As with many other parts of the UK economy, facilities management companies are under pressure. Those providing essential frontline services have been operating throughout the lockdown period with enhanced health and safety processes. But those now re-opening after months of closure are having to consider physical reconfiguration of workspaces and work patterns even more carefully. A central element of these changes will be a more robust approach to deep cleaning. In this blog, we’ll look at how React Specialist Cleaning can help such companies with new deep cleaning and decontamination protocols.
Experience of working with the facilities management sector
The facilities management (FM) sector covers properties across multiple industries. FM companies involved in food production & distribution, healthcare, transport infrastructure or government services have been providing essential services even since March. We’ve been working with such companies throughout to deliver deep cleaning and decontamination services.
Other FM companies are now getting back into more normal operation. This includes those with manufacturing and industrial units, office buildings, or retail centres and parks. People are already being encouraged back into these spaces to boost economic activity. And FM companies covering areas such as sporting facilities and arenas to hotels and beyond are in the next wave of businesses set to re-open.
The UK government has published a series of guidance about working safely during the pandemic. One of its top five tips is developing enhanced cleaning, handwashing and hygiene procedures. The good news for FM companies is that they don’t need to have all the answers for developing these procedures in-house. The entire business model for FM companies is about outsourcing, and they can outsource specialist cleaning to us. By harnessing the expertise that we’ve built up, FM companies can address deep cleaning and decontamination head-on.
Deep cleaning and decontamination protocols to keep facilities safe
We can be at the forefront of allowing FM companies to return to safe operation. Our team deploys a simple yet thorough methodology of ‘test, clean, disinfect and test again’. We swab and test a number of high-touch areas for traces of pathogen. The results of testing will determine what cleaning method needs to be applied prior to colleagues returning to work. If testing comes back negative, this could be a spring-clean approach, wiping down and sanitising all surfaces and high-touch areas.
Alternatively, if there are any residual pathogens, it may require a more thorough deep clean and decontamination. We’ll check and prepare sanitising equipment following industry standards and will display warning signs near the area to be disinfected. The team will only enter a room once equipped with the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as a minimum Hazmat Cat 3 suit, A1P2 mask & 2 pairs disposable gloves.
FM companies may adapt their existing cleaning arrangements using their current cleaning contractor. We can provide advice to help with this process, recognising that most cleaning companies do not have the in-depth skill and experience which React has developed as a hygiene and decontamination specialist. Our methodology ensures that cleaning and disinfection are two parts of the same process. This means we’re able to avoid leaving residues that could lead to health risks of another kind, such as skin irritation or damage to clothing, if used long-term.
Confirmed Covid-19 cases need first response cleaning
It’s vital for FM companies to put in place an infection control protocol immediately if a confirmed Covid-19 case is identified. As part of this protocol, we recommend they have us on call as a trusted resource to perform a suitable deep clean and decontamination of the areas potentially infected. React are available 24/7/365 to respond to such incidents nationwide. We can put in place a pre-agreed response process.
We respond with the latest technology for fighting this challenge. We initially test an area to understand the levels of exposure to pathogens. We then clean and disinfect with the most appropriate equipment and chemicals for the property. Finally, we test again to be certain the pathogen has been inactivated and removed. We’ll deploy the correct method and equipment for each specific task. For most FM companies, our preferred method would likely be Ultra Low Volume ‘fogging’ (ULV). But we can use electrostatic spraying, whole room misting, and UVC decontamination if that’s an appropriate course for those particular facilities.
We’re all getting used to new ways of working. But here at React, we remain committed to providing excellent service and utilising our experience to help clients across the UK economy. Whether we’re providing rapid first response cleaning or regular deep cleaning of premises, we’re on hand to help FM companies get back to their normal operations.
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Contact one of the team today to find out more about how we can help facilities management companies meet their deep cleaning and decontamination protocols.
Telephone: 01283 550 503
Email: info@reactplc.co.uk
Website: www.reactsc.co.uk
Post by Shaun D. Doak
Shaun is the CEO of React Group plc., a business dedicated to specialist cleaning, hygiene and decontamination. He is deeply committed to making sure that every one of our company’s clients receives the highest possible level of service. An expert in HVAC and commercial and industrial cleaning methodologies, Shaun has extensive experience in the facilities management and renewable services sector.