1C: Where Problems Hide in the Open Don’t Miss the Easy Stuff

Protecting Occupant Health Custodians play a critical role in helping building occupants stay healthy Many cleaning challenges are simple to fix Stay aware of the condition of your tools and equipment Takes steps to avoid spreading contamination Focus on the things people touch If we clean to protect health, appearances will also be addressed Intent: The work that janitors do is incredibly important because bacteria, viruses, allergens and other harmful contaminants can make people sick. Even when it is not life threatening, it still affects people’s performance. The intent of this module is to reinforce the importance of paying attention to the conditions of our cleaning solutions and equipment to keep them performing effectively. Cleaning removes the bacteria, viruses, mold spores, allergens and other contaminants that can harm occupants health. Since cleaning time is limited, we need to focus on the important surfaces, which are those that multiple occupants touch. We should make sure the janitorial staff and products are not unintentionally contributing to the spread of germs. For example: Equipment and tools such as mop buckets, cloths and sponges can actually spread contamination if they themselves are dirty Vacuum cleaners without the proper dust bags can spread small particles that occupants can inhale that can harm their health Use color-coded microfiber mops and cloths and use them properly Use only approved products Be efficient! Keep your cart clean and organized. If doors to rooms which should be cleaned are locked, notify your supervisor If we clean to protect health, facilities will look and be very clean.

Keep the water clean Intent: Supervisors check mop buckets to be sure they are not too dirty. Dirty mop water spreads contamination

Keep mops clean Intent: Just like dirty mop water, dirty mops also spread contamination. Change mop heads when it starts looking like the mops on the left.

Empty bags and keep filters clean Intent: Vacuum bags that are torn, full or not the correct bags spread dust into the office environment. Be sure custodians are checking the bags periodically.

Use color coded-cleaning cloths Intent: Color coded cleaning cloths make sure those cloths that were used to clean the bathroom are not then used to clean someone’s desk.

Keep carts clean and organized Do Not Spread Germs and Soils Cart is Professional and Efficient Intent: An organized cart helps show you care and keeps easy access to the tools and products you need to do the job. Time spent searching for an item means less time cleaning.

Report locked doors that prohibit cleaning Intent: If you find doors locked of facilities you should be cleaning, report it to your supervisor. Don’t let them remain uncleaned unless told to do so.

Quiz If we clean to protect _______________ health, appearances will also be addressed Environmental Human Bacterial Structural Because dirty mop water has cleaning chemicals in it, it still cleans effectively. This statement is: True False If the door to a room you are scheduled to clean is locked, you should: Stop cleaning and look for the key Assume it should not be cleaned and clean another room Report it to your supervisor and ask for instructions