Ergonomics Fosters Effective Cleaning
Controlled environments are continually evolving, becoming broader in scope but perhaps smaller or more modular in scale. Maintaining these clean spaces in a safe and ergonomic manner, while cleaning and maintaining sanitization efficacy, is a prime focus.
When considering a change, consider an integrated system that addresses the various technician, safety, and quality concerns. A collaborative review with technicians and quality team members usually results in the best overall system. Identify ergonomic issues: the weight of the mop head at the end of a long lever, the required reach, the ability to hold equipment in ergonomically desirable stances, and the ability to control excess liquid to avoid potential slip and fall hazards.
As each of the issues is addressed, there will be concerns that are best tackled with training. Other issues may require new equipment, refinements to standard operating procedures (SOPs), or a combination of all three.
Training
Training, with specific do’s and don’ts for cleaning processes and use of equipment, makes it less likely for staff to improvise by using or adapting equipment not intended for the job at hand.
Demonstrations of balance and the best positions to adopt for cleaning, which reduce repetitive awkward body postures such as stretching, leaning, and twisting to reach high ceilings or underneath equipment, are just as important as the cleaning routine of unidirectional, overlapping strokes. Training will increase staff confidence in best methods and promotes consistency in cleaning, in particular in disinfection.
Proper Tools
When the process review shows that there are some equipment limitations that cannot be overcome by training, it is time to reconsider the cleaning tools. In this case, mop heads and handles are a simple point of focus.
With handles, ensure that proper length variants are available for a variety of personnel statures. Use lightweight yet sturdy extendable handles for tasks requring a long reach and for ceilings that support a wet mop head sufficiently. Minimize the use of step stools to give better reach. Ergonomic experts recommend adjusting the length of the mop handle to the height of the forehead to guard against unnecessary bending when mopping floors. On the other end of the scale, small hoods, isolators, and RABS call for smaller or modular handles which still allow optimum reach.
In addition, mop head shape, size, and weight can greatly influence the efficiency and ease of cleaning. Often overlooked from an ergonomic perspective is the choice of mop fabric. Do you need a fabric that glides over a textured non-slip floor, or that minimizes grab on a high ceiling? How about extra absorbance for wet areas to prevent slipping or disinfectant build up? Compatibility with disinfectants is equally important, along with the ability to evenly disperse them.
"While basic cleaning materials, mops, wipes, handles, and specialty tools are critical, accessories such as carts and wringers should not be overlooked."
Would a better mop wringer reduce dripping and the potential for slips? Do you have a system with sufficient easy wringing, yet which allows for proper disinfectant contact time? Is the current wringer at a comfortable level for wringing-personnel should be able to effectively operate a downward press wringer without having to bend at the waist?
A complete system that addresses these demands and makes the disinfection process more ergonomic, simple, and cost effective is available from Micronova™:
- The LyoTool™ Mop for cleaning freeze drying/lyopholizer ovens
- The BucketBinder™ Multi Bucket Kit with NovaSnap™ or simple slide mops
The BucketBinder™ Kit features a unique core bucket system that includes a one-step, snap-on mop assembly and buckets connected without bulky carts and frames. The wringer consistently minimizes residual liquid without the ergonomic pit falls of wringers that require a wringer handle that moves in the opposite direction to the mop handle, resulting in repetitive bending and twisting motions.
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