How to re-open sports venues (3)
Go Live
In order to assist sports stadiums and venues to re-open safely, and remain open, Rockvolt have developed an A, B, C, D, E approach to developing a strategic cleaning programme which creates a Bio Secure, virus free zone. In our previous two posts, we explained the Assess, Blueprint, Clean and Disinfect elements of this process. In this last post in the series, we’re going to look in more detail at the final stage of reopening and the ongoing processes required thereafter that will be essential for ensuring your venue remains free from COVID-19 and minimises the risk of transmission.
The approach we recommend is for ‘behind closed doors’ opening without fans or visitors attending and is relevant for sports facilities and stadiums. Our recommendations are sourced from UK Government, PHE and WHO information and is current as per the date and are in response to how COVID-19 spreads. However, this advice is subject to change, so please keep in contact with us for information about the most recent advice.
E. Evaluate Continually
Stages C and D should be ongoing
The deep clean processes outlined in our last post, should take the venue to the Go Live date. A further evolving programme of cleaning then needs to be scheduled as the venue stays open in its ‘live’ mode. The majority of the principles discussed in stages C and D will need to be continued with the live mode. Plus the framework established during the Assess and Blueprint stages should be continually evaluated to maintain the Bio Secure environment and present a safe as possible environment for your venue’s users.
Out-of-Hours Cleaning
For the ongoing out-of-hours cleans your blueprint plans must be in effect with strong adherence to the controls on access. The small self-contained cleaning team principle explained in our last post needs to continue with specific areas and shifts allocated to each team. The principles of the cleaning elements will continue as detailed in stage C and stage D. Start and finish cleaning times need to be confirmed in accordance with the timings for the venue to be open.
Staggered shifts
A phased approach to shift start times will be necessary to ensure appropriate coverage and productiveness. It will also be necessary to stagger start times to ensure the self-contained small team concept is managed effectively. The cleaning will be focused through specific routes and will be more detailed at certain points as per the requirements, for example high volumes of touch points.
In addition to the Team 1, Team 2, etc. concept, the teams must also be isolated as to the zone they clean. For example, teams working outside the Green Zone, should not enter this area and must be able to undertake their work with access to equipment and welfare within the ‘dirty’ zone.
The cleaning programme must be strictly documented with timed check sheets created for every area cleaned throughout the venue. There needs to be a documented trail to aid any track and trace requirements and also to ensure a comprehensive programme is being undertaken that is reviewable to ensure areas are not being missed.
Full consideration should be given to the frequency of undertaking stage D cleans in specific areas on a regular basis to help control the ‘clean’ environment as part of the ongoing cleaning programme and maintaining the integrity of the Bio Secure environment.
In-Hours Cleaning
The daily cleaning requirements will focus on stage C elements with special attention to high contact and touch areas. The principles described in the Out-of-Hours cleaning need to be continued with regard to self-contained teams and social distancing. It will be important to define areas within the venue so that specific personnel only clean that area and do not cross into other areas.
If the venue is compromised or it is evaluated that a proactive procedure of disinfection cleans are required whilst the venue is active with people, then the electrostatic spray of disinfectant can be built into the daily in hours schedule. This may be focused upon certain sensitive areas of the venue which regularly contain a number of people, such as the offices, changing rooms, receptions, etc. To undertake such a process the area must be closed, the disinfectant spray undertaken, a period of at least 10 minutes allowed to lapse and then the room can be opened again.
Please get in touch
The safe re-opening and continued operation of sports stadiums in the months ahead is going to represent a significant challenge. Understanding and implementing the evolving and updated advice on best practices which is likely to continue to emerge from the UK Government, PHE and WHO is going to be essential. If you would like any further clarification or assistance about on how to re-open your stadium or anything dealt with in this series, please get in touch.