March 2, 2020
The 5 Critical Steps You Should Take To Reduce Virus Spread In Your School
The frustrating thing is there is little you can do to stop the outbreak. However, there is a lot you can do to prevent that spread once an outbreak has occurred. So, in this post we are going to run through five easy but essential steps you need to take when that happens.
Step 1
Your Cleaning Regimes Need To Change
Cleaning regimes should always be dynamic, not static. They may be the same for 90% of the year but they should always have an element of flexibility. Here are three example changes that should be made in the occurrence of an outbreak:
- Review your cleaning chemicals, you may want to consider a
cleaning agent that will target the bacteria or virus type in
question. - Increase the frequency of your cleaning
- If you work with a contract cleaner then speak to them and ask
them to tweak their regimes to focus on the above points and in
turn help you fight the outbreak.
Step 2
provide hand
sanitiser
This is relatively low cost and could either be provided as individual bottles or alternatively dispensers could be fitted strategically around the facility for example entrances, washrooms, communal areas etc.
Step 3
As winter approaches encourage staff/pupils to regularly be hand washing
The recent COVID-19 pandemic will have taught everyone the need for regular and thorough hand cleaning. This goes to show how important the basic principles are in life. By proactively encouraging your pupils to practice this you will be one step ahead.
Have a culture of good basic hygiene excellence in your facility and there are many ways this can be done. It’s a boring topic perhaps but with a bit of creativity that can change.
Step 4
Provide or increase Training To Cleaning Operatives
Training is so so important. Cleaning is a profession and should be treated accordingly. Regular training sessions should be implemented regardless of an outbreak. Helping operatives and providing ongoing training will go a long way to prevent outbreaks in the first place. Topics to cover would include:
- Cross contamination
- Equipment training
- Contact/Dwell time
- Product awareness
Step 5
Pay specific attention to high touch point and communal areas
This is really, really important. High touch points are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria to thrive. Audit your high touch areas, compile a list and provide it to your cleaning operative(s). And ensure they are cleaned daily. If you don’t have a daily cleaning schedule make someone responsible to do this at the end of each day for you.
Summary
There are many simple steps that could be taken prior to an outbreak occurring and here are five of them. The old saying ‘prevention is better than cure’ couldn’t be more true when it comes to cleaning. By implementing these steps your staff and pupils will be healthier and the risk of increased absenteeism will be reduced.
