Glass installationA SAFE RETURN TO THE OFFICEAs businesses become operational again, while complying with government guidelinespost-lockdown, Simon Boocock, managing director of CRL Europe, looks at how theinstallation of glass screens in offices could present an opportunity for installersGlass has often been used inoffice design, to zone large,open-plan areas and toenhance the feeling of light space.In a new pandemic era, glasspartitions take on an even greatersignificance in office interiors,creating a hygienic barrier againstthe spread of germs and helpingpeople to social distance.With more businesses in Englandnow being encouraged to re-openin a Covid-secure way, installersare likely to be called on to fitappropriate glass screens to helpemployees feel confident and safe. In this ‘newnormal’ world it is important that, while socialdistancing measures continue to be adhered to,offices convey a sense of what is familiar so thatstaff and visitors feel confident in returning tothem.Open-plan offices have long been a popularlayout choice, because they encourage teamwork, create a sense of collaboration and makethe workplace a pleasant and sociable place tobe. For a lot of people, working from home formonths has meant an abrupt end to this way ofworking and many won’t have had any contactwith colleagues other than on video calls. It isimportant, therefore, that installers are able tooffer a solution that doesn’t impact negatively onthe open-plan and cohesive feeling of the modernoffice environment, and glass partitions are aneffective solution to this.Glass screens can be used to provide a physicalbarrier to the transmission of respiratoryillnesses, yet as a fully transparent material, stillenable close interaction between colleagues.Workstations can be retro-fitted withglass screens without the need for verymuch reconfiguration of the space itself.“A glass screen is avisible statement thatwill help reassurereturning staff”Glass can also be easily cleaned at regularintervals to maximise hygiene levels.While not causing a visual obstruction andenabling light and sound to flow as normal, aglass screen is a visible statement that will helpreassure returning staff.Glass screens in reception areas will be the firstvisual sign of a Covid-secure working environmentfor staff and visitors and the screen itself needn’tdetract from the design of the space itself, causean obstruction or take up a great deal of space.Reception and entrance areas in general are ahigh-risk zone as this is where there is the greatestmovement of people. There is often a constantflow of delivery people and visitors, for example.Glass can therefore be used to help maintain thecharacter of entrance spaces within the workplace,Contact CRL:01706 863600www.crlaurence.co.uk@CRL_Europewhile providing maximumprotection for all concerned.Within the office itself,workstations can be retrofittedwith glass screenswithout the need for very muchreconfiguration of the space itselfat all. Being able to use glassscreens that are portable will bekey for many businesses lookingto adapt their offices to complywith new health and safetyregulations fast. Simple and veryquick to set up, such screens willhave fittings that don’t need tobe screwed into furniture, which is good news forthose not wishing to make permanent alterationsor to potentially risk damaging existing fixtures.Such workstation screens also help overcome thechallenge of social distancing in environments thatsimply won’t allow for the 2m rule, thereby helpingmore businesses to get back to business sooner.Usefully, portable partition fittings are alsoavailable in a variety of finishes so that the wholething can seamlessly blend into the environmentwithout looking out of place. Those with an antislipbase will be particularly useful for high trafficareas around the office, while fittings that canbe easily extended to increase the width of thebarrier as required will be a good all-rounderthat can be adapted as required to ensure aCovid-secure, safe and healthy workplaces goingforward.32 T I JULY/AUGUST 2020 PRACTICAL CONTENT FOR THE GLAZING INSTALLER & HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST
Established 1985Steel LookHeritage Range“Slimmest AluminiumFrame On The Market“Frame Depth of Just33 mmEasy Installation - No Cutting Back10 Year GuaranteePAS 24 Security TestedDouble Glazed - Krypton FilledContact us for prices and marketing assistance01268 681612 | sales@duration.co.uk | www.duration.co.uk
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