Tip #1 - Create a cleaning and disinfecting plan

There’s nothing like a good plan! There are three scenarios in particular where you should prepare a cleaning plan for indoor spaces:

1. Workplace reopening
2. Routine cleaning and disinfecting
3. Following a suspected or confirmed Covid-19 case

Tip #2 – Ensure that cleaning personnel are properly trained

In addition to having the proper products and tools, proper training is essential for safe and effective cleaning and disinfecting. Confirm that service provider partners are implementing in-person training and providing materials in appropriate languages for cleaning personnel prior to workplace reopening.

Tip #3 - Maintain sustainability and healthy indoor air

Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols to protect against COVID-19 should not increase exposure to hazardous chemicals for cleaning personnel or building occupants. CDC has identified asthmatic individuals as a high-risk group for COVID-19.10 Choosing safer products, especially those that do not contain asthmagens, is critical for protecting this high-risk group.

Tip #4 – Communicate the cleaning and disinfecting plan.

COVID-19 is currently the top health concern for many, and transparency is critical for maintaining trust with property personnel, building occupants and other stakeholders. Develop and follow a communications plan to keep stakeholders apprised of actions being taken about the virus.

Tip #5 – Provide safer working conditions

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, implement building-wide policies for occupants and cleaning personnel to practice physical distancing of at least six feet from other individuals and to wear facial coverings, regardless of the cleaning or disinfecting activity being undertaken.

Especially in the early days of this pandemic, there was a rush to clean each and every surface. In the desire to “kill” the virus, a bevy of toxic chemicals was promoted and used. The problem with that approach is that these hazardous ingredients are linked to asthma, cancer, endocrine disruption, DNA damage, or skin irritation. Combine that with a closed indoor environment and you have a recipe for a hazardous and unhealthy working situation.

Many organizations have stepped up to the plate to instruct on safer cleaning methodologies, including #USGBC and #WELL.

This tip was taken from Green Seal’s excellent Guidelines for Covid-19 Cleaning and Disinfection, which align well with those other methodologies.