Keeping floors and surfaces spotless. That might work for other places. But hospital cleanliness is more than that. It plays a crucial role in infection control. As well as patient safety. A reliable hospital cleaning company must follow strict health regulations. They must use proper sanitation methods and prevent the spread of harmful pathogens.
But how do you hire the right cleaning provider? Ask the right questions
Here’s what you need to know.
1. Do You Have Experience in Hospital Cleaning?
Cleaning companies have more than one specialty. But some may not be well-versed in hospitals. Hospitals. Clinics. Aged care homes. These require specific cleaning protocols. These go beyond standard commercial cleaning.
Ask if the company has experience working with medical facilities. And whether they follow Australian healthcare cleaning guidelines. Request details on the hospitals or clinics they’ve serviced. Also how they handle infection control.
Why it matters: Cleaning medical spaces requires knowledge of strict sanitation practices. Also biohazard waste disposal and the use of hospital-grade disinfectants.
2. Do Your Staff Receive Infection Control Training?
Hospital cleaning staff must be trained in infection prevention. Add cross-contamination control and handling hazardous materials to that.
What are the company’s training programs? Do their cleaners understand how to clean high-risk areas? Think operating theatres and intensive care units. Are they familiar with industry cleaning standards?
3. Do You Use Hospital-Grade Cleaning Products? What about Equipment?
Hospitals may require specialised disinfectants. Some products may not kill certain bacteria. While others can cause allergic reactions.
Check if the company uses high-grade and approved disinfectants. Also, ask about their cleaning tools. Do they use HEPA-filter vacuums? What about microfibre cloths? Or UV disinfection technology?
Why it’s important: The right products and equipment help eliminate harmful germs. Ensuring patient and staff safety.
4. Cross-Contamination. Do You Have Measures to Prevent It?
This is a serious risk in hospitals. Especially in areas like patient rooms and emergency departments. Most especially in surgical wards.
Ask about their cleaning procedures:
- Do they use colour-coded cleaning tools for different areas?
- Are cleaning cloths and mops replaced frequently?
- Do their staff follow hand hygiene protocols while cleaning?
The importance: A well-structured cleaning system prevents bacteria from spreading between rooms. Protecting vulnerable patients.
5. Are You Certified to Work in Healthcare Settings?
A reputable hospital cleaning company should hold relevant industry certifications to prove their expertise.
Look for:
- ISO 9001 – This is for quality management
- ISO 45001 – For occupational health & safety
- AS/NZS 4801 – workplace safety compliance
The significance: Certifications demonstrate that the company follows best practices. Especially in healthcare cleaning and workplace safety.
6. Medical Waste and Biohazards. Do You Have Measures to Handle Them?
Hospitals have a lot of biohazardous waste. These accumulate daily. Think syringes and blood-contaminated bandages. Also other infectious materials.
Ask about their waste disposal procedures:
- Do they comply with the National Standard for Clinical and Related Waste Management?
- Do their staff wear protective gear while handling biohazards?
- How do they transport? Most importantly, how do they dispose of hazardous materials?
Incorrect waste disposal can lead to health risks. As well as legal issues and environmental contamination.
7. How Do You Clean High-Risk Areas? Like Operating Theatres and ICUs?
Certain hospital areas require extra disinfection. This could be due to high exposure to bacteria and viruses.
Ask if they follow advanced sanitation methods such as:
- Electrostatic disinfection
- Fogging disinfection
- Terminal cleaning for patient discharge rooms
Why it matters: High-risk areas need specialised cleaning techniques to prevent infections from spreading.
8. Can You Provide References?
A reputable cleaning provider should be able to share references. From other hospitals and clinics or aged care homes they’ve worked with.
Ask for testimonials or case studies. Also hospital contacts who can verify their cleaning quality.
Why it matters: Positive feedback from healthcare clients builds trust and ensures reliability.
9. Do You Have Quality Assurance Measures?
Cleaning companies should have a monitoring system. These are in place to ensure consistent results.
Ask if they:
- Conduct regular audits and inspections
- Use digital tracking tools for cleaning schedules
- Have a feedback system to address complaints
Why it matters: These ensure cleaners maintain high hygiene standards at all times.
10. Do You Have Insurance?
Accidents. They can happen in any workplace. Including hospitals.
A good company should provide public liability insurance. Ask if your provider has them. Also workers’ compensation coverage. These protect both parties in case of accidents or damages.
Why it matters: Insurance safeguards the hospital from potential legal risks. Also financial risks.
11. Emergency Cleaning Services. Do You Offer This?
Hospitals operate round-the-clock. This means urgent cleaning needs can arise at any time.
Ask if the company provides 24-hour emergency cleaning. These are for unexpected situations like:
- Blood and bodily fluid spills
- Biohazard incidents
- Infection outbreaks
Why it matters: A cleaning company should be flexible and available whenever urgent cleaning is needed.
Choosing the Right Provider
Hiring a hospital cleaning company isn’t about superficial cleanliness. It’s about maintaining a safe and sterile environment. For patients and staff as well as visitors.
The right cleaning provider should offer experience and certifications. They must also have quality control and 24/7 service to meet the demands of a busy medical facility.
Get in Touch with a Trusted Hospital Cleaning Company
Spick & Span provides specialist hospital cleaning services. And we work hard to meet the highest hygiene and infection control standards. Our team is trained in healthcare sanitation and biohazard disposal. We also use deep disinfection techniques to keep your hospital safe.
We use advanced cleaning technology. Following strict compliance measures to prevent the spread of infections. Do you need routine cleaning? What about emergency response? Or deep sanitisation? We tailor our services to meet your hospital’s unique needs.
Contact us today. Learn how we can keep your medical facility clean and compliant. Most of all, safe for everyone.