Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations
With the spread of COVID-19 here we are sharing some precautions that can be taken.
Here at UPM we are closely monitoring the evolving situation with COVID-19. We are supporting each of our properties as they navigate how to maintain their spaces with preventative measures and additional cleaning procedures.
The CDC has released Interim Recommendations for US Community Facilities with Suspected/Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019, and we are sharing an excerpt of that here today.
Please take necessary precautions to stay safe at this time. These steps do not replace the current recommendations for social distancing and staying home to reduce potential contact with or spread of the virus.
(see below)
How to Clean and Disinfect
Surfaces
If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
For disinfection, diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.
Diluted household bleach solutions can be used if appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:
5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water or
4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).
For soft (porous) surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes, remove visible contamination if present and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. After cleaning:
If the items can be laundered, launder items in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and then dry items completely.
Otherwise, use products with the EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims (examples at this link) that are suitable for porous surfaces
Linens, Clothing, and Other Items That Go in the Laundry
Do not shake dirty laundry; this minimize the possibility of dispersing virus through the air.
Wash items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty laundry that has been in contact with an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.
Clean and disinfect hampers or other carts for transporting laundry according to guidance above for hard or soft surfaces.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Hand Hygiene:
Cleaning staff should wear disposable gloves and gowns for all tasks in the cleaning process, including handling trash.
Gloves and gowns should be compatible with the disinfectant products being used.
Additional PPE might be required based on the cleaning/disinfectant products being used and whether there is a risk of splash.
Gloves and gowns should be removed carefully to avoid contamination of the wearer and the surrounding area. Be sure to clean hands after removing gloves.
Gloves should be removed after cleaning a room or area occupied by ill persons. Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed.
Cleaning staff should immediately report breaches in PPE (e.g., tear in gloves) or any potential exposures to their supervisor.
Cleaning staff and others should clean hands often, including immediately after removing gloves and after contact with an ill person, by washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%-95% alcohol may be used. However, if hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.
Follow normal preventive actions while at work and home, including cleaning hands and avoiding touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Additional key times to clean hands include:
After blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing
After using the restroom
Before eating or preparing food
After contact with animals or pets
Before and after providing routine care for another person who needs assistance (e.g., a child)
Additional Considerations for Employers:
Employers should work with their local and state health departments to ensure appropriate local protocols and guidelines, such as updated/additional guidance for cleaning and disinfection, are followed, including for identification of new potential cases of COVID-19.
Employers should educate staff and workers performing cleaning, laundry, and trash pick-up activities to recognize the symptoms of COVID-19 and provide instructions on what to do if they develop symptoms within 14 days after their last possible exposure to the virus. At a minimum, any staff should immediately notify their supervisor and the local health department if they develop symptoms of COVID-19. The health department will provide guidance on what actions need to be taken. When working with your local health department check their available hours.
Employers should develop policies for worker protection and provide training to all cleaning staff on site prior to providing cleaning tasks. Training should include when to use PPE, what PPE is necessary, how to properly don (put on), use, and doff (take off) PPE, and how to properly dispose of PPE.
Employers must ensure workers are trained on the hazards of the cleaning chemicals used in the workplace in accordance with OSHA’s Hazard Communication standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).
Employers must comply with OSHA’s standards on Bloodborne Pathogens (29 CFR 1910.1030), including proper disposal of regulated waste, and PPE (29 CFR 1910.132).
What to look for in Commercial Property Management
The impact of vacancy rates at your property.
Track Record of Low Vacancies
One key factor to consider when looking for someone to manage your commercial property is the amount of vacancies the property management company has within the buildings they currently manage.
As an owner looking to maximize profits, low vacancy at your property can make a large impact.
Fully leased properties stabilize property incomes and ensure that the property is a performing asset.
Vacancy rates can also be an indicator of how property management is performing. Higher vacancy rates can indicate high tenant turnover, with unsatisfied tenants vacating the property. While lower vacancy rates can be a sign that tenants are satisfied with the service they are receiving, that they feel maintenance of the property is handled promptly, and issues they report are quickly resolved.
Having property management with strong tenant relations creates an environment where tenant issues are resolved before they escalate to a level that would have an impact on your tenants business and creates a desire to continue to grow in the space they currently occupy.
A property management company with low vacancy rates is a great thing to look for if you desire higher tenant retention and a higher return on investment for your commercial asset.