PREPARING TO REOPEN AFTER COVID-19?

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Reopening after COVID-19 Cleaning, COVID-19 reopening disinfection

COVID-19 Facility Reopening Cleaning

As your business schedules to reopen and return to regular operations, it is important to make sure the necessary precautions are taken. Reentering a facility after COVID-19 requires more than basic cleaning or janitorial services, it requires a company with the experience of handling biohazard cleaning and virus outbreaks.

ServiceMaster RestoreSmart, in conjunction with our environmental experts have developed comprehensive cleaning protocols for commercial facilities looking to reopen after the COVID-19 crisis. All of our cleaning and disinfection services use hospital-grade, EPA registered produ cts to the exact manufacturer specifications including mixing and dwell time. This is crucial in providing the maximum effectiveness of the disinfecting service.

In addition, we have developed a comprehensive Facility Reopening Guide for commercial facilities preparing to re-enter the workplace. The guide covers important aspects of employee communication, business operations preparation and facility preparation.

Our facility reopening cleaning includes:
Hand cleaning of all horizontal and frequently contacted surfaces such as: door handles, keyboards, desks, seating areas, handrails, copiers and printers, shopping carts, production equipment, touch screens and more.

After hand cleaning all frequently contacted surfaces, ServiceMaster RestoreSmart will apply an aerosolized disinfection solution to frequently touched porous surfaces such as upholstery, carpet, cubicles, etc. We will then shampoo all entryways, conference rooms, hallways and open area carpet. We also apply an EPA-registered, healthcare-grade disinfectant during this step of the process. Air Movers (high-powered fans) will be left on all cleaned carpet overnight to ensure quick drying. All restrooms within the facility will be disinfected from top to bottom including: walls, floors, toilets, sinks, partitions, counters and all other surfaces within the restrooms.

If your facility has large open areas such as those found in warehouses or manufacturing plants, ServiceMaster RestoreSmart can mist an aerosolized EPA-registered, healthcare-grade disinfectant into the atmosphere of the area and on horizontal surfaces. If required, we can also hand clean individual pieces of equipment.

Working with renowned environmental scientists and industrial hygienists to engineer our COVID-19 cleaning and disinfection processes provides you with the most comprehensive service available, while avoiding unnecessary costs. Our technicians are trained in biohazard cleanup and certified by the IICRC. In addition, each employee is trained on the proper use of personal protective equipment to not only protect their safety, but also limit the chance of cross-contamination.

ServiceMaster RestoreSmart offers the most comprehensive COVID-19 re-opening cleaning available. We have the experience with biohazard cleanup and even previous coronavirus outbreaks such as SARS and MERS. Reentering your facility is a big step in getting back to normal business operations and requires careful planning and preparation. ServiceMaster RestoreSmart is here to help.

Providing a price for COVID-19 cleaning and decontamination is a complex process. While some providers may provide a flat cost to clean for coronavirus or even a flat square footage cost for COVID-19 cleaning, a cleaning plan and pricing needs to be provided for your specific facility. To help, we have developed our COVID-19 decontamination pricing guide which includes helpful tips and aspects to watch for when pricing coronavirus cleaning.

Health department COVID-19 Guidance, COVID-19 requirements, reopening requirements

State Health Departments have begun issuing guidance for businesses and facilities preparing to reopen or return to standard business operations. As the guidance becomes available within each state, we will work with the health department, environmental scientists and industrial hygienists to ensure our cleaning and disinfection meets or exceeds all state health department recommendations in addition to the CDC guidelines which we already meet or exceed.

While the CDC does provide guidance for COVID-19 in workplaces, another important source is OSHA which includes regulations for COVID-19 in the workplace under two clauses and standards.

First, under The General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act of 1970, 29 USC 654(a)(1), which requires employers to furnish to each worker “employment and a place of employment, which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm.” Also, under OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) which applies to occupational exposure to human blood and other potentially infectious materials. Where respirators are required, employers will also have to comply with OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134). These standards provide clear requirements of companies to provide safe, healthy environments for their employees.

