COVID-19 has created significant business disruptions worldwide, and has owners and operators wondering what steps to take to ensure occupant safety going forward. Beyond just cleaning out HVAC/R systems, advanced bi-polar ionization surface and air purification systems are the modern technology facilities should consider installing to ensure their building provides a healthy environment.
Research proves that surface and air purification technology implemented directly into a building’s HVAC system can significantly reduce harmful bacteria and viruses in the air.
TOP SIX BENEFITS OF BI-POLAR IONIZATION SYSTEMS:
- Significantly reduces dangerous bacteria and virus including human coronavirus, norovirus, staph, MRSA, E.Coli, clostridium difficile (C.DIFF), tuberculosis (TB), airborne mold spores and legionella pneumophilia.
- Does not produce detectable Ozone*, or volitile organic chemicals (VOCs). There is no catalytic process. *UL 2998 recommends Ozone levels of less than .005 PPM. Insure all air-cleansing technologies carry the UL label.
- No replacements parts and minimal maintenance. Self-cleaning systems are an option.
- System lifespan is up to 20 years with continual use and includes a 1-year warranty period.
- Universal voltage applicable to all systems.
- Tackles odors, particulates and static electricity in living spaces.
It is not a matter of if this technology will become a building code requirement, but when. Stay ahead of future interruptions to your business by installing a trusted purification system now.
RK Service highly recommends a bi-polar purification system install in all facilities. Our evaluation and three-step systems approach gives owners and operators the confidence they need to welcome occupants back into their buildings. Contact us to learn more.
With the sudden arrival of COVID-19 and the immediate need for office employees to begin working from home, businesses swiftly and effectively moved their teams of professionals home, so they could productively and effectively continue daily operations without being placed in harm’s way.
Now that some restrictions have been lifted, and new Safer-at-Home guidelines are being put into place, businesses face new challenges when bringing their dedicated staff back into their offices. As businesses slowly begin reintroducing people back into shared-spaces, they do so with the utmost care to ensure their workforces are safe and comfortable. Here are some precautions companies are taking to prepare their employees for a seamless return.
Effective, Consistent Communication
When dealing with any kind of crisis, clear, concise communications are of the utmost priority. Throughout the pandemic, it’s important to continually monitor and communicate with employees through text, emails, newsletters, and via social media. Internal video messages are also extremely effective modes of communication because they provide that (albeit virtually) face-to-face interaction that is so needed right now. Clear and frequent communications also serve as effective means to ward off unnecessary rumors and to also keep employees informed of upcoming changes and news.
Mitigate Anxiety
With the return of the workforce into the office, comes a great amount of anxiety. After spending months in a contained, safe space, many employees will be extremely nervous coming back into a shared-space. Additional steps to ease the minds of all employees are of the utmost importance during these uncertain times. These precautions include proper safety equipment (gloves, masks, social distancing procedures, etc.) and perhaps outside counseling availability to help associates with the stressful transition. It’s important that businesses listen to and address any concerns that may arise from employees. Remember this transition will impact everyone differently, so addressing even the smallest issue can provide comfort.
Continued Work from Home Options
For those employees who are health compromised, have childcare issues, or may just feel unsafe returning to the office, it’s important to offer continued work-from-home options. While it’s understood, that some employees need to return to the office in order to complete their job requirements, companies must always take into consideration each employee’s individual needs. It’s vital for employees to know that as long as their specific job requirements are being met, there is no need for them to be physically in the office. This versatility is necessary to establish trust and open communication in this new age of quarantine.
Detailed Plan and Policies
In addition to creating a safe working environment for employees, companies must also have extremely detailed plans and policies in place prior to anyone physically returning into the office. These policies and plans include, but are certainly not limited to: updated hygiene policies, social distancing protocols, revised business hours including transition periods to conduct proper cleaning, and revised work schedules to ensure you’re meeting the 50% Colorado issued capacity ordinance.
Building Preparation
Hiring experienced COVID-19 cleaning experts should be your number one priority prior to allowing employees back into the office. Although your current cleaning staff may have been acceptable pre-pandemic, it’s important that new cleaning protocols are now followed. Deep cleanings are essential to keep your employees safe. It’s also important to possibly install new, no-touch hand sanitizers, door opening devices and lavatory devices to be certain your employees aren’t coming into contact with anything dangerous. These new precautions will ease the minds of your workforce and also limit your company’s legal liability.
Although transitioning back into the office can be stressful, you can make it as comfortable as possible by taking the proper safety precautions, but more importantly, by reassuring your employees that you’re working in their best interest. By consistently and effectively communicating with your staff, you will help to put their minds at ease and reaffirm that we are truly all in this together.