Sanitizing Your Playground Equipment During COVID-19

On March 27th 2020, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced the “Stay-at-Home Emergency Executive Order” during the COVID-19 pandemic, which acknowledges the decision to close playgrounds is for each local jurisdiction. This event made many cities wonder what to do if they decide to keep them open and how to sanitize playground equipment.

Studies from the National Institute of Health (NIH) have shown the Coronavirus can live up to 2-3 days on plastics and metal. While cleaning, frequent washing of hands, and not touching faces may help keep most people safe, children play on equipment with their whole bodies, including their faces. The risk of the spread of the virus is increased. Completely closing playgrounds is a difficult task. Some cities are choosing to post signs with messaging that the equipment is not sanitized, or playground is closed, and some are fencing the area.

If cities do allow playgrounds to remain open, it is recommended that they follow the CDC’s guidance on the cleaning of facilities and surfaces, as the best practice. For playground equipment, the CDC suggests:

• If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
• For disinfection, most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.
• A list of products that are EPA-approved for use against the virus that causes COVID-19 is available here. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products for concentration, application method and contact time, etc.
• Additionally, diluted household bleach solutions (at least 1000ppm sodium hypochlorite) can be used if appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application, ensuring a contact time of at least 1 minute, and allowing proper ventilation during and after application. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
• Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:
• 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water or
• 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

City employees also need to ensure their own safety and comply with OSHA’s standard of Bloodborne Pathogens by wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while cleaning, including the handling of trash.

 Submitted by: Julie Jelen, Loss Control Consultant