“A large part of our world’s workforce has been forced to work from within the confines of their home. Globally, lockdowns will soon end to reboot the world economy, but we will have to learn to live and work with the virus for a while. The biggest challenge workplaces are going to face, is how they can adapt modern open office layouts for physical distancing and prevent offices from becoming virus petri dishes. Through this book, we aim to ease the process of transitioning to the ‘New Normal’ and present design strategies to help our workforce to return to their desks.”

To the warriors...

This book is proudly and affectionately dedicated to India’s coronavirus warriors and their families.

Thank you to every courageous front-line worker, doctor, nurse, paramedic, police officer and government official who put us before their lives and families and continued to show up to work every day. We owe each one of you tremendous debt. Disclaimer No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means; electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, except as may be permitted, in writing, by The Blank Slate.

The data/guidelines in this document comprise the views of TBS, they do not constitute legal or other professional advice.

TBS is not liable for any damages, transmission of virus, arising from the use of or inability to use this document or material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken as a result of using these guidelines.

It is recommended that you consult a professional advisor for the customized application of these guidelines in your premises for utmost precaution.

© 2020, The Blank Slate. All rights reserved. CONTENTS 04 01 02 05 Using Technology for Getting Workplace About the Back to General Safety Handbook Work Solutions

03 06 07 Retrofitting Offices Post-Lockdown Office and Bathroom Equipping Hygiene your workftorce Access and Protocols Circulation Workstations

Conference Executive 08 Room cabins

Pantry and Breakout Dining Lounges Work From Home and Stay Safe

Restrooms HVAC o1. About the Handbook Productivity is directly proportional to employee safety and morale. The solutions mentioned here revolve around the following axes and can be applied How can I use easily to your existing workplace: ˜˜ Incorporate Solutions for Social Distancing The Invisible Enemy - Covid-19 ˜˜ Take Inspiration for Hi-Tech upgrades to curb this handbook? contact ˜˜ Adapt to the strategies mentioned to plan The global pandemic we are in the midst of, has circulation and de-densify the office space brought the world to its knees; representatives ˜˜ Retrofit furniture to create a safe environment around the world face the challenge of balancing the economy along with people’s safety. Who can use this Handbook? While we mitigate the impacts of the virus on This handbook aims to benefit offices of all Key Challenges in Getting Back To Work Post Lockdown our wellbeing, we must also begin to mitigate possible scales, cultures and formats. the economic repercussions, before we have lost Geographical Extents more livelihoods than lives. The interventions mentioned here are ˜˜ People come to workspaces from various economical and geographical areas. This leads At the front of this mitigation program, comes malleable and can be stretched and fit to high proximity and transmission of the virus every workplace. While the government into other spatial scenarios like homes, generates the best and most effective policies to hospitality spaces and recreational areas. Travel Hazards: resume our work forces, we need to upgrade and ˜˜ Public transport usually faces the problem of overcrowding and most of the country’s retrofit our built environment, to fight this battle The intangible and behavioural solutions workforce relies on it to commute to their workplaces. Because of this overcrowding, as efficiently as possible by applying focused, mentioned here can also be applied to daily physical distancing is nearly impossible to achieve, making the workforce a carrier of the quick and cost effective solutions. functions. disease

Dense Workplaces ˜˜ The high density work places, shared collaborative spaces and the culture of hot desks; What is this Handbook? expose their workforce to large amount of shared direct and indirect contact points; such This handbook is a cheat sheet of easy-to-execute and cost-effective design solutions that can go as bathrooms, entry log points, security check points a long way in improving workplace safety. Excessive Interactions We identified the key areas within a workspace that can be pathogenic hotspots - Entryways, ˜˜ Interaction amongst employees and with visitors is integral to efficiency, it puts people’s Lobbies, Workstations, Meeting Spaces, Cabins, Dining, Breakout Areas, Restrooms & HVAC safety at stake as a person could unknowingly be a carrier Systems. Keeping these spaces in mind, we designed novel interventions for each of them, hence working towards redefining existing standards while ensuring current health protocols are Courier Sourcing: maintained. ˜˜ Maintaining a supply chain is an integral part of a business, yet the surfaces of these commodities can act as breeding ground for microbial contaminants Understanding the Corona Virus This handbook realizes the urgent need for offices to adapt to the ‘New Normal’. Way forward Prevention, wherever possible, is better than a cure! Understanding the challenges posed by the coronavirus and creating a comprehensive The invisible enemy Coronavirus disease set of guidelines for your entire workforce, could be the first step in the journey against 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease this pandemic. Various national, international and local authorities have been taking caused by severe acute respiratory the effort to spread the information and create a comprehensive set of action plans syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Fever Cough Difficulty in Headache that can help us occupy our work spaces again. In this handbook, we have identified Breathing a researched set of solutions and created an easily accessible set of tools and design The virus has so far proven to be lethal strategies that can help workplaces rethink, reevaluate and retrofit their workplaces to in ~7% of the people that had contracted allow a safe return of their employees. it. The virus can lead to complications like Pneumonia, viral sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, kidney failure and cytokine release syndrome. Contact with infected objects, surfaces and people

10 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate o2. Getting Back to Work Personal interaction and collaboration Back-To-Office Essential: Social Distancing with physical distancing

Not all work assigned to a person can happen from home. For those who will return to their Social distancing, is an infection prevention and control intervention implemented to avoid/ desks, changes in workplace processes and design, will facilitate social distancing in order to decrease contact between those infected with a disease causing pathogen, so as to slow down ensure safety. But, discrete measures are needed to reduce interactions between people and the rate and extent of disease transmission in a community. keep physical distance between them within the workplace. The measures that can be applied are as follows: Workplace Design

˜˜ Overall reworking of furniture arrangements, materials, sanitation and other physical changes in the office to keep the spread of the virus at bay. This handbook deals tangible solutions further in detail Without social distancing, the probability of infection increases Task Pooling

˜˜ Employees with similar tasks can be pooled together to ensure efficiency and the functioning work force can be divided in shifts subsequently ˜˜ Same can also apply to individual project timelines with tasks that can be worked on from home are clubbed together, reducing the time spent in an office ˜˜ Working hours can be made flexible in order to avoid peak commute times ˜˜ Employees can alternate between on-site and work from home shifts in order to reduce the workforce present in office Social Distancing limits the spread of disease Virtual Meetings

At a Personal Level ˜˜ Provision for laptops with video conferencing facilities for all employees to ensure virtual meetings Within the context of a workplace, the most likely way of contracting COVID-19 is when an infected can replace in-person conferences individual coughs or sneezes, and their droplets are passed to other people through their mouth, nose, or eyes. By maintaining a distance of 6 ft, the risk of contagion is minimized. However, it Social Customs is important to wash hands thoroughly and regularly as droplets are also likely to be found on surfaces like desks, switches, shared stationery, and in collaborative spaces such as conference ˜˜ Avoid visitors. Allow only authorized employees to rooms, etc. enter the premises ˜˜ Specific spots can be reserved outside the office for At a Community Level food and other deliveries ˜˜ Greet without physical contact Social distancing when going out about the activities of a day, slows down the spread of virus ˜˜ Increase awareness about the six-foot-rule of social within the workplace. The probability of an infected person coming in contact with a healthy distancing person reduces drastically when a space isn’t crowded. The rate of contagion falls within the workplace when distancing is practiced by taking steps such as maintaining adequate space between workstations, reduced workforce or staggered shifts.

14 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate o3. Retrofitting Offices Post-Lockdown “Now is the time to rethink workspace standards especially the revolutionary and now widely prevalent open-plan office format. Social distancing guidelines in the office are the sameas elsewhere. Employees need to re-evaluate their offices and alter them if necessary so health guidelines can be followed to avoid unnecessary closeness and facilitate employees to always remain 6’ apart. This section explores various means by which this can be achieved at workstations, in meeting rooms, communal lounges and dining areas. It is imperative that offices are de-densified and altered to make them ‘antiviral’ for the safe return of our workforce”

Social Distancing measures taken across an office

18 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate WorkplaceSpace and Design Post-Lockdown

Productivity is directly proportional to employee safety and morale. It will be crucial for employers to instill a sense of safety among employees once the lock down ends and they return to their desks. Every employee is going to expect their employer to guarantee a certain level of safety before they are comfortable stepping back in the office. It’s imperative for employers to re-evaluate the office with the factor of safety in mind, and chart of how they can intervene to make the space safer.

˜˜New Reduced Capacity: The first step to creating a safe environment for your employees to return, is to determine the new reduced capacity of the workspace to comply with social distancing measures. Workspaces may have to reduce occupancy by 20% or even 50% depending on their layout and existing furniture. In most cases a 45-65% capacity may be achievable. However, some spaces such as dining areas or meeting rooms can be converted into temporary work areas to increase capacity.

