It is scary to think you could be exposed to diseases such as Hepatitis B, HIV, AIDS, and other bloodborne pathogen diseases by simply doing your job! All it would take is accidentally getting stuck by a syringe, or coming in contact with an exposed area that has not been cleaned properly. Proper disposal, cleaning, and using the correct protection gear is of utmost importance in a medical facility.

To properly clean and disinfect medical treatment areas, always assume that ALL patients be considered potentially infectious and that infectious control precautions be taken to minimize the risk of exposure. When cleaning, always wear PPE, use medically proven cleaning agents, look for syringes and other sharp objects that could be hidden in sheets or other areas and dispose of them properly in the SHARP containers. When finish cleaning, remove protective gear and dispose of properly and follow up with a thorough hand washing and hand sanitizing.

If for some unfortunate reason you become exposed to bloodborne pathogens, the first thing you want to do is immediately flood the exposed area with water and clean any wound with soap and water or a skin disinfectant if available. Contact your physician for treatment and report to your supervisor so they can follow post exposure protocol by contacting infection control and occupational health departments. 

In conclusion, bloodborne pathogens or bodily fluids, are in most part, in every exam room of medical treatment centers. It is very important to take every precaution to avoid exposure by following proper guidelines an being aware of the dangers. Treat every cleaning situation as if they are a potentially infected. If exposed, follow procedures to wash and cleanse infected area then immediately contact 

Today, the importance of taking universal precautionary measures to avoid the transfer of pathogens cannot be stressed enough. Not only has covid shaken the global economy. It has also shown the empathy we can be as a society toward those who have weaker immune systems. Simply wearing a mask, which I admit is restrictive and uncomfortable, can limit the transfers of covid. At this point it is not a matter of right or wrong, it is a matter of being empathetic towards an unknown being in need.

As stated in the OSHA video, most occupational contacts with bloodborne pathogens occurs through the mucus membrane (nose and mouth) or through open cuts. Following universal protocols like wearing personal protection equipment limits the likelihood of a pathogen being contracted a lot. What’s also important for us to remember is to communicate with those who have the potential to affected if we ourselves believe we have came in contact with a pathogen. We should be proactive and not reactive with matters like these before a calamity occurs.

In addition to protective equipment, employees must remember to always follow the correct procedures for cleaning, disinfecting, and disposing of contaminated materials. Often times people may do a good job cleaning up contaminated areas but incorrectly dispose of the cleaning materials. Second hand exposure to bloodborne pathogens could occur due to a soiled blanket or pointy needle being thrown away in the wrong container. We must make sure to treat the possible transfers of bodily fluids with the utmost care. So that employees who have second hand potential to come in contact with pathogens do not unknowingly contract a life altering disease. 

They are everywhere! Germs! I am OCD, so this is a very real subject for me, as I see every surface and object as a germ. This is actually an accurate observation. Germs live everywhere and it is up to me as a professional cleaner to help control and minimize the germs as much as I can for my clients. I was well aware of the dangers and contaminations that could occur with non-sanitized surfaces, but now taking this course at IJCSA,  has really made me more alert and cautious while I am cleaning.

When you work with other individuals in the workplace you have to be vigilant with germ and infection control. Germs and infections are spread through direct contact, indirect contact or airborne particles. Direct contact could be as simple as shaking someone's hand. Indirect contact is where you touch an object such as a TV remote or Pen that another person has contaminated. Airborne is where someone coughs or sneezes and the particles are in the air. 

The leading step in preventing germ spread is good hand washing hygiene. You want to wash your hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds making sure you rub hands together and get between the fingers and up to your wrists. Rinse well and dry your hands with a paper towel. Use your paper towel to turn water off and open the door as to not re-contaminate your hands after washing. Other than hand washing, cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting are the best ways to control germs and viruses in the workplace. Please visit the following link to learn more or to find a janitorial service in your area. https://www.ijcsa.org/Janitorial-Service-Directory-Find-A-Janitorial-Service-JanitorialServices

Being a professional cleaning specialist for over ten years, I have cleaned many residential and commercial properties alike. I have even cleaned medical offices without certification, but now that I have joined IJCSA  and have started the certification process, I am learning how medical cleaning practices implemented into other residential and commercial cleaning situations will be substantial in protecting the population and the world from harmful bacteria, germs, and viruses. 