Some aspects of the guidance state health departments have provided include:

The governor of Minnesota has clearly outlined specific steps that facilities must adhere to prior to opening. According to a recent announcement from the Governor’s office the following guidelines regrind facility maintenance were included;

Prior to loosening restrictions for a given setting, businesses must:

  • Create, share, and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan that sets out the actions they are taking to ensure social distancing, worker hygiene, and facility cleaning and disinfection necessary to keep workers safe
  • Engage in health screening of employees and ensure that sick employees stay home
  • Continue to work from home whenever possible

Other state have released requirements as well such as:

(1) In addition to maintaining pre-existing cleaning protocols established in the facility, clean and disinfect high-touch areas routinely in accordance with CDC guidelines, in spaces that are accessible to customers, tenants, or other individuals.

(2) Maintain pre-existing cleaning protocols established in the facility for all other areas of the building.

The White House has released their 3-phase approach to reopening America. Some of the guidelines include which facilities should be allowed to open at the specified stage, guidelines for employers and business operators and the use and disinfection of common areas within facilities.

As many people are wondering what facilities will be open during each phase? Or when will restaurants open, gyms open and so on.

These guidelines assume all businesses reopening follow social distancing guidelines and may be required to adhere to additional restrictions such as limiting the number of patrons.

 The following facilities will be opened during phase one:

  • Offices / General Business (return in phases if possible)
  • Gyms
  • Large Venues

 The following facilities will be opened during phase two:

  • Schools and organized youth activities
  • Bars

 The following facilities will be opened during phase three:

  • Senior Living visitation resumes
  • All business types (possibly with restrictions)

coronavirus preventative cleaning, decontamination, COVID-19

Working with renowned experts in the field of environmental science and in conjunction with our in-house environmental remediation experts, ServiceMaster RestoreSmart has developed preventative baseline cleaning and decontamination protocols and standard operations practices related to the COVID-19 virus. To best meet our clients’ needs we have developed two areas of operating procedures. One set of protocols addresses any preventative cleaning needs for facilities at a heightened risk of infection or looking to take proactive measures to protect their customers, residents or patrons. The second set of standard operating procedures relates to any facility that believes it has been exposed to the COVID-19 virus or has a confirmed case of the coronavirus. Developing two sets of procedures helps us maximize the effectiveness of the cleaning or decontamination while reducing any unnecessary cost.

Both our preventative cleaning and decontamination protocols involve not only specific requirements for cleaning, but also the disinfectants and decontamination systems to be used. In addition, we utilize strict personal protective equipment (PPE) standards for all employees throughout the entire process. Not only are we currently conducting preventative cleaning and decontamination services for COVID-19 coronavirus across the country, but we have years of past experience handling similar outbreaks and pandemics such as SARS and MERS.

COVID-19, coronavirus decontamination, coronavirus disinfection, coronavirus cleaning COVID-19, coronavirus decontamination, coronavirus disinfection, coronavirus cleaning

ServiceMaster RestoreSmart crews completing coronavirus decontamination of a school

Some of the industries we have completed COVID-19 coronavirus decontamination and disinfection for include;

healthcare, manufacturing, retail, distribution, government COVID-19 cleaning and decontamination

preventative cleaning service

ServiceMaster RestoreSmart has developed a two-stage preventative cleaning process to provide the most effective cleaning possible. This process involves disinfection of all horizontal surfaces as well as any high-touch points such as door handles, elevator buttons, escalator rails and so on. Next we use a specialized aerosol system to provide the most complete coverage and disinfection of your facility. This two-stage preventative cleaning process provides the most comprehensive preventative cleaning available. We use EPA registered hospital-grade disinfectants throughout the entire process.

Established protocols are only effective if the technicians implementing them are properly trained. This is where ServiceMaster RestoreSmart preventative cleaning really excels compared to a standard cleaning or janitorial company. We have years of experience in not only biohazard and trauma cleanup, but specifically with previous coronavirus outbreaks such as SARS. All of our technicians are trained on the proper use of the cleaning products and systems as well as the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE). This is important to not only protect the technicians, but also reduce the chance of cross-contamination or further spread of the virus.

