NORTHFIELD — Law enforcement officers and other first responders are prepared for the obvious risks of their jobs, but what about the risks they cannot see?
In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, first responders are looking for ways to further protect themselves from exposure to infectious diseases. To help combat the spread, the Northfield Police Department has ordered an AeroClave sanitation machine at a cost of $15,600 for use on first responder vehicles and equipment.
Police Chief Robert Leighton said he began researching sanitation systems when the COVID-19 outbreak began a few weeks ago. He ultimately recommended the town purchase a machine from AeroClave, a company that designs sanitation machines for use by first responders. The system meets Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for sanitation.
“It’s advertised that their cleaning solution is effective against the COVID-19 virus,” Leighton explained.
According to the company’s website, AeroClave cleaning systems use a mist cleanser to sanitize vehicles, rooms and equipment. An Environmental Protection Agency-approved hospital disinfectant is used, which Leighton said is “rather expensive,” but that it will last a while if used conservatively, as directed.
“One case of the solution contains 4 gallons,” Leighton said, “but 1 gallon will clean an ambulance-size vehicle 22 times.”
The system benefits first responders by reducing exposure to dangerous pathogens. It is safe to use on electronic equipment and is a faster cleaning process that requires less manual labor.
The Northfield Police Department ordered the RDS-3110 cleaning model, which can be used on the interior of police cruisers, ambulances and fire trucks, as well as to clean equipment and clothing. The model looks like a small, yellow box. The purchase cost includes one case of solution.
The portable decontamination system can effectively treat spaces up to 5,000 cubic feet. Weighing just 48 pounds, the model is simple to use and requires minimal operator training. It can be set up and operating in minutes.
The RDS-3110 can be used with a hand-held hose to apply the disinfectant. Alternatively, the “Room Fogging” setting allows for hands-free disinfecting of an equipment room or bunk room in under 30 minutes. It also has a “Vehicle Decon” option and can be installed in an ambulance to provide decontamination directly to the patient compartment.
The machine is expected to arrive in Northfield within 10 to 12 weeks. Town Administrator Andrea Llamas said she “anticipates at least 75 percent” of the machine’s cost will be covered through Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursement.
“This is something that is an investment for the town,” Leighton noted.
While it is unclear what the status of the current health crisis will be when the machine arrives, Leighton said the town will be more prepared in the event of another outbreak.
Zack DeLuca can be reached at zdeluca@recorder.com or 413-930-4579.