with Green Seal and ECOLogo prod- ucts, which are friendly to the environ- ment and to members’ health. “HVAC ceiling vents are always ex-
tremely built up with dust and debris when we start with a new client,” says Sarbit. “It’s important to keep these clean in any building, so they filter out dust particles, but it’s especially impor- tant in an exercise setting where peo- ple are breathing more heavily.” Showers are another hotspot for
bacteria. According to Sarbit, nine- ty percent of cleaning complaints are about washrooms. “Our staff have extensive training in
how to properly clean a washroom,” he says, noting that his company uses co- lour-coded cleaning clothes (for toilets, sinks and taps, equipment, and glass) to avoid cross-contamination. “People often judge a club by the cleanliness of the washrooms, the same way they do
A Harris Interactive survey found that 94 percent of U.S. adults would avoid a business in the future if they encountered dirty washrooms.
with restaurants. If they see that the washrooms are clean, they think it’s probably a good place.” To make cleanliness a priority, it is
important that all employees, manag- ers and owners take part in the upkeep and maintenance of the club. Here’s how:
Turn Clean into Green “The old saying that ‘cleanliness is next to Godliness’ can probably be modified to ‘cleanliness is next to profitableness.’” Sam Maduri president Petra Hygienic Systems International Ltd.
considered just a quick fix. “Professional cleaners use disinfec-
tants that they let sit and then wipe off, depending on the chemical,” says Sarbit. And his company cleans only
1. Make Smart Design Choices Of course consider aesthetics and cost in the design process, but also factor in germ transfer. For example, whenever possible choose hands-free water foun- tains, doors, taps, soap dispensers and hand driers. Ensure shower design and materials promote the quick removal of water since wet surfaces and humid- ity encourage the proliferation of bac- teria and germs.
2. Involve Your Members Provide hand sanitizer, and promote proper hand-washing techniques. Also provide antibacterial wipes and
signs that encourage members to wipe down equipment after use.
Liſted your treadmills today? If you liſt the back end of your treadmills you’ll find a shocking amount of hair, dust and debris (attracted by the action of the belt) concentrated under the very end of them, even aſter just one day of use.
“But remember that while wipes will
kill whatever is there, they won’t nec- essarily remove all grime, which is a food source for bacteria,” says Sarbit.
3. Involve Your Staff Most clubs don’t expect their fit-
ness staff to be cleaning experts, but they should play a key role in keep- ing a club tidy and organized. Racking dumbbells, hanging mats and stocking towel shelves all make a club more ap- pealing to members.
4. Call in the Professionals Leave the disinfecting of your club
to trained professionals. “Cleaning isn’t rocket science, but
do you really want your fitness profes- sionals cleaning toilets and mopping floors?” says Jared. Professional clean- ers understand the chemicals involved through their WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) training, and have a series of specific procedures they follow for each cleaning task. FBC
Barb Gormley is the senior editor of Fitness Business Canada, a freelance writer and editor, and a certified personal trainer. Contact her at
www.barbgormley.com.
January/February 2017 Fitness Business Canada 29
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