Getting Your Workplace Ready After COVID-19

<

Preparing Your Workplace Post-COVID-19

Date Posted: August 26, 2021

As businesses gradually return to normal after the pandemic, it's crucial to ensure a safe and healthy workplace environment for both employees and customers. The ongoing challenges of maintaining operations during a public health crisis require careful planning and adherence to guidelines from local, state, and federal health agencies.

One of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of illness is through regular cleaning and disinfection. Using hot, soapy water to clean surfaces can significantly reduce the presence of viruses. Routine cleaning helps maintain a safer environment by minimizing the risk of contamination.

High-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, keyboards, and countertops should be cleaned more frequently. Using EPA-approved disinfectants is essential for these areas. Consider implementing touchless solutions like automatic doors or foot-operated faucets to further reduce contact points.

Outdoor surfaces like sidewalks don’t typically require sanitizing, but they should still be cleaned regularly with soap and water. However, railings and other high-contact outdoor equipment should be disinfected to prevent the spread of germs.

Surfaces That Need Regular Sanitization

Here are some common surfaces that are frequently touched and should be sanitized on a regular basis:

  • Tables
  • Doorknobs
  • Keyboards
  • Toilets
  • Light switches
  • Countertops
  • Handles
  • Desks
  • Phones
  • Faucets and sinks
  • Gas pump handles
  • Touchscreens
  • ATM machines

Cleaning should be done daily or at the end of each shift. High-traffic areas may need more frequent sanitization. In restrooms, providing a spray bottle for users to sanitize surfaces after use is a practical solution. For larger facilities, regular janitorial services are recommended.

Choosing the Right Cleaning Agent

Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is one of the most effective ways to prevent illness. If handwashing isn't possible, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used regularly throughout the day.

When selecting a disinfectant, it's important to choose products that are effective and safe. The EPA has listed several approved disinfectants for use against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). Here are three common types:

  1. Bleach-based products are highly effective but require careful handling due to their strong chemical properties. They must be stored away from other chemicals and gloves should always be worn when using them.
  2. Alcohol-based products containing more than 65% ethyl or isopropyl alcohol are also very effective. These are commonly found in hand sanitizers and often include ingredients like glycol to help reduce skin irritation. However, they are flammable and should be handled with care.
  3. Quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) are another effective option. They are generally less irritating to the skin and non-flammable, but they require longer contact times to be fully effective.

It’s always a good idea to review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for any cleaning product to understand its proper use and safety precautions.

Leave a Comment

Post Comment

Comments have to be approved before showing up

PVC Sports Flooring

Pvc Sports Flooring,Floor For Badminton Court,Table Tennis Court Flooring,Sports Flooring For Dance Room

Jiangsu Ruidong Sports Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.cnruidongsports.com