It is important to create a healthy and safe indoor environment for workers and customers.
Since the pandemic more people are aware of the issues surrounding the spread of illness and germs. As a result, they have higher expectations for cleanliness, particularly when returning to work and going to public places.
Open Works conducted research in May 2020 and found that employees in 2021 were more concerned with disinfecting and cleaning the workplace. One-third of respondents said, “Not enough is being done.”
The survey revealed that 73% of respondents expect their “workspace to be disinfected every day” and 62% want it to be “cleaned daily”.
It is clear that the increased awareness of indoor health and cleanliness will continue. Businesses will have to keep up with daily cleaning, address increased expectations and increase the scope of work of their cleaning team.
Flooring is a high-touch surface
To meet these expectations, it is important to know the main sources of contamination. The flooring is one of the most high-touch surfaces, and it should not be overlooked.
The focus of sanitizing surfaces that are frequently touched with hands has been largely on the surfaces. However, floors also play an important role in maintaining overall building cleanliness and health.
A recent article by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification notes that “Flooring surfaces should be included in cleaning protocols, as well as in disinfection and sanitation protocols.”
IICRC continues to say that, due to the severity and the number of contaminants that can track onto Floor waxing, floor cleaning should include vacuuming, scrubbing and using sanitizers or disinfectants that are specific to each type of flooring to stop the spread and accumulation of bacteria and pollutants.
Other reasons exist for cleaning your floor regularly. Below is a list with the five most important reasons.
Cleaning floors promotes good health
Here are some of the things you should consider to understand why floor cleaning is important for our health:
- According to EPA, dust and pollutants from outside can be brought in on clothing and shoes. The pollutants may contain toxic chemicals, depending on the location of the person or the surrounding environment.
- As people or equipment move around a space, these contaminants can end up on surfaces. It can spread germs, allergens and toxic contaminants, which make people sick.
- Dust and allergens can make it difficult for people to concentrate and work in areas that are not regularly cleaned. This means dusting surfaces, wiping them down, and cleaning the floors.
- By reducing the number of absences due to allergies or illness, keeping communal areas clean can improve employee performance and productivity.
Cleaning can be a very challenging task. It is more important than ever to prioritize detailed cleaning work, especially since the expectations for cleaning have increased.
Cobi 18, a collaborative robot, can be deployed easily by any member of staff. The staff can focus on other tasks such as cleaning bathrooms, dusting and disinfecting common areas.
Cobi, which uses advanced AI, not only increases the productivity of staff but also improves over time, as it learns and refines its routes. Cleaning is more efficient.
Floor cleaning can also be more consistent, as it is easy to use throughout the day. This results in healthier and cleaner spaces.
2- Clean Floors Can Improve Indoor Air Quality
The air quality in buildings can be affected by dust, dirt and other particles on the floor. These particles can be inhaled by people who walk on dirty floors.
If not regularly cleaned, cracks and creases in the floor can collect dust particles that will allow mold to grow.
According to Pegasus Cleaning Services, “Mold has a significant impact on indoor air quality due to the release of spores into the air. Indoor air quality can be affected, which in turn affects the health of clients, employees and business partners. This can be a problem for those with chronic respiratory problems, like allergies or asthma.
Floor cleaning is important to improve the air quality and reduce health risks related to air quality.
Clean floors can help reduce the spread of bacteria and germs
Researchers continue to find evidence that viruses can spread through the air. Coronavirus is a notable example. However, even the common cold and other viruses can be transmitted through the air.
These virus particles can also be spread by touching surfaces. The same is true of the particles that fall on floors.
Research by the CDC shows that coronavirus particles can be tracked on the feet of doctors and nurses from the patient treatment room to other areas of a hospital.
ISSA states that “The floor is the largest horizontal surface of a building and it’s a breeding place for germs, contaminants, and other harmful substances.” Regular floor maintenance and following the appropriate cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing guidelines are essential to reducing infection risks.
By using floor cleaning equipment and disinfectants, you can help to eliminate viruses from floors. This will reduce the chances of them spreading back into the air.
Slip and Fall Accidents are Reduced by Cleaning Floors
Wet or dirty floors can make them slippery, increasing the likelihood of slipping and falling. This can cause serious injuries. If someone spills oil or water on the floor it can make the surface extremely slippery.
It is important to keep your floors clean and maintained for the safety of all those in your building.
According to SFM, an workers compensation company that specializes in worker’s compensation, the best way to keep floors clean and safe is by using floor cleaning protocols.
- Identification of the right cleaning tools (deck brush, squeegee, etc.). Solvent (for instance, some solvents consume oil, while others remove rust, scale and tar).
- How often should floors be cleaned?
Many preventable injuries are caused by slip, trip, and fall accidents every year. Most of these can be prevented with proper floor maintenance and care.
Clean floors can extend the life of flooring
Over time, dirt, sand and other particles will scratch and damage the floor. You can extend the life and prevent damage to your flooring by keeping it clean. If you have hardwood flooring, dirt and sand will scratch it and make the floor look dull.
Injuries can also be caused by broken or missing tiles and sections of flooring if you don’t keep up with your routine floor maintenance.
It can also help you and your team to monitor the aging of flooring, allowing you to replace or repair it more frequently. You can also keep water damage away by paying attention to problem areas. This can keep your floors shiny and new.
For a healthy, safe and welcoming environment, it is essential to keep the floors clean. Clean floors can help prevent accidents, increase indoor air quality, decrease the spread of bacteria and germs, maintain the look of the room, and protect the floor from damage.
