Workplace Design: Guidelines for Infection Control

WORKPLACE: DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR INFECTION CONTROL. HE N D E R S ON IN SIG HTS | COVID-19 SERI ES

Due to COVID-19, many workplaces, including corporate office buildings and coworking environments, have closed for the foreseeable future, leaving many buildings unoccupied. When shelter-in-place orders are lifted, the health and safety of the workforce will be a primary concern for employers to ensure employees can return to their normal workspaces without fear of exposure. To do this, spaces should be engineered to accommodate social distancing and mitigate the potential spread of infection for those reentering the workplace.

A IR BOR N E

SURFACES

BIOAEROSOL TRANSMISSION

SURFACE CONTACT TRANSMISSION

▪ UV sterilization in HVAC

▪ Increase surface cleaning

- Upstream of cooling coil (preferred) - In return air duct (optional) ▪ HEPA filtration - New system • Central system HEPA filtration - Existing system • Fan filter units or portable filtration • Central system HEPA filtration (verify physical space and static pressure is adequate) ▪ Expand “occupied” operation to increase ventilation ▪ Active humidification — 40% - 60% ▪ Implement airflow patterns that assist in removing contaminants from breathing zone ▪ Occupant temperature readings upon entry

▪ Touchless fixtures — restroom, lighting controls, door openers, biometric access controls ▪ UVc lighting with occupancy sensor for sanitation in shared spaces ▪ Open circulation — balanced with security ▪ Alter furniture selection - Cleanable surfaces vs soft seating - Antimicrobial materials ▪ Increase technology infrastructure to minimize need for shared equipment in conference rooms ▪ Depersonalize workspaces to allow easier cleaning protocols and more flexibility CON TI N U ED

> WO RKPLACE : DESIGN GUIDELINE S FOR IN FE CTION CON TR OL

SOC I A L D I STAN C IN G DROPLET TRANSMISSION ▪ Remote working/work from home options to remain available

▪ Building entry and exit

▪ PPE or mask policy in shared spaces

- Flexible work hours to minimize quantities of people coming and going at the same time

▪ Flexible workspaces configured to maintain minimum social distance

- Dedicated entry point and dedicated exit point (one-way flow of foot traffic)

- Using partitions to create separation ▪ Shared spaces: conference spaces, training spaces, breakrooms, lobby areas

- Multiple dedicated entry/exit points into building if security allows

- Reduce quantity of shared spaces - Limit occupancy - Promote virtual meetings

STEVEN NEVILLE WORKPLACE PRACTICE DIRECTOR steven.neville@hendersonengineers.com

There are many considerations when making changes to your existing building. When it’s time to talk logistics, our Henderson Building Solutions group can help get these updates done fast and efficiently through product sourcing and installation. Speed to market and making changes in a seamless manner both matter as people come back to your spaces. Let us know how our team at Henderson can help.