Apr 20, 2020 |
Cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, sterilizing, decontaminating – there are so many different words for removing germs to help stop the spread of COVID-19, but they don’t all mean the same thing. As best practices and protocols are being developed for the eventual reopening of retail stores and other public spaces, it’s important to know how to properly clean a myriad of items that employees and customers will encounter.
Damage can be an expensive and frustrating result of improper care or cleaning, so it’s crucial that employees are knowledgeable on cleaning and disinfecting protocols for the various items within a space. For example, some companies are experiencing thousands of dollars in damage a day to their EFT and POS systems from simple spray disinfectants. A solution for these items is to install protective guards or clean with a 70% alcohol wipe.
When reopening locations, the first step in this new normal is to re-evaluate your existing cleaning program and be sure you’re aware of all CDC disinfecting rules.
Know the Difference
First, know the difference between cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing.
Cleaning removes germs, dirt and impurities from surfaces or objects. leaning works by using soap (or detergent) and water to physically remove germs from surfaces. This process does not necessarily kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.
Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects. Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.
Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements. This process works by either cleaning or disinfecting surfaces or objects to lower the risk of spreading infection.
Disinfecting Soft Surfaces
Soft surfaces, often overlooked during the sanitizing process, hold germs just the same and should be added to your cleaning program.
- Launder items, if possible
- Store non-essential items elsewhere, is possible
- Clean with soap and water
- Disinfect with EPA-registered household disinfectant
- Use a hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectant
Disinfecting Sneeze Guards
Sneeze guards are probably the newest addition to the space. Understanding how to properly clean them is important. If your sneeze guard is plexiglass or acrylic, here are some crucial cleaning tips.
- Do use a soft, clean cloth to remove dust first
- Do use a peroxide-based solution that is less than 40% peroxide
- Do use mild soap and water if other cleaners aren’t available
- Don’t use acetone, bleach or solvent-based cleaner
Let Powerhouse Be Your Solution
From installing recommended barriers and hands-free door opening solutions to disinfection cleaning services, Powerhouse is here for you. For many of our customers, we’ve moved from plan to execution in a matter of days in response to OSHA and CDC safety recommendations. We understand that health and safety is the highest priority, acting with a sense of urgency ensuring initiatives are completed as quickly as possible.
COVID-19 Services:
- Barrier Protection Installs
- Base Exterior Maintenance Programs
- Dark and Idle Property Security Protocols
- Dining Room FFE Reconfiguration/Storage
- EPA Registered Disinfectant Surface Treatments
- Hands-Free Door Opener Installs
- Limited Service Exterior Maintenance
- Location Reopening Support
- Vacant Space Boards-ups
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/disinfecting-your-home.html
https://www.michaelsglassco.com/maintaining-replacing-sneeze-guards/
https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/disinfection/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/school/cleaning.htm
https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2
Apr 15, 2020 |
Sneeze Guard Install Specialists: A hat we never expected to wear.
America’s Most Essential Brick and Mortar Item: A title that plastic and acrylic manufacturers never knew they’d hold.
We all know that COVID-19 has changed everything and will continue to shift our society in ways we haven’t even considered in the months to come. As we wait for the stay-at-home orders to be lifted and for our lives to be returned to some sense of normalcy, we do our part by staying home.
We are beyond grateful for those essential workers who are bravely helping those affected by this virus, as well as those who are out there every day maintaining our society, our food supply, and all the other essential items that we need to maintain our lives during this critical time. Powerhouse is humbled to do our part in helping to keep our nations essential workers and the general public protected.
Over the previous 3 weeks, Powerhouse has provided work to over 640 of our installers to install a total of 38,560 sneeze guards at 8,900 locations.
How can we help?
We still have more sneeze guards, more installers wanting to do their part as essential workers and availability to help our customers ensure they can do their part to maintain public health and safety with doors open.
Our owners said it best –
To those brave men and women at the front lines of this battle in the healthcare field, we give a special thanks to you and your families. We know that you are walking into danger every day. We see your stories and are in awe of your courage and perseverance. Your actions are inspiring and encourage us to take the necessary steps to help flatten the curve.
As an essential business we take seriously our commitment to keep our clients up and running during this time of crisis. We will keep doing our job so others can continue doing theirs. Of course, our first priority is the health and safety of our team members, their families, vendor partners, clients, and the general public.
We thank our dedicated field and office support teams for the mission-critical work they are doing to support our clients. For our clients with essential businesses, the Powerhouse team is here supporting you in these circumstances, keeping your assets operational and safe. For our clients with dark locations we are here for you during this time and when you return to operations.
Contact Us
Apr 8, 2020 |
The world has changed drastically in the last month. The things that many of us took for granted; freedom of movement, good health, economic prosperity, and social proximity to work friends, personal friends, and family have taken a pause for the good of the world. We are all being asked to make personal sacrifice for the good of the whole.
We want to take this opportunity to express our condolences to all of those around the world that are suffering and have lost the battle to COVID-19.
