James Marston, Trainer and Inspector at the British Institute of Cleaning Science, reports.
The latest figures from The Office of National Statistics state that in the lower confidence bracket for positive tests indicated an increase of 0.2% in the population in just a week in November 2023*. Testing is minimal currently, but the trend of infections is not welcome reading for those responsible for everyone’s health and safety. Factor in flu and other infections doing the rounds this winter means protecting the public becomes a higher priority for the cleaning industry.
Act now to ensure cleaning services are ready. We all have to react positively providing assurance to our clients that all is being done to combat infection and keep the organisation as safe as possible. I do not want to repeat the lessons we learned last time. We know what to do. Swift and timely action on our part could make all the difference to our own infection rates of the future.
Businesses, large or small, should revisit their risk assessments for infection prevention and begin the process of ramping up action to respond and safeguard building users across our communities. BICSc provided support in the pandemic releasing its Covid Risk Assessment and providing both sensible and professional advice backed by online training and assessment resources. Outbreak advice was welcomed and is still available on the BICSc website should you face the need to reduce the risk of illness in your buildings in the coming months.
Being prepared, having a plan and ensuring your teams are safe carrying it out is always the right answer.
For some operatives it’s an adjustment to methods or operational procedures, to others it’s an unwelcome reminder of the pandemic, and to some the first time they have cleaned at this level. Whatever your staff experience levels are, passing on the right information and knowledge along with developing the skills to break the chain of infection time and time again is the objective.
All buildings have their hotspots as far as infection is concerned. These tend to be washrooms and toilets, kitchens and breakout areas. Extra visits by cleaning operatives ensuring touch points are disinfected and deeper cleaning applied if necessary.
On the frontline actions could include changing chemicals and disinfectants and using them effectively. Understanding contact times and when to use them. Sound techniques with equipment and materials to remove or kill bacteria from surfaces. Comply with changes in cleaning frequencies and have the patience and flexibility to adapt activities when necessary. Informed supervision of frontline staff is essential.
Collaboration between client and contractor is key. Plans should be ready so both parties have agreed actions and are ready to implement them. Unlike 2019/20 we have carried out many of these measures before. Reintroducing them could be a meeting or a document setting out the implementation necessary should a breakout occur.
To succeed all staff must be trained, confident decision makers in their environments to take the right action. Online training and support are readily available if your teams do not have the knowledge and skills already. Your staff may only need refreshers, but some may need more support to fill any knowledge and skills gaps.
Let’s hope we do not have to face the reality of high infection rates and extreme measures to keep people safe this winter. It is likely we will need to handle local outbreaks. If we do, we can be ready to implement the necessary operations and protect our communities at a moment’s notice.
* Office for National statistics Winter Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Study, England and Scotland November 2023
www.bics.org.uk
About the contributor
James Marston
Trainer and Inspector
BICSc