There is a lot of information regarding the dangers of working out. No, not the dangers of pulling a muscle or machine injuries, but the concern for bacteria and skin diseases. As a manager of a gym or fitness facility, this is one of the top priorities for running a top-notch facility.
Surprisingly, the need for a sanitization schedule isn’t far from that of a restaurant. The importance of daily, weekly and monthly sanitization of the facility is what will help keep the risk of “8 Gross Infections You Can Catch at the Gym” off your radar.
Employees
Ensuring proper hygiene by employees is the first defense to an effective cleaning regimen. By employees simply washing their hands frequently during their shift will help in the transfer of bacteria. This also includes not allowing sick employees to work. If they are sick, encourage them to stay home!
Food Bar
Daily: All working surfaces including utensils should be cleaned at a minimum of every four hours. Why the four-hour rule? It’s because TCS foods require time or temperature control to help control the growth of dangerous pathogens. And within four hours, food-borne bacteria can multiply to dangerous levels. Click here for more on information on cleaning schedules in regards to food safety.
Weekly: Empty, clean and sanitize reach-in coolers, refrigerators, coffee machines, flush floor drains with drain cleaner and wash walls
Equipment and Facilities
Daily: All equipment, tables, seats and surfaces should be wiped down with cleaning products throughout the day and thoroughly at the end of the day. This includes the consistent upkeep of bathrooms and daily sanitization of drink dispensers. Another concern is the pools or hot tubs on-premises should be periodically tested to maintain proper chlorine levels.
Weekly: This is where the heavy-duty cleaning comes into play, baseboards, walls and the dreaded dusting!
Monthly: Cleaning monthly is an opportunity to utilize outside companies to come in and ensure that it is done properly and on schedule. These services can also include carpet cleaning, upholstery repair and complete sanitization of the equipment and facilities, often saving time and money over having employees perform the tasks.
Overall, you can never be too concerned with the cleanliness of the establishment. By following these simple and important guidelines, your facility can be on a complete sanitization schedule in no time, drastically reducing the chance of patrons contracting any harmful infections.
