Paul Davis Commercial Teams Provide Big Box Stores with COVID-19 Cleanup

Many non-essential stores have closed at least temporarily during the COVID-19 crisis but essential retailers are busier than ever. Grocery stores and big box locations have experienced a particularly dramatic surge in traffic and sales. Most have extended hours, increased stocking and ordering, and boosted staff work time. Customer behaviour has changed as well, with self-check-out kiosks getting heavy use.

While that surge is helping companies minimize the economic impacts of this difficult time, it has intensified the need for cleaning to protect consumers and workers. The Paul Davis Commercial Team is stepping into the aisles to help. “Most stores now have protocols for treating high-touch surfaces like shopping carts, shelves, belts and registers,” says Mike Hopkins, Chief Operating Officer.“Many also undertake in-depth preemptive cleaning on a regular basis as well. We are fully equipped and staffed not only to handle those procedures but also to provide accurate estimates – by square metre, or time and materials, as customers prefer. We offer very competitive pricing.”

Paul Davis locations across North America are deploying teams to these retail locations according to customers’ schedules – including nights and weekends - and on short lead times. Further, the company is tracking all applicable guidelines for cleaning as they evolve at the national, provincial and local level. No matter what cleanup vendor commercial customers select, Paul Davis recommends thoroughly vetting candidates. Vendors should provide satisfactory answers to five questions:

Do you have prior experience with biohazard cleaning? All specialists performing cleanup should be specifically trained to address viruses, bacteria and other pathogens.

Are your employees certified and insured? All vendor personnel should be trained by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification organization, insured by employers and certified to respond to biological hazards like COVID-19. 

How will personal protective equipment be used? Donning and doffing PPE is a critical part of effective biohazard cleanup. Technicians should wear full suiting, gloves, goggles and, in selected cases, respirators. All used PPE must be removed and disposed of in accordance with applicable laws.

What types of chemicals will be used? Technicians must apply appropriate disinfectants for this pathogen while adhering to specific standards of use to ensure thorough treatment. Chemicals must be approved against COVID-19 and safe according to all applicable laws. Vendors must keep documentation available for perusal on demand.

What cleaning techniques will be used? Technicians should employ the most effective techniques specific to combatting COVID-19, such as electrostatic cleaning, fogging and surface treatments. Many required methods are specified by industry best practices and distinct from traditional cleaning methods.

Choose the right partner for cleaning suspected or confirmed biohazard contamination at your commercial facility. Paul Davis promises to be on site within four hours of any call for assistance.