Without the correct preparation, you could be putting returning employees and students at risk
Even with uncertainty regarding the re-occupancy of buildings in a post-COVID-19 world, one thing is for sure: Summer will arrive on schedule. Will you be ready? Even more importantly, will you have re-opened your spaces in a way that doesn’t present a new health risk?
Obviously, Coronavirus prevention is an issue, but it’s not the only one. As a recent Purdue University study highlighted, there are no government or industry standards for returning plumbing systems to safe use after COVID-19 related shutdowns.
That’s a huge problem, because it means some buildings will simply open their doors again, albeit with freshly cleaned surfaces. But unless stagnant plumbing systems are properly flushed of bacteria, it puts everyone in a building or facility at risk of developing Legionnaires’ disease, a respiratory condition that can often lead to hospitalization, and in about 10% of cases, death.
Another issue is air quality. This is where Coronavirus, and others, comes into play. The American Lung Association notes that poor air quality can not only make diseases more likely to spread, but also cause viruses to remain in a space longer.
The good news is that these issues are preventable. Prevention requires acting now to ready a facility for reopening and the warm months ahead. Here are the major areas to consider:
HVAC Preparation
Although it’s important to ensure that your facilities maintain a comfortable temperature, there’s more that goes into HVAC preparation than making sure the air conditioning system is operational.
Now, more than ever, indoor air quality is essential. Air filtration and safety checks will be crucial parts of making sure your returning workforce stays healthy, in this season and beyond. HVAC prep work should involve upgrading and maintaining clean-room facilities, ensuring that on-site staff are trained in the latest maintenance protocols, and testing the systems to eliminate any potential problems like stagnant water.
Electrical Work
As the temperature increases, so do the demands on equipment and systems when it comes to your electrical setup. Evaluating when peak usage occurs and how your electrical systems can be made more efficient is a great way to keep costs in check and ensure fewer system failures.
Electrical preparation also involves checking even the seemingly smaller components of a setup, like junction boxes and light bulb usage, with the goal of achieving operational efficiency. During the past few months, your facility may have needed to put more security controls into place; for example, to control access points. Making sure your electrical system can handle those demands as the workforce returns allows for an uninterrupted re-entry for your employees.
Plumbing Needs
Similar to HVAC, your plumbing should be thoroughly inspected with efficiency and health in mind. That includes water systems, filters, clean-out plugs, and sewer lines. This is also a good time to upgrade any bathroom and kitchen areas with more touchless fixtures, which will help improve hygiene.
Effective operations and maintenance will help to ensure there are no energy losses or potential problem spots that could become major issues at a later date. From air quality to plumbing line insulation to proper training, including all the parts of a facility and maintenance strategies in a holistic way gives us the ability not just to prepare for one season, but for all of them.
Please contact us to start a conversation on how to get ready for the season ahead.