As a cleaning business owner and cleaner, I feel that knowing what a blood borne pathogen is and how to properly cleanup and dispose of contaminated areas/items is vital to our safety and the safety of those who may be exposed.

 When we have the knowledge that is necessary in reducing risk and preventing exposure we can be confident in handling these types of cleaning duties. When we are oblivious to this type of possibility it is easy to become negligent and irresponsible causing high risk of exposure to others and ourselves. 
 
 Having the knowledge about blood borne pathogens and knowing or having access to a written exposure plan will not only be effective in a particular situation at work but also on a personal level. We can intervene if we notice a loved one is in a situation where they may not be as knowledgeable causing increased risk for themselves and others. This goes to show us the importance of obtaining the proper knowledge about what a blood borne pathogen is, exposure risks, symptoms after exposure, and who to see if there is exposure.  

Nobody enjoys working in a disorganized setting. Because there are less distractions in a clean setting, you can think more clearly, which lowers stress and boosts productivity. Custodians know how to maintain workspaces free of clutter and spotless while avoiding interfering with personal belongings to guarantee uninterrupted work and preserve workplace productivity.

Janitorial workers are crucial to maintaining clean and safe surroundings that benefit all of us on a daily basis. From promoting health and safety through routine cleaning procedures to generating financial savings through preventive maintenance plans, it is evident that these unsung heroes are vital to the smooth operation of our society!

Building cleanliness and organization are the responsibility of janitorial workers. Janitors maintain customer and employee safety in the workplace. They keep companies running, whether it's in an office setting where teams collaborate closely or a hospital setting where disinfectants and cleanliness are key to sustaining healthy patients. They work hand in hand to maintain the well-being of your employees and the efficiency of your workspace. Janitorial Directory

Implementing medical cleaning practices into my residential and commercial cleaning business requires a strategic approach to ensure effectiveness and consistency. Firstly, I would need to ensure that I educate myself and my staff about the specific cleaning protocols and standards followed in healthcare facilities. This includes understanding the types of disinfectants, cleaning agents, and equipment used in medical settings, as well as proper techniques for cleaning and sanitizing different surfaces. I would do this by ensuring  that all team members are trained using the Medical Cleaning course that I am currently doing. This will help to enhance their expertise and credibility in this area.

I would also my cleaning processes and procedures to incorporate medical-grade standards into our residential and commercial cleaning services. This would include adopting more rigorous cleaning schedules, focusing on high-touch surfaces, and implementing additional sanitization measures. Staff would be encouraged to pay close attention to areas where bacteria and viruses are most likely to thrive, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and commonly shared spaces, and prioritize thorough cleaning and disinfection in these areas.

Communication is key in this process and so I would inform my clients of the additional cleaning practices and the steps I would be taking to enhance the cleanliness and safety of their homes, rentals, and offices. Re-emphasizing the benefits of adopting these practices, such as reducing the risk of illness transmission, improving indoor air quality, and creating a healthier environment would be paramount in this discussion with my clients. The use of non-allergenic cleaning supplies would further ease any anxiety over introducing new chemicals. By implementing the strategies stated above I am sure it would help to differentiate my business and attract clients who prioritize cleanliness and hygiene in their residential and commercial spaces. If I am unable to take on additional clients I would point persons to the directory https://www.ijcsa.org/Janitorial-Service-Directory-Find-A-Janitorial-Service-JanitorialServices  where they would be able to find certified companies who can properly and efficiently undertake this type of cleaning service. This will make the process a lot smoother and less of a hassle.

Our daily lives are impacted by Janitorial staff in ways we don't recognize such as being kept away from harmful illnesses, the presentation of a building we may enter and deem as presentable looking, and enhancing the overall public health. The members that are apart of the Janitorial services are dedicated to ensuring a healthy enviornment which helps not only how we interact with the environment outside, but our own home life. As we walk around we may not realize how much we actually touch things in buildings we may enter that can cause contamination if kept unclean, but the Janitorial services that do thorough cleaning daily are what keeps us from spreading any viruses or any type of harmful pathogen.

