Disinfection and Cleaning Strategies for Reopening Commercial Buildings

Published on: 22 September 2020 Last Updated on: 30 October 2024
Disinfection

Cleaning and Disinfection have never been more important than amid the COVID-19 pandemic. And, with quarantine restrictions beginning to loosen, many businesses that were shuttered during lockdown will start resuming operations. As this happens, the biggest challenge for commercial building owners is being able and ready to return buildings to use swiftly and safely. Reducing the risk of exposure by cleaning and disinfecting is an integral part of reopening commercial buildings as the safety of occupants remains a key priority.

With this rising demand for clean environments, commercial buildings will have to come up with safe and effective cleaning strategies that will assure occupants of their safety even as the threat of the virus continues to linger in our minds. With so much uncertainty surrounding the spread of the coronavirus and how people can protect against it, it’s not worth it to take any risks. You can find professional cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting services at www.excelpestservices.com. Cleaning and disinfecting commercial buildings for reopening will involve developing a plan, implementing the plan, as well as maintaining and revising the plan.

Develop Your Disinfection Plan:

There’s no one-size-fits-all cleaning and disinfection plan as commercial buildings are structured differently and for different purposes. You will need to evaluate your building to determine the surfaces and materials that make up that area. This will guide you in choosing the appropriate cleaning and disinfection method suitable for each.

Implement Your Plan:

Once you have the right cleaning and disinfection plan for your building, it’s time to put it into action. We have mapped out a few key strategies that will help you navigate this issue and ensure optimal cleaning and disinfection service. Without further ado, let’s get started:

Wear appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment):

Whether you are contracting a cleaning service or using in-house janitorial staff, the cleaning crew must wear appropriate PPEs like gloves, masks, goggles, and so on. That’s because they are at a higher risk of being exposed to COVID-19 (given that it can stay on surfaces for days) and the toxicity of cleaning/disinfecting products. Not wearing PPEs also means asymptomatic carriers could spread pathogens to clean areas. It’s also important for the cleaning crew to receive training on the proper use of PPEs, cleaning equipment, and cleaning products to ensure efficiency.

Apply normal routine cleaning on visibly dirty surfaces:

It’s important to clean surfaces and objects with soap and water before disinfecting. And, be sure to clean soft and porous materials according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Determine what you need to disinfect:

While some surfaces and materials are cleaned with just soap and water, others must be disinfected. Scientists have proven that coronavirus can also live on various surfaces for up to a couple of days. People can contract it by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching their eyes, mouth, or nose.

Start by disinfecting high-touch surfaces as they are the main source of spreading pathogens. This includes doorknobs/handles, elevator buttons, restroom facilities, trash can lids, faucet handles, floor surfaces, light switches, tables/countertops/desks, handrails, and so on. Additionally, areas unique to your building may also require disinfecting. For instance, retail occupancy will require disinfecting shopping cart handles and payment touchpads while offices will need to disinfect computer monitors, keyboards, conference tables, etc.

Soft and porous materials in high-traffic areas like carpets, upholstery, and curtains can be germ reservoirs and will need to be disinfected as well.

Use EPA-Approved cleaning/disinfectant products:

Not all cleaning products are suitable for removing pathogens, particularly traces of COVID-19, from building surfaces. It’s important to look at EPA’s suggested products as they are both effective and non-toxic. If EPA-approved disinfectants are not available, you can use a diluted solution of household bleach or 70% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA).

Use products effectively:

It’s important to follow the directions on the label with regards to the application method (concentration and dilution), contact time, as well as any other precautions to take when applying like good ventilation and appropriate PPE to wear. This will ensure the effective and safe use of cleaning and disinfecting products. Avoid mixing cleaning and disinfection products as this can result in very dangerous fumes that could cause serious injury or even death.

Avoid over-disinfection:

It is possible to over-disinfect surfaces while trying to ensure no pathogens are left behind. And although these products are great at removing pathogens, their overuse can have serious side effects in humans. Disinfectants can pose an immediate risk to some people, including those who are asthmatic or suffer from migraines, allergies, suppressed immune systems, or immune disorders. They may experience symptoms like headaches, nausea, and vomiting, irritability, difficulty breathing, mood swings, memory loss, seizures, etc.

