When comparing commercial cleaning companies, you will often see logos for certifications, memberships and accreditations.
But what do they actually mean, and which things should you check?
There is not one single accreditation that automatically makes a cleaning company suitable for every organisation.
Instead, look at the combination of insurance, recognised standards, health and safety procedures, staff management and quality controls.
ISO 9001 Quality Management
ISO 9001 relates to quality management systems.
For a commercial cleaning customer, it can provide additional reassurance that the company has established processes for managing and reviewing the quality of its services rather than relying entirely on informal working practices.
Shaina Cleaning holds ISO 9001 certification.
ISO 27001 Information Security
Cleaning staff can sometimes work inside premises containing computers, documents and potentially sensitive information.
ISO 27001 is an information security management standard.
It does not mean a cleaning company can never experience an information security incident, but it demonstrates that the organisation has established processes around managing information security risks.
Shaina Cleaning holds ISO 27001 certification.
CHAS
CHAS is widely used in UK procurement and contractor management, particularly where organisations need to assess health and safety and supply chain compliance.
For facilities managers and organisations appointing contractors, recognised contractor accreditation can provide additional evidence that appropriate processes have been assessed.
Shaina Cleaning holds CHAS Advanced accreditation.
Insurance
Accreditation is not a substitute for insurance.
Before appointing a commercial cleaner, ask for details of the insurance relevant to the proposed work and make sure the level of cover is appropriate for your organisation and premises.
Do not be afraid to request evidence rather than simply accepting that a company is fully insured.
Health and Safety Procedures
You should also ask how the company approaches:
The requirements will vary depending on the premises and type of cleaning being undertaken.
- Risk assessments
- COSHH requirements
- Cleaning chemical management
- Staff training
- Safe working procedures
- Accident and incident reporting
Staff Vetting and Training
Depending on your organisation, you may also need to understand how cleaning staff are recruited, trained and vetted.
This can be particularly important in schools, healthcare environments and premises where cleaners work unsupervised or outside normal opening hours.