Moreover, janitorial services play a pivotal role in each building they dedicate to clean, such as a school building, where kids run rampant with many types of germs that can easily cause a school wide infection. As the janitorial staff comes each day to clean, these harmful infections are eliminated through disinfecting, dusting, mopping, and more. They wear proper personal protective equipment as they do these services to ensure that they don't carry the harmful bacteria on themselves. An example of this would be rubber gloves used when cleaning would be promptly disinfected after each use as to not spread any bacteria that came in contact with the rubber gloves. 

Additionally, as each building is cleaned to OSHA standards, the building itself is deemed as extremely presentable and can be taken with pride knowing you are in an environment that is thoroughly cleaned and looking the best it can be with the helps of the janitorial services. The building enhances the overall mood of employees knowing they are not in a dirty environment where they are cautious to touch things around them, but are comfortable. The public health is also enhanced in turn knowing you won't easily be carrying any harmful pathogens that may come from the building itself. 

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1. Responsiveness: Great customer service begins with being responsive to our clients' needs. IJCSA members prioritize open communication and quick response times. When you have a question or require assistance, we're here for you, ensuring your concerns are addressed promptly.

2. Professionalism: Our members uphold the highest standards of professionalism. From the appearance of our cleaning teams to the quality of our work, we take pride in our commitment to professionalism in every aspect of our service.

3. Customized Solutions: We understand that every client is unique, with distinct cleaning needs. IJCSA members tailor their services to your specific requirements, ensuring that your space receives the attention it deserves.

4. Reliability: Dependability is a hallmark of great customer service. IJCSA members prioritize punctuality and consistency in our cleaning services. You can trust us to be there when you need us.

5. Attention to Detail: We believe in going the extra mile. Great customer service means paying attention to the finer details, ensuring no spot is left untouched, and your space is immaculate.

6. Environmentally Responsible: Many IJCSA members are committed to eco-friendly cleaning practices, using green cleaning products and sustainable methods to protect your health and the environment.

7. Industry Expertise: With IJCSA, you benefit from working with cleaning professionals who are experts in their field. Our members stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices to deliver exceptional service.

8. Continuous Improvement: Great customer service is an ongoing commitment to improvement. IJCSA members actively seek feedback and continuously strive to enhance our services to meet and exceed your expectations.

Join Hands with IJCSA for Outstanding Customer Service!

When you choose an IJCSA member for your janitorial or cleaning needs, you're not just getting a service; you're getting a partner dedicated to delivering great customer service. Visit the IJCSA Business Directory to connect with our exceptional members and experience the difference that outstanding customer service can make in your cleaning service. Elevate your cleaning experience with IJCSA today!

There are many advantages of hiring a cleaning person or company that has received their Residential Cleaning Service (RCS) Certification versus hiring someone that only cleans for a hobby or as a side job without certifications.  Entrusting one's home to someone that has access to updated industry guidelines and procedures is beneficial when it comes to the safety and cleanliness of the environment of one's home.  When hiring an IJCSA professional with the RCS certification, you can be assured of at least the following:  1.  Quality and intense training, 2.  Standard operation procedures, 3.  Expertise, aptitude, and professonalism, and 4. Customizable Cleaning Solutions.  This article will discuss these items and what they look like when hiring this professional individual or company.

One can rest assured when choosing a IJCSA RCS certified professional, that they are choosing someone that has had Quality Training.  They have demonstrated a vested interest in learning great techniques and utilizing effective chemicals to best clean the home.  This quality training is invaluable as they have studied for many hours and have tested to ensure their knowledge.  This training acquired is for overall cleaning, as well as certifications in two other distinct areas: bloodborne pathogens that may be encountered, and chemical hazards which address exposure to chemicals, their effects and exposure protocols. 

The RCS training also teaches IJCSA professionals of industry Standard Operations that are tried and proven for effective cleaning practices in the home.  It is always beneficial to have a professional utilize a protocol to clean because this method can be easily executed and repeatable for them which will allow ease to perform over and over.  These professionals have access to the standard as well as the special attention area practices which make the experience of cleaning the home unique.

