This is a policy from 2020, reflective upon the COVID-19 pandemic, but the principles and strategies mentioned are still applicable for employees and employers who want to keep their workplace clean and disinfect high-touch areas compliantly. 

1. POLICY

ABC Company is implementing the following routine enhanced cleaning and disinfection policy as part of its Communicable Illness Prevention and Occupational Hygiene Program, with the goal of ensuring a healthy and safe workplace for all and to ensure compliance with applicable federal, provincial and territorial occupational health and safety legislation, WHMIS requirements, public health guidance (where applicable), and other relevant laws and regulations in force in Canada. This Policy supports ABC Company’s obligation to take every reasonable precaution to protect the health and safety of workers and other persons at the workplace.

1. SCOPE

This Policy applies to all ABC Company facilities and workplaces, including Company-owned vehicles, as well as to all ABC Company employees, volunteers, contractors, customers, clients and visitors. Failure to comply with this Policy may result in denial of entry or removal from the premises in accordance with applicable workplace rules and legal obligations.

1. WORKPLACE ASSESSMENT

A competent person and member of the workplace joint health and safety committee (JHSC) or health and safety representative (HSR), as the case may be, will perform an assessment of ABC Company facilities and workplaces, including Company-owned vehicles, to:

• Identify all surfaces and objects that require normal routine cleaning with soap and water;
• Identify which surfaces and objects also require disinfection;
• Determine how often cleaning and disinfection must be performed on the particular surface and object;
• Determine which materials must be used for cleaning and disinfection;
• Determine which health and safety measures must be followed for each particular cleaning and disinfection operation; and
• Determine which personal protective equipment (PPE) and health and safety equipment is required for each particular cleaning and disinfection operation.

1. CLEANING AND DISINFECTION PLAN DEVELOPMENT

On the basis of the above assessment, the responsible party will create a cleaning and disinfecting plan identifying the space, scope, responsible party and frequency of cleaning and disinfection activities:

1. CLEANING AND DISINFECTION PRINCIPLES

In developing the cleaning schedule, the responsible party will ensure more frequent cleaning and regular disinfection of surfaces and objects that are frequently touched, including but not limited to doors, counters, shelves, desks, chairs, phones, keyboards, light switches, lavatory surfaces, kitchen surfaces and appliances, doorknobs, elevator buttons, handrails, floors, shared tools, equipment, machinery and vehicle cabins. Outdoor areas generally require routine cleaning unless otherwise identified through risk assessment.

1. CLEANING AND DISINFECTION PROCEDURES

Before disinfection, surfaces and objects must first be cleaned using detergent or soap and water. Disinfectants must be prepared in well-ventilated areas and handled safely by persons using appropriate PPE. All procedures must comply with WHMIS requirements and manufacturer instructions.

1. CLEANING AND DISINFECTION PRODUCTS

Disinfection must be performed using a disinfectant approved by Health Canada and bearing a valid Drug Identification Number (DIN). Where such products are unavailable, alternative disinfectants such as properly diluted bleach solutions or 70% alcohol solutions may be used in accordance with Health Canada guidance. All cleaning and disinfection products must be used in accordance with manufacturer instructions regarding dilution, concentration, application method, contact time, ventilation and PPE. Products must be stored safely and labeled in accordance with WHMIS. Secondary containers must also bear appropriate workplace labels.

1. CLEANING OF SOFT, POROUS SURFACES

Cleaning procedures for soft surfaces such as carpets, rugs and fabric chairs must include removal of visible contamination and cleaning using appropriate products indicated for such materials. After cleaning, items should be laundered using the warmest appropriate water setting and completely dried. If laundering is not possible, an appropriate Health Canada-approved disinfectant may be used in accordance with manufacturer instructions.

1. PPE

Cleaning and disinfection procedures must specify required PPE, which may include disposable gloves, eye protection where splash hazards exist, gowns or aprons for larger-scale cleaning, and respiratory protection where required by hazard assessment. Workers must be trained in the proper use, removal and disposal of PPE.

1. TRAINING

All workers assigned cleaning and disinfection duties will receive training on hazard recognition, WHMIS compliance, safe chemical handling, proper cleaning and disinfecting techniques, PPE use, and emergency procedures. Training will be documented and refreshed as necessary.

1. REVIEW AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

This Policy will be reviewed at least annually and more frequently as required due to legislative updates, workplace incidents, operational changes, or recommendations from the JHSC or HSR.