Amid pandemic-related disruption at UK academic institutions, REACT provides eight specialist university cleaning services.
Whether it’s newer establishments, or the very oldest seats of learning, there’s a wide variety of universities in the UK. Along with the rest of the world, academic institutions have seen their operations hugely disrupted over the last eighteen months. And along with the rest of the world, they’ve had to think carefully about their cleaning regime. From student accommodation to teaching facilities, and from deep cleaning to urgent incidents, the scope is hugely varied and requires specialist skills. Here at REACT, we have the expertise to deliver in eight key areas of university cleaning.
1. Student accommodation cleaning
Student surveys regularly show the importance of cleanliness for students in judging their accommodation. Understandably, value for money and overall cost often comes in as the top factors prompting decisions about where to live. But the cleanliness of bedrooms is in the top three most important influences in their decision-making. And especially when students are asked to work from home due to Covid restrictions, it’s vital for accommodation providers to get cleaning right. For that, they need the right cleaning partner.
Sometimes student accommodation becomes vacant due to tenants moving on in an orderly fashion. Other times, following repossession or eviction, end-of-tenancy cleaning requires a specialist approach when facilities were misused. REACT’s team provides a full-service property clearance, decontamination and cleaning service. Whatever type of property it is, we take the same rigorous approach. We start by quickly eliminating any health hazards and removing all kinds of waste. We then go on to clean the property to the most exacting standards, to get student accommodation ready for the next year’s intake.
2. Urgent incident university cleaning
We’re available for emergency cleaning in a crisis too, when handling a situation with sensitivity is a paramount concern. Sadly, there are occasions when accidents and fatalities occur. At these difficult times, universities need a cleaning team with the highest credentials and experience. REACT's team are available 24/7 across the country, and we can provide a fast and respectful response in every situation.
3. Air hygiene in learning facilities
For lecture halls, laboratories, and libraries, effective ventilation has become ever more important to make these areas Covid-secure. Many university buildings have on demand ventilation, which run on carbon dioxide sensors, so the systems ramp up when they have an increased level of occupants. The specialist REACT air hygiene team is highly experienced and skilled in the cleaning of all ductwork systems and indoor air quality surveying. We can advise on how best to run systems at higher ventilation rates than standard, with a purge each morning and evening to maximise effective air hygiene.
4. Infection control and decontamination
Universities and colleges need to put in place an infection control protocol for confirmed Covid-19 cases. And of course, there are other pathogens and contaminants which need to be eliminated from university settings too. Such diseases as swine flu and norovirus are all still prevalent, and they can thrive in facilities that exist in campuses, such as kitchens, gyms, and shared social spaces. These diseases most easily spread in high-touch areas, such as door handles, lift buttons, washroom facilities, and shared technical equipment.
REACT can be a trusted and expert specialist cleaning partner for universities which need to perform deep cleaning and decontamination of potentially infected areas. Our tried and tested four-stage process is simple but rigorous: test, clean, disinfect, and test again. To be sure that area has been cleaned and disinfected correctly, it’s necessary to first test for the presence of pathogens and then test again to ensure they have been removed. The results of initial testing will determine which cleaning and disinfection methods need to be applied; the final test will demonstrate that an area is safe for staff and students to use.
5. Fire dampers across campus
Fire dampers play a crucial role in a building's fire safety system, which is why they must operate correctly. A properly functioning, well-maintained fire damper could be the difference between life and death during a fire on campus or in student accommodation. The BS 9999:2017 legislation on fire damper maintenance states that a competent person must test all fire dampers after they have been installed and at regular intervals not exceeding two years. For spring-operated fire dampers, tests must take place at least every 12 months. And they must occur even more frequently if they're installed in an area that is affected by high levels of dust or pollution. REACT's team are fully trained and qualified to conduct this essential work.
6. High-level cleaning
Undertaking effective cleaning or areas in hard-to-reach places at height, such as ducting, suspended ceilings, or reception areas requires specialist expertise and equipment. REACT is compliant with the Work at Height Regulations 2005, so our focus is always on ensuring safety. Our specialist operators are available 24/7 to undertake cleaning while working at height both in and outside of buildings. We conduct a thorough risk assessment and ensure the correct deployment and use of specialist equipment, paying particular attention when working near fragile surfaces. And we’ll maintain the highest standards to ensure premises look professional, visually appealing and compliant with legislation.
7. Kitchen air hygiene
Most educational institutions have full-service kitchens or cook-chill facilities. Regardless of the type, it's essential to think carefully about various elements of hygiene in kitchens, including air hygiene and extraction. One particular area of concern for kitchens and food tech classrooms is grease extractors. Failure to inspect and clean extract systems regularly can result in them becoming a fire risk, and buildings insurance may be invalidated if institutions fail to carry out regular inspections. The REACT team successfully inspects and cleans all types of kitchen extract and ducting systems, helping clients remain compliant with HVCA TR19 standards. We can work with universities to plan regular inspection and cleaning programmes, reducing health and safety risk.
8. Sharps and needle search and removal
When areas are contaminated with used needles and syringes, it’s vitally important to clear the space quickly and effectively. REACT is fully insured and vaccinated against blood-borne viruses such as tetanus and hepatitis, and we use robust procedures to clear affected areas. Collected sharps, needles and syringes are then disposed of in strict accordance with legislation, and we can provide a certificate of disposal.
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To find out more about REACT Specialist Cleaning and our range of university cleaning services, 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.