How to Keep Your Office Safe During COVID-19

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

This year, SERVPRO of Franklin County has helped many local businesses sanitize their buildings after they were exposed to COVID-19.

Having your business exposed to COVID-19 requires a deep cleaning, which can be both time-consuming and costly.

But by taking some important steps, you can reduce the risk of COVID spreading throughout your workplace.

Here are some precautions you can take to keep your business safe during these dangerous times. 

Clean Office Space Daily

Since contracting COVID-19 is so easy, offices should be cleaned at the end of each day to prevent the virus from potentially spreading. 

The easiest way to disinfect your office is by cleaning floors and surfaces with bleach and water. The CDC recommends using five tablespoons of bleach (1/3 cup) per gallon of water, or four teaspoons of bleach per quart of water. 

Disinfecting wipes like Clorox can also be effective in sanitizing surfaces. Just be sure not to mix cleaning products together, as they can create dangerous (and even deadly) fumes. 

The most important surfaces to clean are the ones which are touched most often. Door knobs, handles, buttons on electronics, sinks, toilets and office phones should all be disinfected regularly.

According to the CDC, COVID-19 can last on surfaces for hours and in some cases several days, so it’s necessary to sanitize your office daily to keep workers safe.  

Air Filters

The quality of your office’s air circulation has never been more important. It’s vital that the ventilation, filtration systems and plumbing work efficiency to remove pathogens.

When it comes to filtration, the key number is minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV). The rating system is scored from 1-16, with 16 being the best possible score. It’s recommended for offices to have a MERV of 13. 

Conduct assessments of your HVAC system, replace air filters frequently and increase circulation of outdoor air as much as possible by opening windows and doors.

 Increase Precautionary Measures

The standard CDC guidelines of COVID prevention should apply in your office. Social distancing should take place whenever possible. If it’s necessary to be in close quarters with others, masks should be worn. 

Hand sanitizer, cleaning wipes and extra masks should be readily available for all employees.

Educate Employees

Your business has likely already had conversations about necessary procedures to combat COVID, but it’s important to re-instill them. 

Signs posted in the office can be an effective way to drive home the message. Reminders about office guidelines can help prevent safety quality from slipping.   

Following these steps can help your business stay healthy and safe during the pandemic. However, if your business has a positive case, SERVPRO of Franklin County can help you sanitize and get you back in business. Give us a call 24/7: 636-583-5200.