The Importance of Cleaning Employees & Staff Knowing About Bloodborne Pathogens

Understanding bloodborne pathogens is a critical aspect of workplace safety, especially for cleaning employees and staff. Bloodborne pathogens, such as hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), are microorganisms present in human blood and other bodily fluids that can cause severe diseases. Cleaning staff are often on the front lines, tasked with sanitizing environments where these pathogens might be present, such as restrooms, hospitals, laboratories, and public spaces. Without proper knowledge and training, employees risk exposure that could lead to infection and long-term health complications. Therefore, equipping cleaning staff with the necessary information and protective measures is not just a matter of compliance but also a commitment to their safety and well-being. Allowing any employee to work in these areas un-trained and not supervised could result in liability not just short-term, but for the years to come. 

One key reason for training employees about bloodborne pathogens is to ensure they understand the protocols for handling potentially hazardous materials. OSHA mandates that workplaces implement Bloodborne Pathogens Standards, which require proper training, personal protective equipment, and a clearly outlined exposure control plan. Cleaning staff must be trained to recognize potentially contaminated materials such as used needles, blood-soaked items, or bodily fluids. This awareness enables them to follow strict decontamination procedures, such as disposing of biohazard waste in designated containers and wearing gloves, masks, or goggles when necessary. Adherence to these procedures not only protects the staff from direct exposure but also prevents cross-contamination, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for everyone.

Another significant benefit of educating staff on bloodborne pathogens is fostering confidence and reducing workplace anxiety. Without proper knowledge, employees might fear encountering situations involving blood or bodily fluids, which could lead to hesitation or improper handling of tasks. Training helps them understand the risks, safety precautions, and actions to take in case of an accidental exposure. For instance, knowing how to perform immediate first aid, report incidents, and seek medical evaluation can significantly mitigate the impact of accidental exposure. Furthermore, a well-informed team is better equipped to maintain a clean and safe environment, ultimately protecting not just themselves but also clients, patients, and the broader community.

Investing in bloodborne pathogen training for cleaning employees is a proactive measure that enhances workplace safety, compliance, and employee confidence. By ensuring that staff understand the risks and proper procedures, employers demonstrate their commitment to health and safety, fostering a more secure and productive work environment.

In healthcare and commercial environments alike, cleaning staff are often the silent line of defense against infection and illness. While much attention is paid to doctors, nurses, or frontline employees, the people handling trash, wiping surfaces, and disinfecting restrooms are equally responsible for maintaining a safe space. That’s why it’s essential for every cleaning employee to understand what bloodborne pathogens are, how they spread, and how to protect themselves and others from exposure.

Bloodborne pathogens such as Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and HIV can be present in even the smallest amounts of blood or bodily fluid. These invisible risks often hide in places that might seem routine to clean  a trash bin in a medical exam room, a restroom floor, or even a desk with a small cut or nosebleed stain left behind. Without proper training, PPE, and protocols, a cleaner could unknowingly expose themselves to serious illness. And once exposed, the impact isn’t just physical  it affects families, livelihoods, and the trust clients place in your company.

Equipping cleaning crews with bloodborne pathogen awareness isn’t just an OSHA requirement  it’s a sign of a company that takes care of its people. When cleaners know how to identify risks, wear protective gear correctly, and respond to incidents with confidence, they not only keep themselves safe, they elevate the entire standard of service. Whether you’re cleaning a medical facility, school, or office, understanding these risks and how to control them should be non-negotiable. It’s about more than compliance  it’s about leadership, protection, and professionalism.

If you are looking for a reliable, green cleaning service, the IJCSA is your go to resource for connecting with top tier green cleaning professionals. At IJCSA, they understand the importance of maintaining a clean healthy work environment without compromising sustainability. The member directory contains certified cleaning companies specializing in using non-toxic cleaning products. Whether you have a small office or large commercial space, you can find a trusted provider from the directory. Visit https://www.ijcsa.org/Green-Cleaning-Services

What sets IJCSA apart, is their commitment to promoting green cleaning standards that benefit your business and the planet. By choosing an IJCSA- certified cleaning company, you are not just getting a cleaner space, you are supporting a healthier workplace. The IJCSA members have taken a Green Cleaning certification course that not only teaches the importance of green cleaning, but identifies toxic chemicals to avoid. 

