COVID-19 Safety Procedures

Helping people build stronger, safer, and picturesque communities is our lifeblood. We can’t do it without the amazing people who make it happen. New City’s greatest asset is our people. Our safety procedures are designed to protect the health and well-being of our employees and local communities. In this time of uncertainty, New City will do everything to support our people. Together, we can proactively respond to ever-changing dynamics and minimize disruptions to our customers and partners.

Safe Work Procedures

The length of time COVID-19 survives on inanimate surfaces will vary depending on several factors, such as the amount of contaminated body fluid, environmental temperature, and humidity. The structure of these viruses is easily compromised by most disinfectants. Standard cleaning and disinfecting practices are sufficient to remove or kill viruses.

At New City Contracting, our Safe Work Procedures eliminate the transmission of many viruses, such as COVID-19.

Scope of Work:

To ensure safe work procedures, we will disinfect surfaces by:

• Cleaning: Removes visible dirt, porous materials and contamination from surfaces.
• Disinfection: Kills germs on surfaces or objects.

Virus Cleaning and Disinfection

To decontaminate surfaces, will use a HEPA filter-equipped vacuum to clean dust and debris. We will also use disinfecting products to decontaminate areas. Warning signs, when applicable, will be posted for vacant and occupied suites while work is done in their respective suites. Warning signs will also be posted to restrict access of any unauthorized people at each access or entry point. An information sign will be posted on the unit to notify the resident that the unit has been properly disinfected and is safe to enter.

Personal Protective Equipment

Each worker will wear a protective mask before entering the suite to clean and/or disinfect.

• Gloves: Workers will wear chemical-resistant gloves; they will be provided with nitrile or neoprene gloves. These will be disposed of and replaced when torn; when moisture forms inside the glove; at the end of the shift; and prior to breaks.
• Footwear: Steel-toed leather boots must be CSA-Z195-M92. Boots are required to be in good condition to provide protection. Disposable booties must be changed from suite to suite to minimize the spray of bed bug exposure.

Task-Specific Safe Work Procedures

Our Safe Work Procedures consist of two steps (cleaning and disinfection):

1. Cleaning: We will mechanically clean surfaces prior to usage of disinfectant.

Safe Work Procedure for Cleaning:

• Ensure hands have been washed for at least 20 seconds using soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing 60%-95% alcohol if no water is available.
• Ensure hands are not visibly soiled prior to wearing gloves.
• Remove visible contamination with HEPA vacuum for soft (porous) surfaces (e.g., carpeted floor, rugs, drapes).
• Clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on soft (porous) surfaces where removal of dirt or other materials from the work area is difficult;  and using tools such as brushes if needed.
• Employ mechanical cleaning using a HEPA vacuum and hand brushes if needed, starting from one end of the room or work area and working towards the entrance to the room or work area.

2. Disinfection: We will apply disinfection to all hard-surface areas (such as countertops, door knobs, light switches, buttons, window sills and latches) and any other surface that is touched by an individual. Mechanical cleaning of soiled areas must be completed prior to disinfection to ensure the effectiveness of the disinfectant product.

Safe Work Procedures for Disinfection: 

• Employ only an approved cleaner listed on the Government of Canada’s website (Canada.ca). 
• Ensure hands have been washed for at least 20 seconds using soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing 60%-95% alcohol if no water is available.
• Ensure hands are not visibly soiled prior to wearing gloves.
• Ensure that each disinfectant is ready to use out of the bottle and is not diluted. 
• Spray the disinfectant to all surfaces and ensure application surface stays wet for at least 5 minutes. 
• Wipe with clean rags or sponges to ensure the entire surface has been disinfected. 
• Spray the disinfectant before exiting the suite.

Contact Tracing and Sign-in Sheets

Our site superintendent will be maintaining on-site records for all the trades and visitors with a sign-in sheet, which will include their contact information (i.e., mobile number) to trace potential infections. This will be an ongoing process to ensure the safety of workers.