🧼 Introduction to Colour Coded Cleaning
Colour-coded cleaning is a system designed to reduce the risk of cross-contamination in cleaning practices. Developed by the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) in the late 1990s, it provides a standardised approach for assigning specific colours to cleaning equipment and areas.
🎯 Purpose
- Prevent cross-contamination between different areas (e.g., toilets, kitchens, public spaces)
- Improve hygiene standards in commercial and domestic environments
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations
- Simplify training for cleaning staff and improve accountability
🟦🟥🟩🟨 Common Colour Codes
| Colour | Area of Use |
|---|---|
| Red | Sanitary areas (toilets, urinals) |
| Blue | General low-risk areas (offices, public spaces) |
| Green | Food preparation areas (kitchens, canteens) |
| Yellow | Clinical or washroom sinks and surfaces |
Note: These colours are applied to mops, cloths, buckets, and gloves to maintain consistency.
✅ Benefits
- Reduces the spread of bacteria and viruses
- Enhances cleaning efficiency and safety
- Supports staff training and operational clarity
Would you like a printable chart or a checklist version for training or operational use?
Training staff on colour-coded cleaning is all about clarity, consistency, and hands-on practice. Here’s a structured approach that aligns with industry best practices and makes the system easy to adopt:
🧽 How to Train Staff on Colour Coded Cleaning
1. 📘 Start with a Clear Introduction
- Explain the purpose: Prevent cross-contamination and improve hygiene.
- Share the origin: Developed by the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc).
- Emphasize its importance in healthcare, food prep, and general cleaning environments.
2. 🟦🟥🟩🟨 Teach the Colour Codes
| Colour | Area of Use |
|---|---|
| Red | Toilets, urinals, bathroom floors |
| Blue | Low-risk areas (offices, classrooms) |
| Green | Kitchens, food prep areas |
| Yellow | Washbasins, sinks, washroom surfaces |
Use visual aids like wall charts and posters to reinforce learning.
3. 🧰 Demonstrate Equipment Use
- Show how to match cloths, mops, buckets, and gloves to their designated colour.
- Include laundering and storage procedures to avoid mix-ups.
4. 🗣️ Interactive Training
- Run toolbox talks or short workshops.
- Use role-play scenarios to simulate cleaning tasks.
- Include quizzes or games to test understanding.
5. 👁️ Account for Accessibility
- Be mindful of colour blindness—consider adding numbers or symbols to equipment.
- Use multilingual materials if needed for diverse teams.
6. ✅ Monitor and Reinforce
- Conduct spot checks and refresher sessions.
- Provide feedback and support to correct habits.
- Keep a log of training completions for compliance purposes.