Cleaning upwith tech


Jamie Woodhall, UK Technical & Innovation Manager at Rentokil Specialist Hygiene and Initial Washroom Hygiene, discusses the specialist equipment and tech that can ensure cleanliness is front-of-mind for all.


Cleanliness and hygiene are more important than ever now that facilities managers begin to and plan for when employees start returning to their commercial premises. To ensure people are best protected and are safe to return to work post-lockdown, then a proper review of cleaning regimes is essential.


It’s often a good idea to consult hygiene specialists, who will have access to a plethora of cleaning equipment and technology, to ensure the job is done efficiently and to the highest standard.


In the mist


Ultra Low Volume (ULV) disinfectant fogging, as its name suggests, is a specialist cleaning method which involves creating a mist of disinfectant that can be quickly applied to a large area. The disinfectant mist settles on top of, underneath and on the sides of objects, soft furnishings, furniture and hard-to-reach areas.


Studies have shown that fogging reduces the number of pathogens present when compared to manual surface cleaning alone. Using it in conjunction with routine and deep cleaning helps ensure that all areas are fully sanitised.


Because of its effectiveness, fogging is often used in facilities where hygiene is critically important, such as care homes, large catering facilities, commercial offices and schools. Fogging also has a quick drying time, which means that the process causes minimum disruption to the daily running of a business.


High level cleaning


Cleaning those hard-to-reach areas can present unique challenges and safety risks, especially in areas which are high up. Specialist hygiene professionals have both the equipment and expertise to clean ceilings, lights, ducts, and other inaccessible spaces. These technicians work to stringent health and safety standards and complete a thorough risk assessment before undertaking any cleaning operation.


When identifying which equipment to use, high level cleaners will consider the height of the area that requires cleaning and how confined the space is. Scissor lifts, cherry pickers and lift platforms can help reach heights from seven to 50m. For more difficult, complex areas, mobile scaffolding and rope access can be used, although these may require additional construction resources.


Jet washers, backpack vacuums, ATEX vacuums, wet and dry vacuums, water feed brushes and long reach poles are also useful tools in a high-level cleaning technician’s toolbox.


14 | TECHNOLOGY Don’t forget hand hygiene


Hand hygiene is something we have heard a lot about over the past few months and is incredibly important. Our hands are a natural breeding ground for germs and one of the principle carriers of harmful pathogens – in fact, 80% of infections are spread by hand.


Washrooms are central to good hygiene efforts. Touch-free technology can be installed to limit the number of shared touchpoints a person encounters within this communal area, helping to reduce the risk of cross contamination and the spread of bacteria and illnesses.


This technology comes in the form of automatic soap, sanitiser, sanitary bins and paper dispensers – which are more convenient and, by removing these points-of-contact with potentially bacteria-covered surfaces, more hygienic too. They can also ensure that users dispense the correct amount of soap or sanitiser to efficiently cleanse hands, without over-using washroom resources.


By investing in and embracing touch-free technology, facilities managers can improve hygiene standards while at the same time increasing convenience when it comes to hand hygiene, which generally won’t go unnoticed by employees and guests.


"Our hands are a natural breeding ground for germs and one of the principle carriers of harmful pathogens."


Back to colour


As some workplaces start to think about reopening, now is the ideal time for facilities managers to move cleaning to the top of their to-do list. Arranging a professional deep clean will help prevent the spread of illness and keep their premises hygienic. High-spec hand hygiene technology facilities also ensure those using the washroom have the tools they need to keep their hands clean, while providing reassurance that communal touch-points have been limited.


However, it’s also important to know when to bring in the experts who know the right treatments, and how to utilise technology to ensure cleaning happens quickly, safely and efficiently.


www.initial.co.uk


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