As businesses start to open, owners must prepare to protect their employees’ health and safety in the workplace.
Tips for Cleaning Electronics
IMPORTANT!!
- Always refer to the manufacturer’s manual for proper cleaning instructions prior to using products on electronics
- Never spray water or cleaner directly onto electronics
- Remove any batteries or disconnect from power prior to cleaning electronics
Desktop / Laptop. Use compressed air to remove any debris caught in between the keyboard keys. To remove dust and smudges from electronics, lightly dampen a microfiber cloth to wipe down the keyboard, mouse, back of the laptop/ desktop tower and any other surrounding electronics found on the desk. Use a cotton swab for hard to reach crevices. Sanitize the area with an alcohol swab, one part alcohol/water mixture or approved electronic cleaner.
Monitors, LCD Screens and Touch Screens. Some glass cleaners have been known to corrode screens. To safely remove oils and germs from screens use water, eyeglass cleaner or approved screen cleaner to dampen a microfiber cloth.
Headsets and Earbuds. Unplug the headset or earbuds from the device. Remove any removable earbud tips or parts to clean with soap and water, rinse completely. Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the rest of the headset and cord. Allow all headphone and earbud sets to dry thoroughly before use. Bluetooth devices should only be cleaned using proper approved cleaners or a dry cloth to prevent internal damage.
Phone and Tablets. Most phone and tablet screens use tempered-glass screen protectors that use a fingerprint-resistant coating. To prevent damage during cleaning, remove the case and wipe it down with a damp microfiber cloth. Use cotton swabs or a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the device. If the device has a screen protector that doesn’t have a resistant coat, using an alcohol swab or mixture with a microfiber cloth is safe.
The CDC has provided resources to help your company stay healthy and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Top 10 Tips to Protect Employees’ Health
Actively encourage sick employees to stay home. Develop policies that encourage sick employees to stay at home without fear of reprisals, and ensure employees are aware of these policies.
Have conversations with employees about their concerns. Some employees may be at higher risk for severe illness, such as older adults and those with chronic medical conditions.
Develop other flexible policies for scheduling and telework (if feasible) and create leave policies to allow employees to stay home to care for sick family members or care for children if schools and childcare close.
Talk with companies that provide your business with contract or temporary employees about their plans. Discuss the importance of sick employees staying home and encourage them to develop non-punitive “emergency sick leave” policies.
Promote etiquette for coughing and sneezing and handwashing. Provide tissues, no-touch trash cans, soap and water, and hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Plan to implement practices to minimize face-to-face contact between employees if social distancing is recommended by your state or local health department. Actively encourage flexible work arrangements such as teleworking or staggered shifts.
Perform routine environmental cleaning. Routinely clean and disinfect all frequently touched surfaces, such as workstations, counter-tops, handrails, and doorknobs. Discourage sharing of tools and equipment, if feasible.
Consider the need for travel and explore alternatives. Check CDC’s Travelers’ Health for the latest guidance and recommendations. Consider using teleconferencing and video conferencing for meetings, when possible.
Provide education and training materials in an easy to understand format and in the appropriate language and literacy level for all employees, like fact sheets and posters.
If an employee becomes sick while at work, they should be separated from other employees, customers, and visitors and sent home immediately. Follow CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting areas the sick employee visited.
For more information on how to protect your employees health and download a printable PDF, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html
