Cleaning Hygiene Today Cleaning Hygiene Magazine
As the situation around novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve, the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) has put together some FAQs and answers to support those in the sector to play its part in helping to reduce the risk of the spread of the disease.
Q: What do we need to do to deep clean?
After a confirmed outbreak of COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) to ensure a deep clean, all substrates, fixtures, fittings, furniture (including soft) and other items in the area are disinfected (to protect the operative), then cleaned and finally re-disinfected.
A deep clean will involve 8 elements:
- Using the correct PPE, including following correct gowning and de-robing procedures for this equipment.
- Isolation of the area to be deep cleaned.
- Disinfection with the approved/correct disinfectant, paying special attention to touchpoints and high-risk areas as indicated by your risk assessment.
- Thorough clean of the area in line with BICSc standards.
- Clinical re disinfection of the whole area.
- Disinfection of machinery and equipment, if any are deployed.
- Correct disposal of contaminated materials and PPE.
- Shower/clean of cleaning operative(s) after completion of the task.
For a non-healthcare setting please check the link here.
For a health professional and other organisations please follow the link here
The BICSc also advises to always follow manufacturer’s safety data sheet and complete your COSHH risk assessment.
The Cleaning Professional’s Skills Suite offers a course called SU2 (Bio-Hazard Decontamination Cleaning). This course covers the removal of substances from surfaces, which may be excessive and contain higher risks to the operative.
However, this standard course does not include CLINICAL DISINFECTION, which would be a requirement, as explained in BICSc’s deep clean definition for this outbreak.
The BICSc will be offering SU2 with an enhancement that covers the DISINFECTION process required and is now in the process of scheduling a number of 2-day SU2 (enhanced) courses which will cover the following as required for the deep clean:
- Licence to Practice
- BU2 Damp mopping
- BU9 Auto scrubber drying
- AU5 Washing surfaces
- SU2 Bio-hazard decontamination cleaning
- In addition, the technical advice for disinfection around the outbreak will be covered
For further details: email bbs@bicsbusinessservices.com or call 01604 678 712
For upcoming training dates click here.
The BICSc advises if you have not had an outbreak, in order to reduce the risk of spread of the disease action the following:
- Maintain BICSc cleaning standards within your organisation.
- Consider increasing the frequency of cleans, particularly of sanitary ware and heavy touchpoint areas.
- Ensure colour-coding is followed without exception.
