Building operators play a crucial role in a building’s hygiene standards. They can develop protocols and guide occupants to ensure that they observe high hygiene standards. After all, proper cleaning is necessary to guarantee the occupants’ health and safety. Here’s what building operators need to know about proper cleaning and sanitization.

Get Information From Trusted Sources
Get health and safety information from credible sources. Misinformation can jeopardize the occupants’ safety. Credible sources of information may include the relevant federal and international bodies, such as the WHO and EPA. Building operators will plan the essential measures to combat any health threats and disease-causing microorganisms with credible information. The trusted bodies may advise them on best cleaning practices, educate them on developing issues, and answer their questions through informative platforms.

Audit The High-Touch Spots In Your Building
High-touch areas are breeding spaces for microorganisms. Many people touch them, leaving them with various pathogens. The high-touch spots in your building will include door handles, reception areas, toilets, elevator buttons, TV remotes, and keyboards. Auditing the high-touch areas will give you insight into their state. You’ll know if you clean them often and plan to sanitize them. These areas can harbor millions of germs. Ensuring you sanitize them is essential to stop the spread of germs among the various people that touch them.

Clean And Disinfect The High-Touch Areas
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) warns there is a significant difference between disinfecting and cleaning surfaces. Cleaning comprises the use of solutions to remove grime and dirt. Disinfecting surfaces entails using solutions to kill bacteria and germs. Cleaning and disinfecting the high-touch areas is crucial. It will stop the spread of germs among the many people that touch these surfaces. Individuals won’t contract disease-causing pathogens from these touch points if they are properly sanitized.

Observe The Right Sanitary Protocols When Handling Cleaning Tools
Use fresh and clean sanitary products to clean buildings, or use a commercial cleaning company that is well-versed in the best cleaning practices with regards to health and hygiene. Instruct custodial teams to use various colors of microfiber cleaning cloths for the different areas. For example, they can use blue for toilets and urinals, and white for soap dispensers and sinks. Launder mops and cleaning cloths after every use. Handling cleaning tools with the proper procedures will prevent cross-contamination. Germs won’t spread from one piece of equipment to another. For example, they won’t move from toilet tools to those used in kitchens.

Create An Emergency Response Plan
Unforeseen situations may need urgent interventions to manage the building’s hygiene and safety. For example, issues with the drainage system may require intervention to fix and clean up before they cause problems. Have a plan to mitigate the emergencies, such as a direct line to a commercial cleaning company. Having an emergency response plan can be helpful. Building operators will know the steps to follow in each scenario, eliminating the need for second-guessing. Having a solid plan will result in timely interventions, managing the situation before it causes more harm.

Building operators develop hygiene routines that guarantee the occupants’ health and safety. Building operator training can help them have proper cleaning protocols to ensure that the property is clean and the occupants are safe and healthy.

This article was authored and contributed by Jackie Edwards. Now working as a writer, Jackie Edwards started her career in Environmental Health in the Public Sector, but after becoming a mom refocused and decided to spend more time with her family. When she’s not writing, she volunteers for a number of local mental health charities and also has a strong interest in ecology, wildlife and conservation.