Open Your Facility Safely During A Pandemic

Every business was, to some extent, affected by the recently mandated closures due to the coronavirus pandemic, and as such, there are some precautions that need to be followed when it comes to facility management to ensure safely reopening.

The reopening of businesses nationwide will require all Americans to move forward as a whole, with the continued social distancing and sanitizing workplaces in order to limit the risk of spreading the virus that is known to cause COVID-19.

To reopen your facility, as well as the country, as safely and responsibly as possible, will require reliance on several public health strategies. These strategies include increased virus testing, social distancing, tracking of contact, and isolation.

In order to effectively clean and disinfect those highly targeted public areas, such as your workplace, school, home, and even business you need to:

Develop your plan

Careful planning will prove to be a significant key in the successful and safe reopening of any public areas. The most important part of the reopening is that of making sure to do everything possible to reduce the risk of potential exposure to COVID-19. Each and every one of us needs to play our part in the battle again the spread of the coronavirus, through social distancing, the wearing of masks, and frequent washing of our hands.

Implement your plan

The EPA has announced, through the use of the proper products, the COVID-19 virus can be killed. These products consist of such disinfectant products as concentrates, wipe, and ready for use sprays. Each of the products suggested have been shown in tests to work effectively against other such harder to kill viruses than those that cause COVID-19.

Maintain and revise your plan

When it comes to an overall general framework for the proper cleaning and disinfecting of areas and workplaces, it is suggested that:

• Through the routine and normal cleaning with such items as soap and water, there will be a significant decrease in the amount of the virus that is present on surfaces and objects, which in turn will aid in the reduction in the risk of exposure.
• Through the use of those disinfectants that are EPA approved in the battle against COVID-19, there will be a significant reduction in the risk of exposure. Along with the proper disinfectants, it is vital that all areas and objects that are frequently touched are cleaned often.
• In the event that EPA approved disinfectants are not available, there are alternatives that may used in their place. For example,1/3 cup of bleach can be added to 1 gallon of water for a workable disinfectant. You can also use alcohol solutions of 70% or more with good results. When using a bleach/water solution, these can be effective in disinfection for up to at least 24 hours.

Safety First

Whenever engaging in the use of any type of disinfectant or cleaner, it is vital that you always follow the directions on the label to make sure you are using the product safely and effectively.

• Make sure to always wear some form of skin protection, such as gloves. It is also suggested that the donning of goggles for eye protection in case of splash hazards occurring.
• Make sure when working with disinfectants and cleaners that you have adequate ventilation at all times.
• Do not exceed the recommended use as listed on the instruction label at all times.
• It is crucial unless otherwise instructed on the label, that room temperature water be used for all diluting.
• Absolutely avoid the mixing of chemical products.
• Label bottles of any cleaning solutions that have been diluted.
• Make sure that any and all chemicals are safely stored out of reach of both children and pets.
  

There are some essential takeaways when performing your facility management to allow a safe reopening. Coronaviruses can take anywhere from hours to days to completely die and become inert on most surfaces. The exposure to a warmer temperature and even sunlight will significantly reduce the overall life span of the virus on surfaces and objects.