Risk Insight: Restoration Company Considerations
Partner
The need for a clean and safe facility has become a priority as many businesses contemplate allowing employees and customers to return to their places of business. Given the likelihood that there will be a high demand for companies who have added coronavirus cleaning, disinfecting, sterilization, or decontamination to their list of services offered, M3 urges clients to continue to practice good risk transfer methods. Choosing a restoration company with the right insurance program, certifications, qualifications, and experience with biological decontamination is critical in protecting employees, customers and other occupants in your facility. Below are questions that should be asked in selecting a qualified service:
What type of insurance do you have to complete restoration services?
The cleaning or restoration company should be willing to provide a certificate of insurance coverage. At a minimum, the required insurance should include the following:
- Statutory Workers Compensation Coverage with a Waiver of Subrogation
- General Liability Coverage Granting Additional Insured Status
- Pollution and Professional Liability Coverage with No Exclusion for Infectious Disease.
- Third Party Crime Coverage
What experience, training and certifications do you have specific to virus contamination?
Company employees performing virus decontamination should, at a minimum, have the recommended training according to OSHA guidelines, including Respiratory Protection and Blood Borne Pathogen training and certifications. You should also inquire as to what personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, the company would use, if they have a respiratory protection program in place, and whether company employees have been fit tested.
What chemicals will be used to disinfect?
According to the CDC and EPA, a virus can be physically removed by proper cleaning or de-activated with disinfectants. It is a good idea to request the safety data sheet (SDS) to confirm the disinfectant used is on the EPA list N, which is the approved list of disinfectants for products that meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2.
What is the process for disinfecting?
It is important to understand the company’s process and the impact it may have on your facility. Does the process include hand cleaning of all horizontal and frequently contacted surfaces such as: door handles, keyboards, desks, seating areas, handrails, copiers and printers, production equipment, touch screens? How are entry ways, carpets and restrooms cleaned? Does the company diffuse aerosolized EPA registered, healthcare-grade disinfectants into the atmosphere of large areas?
Key Takeaway
Before signing a contract with a cleaning/restoration company, be sure that you have explored each of the considerations above. Review contracts closely with legal counsel, looking out for hold harmless language and waivers. Contact your M3 Account Executive for more information regarding preparing and reopening your facility for employees and customers.
