feature contract cleaning
The importance of selecting appropriate workwear for cleaning professionals In a post-Covid environment, where hygiene and cleanliness are at the forefront of everyone’s minds, cleaning professionals play a crucial role in ensuring professional standards within businesses are met, and help to keep staff, customers and the general public safe and reassured.
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egardless of the sector in which you operate, whether it be hospitality, medical, retail or an office environment, ensuring that your cleaning professionals have the appropriate workwear to conduct their daily duties is of the utmost importance. With this in mind, John Johnston, head of e-commerce at renowned workwear provider, Workwear Express, explains the importance of selecting the appropriate workwear. He also explores the details and factors that must be considered when deeming which items of workwear are the most suitable, for those who work within the cleaning industry.
Consider the job role and safety risks… First and foremost, the main factors you must take into consideration are the requirements of the role and the potential hazards to which your cleaning professionals will be exposed. For example, cleaning professionals in the healthcare sector will likely come into contact with hazardous materials. Consider the risks associated with the day-to-day role when deeming what workwear is appropriate. For instance, if a professional is likely to come into contact with irritants and hazardous cleaning chemicals, short sleeves and trousers will not be appropriate, as the skin must be covered to minimise risk.
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www.africancleaningreview.co.za | January/February 2024
If the role ever requires the use of cleaning chemicals such as bleach, a suitable pair of protective rubber gloves must be provided, as well as a mask and eye protection, depending on the environment and the role itself. Wet floors also pose a safety risk, so ensure that employees have access to appropriate, slip-resistant footwear, to minimise accidents in the workplace.
Consider the quality of materials… When it comes to selecting appropriate workwear for cleaning professionals, finding good quality items is essential. Cleaning work can be strenuous and physically demanding, so workwear must reflect this and be made from durable, high-quality material that will stand up to the daily wear and tear of a strenuous cleaning role. As uniforms will require washing, it is vital to select a material that is not only durable, but is also easily washable, and won’t be ruined quickly from frequent spins in the washing machine. Cotton, polyester, or a combination of the two materials are frequently used for workwear, due to the fact that they are lightweight and breathable yet will withstand frequent washing in between shifts. In some cases, easily replaceable aprons and tunics may also be a good option to further protect the uniform.
