The cleaning industry is a great place to work especially if you are an outdoor/active person. The industry has serious potential to earn anyone exponential success. However, that comes with a price that monetary possessions can't buy, a compromised health situation. As a business owner of my own cleaning company I am so glad that I paid attention in the many OSHA courses underwent during my tenure in the biopharma and human donated tissue environments. The one thing always stood out was the universal precaution of treating all human blood and certain bodily fluids as if they are infectious.

With this in mind, the importance of knowing bloodborne pathogens are critical to every cleaning employee and staff. It is of paramount importance that workers and staff first become aware of their environment and what bloodborne pathogens they can be exposed and or at risk to. Everyone gets excited when starting a new job and many at times want to dive right into the payroll aspects of the company but can totally miss the core of the entire orientation. In my opinion, is the occupational exposure and safety presentation during orientation are the most important slides. When it comes to knowing how a company handles OSHA regulations related to protecting employee health in the workplace is huge for me. 

Workers/staff must first know and understand what are bloodborne pathogens, become familiar with the types and know their definitions to say the least. Employees must realize they have a responsibility to protect themselves from bloodborne exposure through thorough company provided OSHA training and recurring training follow ups. Knowing the risks and what procedures to follow and who to contact in case of an exposure should become second nature to any employee/staff. Employees should know the importance of having their employer provide access to things like an "exposure control plan", ensuring that labels are complicit to OSHA's standards, etc. Employees should have a clear understanding of course objectives such as, occupational exposure, transmission of germs whether they are airborne, respiratory, direct contact, fecal/oral, and or blood contact.

When these important aspects of bloodborne pathogen are understood employees can Segway into further becoming aware of control mechanisms (knowing safe practices including proper use of PPE), preventative measures (rule of thumb.....don't store food in biohazard storage fridge compartments where blood is kept), house keeping rules (cleaning work areas based upon a routine schedule), and post exposure such as, (reporting near misses, incidents to supervisor and having them document the event(s). Every employee, staff member, and employer have a role to play to keep each other safe and protected from bloodborne pathogens transmission in the workplace.        

It is important for cleaning employees and staff to know about bloodborne pathogens because anyone exposed to them are risk for of the most detrimental diseases known to mankind. Without proper training the risk for infection is highly increased by uneducated exposure, so treat all bodily fluids as infectious and life threatening. Bottom line the moral of story is "you can't protect others, if you can't protect yourself"

It is important employees understand the ins and outs of bloodborne pathogens. It will help to prevent illness or death. Just by knowing when someone has been exposed. And what steps to take after exposure.

Employees also need to follow the correct steps. As well as the correct chemicals for clean up. And be able to identify the correct PPE for each situation.

The understanding of universal and facility control plans is a must. As well as understanding that these employees are responsible for the containment of infectious materials. That could endanger themselves or others

OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens standard is a federal OSHA regulation (29 CFR 1910.1030) that prescribes safeguards to protect workers against the health hazards from exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials, and to reduce their risk from this exposure. Health hazards include but are not limited to Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, Malaria, Brucellosis, Syphilis, West Nile Virus, etc.

Knowledge of bloodborne pathogens is important because, when applied correctly, it reduces risk potential to threats of viruses. The training guidelines of OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens standard teaches us that all bodily fluids should be treated as if they are contaminated. To eliminate exposure in the workplace, continuing and annual education should be applied to all employees and employers.

Bloodborne Pathogen standards and application of these standards should be prioritized by all workers that come into contact with potential bodily fluid contact. labeling or color-coding is sufficient enough to let all employees know that compliance with the Universal Precautions is required. A knowledgeable and confident team will increase the value of your services to your customers while creating a great working environment for your team. 

At Pro Kleen Ltd, located in the Caribbean, we are one of the Top Janitorial companies in Trinidad & Tobago.

Doing the IJCSA Course in Green Cleaning has surely boosted my competence and skills in this essential trade.

By implementing this green program there will be Improved productivity and morale of building occupants, Improved health of building occupants, which helps reduce sick days
Recognition in the community for reducing resource usage and pollution, Reduce liability from worker safety issues
Satisfaction from helping to make the facility and community a better place.

Our proper green cleaning program consists of procedures that maximize cleaning results while protecting cleaning workers and facility occupants. Proper training of cleaning staff is also critical to a successful program.

