Buildings are beginning to reopen as we phase out of lockdown – but health and safety remain paramount.
Although lockdown restrictions will continue to ease in the coming weeks, it is clear that strict hygiene and social distancing measures will need to be enforced for the foreseeable future.
Buildings across the country are slowly starting to be reoccupied through a phased approach and while there is no doubt this process will be a gradual one, it will present enormous challenges to businesses trying to prepare their facility for a safe reopening.
Make sure that you are up to date with the latest recommendations from the government and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE): Coronavirus (COVID-19): latest information and advice.
We have put together this quick guide to help ensure a safe and efficient return to the workplace for your business.
1.Carry Out a Risk Assessment
Start with a comprehensive risk assessment. You will need to evaluate not only the specific risks to your building caused by the pandemic, but also any risks associated with your building having been unoccupied for a number of weeks, and then find ways to mitigate against these.
This might involve isolating certain teams or staggering work programmes, but you must ensure that there are enough workers on site to carry out the work safely, and in accordance with all relevant health and safety legislation.
2. Adjust Air-Conditioning and Ventilation Systems
Your building’s ventilation system is an important part of creating a safe and healthy building environment and Health and Safety Regulations in the UK require adequate ventilation in all occupied areas of a building.
Effective ventilation is especially important when considering how the coronavirus is suspected to spread and it has been recommended to increase the rate of supply of outside air wherever possible.
3. Check and Adjust Your Building Management System (BMS)
BMS systems will need to be checked and adjusted to reflect the new working practices that have resulted from the pandemic. These will include any changes in ventilation rates and if your building’s opening times and occupancy levels have been adjusted. It is also important to remember that if regular statutory maintenance or testing was due to take place and had to be postponed, then it must be carried out before the building is occupied.
4. Review Water Hygiene
Recent guidance from PHE urges all businesses to flush out the water system in their building if it has been ‘mothballed’ during the lockdown period. This is because water systems that have not been used could have a buildup of bacteria such as the Legionella bacteria.
It is also essential to review your water hygiene risk assessment plan to guarantee both water hygiene and safety requirements are being met. This may include draining of stored water, flushing through outlets and steps to test for or reduce the risk of legionella.
Voltix Services is able to provide comprehensive water hygiene services, offering water sampling, analysis, and consultancy services for your facility.
5. Perform Gas Safety Checks
While gas safety inspections and maintenance have been ongoing during the lockdown, commercial gas safety should still be high on your priority list when preparing to reopen. Gas safety inspections and maintenance are statutory requirements. Important steps here could include the switching on of gas supply or the relighting or purging of gas appliances.
6. Catch Up on Statutory Maintenance
Several building systems are covered by statutory requirements and need to be maintained or brought back up to date before your staff return to work and the building can be re-occupied.
Emergency systems such as your building’s fire detection system testing and maintenance must be brought up to date. Active fire protection systems such as sprinklers and smoke control systems must have up to date maintenance and inspections.
Fire doors and emergency exit routes should also be checked to ensure they are not being obstructed and closing or opening mechanisms are still operating correctly. Any changes to escape routes or assembly points may need signage to be changed.
Emergency lighting systems should be tested to ensure they are working effectively and batteries must be checked by conducting a full 3 hour test.
7. Office Space Modification
New working systems may need to be implemented to stay in-line with government guidelines. This will help to minimise the spread of the virus. These systems may include social distancing, adjusted entrance and exit protocols and restricted use of communal spaces. Desks may also need to be moved to accommodate the two metre social distancing rule in the workspace.
8. Office Space Sanitisation and Cleaning
Before reoccupation of your building, carry out cleaning and sanitation activities. An enhanced cleaning regime may be needed going forward, especially in common areas and for commonly touched surfaces. If an infection risk has been identified on site, the building or key parts of the building will need a “deep clean”.
9. Implement Safety and Hygiene Procedures
Access to proper hygiene is crucial. Make sure there are adequate washing facilities available in your building at all times. Place hand sanitiser stations around the premises, especially in communal areas. Investigate temperature screenings at entrances.
Additionally, try to avoid physical visits to the building as much as possible. Those who can work from home, should. Staff that do need to access facilities in the office must ensure that they are restricted to specific zones and hygiene protocols have been followed.
10. Health and Safety Signage
It may be necessary to provide fixed or temporary signage around your building to build awareness and to provide clear guidance on social distancing and hygiene. Make sure your staff are kept up to date with how safety measures are being implemented and updated.
Enquire now to find out how Voltix Services can assist with expert advice and efficient service while you prepare your building for a safe return to work.
The team at Voltix Services has experience across a diverse range of sectors, making use of innovative technology to reduce your costs and increase performance. We offer a bespoke service with short lines of communication, supported by real-time reporting and total contract transparency.