NSF International announced it has launched a new program to help businesses, schools and cultural institutions take the necessary steps to reopen and stay open while minimizing coronavirus risk for customers, guests and employees. NSF’s new Checked by NSF™ program includes a wide variety of services – from a smart phone app that details COVID-19 prevention requirements for specific types of business to in-depth consulting services and customized reopening plans based on the latest public health guidance. NSF is currently consulting with the Detroit Institute of Arts and Midtown Detroit, Inc. in Detroit, MI, on COVID-19 prevention and reopening plans.
Separate from the guidance and consulting services, NSF also checks facilities to help ensure appropriate preventive measures are in place. The service gives business owners and managers valuable data about their own preparedness for reopening and provides peace of mind to customers and visitors who may be concerned about exposure to the virus. Locations that successfully meet the requirements for each of three phases of the program will be granted permission to post the Checked by NSF signage on-site. Compliance checks are performed with self-assessments using the new Checked by NSF app, remote audits or on-site audits.
The three phases include required tasks and procedures for pre-open, reopen and stay open. A QR code on the signage helps customers validate the claims and understand what each location is doing to protect visitors and employees from COVID-19. The three phases of the program cover the following requirements:
- Phase 1 (Pre-open): Completion of phase 1 means the location has completed development of the required safety procedures, policies and plans.
- Phase 2 (Reopen): Completion of phase 2 means the location has successfully implemented the required safety procedures, policies and plans.
- Phase 3 (Stay open): Completion of phase 3 means the location is successfully maintaining and improving the required safety procedures and policies.
For more information on Checked by NSF™ services, please contact [email protected].