Post-COVID-19, ensuring occupant wellness through pathogen control has become mandatory for schools and businesses who wish to remain competitive in the 'new normal' of today's rapidly changing learning and business environment.
Ensuring Occupant Wellness Via Enhanced Cleaning
COVID-19 has been added to the list of communicable diseases--including influenza, Hepatitis A, Rhinovirus, and Norovirus--which plague our lives and threaten the wellness and productivity of office staff and students.
All of these potentially life-threatening illnesses have something else in common--they are preventable through enhanced cleaning and advanced disinfection procedures, including:
- Enhanced Hand Hygiene.
- Surface cleaning.
- Touchpoint disinfection.
- Protective equipment, and;
- Pollutant control.
Enhanced Hand Hygiene
Hand hygiene is critical to the suppression of pathogen transmission via touch--whether person-to-person or surface-to-person.
However, improper hand hygiene and unkempt hand hygiene stations are just as bad--occasionally worse--than not washing your hands at all.
As an example, various types of soap dispensers and air-blown hand dryers have been shown to harbor and spread germs to users.
Enhanced methods for addressing these and related challenges include:
- Implementing no-touch dispensing systems--soap, paper towels, and hand sanitizer--and no-touch fixtures for toilets, urinals, and faucets.
- Top-loading, packet-filled, hand soap.
- Removing all airblown hand dryers, and;
- Placing hand sanitizer outside restrooms and near high-contact touchpoints, especially in the break room and dining areas.
A critical component that has been shown to increase hand hygiene compliance in nearly any environment is making certain the restrooms are regularly cleaned--counters and sinks wiped down, floors clean and free of debris, and the trash has been taken out.
Surface Cleaning
Comprehensive surface cleaning is a crucial first step in pathogen removal.
However, much as was the case with outdated hand hygiene practices, conventional cleaning methods have caused more damage than good.
For example, dirty mops, mop buckets, and cotton cleaning rags are not practical tools for removing pathogens.
Instead, studies have shown that they, at best, push dirty water around and, at worst, are responsible for spreading pathogens throughout a facility in what is commonly referred to as surface cross-contamination.
Another common mistake is the use of cleaning chemicals that are not intended for use in certain environments, suitable for specific surfaces, or capable of performing the task they are being used for.
A modern approach is to:
- Select cleaning products intended for use in your specific facility type and the surface it is being used to clean--hard floor cleaners don't perform well on kitchen countertops.
- Use no-touch systems that simplify cleaning tasks, increase coverage and efficiency, and reduce the workload placed on the custodial staff.
- Implement zone cleaning plans combined with color-coded tools, such as smart microfiber and dual-chamber buckets, and;
- Equip your team with ergonomic equipment that reduces workload and increases cleaning capacity and effectiveness, such as advanced backpack vacuums.
Touchpoint Disinfection
Regular facility disinfection is essential.
However, routine touchpoint disinfection is critical for reducing the presence and spread of dangerous germs and bacteria.
The process is simple but requires training and dedication.
- Make sure the surface is regularly cleaned to ensure the efficacy of the disinfectant product.
- Ensure the disinfectant is appropriate for the environment and surface type.
- Read the label to make sure the disinfectant at least makes a claim that it is capable of killing the various pathogens you're concerned with, and;
- Most importantly, observe the recommended product dwell lay times, meaning the surface has to stay wet for a specific amount of time for the disinfectant to be effective.
A modern method for meeting the touchpoint cleaning and disinfection requirements of high-traffic facilities is to assign day porters to specific zones and have them follow after the flow of foot traffic through their zone, wiping down and cleaning as they go.
Protective Equipment
Perhaps unsurprisingly, custodians are regularly exposed to infectious pathogens and ultimately responsible for their spread throughout a facility, often as a result of the failure to wear the correct protective gear.
This practice also exposes them to the short and long-term ill-effects of exposure to often dangerous cleaning chemicals and byproducts, resulting in various health issues.
Any facility occupant responsible for the handling, use, or disposal of cleaning and disinfection products, or who may come into contact with an area of a facility believed to be contaminated, should always wear personal protective equipment, which should include, at a minimum, eye protection, and gloves, but extend to:
- Face masks and respirators, and;
- Aprons, booties, and other protective clothing, including MOPP suits.
Pollutant Source Control
While germs are commonly spread via touch and occasionally through the air, many of them are brought into facilities on the bottom of your shoes--dirt, and chemicals, and other pollutants as well.
Other areas of origin for indoor air pollution include garbage and recycling piles--various products off-gas pollutants referred to as volatile organic compounds which, if left unchecked, will negatively impact occupant health, wellness, and performance, resulting in a facility-specific illness known as sick building syndrome.
Additionally, depending on the type of facility drains in the kitchen, restrooms and locker rooms can become inundated with bacteria, mold, and mildew, which can lead to foul smells, as well as upset and ill occupants.
Addressing each of these issues will require a plan catered to your facilities environment but, in general, should include:
- The placement and routine maintenance of entry and walkway matting.
- Routine garbage and recycling disposal.
- Regular cleaning and disinfection services for drains and other identified points of origin for foul odors.
- Increased airflow throughout the facility, and;
- The use of environmentally-friendly cleaning and disinfection products.
References & Resources
Takeaway
Enhanced cleaning and infection prevention and control services are a critical component in the fight against COVID-19 and other pathogens.
Implementing state of the art tools and procedures is a good step in the right direction.
Doing so with a committed and well-trained staff of experienced service providers will ensure that your business and its occupants are protected by the highest standard cards of cleanliness and safety.
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
