Planning To Reopen - Take Action

5/8/2020 (Permalink)

This is the sixth installment in a series of blogs that we hope will help our communities begin to prepare for the state of Massachusetts to reopen. Please keep in mind the purpose of these CDC  guidelines are to serve as a foundation for your planning.

Implement your plan

Once you have a plan, it’s time to take action. Read all manufacturer’s instructions for the cleaning and disinfection products you will use. Put on your gloves and other required personal protective equipment (PPE) to begin the process of cleaning and disinfecting.

Clean visibly dirty surfaces with soap and water

The CDC recommends that you clean surfaces and objects using soap and water prior to disinfection. Always wear gloves appropriate for the chemicals being used for routine cleaning and disinfecting. Follow the directions on the disinfectant label for additional PPE needs. When you finish cleaning, remember to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Clean or launder soft and porous materials like seating in an office or coffee shop, area rugs, and carpets. Launder items according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using the warmest temperature setting possible and dry items completely.

Use appropriate cleaning or disinfectant products

The EPA has approved cleaning and disinfectant products that when applied according to the manufacturer’s label, are effective for use against COVID-19. Follow the instructions on the label for all cleaning and disinfection products for concentration, dilution, application method, contact time and any other special considerations when applying.

Follow the directions on the label

Follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product. Many product labels recommend keeping the surface wet for a specific amount of time. The label will also list precautions such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product. Keep all disinfectants out of the reach of children.

Maintain and revise your plan

This is the most essential step to take to ensure that we open the Commonwealth safely. Continue to update your plan based on updated guidance and your current circumstances. No plan is perfect and many times we forget things during the planning process. Make certain that if steps or items to be cleaned or disinfected are found to have been accidentally omitted from the pan that they are included to the plan as soon as they are discovered. Do not assume that, "we will remember the changes." Also, update the plans for any changes to the workplace. Additionally, your plan will need to be updated should your first choice of cleaner/disinfectant is in short supply or becomes no longer available. 

Continue to take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19 during daily activities. Do not loose sight of the need for routine cleaning and disinfecting as they are an equally important part of reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Remember, the "frequency of use" will dictate the levels of cleaning and disinfecting that will be necessary to ensure a safe environment for your employees and customers. For example, certain surfaces and objects in public spaces, such as shopping carts and point of sale keypads, should be cleaned and disinfected before each use.

We will continue to share with you guidance from the CDC to follow to prepare for reopening. Also, we at SERVPRO of Framingham know that not every business has access to the resources necessary to meet these strict guidelines. For those businesses, we are here to help!

Specialized Training

The Disaster Remediation Teams at SERVPRO of Framingham are specialists in cleaning services and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work of "normal, everyday cleaning". Call SERVPRO of Framingham today for a free consultation - (508) 370-4400.

All of us here at SERVPRO of Framingham want you and your loved ones to stay safe and know that we will make it through this together!