˜˜Route Markers: Circulation and movement in the office needs to be controlled by route markers to allow a safe passage from coworkers at desks. Pinch points in the office need to be analyzed.

˜˜Collaboration while physically distancing: While adopting safe distancing, offices will need to find ways to still maintain a collaborative and comfortable environment. Creative office solutions can be employed that allow collaboration while restricting physical proximity.

˜˜Signages for wayfinding and behavioural modification : Strategically placed behavioral and way- finding signage can guide occupants to form new habits and transition to the New Normal as we continue to learn how to live and work with the virus around us.

˜˜ Space Management Applications: As large scale workplaces begin to phase in more employees, Space Management Applications like Accruent and Skedda can generate many scenarios with the floor plan and identify the most optimized plan for a variety of physical distancing conditions.

Recommended Social Distancing Measures

20 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate Distancing Scenarios With Tables Of Varying Dimensions

Circular Table Reception Style Diameter 7’ Diameter 7’ Diameter 5’

Diameter 3’ 6” Cabaret Style Diameter 7’

Rectangular Table

Dimensions 8’ x 3’ 6” Dimensions 5’ x 3’ Dimensions 3’ 6” x 3’ 6”

Boat-Shaped Table

Dimensions 8’ x 3’ 6” Dimensions 6’ x 4’ 3”

22 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate Programmatic Solutions Design Solutions

Reduced Occupancy: Making use of disposable Reconsider workstation accessories: Sanitization Booths: density: Limiting visitors and restriction in the Gloves, shoe covers, Creating sanitizing Rotational shifts and number of people table and chair covers stations at all access staggered seating among using elevators and that are biodegradable points in the building. present employees facing staircases at a time. and disposable ensure other. hygiene.

Virtual Collaboration: Technology and Routine Disinfection: Modularity in layout: Automation: Various apps and Frequent sanitization of devices can be used to Office furniture needs to Basic automation of high-contact surfaces collaborate over video be modular to provide doors, office equipment to and high traffic areas. conferences, screen flexibility to an office smart phone integration sharing apps and virtual layout. to reduce contact with white boards. these surfaces.

Mobile Furniture: Staggered timings: Testing Employees: Contact-less experience: Furniture needs to be Limiting the number Routine health check-up Operating existing movable, which will of people entering a and even more frequent office technology be essential to create cafeteria by applying testing of employees for using gestures, facial distance between staggered timings. ailments. recognition or smart employees. phones.

Recirculated Air: Materiality:

HVAC system be Materials with low restructured to avoid porosity are easy to clean recirculated air or air and sanitize. Also, anti- filters can be provided bacterial materials like to sanitize the air being copper can be used for recirculated. high-contact surfaces.

Upgrade to easy-to- sanitize equipment:

Equipment with anti- bacterial finishes should be used. Methods like UV sanitization must be implemented.

24 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate Workplace Nudging Tools

We aim at using visual aids to nudge people towards a behavioural change to ensure they make safer choices in menial everyday activities . To stay efficient, our brains rely on these mental shortcuts to help us make fast decisions with little information and hence with the help of these signages we can ensure the application of quick and efficient safety measures.

Since employees have a habit driven behaviour pattern as an involuntary response to their office space, these signages will behave like quick alerts or reminders. Small interventions like these will go a long way in terms of magnitude of change they can bring about.

Colour-coded layout of the Use Navigation Signage Wash Hands for minimum 20 space seconds

Displaying the layout of the Indicators displaying the Washing hands thoroughly office makes navigation directions in which different with soap for minimum 20 through the space an easy spaces lie, supports the seconds effectively removes task. layout display in helping a contaminants from your hand. user navigate a space.

Tape demarcations showing directions and path of movement

Floor stickers urging people to follow social Tape demarcating each employee’s zone each employee’s demarcating Tape distancing

Walk along floor stickers Close Toilet Lid prior to Stand only on the marked flushing area

Make sure to walk along the Close toilet lids after use Stand on the position markers path and direction as shown as open lids lead to spread placed 6ft apart when standing by the footstep-shaped floor of toilet plumes or faecal in a queue. Follow the rules of stickers. aerosols. social distancing. 26 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate Access and Circulation

Who must refer to this?

˜˜ Smaller offices with constricted entry points ˜˜ Offices with multiple entries ˜˜ Large office buildings with complex vertical and horizontal circulation patterns Protecting the Frontline of Defence

The entry is the first point of contact in a building, and hence its the first layer of protection. It is the most important space to fortify against pathogenic risks as that prevents a contaminant from spreading within the building. Thermal Scanners Foot Operated Sanitizer Body Virus Buster Temperature Guns help Dispenser Body Virus Busters make Risks involved in circulation spaces: screen probable sick Operating a sanitizer use of mild chemicals in individuals by detecting dispenser using foot sanitizing the body of any reduces the risk of touching ˜ body temperatures. viruses. ˜ Touch-dependent security features like biometric devices force its users to touch a an infected surface possibly infected surface ˜˜ Shoes can carry pathogens that aren’t easy to filter out ˜˜ People entering the building may have come in contact with a contaminated surface, that further compromises the safety of the building ˜˜ Higher risk of an undiagnosed infected symptomatic or asymptotic infected person entering the premises

Building Entrances

˜˜ Building Entrances can enable social distancing by making use of position markers Face Mask Dispenser Alternate Footwear (made in tape or paint) to mark spots 6’ away from each other. Shoe Cover Dispensers ˜˜ These markers serve as queue regulators for people standing on them, and help them Face masks are vital in Outdoor footwear should be In case of visitors without keep a safe physical distance from each other. preventing contraction separated from footwear to office footwear, disposable ˜˜ If buildings currently check baggage, bins must be provided for use to place personal of any airborne diseases, be worn intside the office. shoe covers can be used to belongings on xray machines which can be frequently sanitized hence need to be readily Outdoor footwear must be prevent contamination available through left at the entrance in shoe dispensers. rack is possible

Bins for baggage security

Facial Recognition Locks Automatic Doors Wi-Fi Smart Lock Locks that require facial Automatic doors with Wi-Fi Smart Locks enable biometrics to unlock proximity sensors do unlocking a door using Sanitizer Dispenser eliminate the need for not require handles to a smartphone, making it contact. be opened, making it a contactless. Sanitization Booth contactless operation

Position Markers

30 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate Signage to reduce Interaction / talk through window Lobbies and Receptions Safety in small-scale office Lobbies are congregational spaces with a high foot traffic, a common space with a varied user lobbies types with reception desk being zones of highest contact. ˜˜ Position markers 6’ apart, indicating distance to be maintained to reduce Risks involved in circulation spaces: contagion risk. ˜˜ Shoe racks for outdoor footwear. ˜ Lobbies are the most visited spaces in a building. The high-contact areas are: ˜ Door Matts to further clean feet of ˜˜ Doors and Door Handles dust particles. ˜˜ Reception Desk ˜˜ Office Furniture like chairs, tables and sofas Shoe rack to remove ˜˜ Varied visitor entry can increase the probability of contamination outside shoes ˜˜ Difficult to socially distance because of lack of regulation in circulation ˜˜ The number of high-contact surfaces is high, so is the risk of contagion Foot Sanitizing Matt Outisde Lobbies

Location of key offices indicated Hand Glove and Mask Dispenser and Limit Guest access and use operable Automatic Hand Sanitizer Dispenser windows to provide information

Mask Dispenser and Automatic Hand Sanitizer Dispenser

Sanitizer Dispenser at Entrance

Sneeze Guard Position Markers

Eliminate Alternate Seats Block adjacent seats, to make it single oocupant Sneeze Guard Lobbies with Waiting Areas Demarcation of off limit Area

Small Office Lobbies Safety in lobbies with waiting areas

Safety in small office lobbies ˜˜ Floor stickers to indicate the direction of movement. Unidirectional movement is advisable ˜˜ Door handles can be made in brass which is an anti-bacterial material ˜˜ Automatic Doors with proximity sensors ˜˜ Kick plates can be installed on the door to make opening contactless ˜˜ Security Guard at lobby to manually enforce distancing ˜˜ Positioning the reception desk near windows so that interaction with visitors can happen ˜˜ Making use of wall-hung sanitizer, hand glove and mask dispensers at entry through a window ˜˜ Alternate seats on sofas and alternate chairs need to be demarcated as unusable to ˜˜ Making use of wall-hung sanitizer, hand glove and mask dispensers maintain distance ˜˜ Demarcating seats that cannot be used using tape ˜˜ Installing a sneeze-guard for the receptionist made in 4mm-6mm frosted glass or acrylic ˜˜ 6’ radius around the reception to be demarcated as a no-entry zone and consultation ˜˜ Position markers 6’ apart, indicating distance to be maintained to reduce contagion risk should be done beyond it with the help of floor markers ˜˜ Wall signage to indicate room locations on the floor Can be Used 32 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate Kick Plates on doors Safety risks with usage of elevators:

Direction signages on floor ˜˜ The risk associated with elevator usage in terms of space crunch in elevators makes it Demarcation of waiting area easier for communicable diseases to spread. ˜˜ Elevator buttons are high-contact surfaces that pose a high risk of contamination ˜˜ Probable contact between users alighting and boarding the elevator.

