As companies start to consider reopening their facilities, the EPA and CDC have released some guidelines to help reduce the threat of COVID-19.
For the automotive industry, these guidelines can really help auto parts stores, warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities to quickly check and prepare to reopen.
Here is a quick summary of the checklist and action items. Also, you should review the official info-graphic and guidelines documents.
1. Develop a reopening and cleaning plan and communicate that plan to all employees. Everyone needs to be on the same page – especially those who are getting your parts stores ready and opening the doors to the public.
2. Specify what must be cleaned and how often – the more detail, the better. Consider your parts counter, computer keyboards, toilets, endcaps, front doors, and even shipping and receiving areas. For frequent use areas make sure they are cleaned VERY often – almost at every use. Other areas might need once a day. That means after a customer walks away from the counter, wipe it down. If a customer uses a device or handles something on the shelf, wipe it down after they walk away. You may want to appoint someone at the location to be the “official disinfectant officer” for shifts of an hour or two – depending on your business.
3. Communicate HOW to clean – you do not have to use the absolute strongest chemicals every time you clean. Consider the surface area and how often human skin may come in contact with that area. Some cleaners can irritate skin, so you will need to strike a safe balance. Soap and water work well, but is not considered a disinfectant. Also, one small swipe of a towel is not enough – be thorough.
4. Social distancing at the counter – placing markers on the floor indicating the 6-foot distance recommendation is a good idea to help your counter people and customers maintain a safe distance. It is really hard not to shake hands, but it should be discouraged.
5. Have PPE available – keep a good supply of personal protection equipment (PPE) available for employees and possibly even customers or delivery/pickup personnel. You may want to consider selling some of these products if you are not already.
6. Common sense – if you are coughing or not feeling well, stay home.
The process of reopening any business will be stressful. But having a solid plan in place – and being flexible to adjust that plan as needed – can help you to get moving again.
