...and it's not for matching the decor!
The purpose of a colour coded cleaning system is to restrict the use of equipment to individual areas throughout a venue. It allows for easy monitoring and identification of cleaning supplies and is considered the most effective method for preventing cross contamination and avoiding the spread of harmful bacteria between sections.
Colour coding was originally developed by The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) during the 1990’s and many businesses worldwide have implemented the code into their cleaning program including a large majority of industries and businesses throughout Australia.
What Colours Go Where?
A business can use their own colour system (with the exception for healthcare in most cases), however to maintain consistency within the cleaning industry, the below is recommended. It also avoids confusion and simplifies training for employees when changing jobs or industries.
Blue: General cleaning and low risk areas.
Green: Kitchens, food preparation areas, and bar. Not to be confused with food preperation colour coding such as chopping boards etc.
Red: Bathrooms, toilets, and washrooms.
Yellow: Disinfecting and sanitising.
White: Operating theatres, usually single use. Otherwise can be used for an area not covered by the above colours.
Brown: Adopted by the hospitality industry for coffee areas to disguise coffee stains and to assist with containing coffee grounds to the one area.
What Equipment is Available for Colour Coded Cleaning?
All standard cleaning equipment is available in multiple colours such as mops, mop buckets, brooms, scrubbing brushes, handles, multi-purpose buckets, cloths, gloves, microfiber cloths, spray bottle triggers, and more.
Many chemical manufacturers also incorporate the relevant colours into their label designs, and some even adjusting the chemical colours, to support users with upholding the system.
You can download a Colour Coded Cleaning Guide here.