subject: Why Would a Business Need a High Level Clean in its Buildings? [print this page] Why Would a Business Need a High Level Clean in its Buildings?
Copyright (c) 2010 Alison WithersHigh ceilings are a feature of many buildings in commercial or public use and there are some operations in particular that need a regular high level clean inside.They includ buildings that have inaccessible roof spaces, catering, kitchen and food production operations, pharmaceutical companies, schools, colleges and offices.Dirt and dust can accumulate in such spaces to an extent where it can then start to drop on the people and equipment below.In catering and food production companies there are several issues including the need to keep premises spotless so that food is not contaminated and the process of cooking which gives out steam and grease which can then settle at a high level where it can't easily be reached and removed.Similarly stock and spare equipment is often stored in roof spaces and dust, dirt and litter can accumulate but not easily be removed while articles are in place.Access to high levels may be difficult and require the contruction of scaffolding, platforms, safety rails and ladders for cleaning to be carried out.However health and safety rules place a duty of care on managers and employers to ensure that risks are carefully identified and assessed, only staff trained in working at a height can do so and that they must be supplied with protective equipment and proper tools if required.The avergae factory, office or school support worker is not generally expecting to be asked to deal with high level cleaning and probably is not likely to have been trained in doing so safely and efficiently.From the employer's viewpoint, the whole process of risk assessment, installing correct equipment, acquiring the tools and safety equipment, training staff and keeping proper records for inspection may be something they are not sufficiently experienced to undertake.Even if they are experienced it may be that diverting staff from their usual duties is not the most cost effective option and it may be more efficient and economic in the long run to have a programme of regular annual deep cleaning including a high level clean using a specialist commercial cleaning company.Such companies are experienced in assessing the risks, the materials that need cleaning and the appropriate methods for doing so.Normally they have staff who are well trained in working safely at heights and also have the proper cleaning tools and safety equipment for doing so withour risk. How many businesses possess such specialist items as scissor lifts and self propelled booms if their operations do not normally require them? Also how many would be willing to contemplate the cost of buying such equipment if it is only to be used infrequently?A specialist company, on the other hand will be experienced in various methods of high'level cleaning and able to create a programme of work that will maintain overheads and high level structures in a condition where dust and residues do not accumulate to a level where product contamination or infestation can occur.It will also be able to devise cleaning schedules that can fit around the production staff to provide minimum disruption to manufacturing schedules.
