In light of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the prevention of spreading germs in schools is more relevant than ever. So how exactly can this be done successfully?
In this blog, we will explore how to prevent the spread of germs in schools.
Sentrex Services stands as a leading provider of comprehensive cleaning and hygiene solutions, serving a vast region from the Northwest to the Southeast of England. With a dedicated team of over 600 professionals, we deliver bespoke cleaning services tailored to the unique needs of each commercial client.
Is there a link between dirty environments and negative learning outcomes?
Absolutely, there is a significant link between a dirty learning environment and poor educational outcomes. Below are a few examples of outcomes that a dirty learning environment can generate:
1. Health and well-being
Increased illness and absenteeism:
Dirty environments harbor germs, bacteria, and viruses, leading to higher rates of illness among students and staff.
Respiratory issues, allergies, and infections are exacerbated by dust, mould, and poor air quality. Increased sick days directly translate to lost learning time and hinder academic progress.
Impact on mental health:
Cluttered and dirty surroundings can create a negative atmosphere, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and decreased motivation in students.
A clean environment promotes calmness and focus, positively impacting mental well-being.
2. Cognitive function and concentration
Distraction and reduced focus:
Cluttered and dirty classrooms create visual distractions that make it harder for students to concentrate on their studies. A clean and organised space promotes a calm and focused learning environment, enabling better information absorption.
Poor air quality:
Dust, allergens, and pollutants in dirty environments contribute to poor air quality, which can negatively impact cognitive function and reduce students’ ability to concentrate.
3. Learning environment and engagement
Reduced motivation:
Students feel more valued and respected in a clean and organised space, fostering a positive learning environment. Conversely, a dirty school can create negative connotations towards the place of learning, reducing motivation and engagement.
Dirty and under-maintained classrooms can inadvertently teach students poor health habits that they may carry into the future.
4. Safety concerns
Increased accidents:
Dirty floors and walkways can become slippery, increasing the risk of slips, trips, and falls, directly impacting student safety and potentially leading to further absences.
How can schools stop germs from spreading?
Schools can help to limit the spread of germs through a multi-faceted approach. However, the spreading of germs can not be avoiding altogether, due to the very nature of bacteria, there is very rarely an environment that can stay entirely sterilised.
Schools can focus on hygiene practices, environmental cleanliness, and promoting healthy habits outside of hiring a professional cleaning service, here are the solutions schools can employ:
- Hand hygiene: Teach and reinforce proper handwashing techniques with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing.
- Provide accessible handwashing stations with soap and drying materials. Consider using hand sanitiser when handwashing isn’t immediately available.
- Respiratory etiquette: Educate students and staff to cover their mouths and noses with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, disposing of the tissue immediately and then washing their hands.
- If a tissue isn’t available, encourage sneezing or coughing into the elbow.
- Environmental cleaning and disinfection: Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as desks, doorknobs, light switches, computer keyboards, and shared equipment.
- Implement thorough cleaning schedules, especially for high-traffic areas and after any spills of bodily fluids.
- Ventilation: Ensure good ventilation by opening windows when safe and feasible to increase airflow and dilute airborne germs. Consider using air purifiers in poorly ventilated areas.
- Stay home when sick: Emphasise the importance of staying home when ill to prevent the spread of infection to others. Have clear policies and procedures for managing students and staff who show symptoms of illness.
- Vaccination: Promote and provide information about recommended vaccinations for students and staff to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases.
- Waste management: Ensure proper disposal of tissues and other waste in bins with lids.
- Hygiene education: Integrate hygiene education into the curriculum to teach students about how germs spread and the importance of preventative measures.
- Safe handling of bodily fluids: Have clear protocols and provide necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) for cleaning up spills of blood or other bodily fluids.
- Discourage sharing: Encourage students not to share personal items like water bottles, food, and stationery.
Can cleaning services limit the transmission of germs?
Yes, professional cleaning services can help limit the transmission of germs, through a combination of specialised equipment, products, techniques and expertise. Here is a deeper look into how a professional cleaning service like Sentrex can limit germ transmission:
- Professional cleaners are trained in effective cleaning and disinfection techniques, understanding how to properly use cleaning chemicals and equipment to kill germs and prevent their spread.
- They have access to industrial-strength cleaning products and equipment that are more effective at eliminating pathogens than standard household supplies. This includes disinfectants specifically designed to kill viruses and bacteria commonly found in school environments.
- Professionals focus on cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, desks, keyboards, and handrails, which are known hotspots for germ transmission.
- Professional deep cleaning services can reach areas that routine cleaning might miss, removing built-up dirt, allergens, and pathogens that can harbor germs. This includes carpet cleaning, floor scrubbing and polishing, and thorough sanitisation of restrooms.
- Hiring professionals ensures a consistent and reliable cleaning schedule, which is crucial for maintaining a hygienic environment and preventing the build-up of germs over time.
- Professional cleaning companies often adhere to strict health and safety regulations, ensuring that cleaning is carried out safely and effectively.
- Trained cleaners use proper techniques and colour-coded equipment to prevent cross-contamination between different areas of the school, such as using separate cleaning tools for bathrooms and classrooms.
What is the best way to prevent germs spreading in schools?
A combination of professional cleaning services in addition to stringent in-house practices by the school itself is the best approach to preventing the spread of germs.
Professional cleaning services should perform cleaning routines regularly, with deep-cleaning practices being undertaken at appropriate times.
In addition, schools must encourage proper hygiene practices and awareness amongst staff and students. By being educated in hygiene and general cleaning practices, students can contribute to a clean environment, within and outside of the school environment.
Bespoke cleaning services for schools
At Sentrex, we prioritise commercial, industrial, and specialist cleaning services. Our services aren’t just a standard once-over, we ensure a comprehensive and individually tailored approach perfect for any site.
Here is a list of the warehouse cleaning services we provide:
- Chemical degreasing
- Steam cleaning
- Pressure washing
- Power-scrubbing
- Auto-scrubbing
- Stain and spill removal
- Debris and dust removal
- Power-scraping
- Sanding, and shot-blasting
- Vacuuming
- High-speed burnishing
- Spray buffing, waxing, and stripping
- Low moisture bonnet cleaning
- Deep extraction
- Commercial carpet cleaning
- Trash clean up
- Window cleaning
- Exterior cleaning
- Cleaning of washrooms
- Deep cleaning
In this blog, we’ve provided the key information you need to know when it comes to how to prevent the spread of germs in schools. Whilst providing supplementary information about the benefits of our professional services.
Our commitment to fair pricing, environmental sustainability, and personalised service sets us apart. We prioritise quality through rigorous control measures, including monthly audits with advanced software, real-time management via iPads, and an automated time and attendance system.
As members of esteemed trade bodies, we adhere to the highest industry standards. Beyond core cleaning, we offer a full suite of soft and hard FM services, ensuring comprehensive building maintenance. Want to know if our services apply to your business or site? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to secure a superior clean.
