Returning to work safely in the COVID-19 Era

Returning to work safely

We can all play a part in helping to contain and wipe out the spread of COVID-19. And employers have a legal responsibility to protect workers and others from risk to their health and safety, including from the risks of COVID-19.

Coronavirus can transfer from people to surfaces. It can be passed on to others who touch the same surfaces. Keeping workplaces clean and frequent handwashing reduces the potential for coronavirus to spread and is a critical part of making and keeping businesses ‘COVID-secure’.

Virus detection

A high temperature is one of the key symptoms of coronavirus. At Sunbelt Rentals, our Thermal Image Camera System offer organisations a fast and safe means of measuring the temperature of employees. It allows facial recognition and a contactless solution, reducing the risk of cross infection.

Handwashing and using hand sanitiser

Use signs and posters to help your workers practice good handwashing techniques and to remind them to catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue or arm and avoid touching their faces.

Provide:

• handwashing facilities with running water, soap and paper towels or hand dryers
• handwashing facilities at entry/exit points so people can wash their hands when they arrive and leave work - if this is not possible, provide hand sanitiser
• hand sanitiser at locations in addition to washrooms
• hand sanitiser nearby for people getting in and out of vehicles or handling deliveries, if they are unable to wash their hands

We can help you provide a defence against the spread of bacteria. Our Armorguard SaniStations feature refillable hand sanitiser dispensers and a lockable storage compartment for buckets of wipes and refills. They’re suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Cleaning the workplace

You may need to increase how often and how thoroughly you normally clean your workplace, as well as cleaning surfaces that you do not normally clean. Keep surfaces clear so that cleaning can be carried out more effectively and set clear guidance for the use and cleaning of toilets, showers and changing facilities.

Frequently clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are touched regularly. Doors, bannisters, buttons and anything that is frequently touched, especially if it’s touched by lots of people, will need more regular cleaning than normal. If equipment like tools or vehicles are shared, then clean them after each use.

We have a range of cleaning equipment available to help keep your premises clean and safe. Products available include the ScrubKart - a mobile hot water and hand washing solution, custom built for construction sites. Each unit provides up to 240 washes and features a warm water dispenser, self-contained waste, built-in swing bin and soap and a towel dispenser.

Improving the air quality

We all know the importance of keeping surfaces clean and tidy, but we often forget to focus on the air. Viruses and other airborne pathogens can pose a serious threat to your workforce and customers and poor indoor air quality is one of the leading causes of bacterial transmission.

Regulations set by HSE on advice by leading bodies in Building Engineering and the Scientific field of disease control, have enhanced the message that providing adequate fresh air must be taken to reduce transmission risk. In circumstances where this isn’t possible due to the system used or thermal discomfort, the WHO recommends installing local Air Cleaning units that incorporating UV-C technology. We offer a range of market-leading standalone air cleaning units, including the S400 Air Disinfectant Device which is ideal for use in hospital, healthcare and education settings. This unit uses a sophisticated combination of HEPA filtration, Germicidal UV-C light exposure and carbon technology to eliminate harmful microorganisms (viruses and bacteria) and disinfect the air. It performs complete air change disinfection in minutes (depending on area and exposure) and is proven to kill up to 99.9995% of airborne viruses.

Also available in the Sunbelt Rentals fleet is the AirX Pro Air Purifier, which re-energises rooms and neutralises viruses. With its slim and modern design, it fits seamlessly into your space.

So, let our experts help guide you in the right direction when it comes to giving your premises a clean bill of health. Be sure to stay vigilant with your cleaning regimes and remember that each person who enters your premises brings the potential for more contaminants. 

The more you can include cleaning in your ‘new normal’, the safer everyone will be in the long run.