Decontamination and adequate ventilation are essential. Improvements to air quality can be made using ionization processes that produce no ozone. This will help to reduce airborne and surface pathogens in HVAC systems. If a facility has been shut down for some time, it should be evaluated for commissioning and humidification. Facilities that have been previously shut down should be re-commissioned to reduce the harmful effects of excessive humidity. Humidification systems should undergo evaluation so measures can be taken to appropriately address dangerous bacteria. In all cases, filtration systems should be inspected, replaced, and/or upgraded as necessary.
Safe water is essential to the reopening of an office. If your facility has been unoccupied for several months with an inactive water system, your system could potentially contain stagnant water with deadly bacteria such as Legionella. Testing and flushing your system are critical before your workforce returns.
For many, their biggest concern is around those frequently touched surfaces in every office – door handles, elevator buttons, and common spaces. High-touch surfaces pose a risk of spreading germs, including COVID-19. One option to consider is automation systems that control doors, elevators, and lights. In many cases, there are cost-effective alternatives that power doors, elevators, lights, and water fountains, to reduce the risk of germ spread by making these surfaces “touchless”. Another option to consider is implementing video analytics for facility security to assist with one-way traffic monitoring, supporting proper distance between individuals as they enter or exit a facility, as well as monitoring that everyone entering your facility is wearing a mask. Knowing that monitoring is occurring can strengthen compliance with your policies. Additional security options such as touchless temperature screening also help foster a safe environment. Understanding and addressing the concerns of your employees is vital to returning to your workspace.; Contacting an experienced professional engineer to assist you, is a good start to discovering alternative solutions to meet the needs of your space, workforce, business and guests.