C&M
SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19
COVID-19: Cleaning teams continue to work on the front line Neil Nixon reports. Following on from the features in the previous seven issues of C&M looking at the frontline role the cleaning sector continues to play in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, I am continuing to migrate any news, new product information or video interviews/webinars online to allow for the more immediate dissemination of any updates. Please take a look at www.cleaningmag.com – content is changing on a daily basis. I will continue to utilise the pages of C&M to focus on cleaning during the pandemic in detail and, as with this month’s column, to seek advice on best practice from recognised industry experts, and to learn from the experience of others.
PRACTICAL COVID-19 ADVICE FOR HIGH RISK AREAS WITHIN THE WORKPLACE There is a lot of advice out there about safe working practices in the workplace relating to COVID-19, but this article focuses on those high risk, high traffic areas, including entrances, canteens, kitchens, and washroom facilities. What can you do to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading Coronavirus in these areas? Nina Wyers, marketing and brand director at The Floorbrite Group, has created a simple guide with ideas that are easily implemented to make a big difference. Entrances
to wipe the surfaces they use before and
High touch point door handles are obviously
after use. •C onsider removing high touch point items
a huge issue in these areas as everyone in the
like microwaves.
building will have physical contact with them at
•M ark vacant seating and table areas to
more than one point throughout the day. What
clarify social distancing guidelines.
can you do?
• I n larger canteens mark out a one-way
• Install hand sanitisers on both sides of the
traffic system.
entrance ways so that only sanitised hands touch the door. Then re-sanitise on the
• V entilate areas well where possible.
other side.
• I nstall electronic air sanitisers (not to be
• If it is not practical to install external
will kill viruses and the later does both
sanitisers due to being on a busy street and
(NB: check which viruses the chemicals are
there is a risk of vandalism, then install on
effective against).
sanitised following entry to the building.
kill germs in the air and neutralise smells. • I ncrease cleaning frequencies. •U se a combination of antibacterial and
the inside of the building so all hands are • Swap touch point fingerprint and button
confused with air fresheners) which actively
Canteens and kitchens
virucidal or anti-microbial cleaners.
Staff kitchens and canteens are high traffic areas. In addition to numerous people wanting
Washroom facilities
to use the spaces at the same time during lunch
Washrooms are another high traffic area.
desks and consider installing screens to
and break times, tables, worktops, fridges, and
When you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go. There
protect reception staff.
microwave surfaces are high touch point risk
are multiple areas to consider including door
areas. What can you do?
handles, toiles flushes and seats, taps, and
entry systems for individual key cards or fobs. • Clearly mark safe distancing from reception
• Install hand sanitisers outside lift doors or use antimicrobial lift button covers to eliminate viruses. • Ventilate the area well where possible.
•S tagger lunch and break times to limit the number of people in these areas at any one time.
hand driers. What can you do? • L imit the number of people in the toilets at any one time.
• Increase cleaning frequencies.
• Place hand sanitiser at the entrances.
•P lace hand sanitiser at the entrance.
• Use a combination of antibacterial and
• Consider installing a sanitisation station
•M ark vacant urinal and sink spaces to clarify social distancing guidelines.
virucidal cleaners. The clue is in the name!
within the space, containing hand sanitiser,
Antibacterial cleaners will only kill bacteria
virucidal or anti-microbial surface sprays
• V entilate the areas well where possible.
where as virucidal or anti-microbial cleaners
and paper hand towels, and encourage staff
• I nstall electronic air sanitisers which actively
18 DECEMBER 2020
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