The coronavirus disease (COVID 19) turned our world upside down. Businesses experience dilemma after dilemma, the workforce starts to decline, and people look for desperate ways to survive. As the world strives to rise and get back on track, offices have reservations on their human resources. The management should alleviate the possible risks, and always ensure their employees’ safety.
Fortunately, companies are exerting efforts to learn more about Covid19, especially the transmission and its symptoms. This information helps them create policies to help mitigate the risks around the workplace, like in-office cleaning. Disinfecting and sanitizing as “new normal” ways of cleaning for offices, guidelines like restrictions, and safety precautions arise.
Going Back to the Office
Despite the good news that business operations can resume, getting back with uncertainty on how to start is a struggle. As it strives to go back to their usual set-up, preventive measures have to be done. Also, the conventional ways of maintaining the workplace aren’t enough. Luckily, there are affordable office cleaning services that can be trusted in this job. Besides practicing various cleaning ways in the workplace, there are profound changes that have to be implemented.Hygiene Guidelines
Maintaining proper hygiene has always been the first line of defense against any illness. But with this pandemic, this is critically essential—hand washing for 20 seconds or more with sanitation is strictly encouraged. Companies include alcohol, tissues, and other personal cleaning products to their purchases to give to their staff. The CDC shares a guideline in proper handwashing. These are its recommended steps:- Wet the hands from running water and apply soap.
- Lather your hands with the soap. Rub your hands together.
- Be sure to clean the back of your hands, fingers and between them, palm, and fingernails.
- Handwashing must be done for at least 20 seconds. If you need a timer, sing “Happy Birthday” twice during hand washing.
- Rinse the hands thoroughly using running water.
- Dry hands using a dry and clean towel. Another option can be to air dry them.
Face Mask
Wearing face masks is another defensive weapon of the people against Covid. It provides additional protection from possible virus transmission. Face masks can be worn off inside the office, but a six-feet physical distancing has to be exercised. As part of office protocols, the staff has to wear masks when going outside to avoid transmission inside the workplace.Minimizing physical contact
As part of safety precautions, companies are also requiring their staff to minimize any physical contact. Fortunately, online and virtual platforms like social media, emails, and calls lessen the burden of doing transactions inside the office. Eating meals on separate desks are also highly encouraged. They also urge using their utensils instead of office resources.Staff Rotation
Despite being allowed to get back to operations, offices have to prioritize the safety of their workforce. There have to be adjustments that can meet both the staff welfare and urging to get back. Implementing a skeletal workforce and work from home arrangements are some counteractive actions to solve those challenges.Office Cleaning Procedures During the Covid 19 Pandemic
Every company has a designated cleaner for the office that ensures a spotless and uncontaminated workplace for everyone. But with this pandemic, practicing a usual office cleaning lady cannot be enough. Deep cleaning must be done as this is another way to minimize the Covid 19 transmission inside the premises.Keeping the workspace sanitary clean.
Besides hiring local office cleaning providers, every staff must create a clean environment inside the office. This can be started in being responsible for their respective cubicles. The agency Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided detailed instructions in cleaning and disinfecting every workspace. These are the following:- Always use disposable gowns, gloves, and masks while cleaning and disinfecting. Afterward, these should be carefully removed and disposed of correctly.
- Never disinfect without a thorough cleaning first. In cleaning, use detergent or soap and water solution to eliminate particles, especially from Covid, into every surface. Doing this can also reduce the existence of any virus and bacteria before disinfection. It will be more effective, especially in killing the virus.
- With the list of disinfectants approved by EPA, other solutions can use, like ordinary bleach and water.
- For floors and extensive area cleansing, the recommended measurement is five tablespoons (1/3 cup) of bleach to a gallon of water.
- For spray bottle applications, four teaspoons per quart of water
- Never mix cleaning products, especially if these aren’t recommended.
- Always clean and disinfect frequently touched areas.
- Do not neglect to clean and disinfect shared equipment, digital signages, and kiosks.
Maintaining the quality of the air ventilation system
Covid 19 is said to be an airborne virus. This pandemic reminded everyone to consider indoor quality, mainly to lessen the virus’s chances of spreading. The air quality inside offices is prone to harmful substances that came from elements like volatile compounds and dust. According to the CDC, office staff must open the windows and regularly adjust air conditioners to intensify better air circulation. Some companies encourage keeping fans running from time to time. This helps to let the air move continuously, preventing the virus from remaining inside the office premises.More Ways to Create a Safer Workplace
With so much office stuff to do, fortunately, there are quick cleaning tips that can always be a habit to ensure a cleaner workspace:- Minimize using of absorbent fabrics unless they are regularly cleaned.
- Encourage the use of hand sanitizers. Companies must install hand sanitizing units per office.
- Add Perspex screens between working cubicles to provide additional protection to every staff.
- Organize and de-clutter workspaces.
- Discourage having personal appointments for the meantime. Encourage virtual meetings and appointments instead.
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