Keeping Workplaces Clean and Healthy During Covid-19

With regulations easing and businesses around the world starting to open up, how do you keep your workplace clean and healthy in order to protect your staff and customers? We’ve created a quick guide of how to get your workplace ready with cleaning and disinfecting tips!

COVID-19 is mainly spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. An individual can acquire the virus through touching an infected surface and then touching their own mouth, nose or eyes. The risk of getting COVID-19 can be significantly reduced by introducing an effective cleaning and disinfecting routine for your business.

Cleaning vs Disinfecting

Cleaning refers to the physical removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. It works by using a detergent and water solution, which is designed to break up oil and grease with the use of water. Any products that have been labelled as detergent can be used to clean.

Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces and objects. This process does not necessarily ‘clean’ dirty surfaces, therefore it is important to clean before disinfecting as having dirt and grime on the surfaces can reduce the disinfectants ability to kill the germs. Disinfectants typically contain a minimum of 70% alcohol which is acceptable to be used on hard surfaces and any labelled disinfectant can be used.

For non-healthcare workplaces, general cleaning with water and detergent is sufficient. However, if there is a suspected or confirmed case from an individual who has been on site, a combination of cleaning and disinfecting all areas would be the most effective method in removing the virus.

When should I clean?

Workplaces should be cleaned every day if possible. Depending on the type of business, more frequent cleaning may be required, especially if your workplace operates on a shift roster with many individuals entering the premises at different times of the day.

Where should I clean?

A large focus should be on frequently touched surfaces such as tabletops, door handles, light switches, desks, bathrooms, toilet doors, remotes, and kitchen surfaces. All objects or surfaces that are used frequently throughout the day should be repeatedly cleaned if possible. A more intensive guide on different surface recommendations can be found on Safe Work Australia. 

Alsco’s Fresh & Clean service is the essential solution to keeping your workplace fresh, hygienic and healthy for less. With a variety of services, including a managed washroom service, we’re the perfect solution to keeping your washroom clean, and ensuring a clean and hygienic bathroom for your employees.