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GREAT EXPECTATIONS Improving your cleaning practices to boost sustainability and employee satisfaction by Rachel Olsavicky water, and a disposable cloth prior to disinfection. This way, parts of bacteria and viruses can be mechanically cleaned first. Then, to properly disinfect, use an approved disinfectant and a disposable cloth. If using an alcohol-based product, use one with a minimum of 70 per cent alcohol like ethanol or isopropyl alcohol for best results. DON’T FORGET TO WEAR GLOVES!
Wearing gloves is an important part of cleaning procedures to keep surfaces clean and sanitized. Gloves should be discarded after each use to avoid cross-contamination and the growth of bacteria. If using reusable gloves, they should be dedicated to cleaning and disinfecting surfaces of certain zones in the working area. Finally, be sure to wash your hands immediately after gloves have been removed before touching any surfaces with your hands.
W
ith increased attention from Canadians towards green initiatives, organizations are looking to become more sustainable to appeal to consumers, investors, and employees alike.
To do this, they must look at every level of their operations to find opportunities for efficiencies and improvements to their practices. A facility’s cleaning practices can be a great place to start, as they not only have the ability to further sustainability goals but can also help to improve employee satisfaction. According to recent research, there is a clear link between clean, well-functioning workplaces and employee satisfaction. We found that 86 per cent of office employees
regard cleanliness as the most important aspect of a good work environment. 85 per cent of employees think that the level of restroom cleanliness reflects how clean the building is overall and 67 per cent of employees say that they are more likely to complain about a restroom than any other aspect of their office1. With cleanliness and hygiene being top priorities, here are a few tips to ensure your facility is held to the highest standard. CLEAN, THEN DISINFECT
For most dirty surfaces, wiping down with a disinfectant will not be enough to ensure true cleanliness. These surfaces must be cleaned first with a detergent or soap,
1. June 2022 Behaviorally - Qualitative and quantitative office segment research with 600+ respondents in North America and Europe 2. Margas E. et al, J Applied Microbiol, 2013 3. 2021 Survey conducted by United Minds in cooperation with CINT in March 2021 4. https://www.tork.ca/en/torkcampaigns/safer-choice-to-airdryers 5. Tork Eco Office Survey US, 2022 Survey conducted by Tork 28 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / WINTER 2024
DRY YOUR HANDS THOROUGHLY WITH A SINGLE-USE PAPER TOWEL
Did you know that paper towels are more hygienic than hand air dryers? Compared to paper hand towels, jet air dryers spread 10 times more bacteria through airborne droplets2, increasing the risk of bacteria spread. Research shows that 62 per cent3, of users stop drying their hands before they are completely dry as air dryers take too long, increasing the risk of the spread of bacteria4. In fact, when asked, 67 per cent of people agreed that they wished more facilities offered paper towels as an alternative to air dryers4. Compared to hand air dryers, paper towels also offer