Finally, products that have a more environmentally-friendly profile compared to traditional products are necessary. Green cleaning and other products that are considered ecologically-friendly are becoming increasingly available to consumers. 

You may check our IJSCA link or Facebook & Instagram pages at handle PRO KLEEN LTD for more details. 

Harmful effects of chemicals affect us daily if we are not aware of the side effects and proper ways to effectively treat with it. However, The Green way is usually more effective.

There is an increased risk of cancer associated with the manufacturing of Isopropyl Alcohol. Isopropyl Alcohol is a flammable liquid and a fire hazard.

Some solvents, such as acetone, methylene chloride (in paint stripper), Freons (such as are used as refrigerants) and other fluorinated/chlorinated compounds are volatile organic compounds, however, they do not contribute to smog in any significant manner.

Therefore, although they are volatile organic compounds, the EPA deems them to be exempt from the "VOC" classification. In other words, air pollution regulations that limit the use of "VOCs" exempt those compounds that have a negligible effect on the formation of smog.

Green cleaning is a term that describes a growing trend in favor of using cleaning methods with environmentally-friendly ingredients and chemicals to preserve human health and environmental quality. Green cleaning techniques and products avoid the use of chemically-reactive and toxic cleaning products which contain various toxic chemicals, some of which emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) causing respiratory and dermatological problems among other adverse effects.[citation needed] Green cleaning can also describe the way residential and industrial cleaning products are manufactured, packaged and distributed. If the manufacturing process is environmentally-friendly and the products are biodegradable, then the term "green" or "eco-friendly" may apply.

Harmful chemicals are prevalent not only in general consumer cleaning products but also in foods, cosmetics, home construction, clothing and many industries. In the average American home, around 63 synthetic chemical products can be found. This equates to approximately 10 gallons of hazardous chemicals.

  The importance of knowing about bloodborne pathogens is so that you are protecting the safety and health of professionals. Knowing and having the knowledge of bloodborne pathogens is important to protect jobs and their employees from fines.

OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens standard, including its 2001 revisions, applies to all employers who have an employee(s) with occupational exposure (i.e., reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) that may result from the performance of the employee's duties). The liability is on employers to implement the requirements set forth in the standard. Having the wrong internal staff or contractors is an easily avoidable business risks.

That said, require staff specialize in the universal precautions that help prevent exposure to hepatitis B, C, and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Ensure staff uses a universal precaution approach to needsticks and other sharp objects to prevent exposure and have training that includes guest lectures by practicing medical physicians, nurses, and lab scientist. 

CSW is a multi-faceted Public Benefit Corporation designed to be a catalyst for government initiatives and resource for private sector clients. CSW humbly began in 2011 and began developing award-winning services recognized for implementing full life-cycle and vertically integrated solutions. We have applied our approach to cleaning and sanitizing to train and deploy the best cleaning professionals in the industry. Our professionals are trained through our licensed post-secondary education institution and understand the dangers of  bloodborne pathogens.

The 2 major bloodborne pathogens are HIV and Hepatitis B. These are 2 potentially deadly diseases, that can have their risks of coming into contact with it minimized with the right training.

Cleaning staff need to be aware that blood and bodily fluids can potentially carry these diseases, and that certain precautions need to be taken. Proper PPE and the right knowledge can eliminate most of the risk.

The knowledge of avoiding potential diseases is even more relevant in todays current climate, with the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. Proper masking, and PPE can also help with the spread of this.

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans. In itself, the definition of bloodborne pathogens is already frightening as it sounds. However, having a clear understanding of the pathogens that can endanger oneself while in an  occupational exposure can help minimize the risk of disease. Providing the right PPE, disposing of equipment the correct way, and using the right chemicals are essential to increased safety.

It is important for cleaning staff to be well equipped at all times. Lack of special equipment increases the chances for the employee to be exposed. For this reason, gloves, masks, and gowns shall be worn constantly. Once used and exposed, the equipment must then be disposed of unless certain equipment can be properly decontaminated and reused.

Disposing of equipment is just as important. Gowns, masks, and gloves should be properly disposed of. Sharp objects must then be placed in containers specially made for the matter. Without proper training, an employee can miss protocols and endanger others for mishandling such equipment.

Lastly, using the correct procedures for exposed areas is imperative. When in an exposed area, one must always treat blood as infectious. Properly cleaning and disposing of equipment is essential. This is why the exposure control plan, vaccinations, training/education, and PPE is important to understand because it decreases the risk of exposure.