Sneeze Guard

Arrow Signages on floor to mark position and direction of the occupant

Position Markers in Alternate lines

Block adjacent seats, to reduce occupancy

Sanitizer Dispensers

Alternate access check-points High-Traffic Reception Lobbies Position Markers in Alternate lines Toothpicks to avoid Safety in High Traffic Reception Lobbies contact with controls Elevator Lobbies ˜˜ Facial recognition-enabled Security at entrance ˜˜ Security guard with temperature gun to screen probable sick people at the gate ˜˜ For buildings with multiple entries, only a certain number of entries must remain open Programmatic Solutions: to ease the screening process ˜˜ Turnstiles at entry to regulate the entry of people into the lobby ˜˜ Reducing the exsiting capacity of the elevator by half, corresponding to the markers ˜˜ Queue Dividers to maintain a queue at the entrance placed on the floor ˜˜ Entry and Exit must happen from different doors ˜˜ Making users board only after all occupants have come out from the elevator ˜˜ Electronic/ Smart Phone Entry of Visitor’s data at the entry gate. QR Code scanning ˜˜ Users should always wear masks while being inside the elevator process through Smart Phones ˜˜ Allotted time of arrival to all employees to avoid congestion in the elevator ˜˜ Alternate seats on sofas and alternate chairs need to be demarcated as unusable to ˜˜ Elevators to be stopped on unoccupied floors with doors opens and be aired every few maintain distance hours with disinfected at regular intervals throughout the day

Design Solutions: Vertical Circulation ˜˜ Use of queue dividers outside the elevator to separate people boarding and alighting the Elevators elevator ˜˜ Position markers outside the elevator with 6’ between them to direct the queue to maintain distance Elevators are high-density spaces that tend to be crowded most of ˜˜ Making use of multipurpose copper keychain to use lift buttons; Toothpicks can be used the times. It can prove to be a high-risk situation if crowding inside to avoid contact with controls elevators is kept unchecked. ˜˜ Inside the elevator, position markers placed in corners of lift car to indicate where to stand ˜˜ Place a sanitizer at every level for use before and after touching controls

34 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate Escalators and Staircases Creation of Delivery and Pickup Escalators and staircases are vital to bridge a vertical distance, and are a high-movement area. Sanitization Booths

Risks associated with staircases and elevators:

˜˜ Probable contact between users ascending and descending using the staircase owing to a lack of area demarcation Glove Dispenser ˜˜ Railings are high-contact surfaces and have a high risk of transmission ˜˜ Staircases and esclators are high traffic and dense areas that require user regulation

Staircase use guidelines Keep windows open if possible

5 step distance Markers at 5 steps apart between Position Markers Sanitizer Dispensers individuals Position Markers to wait for your turn Segregate Parcel rack direction of Social distancing on staircases and escalators traffic Programmatic Solutions:

˜˜ Avoid using elevators as far as possible ˜˜ Walk in demarcated lanes ˜˜ Higher frequency of sanitization of railings ˜˜ Designated delivery zones in the building concentrate the delivery and dispatch of ˜˜ Fire/ emergency staircases and service lifts can also be used to decrease the load on the mail and packages to a single area, limiting the probable transmission to one spot elevators ˜˜ Social Distancing can be enabled by the use of position markers ˜˜ Mask ,glove and disinfecting supplies must be placed at the station ˜˜ The deliverd goods should be sanitized at delivery zone by respective employees Design Solutions for Staircases: ˜˜ Employees can pick up packages, tiffins and food delivery from the stations after personally sanitizing any bags and envelopes ˜˜ Divide the staircase width into two for ascent and descent, and demarcate the same using tape or paint. ˜˜ Signages reminding users to use the staircase in a queue with a distance of 5 steps between them. ˜˜ Making use of copper tapes on railings ˜˜ Position markers placed 6’ apart on staircase landings to direct the queue

Design Solutions for Escalators:

˜˜ Position markers placed 6’ apart at escalator landings to direct the queue formation ˜˜ Position markers placed 5 steps apart on the escalator treads Can be Used 36 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate Creation of Sanitization and Thermal Sanitization Booth Screening Station at the Entrance

Security Check Position and direction marker in elevator

Position Markers

Thermal screening station and visitor log book

Mask and Glove Dispenser

Trash Bin Sensor Door Proximity Automatic

˜˜ Entrances of individual organizations in a building must install a glove, face mask and sanitizer dispensing station right at the entrance ˜˜ A desk must be provided at the entry, with position markers in place, to check and sanitize baggage ˜˜ Screen employees and visitors

Position Markers at 5 steps apart

38 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate Work Stations

Who must refer to this?

˜˜ Offices that have large layouts of workstations ˜˜ Work desk and cubicle formats ˜˜ Offices with private work stations ˜˜ Offices with a variety of desk options like hot desks, designated desks, cabins,etc. Open Floor Plan Enabling Productivity along with Social Distancing

Risks involved in work stations :

˜˜ Employees sitting within 6ft of each other are at a high risk of contagion from each other Alternate Occupation of Seats ˜˜ Shared desks are high-contact surfaces owing the nature of their use ˜˜ Chairs come in contact with the body, and may act as breeding ground for virus ˜˜ Alternate removal of seating in workstation ˜˜ Chairs are often swapped when cleaning, and may be shared unintentionally ˜˜ Maintaining distance of minimum 6ft ˜˜ Shared equipment, stationery and storage can increase the probability of contagion between two workstations ˜˜ Visitors at workstations can increase risk of contagion ˜˜ Reducing the capacity by 30-50% ˜˜ Color coding workstations so that no workstation is used by 2 people ˜˜ Transition to unassigned desks to allow the employee to choose a desk which allows social distancing

Chairs to be removed

Chairs with Name Tags Chair Covers Each Chair should be reserved by a Chair covers should be used before single person, by labelling them with sitting and disposed off after use/ initials to maintain identity washed on a daily basis Introduction of Screens and Floor finishes for Demarcation

˜˜ Installing a partial barrier made in 4mm- 6mm frosted glass or acrylicn to separate employee space. ˜˜ Introduction of a different surface like Remote Collaboration Declutter Desk carpet or stickers to demarcate the Make use of email, video conferencing Clear desks daily, even the ones workspace area. Circulation should be and other collaboration applications unoccupied, in order for them to be restricted beyond this area instead of interacting in-person sanitized effeciently ˜˜ Stickers to ensure that any visitor is allowed up to that point only of the given desk/workspace for any communication. ˜˜ Ensuring one way circulation ˜˜ Use of personal sanitization products

Partitions between personal desks

Demarcating circulation area

Chairs with Flaps Keyboard Cover Alternate Shifts Chairs with a collapsible writing Washable silicon keyboard Segregating employees into teams table should be used for chairs covers can be used over based on daily tasks & alternating with multiple users, instead of keyboards shifts to limit office density desks

42 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate Cluster Cubicles Cubicle Seating

Introduction of Partitions

˜˜ Introducing a partial barrier made in 4mm-6mm frosted glass or acrylic that act as sneeze guards ˜˜ Ensuring one-way circulation by blocking paths with plants or objects ˜˜ Use of personal sanitization products ˜˜ Moving the furniture towards the wall enhances better circulation and privacy to workspace

Plants as path dividers

Partitions between personal desks

Partitions in between Desks

Eliminate Adjacent chairs

Alternate Occupation of Seats Adjacent Removal of Chair

˜˜ Alternate removal of seating in ˜˜ The distance between adjacent chairs will decide the pattern to be followed in removal for workstation minimum reduction ˜˜ Maintaining distance of minimum 6ft ˜˜ For distance more than 6ft, chairs to be removed from the adjacent rows in a mirrored between two workstations form ˜˜ Reducing the capacity by 30-50% ˜˜ For distance less than 6ft, chairs to be removed from the adjacent rows in a staggered ˜˜ Transition to unassigned desks to form allow the employee to choose a desk ˜˜ Introduction of barrier in between chairs if removal is not preferred. which allows social distancing ˜˜ Reposition of storage cupboards so that they act as barriers at the end of a row to divide teams ˜˜ Desks facing each other should be divided by barriers ˜˜ Workstations adjacent to walls must be pushed and placed touching the walls to reduce contact surfaces ˜˜ Desks which can be dismantled or separated should be organized as per social distancing norms

