FEATURE
occupants as well as the cleaning technicians is paramount, so all NCCA members are well equipped to work to such standards.
Let’s consider technician safety and equipment use. The layout of the building will affect the type of carpet cleaning equipment employed. There is likely to be electrical and computing equipment in commercial buildings. Therefore, low moisture cleaning would be a preferred method of carpet cleaning, because mixing electricity and moisture is not advised for obvious reasons. And of course, no one wants to compromise the electric supply in an office, for example, by causing an avoidable short circuit and disrupting the client’s business.
Hygiene is an ever-present consideration when delivering cleaning services, especially under COVID conditions where diligence is key. We stipulate and regularly encourage that our members are up to speed with all COSHH regulations – this should apply to every cleaner handling and applying chemicals in their daily routines.
Even before the pandemic, we have always advised that technicians take special precautions when it comes to the full cleansing of equipment between cleaning jobs. This avoids any possibilities of cross contamination between clients or spaces. We also recommend the use of commercial grade vacuum cleaners in all carpeted areas, especially those with HEPA filters, as they trap particles as small as 0.3 microns.
With proper training, the appropriate cleaning solutions will be used to care for the soft flooring in question. A fairly common error repeated by improperly trained
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cleaners, is to assume that whatever cleaning medium they are using for a hard floor, can safely migrate onto soft flooring as they go along with their daily clean. One cleaning chemical or solution does not fit all surfaces and carpets. In fact, carpeting can be damaged if incorrect cleansing processes are used, as carpeting materials vary; the technician must be able to know the differences and apply the correct cleaning solutions accordingly.
Having to replace carpeting, or remedy cleaning errors is a costly, yet avoidable exercise. That is why I would say that it is vital that in-house teams are properly trained. The benefits are long term for the preservation of assets, efficient use of time and reduction in economic loss.
Cleaning correctly At the NCCA, we always stipulate that cleaners must be properly trained in the science of cleaning, its methodology, materials and chemicals. We even have a register of Trusted Local Cleaners that is available for anyone from which to source trained professionals.
FMs cannot be caught out on the back foot at the best of times. However, as we re-emerge in a much more hygiene conscious world after the pandemic, being up to speed with the correct cleaning techniques, tools and regulatory guidance carries more weight than ever. This extends beyond carpet maintenance, but affects every aspect cleaning, so having the right skills and planning infrastructure in place will get the job done correctly, the first time.
www.ncca.co.uk TOMORROW’S FM | 67
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