Recommendations as Stay at Home Orders End
As we continue to maintain the health and wellness of our essential works, now our attention is beginning to shift to prepare for those staying at home to return to the workplace.
Best practices outlined by the CDC, WHO and the Ohio Department of Health are evolving as we learn more about COVID-19. We will keep you updated on the latest recommendations and how it applies to your operation.
Here are some initial recommendations for consideration as stay at home orders come to an end:
1) Preventive Maintenance + Sterilization of HVAC Equipment
The CDC has issued several recommendations for enhanced cleaning facilities, including specialized cleaning and disinfecting recommendations for facilities with confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19. These recommendations include:
- Sterilization of coils
- Filter changes
- Annual preventive maintenance of cooling equipment
Speer Mechanical can comply with the environmental health and safety needs of all customers. We will prioritize existing service contract customers when scheduling preventive maintenance and equipment upgrades in the coming weeks and months.
2) Flushing and Disinfecting Domestic Water
After a period of vacancy or reduced usage, all building owners and managers should revisit their water management program to ensure effective treatment.
This website provides a CDC toolkit that addresses ASHRAE Standard 188: Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems (ANSI approved) and ASHRAE Guideline 12-2000: Minimizing the Risk of Legionellosis Associated with Building Water Systems
3) Coordination of Security, HR, Janitorial and HVAC
In addition to new janitorial standards for facilities, the pandemic has created new human resources and security protocols for facilities. Maintenance personnel should coordinate with security and human resources to understand the increased HVAC and ventilation needs to screen staff and visitors entering a facility.
Finally, there will likely be new protocols for communicating with tenants, sick leave associated with individual 14-day quarantine periods. We anticipate many organizations will also require quests to have visible proof of health screening and masks will be worn at all times.