Janitorial Businesses: Turnover Cleaning

Whether it’s preparing a rental for a new tenant or cleaning up an office for a new leasing client, janitorial businesses must take proactive steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while also protecting staff from coming in contact with the virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the coronavirus spreads through direct contact with an infected individual. The CDC notes that the virus may also be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, like when someone touches a contaminated surface and then touches their mouth, nose, or eyes. Given this possibility, janitorial services and other cleaning staff need to take heed of some vital turnover cleaning best practices to limit the spread and exposure to COVID-19.

Here are some steps that can be taken to limit risks:

Proper Cleaning and Items to Use During a Post-COVID Turnover

According to the CDC, if an area has been unoccupied for at least seven days, it does not require additional disinfecting to prevent transmission of the coronavirus. But for janitorial businesses that are hired out to clean anytime under seven days, they should follow their specific guidelines to ensure as much safety as possible between tenants.

For areas that need to be disinfected, the CDC has provided a list of cleaning products that have been shown to be effective in killing or limiting the virus. From sodium hypochlorite to Clorox bleach, janitorial businesses can benefit from looking over the list. It’s also important to note that it’s crucial to use the correct product and to have it in contact with the surface for a sufficient amount of time. These surfaces include toilets, doorknobs, countertops, desks, cabinets, and more.

Using the items on the CDC-backed list can help clean properly and limit the virus’s exposure to not only janitorial staff but also the new tenants who will soon be moving in. If someone does move into a new unit and they contract COVID-19 based on negligence from the janitorial staff, they may be able to prove their case against the cleaning services company.

And while the legal world surrounding COVID-19-related claims is still uncertain, it would help to invest in janitorial insurance covergee, which can supply the funds needed for legal counsel and payouts. Janitorial insurance can help these companies mitigate risk when it comes to lawsuits pursued against them, even after the pandemic. This coverage can also provide peace of mind and an added layer of protection for cleaning services.

Choosing the Right Supplies for Turnover Cleaning

Janitorial businesses should invest in essential products to effectively clean and disinfect surfaces in homes and offices. In addition, these vital businesses need to be proactive and keep their employees safe in the process. The supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) required include:

• Gloves, face masks, and goggles for the protection of skin and eyes during cleaning
• Protective clothing that can be thrown away or washed (i.e. gowns)
• Paper towels, scrubbing pads, cleansing brushes, and garbage bags
• Disinfectant products
• Measuring cups if needed to dilute concentrated products
• Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol

Investing in Personal Protective Equipment

In recent months, there has been a significant emphasis on the need for personal protective equipment, or PPE. These items help to keep those who wear PPE safer from exposure. From masks to face shields, gloves to gowns, PPE has shown to limit everyone’s risks from cleaning services to healthcare workers.

There’s also an emphasis on properly using personal protective items to ensure overall health and safety. Personal protective best practices for janitorial staff during a turnover project include:

• Wearing disposable face masks and gloves, and throwing them away when done
• Wearing protective clothing if possible to prevent contamination
• Storing commonly used cleaning products in areas only accessible by cleaning services staff to avoid excessive handling
• Washing hands with soap and water after cleaning. Staff should use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if hand washing is not available.

About Tangram Insurance Services

Located across the Golden Gate Bridge, just outside of San Francisco, Tangram Insurance Services is a full-service Managing General Underwriter and Program Manager offering specialty programs. We focus on industry-relevant coverage, competitive pricing, and practical business and risk management solutions for your clients. Since we are not all things to all people, we make sure to create outstanding custom-built solutions that matter to those businesses, and the brokers who serve those industries. Contact us at (888) 744-9810