Janitorial services play a crucial role in helping schools and businesses maintain occupant hygiene standards.
Janitorial Services and Occupant Hygiene
Occupant and building hygiene plays a vital role in business and educational success, as well as student and worker health.
While restrooms sit at the forefront of hygienic concerns, commonly shared, or high-contact surfaces are just as, if not more susceptible to contamination by germs and bacteria, if for no other reason than people are typically more aware of the risk in bathrooms, as opposed to:
- Doorknobs and door plates.
- Receptionist desks.
- Handrails.
- ATM and vending machines, and;
- Water fountains.
Organization's of all types have recognized consumer and occupant awareness of the issue, and have strategically placed liquid hand-sanitizer and, in the case of grocery stores, sanitizing wipes at the primary entrances of their buildings to help reduce hand to surface contact and transfer of the germs and bacteria that permeate our daily lives.
As Fox News reports, the use of the sanitizing wipes on grocery carts is highly recommended and underscores the root concern of those responsible for building hygiene--occupant hand-sanitation.
A study of 85 random shopping carts conducted by Dr. Charles P. Gerba found that 50 percent carried E. coli, while 72 percent contained coliform bacteria.
"The exceptionally high level of coliform bacteria suggests that fecal material may be involved in cart contamination," the report further stated.
In other words, your cart most likely harbors bathroom germs.
Hand Hygiene and Restroom Facilities
Facilities management and janitorial staff both play critical roles in providing safe and clean restrooms.
A thoroughly cleaned and sanitized bathroom is necessary for safe use, and occupants and guests have made their opinion on the matter loud and clear.
According to a 2016 survey of American consumers;
An unclean restroom tarnishes the image of a business in consumers’ minds.
Most Americans say that a messy restroom signifies poor management and shows the business doesn’t care about its appearance or its customers.
However, properly washing and drying your hands after using the restroom, especially a public one, will significantly reduce the number of germs and bacteria on them, as well as what you pass into your digestive systems, and the people and surfaces you come into contact with.
Top loading liquid soap dispensers can harbor germs and bacteria, and leave your hands dirtier than when you washed them.
Foaming soap dispensers and pre-sealed pods eliminate the transfer of germs from the dispenser, reduce water use, and increase overall hand hygiene.
For More Information:
Hand air dryers are also bad for personal health and public safety.
According to Kimberly-Clark Professional;
Jet air dryers can increase the germ count on fingertips by up to 42%.
And hot air dryers can increase germs on fingertips by up to 194%.
Jet air dryer surfaces have contamination levels 75 times higher than the average toilet seat.
Jet air dryers blow water droplets containing bacteria from the hands as far as 6.5 feet.
The Mayo Clinic determined that air dryers cause cross contamination, deeming them unsuitable for hospitals and clinics, where hygiene is paramount.
Additionally, a majority of occupants and guests prefer paper towels, even when air dryers are available.
[...] drying with a paper towel decreases germs up to 77%.
61% of users feel that paper hand towels leave their hands drier and 71% feel that they dry faster, and;
74% believe it’s important to have towels available to open door handles.
Towels vs. Air Dryers 10 Big Reasons to Practice Safe Drying
Green Cleaning Tips
- Clean the restroom and all high-contact surfaces, from top to bottom, with a combination of microfiber and the two-bucket method.
- Sanitize bathrooms with an EPA certified Category IV disinfectant, and hard to clean three-dimensional surfaces, such as ATM's and computer equipment with an electrostatic disinfection appliance.
- Install and monitor the use of touchless foaming soap dispensers that use pods, as opposed to top filling, and touchless paper towel dispensers.
- Use paper towels manufactured from 100% wood fiber.
Takeaway
Facility hygiene is everyone's responsibility.
Users must adhere to healthy hand washing practices, the facilities themselves must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized by janitorial staff, and the facilities management team must provide scientifically backed soap and touchless paper towel dispensers, as well as conveniently placed liquid hand sanitizers in strategic locations throughout the building.
Failing to do so presents an environment that repels customers, and turns away business.
If you would like to learn more about the role janitorial services play in ensuring proper occupant hygiene, contact us today for a free quote!
In Bakersfield CA, call (661) 437-3253
In Fresno CA, call (559) 206-1059
In Valencia CA, or Santa Clarita CA, call (661) 437-3253
