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How the University Cleans Spaces

To clean and maintain spaces during COVID-19, Facilities Management and Development (“Facilities”) has implemented enhanced cleaning protocols and technology such as electrostatic disinfection sprays and sanitizing agents, to support the prevention of viral transmission through disinfection. Additionally, we have installed cleaning wipe dispensers in offices and in classrooms in preparation for the fall semester. 

The strategy draws on the recommendations and guidelines from public health officials. It includes procedures for preparing Toronto Metropolitan University spaces to support a partial and gradual return to campus and a schedule for comprehensive cleaning and sanitization. 

Augmented cleaning protocols during COVID-19

TMU’s augmented cleaning protocols include using electrostatic disinfection to effectively coat surfaces with disinfecting agents. Enhanced cleaning focuses on:

  • frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces like: 
    • doorknobs
    • elevator buttons 
    • light switches
    • tables 
    • washroom fixtures 
    • handrails
  • Increased frequency of waste removal and cleaning of desks, seats and podiums with electrostatic sprayer in classes that the Registrar’s Office has marked as in use. 
  • using disinfectants with a Drug Identification Number (DIN) approved by Health Canada.

Additionally, the university has:

  • installed disinfectant wipe dispensers to facilitate the cleaning and disinfection of high-touch work surfaces and shared equipment between uses
    • All classrooms and teaching labs have wipes and hand sanitizer dispensers installed.
  • provided additional hand sanitizer dispensers across campus

The cleaning agents used are hospital-grade, peroxide-based solutions that are designed for daily use to kill pathogens — like bacteria and viruses — and are also non-toxic, and won’t damage expensive equipment.

Cleaning tasks are prescribed and scheduled based on the nature of each space, the types of activities carried out within it, and the types of equipment, furniture, surfaces and fixtures that it contains.

Nightly deep-cleaning in common-use and high-traffic areas

Deep-cleaning and disinfection is taking place nightly in all common-use and high-traffic facilities such as: 

  • lobbies and entrances
  • corridors and stairwells
  • washrooms
  • elevators
  • lounges and lunchroom 
  • classrooms, labs, study spaces and computer rooms

Cleaning in these spaces is concentrated on floors and high touch surfaces. In lunchrooms and lounges, tables and counters are cleaned nightly. Computer equipment is not cleaned. 

Weekly cleaning and disinfection of personal office equipment and furniture not in a shared or restricted area 

The Facilities team conducts weekly cleaning and disinfection of:

  • office light switches 
  • door knobs and handles, 
  • phones including handset cords, 
  • arms of chairs and the surface of the desks if they are clear.

For personal office equipment and furniture that is not shared and within a restricted area (such as private office spaces), employees are encouraged to clean them using disinfectant wipes that have been installed in common areas.

How Toronto Metropolitan is working with property managers in leased spaces to monitor cleaning

All cleaning activities in leased spaces are controlled and monitored using a standardized sanitation program to ensure Toronto Metropolitan standards are met. This helps ensure that consistent custodial services and cleaning are provided equally to all buildings — including leased spaces. The university works with the property managers of our leased spaces to ensure that their cleaning and sanitization meet our quality standards.

The Facilities team is sharing our specifications and reviewing the protocols of all of our leased buildings to make sure COVID-19 precautions are consistent across all Toronto Metropolitan spaces.