Building Healthcare Cleaning Services

When deciding upon the healthcare cleaning services to employ, Sheldon recommends partnering with a facility’s infection prevention professionals to determine the chemicals, technologies and cleaning methods to use. 

Look for disinfectants effective against norovirus or MRSA. However, if attacking C. diff, BSCs need to use bleach or a bleach-based product. Aside from chemicals, effective alternative methods include UV light systems, room foggers and industrial steam cleaners.

Once the approved healthcare cleaning services are in place, the products, SDS sheets, hazardous communications training and equipment training must be incorporated to meet regulatory requirements, says Sheldon. 

For example, BSCs need to ensure chemicals are diluted to the same ratio each time to guarantee effectiveness. Microfiber mops and cloths should be changed and laundered after each use. Other tools, such as toilet brushes should be assigned to specific rooms and stay there. Once a patient is discharged the products can be disposed of. 

Rooms with infected patients should also be cleaned more often. Many hospital staffs clean twice daily — once in the morning and again in the afternoon. 

BSCs shouldn’t overlook the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) either, says Sheldon. Protecting workers in contaminated environments should always be top of mind. These workers are at a higher risk for infections. BSCs who decide to offer healthcare cleaning services need OSHA training and adherence to PPE practices to fully protect workers from harm.