Essential cleaning considerations to help businesses open safely

As many businesses begin preparations to return to work, it’s imperative for companies to implement enhanced cleaning procedures and develop new protocols to make sure that any workplace is hygienically clean and ready to reopen.

This will, of course, vary depending on the nature of business, its environment and the workforce. Businesses should seek advice from their current janitorial supplier as well as consulting with building management, health and safety operatives, HR and their own employees to develop and implement a clear and safe strategy.

Getting prepared

While businesses remain closed, or partially open, you should carry out an assessment of all sites to determine how they need to be cleaned and how they will be impacted by social distancing measures. Consider the implementation of new and enhanced hygiene processes required that will create safe working environments for employees.

Scheduling a deep clean of the workplace will also be essential for businesses that have been closed. In shared workplaces, you should speak to the facilities manager and health and safety operatives to agree on the zones that your business will be responsible for cleaning.

Installing hand sanitiser dispensers at key touchpoints and using signs and posters to build awareness of good handwashing technique and other helpful advice should be completed before reopening.

Checking whether you need to service or adjust ventilation systems, as well as opening windows and doors frequently to encourage ventilation will also be beneficial.

Keeping the workplace clean

Once open, it will be imperative to keep the workplace clean and prevent transmission by touching contaminated surfaces. You will need to implement:

1. Frequent cleaning of work areas and equipment between uses and enhanced cleaning for busy areas throughout the day.
2. Frequent cleaning of objects and surfaces that are touched regularly, such as door handles and keyboards, and making sure there are adequate disposal arrangements.
3. Setting clear use and cleaning guidance for toilets to ensure they are kept clean and social distancing is achieved as much as possible.
4. Where showers and changing facilities are required, setting clear use and cleaning guidance for showers, lockers and changing rooms to ensure they are kept clean and clear of personal items and social distancing is achieved as much as possible.
5. Clearing workspaces and removing waste and belongings from the work area at the end of a shift or changeover.
6. Limiting or restricting use of high-touch items and equipment, for example, printers or whiteboards.
7. Introduce cleaning procedures for goods and merchandise entering the site.
8. Introducing greater handwashing and hand washing facilities for workers handling goods and merchandise or providing hand sanitiser where this is not practical.
9. Restricting non-business deliveries, for example, personal deliveries to workers.

This guidance has been published by the UK government with further detailed advice for businesses and employees working in a range of environments. For government information please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19.

If you’re looking for help or advice on how to effectively prepare your workplace, implement enhanced cleaning protocols across your business and source the right products to do the job – we are here to help.

Get in touch today by completing the contact us page, email to info@robert-scott.co.uk or call 01457 819400.