Outdoor areas require normal routine cleaning:

Many outdoor surfaces will not be touched; as such, disinfecting them is a waste of supplies. However, some areas like bars and restaurants will require disinfecting. Pools and other water play areas must also be well-maintained, for example disinfecting with chlorine or bromine.

What about an unoccupied building?

Properties that have not been occupied for over 7 days will do with normal routine cleaning, meaning there’s no need for disinfecting. That’s because the coronavirus cannot survive on surfaces for longer than this time. But once you reopen, you will have to develop and implement a disinfection plan to keep everyone safe.

Work in zones:

It’s important to separate areas in the building by how likely they are to contain pathogens. Then start with low-risk zones moving into high-risk areas to help avoid cross-contamination.

Maintain and Revise the Plan:

Once you reopen, it’s important to maintain the above disinfection strategies to minimize the risk of contracting COVID-19 and other pathogens. This should be done in conjunction with other safe practices like social distancing, wearing masks, frequent hand washing, and more. Be sure to revise and update your cleaning and disinfection plan based on the current circumstances (level of COVID-19 exposure in your building) and updated guidance by the local and federal governments.

Read also:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Expert Gutter Maintenance Services

Expert Gutter Maintenance Services In Founders Square, Naples, Fl 

Founders Square, a notable and thriving community in Naples, Florida, offers a blend of residential charm and commercial vibrancy. Known for its beautiful homes, lush landscapes, and proximity to some of Naples' finest amenities, this area epitomizes the Floridian lifestyle. A skilled handyman Founders Square Naples FL, enhances the community's dedication to maintaining its picturesque environment, making it a coveted location for residents and businesses. The Importance Of Gutter Maintenance In Founders Square, the balmy Florida weather can bring its share of rain anytime. Thus, maintaining the integrity and appearance of homes is essential. A key aspect of this maintenance is gutter care. Gutters are critical in managing rainwater and protecting properties from the potential damages of Florida’s frequent downpours. Regular maintenance and timely repairs of gutter systems are not just about protecting individual homes. They are also about preserving the overall aesthetic and value of the Founders Square community. Identifying Gutter Problems For homeowners in Founders Square, being vigilant about gutter health is crucial. Signs of gutter distress include sagging, leaks, and water spillover during rains. These can lead to more severe consequences like water intrusion, landscape erosion, and damage to the home's foundation. Early detection and rectification of these issues are vital to prevent expensive and extensive damage, especially in a climate as varied as that of Naples, Florida. The Role Of Professional Services Professional gutter maintenance services are invaluable in addressing these challenges. These experts, equipped with specialized tools and extensive knowledge, handle gutter cleaning, repair, and maintenance tasks efficiently and safely. For Founders Square residents, utilizing professional services ensures that their gutter systems are in top condition, safeguarding their homes against the subtropical climate of Naples. Benefits Of Professional Gutter Maintenance Key advantages of professional gutter maintenance include: Expertise and Experience: Professionals thoroughly understand gutter systems, particularly how they perform in Florida's climate. Safety: Gutter maintenance can be risky; professionals have the right equipment and training to carry out the job safely. Time and Convenience: Outsourcing this task saves homeowners time and the hassle of doing it themselves. Preventive Care: Professionals can detect and address minor issues before they escalate, preventing costly future repairs. Choosing The Right Service Provider Selecting the right gutter maintenance service in Founders Square is critical. Homeowners should look for providers with a solid reputation, appropriate licensing, and insurance coverage. Services offering a comprehensive range of gutter solutions are preferable. Additionally, the expertise of a handyman in Founders Square, Naples, FL, can be invaluable in providing local insights and tailored services. Recommendations from fellow residents and local reviews can be particularly helpful in making an informed decision. Regular Maintenance: A Key To Longevity Regular gutter maintenance is essential in Naples' climate. It is advisable to have gutters cleaned and inspected routinely, ideally twice a year, to ensure they are clear of debris and functioning correctly. Regular maintenance helps avoid unexpected repairs and extends the lifespan of the gutter system. Conclusion In Founders Square, Naples, FL, where the blend of modern living and natural beauty is cherished, maintaining every aspect of a home, including gutters, is crucial. Professional gutter maintenance services offer expertise, safety, and convenience. This ensures that the homes in Founders Square remain as beautiful and well-kept as the community itself. Through regular and professional care, the gutters, much like the community, can continue to function seamlessly. Further, it adds to the charm and resilience of Founders Square in Naples. Read Also: Home Improvement Hacks to Add to Your Space Ideas for Modern Flooring Designs for Home Improvement Plans 6 Interior Design Tips to Make Your House a Home

