EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused schools to rethink their custodial operations in several ways. Schools now clearly recognize the crucial importance of cleaning and disinfection and the role it plays in breaking the chain of transmission and protecting the health and safety of students, staff and school guests. As a result, schools appreciate the need to implement a robust, comprehensive custodial program that is focused on the concept of “cleaning for health.”
The Triple S Partners in Protection (PiP) program is designed to help K-12 schools adopt and implement such a program. Established by cleaning and sanitation experts and focused on the thorough cleaning, sanitization and disinfection of surfaces – particularly “high risk” / “high touch” areas – the program sets for a series of best practice protocols specifically outlining what surfaces, items and areas need to be serviced, how often they need to be cleaned/ sanitized/ disinfected, and by whom. Overall, the program seeks to establish enhanced cleaning and disinfection practices aimed at reducing risk.
The program is based on three key steps:
Step One – ESTABLISH FOR PROTECTION
- Under Step One, a school or school district will outline the specific protocols that will be followed (what will be cleaned/disinfected, when servicing will occur, and by whom), set specific cleanliness standards, and adopt a full plan to manage the new operations.
Step Two – EDUCATE FOR PROTECTION
- Step Two focuses on education, training and making sure custodians, staff members and students are in the best position to succeed. This includes full training on how to properly perform cleaning/disinfection activities.
Step Three – INSPECT FOR PROTECTION
- Under Step Three, schools actively monitor their cleanliness through comprehensive inspections and assessments. This is crucial to ensure things are being done effectively and as expected.
The Triple S Partners in Protection program relies on a new concept called “Collaborative Cleaning.” Collaborative Cleaning is based on the reality that it is everyone’s responsibility to keep the school healthy and safe and everyone – including students, teachers and other staff – must play an active role.
It is important to note the Partners in Protection program is intended to establish a “new normal” as it pertains to school custodial operations and is not intended to be a short-term solution. By implementing the protocols laid out, schools will be in the best position to respond to COVID-19 and all other public health threats including those that are unknown at this time.
Finally, the Partners in Protection program understands that many schools face significant budgetary issues. In recognition of this reality, the program is based on improving efficiency, looking for new ways to allocate resources – including labor – and adopting innovative technology. The end goal is a clean and healthy indoor environment for school occupants achieved in the most cost-effective manner possible.
