The Problem
A category B men’s prison in Hampshire, with an operational capacity of 690 inmates, faced hygiene challenges in its facilities. Specifically, the shower blocks and serveries in wings A, B, and C required professional deep cleaning to maintain a sanitary environment for inmates and staff.
Key Issues:
Shower Blocks:
- Flaking paint on walls and peeling floor paint.
- Dirt and grime build-up over time.
- A mix of stainless-steel cubicles and tiled surfaces, requiring different cleaning methods.
Serveries:
- Plastic-lined walls and heavy-duty non-slip vinyl flooring showed signs of wear and contamination.
- Stainless steel sinks and serving areas needed thorough cleaning to meet hygiene standards.
Operational Constraints:
- Cleaning activities had to avoid disrupting inmates, limiting work hours to 6 PM to 9 PM.
- Wings had to be cleaned one at a time to maintain order within the facility.
Maintaining cleanliness in correctional facilities is crucial for health and safety. According to the UK Ministry of Justice, outbreaks of illness in prisons can strain healthcare resources and compromise security. Proactive deep cleaning reduces these risks and fosters a healthier environment.
The Solution
To tackle the hygiene challenges effectively, we employed a combination of manual cleaning techniques and advanced DOFF steam cleaning technology, customised for the prison’s unique requirements.
Step 1: Assessment and Planning
- Conducted a detailed inspection of each wing’s facilities to identify the most effective cleaning methods.
- Decided on a dual approach:
- Hand-cleaning: For delicate surfaces or areas requiring precision, such as A wing.
- DOFF steam cleaning: For tougher grime and peeling paint in wings B and C.
Step 2: DOFF Cleaning Technology
The DOFF system uses high-temperature, low-pressure steam, making it ideal for cleaning without causing surface damage.
Benefits of DOFF Cleaning:
- Minimal water use, preventing saturation and ensuring quick drying.
- Removes dirt, grime, and flaking paint, leaving surfaces ready for potential redecoration.
- Reduced water runoff compared to pressure washing.
DOFF Application:
- Used in wings B and C to clean tiled and stainless steel shower cubicles and prepare surfaces for maintenance.
Step 3: Manual Cleaning
For A wing and select areas, we employed hand-cleaning with industrial degreasers and scrubbing equipment.
- Stainless steel cubicles, lino flooring, and painted walls were meticulously cleaned.
- Degreasers effectively broke down grime while maintaining the integrity of the materials.
Step 4: Noise Mitigation and Scheduling
To minimise disturbance:
- Cleaning was conducted during designated evening hours (6 PM to 9 PM).
- Teams worked efficiently to complete each wing individually before moving to the next.
The Result
Our thorough approach restored hygiene and cleanliness to the prison’s facilities, meeting both operational and health standards.
Key Outcomes:
Enhanced Hygiene:
- All shower blocks and serveries were cleaned to a high standard, reducing the risk of contamination and promoting inmate well-being.
- Surfaces in wings B and C were prepared for potential redecoration, ensuring long-term maintenance.
Efficient Execution:
- Despite time constraints, the project was completed within the scheduled hours over several evenings.
- Use of the DOFF system significantly reduced drying times, allowing for faster turnaround.
Improved Maintenance:
- Cleaned facilities now enable daily upkeep by inmates and staff.
- Addressed hygiene issues proactively, reducing potential health risks.
According to UK prison maintenance guidelines, regular cleaning reduces illness outbreaks by up to 30% and improves staff satisfaction. Properly cleaned facilities also lower the costs of emergency maintenance by 15-20% annually.
Deep cleaning plays a critical role in maintaining hygiene in high-traffic, communal facilities like prisons. By combining cutting-edge DOFF technology with expert manual techniques, we ensured Hampshire Prison’s facilities were restored to optimal conditions.
If your organisation requires a professional deep cleaning service, reach out to one of our team.