Eliminate Opposite chairs to de- clutter people

44 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate Shared Cabins : Printing Kiosks :

PPE Supplies

Sanitization Supplies

Partitions between Eliminate Adjacent personal desks chairs

Corner Seating Solution 1 Corner Seating Solution 2

Corner Seats

˜˜ Only one person can be allowed to work in case of corner seating Position Markers ˜˜ Both corner seats cannot be used as it disobeys social distancing norms

Dustbins

Solutions

˜˜ Sanitization and PPE supply stations to be installed near the printing kiosk ˜˜ Avoid the use of printer as much as possible ˜˜ Ensure that printed documents as used by a single person only ˜˜ Sanitize equipment before and after use Partitions between Eliminate Opposite ˜˜ Make use of gloves to operate equipment or make use of sanitizer personal desks chairs

Wall Aligned Seating Solution 1 Wall Aligned Seating Solution 2

Wall-aligned Desk

˜˜ Removal of adjacent seats alternately ˜˜ Provision of partial barrier made in 4mm-6mm frosted glass or acrylic that act as sneeze guards

46 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate Solo Work Corners Personal Workdesks separated by screens

48 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate Conference Rooms

Who must refer to this?

˜˜ Large offices with multiple meeting room typologies ˜˜ Smaller offices with informal meeting spaces Large Conference Tables

1.Capacity Reduction

˜˜ Alternate seating should be Enabling Safe Collaborations removed or marked as not to be used ˜˜ Use of newspaper pieces or Conference room are areas in any office where the plastic matts by every individual meetings are conducted. The meeting can be formal and so there is no contact between informal, with the layout varying based on the scale of the the table and occupant organization. Small organization has small and usually ˜˜ Use of gloves while dealing with open layout meeting areas. Medium and large firms have paper and stationery informal meeting areas as well as formal meeting zones. Eliminate alternate chairs Disposable table matt Major risks associated with the conference area Circulation Path

˜˜ Shared use of stationery and electronics ˜˜ Seating arrangement doesn’t follow social distancing norms 2. Provision of Partitions ˜˜ Physical contact with the table can lead to transmission ˜˜ Items brought by participants in the meeting can be infected ˜˜ Installing partitions made in ˜˜ Movement of staff bringing refreshments 4mm-6mm frosted glass or acrylic

Circular Conference Tables

Add Partitions

Circulation Path

3. Remove tables and place chairs 1m apart

˜˜ Writing pads/ chairs with flaps

Eliminate alternate Add Partitions to be used when tables are chairs between chairs removed to ensure no contact Chairs at 1m Distance Disposable table Eliminate alternate matt chairs

1.Capacity Reduction 2. Provision of 3. Remove tables and Use chairs with flaps and Partitions place chairs 1m apart place them 6ft apart

Can be Used 52 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate Boardroom style Conference Rooms Converting large Conference Areas into Individual Virtual Meeting Booths 1.Capacity Reduction

˜˜ Single seater sofa unit to be preferred, Conference rooms can be converted to allow virtual meetings with team mates, consultants with an individual side table creating the and clients. mandatory distance ˜˜ Use of newspaper pieces or plastic matts by every individual on the table, so there is no contact between the table and the occupant ˜˜ Use of gloves while dealing with paper and stationery

Eliminate alternate chairs

Disposable Matts

2. Provision of Partitions

˜˜ Installing partitions made in 4mm-6mm frosted glass or acrylic ˜˜ Formal viewers desk to be changed with chairs with a writing flap

Signages on Floor

Video Conferencing Booths Tables replaced with flaps on chairs Temporay workstations for Partitions between chairs increased capacity

3 . R e m o v e t a b l e s a n d p l a c e c h a i r s Safety in Conference Booths 1m apart ˜˜ Conference area can be converted into small video conferencing booths ˜ ˜˜ Writing pads/ chairs with flaps to be ˜ Tags to be used to identify which booth is used how many times ˜ used when tables are removed to ensure ˜ Regular cleaning of booths no contact ˜˜ At least 1-meter distance to be marked from chairs by tape to avoid physical interaction

Chairs at 1m distance Can be Used 54 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate Informal Meeting Lounge

Informal meeting areas can be of varied typologies, mainly consisting of: ˜˜ Small meeting area ˜˜ Sofa meeting area ˜˜ 6-seater meeting table

Serving Trays Fixed chair Single seater sofa Trolleys can be used to Chairs can be fixed with a Single-seater sofas offer serve refreshments during clear radius of 6ft around flexibly in movement a meeting with no contact them and hence must be used between the receiver and wherever possible server

Partition between chairs + Eliminate alternate chairs One user in control Protective sheet Digitalization One person can be assigned Cover desks with plastic/ Prefer the use of virtual to control the projector, newspaper/copper sheets meeting environments over screen caster, etc to limit before use in-person meetings Block Adjacent seats contact with it

Remove chairs and encourge short standing meeting

˜˜ Remove chairs and encourge short standing meeting ˜˜ Use of newspaper pieces or plastic matts by every individual so there is no contact between Frequent cleaning Keep Bags out Dustbin the table and the occupant Immediate cleaning after Separate racks to be Dustbins to be provided in ˜˜ Use of single seater furniture. If 3-seater or 2-seater sofas are in use, it is safe to block every meeting provided for every every space that is cleared alternate seats individual in the meeting after every meeting ˜˜ Remove coffee table to allow more circulation space for storage of bags ˜˜ Partitions to be incorporated when capacity cannot be reduced

56 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate Personal Phone Booths Government Meeting adopting Social Distancing Government Personal Video Conferencing Booths

58 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate Executive Cabins

Who must refer to this?

˜˜ Offices with executive cabins ˜˜ Offices with shared workcabins Shared Cabins Creating Safe Cabins

Cabins meant for the top-tier executives and middle management, is a space with a frequent flow of visitors. While these are generally safer than open workstations, they do carry a risk of virus transmission due to incoming visitors and paperwork and files brought in by staff.

Major risks associated with executive cabins:

˜˜ Frequency of visitors is high ˜˜ Desks are high-contact surfaces ˜˜ Items bought by participants in the meeting can be contaminated ˜˜ Movement of support staff bringing refreshments.

Original Layout - work desks next to Private Cabins eachother

Reduction of surface contact zones :

˜˜ Reducing the surface area by removing the chairs for visitors ˜˜ Covering the desk with newspapers/ copper mats/ dining matts and their routine disposal/sanitization ˜˜ Reliance on technology for communication instead of in-person meeting

Alternate Placing Partition between of Desks chairs

Proposed: Add glass panel Proposed: Rearrange work-desks on seperating workdesks opposite ends Promote Virtual Meetings ˜˜ Keep the door open in private offices ˜˜ Maintain a clear radius of 6ft around the Eliminate Chairs ˜˜ Add partitions between desks if elimination chairs of chair isn’t possible ˜˜ Eliminate the chair if the radius cannot be maintained

Can be Used 62 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate ˜˜ Keep doors open in private cabins ˜˜ Use brass handles and foot kicks ˜˜ Use gloves to work with paper and stationery ˜˜ Use of plastic matts or newspaper sheet to avoid contact with the table ˜˜ Use trolley to serve anything or place water bottles prior to any meeting ˜˜ Make use of gloves while operating any shared equipment ˜˜ Make use of single-seater sofas separated by a table, if 3-seater or 2-seater sofas are in use, it is safe to block alternate seats ˜˜ Eliminate visitor chairs wherever possible ˜˜ Open window to allow circulation of natural air

1 m rug demarcating personal space and promoting virtual meetings instead of physical meetings

Eliminate Alternate Chairs

Keep windows open/ allow Natural Sunlight

Proposed: Add glass panel seperating workdesks

Eliminate Alternate Chairs

Add Partitions In between Sofas

Proposed: Add glass panel seperating workdesks 64 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate Pantry and Dining

Who must refer to this?

