Workplace Sanitation Plan

Given the multiple cleaning requirements necessary to reduce the risk of person-to-person transmission, a Sanitisation Plan that describes housekeeping practices used by both the cleaning staff and employees should be considered. Soap and water is an excellent disinfectant and more readily available than most other disinfecting solutions.

When to Clean and Disinfect

• Routinely clean and disinfect all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, keyboards, handrails, doorknobs, tables, light switches, countertops, handles, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, and similar.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces as soon as possible in areas where a person with respiratory symptoms (e.g., coughing, sneezing) was present.
• Provide anti-viral wipe stations near common work areas and encourage staff to clean their workstation and equipment.

How to Clean and Disinfect

• Ventilate areas before you clean and leave windows and doors open during cleaning.
• If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
• Disinfection techniques may include surface cleaning, spraying, fogging and laundering.
• Deep cleaning may be performed by a specifically trained internal response team or by contract personnel. If so, EPA registered products should be used per label requirements and specialised equipment should be considered, such as foggers and electrostatic spraying devices.

Infection Prevention

• Provide ample stations offering anti-viral hand lotions and disinfectant wipes near common work areas.
• Discourage workers from using other workers’ phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment, when possible. If necessary, clean and disinfect such items and areas before and after use.
• Consider making available disposable wipes to employees so that commonly used surfaces (doorknobs, keyboards, remote controls, desks, and other work tools and equipment) may be wiped.

Safety Guidelines for Cleaning Personnel during Cleaning and Disinfection

• Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting. Gloves should be discarded after each use. Wash hands immediately after gloves are removed.
• Wear eye protection when there is a potential for splash or splatter to the face.
• Wear work attire and footwear that is easy to clean.
• Gowns or aprons are recommended to protect personal clothing.

Keep in mind that it is crucial to educate employees to recognize the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and inform them of these cleaning protocols and responses.