The cleaning and disinfection protocol in schools is a set of essential practices for maintaining a safe and healthy environment in educational institutions. It ensures that all areas, from classrooms to common areas, are properly cleaned and disinfected to prevent the spread of germs and guarantee the health of students and staff.
In an environment with such a high level of daily activity, maintaining a rigorous protocol is crucial for complying with health regulations and creating a suitable space for learning. This applies to schools, colleges, universities, nurseries, and any other public or private educational setting. The goal is to reduce risks and provide a healthy environment for everyone in the educational community.
At Nord Baleares, we have extensive experience cleaning schools in Palma de Mallorca and the rest of the island. Our more than 25 years providing this service have allowed us to understand all the essential steps for implementing an efficient disinfection protocol, from daily tasks to deep cleaning.
Why is a cleaning protocol important in schools?
A cleaning protocol in schools is essential to creating a healthy and safe environment for both students and teachers. These spaces are frequently visited by many people throughout the day, which increases the risk of spreading germs, bacteria, and viruses.
By establishing a rigorous cleaning and disinfection protocol, it is ensured that every corner of the educational center is in optimal condition, which contributes to the hygiene and general health of the entire school community.
Ensuring the health of students and teachers
The health of students and staff is a priority in any educational institution. A proper cleaning protocol ensures that high-touch surfaces, such as desks, keyboards, doorknobs, and restrooms, are disinfected regularly, preventing the spread of germs.
This is essential for preventing illnesses, allergies, and other health problems that can affect the well-being of the school community. Furthermore, a clean environment helps improve air quality and reduces the risk of allergic reactions, creating a more comfortable and healthier setting.
Compliance with health and hygiene regulations
Compliance with health and hygiene regulations is mandatory in educational institutions. Health authorities require schools to follow strict cleaning protocols to prevent the spread of disease, especially in enclosed and crowded spaces.
A well-implemented cleaning protocol helps ensure compliance with local health regulations and that the educational center maintains a high standard of hygiene, which also minimizes the possibility of penalties or temporary closure for non-compliance with the law.
Disease and virus prevention
Preventing illnesses and viruses, such as the flu, the common cold, and other contagious viruses, is one of the main reasons for following a strict cleaning protocol. During disease outbreaks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining rigorous and consistent cleaning is vital to minimizing the risk of infection.
Regular surface disinfection, handwashing, and adequate ventilation are key steps in prevention. A well-defined protocol ensures that the school can effectively manage any health situation that may arise, thus protecting the health of all members of the school community.
Key elements in a cleaning and disinfection protocol
A well-structured protocol in schools, colleges, universities, or daycare centers is based on strategic aspects that guarantee maximum hygiene and safety throughout the educational institution. Below, we present the fundamental components of an effective protocol.
Disinfection of high-touch surfaces
Such as doorknobs, light switches, tables, chairs, and desks, these are the main areas where germs and bacteria accumulate due to constant contact with the hands of students and staff.
Daily and regular disinfection of these surfaces is essential to prevent the spread of infections. It is recommended to use disinfectant products that effectively eliminate microorganisms without damaging surfaces. This task should be performed several times a day, especially in high-traffic areas.
Cleaning of classrooms and teaching spaces
The classrooms, with their desks, tables, and blackboards, are the heart of the school, so they must be kept perfectly clean and organized. Cleaning these areas involves sweeping and mopping the floors, as well as disinfecting desks, chairs, blackboards, and all materials used in the classroom.
A proper protocol should include deep cleaning of these spaces at the end of each school day, ensuring that surfaces and resources used are free of bacteria, viruses, and dust.
Protocols for cleaning bathrooms and changing rooms
These are key spaces in any educational center and require special attention due to their high humidity and frequent contact with many people. Cleaning and disinfection of toilets, sinks, mirrors, floors, and bathroom fixtures should be carried out regularly throughout the day.
Protocols should include the use of disinfectants that eliminate germs and prevent unpleasant odors. Furthermore, it is essential to ensure these spaces are well-ventilated to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
Treatment and cleaning of common and exterior areas
Areas such as hallways, entrances, patios, recreation areas, and gardens also require special attention within the cleaning protocol. These areas, which often have high traffic volume, must be thoroughly cleaned to prevent the accumulation of dust, dirt, and debris.
In addition, play areas, sports facilities, and outdoor spaces must be disinfected to prevent the spread of disease. Regular cleaning of these areas improves the appearance of the center and ensures that all spaces are safe and comfortable for students and staff.
Recommended procedures for disinfection in schools
Maintaining a healthy educational environment, free of germs, bacteria, and viruses that could affect the health of students and staff, is key. Below, we offer a guide on recommended procedures to ensure that disinfection protocols are followed correctly.
Cleaning and disinfection frequency
It is a key factor in preventing the spread of pathogens in the school environment. High-touch areas, such as desks, doorknobs, hallways, and restrooms, should be disinfected several times a day.
Classrooms and common areas should be cleaned at least once a day, while bathrooms and changing rooms require special attention and should be cleaned and disinfected several times throughout the school day.
In addition, outdoor areas and recreation areas should be cleaned regularly to maintain an environment free of dirt and bacteria.
Use of appropriate disinfection products
Essential for effectively eliminating germs and viruses without damaging surfaces or affecting the health of students and staff. Disinfectants approved by health authorities that are effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi must be used.
The products must be safe for use in educational settings, preferably environmentally friendly, and free of harsh chemicals that could be harmful to health. Cleaners must be applied correctly, following the manufacturer’s instructions, to ensure their effectiveness.
Techniques for eliminating bacteria and viruses
In addition to applying the appropriate disinfectant products, techniques such as the use of disposable cloths, mops, and steam machines should be used to ensure that surfaces are completely sanitized.
Thorough cleaning of frequently touched surfaces and the use of ozone machines to purify the air are practices that contribute to more effective disinfection. It is essential that cleaning staff follow a rigorous protocol to ensure that all areas are completely disinfected and free of pathogens.
Implementation of the protocol in the daily life of the school
To achieve this, it is essential that everyone involved, from cleaning staff to center administrators, works in a coordinated manner and follows the established guidelines. Below, we explain how to implement this efficiently.
Training of cleaning staff
It is crucial to ensure that the cleaning protocol is executed correctly. Cleaning staff must be well-informed about best practices for disinfection, the proper use of products, and how to address high-risk areas, such as restrooms and common areas.
Furthermore, they must be trained in the operation of specialized equipment, such as ozone machines, high-end disinfectants, and floor polishing machines, to ensure effective cleaning that meets hygiene standards. A well-trained staff is key to maintaining high levels of safety and health at the school.
Supervision and quality control in cleaning
Continuous supervision is essential to ensure each task is completed correctly and on time. Supervisors must conduct regular inspections of cleaned areas to verify that all protocol steps are followed. If any deficiencies are detected, corrective action must be taken immediately. This monitoring ensures effective cleaning, fostering a safer and more organized work environment.
Adapting the protocol according to the needs of the center
Each school has its own unique characteristics, so it is essential that the cleaning and disinfection protocol is adapted to the specific needs of each educational center. This includes adjusting the cleaning frequency according to the size of the school, the number of students, and high-traffic areas.
It is important that the protocol be updated according to special conditions, such as during disease outbreaks or after large events at the school. Adapting the protocol to the school’s circumstances ensures greater effectiveness in cleaning and disinfection tasks and contributes to the overall safety of the educational environment.
In conclusion, a cleaning and disinfection protocol in schools is essential to guarantee a safe and healthy environment for students, teachers, and all staff. Following these procedures complies with health regulations and ensures that the school is a clean, safe, and comfortable place for everyone.
