COVID-19 Workplace Protection Assessment

(non-domestic)

Monitoring and technical support to assist with the management of the risks around COVID-19 for businesses.

1. Scope

Environmental Efficiency can provide monitoring and technical support to assist with the management of the risks around COVID-19 for businesses to allow their employees to return to work safely while adhering to government guidance. The National “Return to Work Safely Protocol” sets out the steps and processes that businesses must take to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.

Work practices are also covered by the National Standards Authority of Ireland’s Guidance Document “COVID-19 Workplace Protection and Improvement Guide”

After so many weeks of lock-down many will be anxious to return to work.  However, Facility Managers and H&S professionals will also be anxious that the workspaces are safe for the returning workers.  In order to give the necessary level of confidence Environmental Efficiency can provide technical support to assist with the management of the risks around COVID-19, including site-specific risk management strategies for businesses to allow their employees to return to work safely while adhering to government guidance.

2. Services

It is envisaged that there will be two levels of service:

  1. COVID-19 Workplace Protection Assessment
  2. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Swabs from Environmental Surfaces Only

2.1 COVID-19 Workplace Protection Assessment

  • Site based audit to gain an understanding of the building space, site activities and movement of personnel. 
  • Site-specific key findings report and action plan, considering: social / physical distancing measures; site hygiene standards; provision of suitable information, and support for mental and physical health.
  • Sampling from worksurfaces using the industry standard technique of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis by a UKAS accredited laboratory. The SARS-CoV-2 test screens for envelope gene present in a broad range of SARS-CoV-2 and broad range SARS related coronaviruses (as detailed in Section 2.2). 
  • On-going support to assist with action implementation where appropriate.
  • Periodic random surface sampling if required (additional fees apply as per Section 2.2).

This will give building owners the confidence that the buildings are safe for returning staff.

For further information on this, please use our web contact form, email info@enviro-consult.com or call 01 2761428.

2.2 Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Swabs from Environmental Surfaces Only

Surface swab sampling to help monitor the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in your environment. Useful to monitor and measure the effectiveness of measures put in place in your workplace environment. This will contribute to increased confidence around efficacy of cleaning regimes as well as general hygiene levels. 

The test carried out is representative of conditions at the time of sampling and for the items sampled.  No responsibility can be taken if COVID-19 is subsequently found on previously sampled surfaces or on surfaces not sampled.

For further information on this, please use our web contact form, email info@enviro-consult.com or call 01 2761428.

2.2.1 Note on Air Monitoring for SARS-CoV-2

Transmission of Covid-19 in air for a workplace that has been unoccupied for a number of weeks is considered low risk as the Coronavirus spreads primarily from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, which are expelled when a person with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes or speaks. These droplets are relatively heavy, do not travel far and quickly sink to the ground. People can catch COVID-19 if they breathe in these droplets from a person infected with the virus which is possible within a 2-meter radius.  These droplets can land on objects and surfaces around the person such as tables, doorknobs and handrails.  People can become infected by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.  Therefore, the most appropriate technique for assessing risks is surface swabs, predominately in high touch areas of the workplace.  However, air sampling is a service that can be offered if it is desired.

2.2.2 Legionella Risk Assessment

COVID-19 is not the only issue with buildings that have been unoccupied for extended periods.  

For some places such as hotels, leisure facilities, offices, dental clinics and hairdressers, the employer needs to put in place control measures to avoid the potential for Legionnaires’ disease before they reopen.

Legionella will have had an ideal opportunity to grow with much water in pipes, air ducts and cooling towers being stagnant.  Environmental Efficiency can also undertake legionella risk assessments to identify any potential problems.  

For further information on this, please use our web contact form, call us or email info@enviro-consult.com.