Many see the value of good cleaning - the Kongsvinger region

Many see the value of quality cleaning

Kenneth Michaelsen has a certificate as a cleaning operator in Grue municipality. A large part of the job involves quality control of cleaning in several municipal buildings. He points out that the work he does in this time of state of emergency is relatively similar, but now more people see the value of a good quality of cleaning.

Name: Kenneth Michaelsen
Workplace: Grue
Job title: cleaning operator (and NS-INSTA 800 inspector)

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Questions for you who keep the wheels going

What kind of skills / education is required in your job?

A trade certificate is required to work as a cleaning operator. I am a certified INSTA 800 inspector, which consists of checking the cleaning quality in several of the buildings in Grue municipality.

What are your core tasks?

I make sure that the buildings I am responsible for in Grue municipality are cleaned in accordance with quality standards and that there is a good indoor climate. In addition, I work to stop the spread of infection in the buildings ..

How has your workday been in recent weeks compared to normal conditions. Give a brief explanation of what a "normal" day looks like in these corona times?

I have pretty much the same routines in my job. The difference is that more people are aware of how important cleaning is for society. We have procedures and routines that must be followed to achieve a certain quality standard. We strengthen cleaning by cleaning all contact points more frequently in all buildings. My main base is in Gruehallen, a sports building in Grue. It is now closed and I have spent a lot of time cleaning the hall floor for handball glue. I also clean in two other places.

Why is your job important and how do you / your company contribute to keeping society going?

The job is very important now in these times. We cleaners erase many routes of infection. Our cleaning manager is committed to all employees having a trade certificate, and that strengthens us greatly.

Do you have any professional tips or advice that people should follow in these times?

The most important thing is to wash your hands when they are dirty. If you have dry and clean hands, you can spread your hands. The same goes for surfaces. Normal detergent with water and microfiber cloth is more effective than if you only use alcohol. Hand sanitizer should not be used on surfaces, only surface disinfectant.

What would you say to others who are considering your career?

The cleaning profession is no longer a bucket and floor cloth. There is a lot of great auxiliary equipment and there is great development in machines, technology and materials. As we say in our industry; everyone can wash, but not everyone can clean. Cleaning is a subject and you need the right training. Cleaners do not wash - we clean.

What is the best thing about working / living in the Kongsvinger region?

The best thing is that you avoid queues on the way to work, and that it is a quiet place to be. I like the country and so do my wife and four children.

Watch the film where Kenneth tells about his everyday work in a state of emergency Insta og Facebook.

Read more similar cases in the series "We keep the wheels turning" where the goal is to highlight exciting and relevant jobs in the Kongsvinger region that have a particularly important task in a demanding time.