Lately our articles have focused on ways to stay safe and healthy in the wake of COVID-19. This one is no exception. With the fall, winter and flu seasons approaching, we will be faced with added risks for exposure to illness-causing germs.
Businesses will want to remain open, which means more work being performed indoors during these months. It also means significantly stepping up sanitizing and disinfecting practices.
Learn how to effectively keep your office environment disinfected from harmful germs.
Where to Start
As recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should pre-clean surfaces first. Do this whether the surface looks dirty or not. By pre-cleaning, you get rid of any dirt, dust, etc. from the surface prior to disinfecting. Removing contaminants allows you to do a thorough job of disinfecting.
As discussed in our Cleaning Your Dorm Room post, it’s best to use soap and water to clean. If you choose to use other cleaning methods, we offer tips for environmentally friendly products.
When using manufactured cleaning supplies, be sure to read the product’s instructions for use first. You may be surprised by what you read. Above all, routinely clean frequently touched surfaces to prevent the spread of germs.
Disinfecting
Now your surface is ready to disinfect, which will kill remaining germs. Find a product that has been approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The CDC provides a list of disinfectants for use against COVID-19, which can be found here. These products meet the criteria of the EPA for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Remember to read and follow the product’s directions on the label for safe, effective use. It’s also important to check which surfaces the products should be used on as well as the precautionary statements. There are also directions on the length of time the product should remain wet on the surface to ensure its effectiveness. This is to achieve maximum disinfecting impact because as soon as you wipe it off, its disinfecting effect is gone.
Wear gloves and a mask while disinfecting and discard them after each use. Ensure good ventilation during use of the product, even if you are wearing a mask. Do not forget to wash your hands after both cleaning and disinfecting.
Another Option: Electrostatic Spray Disinfecting
Cleantec now offers electrostatic spray technology, which quickly and efficiently kills germs on all types of surfaces. More traffic in and out of your establishment during colder months increases the risk of someone contaminating your work environment with hazardous germs. This also puts you, your employees and customers at a higher risk of contracting an illness such as the flu or coronavirus.
The electrostatic spray system works by charging the disinfecting or sanitizing solution and delivering a powerful flow of charged particles that are attracted to surfaces. This allows the disinfecting or sanitizing product to uniformly coat all surfaces, including areas where conventional trigger sprays may easily miss. The technology kills bacteria that builds up on frequently used surfaces such as keyboards, doorknobs and more. These are also great machines to provide continuous touch cleaning with regular applications.
Additional Steps to Take as an Employer
Along with cleaning, disinfecting and keeping your employees healthy and safe comes the task of educating them. Make sure that they are trained on the hazards of the cleaning chemicals being used in the workplace. Comply with OSHA’s standards and have all proper OSHA publications clearly displayed for employees to review and refer to.
Provide training to all employees/cleaning staff on site and develop policies for worker protection prior to initiating any cleaning tasks. This should include when to use personal protective equipment (PPE) and how to properly dispose of it.
Your employees and cleaning staff should also be educated on recognizing the symptoms of COVID-19. They should have instructions on what to do if they develop symptoms or if they believe that another coworker may be sick.
Cleantec aims to offer helpful information to our clients and friends. We currently serve all of New York, including the Syracuse, Ithaca, Manhattan, Rochester, Utica, and Buffalo regions. We also have operations in Palo Alto, CA; Denver, CO; Muscle Shoals, AL; Tampa, FL; and Sanford, NC. Give our sales professionals a call at (877) 469-0543 for a free consultation and quote regarding janitorial services. Learn how we can help your business achieve your cleaning needs.
Cleantec ensures all staff members are thoroughly vetted conducting background checks and drug testing. In addition to providing professional cleaning services, we are also a supplier of specialized cleaning products and green chemicals. Please call (315) 463-5353 to place an order.
