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Keeping facilities clean and hygienic in the new year With the new year already underway, it is a perfect opportunity for that much-needed thorough cleaning in facilities to prepare for a fresh start for the year. Research shows that an average office desk is host to more than 10 million bacteria, 400 times more than that found on a standard toilet seat. High numbers of bacteria have been detected on elevator buttons, desk phones, water fountains, computer keyboards and vending machine buttons. We have learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic that maintaining strict cleaning protocols in offices, warehouses and other commercial spaces should remain a crucial part of any cleaning routine.
Nikki Gabisa
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ccording to Nikki Gabisa, National Operations Director for Cleaning at Servest, the scope of commercial cleaning services includes different offerings. “These range from narrowly specific and niche to broad, full-scale offerings, whether operating a restaurant, in need of keeping a busy kitchen clean, or managing an industrial park or an office block, utilising commercial cleaning services sees to it that your premises are consistently taken care of from a hygienic work environment point of view,” says Gabisa. In retail, it is important to maintain thorough cleaning practices as these high-traffic spaces become dirty over time, making it challenging for retail space owners to maintain strict hygiene. However, maintaining and cleaning retail spaces is critical to ensuring a positive
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shopping experience for customers. The level of cleanliness in a retail store can save owners money, help maintain a healthier premise for food safety and further enhance the appeal of the premise for both employees and consumers. In the hospitality sector, dust and dirt accumulate in guest rooms and bathrooms over time, and some areas may not be cleaned properly during daily cleaning routines. This makes thorough cleaning crucial to maintain the quality and high standards of the premises which, in turn, impacts customer rating and satisfaction; and improves bookings ratios. In healthcare, maintaining impeccable hygiene and clean facilities is crucial in safeguarding the well-being of patients, promoting faster recovery, and fostering a healthier environment, for both patients and healthcare professionals. Thorough cleaning of these facilities should be done more often than in others, as the health and well-being of patients are dependent on the levels of cleanliness. The importance of these practices cannot be overstated as they directly contribute to a reduction in the spread of infections and to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. This is also crucial in ensuring that healthcare professionals deliver their primary goal of providing the best possible treatment to their patients.
www.africancleaningreview.co.za | January/February 2024
In industrial facilities, such as warehouses, it’s imperative to conduct a comprehensive site assessment before deploying cleaning services. This is to ensure that all health, safety and environmental standards, as well as the specific needs of the facility, are met. A dirty or poorly maintained warehouse can pose an occupational hazard as this can increase the risk of injury, not only for colleagues but also for visitors and ultimately for the customers who use such facilities. In the education sector, it’s important to keep facilities clean as these facilities are designed for children. There should be thorough routine cleaning schedules to aid in addressing allergies and other illnesses that can be exacerbated by dust and dirt. According to Solenco South Africa, as many as 20 percent of children suffer from asthma, while allergic rhinitis is even more common, with between 30 to 40 percent of children needing medication for the condition. Both conditions are more prevalent in urban areas, with the most common triggers including dust, pollen, and mould. So, it is crucial to maintain a thorough cleaning schedule in educational facilities. Deep cleaning of educational facilities should be done routinely. This offers a safe and welcoming environment for learners and educators.
