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 and facilities safe and hygienic.
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, and this can happen inside or outside where the ground is slick, perhaps with mud or other substances that have washed onto the surface. Drips from wet coats and umbrellas can very quickly become a slip hazard also. 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 with specialist deep cleaning services. During this period, this often means amending cleaning operative’s checklists to ensure the flooring is wiped clean more 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.
October typically marks the beginning of the dreaded cold and flu season. 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 of low-cost solutions which may not live up to their claims). 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.
A welcoming washroom will help engage 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 and dispensers, 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 and it’s why we take commercial deep cleaning so seriously in our contracts at Lion CCL.
Taking a proactive approach to cleaning and hygiene is key to ensure a healthier winter for customers and staff, but it doesn’t need to be complicated; a few simple but smart amendments to the current cleaning routine or specification can make all the difference.