˜˜ Small Offices with dining areas and pantries ˜˜ Large offices with dining halls, pantries and canteens ˜˜ Two-door system for entry and exit to avoid two way circulation ˜˜ Hygiene hand tool to be used in case anyone wants to open the door of cabinet ˜˜ Cabinet at the entrance to keep newspapers and plastics to cover table ˜˜ Floor Markings to mark the area and direction of circulation ˜˜ Elimination of seats diagonally. Alternate elimination of seats can be used for larger Enabling a Safe Break Time tables ˜˜ Markings on table to demarcate individual eating area ˜˜ Tape Markings demarcating the tables that cannot be used ˜˜ Divider Panels made in 4mm-6mm frosted glass or acrylic Pantry and Dining areas are interactive space where people spend time during breaks. It is ˜˜ Determine capacity of dining space a space with high foot-traffic with multiple activities taking place at the same time. ˜˜ Stagger dining timings ˜˜ Encourage eating at desk Major risks associated with pantry and dining areas ˜˜ Hand sanitizer dispenser on the wall

˜˜ Serving counters, dining tables and kitchen equipment are high-contact surfaces ˜˜ Dining area and breakout spaces are interactive spaces. The high foot traffic makes social distancing difficult to achieve ˜˜ Circulation in these spaces is unregulated

Cabinet for storing tiffin box

Hand Sanitizer Partitions on table and Eliminate at Entrance Alternate Seats

Eliminate Alternate Chairs Multiple Dining Tables Circulation Zone

Small Communal Dining Table

Staggered Arrangement of Partitions on table and table Eliminate Alternate Seats Staggered Layout for Individual Tables Wall Facing Dining zones Can be Used 68 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate Office Canteen Seating near Serving Counters

˜˜ When waiting in queue, two individuals can use the serving counter at a time ˜˜ Position markers placed 6ft apart to direct the queue ˜˜ Table coverings to be provided with plates, which should be disposed later Sanitize Tiffin box Plastic cover over Digital Display Board Wash Food Partitions tables Between tables and The surface of the tiffin reduce table capacity is to be sanitized and Cover the table with a Display Order number Disinfect raw produce the tiffin box should be sheet of plastic before to avoid crowding of by washing with salt stored separately. use and replace after people at the counter water Position Markers at Counter each use and signages for Circulation Pantry

Pantry with Large Continuous Communal Tables

˜˜ Floor Markings to indicate direction and area of circulation ˜˜ Position markers placed 6ft apart to direct the queue ˜˜ Automated Hand Sanitiser to be provided at entries ˜˜ Add a signage board marking the location of various objects and appliances Dishwasher Automatic Handwash Digitally Ordering ˜˜ Segregated Dustbins for waste Placing used utensils Dispenser food in dishwasher is an Ensure sanitation Mobile Apps can be used Pantry hygiene guidelines effective way to clean without the risk of to place order without and disinfect them contagion physically interacting with the server and Hygiene supplies rack risking them

Single use cutlery, condiments

Automatic Sensor Forceps for rotatory Digital Vending Separate dustbins Faucet functions Machine for PPE and food waste Eliminates the need of Eliminates the need for App-based operation contact with a tap to get contact with equipment of vending machines water knobs ensures that it’s surface remains Position Markers for Circulation uncontaminated.

Signage Board indicating hygiene regulations

Single use dairy products 70 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate Glass panels allows visual interaction at dining tables

72 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate Breakout Lounges

Who must refer to this?

˜˜ Small offices with spill out or shared activity zones ˜˜ Medium and large sized offices with communal lounges and breakout spaces Take a pause! But with Safety

Communal lounges, breakout zones and congregational areas are key to maintain social relations at a workspace. While adopting social distancing measures, it is imperative to allow for a collaborative environment where professional and interpersonal relations thrive. These spaces also act as de-stress zones and are now critical more than ever. These areas can be easily retrofitted to allow interaction while maintaining a safe distance and should be encouraged.

Break out zones Block adjacent seats ˜˜ Eliminate books, magazines and newspapers since viruses stays on paper for a longer Eliminating excessive Partitions between Sofas loose seating and period of time block adjacent sofa ˜˜ Placing furniture at optimum distance to facilitate interaction with physical distancing seats ˜˜ Create meditation zones to facilitate mental health Acrylic Partitions between seats Eliminate Seating ˜˜ All board games to be eliminated. Encourage use of virtual experinces and games that can be played from a distance ˜˜ Floor markings showing the direction and area of circulation to be indicated Common Congregational Areas ˜˜ Eliminate seats and mark the ones that cannot be used ˜˜ Eliminate alternate seating wherever possible ˜˜ Mark areas on the sofa that shouldn’t be used ˜˜ In a 3-seater sofa, block the central seat with tape ˜˜ Install partitions made in acrylic or glass between sofa seats ˜˜ Sanitize the space at regular intervals or after every use ˜˜ Prohibit dining in this space

Allow Natural Ventilation where possible

Meditation Zone for maintaining Mental Health

Block High contact Areas Projector for like Bookshelves virtual games

Eliminating excessive Spatial Demarcation Block adjacent sofa loose seating and block of zones to regulate seats circulation adjacent sofa seats

Add screens for virtual interaction and Mark spots that cannot be used Determine occupancy of spaces based on social distancing guidelines experiences to avoid overcrowding and display Clear signage to reinforce modified capacity Can be Used 76 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate Restrooms

Who must refer to this?

˜˜ Large offices with shared restrooms ˜˜ Offices with single user restrooms Multi-User Restrooms

Block Alternate Urinal Making Personal Hygiene Safer

Occupancy Tag to avoid crowding Washrooms are spaces that required frequent sanitization even before the pandemic, and are highly vulnerable to being infected because of the frequency of it’s use throughout the day.

Risks associated with the washrooms

˜˜ Accessories like door handles, faucets, soap dispensers, handrails, and health faucets have a high risk of transmission ˜˜ Hand Dryers only partially dry your hands but can facilitate the spread of viruses all Toilet around the room Occupancy ˜˜ Toilet seats are high contact-surfaces chart Block alternate washbasins

Blocked WC Single User Restrooms ˜˜ Toilet doors to be installed with a metal kick plate to avoid touching while operating the ˜˜ Make use of brass door handles door ˜˜ Kick-plate can be installed on the door for contactless opening ˜˜ Alternate cubicles should be used at a time ˜˜ Install motion sensor toilet paper dispenser ˜˜ Cubicles not in use should be demarcated as such ˜˜ Eliminate use of Hand Dryers ˜˜ Alternate sinks to be used at a time ˜˜ Install contactless sanitizer dispensers ˜˜ Sinks not in used should be marked and taped alternately at intervals ˜ ˜ Disposable Toilet seat covers to be used by users and disposed off carefully ˜˜ Place assigned hook tags to take while entering the toilet at entry point ˜ ˜ Toilet W.C. lid to be closed and then flushed to avoid contamination by toilet plume ˜˜ Hooks on toilet cubicle door to depict occupancy at a time (aerosol droplets of faecal matter) ˜˜ Floor signage to show direction of movement ˜ ˜ Maintain a frequent cleaning and disinfection schedule ˜˜ Tissues to be used when operating the faucets or door handles

Hygiene Guideline Signage Hand Sanitizer Signage to remind closing toilet lid prior to flushing Occupancy Management

˜˜ Reduce the capacity of the bathroom by restricing the number of people that can use the restroom at a given time ˜˜ Layout of toilet placed at entry point with occupancy tags, are to be taken while entering the toilet ˜˜ The occupancy tag will help Occupancy tag understand which WC was last used to be carried while going to for the purpose of sanitizing the WC to know ˜˜ The occupancy tag will also cater Kick Plate the number of people inside to regulating the crowd within the Personal Disposable restroom Cover for Toilet Seat

Foot Pull Plates to avoid hand contact and use a Block hand dryer Can be Used Brass/ copper finish handle 80 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate Foot Operated Portable Wash basins

Disposable Toilet Seat Cover Glove Dispenser

Use a disposable toilet seat Changing your gloves at cover to avoid coming in regular intervals is neccesary, contact with infected surfaces hence having a dispenser ensures adequate supply

Motion Sensor Faucets Automatic Sensor faucets will avoid multiple people touching a common surface

Portable Foot Operated Wash Basin Restrict Use of Hand Dryers Foot Operated Sink will Hand dryers can spread ensure a hands free operation, and contaminate air in the thereby minimizing the chance restrooms of contracting the virus Blocked Alternate Urinals

82 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate H.V.A.C

Who must refer to this?

