As more and more of the nation returns to work in offices across the UK, workforces are once again working in enclosed spaces and under the same roof. Preventing the spread of COVID-19 continues to play a vital role, and office cleaning is paramount as teams collaborate, meetings are held, and workers sit opposite or side-by-side with their coworkers.
We now know the main routes of infection and contamination that the Coronavirus uses to move from one person to another. The most potent of these routes is through the air. If an infected worker breathes, coughs, talks, or sneezes, the virus becomes airborne, invisibly traveling on the currents of air.
Another worker can then inhale the airborne virus. However, the virus can also land on any surface and survive between 24 hours and 72 hours, depending on the material type and environmental conditions. During this time, a worker who touches a contaminated surface and then touches a part of their face, such as their nose, eyes, or mouth, can infect themselves.
So, it is clear that regular office cleaning is essential, and it must tackle both the air workers breathe and the surfaces they touch.
Decontamination & Preventative Measures
Office cleaning by a fully trained professional contractor is the most effective way to tackle these working environments, including break rooms, toilets, and canteens.
We currently recommend that office cleaning should be conducted once per day when there are no cases or suspected cases of COVID-19 amongst your workforce. Office cleaning should follow a well-thought-out plan that considers the type and material of the surface being cleaned, its touch frequency, and the volume of workers that work in or pass through the space.
A quick response to confirmed or suspected cases of Coronavirus in your workforce is prudent. Depending on the circumstances, timelines, and the number of workers involved, the office cleaning and Coronavirus decontamination response methods might include disinfecting fogging.
Disinfection fogging is carried out by an experienced cleaning technician who mists the air with a certified disinfecting agent. The agent kills the virus in the air. As it settles on surfaces, it kills the virus there, too, while also creating a contamination barrier that lasts for an extended period, even after regular office cleaning resumes.
It is essential for office managers to be aware that staff with Coronavirus can shed the virus two to three days before they display symptoms. Therefore, preventative measures, such as mask-wearing, working behind screens, ensuring offices are well ventilated, and washing hands regularly continue to play a part in your health and safety strategy.
Regular Office Cleaning
Ratcliffe Cleaning provides regular office cleaning conducted by trained cleaners who understand the proper use of disinfecting products, effective cleaning methodologies, and PPE. The technicians utilise different cleaning methods and products depending upon the type of surface material. Up to date with the latest research from WHO and CDC, we ensure all porous and non-porous surfaces are decontaminated effectively.
To discuss your Coronavirus response and regular office cleaning, please contact our team on 0800 086 9215.
