COVID-19 delivered a wallop to the manufacturing industry. Supply chain disruptions, diminished consumer confidence, and concern for worker safety forced many operations to shut down or dramatically cut back. Manufacturing is currently on the rebound but still lagging behind pre-Coronavirus output.

In the days following the initial pandemic chaos, plant managers and operations directors were faced with serious health and safety issues. One facility manager reported 30 positive COVID-19 tests in the early weeks. Each positive result meant a round of contact tracing and more testing. These led to personnel shortages and production delays, in addition to liability concerns.

A new scientific study of the virus over the past few months has provided better infection control protocol and a slowing of the spread. Our team has fielded dozens of calls in recent months from plant managers with questions about sanitization. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions.

How do I know if my facility is safe?
In a facility with many people coming and going, safety can be fleeting. You can be safe from the coronavirus by performing a deep clean of your plant followed by thorough disinfecting using Health Canada authorized products. However, once people are reintroduced to the area, there is the chance of reinfection, from COVID-19 or some other pathogen. Maintaining a safe workplace requires regular cleaning and disinfecting, especially if the facility has been exposed to COVID-19.

If you want verifiable proof your facility is clean, talk to us about adenosine triphosphate (ATP) testing. ATP is an enzyme that is present in all organic matter. A luminometer will reveal the presence of ATPs on a surface, indicating its level of disinfection.

Do foggers and electrostatic sprayers work?
Foggers and electrostatic sprayers are two of the devices used to apply cleaning solutions or disinfecting products over a larger area quickly. Pump sprayers and electric sprayers are also used for this purpose.

A fogger vaporizes and sprays antimicrobial or antiviral products in Ultra Low Volume (ULV) droplets. It works well in large areas with mostly flat surfaces. Electrostatic sprayers utilize an electrode in the spray nozzle to create a positive charge that atomizes the disinfecting solution, releasing charged droplets in a mist that are attracted to surfaces. It wraps around the underside of chairs, desks, and equipment, regardless of the direction of the spray.  Electrostatic sprayers are considered the fastest, most effective method for disinfecting large spaces with many different surfaces.

What if we have a positive COVID-19 test?
Anyone who tests positive, as well as those with whom they have had direct contact, should be quarantined. Tape off the area where that person or persons worked and make it off-limits until it has been thoroughly disinfected. Trace the steps of the infected employee and disinfect those areas, as well, paying special attention to high-touch points.

All employees must be active in protecting themselves and others from the spread of the virus, even more so in the aftermath of positive exposure. Frequent handwashing, proper coughing and sneezing etiquette, and the use of face masks and disposable gloves are recommended. Limit personal contact as much as possible, and clean common areas like break rooms and restrooms often and thoroughly.

There are no shortcuts when it comes to protecting against COVID-19. Cleaning and disinfecting diligence, commitment from management and buy-in from employees will help keep everyone protected from further outbreaks.