Learn about volcanic ash and safety

Driving

If ash is falling, avoid driving if possible. Ash can:

• damage cars;
• make roads slippery;
• be harmful or irritating to people nearby; and
• get into the air, making it hard to see. 

If you must drive:

• drive slowly;
• use headlights;
• use lots of windscreen fluid;
• avoid using wipers on dry ash as it can scratch the windscreen;
• in heavier ashfall, only drive in an emergency;
• change oil, oil filters and air filters often;
• do not drive without an air filter;
• have brakes and alternator cleaned after driving in ash;
• clean ash from the inside and outside of your car;
• wash the engine compartment with a garden hose or steam cleaner (seal air intakes and electrical components before cleaning); and
• consult an automotive specialist if unsure.
   

In wet weather, ash stays damp, keeping the air clear. However, in dry conditions, wind and traffic can easily stir up the ash. This could increase dust levels to potentially harmful amounts.

Ash can stay in the environment for months or years. Rain and wind help clear away ash, and over time, grass and other plants trap it in the soil. This process can take a long time. Wind can also carry ash into areas that were previously clean.

Why should you clean up the ash?

Ash is different from ordinary house dust. Its sharp, crystalline structure causes it to scratch and abrade surfaces when it is removed by wiping or brushing.

Volcanic ash can get into small spaces, including inside televisions and computers where it can cause irreparable damage.

What precautions should you take before cleaning up ash?

• Wear a well-fitting respirator. The most effective respiratory protection for adults is to wear a well-fitting, industry-certified face mask such as a N95 mask.
• Wear goggles or corrective eyeglasses instead of contact lenses to protect eyes from irritation.
• Lightly water down the ash deposits before removing them.
• Avoid dry brushing, which can expose you to very high levels of ash.
• Use extra caution on ladders and roofs. The ash makes surfaces much more slippery. Where possible, use a harness.

Cleaning up outside

As much as possible, keep ash out of:

• buildings;
• machinery;
• vehicles;
• downspouts;
• water supplies; and
• wastewater systems like storm drains. 

The most effective method to prevent ash-induced damage to machinery is to shut down, close off or seal equipment until ash is removed from the immediate environment. 

Coordinate clean-up activities with your neighbours and community. After an ashfall, remove ash from roofs in a timely manner to avoid having to clean streets more than once.

You should:

• wear a recommended respirator and eye protection such as goggles;
• moisten the ash with a sprinkler first to help stop the wind from stirring it up;
• use shovels for removing the bulk of ash deposits over 1 cm and stiff brooms to remove smaller amounts;
• place the ash into heavy-duty plastic bags and follow your local authority’s advice on proper ash disposal;
• cut grass and hedges only after rain or light sprinkling and bag the clippings;
• use water sparingly to dampen ash in yards and streets to reduce spreading ash; and
• remove outdoor clothing before entering a building.

You should not:

• soak the ash as it will thicken and harden, making clean-up more difficult;
• soak the ash on your roof, as the added weight of the water will increase the risk of roof collapse;
• dump ash in gardens or on the roadside;
• wash ash into sewers or storm drains; nor
• drive unless necessary, to avoid stirring up the ash and damaging vehicles.

Cleaning up inside

Clean indoors only after the outside is clean. Ash can get inside through: 

• windows;
• doors;
• air intakes; and
• on shoes and clothes.

Vacuum surfaces to remove as much ash as possible from carpets, furniture, office equipment, appliances and other items. We recommend portable vacuum systems equipped with high-efficiency particulate filtering systems.

You should:

• wear a recommended respirator and eye protection such as goggles;
• create air flow by opening all doors and windows before you start to clean;
• use only 1 entrance to the building while cleaning so that others do not bring in ash into clean areas;
• use a damp rag before vacuuming where possible;
• use a dustless method of cleaning such as washing with water and an effective detergent or wetting agent;
• clean carpets and upholstery with a detergent shampoo after vacuuming;
• avoid excess rubbing action as the sharp ash particles may cut textile fibers;
• dab glass, porcelain enamel and acrylic surfaces rather than wiping to avoid scratching these surfaces;
• vacuum then blot high-shine wood finishes with a wet cloth;
• rinse fabrics under running water then wash carefully or shake them outside;
• use a damp mop or wet cloth to clean hard floors;
• replace filters often in the months after an ashfall, including air conditioners and furnace filters;
• clean any surface that may blow air and recirculate the ash; and
• clean stove fans and vents.

To avoid stirring up ash into the air, you: 

• should not sweep dry ash;
• should not use floor sweepers with side brushes to clear aisles and floors;
• should not clean by blowing with compressed air; nor
• should not use fans or clothes dryers which might stir up ash.