COVID-19 Cleaning Protocols for Victorian Workplaces 2025

As we navigate the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, Melbourne workplaces must maintain robust cleaning and sanitization protocols to protect employees, customers, and visitors.

This comprehensive guide outlines current health department guidelines, effective disinfection practices, and sustainable long-term strategies for workplace safety in 2025.

Current Victorian Health Guidelines

Department of Health Victoria Recommendations

Updated Guidelines for 2025:

The Victorian Department of Health continues to emphasize the importance of workplace hygiene, with updated protocols reflecting current understanding of COVID-19 transmission and variant management.

Key Principles:

• Multi-layered protection combining cleaning, ventilation, and personal hygiene
• Risk-based approach tailored to workplace type and activity level
• Flexible implementation adapting to changing public health conditions
• Evidence-based practices using proven effective methods
• Regular review and updates based on emerging health information

Commonwealth Department of Health Alignment

National COVID-19 Health Management Plan:

Victorian workplaces must align with national guidelines while implementing state-specific requirements to ensure comprehensive health protection.

• Infection prevention and control measures
• Workplace health and safety obligations
• Emergency response planning and implementation
• Worker and visitor health screening protocols
• Communication and reporting requirements

Understanding COVID-19 Transmission in Workplaces

Primary Transmission Routes

Airborne Transmission:

• Small respiratory droplets (aerosols) that remain suspended in air
• Transmission through shared air spaces and ventilation systems
• Higher risk in poorly ventilated or crowded environments
• Reduced through proper air circulation and filtration

Surface Transmission (Fomite):

• Contact with contaminated surfaces followed by face touching
• Survival time varies by surface type and environmental conditions
• Reduced through regular surface cleaning and disinfection
• Lower risk than previously understood but still important

High-Risk Workplace Environments

Key Risk Factors for COVID-19 Transmission:

Poor ventilation creates the highest risk environment, especially when combined with high occupancy density and shared equipment usage.

Elevated Risk Factors:

• Poor ventilation or air circulation
• High occupancy density and close contact work
• Shared equipment and workstations
• Customer-facing operations with high turnover
• Food preparation and consumption areas
• Restroom and personal care facilities

Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection Protocols

Surface Cleaning Hierarchy

Step 1: Regular Cleaning

Physical removal of dirt, debris, and microorganisms using detergent and water:

• Must precede disinfection for maximum effectiveness
• Removes organic matter that can shield viruses
• Uses standard commercial cleaning products
• Performed by trained cleaning staff with appropriate equipment

High-Touch Surface Management

Priority Surfaces for Enhanced Cleaning:

• Door handles and push plates - Clean every 2 hours minimum
• Elevator buttons and handrails - Clean after each use cycle
• Light switches and electrical outlets - Daily disinfection
• Desk surfaces and workstations - Clean between users
• Phone handsets and keyboards - Daily or after each use
• Meeting room tables and chairs - Clean after each meeting

Approved Disinfectants and Application

Essential Disinfectant Requirements:

All disinfectants must be TGA-approved and demonstrate proven efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 with appropriate contact times.

TGA-Approved COVID-19 Disinfectants:

• Alcohol-based solutions (70-80% ethanol or isopropanol)
• Sodium hypochlorite (household bleach at appropriate dilution)
• Quaternary ammonium compounds (hospital-grade formulations)
• Hydrogen peroxide-based products (accelerated or standard formulations)
• Combination products with multiple active ingredients

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Cleaning Staff

PPE Selection and Use

PPE Safety Critical:

Proper PPE use is essential for staff protection and preventing cross-contamination between areas.

Standard PPE Requirements:

• Disposable gloves - Nitrile or vinyl, changed between areas
• Face masks or respirators - N95 or surgical masks as appropriate
• Eye protection - Safety glasses or face shields for splash risk
• Protective clothing - Disposable gowns or uniforms changed regularly
• Foot protection - Closed-toe shoes with slip-resistant soles

Staff Training and Education

Essential Training Components:

• COVID-19 transmission understanding - How the virus spreads
• Cleaning vs. disinfection - Proper techniques and sequencing
• Chemical safety - Proper use, storage, and handling
• PPE use and disposal - Proper donning, doffing, and disposal
• Health screening - Self-assessment and reporting protocols
• Emergency procedures - Response to potential exposure or contamination

Conclusion

COVID-19 cleaning protocols for Victorian workplaces in 2025 represent an evolution from emergency response to sustainable, long-term health and safety practices.

While the acute phase of the pandemic has passed, the lessons learned continue to inform best practices for workplace hygiene and safety.

Successful implementation requires a comprehensive approach combining enhanced cleaning procedures, improved air quality management, staff training and education, health screening protocols, and emergency preparedness planning.

Long-term Success Strategy:

Create adaptable systems that can respond to changing health conditions while maintaining efficient operations and demonstrating commitment to workplace safety.

The key to long-term success lies in creating adaptable systems that can respond to changing health conditions while maintaining efficient operations.

Melbourne businesses that embrace these enhanced standards position themselves as responsible employers and service providers in an environment where health and safety remain top priorities.

Twenty Two Systems has been supporting Melbourne workplaces throughout the pandemic with expert COVID-19 cleaning protocols, specialized disinfection services, and comprehensive safety programs.

Our trained professionals understand the evolving requirements and deliver reliable, effective cleaning services that protect your workplace while supporting your business operations.