If you are ready to make the switch to a green cleaning company, visit IJCSA and discover the network of professionals that can help transform your workplace. By switching to a green cleaning company, you can expect to see health benefits, improved productivity and a non-toxic, green workspace. 

How Being Green Cleaning Certified Benefits My Company and Customers

Running a cleaning business in today’s world means adapting to what people want—and more than ever, they want safer, healthier, and environmentally friendly cleaning services. That’s why getting Green Cleaning Certified has been a game-changer for my company. It’s not just about checking a box for marketing purposes; it’s about standing out as a trusted provider that truly cares about customer health, worker safety, and reducing environmental impact. More businesses are specifically looking for eco-friendly cleaning services, and certification gives me the credibility to meet that demand.

Healthier Spaces, Happier Clients

One of the biggest reasons I pursued the IJCSA Green Cleaning Certification was the health benefits for my clients and my team. Traditional cleaning products are loaded with harsh chemicals like ammonia, bleach, and artificial fragrances, which can trigger allergies, asthma, and skin irritation. By switching to biodegradable, non-toxic products, I can confidently tell my customers that my cleaning services won’t leave behind harmful residues or strong chemical fumes. Whether it’s an office, a retail space, or a medical facility, I know I’m providing a cleaner, safer space for everyone.

Doing My Part for the Environment

Beyond just keeping indoor spaces healthier, being Green Cleaning Certified means my company is also helping reduce pollution and environmental waste. Many standard cleaning products contain chemicals that end up in our water supply, harm wildlife, and contribute to air pollution. Instead of adding to the problem, I use eco-friendly products, microfiber cloths to reduce waste, and HEPA vacuums to improve air quality. It feels good to know my business isn’t just about making money—it’s actually making a difference.

Standing Out in the Industry

Being Green Cleaning Certified has also given my company a major competitive edge. More businesses, schools, and medical facilities want a cleaning service that aligns with their values. Now, I can confidently promote my services as environmentally responsible and safer for people, which has brought in new customers and long-term contracts. It’s been a smart business move that has not only helped my company grow but has also strengthened trust with my clients. Plus, being listed with other green cleaning companies in the IJCSA Green Cleaning Directory is an added bonus. 

The Bottom Line

Getting Green Cleaning Certified was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my company. It’s helped me attract more customers, improve the health and safety of the spaces I clean, and do my part for the environment. More than that, it’s given me a deeper sense of purpose in my work—knowing that I’m not just cleaning, but I’m cleaning the right way. If you're looking for a green-certified cleaning service, certification is well worth the investment. Check out the hundreds of other companies that are doing the same in the IJCSA Directory found here: https://www.ijcsa.org/Green-Cleaning-Services.

Janitors perform many essential, often out-of-sight duties that keep public and private establishments of all kinds running smoothly. Not only are they in charge of keeping everything looking and smelling good, but also cleaning high-touch areas to prevent the spread of disease, as well as properly disinfecting biohazards like blood and vomit. Without sanitary workers like janitors, the world would be far less pleasant and safe.

Janitors are trained in chemical safety and biohazard cleanup, both of which are needed to ensure the safest possible environment for themselves and others. If an untrained person were to attempt to clean a biohazard, they may inadvertently put people in danger by failing to use the proper chemicals and waste disposal methods. 

In addition to their cleaning responsibilities, janitors often perform basic maintenance and environmental control tasks. They set thermostats, keep vents clear, and change lights: all things that are required for delivering a positive and safe experience to anyone using the space, but are often overlooked.

Any establishments seeking dedicated, trained janitors should visit this link to find a trusted company nearby.

Janitors and janitorial staff are crucial to our everyday lives because without them our quality of life would be lessened. Could you imagine living in a world without them? Think of everything they do for us. The environment around us would be cleaner with them.

Janitorial staff keep us free from trash buildup and help us maintain healthier living space. In today's world, they bring more value than ever. While dealing with COVID-19 they help maintain a germ-free environment by disinfecting surfaces. If it wasn't for everyone on the frontlines including janitors and janitorial staff no one could imagine where we would be.

So, take the time to thank all essential workers including janitorial workers and staff. Janitors are always there ensuring our environment is safe and clean. We're all in this together and with the help of janitorial workers, we'll succeed.

