There are no educational requirements, or certifications, to do biohazard cleaning. This leads people to believe that just anyone, with no experience can do this type of work. But biohazard cleaning is not for everyone.  It can be a very demanding, disgusting, and stressful job.   You may have to work a lot of hours in a day or  touch a lot of gross things, and clean up after a traumatic event, such as a suicide. This can become emotionally draining, and too much for some people to handle.

A career in the biohazard industry can actually be quite rewarding, however.  I once had a friend whose son had committed suicide, with a gun. She was the one who had to clean up after that happened. She told me how traumatizing it was for her to have to clean up her teenage sons blood off of the floor. By offering this service, you are taking on this experience yourself, for a person you do not know personally, and taking that burden off of the family member. Or in the situation where someone had become very depressed and started hoarding. Over the years their house just got worse and worse, especially if they had physical health problems on top of that. If you come in and clean their home you are offering them a fresh start at a new life. Returning their home to a state that they can actually maintain. You are offering a very caring and compassionate service. In the case of hoarding I think it is very helpful to have some counseling/mental health background, to understand why the person was hoarding in the first place, and also deal with that. It would be a good idea to pair up with mental health services in the area to have someone to send them to, to deal with that issue so that it will not repeat itself later on.

The International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association offers an in depth training program for it’s members in Biohazard Certification. This will put you one step ahead of the game in your market, above someone else whom does not have any certification.  Even though it isn’t required by law, it just shows that you are willing to go above and beyond the bare minimum and take the time to become properly trained in your field. Pay varies greatly, based on how dangerous the contamination, but this is a very lucrative business in comparison to residential cleaning.

It is estimated that 5.6 million workers are at risk of Bloodborne Pathogen exposure. In order to mitigate and protect those in the field, OSHA has developed the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard. Bodily fluids may contain microorganisms that spread infectious disease, and therefore all bodily fluid, laundry, garbage or OPIM must be handled by this standard. The Bloodborne Pathogen Standard is a protocol in which all potentially infectious material is treated as infectious, and protocols are met to ensure safe handling, disposal and sanitation.

All cleaning or janitorial staff must be informed on the many ways to protect themselves and others when it comes to Bloodborne Pathogens to reduce the risk of spreading infectious disease such as HBV, HCV, HIV and AIDs. Not following the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard and exposure protocols can result in any of the aforementioned diseases which are very serious and can be deadly.

So remember, always wear gloves when there is a risk of pathogens, and wash your hands as soon as PPE is removed. Never eat, drink, chew gum, apply make-up or lip gloss or ChapStick in an area that may expose you to pathogens. Not only is it dangerous to ignore these practices set in place for your safety, but it is against the law. Be sure that you, your company and its employees are all compliant with these OSHA standards for the safety of those you serve and employ.

There is an old adage that the customer is always right. While cliche’, it is true.  Were most miss the mark, they forget WHO the customer is. Providing excellent customer service is paramount in operating any business.  It is important to understand that every person you encounter while conducting business is a customer.  

I am reminded of a scene I saw in a movie.  A man was on his way to a job interview.  In the parking lot, he cut off another driver and raced into the building.  Only to find that very same man was the hiring manager that he was scheduled to meet. Imagine that.  He lost the job before he had a chance to interview.

Every interaction is a potential business opportunity.

Companies certified by IJCSA, understand the importance of business excellence at every level.  

Don’t trust your janitorial needs to just anyone.  Find your IJCSA certified company by clicking the link below.

https://www.ijcsa.org/Find-A-Cleaning-Service-Janitorial-Service

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious diseases, such as viral infections, contained in and transmitted through human blood. Bloodborne pathogens can be extremely serious, often fatal, and many viral infections are incurable once they take hold. It is therefore extremely important for anyone whose work exposes them to human blood to take preventative measures against bloodborne pathogens.

