Overview
Perfect Clean has been entrusted with the deep cleaning of kitchens and ventilation systems for over 70 sites within Falkirk Council, including a diverse range of schools, nurseries, and care homes. This complex project was driven by the council’s stringent requirements for maintaining the highest levels of hygiene and safety, reflecting the critical nature of the environments involved. Given the vulnerability of the occupants, ranging from young children to the elderly, the council’s specifications demanded not just thoroughness in cleaning but a deep understanding of the health implications and the need for minimising disruption. The complexity of this project was further amplified by the varied layouts and uses of the kitchen and ventilation systems across sites, necessitating a bespoke approach to meet the council’s exacting standards and the specific needs.
Challenge
The project presented multifaceted challenges: adhering to stringent health and safety standards, scheduling cleans around the specific operational hours of each facility to avoid disruption, and ensuring environmental considerations were met. The diversity of the sites added layers of complexity, from varying sizes of kitchens and ventilation systems to differing levels of use and exposure.
Our Approach
Our tailored strategies and methodologies for each site reflected our commitment to meeting Falkirk Council’s comprehensive needs. From planning efficient routes to reduce environmental impact to adapting cleaning schedules around the facilities’ operational hours, our approach was considerate of the unique challenges presented by each location. Our readiness for this project was supported by our team’s specialist accreditation, including membership of BESA and completion of BICSc LTP training. A crucial element in our successful delivery of this project was the expertise and oversight provided by our Health & Safety Manager. As a Grease Hygiene Technician certified to GHT3 BESA standard, his qualifications were essential in guiding our team through the specific demands of cleaning kitchen canopies, ductwork, and filters in compliance with TR19 Grease guidelines. His role extended beyond supervisory duties, covering the coordination and certification of grease extraction systems cleans, quality assurance checks, and providing on-the-job training, coaching and support to our operatives. This level of expertise ensured our cleaning methods were not only effective but also aligned with the best practices and safety protocols necessary for such sensitive environments.
Customised Cleaning Protocols
Recognising the unique demands of each location, we developed bespoke cleaning protocols. This involved:
- Detailed assessments to determine the specific needs of each kitchen and canopy, factoring in the layout, equipment, and usage patterns.
- Selecting appropriate cleaning materials and methods, with a focus on ‘food safe’ agents and compatibility with various surface materials.
- Implementing advanced cleaning technologies, such as foggers for disinfection and steam vacuum cleaners for hard floors, enhancing our efficiency and effectiveness.
Logistical Coordination
A critical element of our strategy was logistical coordination, ensuring our cleaning schedules aligned with each site’s operational hours. This required:
- Close collaboration with Falkirk Council to establish an annual cleaning programme, factoring in school holidays and the specific timings of care home operations.
- Efficient route planning to minimise environmental impact and ensure our teams could move swiftly between sites, reducing downtime and emissions.
- Adaptations to accommodate the presence of pupils, clients, or residents, ensuring all work was conducted under the supervision of a council representative when necessary.
Outcome
Our kitchen and ventilation deep cleaning services significantly enhanced the cleanliness and safety of facilities under Falkirk Council’s jurisdiction. Through our comprehensive cleaning services, which covered areas from ductwork and filters to all kitchen surfaces and equipment, we surpassed the predefined quality requirements. Our thorough methods guaranteed that every location was left in impeccable condition, devoid of any dust, dirt, or potential hazards. By specifically targeting areas prone to fire hazards and ensuring all surfaces were ‘food safe,’ we not only elevated the facilities’ hygiene but also significantly mitigated risks, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a safe, clean, and compliant environment.
Conclusion
The partnership between Perfect Clean and Falkirk Council on this extensive kitchen and ventilation deep cleaning project highlights our ability to tackle complex, large-scale challenges through precise planning, specialist knowledge, and a commitment to environmental sustainability. Our success in navigating the logistical and technical aspects of this project reaffirms our position as a leader in the field of specialised cleaning services. With a focus on quality and sustainability, we continue to set new standards for hygiene and safety in public sector facilities.
TESTIMONIAL
‘Perfect Clean have been handling the kitchen deep cleans, including ventilation and canopy cleaning, for over 70 of our sites, which include a range of schools, nurseries, and care homes.
They have a well organised manager and health and safety support team who are always timely to respond and offer advice where required.
The frontline cleaning teams themselves are a credit to the company. They clearly follow all the health and safety guidelines we have in place and ensure a high standard of cleaning is carried out.
It’s reassuring to see a contractor who takes these aspects as seriously as we do.
Perfect Clean have been a key partner in maintaining our facilities to the high standards we expect.’
Judith Macdonald, Acting Facilities Manager (Catering & Cleaning), Falkirk Council
