In its first month of dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak, South Africa has reported over 1600 cases and 11 deaths - the highest on the continent. However, the rate of infections has decreased since the enforcement of the national lockdown. Despite this glimmer of hope, it is still vital to step-up hygiene and sanitation efforts across South Africa.
The local authorities are taking strict action to contain the spread of COVID-19, but every South African has a role to play in the fight to slow the infection rate. Being prepared is the best way to deal with the virus at the moment as there is still no cure or vaccine.
One of the most significant elements of the fight against COVID-19 is the establishment of standards and protocols for contract cleaners working to disinfect public spaces, offices and private properties. IWESCO is a member of the National Contract Cleaners Association (NCCA), which has set out guidelines and protocols for cleaning and sanitation amid the global pandemic.
NCCA sanitation and cleaning guidelines
The commercial cleaning industry already has set standards for work procedures, but these are often based on visual results. COVID-19 is an invisible virus that can remain on various surfaces for hours or days, depending on the material. This means that most of the inspection standards will not suffice when sanitising a space for the virus.
The protocols established by the NCCA are more tightly controlled and require much closer inspection. These procedures are set out according to the type of material and nature of the space being cleaned. Particular attention must be paid to the sanitation of contact surfaces, such as door handles, chairs, countertops, rails and taps.
The spread of the virus is directly related to hand-to-face transfer, so these surfaces are the most important when it comes to cleaning. In addition, the cleaning chemicals used must contain a disinfectant ingredient, such as ethyl alcohol. These chemicals will kill the virus upon contact.
Cleaning staff should follow protocols
All cleaning staff are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent the virus from touching their skin or entering the nose and mouth. This includes goggles or a full-face shield, N95 face mask or respirator, latex gloves and a disposable gown. Staff are required to undergo COVID-19 training as it cannot be assumed that they know about the virus and how it is contracted.
Staff members also need to wash their hands regularly and dispose of their latex gloves before touching any surfaces. All equipment must be cleaned and disinfected after use. The disposal of PPE or equipment needs to be done in separate waste bins or by incineration. IWESCO staff members follow these guidelines and we can ensure the safe and effective sanitation of all spaces.
Contact us to get a quote or set up an assessment. We are an approved essential service by the Department of Trade and Industry and, as such, are working around the clock to clean and disinfect public and private spaces in South Africa. We are here to help during the national lockdown.
___
IWESCO offers specialised cleaning and waste control services to industrial and commercial customers in South Africa. These services are aimed at minimising our customers’ impact on the environment. Our services also include pest control, garden maintenance, fogging and disinfecting. Our staff are highly trained to offer the most professional services. IWESCO is a Level 2 B-BBEE supplier with ISO 14001 certification for environmental management.
___
We are a one-stop shop for all your contract cleaning and waste control needs and have a national footprint. Our head office is located in Tshwane but we can provide services to any industrial and commercial client in the major metropolitan areas around South Africa, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Mbombela and more.
___
Comentarios