Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms that can cause diseases when transmitted through blood or other bodily fluids. Cleaning employees and staff play a crucial role in preventing the spread of bloodborne pathogens in various settings, including healthcare facilities, laboratories, and even public spaces. It is essential for cleaning personnel to be knowledgeable about bloodborne pathogens, their transmission, and proper cleaning and disinfection techniques to ensure the safety and well-being of themselves and others. By understanding the risks associated with bloodborne pathogens and following strict protocols, cleaning employees can minimize the potential for exposure and protect themselves and the community from harmful infections.

One of the key reasons why cleaning employees and staff need to be well-informed about bloodborne pathogens is to prevent the risk of infection and disease transmission. Bloodborne pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C can pose serious health risks if not handled properly. Cleaning personnel who come into contact with blood or bodily fluids must be trained on how to safely clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces to prevent the spread of pathogens. By following proper protocols and using personal protective equipment, cleaning employees can reduce the risk of exposure and protect themselves from potential infections.

In addition to safeguarding their own health, cleaning employees who are knowledgeable about bloodborne pathogens also play a crucial role in protecting the health and safety of others. By implementing strict cleaning and disinfection protocols, cleaning staff can help prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings, schools, offices, and other public spaces. Their diligence in following proper procedures and using the right cleaning products can make a significant impact in reducing the risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission and creating a safer environment for everyone. Overall, the importance of cleaning employees and staff being informed about bloodborne pathogens cannot be overstated, as their actions directly contribute to the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

Tamara Lopez

Moreover, in settings such as hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities, where cleaning staff frequently encounter blood and bodily fluids, awareness of bloodborne pathogens is indispensable. These environments are particularly susceptible to the spread of infectious diseases, making it essential for cleaning employees to adhere to stringent protocols to prevent cross-contamination and safeguard both patients and staff. By understanding the importance of thorough cleaning and disinfection procedures, cleaning employees contribute significantly to maintaining hygienic and safe environments conducive to healing and recovery.

In addition to protecting themselves and others from the transmission of bloodborne pathogens, knowledgeable cleaning employees also play a crucial role in instilling confidence among occupants and visitors regarding the cleanliness and safety of the spaces they maintain. By demonstrating competence and diligence in their work, cleaning staff not only enhance the overall perception of cleanliness but also contribute to the overall well-being and health of the communities they serve. Thus, investing in comprehensive training on bloodborne pathogens for cleaning employees is not only a legal and ethical obligation but also a fundamental aspect of ensuring public health and safety

Bloodborne pathogens 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). Needlesticks and other sharps-related injuries may expose workers to bloodborne pathogens. Workers in many occupations, including first responders, housekeeping personnel in some industries, nurses and other healthcare personnel, all may be at risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

It is important for us to have knowledge of bloodborne pathogens so we can prevent accidents and to protect ourselves from potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens. By understanding the risks and implementing preventive measures, employees reduce the likelihood of accidents and exposure incidents.

Our work involves cleaning and disinfecting various surfaces, equipment and facilities that may have been contaminated. By knowing more about cleaning, we're able to eliminate pathogens and prevent the infection for others. This includes using the correct disinfectant products and knowing what they're made for. This will help create a safer and healthier environment. 

Being Green Cleaning Certified will benefit my business in a multitude of ways.  Now that people are becoming more aware of the negative health and environmental impact that toxic chemicals can have, they're more conscientious of what they do and use around their home. By being Green Cleaning Certified, customers can feel like they're doing their part in protecting the environment because it will be known that I won't use single-use plastic in their home that could put the environment at risk. Not only that, but I will also be keeping them and their family safer by not using harsh chemicals that could be hazardous to their health.  

Being Green Cleaning Certified also will benefit my business because it's another service to be offered, sure to meet many customers' needs and wants. It appeals to many people and stands out as a reason to hire us instead of another cleaning business. The more services that we can offer as a professional business that may entice new customers and more sales, the better. 

Green Cleaning Certification can prove as a benefit to my business in the way that it will show that I truly care. Not only do I care about what the customer wants, but I care enough about them to take action in ensuring I'm not risking their health and do what I can to protect the environment from further damage. The career choice I made in becoming a cleaning business owner was not just about making money, but in providing services that can benefit all of my customers and even the environment.  This certification shows that.

Finally, providing services to customers as a Green Cleaning Certified cleaner can benefit my business because I'll actually be saving money by not buying brand name, toxic-chemical based cleaners. It will be more cost-efficient for me to make my own cleaners. When buying brand name cleaners, you're mostly paying for the label.  When I can effectively clean a home in the same amount of time, with the same amount of elbow grease, using cleaners that I made myself for a third of the amount it would have cost to buy a different cleaner for each room, I'll be saving money, the environment, and still providing quality cleaning. Vinegar, citric acid, water, baking soda, and washing soda are listed in the article as safer homemade substitutions for cleaning chemicals, and will to be some of the main the ingredients that I use to make cleaners for different areas of the home, taking the place of toxic things like bleach, ammonia, and furniture polish.

