Janitorial work can be very dangerous when it comes to cleaning up hazardous materials in the workplace. You can come in contact with bloodborne pathogens directly and indirectly by touching , and  they may travel through the air when cleaning various surfaces around the workplace. Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV can be knowingly and unknowingly on surfaces around the workplaces. You and others can transport viruses from one surface to another and effect yourself and others. By not protecting yourself when cleaning and removing unwanted stains and germs from surfaces.

Here are a few things that we should be aware of to protect ourselves and others from having bloodborne pathogens affecting our bodies. Wearing the right gear protects our body and may help keep us from transporting dangerous viruses to other places. Wearing gloves, goggles, facemask, smocks, and protective  shoes coverings can help keep us safe from getting blood-borne pathogens in our systems. We must make sure that we dispose of our protective gear or sanitize it properly for reuse to keep us safe too. Removing trash can be dangerous even though it seems very simple. Sharp objects, broken glass, needles are just some of things that may be in trash unknowingly. Hazardous waste also may be in  trash bins unknowingly to. Always handled trash bags and receptacles as if they contain sharp objects and or hazardous waste. You may not have to put them in a hazardous waste bin but handle bags accordingly you cannot always be able to tell the contents of a bag or a receptacle. After the use of equipment always make sure you sanitize your equipment including yourself. Do not leave equipment dirty and unsanitized for the next person or yourself. Hazardous bloodborne pathogens may be on equipment or even on your body from cleaning surfaces. To protect yourself and others make sure you dispose of properly gloves and other materials that are disposable that have came in contact with surfaces that are being cleaned. They may have hazardous materials on them you could not see when cleaning. Sanitize yourself as well you do not want to bring home any germ or viruses.

This is just a few things to keep in mind when you're’ cleaning in the workplace. We don’t always know what is on the services of the areas that we are cleaning. Blood-borne pathogen’s is something that we should be aware of that they can be lurking on any surface anywhere at any time protect yourself. When we constantly take the steps to protect ourselves from bloodborne pathogens it becomes muscle memory and easy to do. It keeps us and others around us healthy and safe.

Cleaning employees & staff knowing about bloodborne pathogens

One of the common life-risks involved with the routine work of Housekeepers and Cleaning employees are the existence of bloodborne pathogens. These can be found on surface or elements, with them workers are coming in contact routinely.

According to OSHA definition, “Bloodborne Pathogens (BPs)are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)”

The BPs are kind of ‘Silent Killer’. Their illness symptoms can be developed sometimes years after the infection event. Hence, Workers must be aware for this fact and understand the need to repeat again and again safety instructions and guidance.  

As much the health risk found in BPs is high, as much is the unawareness for them. This exactly due to the fact, cleaning and housekeeping is about getting into contact with trash left behind human action. "This is part of the Work" our brain tell us. We must get into the d . As in driving, which is risk-involved activity naturally, our brain directed us to ignore risks and disturbances that are not immediate. In such way, PBs sources of risk are usually ignored.

Part of the solution of getting over the “Routine is the Enemy (RIE)” problem, is to refer for any element or surface, having the chance of carrying body liquids or blood as ‘BPs contaminated ‘. In such way, any surface or element coming in contact with human body liquids, will be treated according to the OSHA regulations as contaminated stuff. In this way, we will eliminate much of the 'RIE psychological effect' and always be at the safe-side regarding BPs risks. This will help us also, to fulfill our part in preventing infectious diseases and their spread in the cleaning-environment.

Following the golden-rule says: “Being aware to problem is 50% of its solution”, we must be in contact awareness to the BPs risks. At the moment we are aware, just few had to be done to be at the Safe-Side. Widely speaking is to follow the OSHA set of precautions and standards directed “to reduce or eliminate the hazards of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens” (OSHA BPs and Needlestick Prevention).

It all starts by development of "PBs and Needlestick Prevention plan", and of course, its implementation in the workspace. The program has little to do if is any, with disturbance for work routine. Also, at the moment staff are aware to its importance it is widely and happily accepted and assimilated quickly in workplace. 

As part of this program, special care is given for any “Needlesticks and other sharps-related injuries may expose workers to bloodborne pathogens”. Their appearance in Laundry or in other places like toilets and bathrooms in expected in high chance, especially while speaking on cleaning in healthcare facilities.

Additionally, Protective Personal Equipment (PPE) must be supplied to workers according to their expected exposure to BPs Risks. Also, Disinfection and decontamination materials must be defined and available to workers, in accordance with their cleaning duties, and in consideration with their cleaning environment.

Awareness is achieved by periodical training and managers’ comments to their staff. Aside of the BPs PRevention plan assimilated, evoking the workers awareness constantly to the BPs risks, is the most effective prevention tool and supervisors should always keep a place for this in their Daily or Weekly staff instructions.

It is more critical now more than ever, with the Covid 19 pandemic, that we take preventative measures when cleaning. Cleaning should be top priority, and with that a thorough plan should be set in place. With a strong plan set in place, both the workplace and the employees  are safe.

First, we need to understand that bloodborne pathogens are found in a humans blood, vomit, and sometimes saliva that could be harmful if direct contact is made causing serious diseases. These diseases include HIV, HBV, and Hepatitis. We can expose ourselves to these pathogens thru our nose and mouth, but also thru cuts and scrapes on our skin. To prevent ourselves from becoming ill, it is imperative to follow Oshas Universal Precaution, which recommends that blood and certain body fluids from ALL patients be considered potentially infectious and that infection control precautions be taken to minimize the risk of exposure. 

