Green cleaning services are the ideal solution to the challenges faced by businesses pursuing U.S. Green Building Council LEED Healthy Workplace requirements.
Green Cleaning Services for LEED Healthy Buildings
Preventing the spread of germs in the office is a team effort and, financially speaking, in a business's best interest.
According to Kimberly-Clark;
Each year, the average business spends $1,685 per employee on absenteeism.
The common cold alone can account for 40% of this annual cost.
While cleaning services vendors can do a great deal to stop the spread of virus' and bacteria, but it is up to each employee to take personal responsibility for their health and wellbeing.
Fortunately, there are several cost-effective methods everyone can take today to protect themselves and ensure a Healthy Workplace.
Hotspot Treatment
Depending on your working environment and responsibilities, there may be several germ hotspots that you may or may not be responsible for, but should be aware of.
- Doors, especially knobs and plates, particularly the front door/main entrance.
- Lobby areas; specifically any high-contact, non-porous surfaces, such as the receptionist desk, chairs, ATM's, and the directory.
- Kitchen's, in general, water coolers, and vending machines.
- Elevator buttons, both inside and out, as well as stair railings.
- Everyday-use printing and copy stations.
- Conference room tables, and;
- Everything on your desk.
A cost-effective method to deal with the hotspots you or your organization are responsible for is to clean, then sanitize the areas daily with a microfiber towel, water, and a certified green sanitizing product.
Additionally, or for areas of concern where the cleaning responsibilities may not fall under your's, or your organization's purview, place alcohol-based liquid hand sanitizer at convenient locations.
Wash, Wipe, & Sanitize
Hand hygiene is one of the most critical aspects of health and wellness and, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Infection (CDC);
It is estimated that washing hands with soap and water could reduce diarrheal disease-associated deaths by up to 50%.
Researchers in London estimate that if everyone routinely washed their hands, a million deaths a year could be prevented.
Handwashing can reduce the risk of respiratory infections by 16%.
Additionally, proper hand washing can significantly reduce diarrheal symptoms, especially amongst those with compromised immune systems.
Reduces the number of people who get sick with diarrhea by 31%.
Reduces diarrheal illness in people with weakened immune systems by 58%.
The wash, wipe, sanitize process is simple.
Step 1.
First, wash your hands with regular soap, preferably from a foaming dispenser, for at least thirty seconds, making sure to get between the fingers and underneath the nails.
Rinse your hands thoroughly in a downward motion into the sink.
Step 2.
Second, dry your hands with a clean paper towel, preferably of the low-fiber, recycled variety, then wipe up any standing water around the sink to avoid contaminating the surface, and dispose of the towels in the waste bin.
Step 3.
Finally, use an alcohol-based liquid hand sanitizer to remove any remaining germs and bacteria.
Pro Tip.
You're probably not applying liquid hand sanitizer correctly, which significantly reduces its effectiveness.
According to B4 Brands;
Make sure all organic matter like dirt and grease are removed from your hands
Apply a dime-size amount to the palm of one hand
Rub your hands together, covering all surfaces of both hands, including between your fingers and up around your fingertips and nails.
Rub hands together for 30 seconds to allow your hands to completely absorb the product and the hand sanitizer to completely dry. Don’t touch food or anything until your hands are dry.
Green Cleaning Tips
- Dirty towels and cleaning rags can spread germs as fast as anything, so only use clean microfiber towels to sanitize surfaces and dry paper towels for your hands.
- Cleaning and hand hygiene can only do so much, but will never stop the spread of germs and bacteria completely, nor stop people from getting sick, so if you are ill, stay home.
- Always wash your hands with regular soap and water after using the restroom, before eating, after smoking, and before and immediately after handling any food, especially raw meat.
References & Resources
Takeaway
The Healthy Schools and Workplace Projects were designed to reduce unnecessary energy consumption, reduce waste, eliminate the use of toxic chemicals, and improve the health of building occupants.
While many schools are finally taking steps toward long overdue upgrades to building design, small businesses typically lack the budget or ability to alter the infrastructure to any significant degree.
Fortunately, the Project's and LEED take this into consideration, and only expect you to maintain policies and procedures under your direct control; adhering to the adage of 'every little bit helps.'
If you would like to learn more about the advantages of green cleaning services for your school or business, contact us today for a free quote!
In Bakersfield CA, call (661) 395-3009
In Fresno CA, call (559) 473-1790
In Valencia CA, or Santa Clarita CA, call (661) 395-3009
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