In the dynamic environment surrounding COVID-19, PJS is evaluating our protocols and procedures on a daily basis. Our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by this virus and we’re grateful for your continued business and partnership through this challenging time.
Below is just a handful of the many things we’re doing to serve our Austin community.
Extra Disinfection Services
Because our additional disinfecting services go beyond normal cleaning standards and scope, we want to make sure you have all the appropriate information you need to begin planning. All services are available to buildings and tenants directly:
Sanitizing Specialist
This additional service during business hours includes sanitizing of touch points throughout your building or suite with a disinfectant registered under the CDC’s emerging viral pathogen program for use against COVID-19.
Electrostatic Disinfection
Our EPA-approved disinfectant is distributed to surfaces by means of an electrostatic sprayer, a professional cordless distribution mechanism that evenly applies disinfectant solution. An electrical charge is applied to the solution, allowing droplets to wrap conductive surfaces with an effective and even coverage. It is ideal for application in workplace environments and ensures all targeted areas are reached.
COVID-19 Protocols
In a time of crisis and uncertainty, protocols matter. Precautions and safeguards give us clarity, minimize risk, and allow us to work more effectively and safely. Some of our new COVID-19 protocols include:
- Our employees are screened with a no-contact digital thermometer when they arrive to confirm they don’t have a fever.
- We’ve integrated COVID-19 screening questions into our time clock system every time an employee checks in for work.
- And we promote social distancing by:
- Staggering our shift start times whenever possible.
- Ensuring that our employees stay 6 feet apart during check-in, checkout, and during cleaning.
- Requiring employees to wear provided masks and gloves during all shifts, day and night.
Cross-Contamination Mitigation
Cross-contamination happens when bacteria or other organisms are unintentionally transferred from one object to another with harmful effect. For example, if a microfiber cloth that was used to clean a toilet in a restroom is then used on your conference room table, or worse, to clean some dishes, cross-contamination has occurred.
To prevent cross-contamination PJS uses a color-coding system to clean. For example, red microfiber cloths and mops are only used in the restroom, while green cloths are used in common areas. We also ensure that dirty microfiber cleaning cloths go into a dirty bin (red) and clean microfiber cleaning cloths come out of a clean bin (green).
We then launder these microfiber cloths every day using commercial washing machines and dryers.
One additional precaution we take is to have our bathroom specialists only clean bathrooms, while our breakroom specialists never enter bathrooms.
Choosing Between Cleaners, Sanitizers, and Disinfectants
In our battle against coronavirus, it’s important to know the difference between cleaners, sanitizers, and disinfectants.
CLEANER
Cleaning agents use soap or detergent to aid in removing visible debris, dirt and dust from a surface, by lifting them so they can be rinsed away with water. Although the act of cleaning may physically remove bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, the cleaner itself is not meant to reduce or prevent their occurrence or kill them. Also, a cleaner is not regulated by the EPA, while sanitizers and disinfectants are.
SANITIZER
An EPA-approved sanitizer is certified to lower the number of bacteria on surfaces to levels considered safe by public health organizations, but sanitizers are not certified to make any anti-viral or other non-bacterial claims. These products may be faster at bacterial reduction and safer than disinfectants, but disinfectants usually have broader kill claims.
DISINFECTANT
An EPA-approved disinfectant is certified to kill all microscopic bacteria, viruses, fungi, mold and mildew listed on its product label, on a wide variety of surfaces. For even more utility, some disinfectants also have a cleaning agent mixed in.