Tuesday saw Angella Shaw cleaning out her business establishment in Manchioneal, Portland. It was badly damaged during the passage of Hurricane Dean. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Here's how to pick professionals

Now that Hurricane Dean has come and gone, we are all left with the challenge of cleaning up in its aftermath. How we care for our surroundings is even more critical now and it is necessary that we adhere to the highest standards of hygiene in our homes, offices, the restaurants in which we eat, other public amenities that we use, including hotels, schools, airports, buses and other public transportation, hospitals, manufacturing plants, supermarkets and public sanitary conveniences among others.

Properly trained team

There are significant benefits to employing janitors who have been properly trained to tackle this task. According to CEO of Manpower & Maintenance Services Limited, M. Audrey Hinchcliffe, "Professional cleaners are not only trained to use the best cleaning techniques, they are also equipped to determine the most suitable material that can be used to successfully complete their tasks."

Mrs. Hinchcliffe said poor indoor air quality can negatively affect the health of workers and others who occupy public and even domestic spaces. "Thosewho work in the cleaning industry must be knowledgeable about the various cleaning agents on the market and how these can be used, along with the appropriate methods to provide the best results," Mrs. Hinchcliffe added.

Trained janitors will be armed with information about how to minimise the negative effects of indoor air pollution caused by allergens including dust mites, moulds, dust particles, insects, and other microbes that can severely affect those with allergies, asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Additionally, they will be familiar with cleaning methods that can help to destroy germs and harmful bacteria such as salmonella, which have been known to make people sick.

According to Mrs. Hinchcliffe, "it takes professionalism and expertise to keep the work or home environment truly clean and hygienic."

Criteria when choosing a janitorial company

Has good management.

Has a good track record.

Is accountable.

Provides top-quality cleaning products and service.

Has well-trained employees.

Is committed to customer satisfaction.

Is aware of and committed to industry-related research

and development.

Is reliable.

Is responsive.

Cares for its employees.

Has a good reputation.

Workmen clean Caribbean Villa in St. Andrew after Hurricane Dean. Householders everywhere will now have to hire cleaning crews to do the bulk of the work around their properties. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer