TOOLBOX TALK – COLOUR CODING
What is colour coding cleaning?
Colour coded cleaning is the process of designating colours to cleaning
equipment in certain areas of a venue.
Background Information
In the late 1990s the British Institution of cleaning science (BICSc) developed a
universal colour code to be used within the cleaning industry. The aim was to
prevent cross-contamination between cleaning areas and to raise hygiene
standards in the industry. The colour code chart is broken down into four
distinct categories.
● RED – to be used in areas where the risk of cross-contamination is high
i.e. Toilets
● GREEN – to be used in areas where the risk of cross-contamination
is medium i.e. Kitchens
● BLUE – to be used in areas where the risk of cross-contamination is low
i.e. general areas
● YELLOW – generally used in Clinical settings e.g. hospitals
IMP/FD/TBT/CCI s s u e No–001I s s u e Date31/03/2023
Why is colour coding important?
● It helps to reduce the risk of cross-contamination and helps to
keep workplaces, public areas, and other spaces hygienic and safe.
● It minimises the risk of infection i.e. The risk of spreading bacteria and
viruses is extremely high if a cleaner uses the same equipment such
as mops, mop buckets and cloths across different areas of a venue.
● It makes the cleaning process more consistent and effective.
● Protects employees and visitors from exposure to infections caused
by bacteria and viruses.
IMP/FD/TBT/CCI s s u e No–001I s s u e Date31/03/2023
How should you store colour coded equipment?
● It is extremely important that you avoid storing different
coloured cleaning supplies in the same location.
● Cross-contamination can easily occur if a piece of cleaning equipment
touches a different coloured piece of cleaning equipment. This would
render the colour coding system pointless and could have serious
health consequences.
Questions
1) What colour mop bucket and mop should be used in a washroom area?
Ans: Red
2) Why is it important not to use this same coloured mop and bucket in
a kitchen area?
IMP/FD/TBT/CCI s s u e No–001I s s u e Date31/03/2023
Ans: Due to health risk
3) How should this mop and bucket be stored when not in use?
Ans: Store in different places not in same place, it crate health issues.
IMP/FD/TBT/CCI s s u e No–001I s s u e Date31/03/2023
TOOLBOX TALK – COLOUR CODING
Name:Taimoor Rafique
Signed: Taimoor……………………….. Site worked:
…………………………………………………………….. Date:
…………………………………………………………………………
Assessor:……………………………………………………………………
Signed:………………………………………………………………………
Date:
………………………………………………………………………….
IMP/FD/TBT/CCI s s u e No–001I s s u e Date31/03/2023
