June 4, 2020
As we re-open our premises afresh and / or with a change of client use or continue to provide our services to a larger audience, the expectation for elevated standards for cleanliness and safety is very apparent in the operation of our properties.
We need to provide that assurance to the users and staff that steps have been taken and are being proactively reviewed in ensure their safety.
Clean Commitment guidelines should be laid out and be designed in consultation with specialists with healthcare knowledge plus be developed with support from cleaning supply companies.
The plans should incorporate technology, cleaning products and procedures in compliance with the latest COVID-19 codes, regulations and brand standards. The programmes are to be applied to all areas of operations including hosting training, social and physical distancing, surface cleaning and disinfecting, general housekeeping, maintenance plus clearly for overall staff and client health.
“While healthcare and schools have always employed demanding cleaning standards, this new initiative will ensure greater transparency and confidence throughout the entire experience,” said the expert at the CAP Award Programme. “The enhanced cleaning practices, social interactions, and workplace protocols will also continue to evolve”
To highlight and support in the delivery of this expectation for elevated standards appoint a Covid-19 ‘Champion’ or team of ‘Champions for the premises. Their role is to monitor compliance to the premise’s procedures and provide the audit evidence for delivery of it such as the cleaning frequencies, hand washing, social distancing, availability of PPE, up-dating of the risk assessments, Staff well-being feedback, etc.
In caring for the environment, a list of effective disinfectants needs to be provided and approved. This stricter adherence to disinfection and sanitisation must also ensure that the commitment remains to choosing and using products that are deemed safer for the environment.
Public Spaces and High-Traffic Areas: The frequency of cleaning and sanitising will increase in all public and common spaces with an emphasis on frequent-contact surfaces, such as counter tops, lift buttons and door handles. New technology can be utilised including electrostatic sprayers for all public and common area locations and UV wand technology for workspace sanitising such as for keyboards, payment stations, ID badges, key cards, etc. and housekeeping areas.
User Client Area: Cleaning and sanitising protocols will be used to clean user rooms and housekeeping will place a strong focus on high-touch areas such as remote controls, handles, etc. Where possible, the room user should be out of the room at the time of cleaning. Pens, notepads, papers and other collateral should be tidied away or be removed. De-clutter the areas with only essential items remaining.
Laundry: All linen and laundry should continue to be washed per the properties’ schedule at a high temperature in accordance with Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Temperature settings to be recorded as evidence of good practices. Handling and storage procedures to clearly define the segregation between dirty and clean
Back of House and Shared Equipment: The frequency of cleaning and disinfecting will also increase in high-traffic back-of-house areas, including but not limited to entrances, changing rooms, toilets, loading docks, offices and kitchenettes. Time-clock locations will also have an approved hand sanitiser station or wipes for use after each swipe. Shared equipment will need to be sanitised regularly between shifts and when transferred from one host to another.
In the event of a presumptive case of COVID-19, the user’s room will be removed from service and quarantined. Should there be a confirmed case, the room will undergo an enhanced sanitisation according to the specific cleaning schedule, be evidenced and comply with the local health authority guidelines.
We are all implementing a policy regarding physical distancing of at least 6 feet, with new measures taken together with hosts and user that may include, but not be limited to:
Queuing: Any area where clients or users may queue will be clearly marked for appropriate physical distancing; this includes Reception, lift lobbies, food-and-beverage outlets and public / common areas.
Reception / Welcome: Hosts will utilise every other workstation to ensure separation between hosts and a clear barrier such as Plexiglas will be introduced throughout the property where necessary.
Food-and-Beverage Outlets / Waiting Areas: Food and beverage and Waiting Areas will reduce seating capacities to allow for a minimum of 6 feet between each seated group of users.
The wellbeing of our Staff is essential. Put the following measures in place for all Staff to ensure they are safe and prepared to return / continue at work:
Staff Health: All Staff are required to have their temperature checked before starting their shift plus sign-in with their health declaration.
Staff Training: Staff to be thoroughly trained in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health guidelines and applicable regulatory standards to respond to and report all presumed cases of COVID-19 on property to appropriate authorities.
Host Hygiene and Safety: Staff are expected to wash their hands ideally every 20-minutes, wear appropriate Personal Protection Equipment. Managers to stagger host arrival times and departures to allow for physical distancing on arrival and in the changing facilities, among other necessary measures.