03/17/20MEAGHAN KELLY5 MIN READ
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) makes its way across the globe and into the United States, it’s important for building management professionals to understand the proactive steps they must take to prevent the spread of illness in their facilities.
In this article, you’ll find seven best practices to follow throughout the year to minimize health hazards and risks, and protect your building’s occupants against contaminants — even after COVID-19 isn’t an immediate concern. Follow these sanitation protocols to keep occupants healthier, happier and more productive.
1. Seek resources and education from trusted organizations.
Misinformation can be dangerous in a health crisis, especially in the early stages of a pandemic. Remember to seek information only from credible organizations. For the most current information on the latest health and safety precautions, turn to the following organizations as a starting point.
2. Order an audit of high-touch areas in your building.
High-touch areas of your building can harbor millions of bacteria and should be regularly cleaned and disinfected to encourage a healthy workplace. Order an audit that notes any surfaces in your building that are most likely to harbor germs. Use the following list to jump start the investigation.
Appliances
Chairs
Coffee stations
Computer mice
Desks
Diaper changing stations
Door handles
Elevator buttons
Keyboards
Kitchen surfaces
Light switches
Railings
Reception areas
Sinks
Tables
Telephones
Toilets
TV remotes
Vinyl furniture
Water cooler handles
3. Clean and disinfect identified high-touch areas in your buildings.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) specifies that there is a difference between cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning solutions are great for removing dirt and grime, while disinfecting solutions work to kill germs and bacteria. If you’re looking to properly sanitize contaminated surfaces in your building, you’ll need to use a combination of a cleaning product and sanitizing product, or find a cleaning solution that specifically performs both functions.
PRO TIP: Do not immediately wipe off the disinfectant from a soiled surface. Most disinfectants need to sit for five to ten minutes to eliminate illness-causing bacterias. Have cleaning personnel check the labels of their cleaning products to learn how long they should wait before wiping off the solution.