Built Environment and HVAC
A few months have passed since the initial coronavirus outbreak spread across the world and caused the countries to implement extreme albeit completely valid rulesets such as community quarantines, wearing face masks, nationwide lockdowns, mass testing operations, and medical frontline endeavors, among other methods to buttress the coronavirus’ spread.
Recently, however, governments from around the world are slowly deeming it safe for businesses to reopen and for people to return to their workspaces and pre-pandemic lives.
While most countries who have successfully combated the virus are well-suited to encourage their citizens to return to work, many countries are still experiencing the adverse effects of COVID-19 and allowing people to return to the office poses a risk to each individual there.
In response to the very real threat of spreading COVID-19, office building employers, building owners and managers, and built environment operations specialists can take steps to create a safe and healthy workplace and protect workers and clients.
Ventilation System
First, it is mandatory for employers to check the air conditioning facility to see if it is ready for occupancy. Going back to the office to resume standard operations after a long pause will most likely be difficult, seeing as the built environment may have changed due to a lack of usage.
HVAC Ventilation systems in the building must be assessed to see if they are working properly.
Ventilation systems must also be improved in order to truly eradicate lingering coronavirus particles in the air and prevent them from infecting the returning workers. Air Purification System in every office stations must be in place to hep curb the spread of the virus.
Identify Hot Spot Areas
Second, sources of COVID-19 exposure must be identified and properly dealt with. Meeting rooms, break rooms, the cafeteria, locker rooms, check-in areas, waiting areas, smoking stations, comfort rooms, lounges, and routes of entry and exit, among other high-population locations in the office must be properly sterilized with a disinfecting chemical solution circulating in the HVAC systems.
If you have to, then allow employees to bring their own portable air conditioner during office work within the building premises.
Educating the Workforce
Above all, employees must be educated and empowered so COVID-19 can truly cease to exist in the built environment . All in all, these are important tips to prevent contracting the virus yourself.
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