of Structures Contaminated with SARS-CoV-2

The Indoor Air Quality Association Australia (IAQAA) has recently developed the Draft Reference and Guidelines for Post Cleaning Validation of Structures Contaminated with SARS-CoV-2. The Guidelines were prepared in response to sudden unprecedented demand across private and public sectors for advice on ensuring that structures contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 viral particulate are cleaned to a recognised acceptable standard to permit the building to be used for its intended purpose.

The Guidelines focus on providing the tools for assessment of remediated structures after contamination by a COVID-19 patient(s), caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus to require a similar level of cleaning / disinfection and personal protection.

These Guidelines also provides guidance on cleaning of structures where no infection was reported. This is an important consideration as evidence indicates that some infected persons may be asymptomatic, or have not reported symptoms.

The Draft Guidelines can be found HERE.

Surface validation testing is now also available in Australia. The samples are being processed by a food lab in South Dandenong, Melbourne. However, surface swabs are in short supply. Samples are charged for shipping the media and the first phase of the test. If a coronavirus strand is identified, an additional fee will be charged to confirm SARS-CoV-2. It is important to note however that (at the time of publication) TESTING DOES NOT PROVIDE CLEARANCE FOR COVID-19 as there are no specific tests or thresholds readily available that can be applied to the building.

Please CONTACT Opterra for more information including fees for post cleaning validation of structures contaminated with SARS-CoV-2.