Why Indoor Air Quality Matters
As we continue to adapt to life amid the COVID-19 crisis, it’s important to revisit the measures that can help us reduce or prevent the spread of the virus. Indoor air quality is especially timely as many business owners and facility managers are welcoming employees and clients back to the workplace. Since the risk of becoming infected by coronavirus seems to be higher indoors than out, there are several steps facility managers can take to ensure everyone is returning to a clean and healthy place of business.
In addition to mask requirements, washing hands, social distancing, and stepping up cleanliness standards, the CDC recommends conducting a review of your building. Top on the list of safety measures is a thorough evaluation of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Maintaining proper indoor air quality is critical for the health of your staff. And it’s even more crucial in the age of coronavirus. Why? Because the quality of your indoor air could directly impact the transmission of disease. Medical facilities are already equipped with specialized HVAC systems designed to increase air circulation to help reduce the spread of pathogens. So, how can all businesses help their air quality?
The first item on to-do list is to review your HVAC system. Check for options that allow you to increase the maximum amount of outdoor air circulation and increase total airflow overall. Use settings that continuously filter the air around the clock instead of only during business hours. Also, check all exhaust fans to ensure they are working at optimal capacity.
There are a variety of other ways to help maintain indoor air quality at your facility. It could be as simple as opening the windows – building design and weather permitting. You could also equip each workstation with its own desk fan to encourage additional airflow. Portable HEPA filtration systems are available and can work double duty in high-risk areas – where people tend to gather most. Lastly, remember that freshly flowing air is even better when it’s moving through a thoroughly cleaned and disinfected facility.
At Jidan Cleaning, we’re professional facility cleaning experts, trained in the latest technologies and methods, including best practices for pandemics. Get in touch today to learn how we can help ensure your facility is ready to reopen safely.
