When it comes to running a successful cleaning business, the importance of implementing colour coded systems for high-standards cannot be overstated. The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) outlined a colour code in the late 1990s which has become widely used across the cleaning industry to maintain high standards of hygiene. Whether this involves colour coded equipment or areas, using colour codes in your business will make it easier and quicker to deliver high quality cleaning services. In this article, we explore the benefits of colour codes for cleaning.
Minimises Cross-Contamination
Colour coding is considered good practice when cleaning multiple areas to reduce the risk of cross contamination. By colour coding equipment such as mops, brushes and cleaning supplies, businesses can ensure that equipment is not being used across multiple areas and causing contamination. When colour coding cleaning supplies it is important to store the different colours in separate areas and to make sure each cleaning product is only used within the designated area. This is a simple and effective practice that can be quickly integrated into your business and will maintain the highest levels of hygiene in the workplaces that your business caters to.
Low-risk and high-risk areas
Colour codes for high and low risk areas are an effective way of identifying potential hygiene risks and making sure that high risk areas are receiving the correct level of care. Having colour coded cleaning equipment will also make this stage easier, and will ensure that equipment from high risk areas is not being used in low risk areas.
The four colours of the BICSc colour scheme are red, blue, yellow and green. Red and yellow being used for washroom and sanitary use, as well as more high risk areas, due to red being universally associated with hazards. Having the two different colours for high risk areas ensures that, even within high risk areas, cross contamination is avoided by not using the same cleaning products on toilets and sinks, preventing the spread of infection.
Protect employees and clients
The key priority for any cleaning business is the safety and health of the employees and clients. This is particularly true if your business often cleans in areas or workplaces that have hygiene risks associated with them, such as factories or healthcare units. Having colour coded equipment for each designated area and ensuring that your employees are fully aware of the system will prevent the transfer of bacteria across different areas and protect their health, as well as guaranteeing a clean workplace for your clients.
Maintain high professional standards
Managing a successful cleaning business and growing a consistent base of clients is a long and hard process, but if the standards of cleanliness and hygiene drop at any point, the damage to your business and reputation can be devastating. It is always important to be aware of any strategies that can improve your business’s reputation, as well as cleaning standards, and colour codes are an effective way to boost both.
Having a uniform set of colour codes that are adopted across the business and strictly adhered to will showcase your business wide commitment to high standards, as well as simply looking more professional and encouraging confidence in the business. This professionalism will especially help when visiting first time clients and encouraging repeat business.
Colour codes for cleaning – take your business to the next level
If you are committed to maintaining high standards of professionalism and hygiene within your cleaning business, why not consider franchising to take your business to the next level? MCS offers franchising opportunities that guarantee an excellent level of business support to kickstart your franchising journey, as well as all the necessary resources and training to grow your business.
To learn more about franchising and the many benefits it offers, contact MCS today.