Which brings us to the ability of an IJCSA RCS certified professional to customize a tailored or customizable cleaning solution specific to one's home.  The special attention areas that a customer would like performed can be done by this particular type of company or person because they are open to the needs of the client and have the know-how of more than just the basic cleaning.  Also customization, are the various products to utilize on specific surfaces, either client provided or otherwise.  

Achieving the Residential Cleaning Service Certification admonishes that this professional has attained the Expertise, aptitude and professionalism in order to do a great quality job for the customer.  The hours and hours spent studying, being tested, and posting articles on various subjects and specific areas is an industry standard that is second to none.  Again you can rest assured with the background checks, bonded and insured items as well as customer service that these individuals have attained, make them more than qualified to service a residential home.

It is fundamentally important for cleaning employees and staff to be informed of the modes of transmission, clean-up, and effects of bloodborne pathogens because of the risks of occupational exposure.  Universal (Standard) Precautions tell us to treat every fluid as if it's infected with bloodborne pathogens, because it makes us more aware and careful with things that we could be touching/cleaning that has the potential to give us a serious disease. 

It is essential that cleaning staff are aware that something as simple as rubbing an itchy eye with an unprotected hand that had previously picked up a client's used washcloth could have a detrimental effect on their livelihood.  Bloodborne pathogens can be transmitted from touching infectious materials that have things such as blood, mucus, or bodily fluids on them by cleaning staff that aren't wearing the correct personal protective equipment.  The IM could be a wide range of things; a puddle of fluid (blood or otherwise), bed linens, broken glass, a needle, etc.

Clean-up and disposal of potentially infectious materials needs to be done thoroughly, following the instructions provided by OSHA with the use of the correct PPE.  This is not only because it's hazardous to a person's health, but because it can affect the rest of their life.  One example is, if a person were to contract HIV from cleaning infected material without the proper PPE, they could feel ill, be put in a hospital, be unable to work, therefore unable to pay bills, receive lifelong blood tests for monitoring, and be on antiviral medications for the rest of their life so that the disease doesn't progress.  This is why it is so important for cleaning staff to understand the risks associated with the correct way to use Standard Precautions and clean up potentially infectious materials.  Knowing the correct PPE, clean-up, and risks of bloodborne pathogens will increase the likelihood that proper precautions are taken to decrease the chance of infection and transmission.

Nova Commercial Company Inc.(Nova) proud to be a Green Cleaning Certified company through the International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association (IJCSA), which shows our leadership in the green cleaning movement and our adherence to environmentally responsible cleaning practices that safeguard both health and the planet. Our certification from the IJCSA reflects our determination to apply sustainable methods and use eco-friendly products in all our operations. This commitment not only matches global environmental goals but also ensures that our clients get the highest standard of cleanliness in a way that supports their health and well-being.

Nova doesn't just claim to be green; we live by it in our everyday work. We select products and equipment that are green certified, which means they have less environmental impact while still delivering quality cleaning results. These practices lower the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals, enhancing indoor air quality and lowering allergens. Additionally, our use of microfiber technology, gentle detergents, and effective equipment helps in saving resources like water and energy, supporting a more eco-friendly environment.

Furthermore, Nova having the IJCSA Green Cleaning Certification improves our appeal and marketability to a wide range of customers and businesses who are mindful of the environment and want to meet their corporate social responsibilities. We are featured in the IJCSA Green Cleaning Directory, which makes it convenient for potential clients to search for and select our services, knowing they are working with a company that values health-conscious and sustainable cleaning methods. This certification not only sets us apart in the competitive cleaning industry but also demonstrates our professionalism and creative approach to green cleaning.

Try the Nova difference today!

Introduction to Cleaning Chemical Concerns

Many people and businesses still use conventional cleaning products for their everyday cleaning needs, but these products often have strong chemicals that can harm health and the environment. Natural green products are different: they are a more secure, just as efficient choice, backed up by the methods listed in the IJCSA Green Cleaning Directory, which gives a complete guide to environmentally friendly cleaning service providers.

