Safe and Proper Use of Disinfectants to 

Reduce Viral Surface Contamination in 

Correctional Facilities

Summary

Workers in correctional facilities, 

as well as incarcerated persons who 

are assigned to work details, may 

be exposed to viral pathogens if 

communal, high-touch surfaces are 

not properly cleaned and disinfected [CDC 2020d]. The National 

Institute for Occupational Safety 

and Health (NIOSH) recommends 

steps to reduce viral surface contamination through safe and proper 

use of disinfectants.

Introduction

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 442,000 correctional officers and jailers work inside 

correctional facilities in the United States 

[BLS 2019]. These employees frequently 

use disinfectants to disinfect their workspaces, offices, gear, and equipment, in 

addition to supervising the use of disinfectants by incarcerated persons. The 

total number of people working in 

these facilities is much higher because 

correctional facilities may also employ 

chaplains, healthcare providers, teachers, 

vocational instructors, drug treatment 

specialists, food service personnel, and 

construction and maintenance personnel. 

In addition to employees, incarcerated persons also perform work assignments. For example, in federal prisons, 

each physically and mentally able incarcerated person is assigned to perform 

a work activity that contributes to the 

orderly operation of the institution 

[BOP 2008]. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), all staff and inmates 

who receive a wage for tasks performed 

are considered “workers.” They maintain institution operations and services 

in numerous departments such as food 

service, laundry, facilities, etc. Incarcerated persons are also largely responsible for conducting daily sanitation tasks 

in areas such as food service, medical 

facilities, and inmate housing units.*

*

Institution operations and services are completed through work by incarcerated persons, 

and correctional employees are frequently 

assigned to work inside inmate housing units. 

The term inmate housing unit is used throughout this document to describe the designated 

quarters where the inmates sleep and conduct 

daily personal hygiene tasks. Other terminologies for housing units may include cells, cell 

blocks, dormitories, pods, etc. Inmate housing 

Correctional employees are assigned 

to work in areas where incarcerated persons are tasked with the responsibility of 

cleaning effectively. Work injuries among 

incarcerated persons are reported to 

OSHA in the same manner as employee 

injuries are reported.

The Incarcerated 

Population

Approximately 2 million persons are 

incarcerated in the United States: 1.3 million are in state or federal prisons and 

700,000 are in county jails [Doleac et al. 

2020]. Incarcerated persons are often 

required to share small cells or large 

dormitory-style barracks and communal bathrooms. These congregate settings and conditions make effective 

social distancing difficult, especially in 

small cells. Incarcerated persons frequently have higher rates of chronic 

conditions compared with the general population [Healthy People 2020]. 

These factors, combined with the complexities of employees and incarcerated 

units frequently have staff offices inside the 

unit, as well as, phones, computers, bathrooms, 

showers, and television viewing areas with game 

tables and chairs.

Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention

National Institute for Occupational 

Safety and Health
2

persons working in shared spaces, heighten the importance 

of enhanced cleaning and disinfecting practices through the 

safe and proper use of chemical disinfectants.

Viral Pathogens

Potential viral pathogens within the correctional environment 

include but are not limited to the following: 

• Common cold viruses (coronavirus, parainfluenza, 

respiratory syncytial virus, and rhinovirus)

• Hepatitis viruses

• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

• Influenza

• Norovirus

• Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus

2 (SARS–CoV–2)

Hepatitis A is transmitted through fecal-oral routes. Hepatitis viruses B and C (HBV and HCV), and HIV are bloodborne pathogens and could be transmitted through shared 

items such as razors, needles, and syringes. If there are bodily 

fluids from a person infected with any type of hepatitis on 

a surface in a correctional facility, the area is disinfected. 

[CDC 2020f; NIOSH 2016]. 

Other viruses, like influenza, norovirus, parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and rhinoviruses, are more likely to be 

transmitted by contact with contaminated surfaces (compared 

with HBV, HCV, HIV, and coronaviruses). Certain coronaviruses have the potential to spread from contaminated surfaces, but they spread more often via respiratory droplets 

[CDC 2018, 2019 b,c, 2020a,c,d,f,g]. SARS–CoV–2, the virus 

that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID–19), is not 

thought to be commonly spread through surface transmission [CDC 2020c, 2021a,c]. Hard, non-porous surfaces may 

facilitate virus transmission, especially if they are “hightouch” surfaces, as described below.

Inside the Correctional 

Work Environment

Correctional employees are required to share and exchange 

equipment with other employees such as paracentric keys, 

two-way radios, and handcuffs. Correctional employees 

also share workspaces (with other employees) inside inmate 

housing units or direct supervision pods, as well as desks, 

computers, and phones. Employees and incarcerated persons may also work in shared workspaces (e.g., cubicles).

