How FMs Should Prepare For The Return Of Staff Post-COVID
Written by Shaun Doak, CEO at REACT Specialist Cleaning
Creating an effective response to the threats of the ongoing Coronavirus charts new territory for many sectors in the UK. As lockdown restrictions ease, though, and businesses slowly return to their offices, it is essential that facility management individuals are taking extra precautions and vigilance to provide clean and safe working environments. As COVID-19 is fairly new and unknown, there has been a lot of inaccurate advice spread on how to protect against it, and so it is crucial to have the correct information when preparing workplaces for returning staff.
Regular deep cleaning is essential for any business returning to work during the ongoing pandemic, especially with the threat of a second wave. Outsourcing this process to a professional cleaning company is advisable, as they have the right products and expertise that are essential to complete reliable and thorough cleaning, however, there are also steps individuals can take to ensure a safe environment.
It is important to clean surfaces with a pH neutral cleaning solution first, to remove lingering dust, oils and dirt, to which the virus can be absorbed. Then, apply a disinfectant, certified to be effective in disabling viruses such as SARS-CoV-2. Virucidal disinfectants are typically stronger than their anti-bacterial counterparts, but, in many cases, their effectiveness against coronaviruses is unproven, and so choosing the right one is important.
There are many choices for disinfectants, the most common containing quaternary ammonium or chlorine compounds. These can be potentially harmful chemicals, though, that, if used incorrectly or too frequently, can cause health issues and discolour the surfaces they are applied to. It is important, thus, to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, such as on the correct ‘contact time’ and when to reapply the product, when using virucidal disinfectants. As a safer choice, environmentally friendly alternatives can be just as effective.
This combination of cleaning the surface first and then applying a disinfectant does not kill the virus, but rather disables it. It works by destroying the protein and the ribonucleic acid (RNA) of the virus. The RNA is the substance that provides the blueprint for making more virus particles, and so destroying it leaves the virus with no way to multiply or infect a host cell. Wiping the surface clean of the remaining disinfectant then removes all trace of the virus.
If seeking an alternative to virucidal disinfectants, look to surgical spirits. These are mostly made up of ethanol, which can disable viruses in as little as 30 seconds by destroying the protein and RNA of the virus. If using surgical spirit, just rub the neat liquid over the surface using a cloth. The spirit will then evaporate and does not need to be wiped away.
Antiseptics, such as benzalkonium chloride surface wipes, whilst effective at removing bacteria, have no evidence of killing coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, and so are not advisable for preparing the workplace for a return to work post-COVID lockdown.
It is not advisable, however, to mix cleaning products. Combining common cleaning products, such as bleach and vinegar, for example, can be highly dangerous, producing noxious fumes of chlorine gas. Mixing can also decrease the effectiveness of the cleaning products, by combining acid and alkaline solutions. Ensure when cleaning, furthermore, to protect skin from harsh disinfectants, as they can cause chemical burns and disrupt the skin’s natural barrier against bacteria and viruses.
More intense cleaning methods which have been gaining traction in the media, such as misting/fogging, are only advisable for use in a small number of specific circumstances. Whilst whole room misting has some advantages, such as the disinfectant possibly having greater surface contact time, all surface disinfection products provide relatively poor soil removal, and no residual cleaning or protection once they dry out. There are certainly, thus, more practical and effective methods of dealing with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
In specific circumstances, the use of ultraviolet (UV) lights can be beneficial as part of a deep cleaning process. UVC has the high energy required to destroy the genetic material inside viruses, and so can be used for disinfection. Like most other products, though, UVC has not been clinically tested against SARS-CoV-2, although it is proven to destroy related coronaviruses. The use of UVC can be dangerous, though, as it can quickly damage eyes and burn skin. Its application, therefore, needs careful care and the appropriate PPE. This is why it is advisable to outsource the initial deep cleaning process to specialist companies, and then follow up with regular cleaning in-house.
Whilst this seems common sense, one key piece of advice is to ensure colleagues and visitors exercise good hygiene, including washing their hands regularly. Whilst having ready access to hand sanitisers around the workplace and encouraging their use can be effective, it is important to ensure that the concentration of ethanol in sanitisers is over 70%, otherwise it will not be fully effective against coronaviruses. Ensure, also, to place sanitiser dispensers away from toilets, or other areas for hand washing, as this proves a more effective way of cleaning the skin, and having nearby sanitiser underlines the encouragement for hand washing.
It is advisable, furthermore, to avoid central air recirculation during SARS-CoV-2 episodes by shutting off recirculation dampers, which prevents virus particles in return ducts from re-entering the building. When possible, decentralised systems such as fan coil units should also be turned off if they use local recirculation. In some applications, it may not be possible to turn off these fan coil units, and as a result they should be included into the deep cleaning regime.
Confidence is key when ensuring a safe return for staff. The most effective way to ensure that a property has been cleaned effectively is to test the surfaces for the presence of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). ATP is an indicator molecule for the presence of biological residues, and testing is commonly used in the healthcare and food sectors. Testing for ATP works by capturing the molecule from surfaces via a swab which is then inserted into a device called a luminometer, which reads the amount of light produced by the sample. The light produced is proportional to the amount of ATP in it. So, the more bacteria, virus or product residue on the surface, the more ATP, and the more ATP, the more light produced. ATP testing is strongly recommended, and our team uses it before and after all processes of deep cleaning to ensure the effectiveness of decontamination.
In any case, it is important that cleaning methods are thorough and consistent. Whilst the virus does degrade over time, it can remain stable in the environment for up to three hours in the air, up to 24 hours on cardboard and other porous surfaces, and up to 72 hours on hard, shiny surfaces such as plastic, glass and stainless steel. This means that the virus can stay active and is transmissible on counter tops and common touch areas for up to three days. Whilst deep cleaning does not have to take place every day, it is crucial, thus, that an initial deep clean of the workplace is completed, followed by an upkeep of hygiene requirements and frequent, thorough cleaning with strong and effective disinfectants.
Here are some final top tips for ensuring a safe work environment:
- Use an ATP test both pre- and post-clean to determine the effectiveness of cleaning methods.
- Ensure thorough and regular cleaning, especially of high-touch surfaces, such as tables, doorknobs, elevator buttons, toilets, faucets and handrails.
- Utilise quality PPE to protect against potential viruses and harsh disinfectant products or fumes when deep cleaning. Providing staff with PPE, furthermore, such as face masks, can be extremely effective in preventing the spread of germs, particularly in environments where social distancing is challenging.
- Ensure employees have access to facilities for regular hand washing or use of hand sanitiser (but ensure it contains at least 70% ethanol).
- Be mindful that the chosen cleaning regime reduces the possibility of cross-infection, particularly in kitchens, meeting rooms and other high-touch areas. Regular cleaning, disinfecting and testing are crucial.
- Ensure the sanitisation of screens, keyboards and other gadgets with an effective disinfectant, or invest in a UV sanitiser.
- Set up a dedicated room to isolate anyone who develops COVID-19 symptoms in the workplace.
- Whilst lockdown measures have been relaxed, and the cases have decreased, there is still the risk of people catching COVID-19, and the risk of a second wave. Be sure to source a trusted deep cleaning organisation and have their contact details saved in the event of an outbreak in the workplace.
- Communicate all measures taken to staff. They can only be more effective when people are informed about them.
