With quarantine advisories in effect around the country, most businesses have experienced a sudden slump in their foot traffic, engagement, and, ultimately, their sales. As much as most companies want to keep operating at full capacity and capabilities, this has proven to be difficult as the income of these essential establishments has started to plummet.
Months after the start of quarantine, more businesses are starting to reopen. As even more people are beginning to get out of their homes to resupply for essential items and other essential services, most companies will need to start reopening to make up for the funds that they have lost through these set of months.
No worries, if you’re a business owner and you’ve closed down your establishment for financial and safety reasons, this isn’t the proverbial nail in the coffin. This step-by-step guide in reopening your business will ensure that both you, your employees, and your customers are safe and secure from any contagious infections.
Step-By-Step Process to Reopening
First and foremost, reopening your business isn’t a process that can be done in a day. Typically, this might take weeks to ensure that everything is set back to your regular business’s operational capacity.
Naturally, most contagious diseases will live on surfaces, with a particular virus being able to last three to five days on average on solid surfaces. If this is the case, reopening your business doesn’t require managerial skills but will also need thorough disinfection of your establishment.
Preparation
Right before we get to the step-by-step process of reopening your business, necessary preparations need to be done. The right sanitized equipment can ensure that there are no potential infections while your business is disinfected.
- Protecting your skin is paramount from ensuring that you don’t get exposure to contagious diseases and toxic chemical burns.
- Ensure that you are in a space that has the right amount of ventilation and is not enclosed.
- Use the recommended amount of chemicals needed for cleaning and disinfecting.
- Avoid mixing and experimenting with chemicals, as this can cause toxic chemicals to manifest.
- When neutralizing acids and disinfectants, water should be used in room temperatures. If the label cautions such an act, then it’s best to follow the instructions.
- Inform others that you have diluted the cleaning materials.
- Keep cleaning materials and chemicals outside the reach of children.
These preparations are paramount in ensuring that there are no hazards in the workplace and your business.
It is also imperative to never interact with any of your orifices, which means that you should never eat, drink, and inject any forms of substances on your body if you are within the area of operation.
Determine What Needs to Be Cleaned
There are several factors to take into account when cleaning and disinfecting. If your establishment isn’t enclosed and is located outside, then these areas might require the right amount of cleaning but less disinfecting. Nevertheless, standard routine cleaning and disinfecting should always be practiced at all times.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
First and foremost, ensuring that there are no contagious and virulent materials in your business is the first step towards the reopening process.
- There should be a consistent routine for cleaning with soap and water. Most virulent materials will stick to surfaces and objects for an extended period; water and soap can significantly reduce the risk of exposure. After disinfecting the area, using clean microfiber towels, especially on glass surfaces, can help wipe off any leftover debris and materials.
- In terms of more professional disinfectants, EPA-approved disinfectants are effective against a particular type of viruses. Start disinfecting handles and objects heavily used by different people during the day.
- If there are no EPA-approved disinfectants that are available, there are always alternatives to these disinfectants. Several types of make-shift disinfectants used bleach added to at least a gallon of water or even a 70% alcohol solution for external use.
For your safety, it’s essential to not mix and experiment with bleach and other forms of disinfectants. That can cause toxic fumes, which can be detrimental to your health. If ever you are exposed to these fumes, it’s best to look for a medical practitioner’s professional opinion and supervision.
Reopening your commercial space might seem like a tall order for most business owners, but possibly, even amid a public health crisis. As long as strict rules and regulations are followed, the risk of transmission is kept to a minimum.
While opening your business might be a bit time-consuming, ensuring that everything is in order and that everything is within operational safety standards for government entities. Your employees can help mitigate any legal entanglements. At the same time, commissioning the services of professional maintenance personnel can ensure that.