With recent events in mind, Swept set out to speak to the kind of commercial cleaning clients that would need deep-cleaning and disinfecting services the most.
Namely, Restaurants, Healthcare facilities, and Gyms. All places where people are required to interact with others in fair numbers.
No two industries require the same formula for creating a safe and clean environment, so we’ll be dedicating a blog to each of these sectors in hopes of equipping cleaning company owners with the most relevant information possible. Our goal is to help with the difficult task of being bonafide heroes as the world re-opens.
First up, Gym Cleaning Services!
How many people reading this right now have (much to your own dismay) packed on a few pounds due to a lack of being able to go and work out at the gym for the last several months?
Yeah…us too. Sure you can run, or work out at home, but for many that can be a very difficult task and for others, downright impossible. So what are gyms doing to prepare for a socially distanced, and safety-focused re-opening? And what can cleaning companies do to be prepared to service them the best? Let’s explore:
6 Feet Will Stay the Norm
Obviously the 6 foot social distance rule won’t be ending any time soon. And so many gyms will be losing out on a LOT of space as the exercise equipment that used to only have inches (or less) between them. More space between equipment means less equipment, which will in turn mean less people using the gym at any one time.
Limited Numbers
Gym goers will probably get to enjoy reduced membership fees as gyms will have to start limiting the number of people who can access them at one time. And those Yoga classes that you used to go to with forty people or more? Now will be reduced to only a fraction of that.
Humans sweat, An Unavoidable Fact
Once upon a time gyms used the honor system to be sure that people who used equipment would sterilize it after use, sadly honor won’t cut it to instill trust in health-conscious patrons. This equipment will need to be properly sterilized by gym staff after EVERY use. The upside, there will probably be daily deep-clean orders for janitorial companies
15 more steps that gyms are taking to provide a safer environment, and cleaning companies need to be aware of
Gym Cleaning Services Tip #1 - Control Access
Gyms and fitness centers should only be open when at least one staff member is present. If patrons have uncontrolled access, then it may not be possible to ensure physical distancing rules are followed or that disinfection of equipment is being performed after each use. 24-hour unrestricted access without staff present on site should be suspended (if a gym or fitness center offers this service).
Gym Cleaning Services Tip #2 - Limit Occupancy
The number of patrons allowed into the facility at any one time should be limited to: a) Ensuring there’s sufficient space to allow patrons to remain two meters from one another, b) Preventing large gatherings, and c) Allowing staff sufficient time to clean and disinfect equipment and other surfaces frequently. Consider using a booking system that allows a limited number of patrons to book and attend a specified time slot. Ensure there is sufficient time between time slots to allow for cleaning and disinfection of the facility and equipment and to reduce crowding (e.g. at the check-in counter).
Gym Cleaning Services Tip #3 - Post Signs
Place signs at entrances to notify patrons that they should not enter if they have symptoms of COVID-19. Post signs throughout the facility to make patrons aware of the physical distancing requirements, enhanced sanitation procedures (including reminders for members to wipe equipment before and after each use), and any other instructions and limitations, as applicable. Some links to example signs to use: These guidelines are current at the time of writing but may be revised or rescinded at any time. Orders and recommendations issued by the Provincial Health Officer supersede these guidelines –
Specifically; New by-laws in many provinces and states will indicate something akin to the Mass Gatherings Order remains in place and prohibits 50 or more people to be present, for any event.
Gym Cleaning Services Tip #4 - Screen Arriving Patrons
Ask patrons the following question when they arrive:
Do you have any of the following symptoms: coughing, fever, sore throat or difficulty breathing?
Any patron who answers yes to the question above should not be permitted to enter. Anyone who has the symptoms of COVID-19 is recommended to call go straight home, and consult the self assessment app BC COVID 19, or contact 8-1-1 for further guidance related to testing and self isolation. If a patron is severely sick (e.g. difficulty breathing, chest pain etc.), call 9-1-1
Gym Cleaning Services Tip #5 - Manage Customer Entry Points
Place markers such as tape or cones every two metres at entrances to provide patrons with visible queues that encourage physical distancing. Cleaners need to take extra diligence with disinfecting these high traffic touch points.
Gym Cleaning Services Tip #6 - Hands Free
Whenever possible, use contactless forms of payment and check-in. Janitorial companies need to take note of contact points in order to focus where to concentrate disinfecting efforts. This isn’t limited to cash registers, doors, and equipment are obviously a large focus too.
Gym Cleaning Services Tip #7 - Don’t Forget to Fill Those Dispensers
Provide hand sanitizer stations or hand-washing stations for patrons and encourage their use.
Gym Cleaning Services Tip #8 - Use Appropriate Disinfectant.
Gyms and fitness centers must verify that the disinfectant(s) they use are effective against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). To do this, either:
a) Use the list on the CDC (Center for Disease Control) or Health Canada’s website to identify if a disinfectant has been reviewed and confirmed to be effective against SARS-CoV-2.
b) Use the list on the EPA’s website to identify if a disinfectant has been reviewed and confirmed to be effective.
c) Contact the disinfectant supplier or manufacturer to identify if the disinfectant has been confirmed to be effective and, follow the manufacturer instructions for disinfection including contact times.
d) Make a 500-parts per-million chlorine disinfectant solution using bleach and water. To make a solution of this concentration: mix 1 part bleach to 100 parts water (e.g. mix 10 ml bleach (5.25%) with 990 ml water). When the solution is applied do not wipe it off, instead, allow it to air dry.
Gym Cleaning Services Tip #9 - Don’t expect BYO (bring your own)
Provide patrons with either disinfectant wipes or disinfectant in a spray bottle and paper towels for disinfecting equipment and surfaces certified COVID-19 Disinfectants for patrons should be conveniently located. Patrons should be required to wipe down the equipment before and after use. Discontinue the use of reusable towels and cloths.
Gym Cleaning Services Tip #10 - Keep Locker Rooms Cleaned and Limited
Limit locker room use and avoid use if possible Encourage patrons to arrive at the gym or fitness centre in workout clothes and to avoid using locker rooms on site. When locker rooms are used, a disinfectant spray or wipes should be available for patrons to disinfect locker contact surfaces before and after use. The site plan must include enhanced cleaning and disinfection for locker rooms and bathroom facilities.
We hope you’ve found this to be a useful guide.
