What are cold storage operators doing to help mitigate risk of spreading COVID-19?

Social distancing Third-party logistics providers are critical to keeping the world’s food supply chain moving. Below are some suggestions for helping to slow the spread of COVID-19 in your workplace. This information is an excerpt from GCCA’s Rapid Response Guide, which is updated regularly. Access the current version of the Guide on our Coronavirus Webportal.

Please note that these are community source practices and not official recommendations to mitigate the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Disinfect equipment and frequently touched surfaces before shifts begin and after shifts are complete. “High touch” surfaces include Material Handling Equipment (MHE)/forklifts, tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, control panels, computer screens and monitors. See this list of EPA-approved disinfectants.
Disinfect PPE with EPA-approved disinfectant spray. Freezer gear including freezer jackets, gloves, and hats can be sprayed with disinfectant spray before and after shifts are complete. See the above-referenced list of EPA-approved disinfectants. One practice is to use a 5% bleach solution sprayed on freezer gear and hang out to air dry.
Bleach solutions that facilities can make for sanitation.
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.45ml) of bleach to 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water will make a 50ppm solution for hand dips.
- 1 Tablespoon (14.8 ml) of bleach to 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water will make a 200ppm solution for sanitizing surfaces after washing them down.
- Solution guidelines provided by the WFLO Scientific Advisory Council – for questions submit an inquiry.
Limit or prohibit visitors, including drivers, from entering the facility. Rent external bathroom trailers to provide drivers with private bathroom facilities. Ensure these are cleaned and disinfected as often as permanent bathrooms in the facility.
Limit driver contact with staff. If you do have drivers interacting with office staff, ask drivers to use hand sanitizer before handing off paperwork or other points of physical contact. Alternatively provide sinks for drivers to wash their hands before they come into the shipping/receiving office.
Going paperless with drivers. Drivers scan paperwork – one scanner if you’re picking up a load and one scanner if you’re dropping off a load. Then, that paperwork goes to the appropriate contact within the warehouse to print for the physical Bill of Lading. Create a video to help drivers understand the new process.