CM/Spotlight: Restroom Care patrons wash their hands long enough to fully kill germs. Ten percent of people do not wash their hands at all. As flu season quickly ap-proaches, it is critical for facili-ties to take proper steps to limit the spread of germs and prevent cross-con-tamination. Here are five steps to stop restroom germs in their tracks. Step 1: Encourage Frequent Handwashing Handwashing is the most effective way to stop the spread of germs. It is critical for employees and patrons to wash their hands in the restroom. This can be encouraged by placing signage near the sinks with step-by-step instructions for proper handwashing. While some may find this juvenile and un-necessary, many people are un-aware of how long they have to wash their hands to kill germs. To wash hands correctly, you must rub your hands together us-ing warm water and antiseptic soap for at least 20 seconds. It’s important to scrub all surfaces of the hand, including the wrists, between fingers and under fingernails. For extra protection, facilities can also offer disposable, pre-moistened hand-sanitizing wipes. Select a textured wipe to loosen, dissolve and absorb dirt. One-step wipes lock in dirt so that soil does not transfer back onto the hands and limits the threat of germ and viral con-tamination. Facilities should also make these wipes available in areas where soap and water aren’t available. Step 2: Create A Comprehensive Cleaning System Facilities must be proactive to keep germs out of restrooms. Develop a precise schedule that specifical-ly outlines all cleaning tasks and frequencies. Train employees regarding the proper equipment, cleaning solution and safety precautions to use for various surfaces in the facility. It’s important to consistently reinforce and inspect the execution of the program to con-firm that the facility is cleaned correctly. To help prevent cross-contamination, use color-coded cleaning tools that are designat-ed red for restrooms only. Provide different tools for each surface so FREE INFO: Reader Service 205 or CMMOnline.com/freeinfo 26 CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® • October 2013
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