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Andrea Rawas

Jul 02
Love2

Electrostatic Disinfection Helps Fight the Spread of COVID-19

By Edon's Picks, People and Culture

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many processes at Edon Management, from meeting protocols to interacting with co-workers to how we clean our offices and work spaces.

As we thought about re-entering work spaces in the spring, Edon decided to invest in electrostatic cleaning systems, not only for our own facilities but also to be available for our clients’ properties. Our goal was to set a new standard in work space disinfection – especially in high-traffic and high-touch areas, so that everyone could have more confidence about coming back to work.

This is where the use of electrostatic disinfection comes in.

You might be wondering: “What is electrostatic cleaning and how is it different or better than conventional cleaning methods?”

Time-Saving and Effective for Hard-to-Reach Surfaces

Even with the most thorough cleaning, it is very difficult and time-consuming to fully disinfect hard-to-reach or larger areas with conventional cleaning methods. Electrostatic cleaning is the process of spraying an electrostatically charged mist onto surfaces and objects. A specialized solution is combined with air and atomized by an electrode inside the sprayer. The positively charged mist clings to and coats any surface it is aimed at.

Using electrostatic spraying ensures every surface in the room can be fully disinfected and in less time. This is so important in facilities where disinfection is vital, such as hospitals and schools. The spraying method also offers promise in controlling foodborne illnesses in restaurant or food-processing facilities.

­­‘Set-and-Forget’ Application

Once the disinfectant is sprayed on a surface, it remains wet for 5-10 minutes, the recommended time to effectively kill germs. Then it is simply left to air dry. In conventional spray-and-wipe disinfecting, a surface is sprayed and immediately wiped, not allowing the required time for a disinfectant to work.

Electrostatic disinfecting is a time-saver because it is a “set-and-forget” application. For example, in a restroom, the entire room can be sprayed with disinfectant and left to air dry – allowing the disinfectant to fully work.

Efficiency and Less Downtime

Here are some ways that electrostatic cleaning is superior to conventional cleaning in an 18,000-square-foot building:

  • The electrostatic sprayer system can cover up to 18,000 square feet per hour, compared to around 3,100 square feet with conventional cleaning.
  • Surface coverage is up to five times faster with electrostatic disinfection.
  • 65% less disinfecting product is used, compared to traditional trigger sprays.
  • Disinfecting a building that size takes around five hours less time, or about 40%.

What Else Should you Know About Electrostatic Disinfecting?

  • It is safe to use around standard office equipment, such as laptops, desktops, keyboard and monitors, but should NOT be applied to sensitive electronics. Office workers are asked to clear their desks of personal belongings to allow for a thorough cleaning.
  • Once electrostatic cleaning has been completed, the room can be used immediately.
  • Electrostatic disinfection does not create a protective barrier. It disinfects, or kills, unwanted pathogens from every targeted surface, but won’t protect those surfaces from becoming contaminated once the area has been used again.
  • Here are some examples of where electrostatic cleaning is beneficial: Health-care spaces for terminal patients; classrooms, fitness equipment, wrestling mats, bathrooms, lunchrooms and buses; food service (sanitizing equipment and surfaces); odour counteraction in bathrooms and other enclosed spaces.

To learn more about electrostatic cleaning contact Yassin Zamani, Edon’s Custodial Services Business Manager, at yassin.zamani@edonmgmt.com or call Office: (403) 245-1941 ext.533

Jun 01
Love2

Edon is Your Go-To Partner for Workplace Safety

By Edon's Picks, People and Culture

The safety of your employees, guests, tenants and the public are paramount as you prepare to reopen your offices. Edon Management has the expertise, equipment and commitment to ensure these workplaces stay as safe as possible from COVID-19 and other pathogens.

Edon’s full-service solutions, through its Pandemic Recovery Program (EPReP), provides clients peace of mind that comes from knowing your concerns are at the forefront. Edon has state-of-the-art cleaning and disinfecting equipment, an extensive pool of personnel with expertise in building systems, and 24/7 on-call availability to respond to urgent needs. Here is what we can do for you:

Refit Your Office

We can help you fit your office to meet government guidelines for safe physical distancing. Health authorities say that social distancing of two metres – about the length of a hockey stick – handwashing and other strategies of good hygiene are key components of a safe workplace strategy. We’re adding sterilizing stations in prominent locations to ensure frequent disinfecting. Other changes include mapping out and signing traffic flow to avoid physical contact, establishing protocols for staff, providing equipment and guidelines to optimize hygiene, and providing protocols for employee fitness for work.