When cleaning surfaces or materials that may be contaminated with blood or other bodily fluids, one should follow the rule of better safe than sorry. Always assume that something that *might* be contaminated, *is* contaminated. Wear gloves and other personal protective equipment, and dispose of materials properly and neatly. Contaminated waste should be placed into secure disposal containers labelled for biohazards and/or color-coded red or orange. Sharp objects such as needles must be handled with particular care. Surfaces must be disinfected with suitable cleaning products, which themselves may be hazardous if they are not used according to the instructions.

Often in our lives, especially in workplace settings, we humans are tempted to take shortcuts and to disregard the more inconvenient rules that are set out for us. We may feel that it is unnecessary to go through all the steps or to adhere to all the rules, but this is one case in which we cannot afford to have such an attitude. Following proper clean-up procedures to prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens is not merely a matter of jumping through hoops and checking boxes. It is a matter of life and death, not just for the janitorial worker, but also for the people around them. 

(This essay is for my certification requirements.)

Customer service plays a pivotal role in the success and growth of a commercial cleaning business. In this industry, establishing and maintaining strong relationships with clients is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, exceptional customer service helps build trust and credibility with clients. When a cleaning business consistently delivers high-quality service and exceeds customer expectations, it enhances their reputation and fosters positive word-of-mouth referrals, leading to new business opportunities. Moreover, satisfied clients are more likely to become loyal, long-term customers, providing a stable revenue stream for the cleaning company.

Secondly, customer service is vital for addressing any concerns or issues promptly and efficiently. In the commercial cleaning industry, unexpected challenges can arise, such as a missed cleaning appointment or a specific cleaning requirement not being met. Effective customer service ensures that these problems are resolved promptly, minimizing any inconvenience for the client. By demonstrating responsiveness and attentiveness to customer needs, a cleaning business can not only retain their existing clients but also turn a potentially negative experience into a positive one, strengthening the client relationship in the process.

What do you get when you choose a company who is a member of IJCSA?

Each member of IJCSA has made every effort to consistently deliver great customer service to you.

We empower our employees so they can provide a reliable and professional service . They are happy to be part of the solution to your problems whether it is  big or small, even if it means referring you to another great provider. Learning about your current needs in cleaning your home, pet peeves and previous experiences, whether good or bad, allows us to improve and not make the same mistakes.

Our satisfaction guarantee will ensure all your needs are met at the time of service. If you are dissatisfied for whatever reason, we will be happy to rectify the situation and can come to an agreement that meets both our needs. IJCSA provider will give friendly, trustworthy, solution orientated service. Click on the link for a provider near you. https://www.ijcsa.org/Find-A-Cleaning-Service-Janitorial-Service

Implementing medical cleaning practices into other residential and commercial cleaning situations requires a systematic approach and adherence to specific protocols. While medical cleaning practices prioritize infection control and sterilization, they can be adapted and applied to other settings to promote cleanliness and minimize the spread of germs. Here are some steps to implement medical cleaning practices in different environments:

1. Identify high-touch surfaces: Determine the areas and surfaces that are frequently touched or have the potential to harbor germs. This includes doorknobs, light switches, countertops, tables, chairs, keyboards, phones, and bathroom fixtures.

2. Develop a cleaning protocol: Create a cleaning protocol that outlines the specific tasks and procedures for cleaning and disinfecting each area. This should include details on the cleaning products, tools, and techniques to be used.

3. Select appropriate cleaning products: Choose cleaning products that are effective against a wide range of pathogens. Look for disinfectants approved by regulatory agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or local health authorities. Ensure that the products are safe for the specific surfaces and materials in the environment.

4. Train cleaning staff: Provide comprehensive training to cleaning staff on the proper use of cleaning products and equipment, as well as the specific protocols for each area. Emphasize the importance of following proper hygiene practices, such as handwashing and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) if necessary.

5. Focus on thorough cleaning: Prioritize thorough cleaning by ensuring that surfaces are first cleaned of visible dirt, dust, and debris. Use appropriate cleaning tools, such as microfiber cloths, mops, or vacuum cleaners, to remove dirt effectively.

