The SERVPRO clean-up team discusses generic guidelines for businesses to protect against pandemic virus contamination

5/18/2021 (Permalink)

Blog summary: Tips to follow for businesses to protect against a pandemic virus and how Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned can help businesses.

Clean-up and disinfect to protect businesses and clients

Owing to the spread of the pandemic, customers have become wary of visiting shops, restaurants, and businesses in their community. How can businesses combat this fear and assure their customers that they are safe when they visit?

In these unprecedented times, businesses and commercial spaces must follow certain practices and a routine clean-up as recommended by the CDC and followed by the SERVPRO clean-up team.

Clean and Disinfect

1. Clean: Once a day, cleaning with products containing soap or detergent reduces germs on surfaces by removing contaminants and may also weaken or damage some of the virus particles, which decreases the risk of infection from surfaces. 
2. Disinfect: Using the disinfectants approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency kills any remaining germs on surfaces, which further reduces any risk of spreading infection.

If there is no confirmed or suspected virus in the space, one cleaning or disinfecting is usually enough.

Routine Cleaning

1. What Needs to Be Cleaned?

The more people a surface is touched, the higher the risk. Prioritize cleaning high-touch surfaces. The CDC encourages the cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

2. How Often To Clean?

• High-touch surfaces should be cleaned at least once a day. 
• More frequent cleaning might be needed when a space is occupied by young children and others who may not consistently wear masks, wash hands, or cover coughs and sneezes.
• If the space is a high-traffic area, more frequent cleaning may be needed.

3. The Resources and Equipment Needed

Ensure the availability of cleaning products and the personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate for cleaners and disinfectants (if needed).

4. Protect oneself and the Cleaning Staff

• Ensure cleaning staff is trained on the proper use of cleaning (and disinfecting, if applicable) products.
• Wear gloves for all tasks in the cleaning process.
• Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds after cleaning and after removing gloves.
• Special considerations should be made for people with asthma. 

5. Other surfaces to clean and disinfect

• Soft surfaces such as carpet, rugs, and drapes
• Laundries such as clothing, towels, and linens
• Electronics such as tablets, touch screens, keyboards, remote controls, and ATMs
• Outdoor areas such as on sidewalks, roads, or groundcover – are not necessary, effective, or recommended.

It may be challenging to manage these multiple requirements to ensure a safe space for clients. A clean-up and restoration company like SERVPRO can help dissolve these challenges.

Why SERVPRO?

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned at Lakeway/Westlake is a defensive viral pathogen cleaning program that brings a higher standard of cleanliness to the shops, restaurants, and businesses in the community. A Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield on the facility assures a commitment to a higher standard of clean. Here are the 3 C’s followed by SERVPRO:

CONSULT

A tailored cleaning program to meet the client’s needs.

• A Cleaning Protocol Specialist who understands the client’s business will be duly assigned.
• Programs are based on a range of factors: type of industry, business type, size of space, amount of high-frequency touchpoints, foot traffic, and congestion points.

CLEAN

Proactive and emergency response cleaning program.

• Trained and experienced in biohazard cleaning and decontamination for porous and non-porous surfaces - always adhering to the highest standards set by the CDC.
• EPA-approved products, including the proprietary cleaning agent SERVPROXIDE, a hospital-grade disinfectant that is certified by the National Sanitation Foundation for direct food contact surface use.

CERTIFY

A commitment to clean for employees and consumers. 

• Leverage SERVPRO's trusted brand to reassure customers and employees that steps are being taken to keep the space at the highest level of cleanliness.
• Communication touchpoints include a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned window emblem, signage, marks for digital footprint, and more. 

With an industry-leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes, SERVPRO is helping businesses across the country function safely. 

Call Now

For clean-up services for your business in West Lake Hills, call SERVPRO of Lakeway / Westlake today at (512) 261-4790.