Methodology questions

[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 12 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, whereby I 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, ingestion, absorption), ensures even distribution of chemicals, minimises risk of cross contaminating chemicals, reduces excess chemical being wasted and/or unaccounted for etc etc.

We 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, infact had good things to say about us), 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); 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; along with other red flags such as never having heard of the seven steps (literally taking notes as I talked her through a thing we teach people on day one of training, along with colour coding); she encouraged use of red cloths (our high risk colour) on things like handles of cubicles (as opposed to yellow, as we were taught) - I could go on and on.

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!!

 

[Jamie Biles]

regards cloths as long as all staff know and you have adequate signage in place (pretty much your choice although there is an un-written law as you will) regards chems/product usage again as long as you the the instructions as stated by manufacturer for its intended purpose that's that sorted etc etc

 

[Dave Atkins]

This sounds like a situation where a little sales skill is needed.
The 'turn it round' technique is what i would use. it goes something like this;
we are using chemical procedures as recommended by the chemical manufacturers, so mr/mrs inspector are you going to tell the manufacturers that they dont know how to use their own products??? pause
next question: What makes you think you know more than the people that make and test these chemicals in laboratory conditions???

Katie you are the expert not the inspector, another easy way to put the inspector down without offending is to say: Are you saying the manufacturers recommended procedures are wrong???

Whatever they say, theyre just going to hang themselves like a fool.
IMPORTANT When you ask a question NEVER EVER be the next person to speak no matter how awkward it feels.
#Don't forget to be pleasant when asking these questions, be humble, be concerned as if youre asking for help.

 

[J S]

Katie i wouldn't worry to much about what they say , just trying to justify their job
As the saying goe's if you can't dazzle em with brilliance baffle em with bullsh1t