Enhance Cleaning

Thorough deep cleaning is the new normal in our workplaces. Edon will help maintain the integrity of your space by increasing the frequency of cleaning, and by using new technology to disinfect your work surfaces and office equipment. At the core is our new electrostatic cleaning service – the most effective way to quickly, affordably and continuously disinfect your office, workshops or any surface your employees or clients might come into contact with. Our equipment eliminates pathogens, provides more complete and consistent coverage, penetrates deeply into hard-to-reach areas, and allows you to use your disinfected room or device right away.

Optimize Mechanical Systems

Viruses such as COVID-19 are known to spread through infectious aerosols – that is, droplets flying through the air. The risk of spread can be reduced by improved filtration and adjusting airflow patterns in your building’s heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. Modern buildings have complex and sophisticated HVAC systems that require a high level of expertise to adjust and maintain. Edon Management will adjust your systems to increase air quality, and we can also manage mechanical system upgrades if your system is not up to par.

A review of evidence-based literature on risk assessment of HVAC systems shows that the following procedures should be considered:

  • Enhanced filtration, using filters that exceed the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating in areas with dense occupancy or are otherwise judged to be high risk spaces.
  • Careful control of temperature and humidity.
  • The addition of local exhaust ventilation for source control.
  • Portable, free-standing high-efficiency particulate filters.
  • Ultraviolet radiation to kill germs.

Working with you as a partner committed to safety, Edon has the knowledge, equipment and devoted staff. Our full-service solutions will ensure your buildings and workspaces comply with all relevant government recommendations and regulations. We deliver peace of mind – for your employees, guests, tenants and members of the public who visit or use your facilities.

May 05
Love3

Edon’s Hiring Process

By Edon's Picks, People and Culture

What Does Edon’s Hiring Process Look Like?

 

 

Application Tips & Tricks to Land an Interview

Application

If one of the job postings on our website catches your eye, make sure you apply! Our current application process is simple: create your resume/cover letter and submit it to the careers email listed in the job posting, stating the position ID in the subject line.

Keep in mind a single job posting can generate hundreds of applications, so here are a few tips to help you stand out.

  • Be Honest
    Ensure your employment history, qualifications, and previous job responsibilities are accurate. While you may want to “pad” your resume with additional details, this will not help you. Anything on your resume is up for discussion during the interview process and embellishments will come out.
  • Keep it Simple
    Layout your resume in a format that is easy for the reader to understand; an overcrowded resume can be a turnoff. Separate your resume into sections such as skills, education and work experience to keep things organized and use generic, easy to read fonts like Calibri or Times New Roman.
  • Check your Application for Accuracy
    Review your resume and cover letter for accuracy and spelling before submitting your application.
  • Be Concise
    Highlight three to five key tasks you were responsible for in your previous positions.
  • Tailor it to the Job Posting
    Link your previous job responsibilities to the job posting. This will demonstrate that you are capable of performing the tasks associated with the position, but are looking to take on more responsibility or a new challenge.
  • Cater Your Application to the Company
    Demonstrate that you know a bit about Edon Management and express why you want to work for us.

Interviews
The hiring manager will review applications and create an interview shortlist. If you’ve used the tips outlined above it may give you a better chance of being selected for an interview. Please be advised that only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Depending on the position, you may be asked to come in for a second interview with some different members of our team. This will help determine if you are the right fit for the company and the position.

Completing the Checks
Following the interview, you may be asked to provide information so we can begin to do checks. These checks include reference checks, background checks and, depending on the position, a DISC Assessment (behavioural assessment tool).

Offer
Should you be the selected candidate, an offer of employment will be presented. It is now up to you to determine if Edon is the right fit. Upon offer acceptance, an orientation will be set up for your first day.

May 01
Love3

5 Ways to Describe Edon’s Culture

By Edon's Picks, People and Culture

Workplace culture can make or break a company when it comes to attracting and retaining talent. At Edon, we strive to create an environment where people excel and feel comfortable coming into work each day. Below are five ways we define our company culture.

Team Based

It may be a cliché because every organization states that they are team-based, however, at Edon this actually reigns true. While a lot of the work we do may be on an individual basis, you can always count on the fact that your team members are there to support and assist you should you have questions or need help completing a project.

Fast-Paced

If you are someone who likes to stay busy, Edon is the right fit for you. Working at Edon, you will never have to worry about what to do next as there are always new projects or programs in development. At the odd time when things slow, it is encouraged to learn different facets of the company to expand your knowledge about what others are doing in the organization.

Innovative

Continuous improvement is at the forefront of the company and an integral part of Edon’s quality management system. Whether you have an idea that will help streamline daily work, or improve a process, Edon wants to hear them. That’s why we created our Emagination program, to funnel innovative ideas and recognize team members.

