EH&S COVID-19 Resources

Resource Requests

EH&S is currently distributing a variety of supplies to support a safe return to on-campus work. Available items include: face coverings, gloves, disinfectant, and hand sanitizer. Request can be submitted through the Resource Request Form. Please attempt to consolidate requests into a single submission by research group, building, or department as appropriate. All requests are evaluated by EH&S staff before pickup will be scheduled.

 

Air purifiers are available for shared multi-occupant offices, public facing spaces, and high density areas. Air purifiers are not appropriate for private single occupant offices. Purifiers have been placed in instructional spaces where appropriate.

Please note all building ventilation systems have been optimized to allow for the maximum amount of outdoor air mechanically possible, air exchanges are also operating at the capacity of their design. Building ventilation system air filters have been upgraded to MERV 13 throughout campus. Due to the implementation of these controls, air purifiers are NOT a required COVID mitigation measure for multi-occupancy and conference spaces.

If you have a space that would benefit from an air purifier please submit the request through the COVID-19 Air Purifier Request form.

 

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Guidance and Recommendations

Face Coverings

Face coverings are currently required inside campus buildings regardless of vaccination status, except in private offices.

• A face covering is defined by Cal/OSHA as a surgical mask, a medical procedure mask, a respirator worn voluntarily, or a tightly woven fabric or non-woven material of at least two layers.
• A face covering has no visible holes or openings and must cover the nose and mouth.
• A face covering does not include a scarf, ski mask, balaclava, bandana, turtleneck, collar, or single layer of fabric.

 

Face coverings that are made from a single layer of fabric (bandana, scarf, balaclava, turtleneck) should not be used. Coverings with exhalation valves or vents allow virus particles to escape. Avoid using material that makes it difficult to breath.

*Visit CDC.gov for additional face covering resources.

There are three types of face coverings available on the Resource Request Form:  Cloth masks, single use surgical masks, N95 respirators.

The CDC has recently published an updated report on the effectiveness of face coverings in preventing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2.  Human Studies of Masking and SARS-CoV-2 Transmission

Reusable Cloth Masks

All cloth masks available are made up of at least two layers of fabric and fit comfortably over nearly all face shapes.  All styles are machine washable.

 Each style has their advantages.  The shaped cloth mask has a seam in the middle of the mask giving more room in front of the wearer's mouth.  The be smart about safety mask has a soft innermost layer and a wire across the bridge of the nose allowing for a more snug fit.  The pleated cloth mask expands more than the other two and fits larger faces best.

Single-use Surgical Masks

Surgical masks are three ply paper and cloth masks with ear loops that provide good protection.  The are held in place by ear loops and can be shaped to fit the bridge of the wearer's nose.  To prevent cross contamination, surgical masks are only available in boxes of 50.

N95 Respirators

N95 respirators provide the best protection from respiratory droplets.  They can be worn repeatedly, but there is not a good method for cleaning them.  Anyone wishing to wear an N95 on a voluntary basis must first complete the online N95 Voluntary Use training.  More information about N95 respirators can be found here: N95 Respirators.

Nitrile Gloves

All gloves are vetted by EH&S and meet requirements for safe use. All gloves have an average thickness of 4 mil.  Sizes available are extra small, small, medium, large, and extra large.  To prevent cross contamination the minimum request is one box of 100 gloves.

 

Disinfectant

• Cleaning - The removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. Does not inherently kill germs, but may remove them.
• Disinfecting - The use of chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or physically remove germs.

It is important to select appropriate disinfecting solutions. When possible, use an EPA listed disinfectant. 

There are two disinfectants available on the resource request form.  Both are EPA listed disinfectants.

EcoLab Hydrogen Peroxide Surface Disinfectant Spray

This disinfectant is an activated hydrogen peroxide solution produced by EcoLab and certified by the Environmental Protection Agency for use against SARS-CoV-2. Guidance on the use of this surface disinfectant and the safety data sheet can be found here: Peroxide Multi-surface Cleaner and Disinfectant. EH&S provides filled spray bottles and ask that empty bottles be returned to be refilled.

 

Steridol Wipes

Steridol wipes use a quaternary ammonium salt solution to disinfect surfaces.  It is effective against many viruses and bacteria.  

 

Hand Sanitizer

Ethyl alcohol based hand sanitizer gel is effective at killing microbes that may be living on the hands.  There are two sizes of hand sanitizer available on the resource form.  Both contain at least 62% ethyl alcohol making them effective against SARS-CoV-2.

Be Smart About Safety Hand Sanitizer

The be smart about safety hand sanitizer bottles contain two ounces of sanitizer gel.  They include a carabiner clip making them easy to transport.

Kundal 16oz Hand Sanitizer Bottle

These larger hand sanitizer bottles work well in common areas or in personal work stations.  They are useful for filling the smaller be smart about safety bottles.  The larger hand sanitizers are available individually or in cases of twenty bottles.