READ MOREDetails
Interior Design

6 Interior Design Tips to Make Your House a Home

Decorations don’t necessarily make your house a home. However, certain interior design tips can help make your space cozier. When your home feels lived-in, it feels more like you belong there! Here are just a few tips for making your house feel more like home. 1. Lighting is Everything Comfortable lighting is one of the most important elements of interior design, and it’s one of the quickest ways to make your new home feel like home. Try indirect lighting for a gentle glow. If you’re going to be doing more than watching movies in your living room, consider task lighting. Make sure you can see to read or craft if you plan to spend a lot of time doing those things in your living space. Where there isn’t natural light, provide warm light with different types of lamps, different lampshades, and more. Mix it up with recessed lighting, chandeliers, and other different fixtures to bring out the coziness of your home. 2. Dress it Up with Art Bare walls can make your home feel empty and soulless. Even beautifully painted walls need to be decorated, and art is a great way to make your home feel closer and more lived-in. Choose art that you already know and love, but choose a frame that works best with your current design ideas. Make sure to hang the art correctly and display it where it fits best. Using art can be a great way to tie a room together! If you can’t find art that you like enough for a certain room, trying substituting a classy mirror instead! 3. Family Photos are Key All of those family photos need a place, so why not put them where you can see them? Nothing makes you feel more at home than your family and friends. You can display your photos in frames on the wall or your surfaces. You can also get canvas prints made of your favorite family photos and hang them up for all to see! Your house starts to feel like home once it’s full. Even if you don’t live with your family, being able to see their faces and recall great memories with them can help you feel more at ease. 4. Personal Space If you don’t live alone, chances are you share all of your spaces with at least one other person. However, choosing to set aside a room or corner of a room just for you is important. Make sure that you have your personal space with your favorite things, including books, personal decorations, gifts from friends, and your favorite blanket. Make a cozy space just for you! It can help your home feel more welcoming. 5. Your Style Rules One of the greatest things about your home is that you can decorate it however you want. The urge to make your room look like a showroom or a picture from a magazine is tempting, but adding your style can be incredibly worthwhile. Use the colorful pillows that you like, you can easily buy this product online and hang those custom pieces you’ve found throughout your life where you can see them, and choose wall colors that compliment your uniqueness. The only way to make your home feel completely yours is to put yourself into it wherever you can. Use your style to create a space you’ll enjoy living in. 6. Plants Add Life Finally, plants can make all the difference. Use small succulents or other plants on your shelves and surfaces to add color and life. Large plants go great in corners while hanging plants can be placed near windows to liven up your living room. Wherever you choose to place them, make sure you care for your plants properly to keep them alive as long as possible. If you don’t want to care for living plants, there are also synthetic options that add a great look without needing any care at all! Conclusion Even a well-decorated house can feel comfortable. Make sure that you dress up your existing style with things that make you feel as if space is uniquely yours. If you don’t love spending time there, it just isn’t worth it! If you need to make your house a home in the Atlanta area, call on the expertise of interior designers in Atlanta, GA. Read Also: Modern Home design ideas for crowded families How to Make Your Home Look Like You Hired An Interior Designer Outstanding Design Advice If Your Home Is Really Small How to Make your Home Look Beautiful in the Upcoming Holidays Top 5 Interior Designers from Singapore

