During COVID-19 lockdown, Tenon Group gives a peek into how it is coping up with numerous operational challenges at this time
The Tenon FM, the facility management division of Tenon Group, has been working round the clock to clean, disinfect and sanitize every corner of banks, hospitals, and other essential services that remained open during lockdown. It has launched a dedicated service, Tenon Prime, which enables healthcare facilities and essential services providers to minimize the high risk of exposure to COVID-19, allowing essential workers to work productively in a safe and protected environment.
Based on subject matter expertise and the experience of over two decades in the facility management industry, Tenon shares key lessons learnt:
1. Regular sanitization of workplaces
Even before the pandemic outbreak, Tenon used to do routine sanitization services twice a week in order to remove germs, bacteria and viruses from surfaces. COVID-19 has proven that twice a week might not be sufficient. Since the first outbreak of Corona in Wuhan, China, Tenon increased the frequency of regular cleaning & disinfection to three times a week at customer sites as well as its own offices in India, UK and Singapore, ensuring proper cleaning of frequently touched objects such as door handles, computers, phones, etc. Tenon also introduced a new service – Tenon Prime – which offers on-call on-demand cleaning, disinfection and sanitization services.
2. Rethink ‘One size fit all’ approach to cleaning
It’s very important for customers and for facility managers to understand that one size does not fit all. In other words, one way of cleaning, one type of chemical or only a simple technique will not suffice to eradicate different types of viruses and germs on surfaces or suspended in air. The chemical that is effective in killing pests may not be able to work on a contagion as stubborn as COVID-19. Maybe a heat treatment would not help in eliminating the bacteria sticking to inanimate objects, but it could be the best method for airborne viruses. At the moment, many businesses have been using off-the-shelf disinfectants and pest control-based fogging as a remedy. It is important to note the virus has varied life over different objects and government bodies around the world are still working to fully understand how it reacts to different temperatures, environments, objects and cleaning agents. This is what Tenon has inferred over a period of time and has developed a niche in infectious disease management. At present, it has Certification in Clinical Management of COVID-19 by Medvarsity and utilizes processes and methods prescribed by WHO and the Center for Disease Control (DC).
3. Expertise prevails at the time of urgency
The need for expertise in cleaning and knowledge of the application of sanitization chemicals, equipment and techniques has become very important. This also brings about a challenge as the cleaning and facility management industry in India is largely unorganized and fragmented. Hence, it is very important to choose the right partner. Tenon specialized sanitization services involves a rigorous three-step process that provides 360-degree protection. Firstly, each and every tangible surface in the workplace is thoroughly cleaned with colour-coded microfiber cloths by using Diversey chemicals. Then, all articles and objects are made to undergo high-temperature steam treatment. This is ultimately followed by fumigation of the entire premises using specialized chemicals.
4. Safety of the facility management workers is top priority
Recent cases of doctors contracting coronavirus has taught Tenon one great lesson about the importance of the life of an FM worker. An FM worker, who has a stupendous technical knowledge of cleaning and infection control can save a hundred lives. At this time of turbulence when every life matters Tenon is focusing on the safety and health of its workforce as they work at places having high risk of exposure. Their health is regularly monitored and they are given proper training on protection against coronavirus and the harmful chemicals being used during sanitization. They are also adequately provided with safety gear and are frequently checked on regarding their compliance with Tenon’s safety policies.