from the editor
opinion
Providing cleanliness and confidence as office workers return
Reducing the risk of spreading the virus
It’s more crucial than ever for businesses to provide clean, safe, and healthy environments for those returning to the workplace amid the COVID-19 pandemic, says Patty Olinger Executive Director, Global Biorisk
This certainly is not the start to the new year as expected by most people, especially following a dismal 2020. Because of the second COVID-19 wave we are back under adjusted level 3 lockdown regulations that further extended the closure of many facilities that previously required regular cleaning and hygiene services. However, the upside of this situation is that hygiene in the workplace has now been firmly moved to the top of the agenda with new cleaning protocols being implemented. Cleaning is now firmly on the frontline. Primarily there has been a marked focus on implementing cleaning solutions that support healthy buildings and the role of the cleaning professional has evolved, this profession has become one of the main drivers in restoring confidence in the safety of facilities amongst the general public. Read more about this topic in the contract cleaning feature. Another positive development is that readership and interest in the magazine’s content continues to grow as people adapt to the new reality of reducing the risk of spreading viruses driven by an increasing awareness of the important role of the professional cleaning industry in achieving this goal. The Jan/Feb issue is always distinctive as it contains the annual Buyer’s Guide, a quick reference guide to the Who’s Who in the professional cleaning sector, together with a thorough introduction to their unique product and service offerings. The Buyer’s Guide is now available in digital format which makes it easily accessible to endusers via desktop, mobile or tablet devices. Wishing you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
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African Cleaning Review May/June 2020
Advisory Council, a division of ISSA.
W
hile many facility managers have increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting, meeting heightened expectations of cleanliness and reducing the spread of disease requires a thorough infectious disease outbreak prevention programme. Managers need to ensure facilities are following best practices and policies for cleaning and disinfecting in the new normal.
efficacy of cleaning and disinfecting chemicals. Facilities can reference the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s List N of disinfectants that meet the agency’s criteria for eradicating SARSCoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. If the solutions do not have data supporting their use against COVID-19, consider switching to a disinfectant with these efficacy claims.
Setting up employees for success Workplace risk management To determine where a facility can improve and set specific goals, begin with a risk assessment. Document all hazards and risks for pathogen spread in the facility, including high-traffic areas and high-touch surfaces. Consider the probability and severity of each risk to prioritise which should be addressed first. Then implement procedures to address risks and regularly conduct follow-up assessments. After this initial assessment, facilities must establish internal standard operating procedures (SOPs) for cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention. As a baseline, these SOPs should include cleaning programme best practices like keeping regular schedules and cleaning visible soil on surfaces before applying disinfectants. Cleaning staff must follow label instructions to ensure products perform as intended against pathogens of concern. When determining or updating cleaning procedures, review the
While cleaning and disinfecting more frequently, cleaning staff need appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect against pathogen spread and chemical exposure. Essential PPE includes gloves, face masks, eye protection, and gowns. Eye protection and masks are especially important when using tools like electrostatic sprayers that spray disinfectants onto surfaces in droplet form. Cleaning and disinfecting are only effective with consistent training. Employees need training on effective chemical use and cleaning procedures, as well as hand hygiene. Staff should frequently wash their hands for 20 seconds with soap and water. Workplaces should also provide hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes for employees and guests to keep hands and surfaces clean. Another major concern for employers is the physical and mental well-being of workers. It’s crucial to establish an employee health programme that
