As the unprecedented situation surrounding the novel coronavirus pandemic continues to evolve, the cleaning industry’s role in the global efforts to contain the spread of the disease is becoming increasingly important. It is critical to conduct deep cleaning and disinfection at public places and facilities to clean impure surfaces and remove germs. However, the industry is faced with various kinds of challenges resulting from the uncertain circumstances such as the safety of cleaning professionals who, like other frontline workers such as medical professionals, are at higher risk for infection.

Governments, businesses, and communities around the world have become more aware of the importance of cleaning and disinfection than ever after the outbreak of COVID-19. Studies suggest that the transmission of coronavirus occurs commonly through respiratory droplets and the virus may live for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials. Hence disinfection has become a mandatory step after cleaning areas at all kinds of facilities. It is worth highlighting that common touchpoints are being attended to frequently, more than ever.

Our comprehensive Disinfection and Cleaning Service that we launched in March in line with our responsibility to help support a safe and healthy UAE has been in full swing. It is extremely important that disinfection services use the right kind of technologies to disinfect and clean. In addition to the specific equipment, PPE, and carefully chosen disinfectants, our approach to carrying out disinfection usually varies between two main scenarios; preventive disinfection, and the disinfection of areas that have had active cases.

Whichever environment our teams are faced with, we adhere strictly to government guidelines and recommendations at all times. Over the last three months, the number of government-approved disinfectant companies has grown from twenty to almost one hundred. This increased variety has led to some clients choosing the most cost-effective option over quality products. During a pandemic, price should not be the first consideration; rather, it is important to ensure that the company has the necessary experience and well-trained operators.

At Isnaad, all of our team members undergo extensive theoretical and practical training before they are deployed to the field. This helps to guarantee that all work is carried out efficiently and to the highest of standards, and does not pose any risks to our clients and the community.

Many clients believe that simply spraying chemicals on surfaces is the best and most advanced option for any application; this is not always the case, and should be used as an addition to classic wiping methodologies. These have been proven as highly effective in both healthcare disinfection cleaning and emergency situations.

It is also extremely important to understand that when disinfectants are sprayed or wiped on surfaces, they might be subject to a reaction with existing organic matter. In other words, if a surface is not pre-cleaned, the disinfectant agent can become inactivated and will not provide the required kill of the microorganism.

We have been working with a broad range of customers from quarantine areas to hotels all over the UAE, and our large team of well-trained disinfection operatives has supported the community in its successful fight against the pandemic.

Isnaad has now launched a more holistic product, the Infinite Protection Package, which will continue to help our customers to ensure safe workplaces and living spaces long after the pandemic. The product focuses on a full spectrum of long-lasting protection from harmful viruses and is not limited to just disinfection; it also includes various technologies to guarantee the cleanest environment possible is achieved and maintained.

Our new launch - ViroSheild by Vision Safety - is a fully automatic tunnel, which is equipped with motion sensors, sprays users with a mist that disinfects clothes as they walk through it. The disinfectants and equipment used in the tunnel are compliant with Dubai Municipality’s guidelines for cleaning and disinfection and are also safe and environment-friendly. Imdaad has developed two variants, with high pressure and low pressure disinfection tunnels to fit the different requirements of customers. The heavy-duty variant is meant for industrial fogging, while the low capacity variant is designed to meet the needs of communities.

The biocides and disinfectants that we use are approved by the authority, can eradicate 99.999 percent of germs, bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and are friendly to kids and pets. The odorless chemicals will break down into simple salt, hence no rinse or wash is required afterward.

As always, the safety and wellbeing of our staff and the general public remains our top priority. As frontline staff in the battle against this pandemic, our team members are performing a vital service to the nation and their dedication is truly inspiring. From providing high-quality safety equipment to comprehensive training, we are taking every step to ensure they are fully protected against the risk of infection.

About the author:

Jamal Abdulla Lootah is the Group CEO of Imdaad, a Dubai-based Facilities Management company that is setting new standards in sustainability and innovation. Recognized as one of the region’s foremost experts on facilities management, his visionary leadership is central to the company’s ongoing success story.

Recently named as the most influential individual in the Middle East’s FM industry for the eighth time, Lootah is the Co-founder and President of the Middle East Facilities Management Association (MEFMA). His in-depth market knowledge and forward-thinking approach have helped to establish Imdaad as the FM partner of choice for prestigious clients across a diverse range of sectors.

In 2019, Lootah was named ‘FM CEO of the Year’ by CEO Middle East and listed among the World's Most Powerful Arabs by Arabian Business. His passion for excellence is inspired by the “Be Number One” approach favored by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

A recipient of the FMME ‘Lifetime Achievement’ Award and the CEO ME ‘Visionary CEO Leader’ award, Lootah graduated in Business Administration at the University of London, and has completed the Corporate Advance Program at the renowned International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland.