Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms present in human blood and bodily fluids that can lead to dangerous diseases in those who come into contact with them. Types of bloodborne pathogens include: HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. 

Those in the cleaning field are especially at risk for coming into contact with bloodborne pathogens since they may be tasked with cleaning up and sanitizing areas where bodily fluids were present. 

OSHA (The Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has created industry standards which help employers and employees create a plan to remain safe on the job. By understanding the dangers of bloodborne pathogens and adhering to OSHA guidelines, employees can decrease their risk of exposure and do their jobs safely and effectively.

          In any environment where there is potential exposure to blood or bodily fluids, such as healthcare facilities, laboratories, or even public spaces, it is crucial for cleaning employees and staff to have a solid understanding of bloodborne pathogens. Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms that can cause diseases when transmitted through contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids. These pathogens include viruses like HIV and hepatitis B and C. Therefore, comprehensive knowledge about bloodborne pathogens is essential for cleaning personnel to protect themselves, prevent the spread of infections, and ensure the safety of everyone in the vicinity.

    First and foremost, educating cleaning employees and staff about bloodborne pathogens promotes their own safety and well-being. These workers often come into direct contact with potentially contaminated materials, such as used syringes, bandages, or other waste products. By understanding the risks associated with bloodborne pathogens and learning proper infection control measures, cleaning personnel can effectively protect themselves from exposure. They can learn about using personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, masks, and gowns, as well as the correct techniques for handling and disposing of hazardous materials. This knowledge empowers them to take necessary precautions and minimizes the chances of contracting serious infections.

    Secondly, cleaning employees and staff who are knowledgeable about bloodborne pathogens play a crucial role in preventing the spread of infections. Their work involves cleaning and disinfecting various surfaces, equipment, and facilities that may be contaminated. By understanding the modes of transmission and the importance of thorough cleaning, they can effectively eliminate pathogens and reduce the risk of infection for others. Cleaning protocols, such as using appropriate disinfectants and following proper decontamination procedures, become second nature to well-informed employees. Their expertise ensures that potential sources of infections are addressed, creating a safer and healthier environment for everyone.

   Lastly, by being educated about bloodborne pathogens, cleaning employees and staff contribute to the overall safety of the community. Their role extends beyond their immediate workspace, as they are often responsible for maintaining cleanliness in public areas, schools, and other shared facilities. By understanding the risks associated with bloodborne pathogens, they can implement preventive measures that reduce the likelihood of outbreaks or the spread of infectious diseases. Their knowledge enables them to identify potential hazards, report any incidents, and take appropriate actions promptly. This proactive approach to infection control helps protect the health and well-being of the general public.

In conclusion, the importance of cleaning employees and staff knowing about bloodborne pathogens cannot be overstated. Comprehensive knowledge empowers them to protect themselves, prevent the spread of infections, and ensure the safety of everyone in the vicinity. By understanding the risks, using proper precautions, and implementing effective cleaning protocols, these individuals play a vital role in maintaining a safe and healthy environment. Their expertise not only safeguards their own well-being but also contributes to the overall well-being of the community they serve.

Being IJCSA Green Cleaning certified can benefit your company in several ways. First and foremost, it showcases your commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Customers and clients will appreciate your efforts to reduce your carbon footprint and protect the environment.

Moreover, being certified IJCSA green clean can help you stand out in a crowded market and attract eco-conscious customers who prioritize green cleaning practices. This can ultimately lead to increased business and revenue.

In addition, being certified can also improve the health and safety of your employees by minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals and promoting the use of eco-friendly cleaning products.

Overall, becoming IJCSA Green Cleaning Certified is a smart investment for any company looking to reduce its environmental impact, attract new customers, and promote the health and well-being of its employees.

Find Professional Certified Green Cleaning Services Here 

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 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

If you want to maintain a clean space we need custodians/janitors. For to often they are bypassed as you don't understand the job.  They are the ones that not only keep your facility clean but they are also prevention specialists. 

I know that if I were to work a lot of hours I wouldn't want to have to go clean a bathroom so by having a janitor makes your life a little easier. If you have a clean facility you have happier customers/staff at your work place.  Even a good smell after the janitors are done makes your day a little more enjoyable.

Janitors are essential to any location. It doesn't matter if its just a place where no public goes or if its a public building. They are so important! I know I like to know that if i go to a dr. facility that it has been cleaned and that my friend is the janitors job.

I believe after taking bloodborne pathogen certification course is probably the most important course one could take. Infectious bloodborne pathogens could strike anywhere anytime, and knowing the risks, dangers, precautions to take, and how to handle oneself when faced with a situation, is a matter of life and death. In the career field of a Janitorial worker or cleaning crew, it is a must to know. It is like playing Russian roulette with ones life to cleanup bodily fluids and not know the dangers of infectious pathogens.

To give a little background on bloodborne pathogens and the risks that come with it. Infectious Bloodborne pathogens are very tiny microorganisms found in blood. These pathogens can cause incurable disease such as HIV, HBV, and HCV. once you contract such disease your chances of death are extremely high. HIV or Humane Immunodeficiency is a disease that can soon bring on AIDS. It breaks down your immune system to the point you cant even fight off a common cold. These disease once you contract one is not curable. The best one can do is make your life as comfortable as possible until the disease finally wins.

