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International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association

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  • 12 Feb 2026 8:17 AM | Tracy Smith

    Cleaning an individuals house, a store, a school, or a medical facility it is important to understand that diseases and germs can be on any service  and spread super easy. But some germs are not your simple cold or flu that you heal and recover. Some can make you really sick, cause life long health issues, or death. 

    Educating staff and employees on bloodborne pathogens is important to help prevent serious health consequences. When you train your employees properly you prevent the spread of those diseases like hep b and C and HIV in the facility or place you are cleaning then you also protect your staff.

    Proper training helps staff and employees to recognize and learn the risk and minimize exposure and transmission. And created a safer work enviroment. 


  • 12 Feb 2026 7:46 AM | Erin Perdue

    Cleaning employees and janitorial staff are often the first line of defense when it comes to maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment. One critical area of concern is the potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens (BBPs)—infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), any employee who has a reasonable chance of encountering blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) as part of their job duties must receive training on bloodborne pathogens. For cleaning staff, especially those working in healthcare, education, or industrial settings, this training is not just important—it’s mandatory under OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030).

    Understanding how to handle bloodborne pathogens empowers cleaning staff to protect themselves and others from serious health risks. This includes knowing how to properly use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and face shields, how to clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces, and how to safely dispose of biohazard waste. Workers must also be familiar with exposure control plans and know what steps to take in the event of a spill or personal exposure, including incident reporting and medical evaluation. Proper training reduces the risk of cross-contamination and limits liability for employers by ensuring compliance with federal regulations.

    Beyond compliance, educating cleaning personnel about bloodborne pathogens fosters a culture of safety and professionalism. When employees understand the risks and how to mitigate them, they are more confident and competent in their roles. This not only protects their health, but also enhances the overall quality of service provided. Employers who invest in BBP training demonstrate a commitment to workplace safety and employee well-being, which in turn can lead to higher morale, lower turnover, and fewer costly workplace incidents. In short, BBP training isn't just a legal requirement—it’s a critical safeguard for the health of cleaning staff and everyone they serve.


  • 12 Feb 2026 6:58 AM | Dayron Ramon Huerta Pino

    Janitors and janitorial staff are essential to keeping the places we use every day clean, safe, and healthy. Their work supports schools, offices, restaurants, medical facilities, and many other environments by maintaining sanitation and preventing the buildup of dirt, germs, and hazards.

    Through proper cleaning procedures, chemical safety, and infection-control practices, janitorial staff help reduce the spread of illnesses and protect the public. Their training allows them to follow professional standards, including safe handling of chemicals, disinfecting high-touch areas, and maintaining consistent quality in commercial cleaning.

    Janitors also support the daily operations of businesses by improving comfort, appearance, and productivity in every facility. Their contributions often go unnoticed, yet they are vital to public health, building maintenance, and the overall quality of life in our communities.


  • 11 Feb 2026 10:06 PM | Patrick Hupe


    Proper cleaning in healthcare facilities is essential for patient safety, staff protection, and overall public health. Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings are high-risk environments for the spread of infections because they host patients with weakened immune systems, open wounds, and contagious illnesses. Surfaces, equipment, and shared spaces can harbor harmful microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which can survive for hours or even days if not properly cleaned. When these pathogens are left on high-touch surfaces—such as bed rails, doorknobs, or medical devices—they can easily spread from patient to patient or from healthcare workers to patients, leading to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

    HAIs are a major concern because they can cause serious complications, increase hospital stays, and even result in death. Effective cleaning and disinfection reduce the microbial load on surfaces, which in turn lowers the risk of these infections. Using proper cleaning techniques, disinfectants, and monitoring tools like ATP meters ensures that surfaces are not just visibly clean, but truly safe. Additionally, regular cleaning protects healthcare workers from exposure to infectious materials such as bloodborne pathogens (HBV, HIV) and other contaminants.

    Beyond infection prevention, maintaining a clean healthcare environment also promotes patient confidence and comfort. Patients are more likely to trust a facility that appears hygienic, which contributes to better overall care outcomes. Cleaning protocols also support regulatory compliance, as organizations like the CDC and EPA set standards for infection control.

    In short, properly cleaning healthcare facilities is not just a routine chore—it is a critical component of patient safety, infection control, and public health. By reducing germs, protecting staff, and improving patient outcomes, rigorous cleaning practices form the backbone of safe and effective healthcare delivery.


