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**IMPORTANT** − Update to Training Bulletin 21.0-08, Decontamination of COVID-19 Exposed Axon Products.
On March 13 and 19, 2020, Axon released Training Bulletin 21.0-08, versions 1 and 2, respectively, which provide guidance on disinfecting Axon products that may have been exposed to COVID-19 (coronavirus). The Bulletin listed PDI Sani-Cloth® HB, PDI Sani-Cloth Plus, and PDI Super Sani-Cloth as products that could be used based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) approval of these products as a registered disinfectant. However, it has not been conclusively determined that these wipes are effective in destroying the SARS-CoV-2 virus (the virus that causes COVID-19). This Update supersedes and renders obsolete Training Bulletin 21.0-08 versions 1.0 and 2.0.
Law enforcement officers around the world are at risk of exposure to COVID-19 as they interact with the public. Each law enforcement agency should develop and follow its own policies and procedures for cleaning and decontaminating products manufactured by Axon Enterprise, Inc. (“Axon”). However, due to the recent categorization of COVID-19 as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), Axon provides the following guidance on the decontamination of Axon’s body worn cameras (“BWCs”), sensors, TASER® conducted energy weapons (“CEWs”), and all product accessories from potential COVID-19 exposure. Current evidence suggests that the COVID-19 virus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials.[1]
In addition to regularly cleaning and disinfecting equipment and surfaces, the United States’ Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends disinfecting material and surfaces potentially exposed to COVID-19. The following products are listed by the American Chemistry Council's (ACC) Center for Biocide Chemistries (CBC) and pre-approved by the EPA for use against the COVID-19 outbreak.[2] These products have also been tested by Axon and were found to result in no negative effects to the plastic, rubber, metal, and glass materials of Axon’s products.[3]
PDI Sani-Cloth AF3 Germicidal Disposable Wipes (EPA #9480-9)
- PDI Sani-Cloth Bleach Germicidal Disposable Wipes (EPA #9480-8)
- Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes (EPA # 5813-79)
- Lysol® Multi-Surface Cleaner (EPA #777-89)
Axon recommends wipe products because of their ease of use and ability to control the amount of moisture exposed to the device; however, a cloth or paper towel damped with a listed product or solution will also be effective. Note: Do NOT use alcohol-based products on the Axon Flex 2 camera as it may cause damage to the housing.[4]
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for disinfection products used. Axon products should be wiped but not immersed or soaked with risk of allowing moisture to seep into the device. After using the disinfection product, wipe any residual disinfectant solution from the device with a cloth dampened with clean water. Allow the device to fully dry before use and allow CEW cartridges to dry before reinserting them into the CEW. The dry time will vary depending on humidity and airflow around the device.
WARNING: When handling CEWs during this process, they should be placed on safe, and all live cartridges removed and wiped separately. Use caution when disinfecting CEW cartridges, pointing the cartridge in a safe direction.
Each law enforcement agency should establish its own policies and procedures for CEW probe removal and collection; however, as a general rule, probes that have penetrated the body should be treated as contaminated needles (biohazard), regardless of whether the person is suspected of being infected with COVID-19 or not. During and after probe removal from a subject, follow all agency policies and procedures for handling biohazards and all current recommendations for COVID-19 risk mitigation.
Additional information: “What Law Enforcement Personnel Need to Know about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)”:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-law-enforcement.html
Clorox is a trademark of The Clorox Company, Lysol is a trademark of Reckitt Benckiser, LLC, and Sani-Cloth is a trademark of Professional Disposables International, Inc.
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/cleaning-disinfection.html
[2] https://www.americanchemistry.com/Novel-Coronavirus-Fighting-Products-List.pdf
[3] By providing this list of products, Axon makes no representation about their effectiveness in killing the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
[4] The products listed above are not alcohol-based products.