While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has addressed the need for good ventilation in its guidance about keeping indoor spaces safe from the coronavirus, overhauling ventilation systems isn’t typically at the top of the list of actions restaurant operators are taking to make their facilities safer right now. There are likely good reasons for that: For one, the challenging economic climate makes it difficult to fathom making a significant investment in an HVAC update. But what if there were more cost-effective ways to improve the air quality in your restaurant? Regular system inspections and maintenance, attention to cleaning products and protocols, and the reconfiguring of your kitchen and dining room can all help. National Restaurant Associations updated COVID-19 SAFE OPERATING GUIDANCELayout
Consider modifying layouts, adding physical barriers and procedures for social distancing (sneeze guards and partitions, particularly in areas where it’s difficult for individuals to remain apart), and physical guides (including tape on floors or sidewalks, and signage) Ventilation The question of air circulation and aerosol transmission of the virus is still being studied. While the issue has yet to be settled to-date, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends that every restaurant follow these steps to maintain good restaurant ventilation:
Information here is taken directly from the National Restaurant Associations updated COVID-19 SAFE OPERATING GUIDANCE
0 Comments
As operators weather what is likely going to be a difficult winter, many of those fortunate enough to have outdoor spaces have taken steps to outfit them with heated pods, screens and other partitions aimed at containing the spread of the virus while also allowing the safe (and more comfortable) serving of guests as the temperature drops. But according to medical experts, these spaces can be as risky as indoor settings if operators don’t take sufficient precautions. To minimize the spread of infection in the next couple of months, be sure to air out individual dining pods between guests, or in case you have a partially enclosed space for dining outdoors, ensure that air is able to circulate throughout it. Outdoor space heaters and fireplaces can help beat the chill without posing additional safety risks, and you can also encourage guests to bring their own blankets to keep warm during their meal. |
More safety resourcesCleaning resourcesClean it and communicate itMake sure your outdoor dining area protects safetyEnsure-your-parking-lot-is-safe-for-outdoor-dining.htmlEnsure Your Parking Lot Is Safe for Outdoor DiningAn employee has Covid, should you close your restaurant?ArchivesCategories
All
|