Window Cleaning Guideline After Volcanic Eruptions

All flights are grounded as volcanic ash blankets UK: The first signs of disruption emerged in the early hours yesterday when ash from Iceland’s Eyjafjallajokull (ay-yah-FYAH'-plah-yer-kuh-duhl) volcano began to move towards the north of Scotland. Soon, officials from airports across the country were being woken from their beds as crisis management teams prepared to react to the unprecedented decision to close the UK’s airspace. Shortly after 4am, the three main airports in Scotland were closed and by mid-morning the sky above Britain had been turned into a no-fly zone.

Volcanic Ash: The eruptions of volcanoes, that release large quantities of ash in the atmosphere can create unusual cleaning problems. Volcanoes that are known to be active and emit ash are found throughout the world. Certain precautions must be taken when removing the ash because of its abrasive nature.

Volcanic ash is a very fine, gritty substance, very much like tiny glass splinters. Since no weathering has taken place, the fragments, no matter how small, are very sharp. The size of the particles depends on the density and intensity of the eruption. Places closest to a volcano receive larger particles than other areas that are farther away.

When rubbed against a smooth surface, volcanic ash acts like fine sandpaper. The ash will scratch glass, furniture and metallic surfaces; it can also harm paper and textile materials. No noticeable acidity or alkalinity was detected in ash from Mount Saint Helens in a pH test. The ash was found to be insoluble in water and other solvents. When water was mixed with ash and then allowed to dry, the ash residue tended to harden into a cement-like substance.

The ash should be removed by vacuuming. A conventional vacuum cleaner may be used, but it is possible that the fine ash might penetrate the filter bag, get into the motor, or be exhausted back into the room. A vacuum cleaner using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter or a water filtering system will not have this problem. Change the bags and clean the filters often. If the water type vacuum cleaner is used, the water should be changed frequently to prevent ash buildup in the filter. These objects should be vacuumed using the above procedure. Care must be taken not to rub the brush against the glass.



Health Risks:

Ash may cause skin irritation, eye abrasions and breathing problems. Infants, the elderly and those with respiratory ailments will be most affected by the ash. But employees who must work outdoors or must clean up ash should take extra precautions.
Avoid breathing in ash.
Use a “dust mask” when outdoors. A respirator rated as n-95 should provide adequate protection and are generally available.
Prevent ash from getting into the eye.
Use snug fitting goggles when outdoors.
Rinse immediately with copious amounts of fresh, tepid water if ash gets into the eye.
Avoid prolonged skin contact with ash or clothing or items covered by ash.
When outdoors wear clothing that covers arms and legs.
Wear gloves and foot wear that prevents ash from settling inside the shoe or boot.
Use head gear to protect the neck and as much of the face as possible.
Clean the clothing periodically to prevent ash load build-up.
Clean the skin with fresh water to remove ash.

Injury Hazard:

Low light, reduced visibility, slippery surfaces and lightning can all lead to serious physical injury. Ash is extremely slippery when wet.
Prevent slips and falls.
Wear footwear appropriate to conditions.
Dry sweep walk ways as soon as possible.
In low light conditions, turn on outdoor lighting.
Drive with extra care.
Use headlights. Reduce speed. Leave extra stopping distance.
Leave extra time for travel.
Ash may seriously scratch the windshield and reduce visibility. Gently dust ash build-up off surfaces. Avoid rubbing. If possible, before running windshield wipers, use a hose, vacuum or air to remove ash. If using air to blow off surfaces, wear eye protection.
If you work outdoors during an ash fall be aware that lightning can accompany an ash fall.

Risk to Property:

Ash is gritty and abrasive. It can abrade metal. Wet ash can corrode metal if not cleaned. It may jam machinery, clog ventilation filters and drains and contaminate water supplies. In addition to the increased threat of lightning strikes, heavy ash causes electrical short circuits. Power outages should be expected during and after ash fall.

Accumulated ash may pose a risk to structural integrity of a building. The weight of ash can cause roofs to collapse. A one-inch layer of dry ash weighs 5-10 pounds per square foot. Weight increases to 10-15 pounds per square foot when wet.



Travel During or After:

If you must travel long distances be prepared. In addition to regular emergency supplies, add:
Dust masks and eye protection.
Extra air and oil filters and extra oil.
Extra windshield wiper blades and windshield washer fluid.
Cell phone with extra battery. Emergency phone numbers.
Only continue driving if the vehicle can be driven safely. Windshield wipers should only be used if necessary in order to drive safely, as this will scratch the windshield. If employees need to use a rag, towel, paper towel, etc. to remove the ash, they should blot rather than wipe off the ash. As soon as possible, go to a service station or car wash to remove the ash with air, vacuum, or water spray.

More general tips here.