Buildings are designed with occupancy and maintenance in mind. Our checklist suggests procedures for consideration before reoccupying a building that has been closed due to COVID-19.
▢ Review standard building operating status during building closure (e.g., vacancies, HVAC schedules and set points).
▢ Assess the use of any new/proposed cleaning products.
▢ Review janitorial procedures and protocols, including environmental health & safety procedures.
▢ Evaluate building/engineering pre-inspection tasks, including:
- Flush ventilation systems with maximum outdoor air 24 hours prior to inspection.
- Flush potable cold and hot water systems for 10 minutes at all outlets.
- Resume normal ventilation schedule, or assess capacity or need for additional outdoor air.
▢ Perform site inspection visual and infrared inspection of representative available surfaces for leaks/mold (ventilation, filtration and hygiene).
▢ Undertake basic IAQ indoor air quality review with emphasis on volatile organic compounds.
▢ Collect potable water samples to characterize post flush water quality at domestic main.
▢ Sample hot water temperatures (Point of Use).
▢ Schedule Legionella testing from cooling towers (optional).
These are general guidelines and are not intended to provide specific guidance for your building.