How COVID-19 Has Reshaped Safety Measures at Pump Facilities

Pump industry companies have not taken the COVID-19 pandemic lightly. In an effort to maintain a safe work environment, they have done everything from incorporating special safety training and procedures to outfitting employees with additional personal protection equipment (PPE).

According to a Pumps & Systems May survey conducted, 74% of the more than 100 respondents said PPE requirements have changed in response to the coronavirus outbreak. In fact, 94% of respondents said they are required to maintain social-distancing requirements, according to the results of the survey.

Safety During COVID-19 and Pump Industry Business Operations

In a recent article, Pumps & Systems columnist Jim Elsey said his workplace at Summit Pump Inc. has found found PPE and specific antiviral cleaning items in limited supply. However, they have been able to maintain adequate stock.

“We are maintaining our normal working hours and note many of our employees utilize flex time schedules,” Elsey said. “We are practicing proper distancing of personnel, and we are blessed with a large facility that allows us the space.”

But PPE requirements differ from facility to facility.

From SEPCO’s perspective as a critical supply manufacturer, CEO Chris Wilder told the publication that while it has remained in operation during the Coronavirus pandemic, many procedures have changed.

“While securing necessary PPE was initially a challenge, our sourcing team was able to procure the needed items and, as a service, has been able to offer some supply to our authorized distribution network,” said Wilder, who also serves as a Pumps & Systems Editorial Advisory Board member.

Additionally, within the SEPCO facilities, the management team has:

• More tightly restricted access and entry points
• Set up multiple hand-sanitizing stations
• Staggered shift and break times
• Follows the CDC’s 6-foot minimum distancing rules
• Instituted thorough cleaning and sanitization procedures within the facility

“As our team begins to see more activity out in the general public, we definitely feel we are behaving in a much more secure and conservative manner than what we see in the general public,” Wilder said. “We’ve worked hard to develop new habits, and I believe so far it has paid off in the health and security of our SEPCO team.”

Read the full article on PumpsandSystems.com to learn more about COVID-19 safety training and how business operations have changed for the pump industry.