Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Disinfection
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and disinfection practices are highly recommended, and in some cases, mandatory by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). These practices are essential to create a safe and healthy work environment for your employees and to help slow the spread of the COVID-19.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)​

As mandated by ODH, businesses must require all employees to wear facial coverings. At a minimum, facial coverings or masks should be cloth/fabric and cover a person’s nose, mouth, and chin.
 
There are a few exceptions to employees not being able to wear a facial covering. Please refer to the ODH website for further explanation.
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WORKPLACE DISINFECTION​

Education

• It is important for employees to understand and recognize the
symptoms of COVID-19. Upon request, educational posters and flyers can be supplied. If your employees suspect any COVID-19 symptoms, it should be reported immediately.

• Handshaking should be discouraged between co-workers and visitors.  

Hand Sanitizer​

• Washing hands with soap and water is ideal to practice proper personal hygiene. If soap and water are not readily available, hand sanitizer may be used.

• To encourage hand hygiene, place hand sanitizer stations in multiple locations around your organization.

WORKPLACE DISINFECTION​​

Frequent Cleaning of Common Areas

• As employees return to the workplace, the cleaning and disinfection of high-contact and common areas will be necessary to provide a healthy work environment.

• Based on the frequency of use, determine which pieces of equipment and common areas need to be cleaned, especially
on a daily basis. Based on the level of use, more frequent cleaning and disinfection may be required. Surfaces that are
not commonly touched only need soap and water for cleaning; additional disinfection is not required.

• The variety of surfaces in the workplace require different cleaning procedures.

​      - Hard (non-porous) Surfaces – if                    visibly dirty, clean the surface with               soap and water prior to disinfection. 

      - Soft (porous) Surfaces – if visible                 contamination is present, surfaces               should be cleaned. If possible,                         launder the items in accordance                   with the manufacturer’s                                   instructions.

• If possible, you may want to consider long-term options, such as the replacement of porous materials used for seating, the use of no-touch disposal cans, and providing tissues to employees.


 Signage

​• To continually remind employees of best practices, it is recommended to post educational signage about proper
handwashing techniques, COVID-19 symptoms, and other important personal hygiene practices.