In a recent post Nik Shore our M.D. and seasoned professional with over 30 years’ experience advises what businesses should consider to ensure their facilities are winter-weather ready.
For many in the Cleaning and Hygiene Industry October begins the “Winter season” as this time of year always brings extra challenges.
The combination of the clocks going back the inclement weather and seasonal bugs becoming rife mean that businesses need to take additional steps to protect themselves along with their staff and customers and ensure they keep their premises & facilities safe clean and hygienic.
Give wet weather hazards the slip
Paying extra attention to flooring when the weather is bad is critical, since rainy days significantly increase the risk of slips, falls and accidents especially on hard floors. Drips from wet coats and umbrellas can very quickly become a slip hazard.
To protect the health and safety of customers and staff (and the potential for ensuing legal action) businesses should ensure that their flooring is kept clean, hygienic and properly maintained. During this period this often this means amending cleaning operative’s checklists to ensure the flooring is wiped clean more often than usual.
Carpeted floors also need additional TLC during the colder months. Wet footprints, dirt and grime trodden into them can be cleaned with a powerful shampoo, but why not stop them from entering in the first place? Installing a barrier matting system is one of the most effective ways to prevent a quick build-up of dirt and grime on the floor.
Infection control
October typically marks the beginning of the dreaded cold and flu season and with COVID still doing the rounds and showing concerning growth figures we must not become complacent about preventing the spread of germs and viruses.
Thankfully whilst all restrictions have been officially dropped, it makes sense to keep, or reintroduce simple hand hygiene measures. You should look for hygiene products which conform to key standards including EN1499, EN1276, and EN13727, and have been proven to tackle pathogens effectively. Importantly, they should offer a positive user experience to encourage compliance. (Beware low-cost solutions which may not live up to their claims though.)
This way, customers can be sure that the products they purchase are fit-for-purpose, meet industry standards, and are reliable both in terms of their high quality and the exact quantity promised on the packaging. Opportunities for hand hygiene should be available at entrances and exits , at point of sale and reception foyers, and in any communal spaces such as meeting rooms or staff rooms.
Ensuring a warm welcome
A welcoming washroom will help ensure hygienic behaviour, so now’s the time to review facilities and check that all equipment and sanitary ware is in good working order (as People can be reluctant to touch taps, dispensers, and dryers especially if they don’t look clean) operatives’ checklists must also include regular checks to ensure that soap, sanitiser, or paper dispensers do not run empty. If this happens, hand hygiene is prevented from being practised altogether.
Taking a proactive approach to cleaning and hygiene is key to ensure a healthier winter for ALL customers and staff, but it need not be complicated. A few simple but smart amendments to the current cleaning routine or specification can make all the difference.
If you have any concern’s whatsoever with your existing specification or cleaning contractor don’t hesitate to contact me at nik@lionccl.co.uk and I will be happy to help
Stay Safe Clean and Compliant