˜˜ Offices relying on artificial ventilation ˜˜ Small offices with no windows Natural ventilation is a preferred method for air circulation in an indoor Breathing Cleaner Air environment ˜˜ It ensures clean air is flowing throughout the building at all times. ˜˜ Ensure all windows are open, mosquito nets and bird nets are installed where necessary. ˜˜ Leave doors open where necessary to ensure cross ventilation Systems that regulate air quality and temperature, known as heating, ventilation, and air ˜˜ Indoor vegetation screens and green walls can act as a natural air filter conditioning or HVAC, can play a vital role in avoiding the further spread of the virus. Promoting ˜˜ Supported by evidence, viruses including coronaviruses, find it difficult to survive in indoor the circulation of natural air in buildings may help to control the presence of the virus indoors, temperatures and at a relative humidity of above 40 percent. Targeted in-room humidification that may otherwise spread through the re-circulated air of the Air Conditioner, which one may could therefore be considered as a means for preventing COVID-19 breathe within the building environment. ˜˜ Further research is needed to understand the impact of natural light on SARS-CoV-2 ; however, in the interim, daylight is a naturally occuring source of energy, largely available to everyone, with negligible side-effects to its exposure , while several reported health benefits Risks assoctiated with mechanical Systems

˜˜ The system circulates and recirculates air throughout the building. The recirculation of used air poses a risk for transmission ˜˜ It is important for the HVAC systems to be equipped with safety measures to avoid spread of the virus throughout the office

Buildings that employ HVAC systems for their ventilation solutions might be at a greater risk owing to the circulation and recirculation of the air. The microscopic virus, could travel through recirculated air that carry affected droplets aiding the spread of the virus. Hence these systems could pose a great danger on the safety of the occupants of the building. Allow Natural Ventilation into the room

Recommendations from Ashrae: Offices should open windows for a few hours each day in intervals to ˜˜ Increase outdoor air ventilation (use caution in highly polluted areas); with a lower population flush out any stale or contaminated air and allow clean air. in the building, this increases the effective dilution ventilation per person. ˜˜ Disable demand-controlled ventilation (DCV). ˜˜ Further open minimum outdoor air dampers, as high as 100%, thus eliminating recirculation ˜˜ Improve air filtration to the MERV-1311 or the highest compatible with the filter rack, and seal Solutions for existing systems edges of the filter to limit bypass. ˜˜ Keep systems running longer hours, if possible 24/7, to enhance the two actions above. ˜˜ Air filters consisting of UV Radiators and Air Filters can be retrofitted at the start of the distribution ˜˜ Consider portable room air cleaners with HEPA filters. system in each room ˜˜ Consider UVGI (ultraviolet germicidal irradiation), protecting occupants from radiation,13 ˜˜ The air filters are constituted of a UV Lamp, Carbon filter, HEPA Filter and a removable Pre-filter particularly in high-risk spaces such as waiting rooms, common areas and circulation spaces ˜˜ Keeping air filters properly installed and maintained could help to minimize the spread of SARS- CoV-2 according to the team, who stressed “it is important to understand that filters should not be assumed to eliminate airborne transmission risk.”

86 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate UV radiators Rabbit Air

˜˜ UV light can be utilized for disinfection ˜˜ Rabbit Air filters are user friendly and Detachable filter on fans ˜˜ This is an effective process that is free of can be used in spaces which have a small chemicals and can work efficiently to destroy area coverage like small offices without ˜˜ Indoor air can be filtered by making use of detachable virus. The light will ultimately inhibit the virus’s a complex HVAC system ability to reproduce and therefore stop the ˜˜ Rabbit Air is an independent system filters on existing fans growth of virus. The light can be retrofitted in that can be fitted anywhere, along with ˜˜ These filters can be made of Borosilicate Glass microfiber the existing HVAC system a screen control that allows the user to pleat sheets encased in stainless steel framework, change the filters whenever necessary which can be paired with activated carbon filters ˜˜ The filter is also Wi-Fi controlled and is app-friendly

HEPA Filter

˜˜ Acts as a sieve for air that filters out airborne pathogens. Typically, paired with UV light panels with anti-microbial coating to kill off live pathogens UV Lamps Carbon Filters HEPA Filters Removable Pre-filter ˜˜ In order to fix HEPA in existing systems, the products

Eliminates Eliminates Eliminates dust, Captures large need to be reviewed first. The products should allow the germs, Chemicals, Mites, Mold particles ( hair, necessary air pressure since the sheet is a highly dense Viruses, VOCs, odors, Spores, Pollen, large dust particles) material and would require a higher amount of pressure Bacteria and Formaldehyde, Ragweed and to extend the life of Toxins from Benzene and other Allergens. air purifier filters. to let the air pass through mold. other Gases

Cooling coil Air Filter U.V. Light Copper Elements in Air Conditioning

˜˜ The properties of copper ensure that the recirculated air is free of pathogenic contaminants ˜˜ The surface of the air conditioner must be sanitized Air Handling Unit Ducts regularly as it is a high-contact surface

Air Diffusers

Thermostat

˜˜ Smartphone-controlled thermostats eliminate the need for touch to control the heating, ventilation and air- conditoning system

Introduction of filters in existing HVAC systems

88 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate o4. General Solutions Operational Fixes The following are a set of holistic solutions that can be applied to every space in an office. The types of solutions mentioned below of two types:

Personal Hygiene Tools

Personal Napkins

Using personal napkins to wipe hands as much as possible to limit the spread of virus Coloured Tapes 3D Printed door handles

Demarcation of direction of Making use of 3-D Printed door circulation or areas that cannot be handles enables opening doors used can be done using coloured using the arm instead of hands tapes. Tapes of different colours can be used for different purposes

Face Mask Holder

Personal pocket mask holders to store face masks when not in use such as in dining spaces

Kick Handles Personalized hooks/keys/clips Wearing Face Masks Kick handles installed on a door Making use of face masks as protection from various Eliminating the need of touch to enable opening it using foot airborne diseases and should be worn inside at all times operate buttons or switches by instead of hands using other objects

Paper Napkin Holder

Paper Napkins need to be installed in all spaces to ensure personal hygiene Hand Sanitizer Dispenser Anti-Microbial Paint

Installation of contact-less hand Bio-cidal paints are anti-viral sanitizer dispensers in every polymers that can be applied like space paint and could help reduce the spread of germs in public areas 92 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate Operating an elevator button with a hygiene hand Opening a door using a kick pedal

Anti-Bacterial Tools 3-D Printed Door-Opening Accessory

Brass/ Copper Handle Brass/ Copper Tape

Brass and Copper fixtures are anti- Copper tapes enables its surface microbial in nature can be used in of application to have the anti- place of standard fixtures microbial properties of copper 3-D Printed Door-Opening Accessory 3-D Printed

Brass/ Copper Hygiene Key

Hygiene Hand is a brass key designed for uses such as opening door, Storing face masks for reuse in a hygienic manner operating elevator buttons, use faucets, etc. It can be attached to keys.

94 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate o5. Using Technology for Workplace Safety Smart Workspace Lights

˜˜ Smart Lights and Light Switches Smart Lights operable from smartphones ˜ Leverage technology for a Contact-less Experience ˜ Motion Sensing Lights: Detects Motion-sensing and motion in a room and switches on app-controlled lights automatically eliminate the need for An added measure to workplace safety is leveraging technology to make daily activities in a touching switches workplace a contact-less endeavour. Below are some technological measures that can be taken to eliminate infection risks that come with physical contact. Doors and Windows

Smart Reception ˜˜ Automated blinds and curtains: Eliminate the need for touching Smart Switches curtains and blinds to operate them ˜˜ Proximity Sensing Automatic Doors: App-controlled and Opens automatically for a person gesture sensing switches can be used standing in front of it without the to avoid touching the need of a handle switchboard Sanitation Voice Assistant ˜˜ Automated industrial Floor Cleaner

Voice-Activated Virtual Assistants Thermostat like Google Home, Alexa, etc, can be HVAC used in case of queries App-controlled ˜ ˜ Voice Controlled Thermostat: HVAC thermostat can replace can be controlled using a voice traditional thermostats control instead of a keypad and make temperature ˜˜ Voice and Smartphone controlled control contact-less AC: Indoor temperatures can be controlled using a smartphone

Security and Surveillance

˜˜ Thermal Imaging CCTV: For screening of potentially Facial Recognition sick individuals at the entrance ˜˜ No-touch Biometric Scanner: Can make use of the Facial-Recognition security systems facial biometric instead of fingerprints for security can be used instead of fingerprint scanners or physical locks Automated Reception

˜˜ Voice Activated Virtual Assistants ˜˜ Automated Reception: Combines CCTV, Wi-Fi and intercom to outsource the task of a receptionist to a remote team ˜˜ Smart office visitor management systems: Keeps a track of visitors and users of a building

Thermal Imaging CCTV

Monitoring sick building users is important to limit contamination within a building

98 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate Smart Restrooms Smart Pantry

Automated Toilets

˜˜ Urinal Flush Sensors: Enables automatic flushing without touching the flush plate ˜˜ Touch-less Soap Dispensers: Eliminates the use of dispenser pump ˜˜ Sensor Faucets: Eliminates the need of touching a tap

Sanitation

˜˜ UV Toilet Seat Sterilizer: Sanitizes a toilet seat after each flush

Doors and Windows

˜˜ Proximity Sensing Automatic Doors: Eliminates the need for handles

UV Toilet Seat Sanitizers Automatic Toilet Sensor

Detects the presence of a Toilet flush sensor can user, and sanitizes the toilet sense a user’s body heat to seat using UV light after use. determine their presence, hence automatically flushing a toilet after use. Kitchen Automation Sanitation