Our project managers can provide pricing for preventative cleaning of your facility. We will walk you through your specific cleaning plan making sure to address any areas of concern. In addition, we can work with you to complete the service during off-hours to limit customer disruption if that is preferred.

As the pandemic continues to grow so does the demand on preventative cleaning and decontamination.

decontamination service, coronavirus, COVID-19

In a crucial situation such as COVID-19 exposure, you need experts who not only know how to properly decontaminate your facility but have experience in doing so. ServiceMaster RestoreSmart has not only completed COVID-19 decontamination projects across the country we also have years of experience in dealing with previous coronavirus outbreaks such as SARS. We understand the delicate nature of managing a decontamination project when a facility is exposed and will work with you to make sure all aspects of your project are handled with the utmost professionalism.

If your facility has a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 coronavirus, ServiceMaster RestoreSmart has established protocols to provide the most effective decontamination available. We developed these protocols and procedures by working with renowned experts in the field of environmental science as well as our internal infection decontamination experts. We work with an industrial hygienist on every job to ensure the facility disinfection plan is followed including; decontamination procedures, employee personal protective equipment, and disinfectant product use. In addition, we have a clear project communication plan to keep all stakeholders updated each step of the way. We understand that often the impact of exposure to a virus such as COVID-19 goes beyond the facility itself and affects morale of personnel, customers, residents, students and even the general public. Having an effective decontamination plan completed by leading experts in the field of clean up and remediation is critical.

ServiceMaster RestoreSmart uses disinfectant foggers in both our preventative cleaning and decontamination services. There are several reasons this is a better application method over standard pump sprayers other companies typically use. First, foggers are faster than standard pump sprayers. A trained technician can disinfect approximately 15,000 square feet using a fogger. On average, this is 10X faster than a standard pump sprayer. Second, the fogging system actually reduces the particles to a much smaller size which helps provide better coverage and more even distribution of the chemical disinfectant. Lastly, since the particle size is smaller, there may be less of an impact on materials which are sensitive to moisture such as paper or fabric.

When evaluating a service provider to help with your facility disinfection and decontamination, make sure they are using a fogging system rather than a standard pump sprayer. If they provide details into their process such as videos or educational materials pay close attention to how they are applying the disinfectant. If they are using a standard pump sprayer, you are not getting the most effective cleaning and decontamination possible.

disinfectant fogging, fogger, COVID-19 fogging


COVID-19 information center, coronavirus information

Servicemaster RestoreSmart is hard at work across the country helping commercial facilities such as office buildings, schools, retail stores and healthcare facilities protect their customers, residents and patients from the COVID-19 virus. Our experts have developed several helpful documents to provide useful information.

In an effort to help contain and prevent the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus, we have developed an information center to help educate facilities and individuals on the virus. Below are some relevant links to health authorities such as the CDC and World Health Organization. We will be adding to and updating this section on a regular basis.

CDC General COVID-19 Page
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

CDC Guidance for businesses
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html

CDC Guidance for schools
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/index.html

World Health Organization Situation Report
https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200313-sitrep-53-covid-19.pdf?sfvrsn=adb3f72_2

WHAT IS THE CORONAVIRUS?

Coronavirus 2019-nCoV, more commonly referred to in the media as the coronavirus or COVID-19, is a respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, China suspected to have originated in a large animal and seafood market. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some of which affect humans while others affect animals only. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a different type of Coronavirus but is NOT the same as what is now being generally labeled “the Coronavirus”.

HOW DOES THE CORONAVIRUS SPREAD?

While we are still learning more about the new COVID-19 virus, scientists believe the virus will act similar to other more well-known Coronaviruses such as MERS or SARS. It is believed that the coronavirus spreads from person-to-person when in close proximity to each other. The standard accepted distance is about six feet. The virus is spread much like the flu by an infected person coughing or sneezing. This introduces tiny respiratory droplets that can enter a non-infected person’s mouth, nose or be inhaled into the lungs. As with other respiratory viruses, individuals are typically considered to be most contagious when they are demonstrating the greatest level of symptoms.

