INDUSTRIES

Disinfecting Your Machines

Tips on how to properly disinfect your machines on the job.

Caitlin Maddock-Bahr | Social Media & Content Manager

At Caterpillar, we are dedicated to the safety, health and well-being of our people, our dealers, our customers and the communities they serve. Our priority is providing information and resources to help you navigate through these difficult times—especially as it pertains to your industry and your business.

A big concern we’ve heard from our customers is keeping their employees and operators safe and healthy while the work continues. Here are some tips for all industries to help everyone feel safe on the job.

DISINFECTING YOUR MACHINES

One of the most important ways to stay safe on the job right now is through regularly disinfecting your machines. Special attention should be paid to key touchpoints, including:

Joysticks
Steering wheels
Switches
Displays (including touchscreens)
Grab handles
Armrests and seats
Consoles
Door Handles

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To properly disinfect these areas, you can use soap and water, 70% Isopropyl Alcohol, or non-bleach disinfecting wipes/spray. Make sure to disinfect these areas frequently.

Avoid using products with bleach or solvent-based solutions if possible, and avoid using disinfectants stored at temperatures above 30˚C/86˚F.

Hand Hygiene

Here are some hand hygiene recommendations for your businesses and job sites:

Increase the number of sanitation stations available to employees on at job sites and offices.
Provide work gloves if you don’t already.
Communicate disinfecting schedules and procedures for equipment and other shared resources.

Keep Your Work Spaces Clean

Deep clean your offices, equipment, and shared fleet vehicles on the weekends (or off days).
Prop as many doors open as possible to reduce touch points (such as offices, conference rooms, etc.).
Increase disinfection at high frequency touch points such as door knobs railings, touchpads, cell phones or desk phones, chairs, counters, tables, remotes, white boards, fleet vehicles, etc.
Make disinfecting spray and wipes, as well as the associated guidelines, readily available to employees.

Be Flexible and Responsive

Encourage social distancing practices on job sites whenever possible, and especially during breaks.
Set up flexible shift plans when possible.
Assign one operator per machine per shift when possible.
If any operators have been feeling unwell, change the air filters on their machine(s) before another operator takes over.

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Communicate Often and Be Transparent

Add cleaning procedure reviews to your daily safety briefings and address all employee concerns.
Post signage in your offices, your shared fleet vehicles, and your equipment regarding social distancing, hand hygiene, and any additional or modified disinfecting schedules and procedures.
Distribute equipment cleaning guidelines to all employees, and consider reviewing daily with operators before opening a job site.
Remember that safety culture is even more important during times of uncertainty. Your employees have a lot on their minds – be sure to keep safe working practices at the forefront.
Demonstrate to your employees how the work they’re doing is essential – show them how they’re keeping the local and national economies running.
Ask your employees what support they need from you in order to continue to do their work safely and efficiently.
Thank your teams often for the essential services they are providing to our communities.

We know the work has changed, that your day-to-day lives have changed. It has for us, too. We’re working hard to keep our people safe and want to help provide resources for you to do the same. To all of you out there doing the work to support critical infrastructure and essential services, we see you. Thank you for all you do.

Connect with us on social media with questions, concerns or even a shoulder to lean on. We’re here for you, and we’re in this together. Your work matters.

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Caitlin Maddock-Bahr

Social Media & Content Manager

Caitlin Maddock-Bahr exercises her storytelling expertise as a social media & digital strategy manager. In this role, she not only helps Caterpillar connect with their audience, but helps customers connect with the brand.

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