Hitches & Glitches (H&G) has launched a specialised sustainable cleaning, maintenance and repair package for the UAE’s mosques.

The package includes a facility to enable mosques to achieve sustainability, health and safety goals according to GBAC Star accreditation and Green Globe certification requirements.

“H&G has assembled highly trained and multi-skilled teams, that are not only fully conversant with the Islamic rules of prayer and the role that the mosque plays within their respective communities, but are also led by sustainability professionals,” said Kelvin Vargheese, director at Hitches & Glitches.

He also said that given the pandemic, it is essential that mosques are thoroughly sanitised ahead of and after each communal prayer, particularly on Fridays. He added that even though authorities have stated that capacities are limited to 30%, it is of paramount importance that worshippers wear mandatory face masks and maintain a physical distance of three metres.

With potentially a large number of people sharing one indoor space, it is important that air conditioning units are kept well maintained and cleaned regularly, to keep the indoor air environment as safe as possible, the statement noted.

Vargheese explained that experienced teams can carry out HVAC filtration and duct disinfection, as well as install UV lighting devices inside the ducts to reduce and sterilise any dust particles and other harmful airborne viruses.

He concluded, “Pathogens, which may be viruses, bacteria, or fungi, can spread through breathing, talking, coughing, sneezing, raising of dust, spraying of liquids, toilet flushing or any activities which generate aerosol particles or droplets.”