QIMA Safe Place Label

Obtaining the QIMA Safe Place Label provides businesses, their staff, suppliers and customers with peace of mind that strict standards of cleanliness are in place as sites reopen after COVID-19 lockdowns and businesses adjust to heightened expectations relating to health and hygiene measures.

We've developed sanitation audit protocols specific to retail stores, hotels, fitness centers and restaurants with our hygiene and auditing experts that incorporate key recommendations from global government authorities as to best practice. These protocols can be customized to meet your country's specific health and hygiene standards, or the operating requirements of your business.

Upon successful completion of the initial sanitation audit and resolution of non-conformities, your site will be endorsed with the QIMA Safe Place Label – a public validation that your site is compliant with health and safety guidelines.

QIMA Safe Place Process

To ensure the ongoing health and safety of your retail store, hotel, fitness center or restaurant, the process to obtain the QIMA Safe Place Label involves:

1. Initial Engagement Workshop

   The workshop is held via a webinar to introduce the program, clarify the criteria and provide guidance as to best practice sanitation processes.



2. Initial Onsite Assessment

   The onsite assessment is performed by an expert QIMA auditor, typically in one day. A traditional audit process will be followed involving observation, document review and interviews with staff and customers. Deviations in implementation of prevention and sanitation measures will identified.

   At the completion of the assessment, a report containing any necessary corrective measures will be issued.



3. Remote Verification Follow-Ups

   QIMA will continue to provide regular (weekly or monthly) remote assessments following the initial onsite audit. These assessments will be performed remotely via video by the QIMA auditor, working with the hotel/store appointed representative. Progress on corrective measures will be tracked.

Site-Specific Sanitation Audits

Hotel

Retail

Fitness Center

Restaurant

QIMA Safe Place Label
Hotel

The QIMA Safe Place sanitation audit for hotel sites is intended to control hygiene risk factors present in hotels, protecting guests and enabling ongoing operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

People

PREVENTION – HR, ORGANIZATION, TRAINING AND COMMUNICATION

• Organization & management
• Training & competence
• Internal & external communication
• Staff hygiene
• Customer requirements

Site

PREVENTION – AREAS AND FLOWS

• Flow & zoning
• Cleaning & disinfecting
• Staff changing room area
• Delivery and storage area
• Lobby and checkout
• Restaurant area
• Communal facilities

Response

HANDLING OF SUSPECTED OR CONFIRMED CASES

• Response to Suspected Cases
• Contact with a Confirmed Case
• Business Continuity

Quick Guide Download: How to Safely Restart Your Hotel During COVID-19  

QIMA Safe Place Label
Retail

The QIMA Safe Place sanitation audit for retail sites provides reassurance to shoppers that correct preventative measures are in place in-store and that there are robust processes to contain possible infections should they occur.

People

PREVENTION – HR, ORGANIZATION, TRAINING AND COMMUNICATION

• Organization & Management
• Training & Competence
• Internal & External Communication
• Staff Hygiene
• Customer Requirements

Site

PREVENTION – AREAS AND FLOWS

• Flow & Zoning
• Cleaning & Disinfecting
• Staff Break Area
• Checkout Area
• Delivery and Storage Area
• Main Entrance
• Store

Response

HANDLING OF SUSPECTED OR CONFIRMED CASES

• Response to Suspected Cases
• Contact with a Confirmed Case
• Business Continuity

Quick Guide Download: How to Safely Restart Your Retail Business During COVID-19  

QIMA Safe Place Label
Fitness Center

The QIMA Safe Place sanitation audit for fitness centers ensures that these high-touch sites are correctly cleaned and maintained to protect users.

People

PREVENTION – HR, ORGANIZATION, TRAINING AND COMMUNICATION

• Organization & Management
• Training & Competence
• Internal & External Communication
• Staff Hygiene
• Customer Requirements

Site

PREVENTION – AREAS AND FLOWS

• Flow & Zoning
• Cleaning & Disinfecting
• Changing Rooms
• Lobby and Checkout
• Swimming Pool and Spa
• Sports and Yoga Area

Response

HANDLING OF SUSPECTED OR CONFIRMED CASES

• Response to Suspected Cases
• Contact with a Confirmed Case
• Business Continuity

Quick Guide Download: How to Safely Restart Your Fitness Center During COVID-19  

QIMA Safe Place Label
Restaurant

The QIMA Safe Place sanitation audit for restaurants ensures that preventative hygiene measures are in place for safe dining.

People

PREVENTION – HR, ORGANIZATION, TRAINING AND COMMUNICATION

• Organization & Management
• Training & Competence
• Internal & External Communication
• Staff Hygiene
• Customer Requirements

Site

PREVENTION – AREAS AND FLOWS

• Flow & Zoning
• Cleaning & Disinfecting
• Staff Changing Room Area
• Delivery and Storage Area
• Drive/Delivery to Clients
• Lobby and Checkout
• Restaurant Area
• Cooking Area

Response

HANDLING OF SUSPECTED OR CONFIRMED CASES

• Response to Suspected Cases
• Contact with a Confirmed Case
• Business Continuity

Quick Guide Download: How to Safely Restart Your Restaurant During COVID-19  

Why Choose the QIMA Safe Place Label?

• Ensure the correct conditions are in place at your retail store, hotel, fitness center or restaurant for safe resumption of business
• Sanitation audit protocols developed in conjunction with an expert hygienist
• Onsite and follow-up assessments performed by a QIMA auditor with expertise in environmental, health and safety audits
• Empower staff to take ownership of the program with practical guidelines, training materials and self-checklists
• Corrective measures that are easy to implement to reduce the burden on staff