Deep Cleaning – Controlling the Risk

Whenever and wherever cleaning is taking place, it is extremely important that all potentially harmful dirt and bacteria are prevented from travelling around the building

One of the ways in which such bacteria can be transmitted throughout a building is via the same cleaning equipment and solutions being used in areas of different use. Therefore, in order to minimise the risk of infection, cleaning operatives must adopt effective infection control procedures. COVID-19 The infection risk from coronavirus (COVID-19) following contamination of the environment decreases over time. It is not yet clear at what point there is no risk. However, studies of other viruses in the same family suggest that, in most circumstances, the risk is likely to be reduced significantly after 72 hours.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Ensure your staff are protected from health & safety risks within the workplace

Government guidance advises the minimum PPE to be worn for cleaning an area where a person with possible or confirmed coronavirus has been (COVID-19); these are disposable gloves and an apron. Hands should be washed with soap and water for 20 seconds after all PPE has been removed. For high-risk applications where there is visible contamination with body fluids, additional protection is required; cover the cleaner’s eyes, mouth and nose.

Non-healthcare workers should be trained in the correct use of a surgical mask, to protect them against other people’s potentially infectious respiratory droplets when within 2 metres and how to fit the mask correctly.

How to wear a face mask correctly…

• Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser
• Hold the mask with the inside facing you
• Place the ear loops around each ear
• Pull the bottom of the mask over your mouth and chin
• Mould the stiff edge to the shape of your nose

Medical Face Mask – Standards/Directives/Legislative requirements

• All products must be CE marked which shows the product meets EU safety,
• Health and environmental requirements
• Product and packaging must conform to Medical Devices Regulation 2017/745
• EN 14683:2019 Requirement and test methods on medical face masks
• Product and packaging must be latex free where possible
• The government guidance for healthcare professionals is Type IIR face masks