Stepping into any hospital or healthcare facility means you are vulnerable to infection from the air, any nearby surfaces, and any general human contact that occurs while you’re in the area. This is why all medical facilities must follow strict cleaning guidelines to prevent and control the spread of infection.
If you own a healthcare facility or you worry about stepping into one, here are some basic guidelines that all commercial cleaning companies follow to help with your peace of mind:
1. Protective Gear
No matter what you’re cleaning, you should always make sure that you are protected from the harsh chemicals you use and the dirty environment you are working in. This is especially crucial when cleaning medical facilities.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to limit the spread of infection is to protect yourself. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, safety goggles, and paper gowns helps protect not just the cleaners but also the surrounding environment.
2. Follow The Checklist
Cleaning a healthcare facility is nothing like cleaning a commercial building or a residential property. Depending on the services offered, each facility requires different cleaning methods and equipment for daily, weekly, and monthly services.
Many cleaning companies use software to create customizable checklists that cover all your needs. These checklists ensure that all the cleaning requirements for every corner of your facility are followed to the letter.
3. Strict Cleaning Process
Effective cleaning processes go beyond creating checklists. Strict protocols are followed when dealing with a medical facility because there is a great risk of cross-contamination and lingering infection in highly sensitive areas.
When moving from one room to another, a change of PPE and cleaning equipment is necessary to make sure that infection doesn’t spread. For example, after mopping one exam room floor, everything from the mop-head, gloves, mask, and paper gown is removed and disposed of.
The cleaning process is detail-oriented, as well. Every single surface of a hospital room needs to be disinfected after every use. Even the most minor things like the phone handle, remote control, bed rail, light fixtures, and air vents can carry infectious organisms.
4. Hospital Grade Disinfectant
Aside from cleaning processes and equipment, healthcare facilities require hospital-grade disinfectants to ensure cleanliness. Cleaners found at the supermarket are nowhere near strong enough to eliminate all the germs and microorganisms found in a hospital or a clinic.
Powerful chemicals are needed to kill hospital germs on contact. Your commercial cleaning company will have all the necessary materials on hand.
5. OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
Every room in a healthcare facility contains infectious bodily fluids like blood and saliva. Your commercial cleaning company follows all protocols dictated in this OSHA standard, such as provisions for exposure control plans, engineering and work practice controls, hepatitis B vaccinations, hazard communication and training, and recordkeeping.
Conclusion
Cleaning a hospital, clinic, or any other medical facility requires much more complex processes, equipment, materials, and protocols when compared to any other commercial cleaning project. Following all cleaning guidelines and OSHA protocols means that everyone in the area is kept as safe and healthy as possible.
Are you looking for commercial cleaning services in Palm Beach, FL? Our team at AK Building Services is here for you. We use the most advanced, scientifically validated cleaning methods and equipment to clean and sanitize your commercial building or healthcare facility. We offer daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning services. Contact us today!
