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(d) Recommended cleaning methods.
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Toilets, urinals, showers, and sinks. Clean toilets daily using a toilet brush and disinfectant; this will prevent the
build-up of scale, which can harbor pathogens. Sinks, showers, and urinals should be disinfected daily with a bleach
and water solution to prevent buildup of microbial films.
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Floors, walls, and other environmental surfaces. Exposure to pathogens as a result of microbial contamination on
floors and furnishings is very low. The transfer of microorganisms from environmental surfaces to individuals is
largely via hand contact with the surface. High-touch surfaces (such as, doorknobs, handles, light switches, and wall
areas around toilets) should be cleaned and disinfected daily. Horizontal surfaces, such as windowsills and floors,
should be cleaned weekly with detergent and water and kept visibly clean as necessary. Extraordinary cleaning and
disinfection of floors is not recommended. Cleaning of walls, blinds, and window curtains is recommended between
training cycles or more frequently if they are visibly soiled.
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Laundry, mattresses, and pillows. Launder soiled clothing and linens weekly at 160°F, or at 104°F to 140°F using an
activated bleach powder. Turn in sheets and pillowcases weekly for laundering whether they appear soiled or not.
Blankets, pillows, and mattress covers should be turned in every three weeks or when personnel change. Plasticcovered mattresses are preferred for ease of disinfection. If fabric mattresses are used, keep them dry; discard
mattresses if they become and remain wet or stained, or if they become unserviceable. Between training cycles or
when personnel change, clean and disinfect plastic mattress covers using U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
registered disinfectants (see http://www.epa.gov/oppad001/chemregindex.htm that are compatible with the cover
material, and exchange blankets. Replace mattress and pillow covers if they become torn or unserviceable.
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> 5-10.
Managing outbreaks of communicable illnesses
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a. An outbreak is a sudden increase in numbers of a given illness.
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b. If an outbreak is suspected, contact MTF authorities immediately.
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c. All commanders must be aware of their installation isolation and quarantine plan during public health
emergencies.
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> 5-11.
Field sanitation team (FST) training and utilization
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a. Trained and equipped FSTs are required in:
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(1) All BCT/OSUT/AIT units; at least one primary and one alternate team of trained cadre and one FST
equipment set per company/troop/battery (see table 5-2 for modified FST equipment set).
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(2) Units that resource FTXs at the battalion level may request an exception to policy and resource one FST.