READ MOREDetails
Common Household Accidents

4 Ways To Prevent Common Household Accidents

It’s easy for accidents to happen around the home. Even some of the most common household accidents in the home can lead to serious injuries or even death. Part of the reason may be because one’s home is the place where they feel the safest, so one might not be on guard. The good news is there are several ways to prevent these accidents from occurring. 4 Ways To Prevent The Most Typical Household Accidents  Most residential people think these accidents are very common. Yes, these are not like road accidents or earthquakes. But these small accidents can harm your whole body, which is no less than any road accident. Here are the easy ways to prevent the most typical types of common household accidents. 1. Preventing Falls Kids and older people can easily trip and fall, although these occurrences are not limited to just older people. No matter your age, tripping, and falling can lead to broken bones or concussions. It's important to ensure you are cautious around the house. Make sure you don’t have clutter on the floors and place non-slip mats on hard surfaces.  Stair falls are the most common household accidents. That can be particularly pretty dangerous, especially for older people. Consider ways of mitigating issues, such as adding brighter lights to dark areas. As you get older, you may even consider putting a home lift in. That way, you won’t have to worry about the stairs as you get older. Installing one of the superior domestic lifts available today can increase your home’s value while keeping everyone safe. Consider Going Through: Senior Staircase Safety: What You Need to Know 2. Preventing Cuts Cuts are a common type of injury, especially in the kitchen. While you may feel sharp knives can be more likely to cut you, it’s actually better to use a sharp knife instead of a dull one since it is less likely to slip. Ensure you use a non-slip cutting mat. So it does not slide around while in use. Any types of cuts are common household accidents. But when you are having different types of utensils and sharp things in your house, you have to be pretty careful. Cuts can happen anytime when you are handling any type of sharp object. For example, cuts are most common during the chopping of vegetables. So how can you prevent these? Keep utilizing the covering after using the sharp things. And always keep handy, fast aid kits for eliminating the excessive blood-flowing chances after cuts. 3. Avoiding Poisoning You need to prioritize keeping your home clean; however, kids are even more likely to be poisoned since they might be curious about cleaning products, medicines, and other toxic substances and want to try them out. Still, you could also be at risk through other avenues. Carbon monoxide is hard to detect, but it can lead to poisoning.  The most common fatal household poisoning accidents are lead poisoning and typical plant insecticides or nonhuman medicines. You must maintain a safety protocol. Make sure that all household cleaners and medications are out of reach and in locked cabinets. These should be childproof locks to keep the kids out of the supplies. Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide tester in each part of the home. Test the batteries often. You may consider using nontoxic cleaning products on a regular basis to reduce further the risk of your kids getting into them. Things like baking soda and vinegar can be effective at getting your surfaces clean, and they are not toxic to your kids. Consider Going Through: Top 7 Home Security Mistakes That Homeowners Need To Avoid Making 4. Preventing Burns At Home Of course, the kitchen is an obvious location when you think about burns, but that’s not the only spot you need to be careful in. Your water heater should be set to a low enough temperature that you are not scalded while washing dishes or taking a shower. And when it comes to fire safety, make sure you never leave your stove on while unattended.  Ensure there are fire extinguishers in an easy-to-access area. It is also critical to ensure smoke detectors are in working condition. It's often wise to replace batteries twice a year, even if they still seem to be working. Burning and blistering are common household accidents. How to prevent it? For more burn cases, you have to take help from the hospitals. But you can treat small blisters and boil at home. Conclusion: All of these four are common household accidents. You can easily overcome the chances of these accidents. But the easy solutions are to keep it handy in a small first aid box. Small cuts and brushes can happen at any time. Your first aid box will help you to minimize the blood flow. But for Severe cases, you have to take help from professional doctors and hospitals. Read Also: Roof Repair: Should You Hire Roofers or DIY? How to Protect Your Wood Flooring in a Busy Household

READ MOREDetails