The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to live part of our lives differently. After about a month and a half, we are beginning to see signs of a gradual return to normal. The Ministry of Health says the epidemic curve has peaked, while experts point to early June for a return to normal. It is time to prepare to return to workplaces closed following the decisions at the beginning of the pandemic.
As we noted in earlier articles, closures were somewhat rushed. None of us had enough experience with a pandemic on a scale unknown to anyone alive at the time. As reopening approaches, we need a more informed technical and administrative approach. How should a workplace reopen after a long closure? Is raising the shutter, switching on the power and dusting enough? What should be done beforehand and how long is needed? If you are seeking answers, take a sip of coffee and continue reading.
Reopening Deserves the Same Attention as the First Opening
Before a workplace opens, industry professionals undertake testing and commissioning: systems are carefully inspected before power is applied, then commissioned after passing checks. Although reopening is not first-time commissioning, systems closed for a long period need the same detailed inspection and maintenance before restarting. Arrange the necessary checks in the 15 days before opening.
What Is Needed Before Reopening? Why Are Technical Checks Important?
Even without this experience, a culture of periodic inspection and maintenance has begun to take hold in Türkiye. We are more hopeful as “repair it when it breaks” gives way to asking how to reduce repair costs. As an organization that says “the cheapest repair is maintenance,” we attach great importance to pre-opening checks. What technical inspections, administrative arrangements and COVID-19 measures are needed?
Earlier articles listed precautions personnel could take during closure. Reopening checks require professional support. Improper commissioning of electrical systems can damage devices or the installation and even cause fire. Ventilation and HVAC systems may develop problems during prolonged inactivity, and harmful organisms may accumulate in filters left in damp, unventilated conditions. The main checks are:
– Electrical supply measurements and checks
– Low-voltage and UPS panel inspection and maintenance
– UPS and IT cabinet inspection and maintenance
– Electrical infrastructure, connections and wiring checks
– Socket measurements and checks
– Commissioning electrical panels and systems
– Lighting checks and measurements
– Emergency lighting checks
– Fire detection checks and confirmation from the main provider
– Alarm and CCTV checks
– Security antenna and sensor checks
– Cash register and monitor checks
– Automatic access system checks
– Detailed inspection, maintenance and commissioning of HVAC equipment
– Detailed inspection, maintenance and commissioning of ventilation equipment
– Thorough air-filter cleaning and disinfection
– Water-filter cleaning
– Drain-pan cleaning
– Clean-water and wastewater line checks
– Sprinkler-line checks and confirmation from the main provider
– Fire extinguishing equipment and system checks
– Plant and landscaping checks and rehabilitation where necessary
How Should Disinfection Be Performed? Is Disinfecting Accessible Areas Enough?
Disinfection became particularly important during COVID-19. Workplaces have a responsibility for hygiene and disinfection to protect staff and visitors and prevent a second wave. The article says suitable disinfection before opening is important and anticipated further public requirements. It notes that SARS-CoV-2 can be inactivated by many cleaning products, including soap. It also presents nano-silver disinfection as advantageous, asserting that silver does not harm human health, is naturally eliminated within 24 hours, is effective against more than 640 pathogens and provides high surface coverage and persistence through nanotechnology.
When arranging disinfection, remember that air-conditioning units often draw air from rooms or ceiling spaces and recirculate indoor air. The article argues that accessible areas alone are insufficient and equipment and ducts should not be overlooked. It suggests:
– Nano-silver disinfection in all workplace areas
– Disinfection of ventilation and HVAC equipment
– Disinfection of ventilation and HVAC ducts
– Disinfection of air filters and replacement of suitable filters with HEPA filters
– Frequent, regular cleaning with suitable products
What Simple but Effective Arrangements Can I Make Before Opening?
Advance preparation can reduce risk after opening. Publications from university commissions, the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Services and relevant professional bodies can be found online; further rules may be introduced. Suggested preparations include:
– Establish a team to implement and maintain pandemic precautions, inform its members and involve them in improving measures.
– Prepare posters listing precautions and warnings and place them appropriately.
– Arrange shared spaces for social distancing; mark 1.5-meter spacing in front of store checkouts.
– Install touch-free sanitizer dispensers accessible to staff and visitors, using sensors or foot-operated mechanisms, and provide disposable tissue dispensers.
– Provide small disposable bags so used tissues can be isolated for disposal.
– Obtain a non-contact laser thermometer for employees.
– Increase the number of waste bins and use suitable bags that can be removed without touching contents.
– Provide disposable masks and gloves for employees where possible.
These checks and measures can help manage the period with a lower budget and a healthier mindset and minimize damage. Specialist inspections can prevent many reopening problems. Reopening correctly can reduce risk; seek professional support.
