Tips for Custodial Workers and Employers

Below are a few guidelines from the CDC when cleaning and disinfecting facilities. For more information, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus.

When Cleaning

  • Wear disposable gloves and gowns for all cleaning, including handling trash.
    • All personal protective equipment (PPE) should be removed carefully to avoid contamination of the wearer and the surrounding area.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
    • Always wash hands immediately after removing gloves.
    • In addition, wash hands immediately after blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing; after using the restroom; and before eating or preparing food.

Additional Considerations for Employers

  • Educate custodial workers to recognize the symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Provide instructions on what to do if workers develop symptoms within 14 days after their last possible exposure to the virus.
  • Develop policies for worker protection and provide training to all cleaning staff on site prior to providing cleaning tasks. Training should include when to use PPE, what PPE is necessary, how to properly put on, use and take off PPE, and how to properly dispose of PPE.

This article originally appeared in the March/April 2020 issue of Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • Illinois State University Breaks Ground on College of Fine Arts Transformation

    Illinois State University in Normal, Ill., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts transformation project, according to university news. The series of new constructions and renovations will upgrade spaces in Centennial East, the Center for the Visual Arts, and the Center for the Performing Arts, as well as replace the existing Centennial West facility with a new Commons Building.

  • Quattrocchi Kwok Architects Opens New Office in Denver

    Education planning and design firm Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) recently announced that it has opened a new office in Denver, Colo., the firm’s third overall. QKA is headquartered in Santa Rosa, Calif., and runs an East Bay Area office in Oakland.

  • Texas District Breaks Ground on Second High School

    The Waller Independent School District in Waller, Texas, recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for what will become its second high school, according to a news release.

  • Philadelphia Middle School Facility Earns LEED Gold Certification

    The Alternative Middle Years (AMY) at James Martin Middle School in Philadelphia, Penn., recently received a LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, according to a news release. The School District of Pennsylvania partnered with KSS Architects on the project.