Universities, colleges and TAFEs are places of learning, research and growth. Designed to provide a conducive environment for students and staff to work towards achieving their academic goals, one aspect that has always been a challenge is how to maintain a sparkling, clean and hygienic environment to optimise the education experience on campus for students.
Maintaining a spotless and conducive environment in tertiary institutions is crucial, not only for the health and well-being of those within the community but also for the reputation and image of the institution. A recent study showed that around 88% of respondents believed that a lack of cleanliness starts becoming a distraction when it reaches the APPA Level 3 (casual inattention) and Level 4 (moderate dinginess). Keeping these institutions clean becomes a major priority due to the large number of human traffic moving through these campuses on a daily basis.
Keeping a tertiary institution clean requires efforts by students, staff, commercial cleaning services, waste disposal services and community education. Let’s look at the role each of these plays in creating a healthy and conducive environment for learning and growth.
The Role of Students in Keeping Educational Institutions Clean
Students are the largest demographic in tertiary institutions, and they can play a significant role in keeping these institutions clean. The same study mentioned above also revealed that 80% of students believe they should be involved with keeping the campus clean.
Some ways students can help keep their surroundings clean and sanitary are:
- Creating awareness about the importance of cleanliness through peer-to-peer education.
- Taking responsibility for their own spaces, such as dorms and classrooms.
- Putting supplies and tools back where they belong after they are done with them.
- Disposing of waste correctly.
- Promote proper waste disposal and recycling.
The Role of Staff in Keeping Educational Institutions Clean
Staff members like teachers, technicians and administrative and operational staff also play a crucial role in keeping tertiary institutions clean. They can be encouraged to take ownership of keeping the campus clean by making cleanliness a part of their daily routine. This can look as simple as putting away supplies after the class is done or wiping boards clean at the end of a lecture, or even clearing up their desk at the end of the work day.
Staff members can be formally trained on proper waste disposal and recycling, and the institution can make it easy for staff to report maintenance issues that could lead to uncleanliness. By making cleanliness a part of the culture of the institution, staff members can help maintain a clean and hygienic environment.
The Importance of Commercial Cleaning Services
The main role of keeping the institution clean is played by the commercial cleaning services hired. Regular cleaning services are essential for keeping these institutions clean and sanitary. The institution should ensure that cleaning services are provided professionally, regularly and effectively. This can be done by having a cleaning schedule that is strictly followed and by having mechanisms in place to monitor the quality of the cleaning services provided. The cleaning company hired will also need the necessary training, tools, equipment and manpower to fit the unique needs of a university, college or TAFE.
Commercial cleaning services are responsible for undertaking the day-to-day cleaning tasks at the institute. This will include:
- dusting, wiping and disinfecting all surfaces of classrooms and lecture halls,
- sweeping, mopping and vacuuming all floors,
- cleaning laboratories and research facilities,
- cleaning, disinfecting and mopping all restrooms, including toilets, sinks and floors,
- replenishing supplies like toilet paper and soap,
- sweeping, mopping and wiping common areas like lobbies, hallways and lounges,
- cleaning dormitories and residential areas,
- disinfecting high-touch areas,
- trash removal and waste disposal.
The Importance of Proper Waste Disposal
Proper waste disposal mechanisms are crucial for maintaining cleanliness in tertiary institutions. It is important to have designated waste disposal bins for different types of waste, such as plastic, paper, and organic waste. Recycling facilities should also be made available to ensure that waste is disposed of properly. The institution should ensure that waste is collected and disposed of regularly and that recycling efforts are effective.
Many commercial cleaning companies also partner with waste management companies to ensure all waste is disposed of correctly. By hiring a reputable and experienced cleaning company, educational institutions can cross two hurdles with one leap and won’t need to bring two different vendors on board.
Educating the Community on the Benefits of Cleanliness
Finally, community education is an essential component of maintaining cleanliness in tertiary institutions. The community should be encouraged to take ownership of keeping the institution clean. Awareness campaigns and education programs can be used to promote cleanliness. Engaging students, staff, and the community in clean-up campaigns and other activities can also effectively promote cleanliness.
Universities, colleges and TAFEs in Melbourne can ensure their facilities are kept clean and hygienic throughout the year by involving their students in cleaning efforts, encouraging them to pick up after themselves and enlisting the help of the right commercial cleaning in Melbourne.