S.E.P.S. has always exercised a firm commitment to lab cleanliness and safety. The health and safety of our associates, employees and customers is of the utmost importance to us. We’ve served the scientific community in New York and the Tri-State Area for years with a firm commitment to the sterilization and decontamination of lab environments. Of course, under normal circumstances it’s important to maintain cleanliness. However, right now it’s absolutely critical.
We’re in the midst of a global crisis with the spread of coronavirus, or COVID-19. Several businesses have had to close, countless employees are unemployed and mot of us have to quarantine, or social distance. However, labs are essential and still operating regular hours. If you have concerns about keeping your lab safe and functional, we’re here to help.
S.E.P.S. is here for you and your lab’s workers throughout this difficult time. Throughout the years, we’ve worked with labs of all biosafety levels. We’re in a unique position to help you in order to ensure sanitary conditions.
Lab Decontamination by S.E.P.S.
Lab equipment decontamination has been a specialty of ours for decades. In any lab setting, it’s important to pay close attention to the cleanliness and sanitation of the work environment. However, nowadays it’s vital to keeping personnel safe from potential COVID-19 infection. We employ a wide variety of techniques to decontaminate your lab and eliminate bacteria, pathogens, etc.
We utilize only NSF/NIH approved methods, which includes formaldehyde gas and chlorine dioxide gas decontamination. These are optimal for eliminating common lab contaminants that usually concentrate around or within lab equipment. Additionally, these techniques can be equally as helpful in fighting COVID-19 and eliminating it from your lab.
Throughout this extraordinarily difficult time, S.E.P.S. is here to help you manage this crisis and help you to foster a clean and sanitary work environment.
Recommendations for Lab Safety
Lab administrators should consult our previous FAQ regarding biosafety and COVID-19. It includes basic information regarding proper waste disposal, risk assessments, ideal disinfectants and biosafety cabinets (BSC). However, we’ve included some additional protocols below concerning effective safety measures you can implement to protect yourself and your employees. At S.E.P.S., we’ve put these policies in place personally to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
Recommended Policies:
Individual Hygiene Practices:
Hygiene is important under the most normal circumstances. However, right now it’s absolutely critical to keeping employees safe. All employees should wash their hands with soap and water as often as possible for at least 20 seconds. Soap and water is everybody’s first line of defense against germs, bacteria, pathogens, etc. Additionally, you should cover any sneezes or coughs to inhibit the trajectory of germs and prevent touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Safe Distances:
It’s very difficult in most lab settings to practice this. However, right now it’s integral to keeping employees safe. The CDC recommends a personal distance of six feet or more to prevent spreading infection.
Frequent Cleaning & Disinfecting:
This is important every day of the year. However, right now it’s indispensable. Place a particular focus on the surfaces and equipment that are most frequently touched. For example: buttons, doorknobs, handles, etc. For additional help sterilizing and disinfecting, contact S.E.P.S. for assistance.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Most labs (especially biosafety labs) already have stringent PPE requirements in place. However, right now it’s important for every workplace. Put a PPE policy in place that stresses the importance of gloves, masks, aprons, etc.
Develop Response Plans:
When it comes to the current COVID-19 pandemic, you can never be too prepared. It’s advisable to come up with a plan to respond to potential situations you might face in the future – such as employee absences or infections. Additionally, you should take specific risk factors into consideration and have a response plan ready to put into action if need be.
Conclusion – We’re Here For You
Right now, we’re all in a period of fear and uncertainty. With these precautions at hand, we’ll be able to navigate this medical and economic instability and swiftly recover with minimal losses. If your lab is uncertain about its ability to decontaminate or sterilize on its own, contact S.E.P.S. for a consultation right away. In the meantime, stay safe, wash your hands and stay healthy!
