This year, the world has been faced by global pandemic, COVID-19. The virus has created a remarkable effect on how we work and live. Many companies have been forced to shut down, and with the infection cases declining in some parts of the world, people have started to resume work but under precaution to avoid contracting the virus.
Here are some of the basics of how you could maintain a clean workspace during the pandemic and after.
Cleaning Your Workplaces Guidance
Spreading the virus may not always be avoidable, but people should adopt good cleaning and disinfection routine. The cleaning routines can help reduce and eliminate the bacteria and viruses on the work surfaces and objects in their office.
- Always use disposable gloves, a mask, and a gown to clean and disinfect the hard surfaces and objects. After the cleaning process, remove and dispose them safely immediately.
- Do not start disinfecting before you clean. When you clean using detergents and water before, you will get rid of particles that may carry the virus risk on surfaces. Cleaning before disinfecting is more effective in killing any virus that may have remained.
- Use generous amounts of water to clean, especially on large surfaces. You may also use household bleach to clean the office. While cleaning, ensure that you do not mix the cleaning reagents as they may be flammable when not used well.
- High-tough spaces should be cleaned and disinfected daily, for instance, phone receivers, remotes, handles, etc.
Ventilation and the Air Quality of the Office
Our offices’ indoor air quality helps in mitigating the spread of the virus and other germs that may still be present after the end of the coronavirus. Offices may house many air contamination sources such as molds, bacteria, volatile products, and many others. When your office is poorly ventilated, the presence of these contaminants may be exacerbated.
To make your office safer during and after COVID-19, you need to ensure that you focus on your plumbing, air-conditioning, and filtration systems responsible for filtering, diluting, and removing pathogens.
Social Distancing Measures at the Office
Some companies require their employees to work remotely while others need them on-site. Employees need to practice social distance measures. This can be done through:
- Limiting the number of people present in one room
- Using a social distancing desk tool
- Keeping visitors at a minimum
- Incorporating virtual meetings rather than physical ones
- Updating the design of the office to help maintain distance
- Having touchless entries
After adopting all these measures, every employee’s responsibility is to observe them stop the spread of the virus. Offices should have hospital grade hand sanitizer for the employees or a water and soap station at the entrance where employees and clients can hand wash regularly.
We should make these safety measures a routine even after the pandemic to prevent the spread of other germs and infections such as the flu or Tuberculosis. Every office needs to maintain a high infection control standard to keep everyone safe and free from viruses.