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Resuming Business TOOLKIT- CDC
The Resuming Business Toolkit is designed to assist employers in slowing the spread of COVID-19 [1] and lowering the impact in their workplace when reintegrating employees into non-healthcare business settings. Not sure whether you’re ready to resume business? Use CDC’s decision tools [2-3] as a start.
The Resuming Business Toolkit is designed to assist employers in slowing the spread of COVID-19 [1] and lowering the impact in their workplace when reintegrating employees into non-healthcare business settings. Not sure whether you’re ready to resume business? Use CDC’s decision tools [2-3] as a start.
This Toolkit Includes:
Employer Sheet to introduce employers to content of the toolkit and how to use the in a non healthcare workplaces
Restart Readiness Checklist to help make returning to work and resuming business operations as safe and healthy as possible for employees, and the public
Workers Protection Tool for employers to identify protective measure for workers when interacting with each other and the public.
Returning to Work Infographic to remind employees how to protect themselves and others from COVID 19 and address their potential concerns about returning to the workplace
Tool Kit Resource per CDC - Click on the image to download the Toolkit
How to identify a NIOSH-approved respirator:
NIOSH-approved respirators have an approval label on or within the packaging of the respirator (i.e. on the box itself and/or within the users’ instructions). Additionally, an abbreviated approval is on the FFR itself. You can verify the approval number on the NIOSH Certified Equipment List (CEL) or the NIOSH Trusted-Source page to determine if the respirator has been approved by NIOSH. NIOSH-approved FFRs will always have one the following designations: N95, N99, N100, R95, R99, R100, P95, P99, P100.
Signs that a respirator may be counterfeit:
No markings at all on the filtering facepiece respirator
No approval (TC) number on filtering facepiece respirator or headband
No NIOSH markings
NIOSH spelled incorrectly
Presence of decorative fabric or other decorative add-ons (e.g., sequins)
Claims for the of approval for children (NIOSH does not approve any type of respiratory protection for children)
Filtering facepiece respirator has ear loops instead of headbands - Facts per CDC’s website
Beware of Scams!
Before buying large quantities of respirators from third party market places or unfamiliar websites, look for the following possible warning signs
If a listing claims to be “legitimate” and “genuine,” it likely is not.
Examine transactions history and feedback if possible
On auction sites or third-party distribution networks, most have a link to the seller of the item and their past sales. This is where buyers have the option to leave feedback regarding the experience with the seller such as if the buyer received the item as advertised, if they received it in reasonable amount of time, and if the buyer was unhappy with the product. Many reviewers will report if a product didn’t work or if it was cheap in construction.
Are there fluctuations of items traded over time (high or low periods of transaction?)
Is the seller marketing the same products over time, or are they primarily selling trendy items? Legitimate businesses and distributors typically sell what they know and stay consistent with their stock over time. A buyer should be able to discover this by looking into a businesses’ other products. Buyers should also be able to gain insight to sellers on big online platforms (reviews of the seller).
Are there price deviations and fluctuations (Is it too good to be true?)
Look at the quantity a buyer has in stock.
During a time of shortage, advertising “unlimited stock” could be an indication that the respirator is not approved.
Does the seller break marketplace policy and hide their contact information within images to circumvent filters.
Typical third-party marketplaces require interactions between seller and buyer to occur within an on-site messaging system. Sellers should not try to circumvent this system to display personal contact information.
Is the primary contact email address connected to the website or is it a free email account?
Using a free email service may suggest the seller is not committed to the domain
Look for bad grammar, typos, and other errors.
Watch for cookie-cutter websites, where the sellers interchange several websites, making mistakes:
Mixing up names/logos
Leaving the site partially unfinished with dummy text
Blank pages
A nonsense privacy policy page and/or broken links.
Domain squatting type activity (misspell the domain).
Facts per CDC’s website
Understand The Difference In Protective Masks
Compare the differences in different mask types as each one applies to specific contact and situations. This chart outlines each type available along with designated use and limitations. Choose wisely as it may save your life.
The Difference Between Surgical and N95 Respirator Masks.
The FDA regulates surgical masks and surgical N95 respirators differently based on their intended use.
A surgical mask is a loose-fitting, disposable device that creates a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and potential contaminants in the immediate environment. These are often referred to as face masks, although not all face masks are regulated as surgical masks. Note that the edges of the mask are not designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth.
An N95 respirator is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles. Note that the edges of the respirator are designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth. Surgical N95 Respirators are commonly used in healthcare settings and are a subset of N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFRs), often referred to as N95s. Facts per FDA website
Protective Clothing Levels
Level 1: Minimal risk, to be used, for example, during basic care, standard isolation, cover gown for visitors, or in a standard medical unit
Level 2: Low risk, to be used, for example, during blood draw, suturing, in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), or a pathology lab
Level 3: Moderate risk, to be used, for example, during arterial blood draw, inserting an Intravenous (IV) line, in the Emergency Room, or for trauma cases
Level 4: High risk, to be used, for example, during long, fluid intense procedures, surgery, when pathogen resistance is needed or infectious diseases are suspected (non-airborne) - Facts per FDA website
Keeping Your Cleaning Staff Safe
The risk of exposure to cleaning staff is inherently low. Cleaning staff should wear disposable gloves and gowns for all tasks in the cleaning process, including handling trash.
Gloves and gowns should be compatible with the disinfectant products being used.
Additional PPE might be required based on the cleaning/disinfectant products being used and whether there is a risk of splash.
Gloves and gowns should be removed carefully to avoid contamination of the wearer and the surrounding area. Be sure to clean hands after removing gloves.
If gowns are not available, coveralls, aprons or work uniforms can be worn during cleaning and disinfecting. Reusable (washable) clothing should be laundered afterwards. Clean hands after handling dirty laundry.
Gloves should be removed after cleaning a room or area occupied by ill persons. Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed.
Cleaning staff should immediately report breaches in PPE such as a tear in gloves or any other potential exposures to their supervisor.
Cleaning staff and others should clean hands often, including immediately after removing gloves and after contact with an ill person, by washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol may be used. However, if hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.
Follow normal preventive actions while at work and home, including cleaning hands and avoiding touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Additional key times to clean hands include:
After blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing.
After using the restroom.
Before eating or preparing food.
After contact with animals or pets.
Facts per FDA website
OSHA “Guidance on Preparing Workplace for Covid 19” Handbook.
With all types of businesses set to re-open OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has created a handbook for guidance on "Preparing Workplace for Covid-19".
This guidance breaks jobs down into 4 risk categories and has recommendations for each one. Find out your risk level by clicking this link: OSHA Handbook
✅ engineering controls
✅ administrative controls
✅ personal protective equipment
Helpful Videos
What You Need To Know About Handwashing- Video Credit CDC
An Introduction to COVID 19 Tests - Video Credit CDC
12 Tips for Grocery Shopping During the Pandemic
Face Mask Effectiveness Test - Credit NBCKHQ News