Now that you have determined who is entering and exiting the building, how often, and demographic criticality – it is time to determine frequently touched areas. Common areas that are visited more often, are more likely to have higher potential germ activity. That is why it is so important to clean and disinfect common areas in response to your assessed activity. A great way to analyze high touchpoint areas specific to your building is by walking through ‘as a visitor’. Start from the beginning: open the door, swipe a badge, talk to the receptionists, sit down in a chair, pick up a magazine, get a drink, etc. Afterward, write down the list of these high touchpoints and make sure they are cleaned and disinfected appropriately.
In addition, another way is to observe patron activity during high traffic periods. It might surprise you what presents as high-touch surfaces! For example, do children gravitate to an area that would typically not have a lot of touch activity? Is there a side entry or exit that you thought ‘no one really uses’ but they actually do? Are people leaning on furniture or tables that might be considered atypical?
In addition to these observations, managing common areas during COVID-19 will most certainly entail sanitizing the following:
Doorknobs
Door & Cabinet Handles; push bars
Light Switches
Drawers
Refrigerator and Microwave Doors
Chair Handles
All kitchenette and dining area touch surfaces
All bathroom touch surfaces
Keyboards and mice
Conference room touchpoints
Elevator buttons
Drinking fountains
Once you have your list compiled, determine the appropriate cleaning agent for each space. Appropriate guidelines are to:
- Always use KEBS Certified Reagents and follow CDC protocols on cleaning methods.
- Always use gloves and appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when necessary.
- Always instruct employees on which agents must be diluted and how to do so according to manufacturer guidelines.
As commercial cleaning specialists, First Class Cleaning Services can help your work space identify not just priority areas, but also high-risk areas. Email us on sales@firstclasscleaning.co.ke for a free site visit and quote regarding your cleaning demands.