Finding a Green Cleaning Certified professional cleaning business that is a good fit for any family and facility can be found by searching the International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association - Green Cleaning Services (ijcsa.org)

Properly cleaning healthcare facilities is so important to keep everyone safe and healthy. This includes: patients, visitors of patients, healthcare workers, as well as the cleaning personnel for these facilities. When a loved one has to go to the doctor or be admitted into hospital, you want the peace of mind of knowing you and your loved one will be safe from germs and bacteria as much as possible. 

Along with following healthcare protocol for patient health and safety in general, it is also important for the cleaning personnel to follow strict and proper regimens to help in the process of a clean and safe environment for everyone that comes in contact or indirect contact with a potential infection. As a professional healthcare cleaner, it is my responsibility to make sure I am doing my part to keep others as well as myself safe by doing the following with all healthcare facilities. I will wear the proper PPE, use the correct disinfecting products that are registered with the EPA, clean all high touch surfaces, wash hands regularly, and always put on a new pair of latex gloves before entering a new patients room. 

By following the procedures mentioned above I am confident that proper cleaning and disinfecting will help with the spread of germs and bacteria in a healthcare facility. I am thankful  for https://www.ijcsa.org/Janitorial-Service-Directory-Find-A-Janitorial-Service-JanitorialServices with the opportunity to learn and also for allowing my business to be a part of this great organization.  

Janitors and Janitorial Staff are critical to our daily lives, especially when it comes to the cleanliness of the public areas that we utilize.  They can help the organization run smoothly if they are efficient, or unfortunately harm operations if they are not efficient or unqualified.  They are so critical that in fact they have been deemed as part of the "school family" when onsite at schools and universities.  The cleaning and maintenance of the building is determined by these individuals that make our lives that much easier to maneuver in clean and healthy environment.

Communication is key to help run a tight ship when it comes to keeping the building or spaces clean.  This can be achieved through logs, work orders and special requests.  These professionals are responsible in lots of instances for opening up a building and so they are given special keys and codes for entry.  For the use of the building or space, this is essential to have a responsible do this.  But along with having keys and codes, the staff is also charged with making sure everything is in place before the business actually opens up.  These professionals must survey and serve the facility and grounds all through the day in certain cases where custodial staff is available and onsite during business hours.

Maintenance and cleanliness protocols achieved by janitors and janitorial allow those individuals utilizing the space to be comfortable and cared for when it comes to various functions.  Janitors are responsible for stocking bathroom supplies such as toilet tissue, hand soap, and toilet liners which are very necessary on a day to day basis.  Another area the janitors make our daily lives better would be in keeping the overall area clean as well as keeping the cafeteria or floor and lobby areas clean.  Special requests from the client which would be staff members or even children that use the space are also fulfilled by the janitorial staff on an immediate basis which also allow us to be able to function while utilizing the space.

We are grateful for amazing janitors and the janitorial staff members that are so crucial to our lives.  To find one of these professionals in your area, please click on the link below: 

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

In the realm of commercial cleaning, achieving Green Cleaning Certification is not just a badge of honor; it's a commitment to a healthier, more sustainable future. For companies like Crystal Clean Office Cleaning and Sanitizing Service, this certification is not merely a trend but a core philosophy that guides our operations. As a proud member of the International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association (IJCSA), we understand the transformative impact of adopting green cleaning practices on both our company and the world at large.

Being Green Cleaning Certified translates into tangible benefits for businesses. It's a testament to our dedication to using environmentally responsible products and methods that safeguard the health of occupants and the planet. Clients choosing a Green Cleaning Certified company are investing in a service that goes beyond surface cleanliness. It's a comprehensive approach that considers the impact of every cleaning decision on indoor air quality, water systems, and overall environmental sustainability.

Our commitment to green cleaning isn't just about us – it's about fostering a community of businesses that share the values of protecting populations and the world from harmful chemicals. The IJCSA Green Cleaning Directory stands as a testament to the collective effort of cleaning professionals dedicated to creating healthier, greener spaces. Crystal Clean Office Cleaning and Sanitizing Service encourages businesses to explore the directory to connect with certified green cleaning professionals who prioritize sustainability and well-being.

In a world where environmental consciousness is paramount, being Green Cleaning Certified isn't just a choice; it's a responsibility. Crystal Clean Office Cleaning and Sanitizing Service invites businesses to join us on this journey towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. Together, let's make every cleaning decision count – for the health of your workspace, your occupants, and the planet we all call home.

Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms that are transmitted by blood. For example, HIV and hepatitis B (and many others) are bloodborne pathogens. These diseases are transmitted through infected body fluids that enter the bloodstream of an uninfected person. Bloodborne pathogens can be transmitted through infected body fluids that enter the bloodstream. HIV and HBV can pose serious, long-term health risks or even death if someone comes into contact with them.

These pathogens can be transmitted in several ways. The most common ways of transmission are needlesticks, cuts, bites from humans, and mucous membranes. For example, if you are taking out the trash and come in contact with a dirty or used needle, you may come in contact with a bloodborne pathogen. Or you may need to mop up bodily fluids, and splashes can come in contact with your mucous membranes or contaminate a small tear in your skin. Any cleaning job where you come in contact with blood or other body fluids puts you at risk for spreading bloodborne pathogens. All in all, you should always assume that all body fluids you come into contact with are contaminated. This is called universal precautions. Therefore training on bloodborne pathogens is required for proper cleaning.

OSHA has developed training on bloodborne pathogens that explains how to clean body fluids, what personal protective equipment to wear when cleaning body fluids, how to properly clean and dispose of body fluids, and what else to look for in this area. For example, gloves, goggles and possibly a face mask are essential for your own protection from contamination. Thorough hand washing after an exposure is also among the important protective measures. In addition, any contamination waste generated must be specially labeled and disposed of separately, for example in different colored waste bags (red or orange).

Cleaning services and training on bloodborne pathogens are essential to keeping our environment safe for everyone. Every cleaner should complete training on bloodborne pathogens, as it is necessary for the proper performance of the job. Employers should provide access to this training free of charge during working hours. This training is one of the most important experiences a janitor or cleaner needs to have, especially, but not only, if they work in a hospital. The CDC reported that approximately 5.6 million healthcare and janitorial service workers are at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. If you can clean and dispose of body fluids before a bloodborne pathogen can spread, you can save lives!

It is fundamentally important for cleaning employees and staff to be informed of the modes of transmission, clean-up, and effects of bloodborne pathogens because of the risks of occupational exposure.  Universal (Standard) Precautions tell us to treat every fluid as if it's infected with bloodborne pathogens, because it makes us more aware and careful with things that we could be touching/cleaning that has the potential to give us a serious disease. 

It is essential that cleaning staff are aware that something as simple as rubbing an itchy eye with an unprotected hand that had previously picked up a client's used washcloth could have a detrimental effect on their livelihood.  Bloodborne pathogens can be transmitted from touching infectious materials that have things such as blood, mucus, or bodily fluids on them by cleaning staff that aren't wearing the correct personal protective equipment.  The IM could be a wide range of things; a puddle of fluid (blood or otherwise), bed linens, broken glass, a needle, etc.

Clean-up and disposal of potentially infectious materials needs to be done thoroughly, following the instructions provided by OSHA with the use of the correct PPE.  This is not only because it's hazardous to a person's health, but because it can affect the rest of their life.  One example is, if a person were to contract HIV from cleaning infected material without the proper PPE, they could feel ill, be put in a hospital, be unable to work, therefore unable to pay bills, receive lifelong blood tests for monitoring, and be on antiviral medications for the rest of their life so that the disease doesn't progress.  This is why it is so important for cleaning staff to understand the risks associated with the correct way to use Standard Precautions and clean up potentially infectious materials.  Knowing the correct PPE, clean-up, and risks of bloodborne pathogens will increase the likelihood that proper precautions are taken to decrease the chance of infection and transmission.

Many people who are seeking medical attention may be more vulnerable to sickness, illness, and infections. The weak should not be subjected to such health risks; doing so is risky, unprofessional, and unjust. Because of this, in order to maintain a constantly clean and secure environment, healthcare institutions must adhere to state sanitation and sterilization regulations.

Healthcare facilities are cleaned for both cultural and medicinal purposes. Keeping the environment low in pathogens is critical to preventing problems while patients are receiving therapy and recovering. Patients and their family feel more at ease when they are in a clean, safe, hygienic environment that appears well-maintained and doesn't provide any more health risks.

While maintaining spotless homes and workplaces is something that we all desire, hospitals and clinics should be kept immaculate above all else. Patients may be a very vulnerable group, especially considering the staff's nonstop efforts to maintain their health, depending on their reasons for being there and how long they stay. Maintaining clean, safe, and healthy environments in medical facilities is something we owe to all parties concerned. https://www.ijcsa.org/Janitorial-Service-Directory-Find-A-Janitorial-Service-JanitorialServices