First came face masks, and now sneeze guards. The CDC keeps recommending protection measures and equipment. But, are these new solutions effective against virus transmission? Actually, screen guards are not brand-new items. They’ve been around a long time.
The Historical Significance of Sneeze Guards
Sneeze guards were invented in 1959 by Louis Garneau, a restaurateur, and inventor. When Garneau patented this new invention on March 10, 1959, he called it the “Food Service Table.”
That’s because sneeze guards were originally designed to protect food served in buffets from germs that spread from sneezing. Garneau’s invention revolutionized the retail and self-service food industry.
Screen guards are responsible for all the food safety regulations we enjoy today. The FDA has recommended the use of screen guards in all types of public settings since the 60s. But, these guards have recently become unbelievably popular, especially in business settings.
How Do Sneeze Guards Function in Professional Settings?
Sneeze guards are made of plexiglass or acrylic. These synthetic barriers are extremely effective at fighting the spread of pathogens. From self-service restaurants to banks – all types of businesses use these guards to operate safely during the pandemic.
A sneeze guardcan easily prevent the microscopic droplets we release while coughing, sneezing, and breathing from reaching other people. Install them at checkout counters and on every desk in the office to limit COVID19.
Commercial worksites can easily function safely with these guards. The guards will stop various microorganisms from spreading about inside the office space. They’re transparent, so workers don’t have to worry about miscommunication issues.
Plus, cleaning these guards is very easy. Workers can clean their guards at the end of each workday. They can even clean them in-between business dealings. Companies can essentially keep using these durable, portable, and transparent guards for decades.
As long as employees properly sanitize their guards, they can repeatedly use it until CDC’s guidelines regarding workplace safety change.
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Applications of Sneeze Guards in Business Settings
Depending on the nature/demands of the business, sneeze guards can be installed and used in different ways.
- Customer Service Counters: One of the most common applications of sneeze guards is at customer service counters. Shoppers can easily shop, interact with employees, and pay for their goods through these transparent screens. Sneeze guards have small openings. Cashiers can receive payments or scan shoppers’ items through these spaces.
- Inside Office Environments: Another great way of using sneeze guards is installing them on every desk in the office. Office leaders can essentially create separate “safe zones” for each employee. Communicating with other employees is very easy through these acrylic guards. Plus, sound travels through these guards, but air doesn’t.
- Remote Work Environments: Yes, installing screen guards can even help remote workers. Users can make sure other members of their households don’t enter their private workspaces with these guards.
The COVID19 pandemic will hopefully one day be just a distant memory. But for now, business leaders must optimize their workplace anti-virus efforts. Using high-quality sneeze guards can help them achieve these goals!
