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Clean Buildings Conference
Courtesy of Segura & Associates
COVID-19 is going to produce several changes in the professional cleaning industry, specifically for building service contractors.
Among those changes is the information included in cleaning proposals, according to Ron Segura, president of Segura & Associates, a cleaning consultant for building service contractors in both North and South America.
"We will need to include entire sections [in our proposals] on how the contractor is taking steps to protect human health, and that includes the health of their own workers," says Segura.
Many cleaning proposals now include information regarding OSHA training and certification.
"This typically involves how to address dangers and hazards when performing cleaning duties," Segura says. "This will not be enough in our post-COVID world."
Among the items Segura says contractors will need to add to their cleaning proposals include the following:
Verification of "Best Practices" Training
Prospects will want to see that your staff has been certified by ISSA's Cleaning Management Institute, CIMS program or something similar.
Specialized Certifications
Some industries will require their own certifications. For instance, cleaning professionals maintaining healthcare facilities should be Certified Healthcare Environmental Services Professionals.
PPE Training
Cleaning workers need to be trained on how to wear, put on and remove PPE equipment, and this too should be noted in cleaning proposals.
Equipment Changes
Cleaning contractors typically select equipment based on costs, effectiveness, safety and worker productivity.
"The bottom line is customers will want your proposal to include entire sections on how you plan to protect the health of building users," says Segura. "In some cases, this will be the first section they turn to."