The recent health pandemic has had a huge impact on cleaning practices and protocols for all types of premises and properties, particularly for unit title living. Apartment buildings and shared living spaces pose the potential risk of an infected resident spreading a virus to other occupants, so it is particularly important for bodies corporate, committees and building managers to manage the health and safety of the property. To do this they need to consider Ministry of Health cleaning guidance and update their cleaning plans accordingly. This process includes ensuring their cleaning contractors are following best practice disinfection methods to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses in shared buildings.
Current scientific evidence has shown that COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) may remain viable for up to 3 days on certain types of surfaces and materials. A study conducted by the Centre for Disease Control Prevention published on March 17, 2020, in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that aerosol droplets were detectable on copper for up to 4 hours, on cardboard for up to 24 hours, and for as much as 3 to 4 days on plastic and stainless steel. The research also showed that it is possible to contract the virus by touching a surface or object with the virus on it, and then touching the face. The findings emphasise the importance of hand washing and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and objects to protect against the spread of infection.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
Cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. Cleaning does not kill germs, it removes them and decreases their ability to breed and the risk of spreading infection. Disinfecting refers to using chemicals that kill germs on surfaces. Killing germs on a surface after cleaning further lowers the risk of infection spreading. Cleaning should be done with a detergent solution. The type of cleaning products used depends on the material being cleaned. To disinfect surfaces, a disinfectant with a concentration sufficient to kill germs must be used.
How have cleaning guidelines for shared buildings changed since the Covid-19 pandemic?
The length of time that the Covid-19 virus can last on surfaces and objects means it is good practice to frequently clean common areas with a detergent solution that has disinfecting properties. Frequently touched surfaces include:
- Door handles (front entrances, storage lockers, service or equipment rooms)
- Light switches
- Balustrades and railings
- Intercom systems
- Lift buttons and internal railings
- Letterboxes
- Laundry rooms, communal washing machines, dryers, taps and sinks
- Rubbish areas (chutes, door handles, bin handles)
- Common area bathrooms, toilets, taps, sinks and sanitary or nappy disposal bins
- Doors and surfaces such as tables, chairs and benches in the BBQ or entertainment area
Minimally touched surfaces such as floors, walls and windows should also be cleaned more often during a health crisis, especially if there are young children in the building as they are likely to touch floors and walls.
Hand Hygiene
Hand cleaning and hygiene practices are crucially important to preventing the spread of the virus. The COVID-19 virus is encased in a fat-like layer. Soap helps to break down that fatty layer leaving the virus unable to infect you, and the hand-washing process washes the virus away. To keep building occupants safe, it is a good idea to provide hand sanitiser (containing at least 60% alcohol) and disinfectant wipes in common areas. A good cleaning contractor should be able to supply these as well as checking them and keeping them well stocked. It is important to make sure bins are regularly emptied and cleaned, and it may be necessary to increase the frequency of rubbish removal where residents are working from home.
Body corporate obligations
Under the Unit Titles Act 2010, a body corporate has an obligation to maintain and keep common property in good order, and that includes keeping it to a standard that is safe for occupants. Committees and building managers have a responsibility to review building cleaning plans and check that their cleaning contractors have implemented relevant infection control practices. This includes asking your contractor for details of the changes they have made to upgrade their service, such as:
- An infection control cleaning plan – this should outline specific protocols for cleaning staff relating to distancing, increased frequency of cleans, the type of cleaning and disinfecting products used, and specific tasks such as a focus on high touch surfaces and frequently used areas
- A task analysis – check it includes additional processes relating to personal protective equipment (PPE), distancing measures, and cleaning equipment before and after it is used on site
- Wearing masks and displaying signs when cleaning common areas – staff regularly sanitising hands, disinfecting door handles and other surfaces after they have completed work, and bringing their own pens if signing log books
Cleaning frequencies will need to be increased to manage disinfection of high-touch surfaces, particularly in larger complexes. Rubbish removal services may also need to be stepped up as more residents work from home. Ventilation systems and air conditioning vents should be regularly cleaned. There may also be increased pressure on plumbing and air conditioning, requiring more maintenance and service calls.
Closure of shared facilities: gyms, swimming pools, BBQ and entertainment areas
A body corporate is responsible for protecting the health and safety of building occupants and must make the decisions that best serve owners and residents. Closing pools and other indoor facilities such as gyms and shared BBQ areas until a virus is under control may be a necessary step to protect the health and safety of all occupants. The Unit Titles Act 2010 does not set out explicit rules for common property during a pandemic, but there are important issues to consider. Managing safe distancing of residents and visitors in shared facilities is difficult and largely impractical. Cleaning regimes that would properly protect these areas are also costly. The financial implications are considerable, and a body corporate may choose to close shared facilities to reduce the risk of a negligence claim should an infection occur. Ultimately, closing these areas is for the safety of residents and the wider community and is likely to be in place only for a relatively short time.
Bodies corporate and committees should consult their property lawyer, their body corporate manager, and public health professionals when making these decisions. The responsibility for keeping residents and the community safe rests with all of us. Practice common sense, be a good neighbour, wash your hands and, where possible, assist those who need help. White Spot Group has teams that are highly experienced and trained in body corporate building cleaning, maintenance, and caretaking services. For an obligation free consultation and quote for all your building cleaning and facility management needs, call now on 0800 107 017
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