PHL’s Cleaning Crews on the Forefront of Keeping the Airport Safe for Passenger Travel

Not only does an airport’s custodial team clean up after thousands of passengers every day, they lead the facility’s infectious disease prevention efforts, too. During this period of reduced passenger volume due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, PHL’s custodians are working even harder to keep passengers, colleagues and themselves safe.

“Normally, staff on the 6 a.m.-2 p.m. and 2 p.m.-10 p.m. shifts take care of the terminals’ most immediate needs, especially focusing on high traffic areas like bathrooms,” said Keron Booth, supervisor for the 6 a.m.-2 p.m. shifts and a PHL employee since 2006. “Deep cleaning is completed by the overnight crew, when terminals are most empty.”

With fewer passengers, custodians on all shifts can tackle high touch common areas including handrails on stairs, escalators and moving sidewalks; elevators; handles, buttons, and restrooms. Custodial team members’ tools of the trade include gloves, goggles, face masks and multipurpose cleaning supplies like the powerful Envirox Critical Care, a low toxicity spray that works in 30 seconds and last for 24 hours. Bacteria doesn’t stand a chance when hit with the product three times a day. “We’re approaching our work very aggressively,” said Booth.

The crews’ efforts aren’t going unnoticed or unappreciated. “People are thanking us for what we do. And everyone across the airport is pitching in. They are more conscious of picking up after themselves and cleanliness,” said Booth. “We are in this together.”