Communal cleaning specification

The communal cleaning specification details the standard of clean to communal areas and internal bin stores (where present). 

NB: “Wash/Clean” means remove all dirt, dust, grease, cobwebs, bodily fluids and any other foreign object or coating e.g. stickers, paint, and any other substance not normally associated with the surface or object being washed or cleaned. Scrubbing (NOT merely buffing) of surfaces is expected to achieve this. 

Every fortnight or month (scheme-dependent)

• All floors, stairways and steps are to be swept, with any litter and detritus removed and disposed of;
• The floors stairways and steps are to be washed with hot water;
• All floors and staircases must be mechanically scrubbed clean with suitable detergent and left disinfected;
• Surfaces may be contaminated with urine or other bodily fluids and should be cleaned to eliminate any residual odours;
• A fragrance is to be included in the detergents used;
• The finish is to be dry, streak/swirl- free, with no remaining residues;
• Where necessary all walls should be wiped or washed down and dried up to a height of five feet to ensure they are free from grime and dirt accumulation. Dirt and marks above five feet must be spot-cleaned and removed;
• Where necessary all light switches, sockets, light fittings and similar fixings should be wiped clean;
• Clean all woodwork or metalwork or equivalent to stairs, including stair strings, half or quarter landings, treads, risers, newel posts, balustrades, spindles and hand rails;
• Wash down and clean all architraves, skirting boards;
• Wash down and clean all internal window frames and sills / doors and frames including latches levers and any other attached furniture, excluding the doors to individual tenant dwellings.

 Every three months (all blocks, in addition to all the above)

• Clean and dry all communal windows internally and externally;
• Wipe, wash down and dry all walls up to a height of five feet to ensure they are clean of grime and dirt accumulation. Dirt and marks above five feet must be spot-cleaned and removed;
• Clean all light switches, sockets, light fittings and similar fixings.

Additional requirements

Any hazards (including but not limited to) abandoned furniture, fire hazards and obstructions to the means of escape should be reported back to an authorised officer of the council immediately.

Any additional work items identified or variations to the requested works should be reported back to an authorised officer of the council.

The contractor shall monitor, supervise and control the works thoroughly at all times and shall nominate a project manager/supervisor during the contract period.

The contractor will   be responsible for the costs of purchase, maintenance, insurance (where applicable) and replacement of all equipment and materials necessary to fulfil the terms of this specification.

The contractor is to make its own provision for hot water, electricity, washing and lavatory facilities.

Site rules

The rules listed below are the minimum expected under the contract and should be allowed for within the tendered prices:

• All site personnel are expected to behave in a courteous manner towards residents and members of the public during the works;
• The posting of personal messages or photographs relating to the works is prohibited by site personnel;
• Relevant personal protective equipment is mandatory for all site personnel;
• All site personnel are expected to display the contractor’s logo on clothing or high visibility jackets or have other acceptable means of identification at all times during the works;
• Smoking is prohibited in all properties by all site personnel;
• Radios, CD players etc. must not be played on site during the works.