Germs are everywhere, no matter the environment, whether its a residential, commercial, or medical facility, bacterial and germs exist. Understandably, medical offices and facilities have a greater risk for spreading these microorganisms and they are visited daily by sick and sometimes very ill people. Knowing how to properly clean and sanitize a medical facility will only help in doing the same logic of keeping people safe and lower the chances of transmitting germs and bacteria in other cleaning situations, such as residential or other commercial cleaning locations. 

Knowing the importance of PPE and the proper way of wearing such protective gear is a start for myself and others that live and work in the areas that I am cleaning. Also knowing the right cleaning products that work best for each individual cleaning area is a must, and I have learned the importance of reading the labels as well as the MSDS's to assure the correct product and usage of each cleaning chemical. Following the same cleaning procedures as medical cleaning in residential and other commercial cleaning  locations will only ensure a safe and clean environment every cleaning to keep the home and other work locations safe from most bacteria, germs, and other harmful and contagious microorganisms. 

According to OSHA, it estimates that 5.6 million workers in the healthcare industry and related occupations are at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens that include but not limited to: HBV, HCV, and HIV. Being certified in cleaning medical areas and using  the same methods of cleaning a hospital setting that has a potential dangerous exposure to these potential deadly diseases, then the client of a residential or commercial facility can rest assured that I have the knowledge to keep their home or business clean and sanitized as well. 

I am happy and excited that I found IJCSA to get all the different cleaning certifications to further my cleaning business as well as help my clients feel safe in knowing they are receiving excellent cleaning services for their home or business. To find a certified cleaning company in your area please visit https://www.ijcsa.org/Janitorial-Service-Directory-Find-A-Janitorial-Service-JanitorialServices.

It is very important for everyone that may become exposed to bloodborne pathogens to have knowledge of precautions to follow. Cleaning companies must be the offense and have the proper PPE, training for disposal of needles andproper disinfecting chemicals to clean items that may come in contact with bloodborne pathogens. 

OSHA has created universal guidelines for all employers to follow to ensure employees treat all bodily fluids as possibly being contimated and contain bloodborne pathogens.

Every jobsite must have on hard and readily available upon request a written exposure control plan. This is a living document and must be updated to keep uo with the ever changing precautions from both OSHA and CDC. We all must be ready for any situation that may arise.

Being green cleaning certified has its perks. For staters, a certification in green cleaning demonstrates to potential clients that we are well aware of the harmful side effects of using conventional cleaners packed with chemicals.

A green cleaning certification also shows that we are qualified to tailor a green cleaning program designed to improve indoor air quality and maintain a healthy, sanitized facility.

By equipping us with knowledge on the many dangers lurking inside traditional cleaners and disinfectant bottles, a green cleaning certification allows us to carefully choose what products claiming to be "eco-friendly" we use.

So what's not to like? Getting green cleaning certified can certainly help take your company to new heights by opening up an entirely new market for you: green cleaning services!

Event better, IJCSA allows you to show off your green cleaning certification in their Green Cleaning Directory! Check it out below:

https://www.ijcsa.org/Green-Cleaning-Services

Medical cleaning provides us with basic best practices to prevent the spread of germs and cross contamination. Coresivity provides janitorial services for clinics and hospitals. We are well-versed in aseptic cleaning. These best practices are well suited for preventing cross contamination and can easily be adopted for commercial and residential cleaning.

Aseptic cleaning focuses on the reduction of germs and preventing the spreading of infectious diseases. Our aseptic cleaning standards and equipment enable healthcare facilities, clinics, and medical offices to meet required cleanliness standards. Our cleaning methodology reduces the spread of pathogens. Aseptic janitorial service technicians are fully versed in the causes of cross contamination and how to prevent it. We use room and surface specific cleaning techniques. A broad-spectrum disinfectant and sanitizing agents helps maintain a healthy environment. High traffic and high touch areas such as door handles, faucets, dispensers, and restrooms are central to eliminating cross contamination and containing pathogens.

