Sanitise all work equipment
Even at your work desk surface, thoroughly wipe down and disinfect.
DID you know that viruses could survive in the air as droplets for hours and live on hard surfaces like phones and keyboards for up to 24 hours?
That is why it’s so important we get ourselves into the habit of cleaning electronics, furniture and personal items thoroughly to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Even at your work desk surface, thoroughly wipe down and disinfect.
According to website flextg.com whatever your schedule may be, you most likely spend a great deal of time at your workspace during a typical work week.
"Most of us don't think about the number of germs that we might leave behind in this environment," reported the website.
"With the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) around the world, people are more concerned than ever about staying germ-free, and one way to achieve this is by keeping our workspace clean. Keeping your office space and equipment clean is your first line of defense against germs and other harmful entities."
Continuously disinfect your office equipment
From your office phone to your digital whiteboard to your multifunction printer (MFP), you're constantly touching certain areas of your workspace. To help keep yourself and your coworkers healthy you must make sure to disinfect these items frequently. Make a habit of regularly disinfecting areas you touch with your hands or mouth.
Wipe it down frequently and at the end of the day
Keep rubbing alcohol and disinfectant wipes on hand and wipe down surfaces and pieces of office technology devices after each use. Do not spray devices with amonia based chemicals. The best way to clean your MFP screens is to first power down your device, moisten a microfibre cloth with a mixture of 70 per cent isopropyl alcohol and 30 per cent water (do not spray).
Additionally, before clocking out at night and leaving for the day, make time to wipe down items such as your phone, mouse, and MFP keypad with disinfectant wipes so germs don't settle in overnight and you can start the next day germ-free without having to sanitise the office first thing in the morning.
Also, regularly wipe down shared spaces like kitchens and meeting rooms after each use to help decrease spreading germs.
Clean your keyboard
Your computer keyboard can hold numerous germs for an extended period because it's harder to clean, making them particularly hostile environments.
Unlike your other office equipment, the best way to keep your keyboard clean isn't with wipes but a combination of items like canned air and cleaning gum.
Canned air can help remove debris like food crumbs from inside your keyboard, similar to a leaf blower.
Cleaning gum is a gelatin adhesive that is designed to remove the dust and dirt from your keyboard.
Utilise mobile apps when possible
■ With a rise in mobile apps, many printers, copiers, and MFPs can now be accessed via your smartphone rather than at the device itself.
You can upload, print, and scan documents and photos with these devices through the app on your phone.
This eliminates the need for employees to repeatedly touch office technology devices, thus helping eliminate germs on these essential pieces of equipment.
While workspace hygiene and sanitation are always a good idea, in times like this it's more important than ever for us to take the time to be diligent for the safety of ourselves and our coworkers.