Cleaning advice for a COVID-Secure workplace
Since the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in England on 19th July, the advice has changed from work from home if possible, to promoting a gradual return to the office. Industry experts predict that by September many office workers will be back at least some days in the office. Good hygiene has never been more important, and staff need to feel confident that their workplace is a safe. In this blog we look at cleaning advice for a COVID-secure workplace.
Current Government guidance requires employers to complete and implement a COVID-19 risk assessment and take action to prevent transmission, this includes
- One-way systems to minimise contact
- Social distancing
- Desk partitions if face-to-face working or allocating workstations to individuals
- Effective cleaning
Employers have a duty to keep staff and visitors safe whilst on their premises. Keeping the workplace clean and hygienic reduces the potential for coronavirus to spread and cleaning plays a major role.
5 Cleaning tips and advice for a COVID-Secure workplace
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Use anti-viral disinfectant cleaner
Using professional grade products proven to kill coronaviruses is key. Cleaning products which have been independently tested to EN14476 – the European Standard for Virucidal Effectiveness – guarantees that the product is effective and suitable for use not only against COVID-19 but also against a range of pathogenic viruses including Influenza A (H1N1 and Swine Flu).
Implementing a clear desk policy helps to keep surfaces clear so that cleaning routine are effective. Cleaners won't usually move personal items on desks, so having clear areas will make it easier to clean surfaces, keyboards and phones.
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Update Staff training to ensure cleaners understand how to clean effectively
COVID training is essential so that the team know how to clean and sanitise effectively. For example, understanding chemical contact time and correct clean cloth usage.
Contact time is the time stated by the manufacturer on how long the chemical needs to be left in order to kill the bacteria or virus. It is typically anything from a few seconds to 5 minutes. It matters because this is the time required for the chemical to be effective.
Using clean cloths is of paramount importance to avoid cross contamination when cleaning and sanitising. Used cloths should be cleaned at 60 degrees or sanitised after use.
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Enhanced cleaning with a focus on High frequency touchpoint cleaning
Reviewing and updating cleaning schedules is important to make sure the tasks reflect the new requirements. Touchpoints are areas which are frequently touched within an office, such as
- door handles, push plates and stair rails
- light switches and lift panels
- kitchen appliance handles
- coffee machines, printers and photocopier buttons
Identifying and focusing on these touchpoints will reduce the risk of cross contamination. The visible presence of cleaners or day housekeepers sanitising throughout the day will provide additional reassurance to returning staff that their workplace is hygienic and safe.
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Antimicrobial solutions for hygienically safe workplace environments
Next generation surface protection provides hygiene solutions which are highly suitable for the workplace. Antimicrobial protective pads and wraps are effective against SARS-COV-2 and reduce the requirement for continual cleaning in high traffic areas. Using silver ion technology they degrade the biological makeup of pathogens, resulting in a much lower risk of cross contamination.
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Sanitisation, Fogging and sanitiser supply
Specialist backpack machines can dispense a fine spray to disinfect all surfaces quickly and in a targeted manner. Delivering a liquid layer of detergent which dries quickly provides very effective virus control and allows cleaning teams to respond quickly to suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19.
For a COVID-Secure workplace another good way to promote hand hygiene in the office is to ensure hand sanitiser is readily available. This should be the building entrance, in communal areas and in meeting rooms. Together with hand washing, sanitiser reduces the risk of virus transmission. Sanitiser is available in individual bottles or in bulk 5l bottles as required.
TemcoUK Facility Services provides commercial daily office cleaning
TemcoUK provides a full range of office cleaning services which prevent the spread of COVID-19. From touch point cleaning to sanitisation and fogging, we keep workplaces hygienic and safe. Check out our services here.
Our fully trained specialist teams can carry out site or area sanitisations, and we work in line with government and industry guidelines.
Contact us for more information or for a free quote.