Two-bucket mopping ensures that an approved germicidal detergent solution stays clean as long as possible during the cleaning process. This system uses 2 buckets with one designated as clean and the other designated as dirty. The mop is dipped into the clean bucket and excess water is wrung out. The baseboards, corners, and floors are mopped. Then the mop is rinsed in the dirty bucket and wrung out. The mop is then dipped in the clean bucket and wrung out again. This process is repeated until mopping is completed. Clean water and mop head will be maintained at all times and changed after mopping any unsanitary spillage such as feces, urine or other biological hazard.

Color coding microfiber cloths helps eliminate cross contamination. Color coding should be an integral part of training for janitorial and custodial staff. It helps verify that staff are changing cleaning supplies as appropriate. It is also provides reassurance to your clients that you are serious about preventing the spread of germs and are purposeful in your approach to cleaning and sanitizing. Color coding is a combination of area and task. Red is for sanitary appliances, restroom floors, toilets, urinals. Yellow is for restroom surfaces. Green is for general food and bar cleaning. Blue is for general low risk areas such as common areas, offices, and classrooms. More colors are always an option as well.

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

     In today's world, having a janitorial staff that is comprised of trained janitors is critical for maintaining a safe and healthy environment; at home and at work.  Janitors provide the routine cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting work that mitigate the potential health and safety hazards we may come in contact with.  These hazards can cause simple health irritations like rashes or coughs but they can also include more serious injuries like permanent disability and possibly even death.

     When looking for a janitorial staff to help with your cleaning needs, you can go to the IJCSA website a search a directory of certified professionals.  Given the importance of the work and required attention to detail; a certified janitorial staff can provide customers reassurance that you've taken the necessary steps to provide a clean and safe environment.  It is also important for these companies to maintain a continued path of education as OSHA, EPA, CDC and other governing bodies continually offer new guidance, protocols and requirements.

     In conclusion, we want to remind everyone that janitors aren't just people that dust, vacuum or clean windows.  Certified janitorial staff in the IJCSA directory have also been trained in Green Cleaning Procedures, Working with Bloodborne pathogens and handling dangerous chemicals to name a few.  Janitors that have these types of certifications not only prevent people from these touching or exposure to these risks but they also ensure that we can all live, work and play in a safe and healthy environment. 

By using a green cleaning method within the company, employees will have better health. These environmentally-friendly products will create a safer environment for them, especially for those with underlying conditions. Due to this ease of mind, employees can show increased performance in their jobs. Better performance benefits the company directly because of the choice of green cleaning. The company can also benefit from economic outcomes.

Green cleaning causes less liability and saves money. Using products that support good health habits would cause less people to be out sick, which increases the amount of workers available. The company would also not be at fault for any sicknesses because of poor cleaning choices. They would gain a good reputation for keeping their employees and others safe.

Households very often do not know how harmful certain chemicals are in their cleaning supplies and even in everyday supplies. By sharing awareness about green cleaning, families can take precautions to improve their health and the health of those who visit their homes. These harmful chemicals can pose a special risk  to children. Environmentally-friendly products help to keep them safe by not introducing harmful chemicals into their systems.

Green cleaning creates a better outside environment and therefore helps the entire world. By using green cleaning, we help the earth by preventing harmful fumes or chemicals from affecting the air outside. Since green cleaning products are called "environmentally-friendly", we should use them as such in order to protect both the earth and others around us.

     Come one come all, what services are you in need of today? From Construction cleanup to Residential to the smallest job to the most complex IJCSA has you covered.

IJCSA only represents, trains, and certify’s the most qualified individuals in the cleaning and janitorial industry. IJCSA places only trained and qualified companies on their list of directory after the completion of in-depth training and certification.

IJCSA takes great pride in offering excellent customer service at all times to those inquiring and in need of their services. Customer service is a must in offering a great customer experience, IJCSA’s tailored list of directory offers services from companies from up and down the east ,west coast, Hawaii and New Mexico if you don’t believe me check it out for yourselves at www.ijcsa.org. As a matter of fact I will do some of the leg work for you and share a couple links of some of their most trusted qualified agents.