FEATURE
BEST FOOT FORWARD
As the commercial world returns to something resembling normality, FMs everywhere are reawakening premises that have been hibernating because of the pandemic. There is so much speculation about the future usage of commercial space in the short to medium term. It is thought that there will be a reduction in office usage of at least 10% over the next two years.
‘Live’ retail will subside as the trend for online shopping increases. However, the proof will be in the occupancy as we go along. There may be migrations to suburban rather than urban locations, or into cyberspace. But one thing won’t change – the need for cleaning and hygienic maintenance of any commercial space that’s going to be used and occupied regularly.
Site surveys and cleaning plans are necessary Carpeting is a significant outlay for any landlord. So having a site survey undertaken by cleaning professionals protects that investment for the long term. A targeted cleaning regime can be undertaken to manage the high traffic areas in a timely and safe manner.
A site survey should be undertaken with great care and attention to detail. For example, obtaining office floorplans is not unheard of, as it can show how footfall
66 | TOMORROW’S FM
Paul Pearce, Technical Director of the National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA) explains the best approach to commercial carpet care, by getting a plan in place.
may be distributed in relation to occupancy. Some parts of carpeting in a space take much more abuse than others. The most obvious are lobby and reception areas. But what about the space in front of the lifts on any given floor? Stairwells? Communal kitchens? Or the bathrooms? All those spaces that everyone in the office will use, have to be properly cleaned regularly and specifically to their location, especially if they are in high hygiene-risk areas.
Use properly trained cleaners With a site survey to hand, facilities managers can plan and protect their employer’s investment in soft flooring. With assistance from a well–trained, professional cleaning team, certain aspects would be factored into planning. This includes building use, timely cleaning of high traffic areas, using the right tools and chemicals, and thorough knowledge of soft flooring types on site. With all this collected data, an effective maintenance programme can be implemented. A healthier, cleaner and healthier interior environment is created for the client. Furthermore, time and resource are more efficiently allocated to avoid unnecessary financial stress on the facilities management budget.
Health and safety – they matter We cannot ignore the importance of health and safety’s role in the cleaning regime. Safeguarding building
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