Touch-less Soap Dispenser Sensor Faucets Voice-controlled Smart Devices that can be operated using ˜˜ UV Food Sterilizers: Used a smartphone to sterilize raw edibles like Sensor faucets do not have Soap dispenser makes use ˜˜ Refrigerator ˜˜ Vacuum Cleaner fruits and vegetables. of infrared light to sense knobs, but rely on infrared ˜˜ Coffee Maker ˜˜ Microwave ˜˜ UV Cleaning Robots: Mobile the presence of a hand and sensors to detect a hand. robot sanitizes the entirety dispenses soap. ˜˜ Automatic Faucets and Water Dispensers eliminate the of a space need for touch. ˜˜ App-based food orders and vending machines facilitate queue reduction at the pantry

Display screen showing Smart Vending Machines orders Orders can be placed on the vending machine using Orders placed and ready can smartphones be displayed on a board to avoid crowding at serving areas

Motion-Sensing Dustbin Smart Dishwashers

Dustbin Lids that sense App-controlled dishwashers proximity and open ease sanitization of utensils automatically eliminate the and make the process need of hand or foot contact contact-less

100 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate o6. Office and Bathroom Hygiene Protocols Personal Hygiene and Sanitization Responsibilities of Employees Janitorial staff are responsible for keeping a work environment clean and sanitized. ˜˜ Making use of sanitizer before and after operating equipment Along with a protective kit provided to the work force, a special kit is required for ˜˜ Lay plastic sheets or newspapers on desks before using it and dispose of them after the cleaning staff to ensure their safety. ˜˜ Plastic sheets can be disinfected and reused ˜˜ Using personal handkerchiefs The janitorial staff in a building is its first line of defense, and have a high exposure ˜˜ Make use of face masks and gloves when indoors to hazard. It becomes essential for them to protect themselves in order to safely ˜˜ Sneeze or Cough into your elbows. Wash hands after sneezing or coughing return to work. ˜˜ Stay organized as cluttered work-desks make sanitation difficult

Identifying high-contact surfaces that need to be cleaned with a higher frequency

˜˜ Door Knobs, Door Handles ˜˜ Buttons (Eg. Lift, Microwave, Thermostat) ̃ Handrails ˜˜ Shared Stationery ˜˜ Shared electronics ˜˜ Faucets and Taps ˜˜ Toilet seat ˜˜ Desks ˜˜ Arms of a chair ˜˜ Dining Tables ˜˜ Storage ˜˜ Biometric Security

Safety Guidelines during disinfecting and sanitizing

˜˜ Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting ˜˜ Gloves should be discarded after each use ˜˜ Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed ˜˜ Wear eye protection when there is a potential for splash or splatter to the face ̃ Gowns or aprons are recommended to protect personal clothing ˜˜ Store chemicals in labelled, closed containers. Keep them in a secure area away from children and food. Store them in a manner that prevents tipping or spilling ˜˜ Cleaning and Disinfecting Surfaces for all Indoor Areas ˜˜ Start cleaning from cleaner areas and proceed towards dirtier areas ˜˜ All indoor areas such as entrance lobbies, corridors and staircases, escalators, elevators, security guard booths, office rooms, meeting rooms, cafeteria should be mopped with a disinfectant with 1% sodium hypochlorite or phenolic disinfectants 1. Apron 6. Disposable shoe cover. 2. N- 95 Masks 7. Face Shield 3. Gloves 8. Disposable Head Cover 4. Coverall Suits 9. Biohazard Disposable bags 5. Protective Goggles

104 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate CLEANING PROTOCOLS FOR VARIOUS SURFACES IN A TOILET Safety Guidelines during disinfecting and sanitizing: Areas Agents Procedure ˜˜ High-contact surfaces should be cleaned twice daily by mopping with a linen/absorbent cloth soaked in 1% sodium hypochlorite ˜˜ For metallic surfaces like door handles, security locks, keys etc. 70% alcohol can be used to Toilet Pot/Commode Sodium Hypochlorite 1% ˜˜Inside of toilet pot: wipe down surfaces where the use of bleach is not suitable / Detergent soap powder ˜˜Scrub with the recommended agents ˜˜ In a meeting/conference/office room, if someone is coughing, without following respiratory / long handle angular and the long handle angular brush etiquettes or mask, the areas around his/her seat should be vacated and cleaned with 1% brush ˜˜Outside: Clean with recommended sodium hypochlorite agents; use a scrubber ˜˜ Clean surfaces and objects that are visibly soiled first. If surfaces are dirty to sight or touch, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water before disinfection ˜˜ Clean and disinfect surfaces as soon as possible in areas where a person with respiratory symptoms (e.g., coughing, sneezing) was present ˜˜ Consult manufacturer recommendations on cleaning products appropriate for electronics. If Toilet Lid Nylon scrubber and soap ˜˜Wet and scrub with soap powder and no guidance is available, consider the use of alcohol-based wipes or spray containing at least powder / 1% Sodium nylon scrubber inside and outside 70% alcohol. Whenever possible, consider using wipeable covers for electronics. Dry surfaces Hypochlorite ˜˜Wipe with 1% Sodium Hypochlorite thoroughly to avoid pooling of liquids ˜˜ For soft (porous) surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and curtains: • Remove visible contamination (if present) and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. • After cleaning, launder items as appropriate. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items, and dry items completely. • If laundering is not possible, disinfectant. Toilet Floor Soap Powder / Detergent ˜˜Scrub floor with soap powder and the and scrubbing brush / scrubbing brush nylon broom 1% Sodium ˜˜Wash with water Cleaning and Disinfecting Toilets Hypochlorite ˜˜Use 1% Sodium Hypochlorite dilution

˜˜ Sanitary workers must use separate set of cleaning equipment for toilets (mops, nylon scrubber) and separate set for sink and commode ˜˜ Do not use disinfectants spray on potentially highly contaminated areas (such as toilet bowl or surrounding surfaces) as it may create splashes which can further spread the virus ˜˜ To prevent cross contamination, discard cleaning material made of cloth (mop and wiping Sink Soap Powder / Detergent ˜˜Scrub floor with nylon scrubber cloth) in appropriate bags after cleaning and disinfecting. Wear new pair of gloves and fasten and nylon scrubber / 1% ˜˜Use 1% Sodium Hypochlorite dilution the bag Sodium Hypochlorite ˜˜ Disinfect all cleaning equipment after use and before using in other area ˜˜ Disinfect buckets by soaking in bleach solution or rinse in hot water

Waste Disposal

˜˜ Make separate bins for biomedical waste apart from Dry and Wet Bins Shower Area/ Faucet Warm water detergent ˜˜Thoroughly scrub the floors/tiles with ˜˜ The items to be disposed off into the biomedical waste bins are: and Fittings powder, Nylon Scrubber warm water and detergent • Gloves 1% Sodium Hypochlorite ˜˜Wipe over taps and fittings with a • Face Masks 70% alcohol damp cloth and detergent • Newspaper Sheets used on desks ˜˜Care should be taken to clean the • Paper towels used in bathroom underside of taps and fittings • Napkins or cloth used for sanitization ˜˜Wipe with 1% Sodium Hypochlorite or ˜˜ Avoid flushing toilet paper or paper napkins down the toilet. Use bins instead 70% alcohol

Soap Dispensers Detergent and Water ˜˜Should be cleaned daily with detergent and water and dried

106 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate o7. Equipping your workforce Arogya Setu App

Arogya Setu is a COVID-19 tracking mobile application developed by the National Informatics Centre that comes under the Ministry of Electronics and IT, Government of India. Its India’s initiative to keep its people informed and alert through the crisis. The data is also tracked and dissipated by the government to ensure the passage of correct information and the control of false news spreading.

With this easy-to-use app that pings you when you’re at risk, the government has employed its technological means to fight Covid-19.

Raises Community Active COVID- Case Do’s and Dont’s of Awareness Tracking Lockdown

ICMR-Approved Self-Assessment Tests Mandatory for all employees

Through the use of the app the government as well companies can ensure the outreach of information. It will also allow you to track the health and wellbeing of your workforce. Enabled with geo locating and contact tracing the app becomes a fool proof efficient and digital platform for creating a health database and keeping the government in the loop of information as well. With features to report sick, the early patients can be identified and asked to stay home as precautions. Installation of this application has been mandated by the Government of India in their efforts to curb the spread of the virus.

˜˜ The app issues alerts to users if they come in proximity with an infected person. ˜˜ Arogya Setu informs citizens about best practices and relevant medical advisories to keep themselves safe. ˜˜ The app is privacy-first and supports iOS and Android. ˜˜ It is available in 11 languages.

