C&M
FLOORCARE
Winter carpet care for commercial spaces Paul Pearce, technical director of the NCCA, explains the considerations for winter carpet care plans and keeping on top of essential maintenance during winter months. UNLIKE any other time of year, winter
building security teams. This may take more
demands more stringent cleaning regimes
time to arrange during the pandemic. Then
in commercial spaces. This also applies
there’s the admin associated with cleaning
to carpeting. Inclement weather often
schedules, which includes creating risk
accompanies the winter months, bringing
assessments, method statements, organising
moisture, mud, leaves, and other biological
permits to work, and managing water and
contaminants with footfall. At a time of year
waste areas to name a few considerations.
that is associated with seasonal diseases, like
Please also be aware that there are
influenza, colds and even norovirus, hygienic
regulations that cover lone working. It’s worth
diligence is paramount.
reading guidance provided by the Health & Safety Executive. Workers need support on site,
Planning access
especially if they are undertaking work that
Identifying the type and amount of footfall
might be hazardous.
traffic, area of space and layout all have a bearing on the cleaning schedule, the type of
What are the hot spots?
work and areas to focus on. This is particularly
The exterior of the building is an important area
important in the winter as the level of soils
to consider for planned maintenance. A lot of
Such mats should be exchanged on a regular
increases with the onset of wetter weather.
soils are tracked in or carried in through the
basis (at least once every fortnight), removed
Obtaining a floor plan will assist in working out
air. Building entrances and their interior and
from site and beaten thoroughly prior to wet
schedules relating to footfall, whether or not
exterior mats should be properly cleaned or
cleaning. Walk off mats should be large enough
the building or area can be shut down during
serviced on a regular basis during the winter.
to allow people to take around five to six
the process and optimise most efficient use of
A key cleaning objective is soil prevention.
footsteps across the mat in order to remove the majority of dirt and dust from their shoes.
time and workforce. Also, factor in the allotted
Therefore, proper walk-off mats should be
time required to undertake the cleaning, the
used both outside and inside the entrance to
Apart from the obvious daily maintenance
possibility of working during unsociable hours,
the building. These mats will also need to be
like daily vacuuming and making sure that spots
arranging keys and access, and consulting with
properly maintained with professional cleaning.
or stains are reported, there are the specialist cleaning considerations for heavy traffic areas. These include entrances, showrooms, reception, corridors, stairs, hallways, retail sales floors, executive offices, clerical office areas, food service areas, traffic flow areas, break rooms, and post rooms. Their cleaning schedule checklist might include vacuuming, spot cleaning, interim maintenance, and quarterly restorative deep cleaning. Finally, ensure that the building is fit for purpose for its occupants - will the carpet be dry in time for your client’s business hours? Make sure there are sufficient drying procedures in place, such as air conditioning left on or a window left open (taking the security of the premises into account) when cleaning is completed. Planning and preparation can make carpet cleaning a satisfying and efficient experience, which benefits users and employers, by protecting their investment. WWW.NCCA.CO.UK
18 JANUARY 2022
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
