17-point Checklist To Ensure Safety In The Post-COVID-19 Era

1. Building Health Is Vital: 17-point Checklist To Ensure Safety In The Post-COVID-19 Era Type your text The global pandemic has changed the way business is conducted across the globe, and the need to follow best practices for building health is acute. Employee safety and the safety of guests and occupants is at stake, and it is important for building owners, facility managers, tenants, building engineers, and all building occupants to make sure their buildings are safe and it is possible to return to work. Returning to the workplace – where interacting with people at close quarters is inevitable – requires caution. Public health organizations and scientists have been advocating a range of mandatory and suggested guidelines to help reduce the risk of virus transmission. Studies on the spread of SARS, the common cold, and influenza viruses showcase the role of healthy buildings in controlling the spread of a virus like COVID-19. They also provide an important business case for investments in building health: Office spaces that prioritize wellness and safety will see increased renewals, higher occupancy, will command premiums, and will garner attention from lucrative tenants. As more buildings are partially occupied, evidence shows tenants and new owners will look for smaller spaces, in nicer buildings and locations, at a higher cost per square meter/foot. Spaces that are energy efficient, sustainable, or rated highly for safety, indoor air quality, and wellness metrics can offer building owners and operators an important basis for differentiation in a crowded market. Finally, the costs of an infection to a business, a community, and a city can be incalculable. The critical task of designing and installing safe systems and processes falls to the owners, facility managers, and building engineers who operate our buildings and ensure our health. 17-POINT CHECKLIST Facility managers and building owners should go through these 17 points to check if their building is healthy after reopening: Adhere to ventilation guidelines set by local authorities Maximizing ventilation is essential to diluting small airborne viral particles and reducing risk. This means fully purging the air in a building before and after occupancy and redirecting air to high traffic areas. Ensure proper filtration Air filters cannot capture the smallest viral particles, which can be as small as 3-5 microns and stay airborne in a still room for over 12 hours. Well sealed filters can significantly remove virus-containing particles, however. It is recommended that filters should have a minimum removal efficiency of 75% for all particle sizes. Install Safe Practices Signage Reminders to wash hands frequently, wear face masks when inside 6 feet or 2 meters, work remotely when sick, and disinfect frequently touched objects or surfaces should be displayed prominently and practiced proactively. Train Staff on Safety Practices Ensuring employees are trained on hygiene, PPE, and other safety measures means knowing how to wear, and use masks safely, and follow hygiene and safety protocols. It also means making sure employees know the procedures to report sickness or what to do if they or someone they live with is exposed or falls ill. Encourage social distancing Implement measures to physically separate employees across break rooms, parking lots, meeting areas, etc. Use signs, floor markings and other visual cues to encourage 6-feet distance between the employees. 1 Meter Make hand sanitizers accessible to all Every employee should have access to a quality alcohol or isopropyl based hand sanitizer. Employees should be encouraged to use the sanitizers frequently, even if the hands are not visibly dirty. Update or upgrade building automation systems It is important that building management systems offer remote monitoring and alerts, or can be programmed or updated to use outside air and increase ventilation. This means maintenance teams will not have to manually adjust airflow and visit each room or office, and reduce wear on equipment. Some companies now offer upgrades including ‘HVAC Epidemic Modes’ that can work with existing equipment or systems to keep buildings safe. Sustain humidity levels at 40-60% and increase setpoints The humidity level inside the building should be maintained between 40-60% if possible while buildings are occupied to reduce the aerosolization of viral particles and reduce transmission range with or without a mask. Lower humidity during unoccupied periods reduces mold risk. Test water quality regularly The temporary shutdown or reduced operation of a building can create hazards including mold and Legionella (the cause of Legionnaires’ disease). Installing water purifier systems can help filter out contaminants and control microbes at the point of use. Check equipment and systems thoroughly Check fire alarms and equipment, building access and central plant equipment, HVAC units or air handlers, and any elevators or escalators to find and address maintenance issues before they occur. During periods of building inactivity, maintenance can lapse and faults may go unnoticed. Monitor Indoor Air Quality Poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is exacerbated by partially occupied or unoccupied buildings and can lead to illnesses like asthma, fatigue, or irritation, which can impair occupant productivity. Ensure that the building is free of pollutants like lead, PCB and asbestos by spot testing for hazardous substances and regular monitoring of IAQ metrics including temperature, humidity, CO2 and occupancy. Manage building temperature Temperature in a building should be kept between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius or 75 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit to maximize comfort and minimize transmission risk. These slightly warmer setpoint temperatures are shown to reduce the duration of the COVID-19 virus, though in many regions or buildings, this temperature may not be possible while meeting the expectations of guests. Identify sources of moisture Unoccupied or partially occupied buildings are at risk from unidentified leaks. In combination with higher humidity levels, particularly in summer months, this increases the risk of damage from water, mold, and bacteria. Regularly inspect roofing, plumbing, ceilings and HVAC equipment to identify sources of moisture or condensation. Install health screening at entrances or for staff Screening systems must be set up correctly, comply with local laws, and need to take into account ambient temperature and clothing to be effective. Nonetheless, restricting symptomatic individuals and encouraging sick people to stay home is critical to reducing viral load indoors. Consider dividers Reception areas, lobbies, counters, or other high-touch spaces can benefit from clear dividers or barriers where 6 feet of separation can not regularly be maintained. These dividers must be installed correctly and be large enough to protect users while not blocking airflow. Check for Cleanliness After reopening or during a return to work, limit dust and dirt accumulation by cleaning with a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner and responding to any pest problems responsibly and safely. HVAC systems can be sources of contamination if they are not properly maintained. Timely cleaning can reduce the chances of microbial growth and odor concerns. Have Strategy and Communications Plan in Place Understand the sanitization and ventilation needs of specific building areas such as breakrooms or storage areas. Establish or confirm building shutdown and cleaning policies in the event the facility needs to be closed again. Keep employees, tenants or even customers updated regularly with measures and policies to instill a sense of safety, reduce any fears or concerns and ensure a healthier building. Healthier buildings mean higher levels of safety and protection for employees and customers. For more coronavirus-related resources, updates, and ways to help, Contact Us now, or complete a Healthier Buildings Survey of other spaces where you work, shop, eat, or play to help us keep buildings safe.