It has been made compulsory for the following citizens:

˜˜ Government, Public and Private sector employees ˜˜ Residents of the containment zones and the 130 districts identified as a ‘Red Zone’ 110 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate Employee Back-To-Work Box

Safety is a function of how well a person is equipped with tools to implement it. Other than detailed instructions and information we also suggest supplying the work force with a kit with COVID-19 protection gear.

Ensuring that your team is equipped with gloves, sanitizers, keys and placement mats to name a few could be a good way to ensure the instructions are followed. Making these things available will also help maintain quality and adequate protection of all the working members.

1. Face Mask 6. Placement Mat with Initials 2. Storage Bag 7. Face Mask Holder 3. Gloves 8. Name Tag for Chair 4. Sanitizer 9. Disinfecting Wipes 5. Aid Key 10. Disposable Napkins

112 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate o8. Work From Home And Stay Safe Work From Home : How to lead your team to Predominant tool against Covid-19 work from home ?

We urge people to still consider working from home - their first line of defense in tackling this disease. The interventions in this handbook may prevent COVID-19 from spreading within a workplace, but it doesn’t prevent its contraction outside it.

Working from home has been on the rise for years in many workplaces, while it is a necessity in the context of a pandemic. Working from home can be advantageous in many ways- avoiding commute and saving time, maintaining a self-quarantine, flexibility in working hours and the ability to spend time with family.

˜˜ Identify and provide all ˜˜ Use productivity tools to Working from home is also an exercise in discipline. Hence, it needs conscious effort from oneself necessary technological to work efficiently. However, it is the easiest method to remain safe. Encourage your employees ensure and set clear goals tools ˜ to work from home as much as possible. ˜ Share plans and timelines ˜˜ Set aside time for training with your team to create before you begin projects to a better understanding of avoid technical glitches goals and subsequent work ˜˜ Set up employee teams to flow help problem solve in smaller groups. Advantages of Working from home

˜˜ Would improve productivity and economic efficiency during these tough times ˜˜ Increased job satisfaction due to better work life balance ˜˜ Could lead to reduced operative costs ˜˜ Reduces the need for economic investment in adapted infrastructure ˜˜ Uninterrupted productivity during tough times ˜˜ Integrate social time to make ˜˜ Create a cheat sheet that is ˜˜ Increases remote working opportunities sure that the team continues available to employees at all ˜˜ Decreasing staff integration and distractions to enjoy and work as one times to avoid hindrances in ˜˜ New employers could have a wider pool of applicants ˜˜ Foster interactive media to work flow ˜˜ Absolutely ensuring physical distancing and cutting medical costs continue upholding team ˜˜ These sheets could also help morale and spirit reduce time required for doubt solving and dissemination of instructions

116 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate Applications for efficient Work Use Tech that can make from Home WFH a breeze !

118 The BackThe NewTo Work Normal Handbook Handbook The Blank Slate Work From Home Ground rules

Communicate

Daily routine ˜˜ Have a daily short meeting with your team ˜˜ Have more social interactions (virtual) with co- ˜˜ Get moving, the first thing you do in the morning workers to beat isolation ˜˜ Do not over communicate as it hampers productivity

Workspace logistics Get dressed ˜˜ Prepare a conducive workspace- Internet connection, ˜˜ Get your clothes, makeup and hair ready reliable workstations and a comfortable, quiet space ˜˜ Dress properly- Your attire affects your mood and to operate them from attitude ˜˜ Use ergonomic accessories and furniture for long hours of work

Manage your time Stay focused ˜˜ Stay off social media ˜˜ Make a daily checklist of tasks ˜˜ Separate work zone from the relaxation zone ˜˜ Use online tools ˜˜ Keep the television off. Prefer music without lyrics ˜˜ Avoid mixing household chores into work hours when working

Schedule breaks “Me” time ˜ ˜˜ Set work hours: Setting an end time will dictate ˜ Plan your schedule in order to include family expectations and regulate productivity activities ˜ ˜˜ Taking frequent short breaks for exercise ˜ Get family support to look after things when you’re working

120 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate COVID - 19 Preventions + Guidelines as per CDC, WHO and MHA

Cover your mouth and nose with a face mask when around others

Know how it spreads ˜˜ Everyone must wear a cloth face cover around others. It’s meant to protect other people in ˜˜ There is currently no vaccine to prevent case you are infected. Face masks shouldn’t be coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) placed on anyone unable to remove it without ˜˜ The best way to prevent illness is to avoid assistance being exposed to this virus ˜˜ Do NOT use a face mask meant for a healthcare worker ˜˜ The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing

Wash your hands often Cover coughs and sneezes

˜˜ Wash your hands often with soap and water ˜˜ If you are in a private setting and do not for at least 20 seconds especially after you have on your cloth face covering, remember have been in a public place, or after blowing to always cover your mouth and nose with a your nose, coughing, or sneezing tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the ˜˜ If soap and water are not readily available, use inside of your elbow a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% ˜˜ Immediately wash your hands with soap and alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and rub them together until they feel dry water are not readily available, clean your ˜˜ Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at with unwashed hands least 60% alcohol

Avoid close contact Clean and disinfect

˜˜ Clean and disinfect frequently touched ˜˜ Avoid close contact with people who are sick surfaces daily ˜˜ Stay home as much as possible ˜˜ This includes tables, doorknobs, light ˜˜ Put distance between yourself and other switches, countertops, handles, desks, people phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks

122 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate Back to our work desks . . .

The pandemic comes with new developments every day, and one cannot precisely predict the trajectory it takes. It will only be practical to be prepared to make quick decisions based on new developments.

A workplace is where an individual spends a major part of their day, contributing to the success of a company. It is an employer’s responsibility to ensure the health and well-being of their employees, within and beyond the workplace.

The protective measures mentioned in this handbook provide a quick and economically viable set of solutions that can be useful in preparing for the unknown course this pandemic might take. It is evident that systemic and programmatic changes in society are in order, and we must adapt to the ‘New Normal’

Our first line of defence lies in ourselves. The solution to safeguard ourselves from this virus is to equip ourselves with behavioural and environmental approaches towards safety and socially distance ourselves responsibly. Precautions and planning can make a big difference, as now is 124 theThe time New toNormal prepare Handbook for COVID-19.125 Remember, action now will go a long way in protecting your workforce!

The New Normal Handbook The Team

About The Blank Slate Bina Pratik Bhatia Daulat Principal Principal Principal The Blank Slate is a socially conscious collaborative design practice that focuses on Architecture, Interior and Urban Design. TBS strongly believes that architecture is a symphony of aesthetics, function and form. Savnee With each project, we strive to not just embrace but challenge traditional Sneha methodologies of design and building typologies. Our core methodology of design Tiwari Patharkar lies in reinterpreting traditional architecture and urbanism in the contemporary context of modern India. Our faith lies in indigenous climate-responsive and Project Architect Project Architect sustainable architecture that is functional, aesthetic and timeless. We believe in looking at a building not merely as an egoistic monument but rather as a place-making tool embedded in the urban fabric and responsive to the public realm. Shardul Hiranya The firm has completed projects of various scales ranging from residential and Saroj Ganatra corporate interiors to retail showrooms, private villas and master planning schemes. Jr. Architect Jr. Architect We try creating social change through our proposals. Our proposal for urban rejuvenation of Buckingham Canal in Chennai was presented at the International Conference on Climate Change ICCA 2019 in Heidelberg, Germany. This handbook is another attempt at creating positive change in our society. Anshika Himashree Srivastava Barchamua Jr. Architect Intern

Niyoshi Shubhi Vaid Sanghrajka

Intern Intern

Shrasthi Divisha Singh Gupta Intern Intern 126 The Back To Work Handbook The Blank Slate Note of thanks

This handbook is a result of meticulous research by a collaborative team of students and professionals in architecture who have come together in these testing times to contribute to the best of their abilities.

We’d like to thank the World Health Organization (WHO), Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USA and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for researching and formulating health guidelines that form the base of this handbook.

We’d like to thank Himashree Barchamua, Shubhi Vaid, Shrasthi Gupta, Niyoshi Sanghrajka and Divisha Singh for collaborating with us. There was a lot we learnt from young minds like yours.

We’d like to thank UPlus Collaborative for the discussion and valuable insight on this subject that helped us shape this handbook.

As a team, each of our members has contributed largely to the project and shown great efficiency and co-operation to push this project beyond its self-imposed limitations. With Bina Bhatia and Pratik Daulat as our guiding stars, our team comprises of Sneha Tiwari, Savnee Patharkar, Shardul Saroj, Hiranya Ganatra and Anshika Srivastava, each of whom has contributed their best in each of their unique ways.

Last but not least we would also like to thank our families for the support shown in our endeavour of working from home.

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