Growth Oriented

At Edon, there is plenty of opportunities to grow in your career (it’s one of our core values). Edon has a strong leadership team available to mentor and support your career plans. Each year employees assist in the development of their personal objectives, so if there is something you are passionate about exploring, make sure you discuss it with your manager. Courses that would help you progress in your career, can apply towards Edon’s tuition reimbursement program to help offset financial costs.

Diverse

Edon is built on diversity. Our team members come from various backgrounds, offer different skillsets and experience, and range in age from those coming out of school to those nearing retirement. While there are differences that set us apart, we all work effectively as one team to put forth our best work. We also bring diversity into our business by offering our clients a broad range of services to help meet their needs.

Mar 08
Love2

Renovated Atrium Increases Building Value

By Case Studies

Challenge:

Increase building value of Edon managed property by attracting new tenants and boosting current tenant satisfaction levels amidst the following considerations:

  • Impose minimal disruption to tenant operations
  • Maintain the health of live plants and fish
  • Integrate innovative design into the finished product

Solution:

A three-phase approach was implemented to ensure smooth project delivery.

  1. Design & Prep Work
  2. Construction
  3. Finishing Touches

Before and After

At the outset, Edon’s project management team engaged an interior design company to create drawings and specifications for new floor tiles, carpet, paint, and other finishes.

Based on these drawings a tender was issued to complete the work. All contractors underwent a thorough prequalification process including meeting mandatory components such as WCB clearance, COR or safety program compliance, insurance coverage, criminal record checks, and compliance with Edon’s quality program. Based on the bids received, Edon recommended a contractor that could meet the project’s goals.

Taking into consideration the scope of work, an engineering firm completed a structural report to determine if the atrium could safely support an

electrical boom lift. It was advised that the central sections of the atrium could safely support the lift and it was approved to proceed.

To avoid adverse health effects to the atrium’s plants, Edon’s building horticulturalist was notified to remove all plants from the planter and pond beds and prune trees or plants that couldn’t be removed to allow for scaffolding. The pond’s goldfish were also temporarily relocated.

Before construction commenced, a notice was sent out to all tenants in the building informing them of the work and a tentative completion schedule.

The notice also outlined what they could expect in terms of noise and dust, and stressed the importance of following all posted signs for their safety. Noisy and disruptive work was performed after hours, but the majority of work occurred during regular business hours.

The construction contractor worked for a total of three months to install scaffold, prime walls, plaster, paint, remove scaffold, remove tile, install new carpet and floor tile, and perform electrical and plumbing work. The garden was waterproofed and waterlines relocated. Light poles were removed and new lighting installed that highlighted the space’s features.

Working simultaneously with phase two, Edon engaged a furniture contractor to do up a plan that would match the new finishes and layout.

Fulfilling the goal of incorporating innovative design into the space, selected furniture contained charging stations for phones and laptops. Therefore it was important to coordinate the type and location of furniture with the electrical contractor before construction was fully completed.

With furniture in place and construction finished, both plants and fish were returned to the space. Edon’s Project Manager conducted a deficiency walkthrough to identify areas requiring improvement and followed up with the contractor to repair. Upon final client approval, the project was successfully closed.

With a modernized atrium as the focal point of the facility, the property increased its competitiveness in the marketplace, retained tenants, and ultimately increased in value. Edon’s client realized both an immediate and long-term return on investment through the successful implementation of this capital project.

Sep 18
Love2

File Room Renovation

By Case Studies

Challenge:

Convert an existing file room into an exam room within two months to meet a critical client deadline.

Solution:

Through a client approved tendering process, Edon engaged design and engineering consultants to prepare tender drawings and specifications. All work occurred in occupied space during normal business hours, except tasks requiring water or mechanical shutoffs were completed after hours to avoid client disruption. The Project Manager oversaw demolition, construction, millwork, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work for safety, quality, and legislative control.

Before and After

Sep 18
Love2

Parking Lot Expansion

By Case Studies

Challenge:

Create more parking by expanding the current lot and building a retaining wall.

Solution:

Before the project commenced, Edon coordinated with multiple stakeholders to acquire land for the parking lot expansion. Once secured, a geotechnical investigation was performed to study the area, create the design, and secure the development permit. A construction contractor was engaged to build a concrete retaining wall and expand the parking area based on the approved design. Edon monitored the project from start to finish ensuring proper documentation and communication with all parties involved.

Before and After

Sep 18
Love2

Mouldy Wall Remediation

By Case Studies

Challenge:

Remediate and repair a mouldy wall on the inside of an emergency response facility within two months.

Solution:

Edon provided tender services to engage a general contractor for the supply and installation of materials and labour following the client’s tendering procedures. Throughout the course of the project Edon’s team undertook inspections and supervised the work ensuring compliance with scope, budget, and schedule. An occupational hygienist was also engaged to perform air quality tests and provide clearance.

Before and After