Case Study – COVID-19 20 October 2020

COVID-19 Case Study

The Challenge

In March 2020, Elite FM were on the front line of the response to the Covid-19 (coronavirus) pandemic in the UK. The hospital needed to take urgent measures to protect the public at a time when information about the virus was still limited. Taking measures to decontaminate both public and back office areas was identified as a priority. The hospital’s head of business continuity and resilience contacted Elite FM and asked two questions:

1. Do you have the capability to do this?
2. Do you have the capacity to do this?

The answer to both these questions was yes.

Elite FM has invested in new electrostatic technology that enhances the delivery of an ultra-high-level broad spectrum disinfectant spray.

The Solution

Electrostatic Decontamination

Elite FM has invested in new electrostatic technology that enhances the delivery of an ultra-high-level broad spectrum disinfectant spray.

The chemical is electrically charged as it is delivered through a 40-micron spray head. It is also formulated to react to the electrostatic charge.

The combination of these two attributes ensure the millions of tiny chemical droplets wrap around and completely coat any surface, hard or soft. The electrostatic action helps increase the period during which the agent protects against recontamination.

Implementation

Following a site visit, Elite FM offered a range of decontamination approaches to counter the Covid-19 risk.

They included:

• Targeted spray of high-risk touch points
• Reactive decontamination of high-risk areas, including the airport’s medical centre and isolation pod
• Continuous spraying of high-risk surfaces in passenger and staff areas

Given the health, wellbeing and risk factors associated with Covid-19, the hospital commissioned Elite FM to carry out an intensive combination of all these interventions.

Elite FM prepared a bespoke risk assessment and method statement (RAMS) for the work. Decontamination was carried out by two teams of four decontamination operatives, working two 8-hour shifts, from early in the morning to late at night.

These teams wore standard PPE with masks. The aim was to provide an effective decontamination service and visible reassurance to people. For decontaminating high-risk areas, such as the medical isolation pod, full hazmat PPE protection has been worn, including a respirator.

Client benefits

• Fast and effective response to Covid-19 from a UK leader in specialist cleaning and decontamination.
• Application of innovative anti-Covid-19 electrostatic disinfectant spray technology, not available from other cleaning specialists.

Protect wellbeing and reputation

Employers are recognising their duty of care in safeguarding the wellbeing and mental health of employees during the Covid-19 pandemic. They can demonstrate to customers and regulators that they have taken effective measures to mitigate the psychological health risks of Covid-19.

Deploying Elite FM’s Covid-19 decontamination technology will help reduce the risk of anxiety, especially in workplaces where staff are being asked to stay at their posts to provide essential services.