Colour-Coded Cleaning in Canberra

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Given how easily harmful germs can be transferred between different areas – particularity between the bathroom and kitchen – cross-contamination is a potential threat in any workplace. Bacteria such as salmonella, escherichia coli (E. coli), and shigella can be spread via cleaning equipment (mops, cloths, brooms, brushes) used in bathrooms and toilets to other areas.

A colour-coded cleaning system – provided it’s maintained properly – has several major benefits.

• Relatively cheap to establish and maintain.
• Reduces the risk of cross-contamination between different parts of the workplace.
• Improves work health and safety (WHS) compliance.

Canberra Commercial and Office Cleaning can help you create and maintain a colour-coded cleaning system in Canberra – from the staff and equipment to the chemicals and safety data sheets (SDS).

There are five colours used in a typical colour-coded cleaning system. Each colour represents a designated area and its cleaning equipment.

Red – for bathrooms, toilets, and restrooms.

Green – for kitchens, eating and bar areas, and food preparation areas.

Blue – for general work areas.

Yellow – for first aid rooms and clinical areas.

White – for specialised areas, such as computer rooms and surgical facilities.

As an example, a mop used for the bathroom would be coloured red or have a red tag attached to it.

Many colour-coded cleaning systems in Canberra also feature a simple numbering system (alongside the colours) to assist staff and cleaners who are colour blind.

A simple colour-coded cleaning system doesn’t take long to set up. The process is as follows:-

• Commit to creating and maintaining a colour-coded cleaning system (buy-in is required from management, staff, and the cleaning provider).
• Procure dedicated cleaning equipment (in the right colours) for the bathrooms, kitchen / lunchroom, general areas, first aid area (if applicable), and computer room (if applicable).
• Create a secure and segregated space for the cleaning equipment (don't mix the colours).

In terms of equipment, many clients start with a mop and bucket, broom and dustpan, cleaning cloths, and gloves for each area. It’s best to start with brand-new equipment to avoid prior contamination.

In addition, safety data sheets (SDS) are required if chemicals are stored with the colour-coded cleaning equipment.

If you’re serious about implementing a colour-coded cleaning system in Canberra or Queanbeyan, let the professionals at Canberra Commercial and Office Cleaning guide you. We supply the staff, cleaning equipment, chemicals, and safety data sheets (SDS). In addition, all our cleaners are certified, fully insured, and vetted. For further information on our colour-coded cleaning solutions, please call 0413 697 280. Alternatively, please email us via the Contact page.