Congregate settings can present unique challenges. Incarcerated persons’ use of communal areas contributes to the 

potential for viral transmission onto surfaces such as game 

tables, desks, door handles, stair rails, light switches, sink 

fixtures, shower fixtures, toilets, phones, and computer keyboards. Some surfaces are frequently touched by both the 

employees and the incarcerated persons (door handles, stair 

rails, etc.). Surface contamination of viral pathogens can be 

reduced with effective cleaning and disinfecting protocols 

[CDC 2021b]. 

Health Effects of Disinfectants

Asthma and reactive airway disease can occur in persons 

exposed to certain airborne chemicals, including some disinfectants. Clinically important asthma can occur at exposure concentrations below occupational exposure limits regulated by OSHA or recommended by NIOSH [CDC 2016]. 

Dermatologic diseases are also associated with exposure to 

cleaning agents [Charles et al. 2009; NIOSH 2013]. In addition, because occupational diseases among cleaning personnel are associated with the use of several disinfectants (e.g., 

glutaraldehyde and chlorine), precautions should be used 

to minimize exposure (e.g., gloves and proper ventilation) 

[CDC 2019a; NIOSH 2020]. 

Controlling Exposure to 

Disinfectants

Neutral pH, quaternary disinfectants are very commonly 

used within the correctional environment. Detergent disinfectants (quaternary ammonium compounds) are generally 

used for housekeeping purposes. 

The most effective method of reducing exposure to a disinfectant is to eliminate the hazard or substitute a less hazardous substance [Quinn et al. 2015, NIOSH 2015]. If this is not 

possible, engineering controls such as ventilation should be 

considered. An example of an administrative control would 

be to reassign a worker to reduce exposure to a substance. 

Personal protective equipment (PPE) can be used if the 

hazard cannot be controlled by other means (elimination, 

substitution, engineering, or administrative controls) and 

should be provided by the employer [29 CFR†1910.132; 

CDC 2019a; NIOSH 2015].

Recommendations for Employers

Employers should take the following steps to ensure the 

safe use of disinfectants and reduce exposures to viral 

contaminants among employees and incarcerated persons 

assigned to work details. 

†

Code of Federal Regulations. See CFR in References
3

• Purchase and provide appropriate Environmental 

Protection Agency (EPA)-registered disinfectants 

for cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces and equipment. Ensure the product 

(chemical) appears on the EPA-registered disinfectant list (A–O). The product registration number is 

used to verify the product’s effectiveness for specific viral pathogens listed on the registered disinfectant list [EPA 2020; CDC 2021a].

— Lists E and N are for bloodborne pathogens.

— List N is for COVID–19.

— List G is for norovirus. 

— Detergent disinfectants (quaternary ammonium compounds) are generally used for 

housekeeping purposes.‡

• Provide and document training and instructions 

for correctional employees and incarcerated persons to ensure that they read labels carefully and 

that the correct EPA-registered disinfectant is used 

for each purpose (the correct product for the correct viral pathogen). 

• Ensure that indoor ventilation is adequate when 

using disinfectants, especially in small, enclosed 

spaces§

 [NIOSH 2012, 2018]. Open inner doors if 

the security level allows, or open windows in lowsecurity settings, if the physical plant permits such 

options.

• Maintain consistent, scheduled housekeeping 

practices to include the frequent cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and work equipment [CDC 

2003, 2021a,b]. 

• Provide appropriate PPE as recommended by the 

product’s safety data sheet (SDS) at no cost to the 

worker [29 CFR 1910.132]. Ensure that correctional employees and incarcerated persons are 

aware of possible latex allergies [NIOSH 1997].

• Train employees in the use, care, and disposal of 

PPE.

• Ensure that the SDSs are readily available in the 

general area where the product is used and stored 

in accordance with the Hazard Communication 

Standard [29 CFR 1910.1200].

‡

Products may appear on multiple lists and may be cross referenced

§

For more information about ventilation, see https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/

topics/indoorenv/buildingventilation.html and https://www.cdc.gov/

coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/ventilation.html

• Provide access to soap and water stations for handwashing for employees and incarcerated persons.

• Provide appropriate levels of supervision to ensure 

chemicals aren’t ingested or used in a manner intended to cause harm to employees or other incarcerated persons. 

• Provide facility-specific cleaning instructions 

where needed for facility furnishings (game 

tables, bathroom fixtures, beds, mattresses, etc.).

