CONTENT FROM ZEPIN THE ERA OF COVID-19, the importance
of keeping the workplace clean has never
been clearer. While research indicates
that the coronavirus is primarily spread
through airborne droplets, particles can
linger on surfaces. Providing employees
and customers with confi dence in sani-
tization protocols is key to a business’s
long-term health and economic survival.
“Ensuring workplaces are properly
disinfected isn’t just a protective safety
measure, but one that also instills a sense
of confi dence,” says Philip Thonhauser,
chief technology offi cer at Zep, a cleaning
solutions provider that works with clients
across industries. “ You gain trust in the
eyes of your customers.”
With that in mind, the fi rst thing to do
is implement a cleaning and disinfect-
ing strategy. First, thoroughly clean all
work areas (the exact type of cleaning
solution will depend on the surface),
including hidden places like the backs
of door handles. All loose particles and
dirt must be removed before applying a
disinfectant. Once clean, apply an EPA-
registered disinfectant.
Always read the disinfectant’s label.
The amount of time a specifi c prod-
uct needs to stay applied varies widely
(some require more than 10 minutes to
be eff ective, while others work in just60 seconds). The label should also have
information about which viruses the
disinfectant kills eff ectively.
Once the cleaning and disinfecting
strategy is established, it’s time to focus
on daily maintenance, says Thonhauser.
Employers should encourage good
hygiene by posting signage about the im-
portance of handwashing, installing hand
sanitizer stations throughout the offi ce,
and making sure soap and sanitizer sta-
tions are refi lled often. Regular disinfect-
ing should take place throughout the
offi ce, particularly in high-traffi c areas
such as elevators.
A company’s specifi c needs, such as
where to install hand sanitizer stations,
will vary based on the industry and
the layout of the space. A school, for
example, should consider installing sta-
tions at bus drop-off s, entrances, and
stairwells. “At Zep, we help customers
identify critical control points and put
them in a conceptual frame,” Thonhauser
says, “creating a plan of action that
is thorough, scientifi cally sound, and
simple to deploy.”
By maintaining higher sanitization
standards, companies can reduce risk
for their workforce and customers. This,
in turn, will help keep their operations
open—and the global economy running. ■THE FUTURE OF (SAFE) WORK
New sanitization protocols are the cornerstone of
reopening—and staying open.
For over 80 years, Zep has developed
cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, and
maintenance solutions for businesses
across many industry verticals. With
our simple 3-Step System, we can
deliver the products and know-how
to clean, disinfect, and maintain your
operation in the midst of the COVID-19
Pandemic. With over 3000 unique
formulations, we will customize the
right solution for your business to
give you peace of mind, while saving
you time and money.PROFESSIONAL SOLUTIONS TO KEEP
YOUR BUSINESS OPERATIONAL
“How can I reduce the risk
for my employees?”
“Is my business clean enough?”
“What is the right way
to clean and disinfect?”
Learn more at