Cleaning employees and staff play a critical role in the ongoing effort to control the spread of germs and pathogens which can often lead to any number of diseases including but not limited to HIV and HBV.  When we receive training and education on bloodborne pathogens, we help guard against the spread of contagions that can result in negative health consequences for anyone who might otherwise be exposed to them. 

As a professional in the janitorial services field, I value the training that I received particularly since I work in medical facilities.  My training has helped me to better understand best practices for the properly handling of trash including a process which is very common that being the compacting of trash within trash liners and how that is a potentially hazardous practice which I will advise my staff not to perform.

My training has also helped me to better understand the most likely sources for the transmission and exposure to bloodborne pathogens, that being that pathogens are most likely to enter our bodies through our mucus membranes and or through cuts to our skin.  I think that most cleaning professionals take the basic precaution of wear gloves but armed with a better understanding of the other ways an infections can occur, I am inclined to resume wearing additional PPE including protective eyewear and a face mask.  

I think our collective relief that the threat posed from COVID 19 has been drastically reduced, got us all a little lax and this training reaffirmed the need for cleaning professionals to be as vigilant now as we were in the not- so-distant past.

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Implementing a green cleaning service program in our business is a journey we’re excited to embark on. We’ll begin by educating our team about the importance of using eco-friendly products and the positive impact they have on our clients’ health and the environment. Training will focus on how to effectively use non-toxic cleaning agents, highlighting their benefits like improved indoor air quality and reduced exposure to harmful chemicals. We’ll create a system for choosing products that meet strict environmental standards, ensuring they’re safe for both our staff and the families we serve.

The benefits of a green cleaning program go beyond just being environmentally friendly; they help us build stronger relationships with our clients. Many people today are looking for services that align with their values, and by adopting green practices, we can attract eco-conscious customers who care about sustainability. Plus, using concentrated eco-friendly products can lead to cost savings over time. Ultimately, our commitment to green cleaning isn’t just about cleaning—it's about creating healthier spaces, fostering a sense of community, and demonstrating our dedication to making a positive impact in the world around us.

Find Professional Certified Green Cleaning Services Here

Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms that are transmitted by way of blood. HIV and HBV, or Hepatitis B, are considered to be the most widely known or serious bloodborne pathogens that we face today. They present significant long-term health risks such liver failure, cancer, and even death. These small organisms are transmitted in a variety of ways to include bites, entry through cuts, nasal passages, and even the smallest needle stick. There are a variety of bloodborne pathogens to be aware of while cleaning numerous environments. Whether you are removing garbage from a facility that may contain used syringes, handling laundry soiled with blood, or even cleaning up after a sick child, it is important to follow safe practices when dealing with bodily fluids as they could contain infectious pathogens. 

Examples of this would be if you are disposing of trash that contains used needles, you may come in contact with a variety of bloodborne pathogens. Any time you come in contact with blood or bodily fluids, you are put at a higher risk of contracting or spreading bloodborne pathogens.

OSHA, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, has developed a bloodborne pathogen standard which breaks down the proper way to approach cleaning up bloodborne pathogens. From proper PPE, personal protective equipment, to disposal, OSHA has a standard to keep everything simple and outlined to avoid miscommunication. If you are cleaning up any type of bodily fluids, you should always wear proper PPE including eye protection, gloves, and a face mask.  Contaminated waste must be disposed into colored waste bags (red or orange) and labeled and disposed of separately of regular trash. Always make sure to thoroughly wash your hands after any exposure to bodily fluids and/or shower to avoid contamination. If you feel you may have been exposed to any bloodborne pathogens, make sure to notify your employer immediately as well as your physician to receive the proper next steps on your health.

Proper training on bloodborne pathogens is essential for all cleaning services to maintain a safe and clean environment. All employees within a cleaning company should have bloodborne pathogen training as it is needed to perform cleaning in many areas.  Janitorial service workers should specifically receive this training free of charge either during their work hours or be paid to take this course as they are at a much higher risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The CDC reported that 5.6 million healthcare and janitorial workers are at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Many of these workers clean and dispose of bodily fluids on a daily basis meaning they are very likely to contract or spread it.