At YML Cleaning and Event Services, YML Agency and YML Portable Restrooms, we have placed the health and safety of our employees as a top priority. Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, our employees servicing the janitorial and staffing industry have been provided with masks, gloves and gowns for their protection and that of our clients. We have taken additional steps for disinfecting and sanitizing following the CDC and EPA guidelines and using products that are EPA approved. In addition, we have taken steps to ensure the sanitation, disinfecting and maintenance of our line of VIP portable restrooms that service the clients in the events industry, corporations, municipalities, government and other clients.
Our janitorial, maintenance and cleaning services division provides services to offices and other commercial properties for the past 10 years. We are closely following the reopening guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting of public spaces, workplaces, businesses and schools, as established by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
To ensure the safety of our clients and our employees, we are establishing the following guidelines, as established by the CDC and EPA:
- We are requiring COVID-19 testing every 2-weeks for all our staff members.
- Establishing internal policies and procedures for COVID-19.
- Providing ongoing training to our staff on all the COVID-19 guidelines and requirements.
- Using EPA Approved products, as established by the CDC, that include sprays, concentrates, and wipes.
- Following the guidelines and framework provided by the CDC for cleaning and disinfecting:
- Soap and water decreases virus on surfaces and objects.
- Disinfection using EPA-approved products.
- Using 1/3 cup of bleach added to 1 gallon of water (this solution will be effective up to 24 hours).
- 70% alcohol solutions (do not mix bleach or other cleaning and disinfection products together.
Outdoor Areas and Events
Indoor areas are not the only ones of importance. As recommended by the CDC, although outdoor areas do not generally require cleaning and disinfection, regular cleaning and disinfecting practices should continue. However, the CDC states that, “the spraying of disinfectant on sidewalks and in parks is not an efficient use of disinfectant supplies and has not been proven to reduce the risk of COVID-19 to the public”.
However, any hard surfaces and objects that are touched frequently, as it occurs during an outdoor event, will need to be cleaned and disinfected. This objects and surfaces that will require cleaning include, but are not limited to:
- Tables
- Bars
- Chairs
- Food stations
Area unoccupied for 7 days
As recommended by the CDC, if your workplace, school, or business has been unoccupied for 7 days or more, it will only need your normal routine cleaning to reopen the area. The virus that causes COVID-19 has not been shown to survive on surfaces longer than this time.
Hard and Non-Porous Material – glass, metal or plastic
The YML Team is following the EPA’s approved products against COVID-19.
Examples of touched surfaces and objects that will need disinfection periodically and following reopening of event venues, offices, schools, banks and other commercial entities:
- tables
- doorknobs
- light switches
- countertops
- handles
- desks
- phones
- keyboards
- toilets
- faucets and sinks
- gas pump handles
- touch screens
- ATM machines
Fumigation/Foggers or wide-area spraying
EPA does not recommend use of fumigation or wide-area spraying to control COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you clean contaminated surfaces with liquid products, such as those provided on List N (EPA approved), to prevent the spread of disease. Read CDC’s recommendations. Fumigation and wide-area spraying are not appropriate tools for cleaning contaminated surfaces.
Protecting Our Clients and Employees
During this time, we are mindful of the impact that COVID-19 has had in the world and the communities we service. We are committed to continue providing the same high level of service our brand is. As a result, The YML Team has enhanced and implemented a plan with our portable restrooms for YML Portable Restrooms and the janitorial and cleaning services division of YML Cleaning and Event Services to meet the requirements of COVID-19 as recommended by the CDC and EPA. In addition, our employees will be tested for COVID-19 every 2-weeks to ensure their safety and that of our clients. Consistency, professionalism and responsiveness will continue to be our company drivers. The YML Team is preparing to ensure our operations return to normality when the hospitality industry turns around and it is safe to conduct gatherings. As for our janitorial and cleaning division, we have established the proper guidelines to ensure our clients, staff, vendors and visitors to their facilities are protected. Our employees are committed to supporting our clients and maintaining the trust we have earned in the communities we service.