As local and state governments are beginning a phased reopening of their economies, the International Code Council has compiled a guide of safety precautions and considerations for businesses looking to resume in-office activities. Acting as an aggregate information hub, the Code Council’s Coronavirus Response Center offers relevant information for building professionals and potential occupants to understand the impact the pandemic has had on the industry, as well as for companies who are currently creating plans and strategies to move back into their offices.
Ahead of reopening efforts, the Code Council has made it a priority to educate businesses, office managers and building safety professionals on an important but often-overlooked safety precaution – preparing an office building for re-occupancy. With many buildings reducing or turning off normal system operations during stay-at-home orders, it is critical to properly inspect and prepare a vacant building ahead of resuming regular activities. Without proper preparation and maintenance, the building may pose unrealized hazards to incoming occupants, whether from a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) or plumbing system to a powerless carbon monoxide detector.
Due to the wide range of aspects necessary for reopening a previously unoccupied building, the Code Council’s Coronavirus Response Center covers topics include:
- Addressing any temporary changes needed to building access and exit patterns to accommodate temporary reopening protocols such as employee health screenings, disposal of PPE, or any areas specifically designated for decontamination.
- Visually inspecting and testing the operation of building entrances and exits including doors, revolving doors, and garage doors for proper operation and ensure they are free from obstructions.
- If a building’s water distribution system has been shut down or seen reduced flow, flushing the pipe system with clean, potable water to remove any unwanted debris.
- Facilitating adequate physical distancing protocols, and considerations for revising maximum occupant loads for all buildings and spaces to accommodate 75 gross SF/occupant.
- Closing common areas where personnel are likely to congregate and interact or enforcing strict physical distancing protocols.
- Guidance on disinfecting communal areas from FEMA and the CDC
“COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on our society, both economically and socially. As we continue to learn to navigate the new normal and discover what that actually entails, having easy access to information on topics like how to properly prepare a vacant building for reoccupation is crucial, especially during reopening efforts,” said Dominic Sims, CBO and CEO, International Code Council.
Access to the Code Council’s Coronavirus Response Center can be found here, while the full list of tips and considerations for reopening buildings can be found here.
Related Stories
Market Data | Jul 29, 2016
ABC: Output expands, but nonresidential fixed investment falters
Nonresidential fixed investment fell for a third consecutive quarter, as indicated by Bureau of Economic Analysis data.
Industry Research | Jul 26, 2016
AIA consensus forecast sees construction spending on rise through next year
But several factors could make the industry downshift.
Architects | Jul 20, 2016
AIA: Architecture Billings Index remains on solid footing
The June ABI score was down from May, but the figure was positive for the fifth consecutive month.
Market Data | Jul 7, 2016
Airbnb alleged to worsen housing crunch in New York City
Allegedly removing thousands of housing units from market, driving up rents.
Market Data | Jul 6, 2016
Construction spending falls 0.8% from April to May
The private and public sectors have a combined estimated seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.14 trillion.
Market Data | Jul 6, 2016
A thriving economy and influx of businesses spur construction in downtown Seattle
Development investment is twice what it was five years ago.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 5, 2016
Apartments continue to shrink, rents continue to rise
Latest survey by RENTCafé tracks size changes in 95 metros.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 22, 2016
Can multifamily construction keep up with projected demand?
The Joint Center for Housing Studies’ latest disection of America’s housing market finds moderate- and low-priced rentals in short supply.
Contractors | Jun 21, 2016
Bigness counts when it comes to construction backlogs
Large companies that can attract talent are better able to commit to more work, according to a national trade group for builders and contractors.
Market Data | Jun 14, 2016
Transwestern: Market fundamentals and global stimulus driving economic growth
A new report from commercial real estate firm Transwestern indicates steady progress for the U.S. economy. Consistent job gains, wage growth, and consumer spending have offset declining corporate profits, and global stimulus plans appear to be effective.