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

  • Secret to Efficient, On-Time School Infrastructure & Modernization Projects is All in the Preparation

    Warmer weather and longer days make summer the ideal time for construction and modernization projects at educational facilities. School boards and construction firms must coordinate effectively to ensure that these projects do not extend even a single day into the school year and impede classroom operation.

  • University of Pittsburgh to Build New Residence Hall

    The Board of Trustees from the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Penn., recently approved the construction of a new residence hall for first-year students, according to university news.

  • Phoenix School District Breaks Ground on New Prep Academy

    The Creighton Elementary School District near Phoenix, Ariz., recently broke ground on a campus replacement for Biltmore Preparatory Academy, according to a news release. The new space will allow the school to expand its enrollment by 50 percent for K–8 students and accommodate modern, collaborative learning styles.

  • Stanford Online Reveals New Immersive Learning Studio

    Stanford Online recently marked its 30th anniversary with the announcement of a new immersive learning studio, according to a university news release. The studio takes advantage of AI-powered and immersive learning technologies to continue delivering personalized and faculty-led education.