HOW DOES THE CORONAVIRUS AFFECT SURFACES?

Contaminated droplets settle onto surfaces which people may touch thereby contaminating their hands. If they touch their eyes, mouth or nose before properly disinfecting their hands they may then become infected.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF THE CORONAVIRUS?

While the intensity of symptoms varies, with some individuals showing little or no symptoms and others demonstrating severe illness and even dying, the three main symptoms include;

• Fever (Above 101º F)

• Cough

• Shortness of breath

These symptoms may begin showing within two days of being exposed but may take as long as 14 days.

HOW CAN I HELP REDUCE THE RISK OF CONTAMINATION?

Knowledge is key to reducing the risk of infection from 2019-nCoV. The information included here is valuable, however developments are made constantly so it is good to monitor official health channels such as the CDC.

Practicing good infection prevention practices, such as frequent hand washing, is also important especially in public buildings. These practices also include; properly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, respiratory hygiene and avoiding close contact with individuals. Most practices discussed in the media do NOT protect the individual using the practices, but rather protect others in the instance the person is infected. For example, using a mask does prevent airborne droplets from spreading if the individual wearing the mask coughs or sneezes, however the coronavirus is small enough to enter through the mask to the wearer. Properly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces may be one of the only truly preventative measures available.

Seek medical attention immediately. Call your doctor or local hospital and explain your situation to them. With it being prime season for the Flu and respiratory viruses, it is important to cooperate with medical professionals to reach a proper diagnosis. They may ask you some questions to help such as have you or anyone you have been in contact with recently traveled to China, answer these questions honestly.

COVID-19 coronavirus hand hygiene, hand washing

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I BELIEVE I MAY HAVE 2019-NCOV?

Seek medical attention immediately. Call your doctor or local hospital and explain your situation to them. With it being prime season for the Flu and respiratory viruses, it is important to cooperate with medical professionals to reach a proper diagnosis. They may ask you some questions to help such as have you or anyone you have been in contact with recently traveled to China, answer these questions honestly.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY BUSINESS WAS EXPOSED?

If you believe your business may have been exposed to the coronavirus, it is critical that you take the utmost precaution to avoid contamination or possible infection. The building should be closed, allowing no one inside until a professional has decontaminated or disinfected the facility. The coronavirus is not something that can be eliminated with standard cleaning products. Hospital-grade disinfectants need to be used in order to effectively treat surfaces and kill the virus. In addition, if proper protective gear is not worn there is a risk of infection to anyone who comes into contact with contaminated surfaces.

HOW CAN I DISINFECT MY FACILITY OF CORONAVIRUS?

Properly disinfecting and treating surfaces for Coronavirus is not something an untrained person should ever attempt. The process needs to be completed with extreme precaution and with the proper equipment. ServiceMaster RestoreSmart has developed several methodologies for decontamination and disinfection of viruses such as the coronavirus or influenza virus. We have also handled other coronavirus outbreaks, such as SARS, in the past. If you believe your facility may have been exposed to the 2019- nCoV, call SRM immediately.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR CORONAVIRUS DECONTAMINATION?

Our coronavirus  process starts with an analysis conducted by an industrial hygienist. Using this analysis, we develop a disinfection project plan. Each facility type is different, and it is important to make sure the disinfection plan is tailored to those specific needs.

Once we have the disinfection plan developed, we begin the process or treating and disinfecting the building. All of our technicians are trained and maintain the highest level of protective gear to make sure they are safe throughout the entire disinfection process. We use hospital-grade disinfectants and make sure each surface is treated for the required dwell time as required by the product. We have developed several methods of disinfection which will be utilized in accordance with the protocols set by the industrial hygienist. SRM ensures that product specifications are followed thereby providing the most effective disinfection possible.

If you feel your facility may have been exposed to the coronavirus or are struggling with the influenza virus, we are here to help. To learn more about the coronavirus, possible exposure and treatment call us at 817.267.5555.

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