Companies across the country have begun welcoming employees back or will do so soon as COVID-19 lockdown policies ease. The impact of the coronavirus pandemic has created heightened expectations of cleanliness and the need for an even safer working environment. Cleanliness is now a fundamental requirement to operating successfully in the new normal. 

Simply reaffirming your commitment to previous cleaning protocols is no longer viewed as acceptable. Consequently, how you keep your facility clean and disinfected is subject to more rigorous scrutiny. Achieving and maintaining the highest hygiene standards is important to build the levels of trust required to overcome current challenging circumstances and as a reset point for your business. 
 
Chemical dispensers drive hygiene compliance  
 
Facilities need to ensure they have the right solutions and processes in place to reduce the spread of pathogens, and to protect employees and customers from the risk of infection. Incidents of infection and contamination can also severely damage your brand reputation. With the financial challenges caused by the pandemic, any negative reviews or experiences may prove even more difficult to overcome. 
Before reopening, you need to reassess your hygiene protocols and practices. Employing chemical dispensing and dosing equipment and software is one of the most effective ways to drive hygiene compliance and enable more frequent cleaning.
 
Choosing an appropriate system is crucial. Dispensers are integral to deliver accurate, effective and safe doses of cleaning chemical that will enable you to meet these new hygiene requirements and expectations. Chemical dispensing systems provide numerous benefits, including:
 
Accurate and Simple Operation
Measuring cleaning chemical accurately is vital. With dispensers that deliver precise chemical measurements every time, you’ll have assurance that your employees are properly cleaning all high-touch surfaces, floors and more, and with the right chemical concentrations that maximize product efficacy.  
 
This is particularly important in labour intensive jobs with high staff turnover. For companies coping with a loss of staff either due to self-isolation, illness or layoffs, there’s an added pressure to hire immediately and quickly train staff. With a user-friendly dispenser, both current and new staff members can effectively utilize the system safely and with high quality cleaning outcomes.
 
Reliability 
 
During these uncertain times, reliability is crucial. Look for a dispensing system manufacturer with a reputation for constructing long-lasting dispensers made from durable materials, and which incorporate the latest technology for optimum operational efficiency. It’s important to find dispensers that are compatible with a wide variety of chemicals to meet your current and future cleaning and disinfecting needs. Reliable technology, that remains accurate, even with fluctuating water pressure will provide peace of mind that results will always be consistent. 
 
Safety and compliance 
 
During the pandemic, the last thing you need to worry about is compromising other aspects of safety. Dispensers greatly minimize contact with potentially?hazardous chemicals?that can cause irritations, such as headaches, nausea, skin sensitivities and even burns. Having equipment with easy-to-use interfaces also encourages frequent use and for employees to undertake the regular protocols that support compliance with government and local health regulations specific to COVID-19. 
 
Cost and sustainability savings
 
According to ISSA, the Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, dispensing equipment that delivers accurate dilutions reduces?cleaning costs up to 30%.?The right system will help you eliminate?overuse of chemical and water, thereby helping to reduce both the cost and environmental impact of cleaning without sacrificing performance. To the extent more frequent cleaning is needed, chemical dispensers play a vital role in helping to prevent labour costs from getting out of control.
 
Some advanced dispensing systems utilize the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance transparency and eliminate unnecessary visits to the site. Understanding chemical usage and shortage, as well as any alarms triggered throughout the process, can further smooth the operation. Using advanced equipment will help to identify any patterns and abnormalities before they become a costly or dangerous problem. Being able to conduct preventative maintenance will also increase the lifespan of your equipment. 
 
Making the right choice
 
There are several important points to consider before investing in a chemical dispensing system. To make the best choice for your facility, consider:  
• The number of chemicals used – Make a list of the types of chemicals that you use most within your business. Review new cleaning standards and requirements for your area and identify any new chemicals that you’ll be using to enhance cleanliness. Some dispensers are designed to handle only one to two chemicals, while others have multiple channel configurations to deliver multiple chemicals. This will enable you to meet your immediate dispensing needs but can also help you plan for the possibility of increased capacity in the future. 
• How the dispenser will be used – Determine who will use the system and how often. Identify whether the dispenser will be used to fill bottles and buckets, larger equipment such as auto scrubbers or foamers and sprayers.  Keep in mind that dispensers are a key way to control labour costs when more frequent cleanings are necessary.
 
• Where to install the system – With the requirement for more regular cleaning, it’s important to identify an accessible area to install a dispenser. To maximize space, look for dispensers with a small, compact design and a wall-mount option. Consider installing dispensers near high touchpoint areas and common areas, making it easy for staff to access and use the system. Pre-wired dispensers allow for quick installation and can be programmed to minimize downtime.
• Water flow and pressure requirements – Water flow and pressure can vary from building to building, and even from one area in a facility to another. Facilities without water pressure regulation can run into the issue of inconsistent dilution rates. To manage high water pressure, look for a dispensing system with a component to regulate the pressure and eliminate dilution variance by controlling the amount of water allowed into the unit.
 
• Investing in a smart system – Search for a smart system offering features such as predictive maintenance, remote monitoring and automated adjustments. It is also important to invest in accessories like depletion alarms and wands to measure and report when product runs low. These features provide extra reassurance for the times when you’re unable to physically be in your facility and maximize dispensing capabilities.
 
The Right supplier
 
A new era of cleanliness has begun, making it more important than ever to establish a strategic partnership with suppliers you can trust. Solutions that ensure accurate, safe and cost-effective dosing will enable you and your employees to clean with confidence post-COVID-19. Defining and maintaining a better approach to cleaning and hygiene is crucial to uphold your reputation, enhance your employee’s wellbeing and support the bottom line as you reopen your facility.
 
For more information about Hydro Systems dispensing products, please visit https://hydrosystemseurope.com/