Some precautions required by my cleaning employees are that they wear proper PPE including a facemask and gloves. Anything containing human fluids are to be places in a red hazardous bad and any needles or sharp items be places in a needle container. Proper disinfecting of the area followed by proper disinfecting and/or disposal of the cleaning tools,  PPE and washing our hands. Strictly following these  few guidelines can minimize the risk of exposure and keepong everyone healthy. 

A clean environment in which one lives or works is essential for good health, much like the air, food and water we need. Bloodborne pathogens similar to contaminated air, food and water poses a risk to health and life.

A well trained janitorial service being educated about the potential dangers of bloodborne pathogens, can help maintain a clean and safe environment to benefit the health of those in it.

IJCSA maintains high standards for its members and therefore provides the necessary training to achieve certification in the various scopes of the profession. The bloodborne certification is one credential on the path of excellence and professionalism for the IJCSA members.

Working in the cleaning industry we will encounter many different things, some employees and staff are aware of the dangers involving different types of pathogens but in all reality when it comes to situations involving blood most people don’t know what proper procedures to follow.

This is why learning and understanding how to face situations that involve bloodborne pathogens is so important. Understanding the risk you are taking ensures you take even more precautious, following the Universal Precautions is a must to ensure safety and peace of mind when confronting these scenarios.

Teaching this to your staff and employees about bloodborne pathogens is a definite must it gives peace of mind to not just them but to the employer as well. 

Every year, numerous Americans are infected with extraordinarily virile infections through healthcare facilities. Proper cleaning and disinfection is crucial for hospitals, medical, and dental offices. The importance of following standards and guidelines, put in place by the CDC, has never been more important.

With the advent of the Coronavirus, this has been brought to the forefront of many Americans minds. However, properly trained healthcare cleaning professionals have been fighting this battle.for many years. There are numerous standards and practices that need to be followed.

If you are looking for a healthcare cleaning professional, look no further. Search the IJCSA directory for a certified healthcare cleaner. The standards of training are rigorous and ensure that you get the highest quality professionals available - https://www.ijcsa.org/Janitorial-Service-Directory-Find-A-Janitorial-Service-JanitorialServices

Choosing Green Cleaning products over everyday cleaning chemicals can be a life changing decision. 

Ordinary cleaning chemicals can be sweet-smelling and make our lives easier, but we have to remember that they could also be harmful to our health and the environment. For example, bleach and ammonia, to name a couple can cause serious damage to our skin, lungs, throat and eyes when not properly used. Ammonia can cause asthmatic complications and bleach can cause migraines and muscle weakness.

Green cleaning products shouldn't contain hazardous chemicals. They are safer and more suitable for everyday use around your homes and facilities. Green cleaning products are less harmful to the environment and doesn't contain chemicals that can cause significant pollution to our water and often use recyclable packaging, free of dyes and chlorine. 

Always take reasonable precautions to storing cleaning products and to always wear your PPE when using cleaning chemicals. 

It is important for cleaning employees to be aware of bloodborne pathogens and the risks that come from them. But first we need to understand what they are. Bloodborne pathogens are disease-causing microorganisms in human blood which include HBV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

It's essential for employers to have knowledge on the procedures that are used to be cautious to help prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens. One way could be by taking special training classes to increase their knowledge on precautions they can take. Without these training classes the employees could be at risk of getting infected if the proper measures aren't taken.

In conclusion following the right steps when dealing with body fluids/ blood could prevent life threatening diseases in the workplace. 

It is important for employees and staff to understand the practice of Bloodborne Pathogen certification and Universal Precautions when dealing with blood or bodily fluids. Universal precautions teaches to assume any human blood or bodily fluids may be affected by BBP (bloodborne pathogens). As such when dealing with a situation that requires clean up and sanitizing of such an area those involved in the cleaning must be aware of the risks and hazards when dealing with this type of waste. 

Some ways to help mitigate the risks are to practice the following guidelines:

1. Hand hygiene - wash hands thoroughly prior to eating, drinking, applying lip balm, or any other activity that may expose you to BBP
2. Use of personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, masks, eyewear). - PPE used properly can help reduce risk of exposure
3. Respiratory hygiene / cough etiquette. - Cover it, don't spread it.
4. Sharps safety (engineering and work practice controls). - Be very careful when handling hypodermic needles or other objects that may have come in contact with blood or other bodily fluids
5. Safe injection practices (i.e., aseptic technique for parenteral medications).
6. Sterile instruments and devices. - Don't reuse instruments or tools that have come possibly come in contact with BBP
7. Clean and disinfected environmental surfaces. - Keep all areas clean and disinfected to prevent further spread of pathogens
8. Awareness of any open wounds when handling blood or bodily fluids as that is one of the most common ways to transmit an infection 

In the end, we want all our employees and staff to go home safe to their family and friends. To do so it is important to follow OSHA's BBP training to keep co-workers, family, and friends safe. It is the responsibility of all professionals to do their part by following the practices of the OSHA BBP certification program.

In order to obtain the Green Cleaning Certification, it is necessary that you look for a certifying company or association. We, at Win Services, recommend the International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association (www.ijcsa.org). Certification in Green Cleaning which brings our company a unique opportunity and a fundamental role in the dissemination of concepts and in the practical demonstration of how to conduct daily activities in a sustainable way. We are aware that conventional cleaning products often contain petrochemicals, solvents, acidic or corrosive components. After the adhesion of our company to Green Cleaning, we are much more satisfied with the results, as today we have an increase in product durability, product profitability, reduction of pollution on the planet, reduction in waste generation, faster and more efficient processes.

Find Professional Certified Green Cleaning Companies Here