[Katie Sutton]

Hiya there,
Brand new to this forum, so hello all!! But also, I have burning questions!!

We've had our small cleaning business for around 11 years, and as soon as I could afford it I made sure to get me and the team on a proper course. Got an NVQ with a local college, and did 2 years gaining WAMITAB qualifications (this was before they were taken over and moved to waste specialisation).

One of the key things drilled into us was to always apply chemicals by spraying the cloth, and not the surface directly, unless dealing with e.g bodily fluids. For many reasons, including COSHH (minimises risk of inhalation or ingestion), ensures even distribution of chemicals, minimises risk of cross contaminating chemicals, reduces excess chemical being wasted and/or unaccounted for etc etc.

We very recently had an audit with one of our contracts (an outside source that acts on behalf of the region's educational body), and despite having been included in inspections from both Ofsted and Food Hygiene on other contracts previously (who took no exception whatsoever), this latest person has been ADAMANT that we're using chemicals all wrong, and won't take anything we have to say on it.

To note, this person has also said that we shouldn't use toilet cleaner (which dumbfounded me), and also said there's no need to use disinfectant (we use a multi use disinfectant and general cleaner, they also couldn't wrap their head around this), this was as covid restrictions had been eased.

I guess I'm seeking confirmation that we're not crazy, and that this is an accepted standard within our industry? Thought I'd get some fellow cleaner opinions on it!

Thankyou if you're still with me and sorry for such a lengthy first post!!

[Smudger]

Hi there and welcome,

Not sure if this is the best section for you - most here are exterior cleaners - pressure washing etc...

As for standards, I would ask your auditor to provide recognised method statements that you can then work to.  - I think its just one of those things if the safety exec wants to be a PITA then you don't have much choice - I get this a lot when accessing commercial roof work where the H&S guy brings up loads of chaff to make it difficult OR impossible to carry out the work - after having a meeting and explaining and getting no where I go to the GM (owner) whoever and put them in the picture - so far ive won every argument

I would also post in the carpet cleaning and hard floor sections - I think these guys would readily deal with chemicals you are using
Darran

[Katie Sutton]

Ah thanks mate - will most definitely copy paste into a couple of other threads. With thanks for your detailed reply, glad it's not just us to have experienced auditing in such a way, and another thank you for your excellent advice