In preparation for reopening schools and businesses post-COVID-19, facility managers, building service contractors, and custodial staff will need to implement stringent sanitation practices to ensure the health and safety of all building occupants.
Post COVID-19 Cleaning Procedures to Prepare for Facility Reopenings
A chief concern for facilities managers, school administrators, and business owners preparing or already opening their classrooms and businesses is the health and safety of everyone.
While absolute safety can never be guaranteed under any circumstances, a significant amount of progress has been made in identifying actions that will reduce the likelihood of being exposed to this and other viruses, including:
- Wash your hands often.
- Avoid close contact.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
- Cover coughs and sneezes, and;
- Clean and disinfect.
Source:
A recent survey conducted by the International Council of Shopping Centers found that consumers expect more going forward from the establishments they choose to enter, reporting that;
At 66 percent, the most popular response was that consumers wanted businesses to be better cleaned and sanitized than before.
The majority of respondents (62 percent) say they would be more comfortable visiting a business that has hand sanitizer stations or offers disinfecting wipes to patrons.
Just under half of those who responded say they want to see staff wearing gloves and masks.
COVID-19 Cleaning Tips
Depending on the surface type, temperature, and exposure to direct sunlight, COVID-19 remains detectable for several hours to several days.
The virus itself is highly susceptible to regular detergents (soap) and water.
Still, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have established several basic guidelines to ensure maximum facility hygiene and occupant safety, including:
- Routine surface cleaning with soap, water, and microfiber.
- Regular surface disinfection of high-traffic facilities with an EPA-registered medical-grade disinfectant.
- Avoid incorrectly mixing chemicals, stockpiling, or overapplying disinfectant products.
- Always wear the appropriate safety gear, and;
- Allow or increase ventilation throughout the facility to disperse any airborne microbes and particles.
For schools and other facilities with highly vulnerable demographics, such as daycare and long-term care facilities, additional touchpoint precautions should be undertaken, including the routine wipedown of:
- Computer equipment and touch screens.
- Phones.
- Faucet handles.
- Desks.
- Light switches.
- Doorknobs.
- Vending machine and elevator buttons, and;
- Safety rails.
COVID-19 Health & Safety Tips
Cleaning and disinfection procedures only work well if facility occupants adhere to several easy to follow health and safety guidelines, including:
- Regularly washing your hands with soap and water for a minimum of twenty seconds throughout the day, especially after using the restroom, before eating, after cleaning, or coming into contact with a potentially contaminated surface.
- Practicing good hand awareness in public by avoiding contact with your face, eyes, mouth, and nose, especially if you're wearing gloves and a mask.
- Being socially responsible and avoiding direct contact with others when you're not feeling well, and;
- Taking personal responsibility for your health and safety, as well as those around you, by wiping down touchpoints in your workspace and classroom.
References & Resources
- Preparing to Reopen Schools: Cleaning Tips to Keep Schools Safe
- Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes
Takeaway
While many are anxious to return to work or the classroom, others are equally and rightfully concerned regarding their safety, as well as the safety of their elderly parents and young children.
Facility managers, school administrators, and business owners bear the burden of providing their guests, customers, and students with a heightened sense of safety and protection through enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures.
Regular cleaning and disinfection services are adequate for facilities with a moderate volume of traffic and those housing typically healthy occupants.
Additional precautions must be taken in higher-risk facilities with at-risk occupants, especially long-term care facilities.
Several high-performance cleaning methods that eliminate surface cross-contamination concerns while maximizing surface coverage in a minimal amount of time have proven effective against the coronavirus, influenza, and other viral outbreaks over the last few years, but require a team of trained, experienced, and dedicated service providers to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and hygiene.
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