Fortunately there are precautions and guidelines you can follow that will greatly reduce your chances of ever contracting a infectious bloodborne pathogen. Osha has set up many rules, guidelines, and steps to take. Universal precaution is one that we must treat all bodily fluids as infectious. How we handle taking out the trash, or what steps to take when cleaning up bodily fluids are just a few of the precautions we must follow. Not knowing these can be a death sentence to a cleaning or janitorial worker. Important to know this material is a understatement when it comes to bloodborne pathogens. 

It is of the upmost importance to establish and maintain safe cleaning practices, protocols, and plans as you encounter them when dealing with any type of chemicals and such and especially Bloodborne pathogens. As the video states a plan should be established and checked annually to ensure it is up to date and accurate.  Ensuring this one practice is completed will be an immense help to ensuring safety protocols are in place. 

Ensuring safety protocols are established and follow via and annual plan is just the beginning and is a daily work and endeavor that is imperative to keep staff safe. Ensuring that cleaning employees understand the importance of these simple practices is critical in maintaining the safety of employees and patients when applicable. 

Bloodborne Pathogens can seem like a daunting concept to understand and maintain; however, when simple tasks are established it is more easily manageable. The video was extremely enlightening and I enjoyed how simple it was to understand so these practices can be appropriately incorporated into daily operations. 

  The use of green products also referred to as eco-friendly, earth friendly and environmentally responsible. These products are much safer for us and the earth. Whether a chemical is green or not, once you clean your house or business with whatever product you choose, the chemical will start to break down or off gas. This is one area where eco-friendly products are superior. Regular cleaning products can release enough VOC's as they break down, decompose or off gas that they can effect your health, including headaches, dizziness, eye, nose and throat irritation. Also loss of coordination, damage to the liver, kidney's or central nervous system and more.

  The production and use of green cleaning products continues to grow and for good reason. The evidence backs these products. The EPA conducted a study at a school on the east coast. They found dust that contained a pesticide that was banned decades ago because it was found to cause cancer.

Harvard University's healthy building program also found a tremendous upside to using green products and having a healthy indoor air quality. They found that it increases cognitive function and increases memory retention to name two. They were also able to quantify their findings, it resulted in a $6,500 increase in productivity per employee annually. That's what it can do for a business, so think about your house. Do you work from home? Do you have kids doing homework? Do you have pets? 

  Regular cleaning products can negatively affect your finances not just your health. People can develop dermatitis, lung issues, eye issues and more, requiring you to seek medical attention. If you have pets you may need veterinarian services as well. Using cleaning products has a ripple effect. If there are hazardous byproducts produced during the manufacturing process, where does it go and what if it got into the environment. How about when your bottle is empty, do you rinse it out or dump the last little bit down the drain? Or do you just toss it in the recycle? Think about how many chemicals can be put down a drain, mop water , rinsing out a rag after wiping down the counter, cleaning your toilet, cleaning the shower, if you clean your carpets, etc. These chemicals whether regular or green don't always make it to the water treatment facility, they can go directly into a river, lake or some other water source.

  So the next time you need a cleaning product or a cleaning service. Think about the ripple effect and what you can do to stop it. The amazing companies found on IJCSA Green Cleaning Directory can help.  https://www.ijcsa.org/Green-Cleaning-Services

We are excited to announce that we are now Green Cleaning Certified by IJSCA! Not only do we provide cleaning services that exceed expectations, but we can effectively do so while keeping your family, our cleaners, and our environment safer. After becoming certified in Green Cleaning, we carefully evaluated the cleaning products and tools that we use, and decided to implement some substitutions that we could use in our Green Cleaning service to put in place of them to provide the best possible results, at a lower cost to human/pet health, and environmental impacts. 

The first thing we will be implementing as part of our Green Cleaning program, is biodegradable trash bags. They won't take nearly as long to biodegrade as regular plastic trash bags and will lower the amount of toxic emissions that are created during the manufacturing process of regular trash bags.

Next, we will not be using any cleaning solution that contains any form of bleach. No bathroom cleaners, no disinfectants, no stain removers, etc.  There are a whole host of reasons as to why this was a no-brainer to us, and we know that some people don't believe that bleach is as awful to their health and the environment as it really is, but it isn't even going to be offered as a part of our regular services. 

Among other things, we've decided to use solutions that have more natural active ingredients. Things like vinegar, citric acid (from things like oranges, lemons, etc.), washing soda, and olive oil, prove unbelievably useful around the entire home. These simple ingredients in the right combinations can effectively take care of things like stain removing, window cleaning, grout brightening, deodorizing, furniture polishing, etc.  

As these are just a few of the things we're implementing as IJSCA Green Cleaning Certified business members, we're constantly improving our practices as we become more informed.  Because of this, we know you'll be more than happy with our Green Cleaning services, and can feel great that you played a role in keeping your family and the world a little safer in choosing to partner with us!