When it comes to using barrier technology to tackle biofilms, it pays to remember the basics of professional cleaning
It’s the final blog in our series on biofilms and barrier technology. We’ve already looked at what biofilms are, how barrier technology works to prevent them, and the challenges to the current technology. In short, barrier technology presents innovative solutions to dealing with the growing problem of biofilms. But you shouldn’t overlook the cleaning basics that will help barrier tech to perform at its best. In this blog we’ll look at 7 cleaning considerations for us when we’re dealing with barrier tech preparation and aftercare.
Barrier tech that builds on the cleaning basics
All barrier technologies work differently, and as the market evolves we’ll undoubtedly see even more variation between products. As we’ve discussed previously, we anticipate that some of the most interesting developments will be in the field of applying barrier tech to fabrics and pliable materials. And we’ll no doubt see new ways of delivering coatings to hard surfaces too.
However, just because these products provide innovative ways of tackling biofilms, there’s no excuse for forgetting the basics of reliable professional cleaning. Here are seven general guidelines which we follow when using barrier technology – and indeed, throughout our specialist cleaning services portfolio.
1. Plan your projects properly
As with any specialist cleaning assignment, we’ll ensure that any risk assessment and method statements are current and available. For our risk assessments, we look at two axes of risk: the severity of impact and the likelihood of an event taking place. We’ll cover off the risks to our cleaning operatives as well as our clients, ensuring we make mitigations for all the risks we assess. As the saying goes: if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.
2. Know your cleaning products
It’s vital to ensure the credibility of cleaning products with evidence of scientific research, empirical data, and independent testing results. This applies to both the barrier technology itself, and the cleaning products you use to maintain the surfaces. We’re proud to use Jangro’s ntrl range of 13 biology-based products (pronounced ‘natural’). They’re the “next generation of cleaning products with the environment in mind,” using technology to deliver next-level performance.
3. Use cleaning products correctly
We know that one of the worst things a cleaning company can do is fail to follow manufacturers' guidelines. Inappropriate chemical dilution can create slip hazards due to residues on floors, can damage the surface over time, or can undermine the efficacy of products. With barrier tech, it’s especially important to ensure subsequent cleaning doesn’t compromise the protective surface. We carefully consider the products we use and the frequency with which we use them.
4. Have the right people in place for the job
We’re experts in specialist cleaning, and we pass on that expertise to our cleaning operatives. On induction, they receive information on all our cleaning processes, including the correct dosage and use of all our cleaning products. We follow rigorous health and safety guidelines, including infection control and decontamination. We always train our cleaning operatives and apply best practice, process, and methodology for effective cleaning.
5. Put in the preparation
Even before applying barrier technology, it’s vital to ensure the surface is free of debris and dust. Barrier tech products require a clean surface for application. We always work this cleaning phase into our schedules when dealing with barrier tech. And having put in the preparation, we’ll make sure you get the most out of your surfaces treated with barrier tech.
6. Go from cleaner to dirtier when cleaning
Among our key cleaning processes, we always follow the ‘clean to dirty’ path. By moving from the cleanest surfaces to the dirtiest areas, we minimise the risk of cross-contamination. Most obviously, this applies in washrooms: first we’ll clean sinks and surrounding surfaces, then move onto floors and finish by cleaning sanitary equipment.
7. Use colour coding to categorise your work
Another method for avoiding cross-contamination is the colour coding system. As a corporate member of BiCSc, we follow their colour-coding guidelines in every one of our specialist cleaning assignments. Our system makes use of basic colours (red, yellow, green, blue). Understanding this system is a crucial part of induction training for our cleaning operatives, so we keep them and our clients safe.
We hope you’ve found our blog series on biofilms and barrier technology helpful. You can download the report we’ve published in association with the National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC) here: >>https://www.reactsc.co.uk/barrier-technology
To find out more about REACT Specialist Cleaning and our rigorous approach to cleaning which will get the best out of barrier tech, contact one of the team today.
Telephone: 01283 550 503
Email: info@reactplc.co.uk
Website: www.reactsc.co.uk
Post by Shaun D. Doak
Shaun is the CEO of REACT Group plc., a business dedicated to specialist cleaning, hygiene, and decontamination. He is deeply committed to making sure that every one of our company’s clients receives the highest possible level of service. An expert in HVAC and commercial and industrial cleaning methodologies, Shaun has extensive experience in the facilities management and renewable services sector.