Get Help with Your Return to Work Checklist Today
Checklist: Make Sure Your Business is Ready for a Safe and Efficient Return to Work
Make sure your building is clean, safe and ready for reoccupation
If you are unsure of how to prepare your facility for a safe return to work for your staff, contact us for expert advice and efficient service.
Voltix Services is here to help:
Available 24/7, 365 days a year
Same-day service
Affordable rates
Specialists in commercial maintenance
Competent engineers and technicians you can trust
While businesses plan for major incidents, we understand that few would have imagined a pandemic of this size or scale. You need a Facilities Maintenance partner that can help quickly, and that offers a flexible and affordable service.
Voltix Services offers a complete solution for businesses and buildings reopening as we emerge out of lockdown into a new working environment with additional workplace risks and unprecedented challenges.
Voltix Services is here for you through these challenging times – get in touch today.
How to Safely Reoccupy Your Building
Have a look at our Return to Work Checklist
1. Carry Out a Risk Assessment
Start with a comprehensive COVID-19 risk assessment for your building or site. You will need to evaluate not only the specific risks to your premises and operations caused by COVID-19, but also any risks associated with your building having been unoccupied for a number of weeks.
2. Adjust Air-Conditioning and Ventilation Systems *
Environmental health and safety requires adequate ventilation in all occupied areas of a building. Changes to air handling units, specifically settings that control the recirculation of air, is critical. Ventilation rates should not be reduced in line with reduced occupancy rates.
3. Building Management System (BMS) Adjustments *
BMS systems need to be checked and adjusted to reflect new working practices; including any changes in ventilation rates, amended building opening times and occupancy levels. Implementing BMS adjustments will help prepare a facility for a safer reoccupation.
4. Water Hygiene Checks *
Start with a review of your water hygiene risk assessment. Hot and cold water hygiene and safety requirements may include draining of stored water, flushing through outlets and steps to test for or reduce the risk of legionella.
5. Gas Safety Checks *
Commercial gas safety should be high on the business risk assessment priority list. 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 is re-occupied. These may include water, gas and ventilation inspections, electrical safety checks, fire detection systems, emergency lighting and exits.
7. Office Space Modification *
Government guidelines should be followed to implement new working practices to minimise the risk of viral transmission, such as social distancing, adjusted entrance and exit protocols and restricted communal spaces. Buildings may require relocation of desks and equipment to accommodate a 2m social distance in the workspace, which could result in power and data alterations.
8. Office Space Sanitisation and Cleaning
Before reoccupation of your building, carry out cleaning and sanitisation activities. An enhanced cleaning regime may be needed going forward, especially in common areas and for commonly touched surfaces. If a COVID-19 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.
10. Health and Safety Signage *
Use 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 or updated.
Get Help with Your Return to Work Checklist Today
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