Competent cleaning means better indoor air – Cleaning lessons added to the training programme of Kainuu Brigade conscripts delivered good results
Defence Properties —
At the initiative of Päivi Seppänen, Defence Properties Finland’s Cleaning Manager, the Kainuu Brigade reinstated cleaning lessons on the conscript training programme after a break of several years. Conscripts starting their military service in January have now been educated into skilled barracks cleaners. Seppänen thinks that young conscripts now have the right attitude to cleaning.
Cleaning Manager Päivi Seppänen, why did you start giving cleaning lessons to conscripts?
After the corona pandemic eased, we began to get more notifications than earlier from the barracks about indoor air. Most of the notifications concerned the cleanness of the barracks. There was dust and sand in the barrack rooms and even snuff and pizza boxes laying around here and there. Indoor air could not be properly tested until the place was properly cleaned.
Cleaning is particularly important since there are many conscripts in the barracks, not to mention their clothes and other equipment. People and equipment release dust and other particles, on top of which sand and other dirt are carried into the accommodation from outside. If the surfaces are not cleaned, impurities remain in the air and have a negative impact on indoor air quality. Dirty surfaces also contribute to the spread of infectious diseases.
Cleaning is also good maintenance of premises. It reduces surface wear and tear, thereby saving public money since the premises don’t need to be renovated prematurely.
How have cleaning lessons been implemented in the Kainuu Brigade?
Kainuu Brigade added cleaning lessons to the order of the training programme of the 1/23 arrivals, which means that each basic unit must agree cleaning lessons with me. All 11 lessons were held within three weeks of the start of the basic training phase.
A total of around 1,800 conscripts began their military service in the Kainuu Brigade in January. I’m pleased that the Brigade’s order also includes cleaning education in every conscript’s programme. I recommend the same model to other units if shortcomings have been noted in cleaning. I’ve now noticed a positive change in the tidiness of the barracks.
What are the responsibilities of conscripts and professional cleaners?
Cleaning responsibilities were reviewed in lessons and it transpired that there had been uncertainty and misunderstandings.
Professional cleaners in the barracks only clean between arrival intakes, i.e. a few times a year. Otherwise the conscripts are fully responsible for cleaning their rooms on a daily basis. Cleaning includes wiping contact surfaces and removing stains. Conscripts clean other premises including corridors and WC facilities daily and professional cleaners come in once a week.
How does cleaning in a barracks differ from everyday cleaning in the home?
No vacuum cleaners are used, something which surprises conscripts. Since there are no mats on the floors, they can be easily cleaned using squeegees and floor wipes.
The idea was to make cleaning as simple and eco-friendly as possible. This is why detergents have already been ready dispensed onto the textiles. Different surfaces have their own textiles.
What has the feedback on the cleaning and lessons been like from conscripts?
We’ve got to know conscripts and sometimes in the units I’m asked for advice and cleaning tips. They call me Mrs Cleaning chief.
I think conscripts want to do their cleaning duties well and preferably as simply as possible. I’ve been positively surprised at the good discussions we’ve had in the lessons. I’ve also had feedback from group leaders that they, too, have learnt new things in the lessons.
Conscripts understand that cleanliness and tidiness also affect enjoyment and the health of the premises. I’ve even received a good round of applause at the end of some lessons!
Teaching materials for conscripts
Defence Properties Finland has produced e-learning material on indoor air matters and cleaning for the use of the Finnish Defence Forces. This material is used in conscript education. The education packages also include videos.
Zero tolerance of indoor air problems
Defence Properties Finland has zero tolerance of indoor air problems. We particularly focus on pro-active measures, where shortcomings are noticed before they become a problem. When problems arise, we deal with them promptly.
