As staff members return to (or continue to) work in the office while COVID-19 remains active, they should take numerous precautions to protect themselves from infection. For example, some organisations might implement a staged return to work to help with social distancing. This could mean some staff members continue to work from home while others go into the workplace. Or, we could see a shift-based approach where some staff members work in the office in the mornings or on certain days, while other staff members go to the office in the afternoons or on other days.
Regardless of the approach you take, there are certain COVID-safe requirements you need to undertake to ensure staff members lower their risk of falling ill. These could include:
- mandating the use of hand sanitiser when employees visit any communal part of the office
- restricting use of shared facilities such as kitchens
- encouraging the wearing of masks
- reducing the number of chairs in meeting rooms to enforce social distancing.
When it comes to using shared equipment such as office printers and photocopiers, it’s important to continue to focus on minimising the risk of cross-contamination and infection.
Konica Minolta has identified three key ways you can keep your multifunction devices (MFD) clean as you return to work:
1. Remote access
Using the remote access functionality of the MFD lets you control it from your tablet or smartphone. This means no one needs to press the buttons on the MFD’s LCD control panel but you can still access all the functions of the MFD.
Konica Minolta customers can download the bizhub Remote Access app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store. Then, it’s a simple matter of connecting your phone or tablet to the company Wi-Fi network or the Wi-Fi access point on the MFD.
2. Personal stylus
Alternatively, if remote access isn’t available, you can use a personal stylus to use the multifunction panel without ever touching it with your fingers. You can use any stylus that works with other devices such as tablets.
3. Pull printing
A pull-printing solution is one that prevents print jobs from being completed until the authorised user swipes their ID card or fob at the designated printer. This means you can automatically release your print jobs when you authenticate using your ID card. This helps maintain security, reduce paper wastage, and avoid unnecessary physical interaction with MFDs.
4. Cleaning
Like everything in the office, it’s important to keep your MFD safe by cleaning it regularly. This includes the panel (screen and keys), the document feeder and document glass, and handles of paper trays.
The best way to clean your MFD is to use a soft cloth that’s just damp with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or ethanol for disinfection. The cloth shouldn’t be too wet or it could damage the electrical components. Don’t use sprays containing solvents, as these will damage your MFD. And, be sure to wear vinyl gloves when cleaning, or else wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning the MFD.
With these few simple precautions in place, you’ll be able to use your MFDs with confidence while minimising the risk of disease spread.
Konica Minolta is ready to help your business recover strongly from the disruptions caused by COVID-19. To find out more, contact us today.
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