1. Ensure that dust mops are
properly treated (see section on product selection) to capture
dust.
2. Use wide area vacuums
fitted with appropriate bags/filters, as much as possible.
3. Use lint-free dusting
cloths or a vacuum instead of feather dusters.
Traditional dusting and dust
mopping techniques frequently move dust and other contaminants
from one area to another, such as from a bookshelf to the floor.
It is important to recognize that moving the dust around is more
then just an efficiency issue.
Dusting and dust mopping
activities that do not capture soils frequently stir them into
the air where people can then inhale the particles, which for
some can become a serious health hazard.
In addition to the traditional
procedures for dusting and dust mopping it is preferable to
minimize chemical dust treatments. It is preferable to use a
vacuum cleaner fitted with a wide area hard floor attachment as
compared to a dust mop treated with a high VOC content solvent.
If dust mopping is used, prefer the widest swivel action mop
possible (based on the size of area and the physical abilities
of the custodial worker) and a water-based dust mop treatment.
Feather dusters should not be
used. It is preferable to dust with lint-free damp clothes that
are neatly folded like a handkerchief to expose multiple sides
for absorbing dust.
1. Fill a properly labeled
trigger spray bottle with dust mop treatment, which has been
prepared according to label directions.
2. Spray dust mop treatment
onto a clean dust mop. Follow manufacturers’ directions for
application rate. Apply next to the backing, at the base of the
yarn. Do not over treat.
3. Roll the dust mop, treated
side in. Place in a plastic bag to cure for at least 24 hours.
After 24 hours, place treated/cured dust mop on the frame.
4. Dust mop the area, use a
continuous motion, without lifting the mop from the floor.
5. Begin with the mop next to
the wall.
Walk to the other end of the
work area. At the opposite end, pivot the dust mop so that the
leading edge remains the same. Return to the opposite end.
Overlap the previously mopped path by 2 to 4 inches, to ensure
complete coverage.
6. One pass with a properly
treated dust mop removes dirt, dust and abrasive particles,
without leaving the floor dull or slippery. Sweep accumulated
soil to a collection area, lightly shake loose soil from the
dust mop, and continue. Remove gum, tape or other sticky residue
with a scraper, using care not to mar or scratch the floor
finish. Continue the dust mopping process until the entire area
has been dust mopped. When completely finished, pick up the
collected debris using a counter brush and dustpan.
7. Clean excess dust from the
mop head. Place the mop over a trash container. Brush with a
stiff bristle brush in a firm, downward motion.
8. Store the mop in a hanging
position. DO NOT store the dust mop on the floor. The mop
treatment will stain the floor, and the mop fibers will become
matted.
9. When the dust mop no longer
attracts soil, it may be re-treated. Spray the mop at the end of
the work shift, and hang to cure overnight.
10. Dust cloths may also be
treated with dust mop treatment. Spray lightly and allow to cure
for 24 hours before use.
11. Launder soiled dust mop
heads. Soak mop heads overnight in a neutral pH cleaning
solution. Rinse thoroughly, wring out and hang to dry.
12. Re-treat as directed for
initial treatment.
Entryways
1. Clean entryways beginning
outside the building.
2. Use walk-off matting
outside and inside entry. Vacuum, sweep, cleaning these mats
frequently, especially during inclement weather.
3. Make sure mopping solutions
are kept clean using only the correct amount of cleaning
chemical. Do not overuse concentrated cleaning chemicals. Remake
as necessary and dispose spent solution appropriately.
4. Use appropriate vacuums.
Dispose of captured material or empty bags before half full.
Dispose appropriately.
Entryways are the first line
of defense against contaminants. Thus, special effort should be
focused in these areas. Begin by cleaning outside walkways
leading into the facility. This is especially true during
inclement weather.
Large outside entryway areas
can be swept daily (weather permitting) with a mechanized
sweeper and smaller areas with large, high quality push
broom. Outdoor areas should be periodically cleaned with a
high-pressure power washer. During snow and ice, procedures need
to be put in place to first protect occupants and visitors from
slips and falls. The selection of the appropriate ice melting
compounds that will not be tracked into the building is
important.
Use walk-off mats both outside
the entryways, as well as just inside the doors. Mats should be
long enough so that as an adult walks across the mat each foot
hits the mat at least twice (typically a minimum of 10 to 12
feet). Walk-off mats should not just be used during inclement
weather, but all year round. Vacuum walk-off mats at least daily
and more frequently in high traffic entryways using a vacuum
with a beater bar and vacuum in both directions. Walk-off mats
must be cleaned frequently and don’t forget to periodically
clean underneath them as well.
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