Recommendations for 

Correctional Workers and 

Incarcerated Persons

Workers within correctional facilities, as well as incarcerated 

persons who are assigned to work details, should take the 

following steps during cleaning and disinfection processes 

to protect themselves from exposure to disinfectants and 

prevent or reduce surface viral contamination within the 

correctional setting:

Use Safe Work Practices

• Ensure that indoor ventilation is adequate when 

using disinfectants, especially in small, enclosed 

spaces [NIOSH 2012, 2018]. Open inner doors if 

the security level allows, or open windows in lowsecurity settings, if the physical plant provides 

such options.

• Maintain consistent, scheduled housekeeping practices to include the frequent cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and work equipment [CDC 2003, 

2021a,b].

• If surfaces are visibly dirty, use cleaning products 

or soap and water before disinfecting.

• Wear appropriate PPE, as recommended by the 

product’s SDS when applying disinfectants to surfaces. Ensure that workers are aware when latex 

gloves are being used, so those with a latex allergy 

can avoid contact. For more information about 

latex gloves and allergies, see [NIOSH 1997].

• Clean and disinfect the duty belt and gear (before 

re-use) using a disinfectant spray or wipe, according to the product label.

• Wash hands with soap and water after using cleaning products or after touching surfaces that may be 

contaminated. 
4

Choose the Correct Product

• Select an appropriate EPA-registered disinfectant for 

cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces and equipment. Check the equipment manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning to ensure the 

product will not damage the equipment. For example, some chemicals may corrode two-way radios, 

paracentric keys, etc.

• Ensure the product (chemical) appears on the EPAregistered disinfectant list (A–O). 

• Use EPA-registered disinfectants to disinfect hightouch surfaces [EPA 2020]. Surfaces include tables, chairs, desks, door handles, stair rails, light 

switches, sink fixtures, showers and fixtures, toilets, 

phones, and keyboards. Disinfect surfaces at the frequency determined by the facility’s infection-control personnel.

• Note that not all disinfectants are effective against 

every organism or virus found in correctional 

facilities. Workers (including employees who obtain or dispense disinfectants, medical personnel, 

or infection prevention and control personnel) 

should ensure that the correct EPA-registered disinfectant is being used for the intended purpose or 

a specific viral pathogen.

Follow Product Instructions

• Review the specific product’s SDS in its entirety. 

SDSs contain 16 sections of information about a 

specific chemical/product, including instructions 

for use, hazards, and spill-handling procedures [29 

CFR 1910.1200; NIOSH 2012]. 

— In correctional facilities, SDSs may be stored 

electronically or in common areas in a yellow binder [affixed on the wall, in a wire 

basket], or they can be requested from correctional management.

• Review the product label instructions, paying 

careful attention to the sections that detail the 

specific uses, surface types, contact/wet time, and 

shelf life (if applicable). In most instances, a product is designed for a specific purpose and for use 

in a specific manner [CDC 2019a; NIOSH 2020]. 

Also review the precautionary statements associated with product use.

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all disinfection products/chemicals:

— Concentration/dilution ratio: Some disinfectants are shipped in concentrated form 

and must be diluted and/or activated with 

water (per the Chemical Formulary) before use in a correctional facility. Likewise, 

these disinfectants may have a shorter shelf 

life once the disinfectant is activated/diluted 

with water.

— Application method: Products may contain 

specific directions for general cleaning. 

For example, the “directions for use” may 

list what to use to apply the product (mop, 

sponge, trigger sprayer, etc.). Products may 

also have a separate set of directions for 

disinfecting the surfaces and what to use to 

apply the product (brush, cloth, etc.).

— Contact time: Some disinfectants may have 

a longer contact/wet time.

— Personal protective equipment (PPE): Use 

recommended PPE and follow training guidelines for maintenance and disposal of PPE.

— Mixing: NEVER mix disinfectants with cleaners, other disinfectants, or other chemicals. 

Mixing some chemical disinfectants with 

other chemical substances could be hazardous. For example, the toxic gas chlorine can 

be released if you mix sodium hypochlorite 

(bleaching solutions) and acidic cleaning 

agents [NIOSH 2020]. In addition, mixing a 

disinfectant with anything else could change 

its properties and it may no longer be effective [NIOSH 2020].

Photo by © Boston Globe/Getty Images
5

• Follow all facility-specific cleaning instructions 

for facility furnishings (game tables, bathroom fixtures, beds, mattresses, etc.).

Acknowledgments

This document was prepared by Sarah Hughes and Susan 

Afanuh, NIOSH.

Suggested Citation

NIOSH [2021]. NIOSH Workplace Solutions: Safe and proper 

use of disinfectants to reduce viral surface contamination in 

correctional facilities. By Hughes S, Afanuh S. Cincinnati, 

OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute 

for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2021‒121.

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7

For More Information

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and health questions:

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are based on research studies that show how worker exposures to hazardous agents or activities can be significantly 

reduced.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.26616/NIOSHPUB2021121

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2021-121

July 2021