Health Risks Associated with Chemical Cleaners

Many traditional cleaning products have serious health risks. They can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ammonia, and bleach, which can harm the respiratory system, cause headaches, and affect other aspects of health. These chemicals can also lead to long-term health problems, such as chronic breathing difficulties, allergic reactions, and occupational asthma, if people are exposed to them for a long time. The World Health Organization has warned about the quality of indoor air, saying that some chemical cleaners can make the indoor air pollution much worse than the outdoor level. This is especially worrying for people who already have health problems, older people, and children.

Environmental Impact of Synthetic Cleaners

Not only do conventional cleaning products pose health hazards, but they also harm the environment. When these chemicals are washed away, they end up in waterways, where they can poison aquatic life. Phosphates, which are found in many cleaners, can trigger algae blooms that reduce oxygen in water bodies, killing fish and other marine life. The making and discarding of chemical cleaners often use non-renewable resources and add to the buildup of non-biodegradable waste, worsening the global waste management problem.

Advantages of Natural Green Cleaning Products

On the other hand, green cleaning products, as advocated by entities like the IJCSA, reduce environmental impact and health hazards. These products usually contain ingredients that are environmentally friendly, sourced from renewable resources, and devoid of harmful chemicals. Companies listed in the IJCSA Green Cleaning Directory adhere to using substances that do not damage the planet or its people. Additionally, green products are often packaged in recyclable materials, contributing to the overall sustainability of the product life cycle.

Conclusion: Embracing Green Cleaning

The negative impacts of common cleaning chemicals motivate us to use natural green products instead. Thanks to resources like the IJCSA Green Cleaning Directory, it's very easy for individuals and businesses to find green cleaning service providers who follow the best practices of environmental care. When we choose green products, we protect our health and the planet, and also support a sustainable future, making a deliberate decision that helps everyone. The directory shows the viability and effectiveness of green cleaning, giving us confidence that we can be clean without harming our well-being or environmental health.

Janitorial services have to pay attention to green cleaning in today's world, where environmental awareness is high. As more people care about the environmental effects of their choices, they also expect janitorial companies to follow eco-friendly and sustainable standards. Being a certified green cleaning company means more than just using eco-friendly practices; it shows that a company cares about lowering its carbon footprint and improving sustainability. This care extends beyond the facilities that are cleaned—it's about protecting the health of the earth and all its inhabitants. By opting for green cleaning methods, companies prove that they are environmentally conscious and want to make a difference in the world.

Enhancing Brand Reputation and Customer Trust

Green Cleaning Certification enhances a company's brand image. In a time when consumers are more and more choosing products based on a company’s environmental impact, having a reputable certification can draw in more customers. It shows that the company is trustworthy and dependable, and that it uses products and practices that are better for the environment. This can be very effective in marketing campaigns, as it appeals to the increasing number of eco-conscious consumers. Additionally, businesses that are certified often qualify for government and corporate contracts that require green certifications, thus creating new opportunities for business expansion.

Compliance with Regulations and Access to New Markets

One more important benefit is following environmental rules at the local, national, and sometimes international level. Many areas are making laws stricter around chemical use, waste management, and sustainability practices in business operations. Companies that have green cleaning certification are often more prepared for regulatory changes, lowering the chance of facing fines for non-compliance and appealing to governmental and large corporate contracts that demand such standards. In addition, this forward-thinking approach to sustainability can create opportunities in new markets, especially where green certification is a requirement for doing business.

Improving Workplace Health and Safety

Finally, green cleaning certification has many health benefits. Conventional cleaning chemicals can often cause problems for the lungs, skin, and other parts of the body. Green cleaning practices lower the amount of harmful chemicals that staff and clients are exposed to, making the work environment safer and healthier. This can lead to fewer health insurance claims, less absenteeism, and higher productivity among employees who enjoy working in a non-toxic environment. Furthermore, a healthier workplace enhances a company's reputation as a kind and ethical employer.

To sum up, getting green cleaning certification is not only an environmental gesture; it is a smart business choice with many benefits. From improving brand image and increasing market opportunities to cutting expenses and raising health standards, the pros are obvious. For companies that want to succeed in the current business environment, adopting green cleaning certification is not just a possibility—it's a vital move toward lasting success.