As a result, greater focus and the use of stronger chemicals are equally vital for cleaning and sanitizing workplaces.
Coronavirus – Why is it a Concern?
The coronavirus pandemic which started at the beginning of 2020 has been getting worse, mainly due to its swift evolutionary trait.
The virus can transmit through the air in the form of suspended droplets that land on surfaces and can remain alive for days.
If a host gets into proximity to the same surface, chances are that the virus might manifest into the new host through their eyes, nose, or mouth.
People can also breathe in the air droplets and fall sick; as a result, the threat must be dealt with in a way that will eradicate the virus completely.
Few ways to prevent the infection from manifesting in a workplace as you know the likely symptoms of a CoVID-19 infected victim.
Find out how you can eradicate the persistent Coronavirus following these ten strenuous yet effective methods.
Importance of cleaning/disinfecting
- Prevents further spreading of contagious diseases.
- Protects the health of your employees which in turn keeps your business running smooth.
- Bolsters the general cleaning procedures which leave your workplace looking neat and organized.
- Maintaining a clean and disinfected workplace will keep your staff motivated in a stress-free and safe environment.
Essential coronavirus cleaning tips before proceeding:
- Before cleaning, staff should wear proper Protective Equipment to ensure their safety and to cease further contamination.
- Proper cleaning equipment and fluids should be readied and restocked on a regular basis to ensure uninterrupted cleaning.
- Cleaning involves the removal of dirt and debris, at least twice a day. This can be carried out by the usual janitorial staff.
- Disinfection removes biological contaminants from surfaces using alcohol or bleach-based chemicals.
- Cleaning and disinfecting must be carried out during off-hours to protect office employees from noxious fumes.
Expanded coronavirus disinfecting methods:
An office requires a proper cleaning and disinfecting plan; hence, it is crucial for a thorough cleaning checklist so you don’t miss out on any crucial steps.
The following directives ensure office cleaning and sanitation reach CDC standards.
Floors accumulate dirt:
The floors of your office need special attention too.
They are prone to dirt accumulation and debris; as a result, can accumulate germs and viruses.
Follow these steps to clean the floors -
- A thorough cleaning followed by sanitizing in a two-step process is necessary.
- Frequently mop floors to avoid the build-up of dirt and dust.
- Use bleach on floors to sanitizing it but do not mix bleach with other cleaning fluids may lead to unexpected chemical reactions.
- Avoid using vacuum cleaners for the safety of your cleaners on your janitorial team.
- Always use EPA approved cleaning solutions. Read labels for proper information.
Frequently touched surfaces:
Surfaces that are touched on a regular basis are more prone to germ and microbe accumulation.
These include places like tabletops, dispenser triggers, and chair armrests that have to be disinfected as often as necessary.
- Target high touch surfaces and disinfect with isopropyl alcohol-based fluids.
- High touch surfaces include door handles, tables, chairs, computer input devices, coffee machines, and elevator buttons.
- Have employees wash hands to maintain the cleanliness and sanitation of high touch surfaces.
- Distribute and maintain a supply of isopropyl alcohol sprayers and hand sanitizers.
Proper restroom sanitation
Restrooms and toilets should be cleaned with precision.
Being the place where most contagious viruses manifest, they also require a standard level of cleanliness.
- Needs constant sanitation and cleaning using Clorox and Lysol.
- Enforce proper rules for using restrooms.
- Keep cleaning supplies restocked and up to date as required by EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).
- Carry out a thorough restroom and toilet cleaning at least twice a day.
Sanitizing workplaces require extensive usage of cleaning chemicals to ensure optimum safety for office employees.
Furniture and resting surfaces
Furniture and resting surfaces are usually always in use.
This could cause health hazards if not looked into; as a result, apply the coronavirus cleaning and disinfecting tips for effective cleaning.
- Clean and wipe leather and wooden surfaces using isopropyl alcohol sanitizers.
- Soft surfaces being made of upholstery require proper cleaning and washing with warm water if possible.
- When using certain chemicals on leather or upholstery, make sure to read the instruction label to prevent damages to the furniture.
Air sanitation and HVAC systems
The air and environment require filtration as the air can be a possible mode of transmission of the CoVID-19 virus following its mutation.
- Provide proper ventilation for rooms.
- Keep the use of disinfectant sprays at a minimal level as it may affect staff.
- Enforce the wearing of masks by all staff to maintain clean air.
Furthermore, ventilation and heating systems provide a stable environment for office employees.
Vents and air conditioning units require extensive sanitizing on a regular basis.
- HVAC cleaning is necessary to maintain clean airflow.
- It is to be handled by experts who will carry out the task without causing damage to airways or stabilization systems.
- Vents are to be sprayed with disinfectants when the office staff is not present.
- Carrying out HVAC cleaning will require special safety gear or PPE.
Thorough lunchroom sanitation
Luncheons and employee gyms need to be sanitized to make sure the office employees do not fall sick.
This is the place where they go to unwind and take a break where all surfaces may pose a threat.
- Thorough cleaning twice and proper disinfecting after each break will ensure proper sanitation.
- Place hand sanitizers and disinfectant sprays as well as a fresh supply of paper towels in the washrooms or at the reception desk.
- Clean up spills as soon as possible to prevent anybody else from stepping on the spillage.
- Wipe and spray furniture with disinfectants prior to lunch and break hours.
Walls and switches
Not as high risk as they may seem, walls and switches are unintentionally touched frequently; hence, those spots need your attention too.
- Disinfect walls and switches to prevent disease transmission using isopropyl alcohol-based cleaners.
- Wipe walls with cleaning fluids to prevent the build-up of soot which causes the walls to lose their aesthetic nature.
- Sanitize switches carefully as they may cause electricity-related hazards if not tackled with care.
Outdoors and elevators
Outdoor sanitation is important since people coming inside may carry microbes which in turn could contaminate indoors.
- Adding Decontamination and disinfection tunnels may reduce the contamination from reaching indoors.
- Cleaning the outdoor floors with bleach.
- Adding a washbasin to have everyone entering wash their hands.
- Screening methods at the entrance can help identify if a person entering may be sick.
Maintaining sanitation
Once the whole area is sanitized, consistent and routine maintenance will be necessary.
Therefore, we recommend that you encourage the managers to hire cleaners more frequently than they did in the past.
- Enforce the wearing of masks and proper protective gear for cleaning staff.
- Placing decontamination booths and having employees wash hands before entering.
- Providing hand sanitizers and isopropyl sprays at workstations and entrances.
- Keeping track of the coronavirus infection statistics in your region.
- Provide proper screening and testing for staff.
Conclusion
The pandemic requires an extra edge in office cleaning to flatten the curve. Proper office cleaning will impress facility managers, consequently, will cause them to hire you more frequently. Practice the aforementioned coronavirus cleaning tips and become an expert so your janitorial service could serve as a brand.
The coronavirus pandemic took more than 130K lives so far; hence, must be taken seriously as a united front to lower the infection.
