How to Covid-Proof Your Business Premises

In the past year, the Covid-19 pandemic threw out the business handbook. It then went further to incinerate and compel businesses to adopt entirely new modes of operation. Even now with the news of and initial roll-out of the vaccine, normalcy remains somewhat elusive.

One of the ways you could regain some semblance of normalcy for your business is by Covid-proofing your premises. Covid-proofing, in this case, is a lot like child-proofing; it entails instituting health safety measures for the protection of all parties. It does, however, require some tact so as to keep your premises functional and presentable to your customers.

Here are a few tips to help you cover all the important bases.

The Art of Separation

At some point, most firms adapted open-plan offices. The idea was to foster staff cooperation and maximize the use of floor space. In these times of social distancing, the open-plans are a ticking health catastrophe thereby necessitating some modifications.

Glass barriers have proven to be an effective solution for open-plan layouts. They separate individual spaces for protection while still maintaining accessibility between parties. Better yet, they can be used just about anywhere. Service counters, reception desks, staff workstations could all be fitted with appropriate sizes of glass barriers.

Sufficient Ventilation

Covid-19 has been a moving target even for medical experts. Symptoms and strains seem to evolve with each passing day. Common consensus, however, is that proper ventilation is imperative in mitigating the spread of the virus. In essence, the higher the air circulation in a room the lower the concentration of virus particles and subsequently, the lower the chances of infection.

With this in mind, make an effort to keep your business premises well ventilated at all times. Well-maintained HVAC ventilation systems are allowable especially during winter or the night times when open windows would not be an option. This would, therefore, be a good time to ensure that the HVAC filters are replaced and that the entire system is working in top condition.

Nonetheless, whenever possible, experts recommend natural fresh air as a better ventilation method. Unlike HVAC systems which tend to ‘recycle air’, fresh air diffuses virus particles out of your premises better. It may also be more efficient for large spaces where HVAC ventilation may fall short or have to be cranked up a bit more to keep up.

Higher Hygiene Standards

Shared high contact surfaces are a major source of Covid-19 cross-infection. They include stairwells, elevators, door handles, bathrooms, and countertops. While it is not possible to keep them constantly clean, it is advisable that you increase the cleaning cycles in your premises. This would go a long way in supporting your customers’ and staff’s efforts to stay safe by sanitizing.

Speaking of sanitizing, the cleaning agents used by your staff may need to change. Medical experts recommend the use of bleach or sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol concentration for disinfection against Covid-19. Additionally, garbage should be disposed of safely and regularly in the course of a day. Bins overflowing with tissues, wipes, and gloves used in the premises are unsightly and risky.

Proper Plumbing

Even in ordinary circumstances, poor plumbing in any commercial premises would be flagged as a health risk. Now, in the wake of Covid-19, it is an even greater risk that could see you held liable for endangering public health safety.

Make an effort to ensure that handwashing stations and bathrooms have sufficient running water. Consider replacing faulty pipes as well as control valves that may be hampering the efficiency of your plumbing system. A good plumber could recommend durable plumbing pipes. For reliable plumbing control valves visit xhval.com to compare a wide array of options.

It is advisable to hold off on re-opening your business premises until you have all plumbing issues addressed.

Reimagining the Layout of Your Premises

In some instances, glass barriers may not be a sufficient precaution. Take restaurants, for example, installing separate pods might be too costly a venture especially after a year of being out of business. It may, therefore, be a better approach to reimagine the layout of such spaces. Who knows, customers might even appreciate the fresh new look.

Spacing sitting areas is one way to reconfigure the layout of your premises. This may also see your capacity go down but all things considered, that is much better than shutting down altogether. For aesthetics, you could fill the empty spaces of social distance with leafy plants or small water fountains. After months in lockdown, even a little ambiance is highly appreciated.

Utilizing outdoor spaces such as terraces and balconies is also a great way to reinvent your layout. In an office setting, for instance, the break room may no longer feel safe for most staff. A well-appointed balcony of rooftop area with lots of fresh air may have to do at least for the duration of this Covid-19 transition.