In all of its facilities – including in residence halls, dining halls and on university buses/shuttles -- the university will adhere to hygiene, cleaning, and disinfection requirements from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Department of Health. Cleaning protocols are reviewed and adapted on an ongoing basis.

Cleaning refers to the standard custodial practices that target the removal of dirt and impurities from surfaces. Disinfecting refers to the use of specialized sanitizing products to kill microorganism such as the COVID-19 virus. The products used by UB are EPA-certified to destroy COVID-19 and other contagions.

An area or surface is no longer considered disinfected once a person touches it.  This is why frequent handwashing, wearing face masks, social distancing and avoiding touching one’s face are still the best ways to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and other contagions. UB custodial staff sanitize frequently touched surfaces throughout the day, but frequent handwashing will go far to keeping campus surfaces clean.

Areas of high traffic continue to be the greatest priority. Some changes may be expected, based on the time of year or changes in protocol resulting from public health concerns, such as COVID-19, as dictated by the university leadership.

TThe Student Union is visited by more people than any single building on the North Campus. As such, the Student Union receives regularly scheduled custodial cleaning during our three staff shifts throughout the day and night. UB Custodial teams will continue to prioritize high touch surfaces and restrooms in the Student Union. 

To properly disinfect against COVID-19, follow the instructions on the label of disinfectant sprays and products. Disinfectants must be left wet on the surface for recommended durations to be effective.  In many cases, the disinfectant can be left to air dry, so areas can be sprayed before staff leave and left until the next work day. Many spray chemical products recommend the use of gloves and/or safety glasses during application.

Electronics such as computers, tablets, touch screens, keyboards and cell phones should be disinfected based on the individual manufacture’s recommendations for each specific product.

University Facilities is following NYS and Department of Health guidelines for ensuring the safety of potable water lines, including flushing of water lines after unoccupied periods, to ensure a fresh supply of water with adequate residual chlorine concentration to kill pathogenic organisms. Building occupants are advised, after returning to campus after prolonged absence, to allow the water to run for 20-30 seconds before using water for drinking. 

DDuring the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, all UB units were provided with a limited amount of cleaning supplies. Units are now responsible for procuring their own cleaning supplies. Please work directly with Purchasing and Contract Services to procure those supplies.

• UB Custodial cleans and sanitizes classrooms during overnight hours.
• Centrally scheduled classrooms are equipped with wall-mounted sanitizing wipe dispensers. These Benzalkonium Chloride sanitizing wipes are FDA and EPA approved for use on hands and for destroying the coronavirus. 
• Individual departments are responsible for cleaning and procuring cleaning supplies for their departmental classrooms.
• Adjustments to levels of service will be made based on class schedules and direction from UB senior leadership.