To those brave men and women at the front lines of this battle in the healthcare field, we give a special thanks to you and your families. We know that you are walking into danger every day. We see your stories and are in awe of your courage and perseverance. Your actions are inspiring and encourage us to take the necessary steps to help flatten the curve.
As an essential business we take seriously our commitment to keep our clients up and running during this time of crisis. We will keep doing our job so others can continue doing theirs. Of course, our first priority is the health and safety of our team members, their families, vendor partners, clients, and the general public.
We thank our dedicated field and office support teams for the mission-critical work they are doing to support our clients. For our clients with essential businesses, the Powerhouse team is here supporting you in these circumstances , keeping your assets operational and safe. For our clients with dark locations we are here for you during this time and when you return to operations.
The Powerhouse vision statement is “to have a positive and lasting impact on people”. We stand strong in our belief that this vision will guide us through these unchartered waters. This is new for all of us. It’s key to remember that patience, love, understanding, and kindness are never in short supply.
God bless and stay well,
Powerhouse Owners
Download the letter here
Apr 3, 2020 |
There are now more people than ever working from home. For those not included in the 7% of US workers who were working from home before COVID-19, I’m sure you’re learning that it can take some getting used to. It is important to take preventative steps in your home office setup to prevent common injuries and boost morale. Below are some Home Ergonomic Tips & Tricks that will help you stay healthy while working from your new home office. And remember if you have to go out in public, be sure to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
Working From Home Ergonomic Tips & Tricks
Provided By: Higginbotham
Working from home comes with its own set of challenges. If an employee finds themselves working from home for a prolonged period of time, it is especially important to take steps to prevent ergonomic injuries. Taking small steps can go a long way to injury prevention at home.
Healthy at Home
Ergonomics is defined as the science of fitting a workspace to an individual’s needs. Ergonomics aims to increase efficiency and productivity while reducing discomfort and the likelihood of injury.
Many factors of ergonomics may be taken for granted in the workplace and be severely lacking in a home environment. For example, while at the office, you likely have access to a suitable desk and chair, but when you work from home, you might not have an ideal setup.
Poor ergonomics can lead to not only reduced employee efficiency, but also a number of health issues that may have long-lasting effects, including damage to muscles, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments and tendons. Musculoskeletal disorders can be caused by a wide variety of tasks, many of which may seem innocent, such as sitting with poor posture or having to bend or reach repeatedly.
Workstation Considerations
In order to make your home a suitable work environment, there are a number of factors that you should consider for your workspace, including your:
- Chair—A sturdy chair that supports the curvature of the spine is ideal for working. Chairs should also allow for adjustments so that your feet can rest flat on the floor and your thighs are parallel to it. While typing, your arms should be parallel to the floor as well.
- Desk—Use a work surface, such as a desk or table, that has space underneath for your legs and feet. If a work surface is too low, adjust your chair accordingly. The situation may also be able to be corrected using sturdy supports to boost the legs of either the work surface or the chair. Cushion your wrists from the surface edge with padding or a wrist rest.
- Screen—Arrange your laptop or monitor screen directly in front of you and approximately an arm’s length away with the top of the screen at, or slightly below, eye level.
- Layout—Organize files and materials so that you don’t have to constantly bend and strain to reach them.
- Equipment—When using a keyboard and mouse, keep them on the same surface. Position your arms so that your hands are aligned with, or slightly below, your elbows. Make sure your wrists are straight and your upper arms stay close to your body. If you use the phone frequently, put it on speaker or use a headset in order to avoid having to cradle the phone between your head and shoulder.
Preventing Hazards
In addition to arranging your workspace properly, you should also be aware of new risk factors that may be present. Be careful not to overload electrical outlets or create tripping hazards with power strips or extension cords running across the floor of your home.
Taking Breaks
Even while at the office, employees shouldn’t spend eight straight hours sitting at their desks. This applies to working at home as well. Take regular breaks to stand, stretch and move around a bit.
In Conclusion
Working from home has its pros and cons. While your home may not be the ideal work environment, utilizing the strategies in this article can go a long way toward preventing unnecessary injuries.
#WorkingFromHome #Powerhouse #PeopleProcessTechnology #COVID19
Apr 1, 2020 |
As an essential business, we have to stay up-to-date on all of the latest CDC recommendations for protecting ourselves and others from the threat of contracting COVID-19. There are many tips and tricks out there, and we’re here to share some more with you in case you’ve missed them. We also want to reassure those reading that these are the precautions Powerhouse and our employees are taking everyday during these uncertain times.
Find all this information on CDC.gov
Know How it Spreads
- There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
- The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
- The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
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- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Take Steps to Protect Yourself
Clean Your Hands Often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid Close Contact
Take Steps to Protect Others
Stay Home if You’re Sick
Cover Coughs and Sneezes
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a Facemask if You’re Sick
- If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
- If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
Clean and Disinfect
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
Click here to learn how to disinfect properly.
#Powerhouse #Coronavirus #COVID-19 #ProtectYourself
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