6. Implement proper disinfection procedures: Follow the recommended contact time for disinfectants to ensure they effectively kill pathogens. Pay special attention to high-touch surfaces and areas prone to contamination. Consider using disinfectant wipes or sprays for quick and convenient disinfection.

7. Pay attention to restroom hygiene: Restrooms are particularly important areas to maintain cleanliness. Clean and disinfect toilets, sinks, faucets, and other restroom fixtures regularly. Ensure that there is an adequate supply of soap, hand sanitizer, and paper towels for hand hygiene.

8. Promote good ventilation: Encourage proper ventilation in indoor spaces to improve air quality and circulation. Open windows where possible or use air purifiers to help remove airborne contaminants.

9. Regularly review and update protocols: Stay informed about the latest cleaning guidelines and recommendations from health authorities. Periodically review and update your cleaning protocols to incorporate any changes or new information.

10. Communicate cleaning efforts: Provide clear signage indicating that thorough cleaning and disinfection practices are in place. This helps reassure residents, employees, or visitors about the cleanliness and safety of the environment.

First let's talk about the obvious. Without janitors and custodians there would be a whole bunch of dirty buildings. Yuck, I don't even want to think about the bathrooms!! I love it when I walk into a dirty restroom said no one ever! So, you can say they play a very important part in making the world we live in a happy, clean and healthy place to be.

Janitors and custodians are essential to protecting he health of the occupants of the structures they clean. They help to prevent the spread of illness and infection. Did you know that janitors and custodians receive trainings on how to prevent the spread of microorganisms that can make us sick? 

A clean structure is essential to the success of a business. Keep your customers returning and your employees healthy and happy by finding a janitorial service near you. Click the link to find one you will love in your area today! International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association - Janitorial Services Directory (ijcsa.org)

There are many reasons why it is important to learn and know about the proper way to clean bloodborne pathogens. To begin, knowing the proper way to clean bloodborne pathogens can significantly decrease the likely hood of an employee or one's self from being infected by any diseases that can be prevalent in bloodborne pathogens. The knowledge of what types of diseases can be lingering within body fluids and blood can help employees be better prepared when arriving at a cleaning site and be cautious of the danger they are exposed to during their daily work routines. Following these protocols can also help reduces the chance of exposure and increase safety within a job site.

Understanding what type of exposure an employee is being presented with during daily routine jobs is important to help prevent the spread of diseases such as HIV, AIDs, and HBV. With these diseases lurking among body fluids and blood on a work site, it is important to inform employees about their risk of being exposed to such diseases and to prevent them from being spread beyond the workplace. Along with knowing what diseases are at risk on a job, it is also important to spread the knowledge of what these diseases can do to one's self if they are exposed. This is important so that employees know why products and procedures are in place. Also, knowing these procedures can help encourage employees to utilize these precautions and prevent these diseases from infecting anyone further.

With this risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens in the workplace, it is important that employees know how to properly handle and dispose of all fluids they come in contact with. Knowing the proper disposal locations for each type of equipment or waste will help reduce the exposure and help keep the crew in proper order for themselves and for possible other employees coming into contact with the waste for disposal. Additionally, beyond disposal, it is also important to understand that cleaning equipment used on the job site with the proper Betco disinfectant can help eliminate exposure beyond the work site.

Bloodborne pathogens are important to know about, so you don't put your self at risk of disease. Bloodborne pathogens are found in blood/bodily fluid and could easily enter your bloodstream with serious or life-threatening diseases. When exposed to bloodborne pathogens you could get HBV, HCV, and HIV.

Cleaning staff need to know about this for when they train employees and so they could properly take care of staff. Employees need to know about this so they don't get infected and so they are cautious for others.

There are certain protocols you wouldn't know to follow if you didn't learn about how serious bloodborne pathogens are. You have to properly cleanup after exposure of blood/bodily fluids. Such as getting vaccinations, training, cleaning equipement used to clean up blood/bodily fluid, and maintaining proper hygiene. 

In conclusion, it is important for both cleaning staff and employees to know about bloodborne pathogens and how to properly dispose of blood/bodily fluids.