As everyone returns to work, school, shopping, and dining after a prolonged quarantine, it is important for businesses, daycares, elementary schools, and universities to establish a cleaning plan that helps ensure the safety of all facility occupants.
Post COVID-19 Facility Cleaning Plan
Of the numerous activities, many of us cannot wait to return to pre-COVID-19 status; the manner and method for which we cleaned facilities are likely not one of them.
In the past, 'good-enough' approaches to cleaning that focused on physical appearance over occupant health was perfectly acceptable as long as no one got sick or hurt, and often included:
- Untrained staff that were hired to perform other duties but tasked with cleaning as well.
- Cleaning products that were inappropriate for the facility, surface, or purpose it was being used for.
- Incorrect use of disinfectant products, including disinfecting without cleaning first and failing to observe the recommended product lay period.
- Using contaminated or poorly maintained equipment, and;
- A lack of planning and training, resulting in cross-contamination and occupant illness.
Correct Cleaning
- Remove all clutter, debris, and dirt by sweeping and vacuuming.
- Remove soil and oils by cleaning with a commercial-grade detergent and microfiber mop or towel.
- Disinfect with an EPA-registered medical-grade disinfectant.
- Do not apply disinfectant to a surface that has not been adequately cleaned first, and;
- Adhere to the recommended disinfectant lay period.
Quality Products
- Forego the use of consumer-grade cleaning products and equipment.
- Only use disinfectants listed on the EPA's List N.
- Get rid of old cotton-string or sponge mops, sponges, and cotton towels and replace them with commercial-grade microfiber, and;
- Upgrade to touchless cleaning and disinfection appliances to protect custodial workers.
Proper Planning
- Divide your facility into zones designed to eliminate the potential for cross-contamination, simplify assignments, and streamline cleaning plans and checklists.
- Assign each zone a unique color and only use microfiber products, personal protective equipment, buckets, and other products that match that color within that zone.
- Create a path through the facility that allows workers to clean from one end to the other without crossing back over previously disinfected zones.
- Move from the cleanest to the dirtiest zone, cleaning top to bottom, and moving backward out of the room toward the exit.
Training Talent
- Provide continuous product, safety, and technique training to custodial staff.
- Drill cross-contamination prevention until it is second nature, and;
- Provide clear, concise zone checklists for custodial staff and supervisors to ensure every task is completed, and all exceptions are documented.
Additional Tips
- Provide facility occupants with self-service products, such as hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes to help maintain occupant health and facility cleanliness.
- For the time being, limit traffic into and through the facility to control the spread of germs, and;
- Outsource to a professional service provider so that your workers can focus on generating business income instead of worrying about cleaning or personal health and safety.
Takeaway
As businesses rapidly begin to reopen and schools prepare for summer makeup sessions, the new post-COVID-19 normal requires the highest standard of facility cleanliness and safety.
What was once considered enhanced cleaning procedures must now become just everyday cleaning practices, and routine disinfection during cold and flu season must become the new norm.
If the last few months have taught us anything, it is that there is more that each of us can do every day to ensure not only our own personal health and hygiene, but the safety and wellbeing of those around us.
One of the first steps is to protect building occupants from the dangers of cleaning, especially during an outbreak, by retaining the services of a professional service provider experienced with pathogen removal.
If you would like more information regarding the effectiveness of high-performance infection prevention and control measures, or if you would like to schedule a free, no-obligation onsite assessment of your facility's custodial needs, contact us today for a free quote!
In Bakersfield CA, call (661) 437-3253
In Fresno CA, call (559) 206-1059
In Valencia CA, or Santa Clarita CA, call (661) 437-3253
In Palmdale CA, or Lancaster CA, call (661) 371-4756
