The arrival of autumn brings seasonal colds and flu along with it. Some minor and easy changes in your facility cleaning approach can help provide a healthier indoor environment and minimize occupant exposure.
Autumn has arrived, the kids have been back in school for about a month, and many folks have already experienced the seasonal colds and maladies that accompany this time of year. Facility maintenance teams can implement a few effective changes to cleaning programs to help minimize exposure in their facility to help keep occupants healthy. Here are some strategies to consider:
Increase Cleaning Frequencies: High-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, elevator buttons, and handrails should be cleaned and disinfected often, in some cases multiple times a day. This reduces the likelihood of virus transmission through contact. Use EPA-approved disinfectants as directed. Ensure that the cleaning products are effective against viruses, especially those that cause colds and flu. EPA-approved disinfectants are tested for their efficacy and are recommended for use in public facilities.
Educate and Train Cleaning Staff: Well-trained staff are essential for maintaining a healthy environment. Provide comprehensive training for cleaning staff on the importance of cleaning high-touch areas, the proper use of disinfectants, and personal protective equipment (PPE) usage.
Emphasize Proper Hand Hygiene: Place signage in restrooms and other hand washing areas encouraging proper hand washing, and consider implementing hand sanitizing stations at key points throughout the facility, such as entrances, exits, and near high-traffic areas. Encourage occupants to use hand sanitizer frequently, especially after touching shared surfaces.
Promote Respiratory Hygiene: Display posters and reminders about the importance of properly covering coughs and sneezes. It helps to provide tissues and no-touch disposal bins in common areas to facilitate proper respiratory hygiene.
Enhance Ventilation: When possible, improve the facility’s ventilation to increase the circulation of outdoor air and reduce the concentration of airborne contaminants. Regular maintenance of HVAC systems is also essential to ensure optimal performance.
Encourage People to Stay Home When Not Feeling Well: Develop and communicate a clear policy that encourages employees and visitors to stay home if they are not feeling well. It may seem obvious, but this simple step significantly helps prevent the spread of illness within the facility.
Regularly Review and Update Cleaning Protocols: Stay informed about the latest public health situation in your area and adjust cleaning protocols accordingly. Regular reviews of this information can ensure that the facility’s cleaning approach remains effective against emerging threats.
By adopting these strategies, facilities can significantly reduce the risk of seasonal colds and flu, creating a healthier environment for all occupants.