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The UCL Cleaning Service carries out routine daily cleaning tasks to the buildings and departments on campus. It can also provide support for functions and events.
Cleaning Services
- Window cleaning
All windows are cleaned annually as part of the centrally-provided service.
- Laboratory cleaning
Laboratory managers are responsible for ensuring appropriate safety measures are in place to protect all individuals entering and working in laboratories. UCL operates a safe access system under which only those laboratories displaying a current and recognised 'safe to clean' sign may be entered and cleaned. Where access is granted, staff will clean floors and basins, empty bins and dispose of the waste in accordance with approved practice. Laboratory staff are responsible for the cleaning of workbenches and equipment.
For advice on hazardous waste disposal please please refer to the hazardous waste guidance. Please note that the management of hazardous material - biological, chemical and radioactive - remains the responsibility of the user department.
- Office cleaning
All floors are cleaned to be free of litter, dirt and dust, to leave a dry, clean and non-slip finish. Chairs, desks and soft-seating are cleaned to be free of dust, debris and stains. Desks and other surfaces will be cleaned where they are clear of paper and other items.
Common areas are cleaned to be free from dust and marks.
In washrooms, we provide toilet rolls, paper towels or hand dryers, anti-bacterial soap and feminine hygiene bins in ladies' and unisex facilities. Floors and fittings including taps and door push plates are cleaned with a detergent and areas of high volume are checked at peak times.
Waste containers are emptied, cleaned and the waste removed for correct disposal according to the nature of the waste. Please visit the waste and recycling pages for more information about how we dispose of office waste.
- Pest control
UCL's pest control contractor provides regular monitoring of vermin, pests and other insect infestations in accordance with best practice guidance from the British Pest Control Association.
Control measures are taken to ensure that the University campus is free from pests and vermin wherever possible. To help us to avoid attracting pests and vermin in UCL buildings, please remember the following good housekeeping measures:
- Dispose of foodstuffs into bins with black bin liners for non-recyclable wastes.
- Do not keep biscuits, fruit and other food in desks overnight.
- Avoid dumping rubbish in non-designated areas.
- Do not put out food for pests of any kind.
Report any pest control problems to the Estates Helpdesk.
- Landscaping and grounds maintenance
UCL's Landscaping Service maintains gardens, trees, lawns, beds, planters and displays academic and residential buildings.
Cleaning response times
We will endeavour to respond to enquiries within a set time where requested. Inevitably there will occasionally be a conflict of priorities or an emergency requires us to make an unscheduled response elsewhere. In such cases, you will be contacted by a member of the Facilities team to arrange a suitable alternative time.
Given the varying types of request and the different environments across the UCL campus, where a job may be particularly complicated or there are access issues, a team leader may visit the area to perform a risk assessment prior to the work taking place. Please bear this in mind when requesting a specific completion date.
Cleaning schedule
Most of the normal daily cleaning service is carried out from 5.00am Monday to Friday to ensure the Bloomsbury campus is ready for use by 8.30am. Support and response cleaning is undertaken throughout the day until approximately 6.00pm to ensure the estate remains in a clean and safe condition.
Cleaning support at other times may be possible subject to the nature of the requirement, on a rechargeable basis.
Cleaning charges
There is no charge for the routine daily cleaning of departmental accommodation.
Where requests for work require additional resources or the use of specialist contractors, a programme and quotation will first be provided.