“Pandemic Response Plan”

In response to COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus, Services Etcetera Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning would like to address the issue with our existing clients, potential clients and the public in general. First and foremost Services Etcetera has a “Pandemic Response Plan” in effect and is taking every precaution to ensure that we do not become part of the problem. There are 4 main focal points to our company’s official “Pandemic Response Plan” and they are mainly concerned with prevention and the safety of the public, our clients and our employees. Since there are 2 individual divisions within our company, each requires some different procedures yet common precautions. Please note that this is just an outline of a much larger program being implemented by our company. We felt it necessary to address this issue publicly so that people are aware of our dedication to preventing the community spread of COVID-19.

1. Cross Contamination

A. In the case of janitorial and office cleaning services, most if not all of the equipment and supplies necessary to perform the cleaning, are exclusive to that particular facility. Items such as vacuums, brooms, mops, buckets, cloths and bowl brushes to mention just a few, are stationed and dedicated to its intended facility. Equipment is sanitized on a regular basis. In keeping with this practice, the chances of cross contamination through equipment sharing from one facility to another, is highly unlikely.
Our janitorial and office cleaning customers have already been supplied with a complete “Pandemic Response Plan” that is relative to the type of services they are receiving. If you are a Services Etcetera customer and have not received your copy, you can contact our office and request a copy by calling 570-459-0429 or emailing kmartin@procleaner.biz.

B. In the case of our carpet, upholstery and floor cleaning division where we must bring in common equipment that has been used in other facilities and residences, procedures are in place to ensure we are sanitizing our equipment between workplace locations. Some equipment will be hand wiped with sanitizing products and some will be undergo spray fogging/misting between workplaces. Services Etcetera is using an EPA registered product that is known to eliminate Covid-19 along with a host of other viruses and fungus.

C. Please note that due to current conditions and other restrictions, Services Etcetera cannot sell or supply these products. At this time we are only able to purchase limited quantities which we are using for the sanitizing of our own equipment and where needed for smaller spot disinfecting tasks. If you experience or feel that your workplace has been exposed we advise you to call your local health authority and the CDC for immediate instructions and up to date information on how to proceed. You should also make anyone coming to your facility aware of the situation so they can take the appropriate personal safety actions. Please consult the CDC on proper actions and procedures.

2. Personal Protective Equipment

A. Each division within our company will be supplied with and required to use personal protective equipment. Use of this equipment is for the protection of our staff, for our customers and the general public. The type of protective gear provided, and how, when and where it should be worn or used, will vary from location to location and from task to task. The equipment provided will be, but not limited to, face masks, gloves, CDC listed sanitizing solutions, equipment sanitizing apparatus and a list of procedures for their proper use. Some of these practices are already in place as part of our normal day to day operation while other equipment and their procedures for use are in the process of being implemented as fast as circumstances allow. In protecting our staff we can limit their exposure and potential contamination which in turn will prevent our employees from unknowingly spreading the virus to others.
Please note that if any of these protective and preventative items start to become in short supply, we will make every effort to find a suitable substitution. We will assess each workplace area individually and work to the best of our ability to ensure safe, continued and reliable service without risking the health and safety of our clients, our employees and that of the general public.

B. Communication with our clients and employees will be a key element to ensuring everyone’s good health and safety. Any deviation from our company’s response plan, the workplace’s potential exposure with infected persons or confirmed exposure will require the approval of upper management prior to providing or continuing services at that specific location. Please be mindful that if some services cannot be performed, or if at first glance they seem to have been overlooked, the reason could potentially be health and safety related. Again we cannot stress enough that communication with our clients will be a key element to ensuring everyone’s good health and safety. We will make every effort to immediately inform our clients about potential risks or related problems as we encounter them.

3. Personal Responsibility

A. We encourage the practice of personal responsibility, both at work and in your daily life. Maintain safe personal space, make a habit of frequent hand washing for at least 20 seconds and avoid individuals that are sick. Employees are asked to avoid small spaces with many people, such as elevators, and maintain a safe personal space distance when communicating person-to-person. Increase you social distancing to 6 feet. Avoid hand to hand contact, a simple arm bump or verbal acknowledgement will understandably replace a handshake during this crisis.

B. Employees who are sick or showing signs of becoming sick should stay home and not report for work. If you are concerned with your symptoms please consult your medical provider on how you should proceed. While visits to the doctor or other medical facilities may cause an overload of the health system, it is important to remain calm and first consult your physician or local health care authority. If in the event you are experiencing life threatening symptoms immediately call 911 emergency services.

4. Fear, Panic and Misinformation

A. Misinformation is a big contributor to fear and panic which compounds the seriousness of the crisis at hand. Although social media platforms do serve as a quick and expeditious method of passing on information, please don’t look to Facebook posts for cures and remedies concerning COVID-19, AKA the Coronavirus. In some instances people have been told to drink industrial strength alcohol which resulted in death. Other information has stated that Vodka products work as a hand sanitizer. This has been proven to be wrong. Social media does have its place and does serve a purpose in keeping us informed but consult the proper authorities for your health information regarding the Coronavirus. The https://www.cdc.gov/ website is an excellent place to learn about COVID-19.

B. Fear and panic will cause larger issues and only serve to compound the problems created by COVID-19. Remain calm and make methodical and smart choices as distractions can cause other unexpected health related problems along with avoidable accidents that may cause injury. Staying informed by the proper authorities and getting in the habit of taking a few simple precautions will go a very long way in preventing the spread of this disease.