Schools have had to adapt their cleaning procedures this term, following new government guidance to combat the spread of Covid-19. The new regulations have put additional pressure on the UK education sector to ensure the safety of its staff, pupils and their families.
So, what is changing within schools & colleges to prevent the risk of infection spreading? Alongside new law and guidance around Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), cleaning procedures are now tighter, more regulated and more frequent. In this blog, we look to decipher what exactly this means for schools today.
Cleaning Frequency
Schools must enhance their cleaning frequency; ensuring that areas of regular use, such as common room surfaces and toilets, are cleaned at least twice a day. Government guidance[i] now states that one of these cleans should be at the beginning and one at the end of a working day.
In order to achieve this heightened cleaning regime, a cleaning schedule is recommended to avoid any safety risks.
Regular cleaning is extremely important in highly trafficked areas and on equipment shared between students and bubbles.
Not only do schools need to ensure equipment and surfaces are cleaned regularly, but they also need to provide sufficient hand washing amenities and guidance for pupils and staff. Portable hand washing units are often a cost effective way to ensure you adhere to guidelines where access is limited to bathrooms / sinks or fixed hand washing facilities.
Disinfecting and Cleaning
These two words are now synonymous with Covid-19 and infection prevention. We all use them, but do we actually know the difference between disinfecting and cleaning?
According to the CDC[ii]:
- Cleaning is the removal of dirt from surfaces or objects using detergents and water.
- Disinfecting destroys the bacteria by using a chemical e.g. Bleach is one of the most well-known known disinfectants.
The two work in tandem to lower the risk of spreading infection by killing germs and removing them from a surface or object. This process is known as sanitisation… another key word of 2020.
Schools should use a disinfectant in their cleaning regime to remove bacteria from regularly used areas. This includes; phones, desks, doorknobs, keyboards, bathrooms and learning toys.
It’s also advised to avoid mixing disinfectant products, as this can cause toxic fumes. Schools could use different coloured clothes in different locations during cleaning to prevent this.
Single Use Products
Multi-use products, although often much more environmentally friendly, mean a risk of cross-contamination if not cleaned regularly or efficiently. The government are advising schools to use disposable cloths, paper and mop heads.
These single use cleaning products should be disposed of regularly in the normal waste bin, unless Covid-19 is present in the school. If Covid-19 is present then it’s recommended waste is held onto for 72hours before disposal.
Deep Cleans
If a school has an outbreak of Covid-19, they must undergo a deep clean. If cleaning staff are uncomfortable doing this, it can be outsourced.
I great way to quickly and efficiently sanitise a large area is to use a Fogger. Foggers work by vaporising the chemical, creating a fine mist which can be used almost anywhere and by anyone.
So there you have it… everything you need to know in accordance with the government guidance on cleaning procedures in schools post Covid-19.
If you have any further questions regarding cleaning products or equipment for your school, our friendly team of experts will be able to advise.
Paper Plus is committed to providing its customers the very best in consumables. We now offer a comprehensive range of cleaning products to help remain compliant during these unprecedented times.
[i] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings
[ii] https://www.cdc.gov/flu/school/cleaning.htmTalk to one of our experts to find out how Paper Plus can help your school remain compliant.
