10 Essential Tips to Prepare Your Facility for Industrial Disinfecting Services

While it may seem like a hassle, industrial disinfecting services are crucial for the health and safety of employees. A clean, hygienic facility also showcases the pride you take in your business. The professional team you choose will handle most of the details, but there are some steps you can take to prepare. 

Omnia360 is the leading facilities solutions provider in the Greater Cincinnati area. Keep reading to learn more about the industrial disinfecting process and how your team can prepare. These ten tips will help you gain the most benefit from your commercial cleaning.

1. Conduct a Thorough Site Assessment

Before the disinfection team arrives, perform a comprehensive site assessment. Identify potential hazards, including biological, chemical, and physical risks. This step will help you create a safer environment for both the disinfection team and your staff. Note any areas that require special attention or treatment.

2. Clear and Organize the Space

Remove unnecessary items and organize your facility to prepare for industrial disinfecting services. This will expedite the cleaning process, minimize downtime, and give your disinfecting team everything they need to begin the process. Here are some steps:

• Clear walkways and work areas
• Remove or secure furniture and equipment
• Organize materials and supplies
• Cover any sensitive equipment or machinery in plastic

3. Identify and Label High-Touch Surfaces

High-touch surfaces can foster the growth of germs and bacteria. Identify and clearly mark these areas for special attention during the disinfection process. Some common high-touch surfaces include:

• Doorknobs and handles
• Light switches
• Elevator buttons
• Shared equipment controls
• Handrails
• Countertops

4. Establish Work Zones 

Distinct work zones can streamline your industrial disinfecting services. This helps prepare your team and the cleaning team to work around each other when possible. Use these three zones as a framework. These zones may move from time to time, depending on the size of your facility and where the team needs to clean.

Clear Zone

This is an area outside the facility that the disinfection team can use as a staging area away from your employees. 

Transition Zone

This is a space for placing chemicals and equipment while cleaning, giving easier access to the disinfection team.

Operating Zone

This is the main area where your industrial disinfecting services take place. 

When you partner with Omnia360’s bundled services, we’ll help you customize the best approach for your business.

5. Ensure Proper Ventilation

You need proper ventilation and air movement to keep everyone safe, especially when there are strong cleaning chemicals involved.  We highly recommend implementing a minimum of ten air exchanges per hour in rooms where chemical disinfection occurs. If the room’s ventilation is inadequate, consider renting or buying an industrial-strength air purifier. 

If available in your facility, use a ductless fume hood to filter and chemically inactivate vapors. Regularly replace filters in these systems to maintain their effectiveness. Additionally, monitor carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide levels using the right kind of sensor and alarm system. Aim to keep readings below 800 parts per million (ppm) to ensure fresh air circulation.

6. Gather Necessary Personal Protective Equipment

Your chosen industrial disinfecting services team should have the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) for their workers. If your staff needs to enter an area where the disinfection is taking place, make sure they wear the right PPE:

• Respirators like N95 or P100 masks
• Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene)
• Protective eyewear (safety goggles or face shields)

Use chemical-resistant coveralls or aprons for full-body protection, and don’t forget chemical-resistant boots or shoe covers. Point out where emergency eyewash stations and safety showers are located, if available. Train staff on proper PPE use and disposal to maximize safety. Always conduct fit tests for respirators to ensure a secure fit.

7. Review Your Industrial Disinfecting Services Protocols

Your commercial building maintenance routine likely already has established processes for disinfection. When reviewing these protocols, don’t forget the following factors. 

• Efficacy Testing

Ensure disinfectants meet regulatory standards and demonstrate effectiveness against relevant microorganisms through suspension and surface challenge tests.

• Application Details

Verify contact time, concentration, and application method align with manufacturer guidelines. Discuss how often disinfection takes place. Should it be weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually?

• Environmental Factors

Consider temperature, humidity, and airflow when planning for your disinfection. Depending on the season, these factors may impact the process.

• Surface Compatibility

Review whether the disinfectants are compatible with facility surfaces. The last thing you want is for your facility equipment to become damaged.

• Regulatory Compliance

Align protocols with industry guidelines from organizations like the FDA, EPA, and OSHA. This helps mitigate any risk associated with the disinfecting process.

Continuously improve your processes and update your approach as needed. Document testing results and align your processes with emerging trends and industry standards to improve efficiency.

8. Communicate With Stakeholders

Effective stakeholder communication makes this process more efficient for everyone involved. Prepare your team, customers, business partners, and other relevant parties ahead of time. Let your customers know to expect potential delays or that a portion of the building may be closed to the public. The end result will alleviate sick building syndrome, improve employee productivity, and make your facility more enjoyable. 

9. Prepare Necessary Documentation

Maintain applicable records of the industrial cleaning process. Requirements may vary by industry and your facility’s specific needs. However, here are a few areas to consider as you plan your disinfection services. 

• Safety Data Sheets 

Maintain up-to-date SDSs for all disinfectants and chemicals used. These should include information on physical and health hazards, protective measures, and safe handling procedures.

• Product Labels

All disinfectants must have proper labeling, even in diluted form. Labels must include manufacturer contact information, product name, EPA registration number, active ingredients, and safety precautions.

• Efficacy Testing Records

Document all testing results that demonstrate the effectiveness of chosen disinfectants against relevant microorganisms.

• Standard Operating Procedures 

Develop detailed SOPs for cleaning and disinfection processes, including application methods, contact times, and dilution rates.

• Training Records

Maintain documentation of employee training on proper use of disinfectants, personal protective equipment (PPE), and safety procedures. If you outsource your disinfection services, train staff on proper protocols when these personnel are on site.

10. Plan for Post-Disinfection Procedures

Once your disinfection is complete, it’s time to resume normal operations. See these recommendations to get your team back in action:.

• Allow 15 to 20 minutes after disinfection for surfaces to dry. For added safety, consider waiting 24 hours before returning to normal operation. 
• Ensure proper air circulation by opening windows and doors. You can also run air scrubbers and ventilation fans for at least 24 hours post-disinfection.
• Check that all surfaces are dry and free from residual chemicals. Pay special attention to high-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, and handrails.
• Verify that all equipment and machinery are in working order and haven’t been affected by the disinfection process.
• Inform employees about the completed disinfection and any new safety protocols. Emphasize the importance of maintaining cleanliness and following hygiene practices.
• Implement a routine cleaning schedule, focusing on high-traffic areas and frequently touched surfaces.

These steps can help your employees have a safe and efficient return to normal facility operations after industrial disinfection.

Maximize Industrial Disinfecting Services Success

Your investment in industrial disinfecting services highlights your commitment to health, hygiene, and happiness. Despite any initial inconvenience, undertaking this project will help your facility run more smoothly in the long run. 

Connect With Omnia360

Omnia360 offers a range of facility management solutions in Greater Cincinnati. Connect with us today to learn how we can streamline your operations.