  • 11 Feb 2026 9:29 PM | Mary Jarvis

    Understanding bloodborne pathogens is crucial in the workplace. All accidents that involve anything resembling blood should be treated as such and properly cleaned up.  Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms that are present in human blood and may be found in other bodily fluids, such as vomit, feces, saliva and urine. These pathogens cause diseases such as Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, and HIV which may progress into AIDS.  These pathogens can be spread through ingestion or exposed skin containing a cut or lesion.  To clean and prevent further exposure, certain steps should be taken.

    The first step is to secure the area so no one else will be exposed. Second, a bloodborne pathogen kit should be obtained and all instructions read.  The kit is filled with items to help protect the person cleaning.  Common kit items include a mask, shovel and scoop, absorbing powder, booties, a biohazard bag, safety goggles, apron, towelettes and germicidal disposal wipes etc.  Proper cleaning steps should be completed and everything disposed into a biohazard bag. This PPE helps protect the cleaner from exposure. 

    Knowing this information protects the cleaner and other employees and staff from potentially getting sick or catching a fatal disease.   The last element is proper documentation.  Every business should have instructions on how to handle bloodborne pathogens on site with proper training for all employees.  Management should always be notified and information forms completed when an exposure occurs.  

  • 11 Feb 2026 5:31 PM | Jonathan Mendoza

    The importance of effective cleaning of work areas for all employees is essential to keeping those employees safe and free from exposure. Effective cleaning of all high traffic surfaces and all areas that may come into contact with employees must be cleaned and disinfected to ensure that those employees have a safe working environment free from exposure of all bodily fluids.

                    The importance of employees learning about bloodborne pathogens and infectious diseases is something that needs to be taught and learned to keep it from being passed on from patient to staff. Keeping the staff educated on this matter should be a priority for employers of all medical facilities, from every department that enters a patient care area.

                    All in all, education is an important thing for keeping the statistics down. The more education the lesser the chance of possible exposure. As an employer I take a lot of precautions for my employees and want to keep them safe and always educated. Making sure that all courses are up to date and completed by each of my employees helps to ensure that they are safe from exposure and always use universal precaution.


  • 11 Feb 2026 5:07 PM | Glenda Morris

    Understanding Bloodborne Pathogens and Workplace Safety

    Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms present in human blood that can cause serious diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. These diseases can be transmitted through direct contact with infected blood, certain body fluids, mucous membranes, or through needlestick and sharps injuries. Because of these risks, it is critical that employees who may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens receive proper training to understand how exposure can occur, how to prevent it, and what actions to take if an incident happens.

    As a business owner in the cleaning industry, I believe it is essential that all employees are trained on the proper way to handle and dispose of any materials that may contain bloodborne pathogens. Employers have a responsibility to implement a written exposure control plan, provide appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at no cost to employees, and ensure that effective disinfectants are available at all times. These steps are not just about following OSHA regulations—they are about protecting the health and safety of every team member.

    Investing in proper training and safety protocols not only protects employees, but also strengthens the company's reputation. Clients notice when a business takes worker safety seriously. It shows professionalism, builds trust, and reassures customers that the services provided are carried out with care and responsibility. When employees feel safe and valued, and clients see that safety is a priority, it reflects positively on the company as a whole.


  • 11 Feb 2026 4:38 PM | Patrick Hupe



    Medical cleaning practices are designed to eliminate harmful pathogens and prevent the spread of infections in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. These practices include using EPA-registered disinfectants, adhering to high-touch surface cleaning protocols, and implementing structured cleaning schedules to maintain sanitary environments. While these practices are critical in healthcare settings, they can also be applied effectively in residential and commercial spaces to create cleaner, safer environments for occupants. By integrating medical-grade cleaning techniques, homeowners, office managers, and facility supervisors can significantly reduce the risk of illness caused by bacteria, viruses, and other germs.

    One of the core principles of healthcare cleaning is targeting high-touch surfaces—areas that are frequently contacted by multiple people, such as door handles, light switches, countertops, keyboards, and elevator buttons. Applying this principle in offices, schools, gyms, and residential homes ensures that the surfaces most likely to harbor germs are disinfected regularly. Additionally, using color-coded cleaning tools (e.g., cloths and mop heads designated for bathrooms vs. kitchens) and following a top-to-bottom cleaning approach helps prevent cross-contamination, a key concern in hospitals and equally important in non-medical settings.

    Implementing disinfection routines using medical-grade products, such as quaternary ammonium compounds, accelerated hydrogen peroxide, or phenolics, allows both commercial and residential cleaners to replicate the effectiveness of healthcare sanitation. These disinfectants are proven to eliminate bacteria, fungi, and viruses on hard surfaces, contributing to the overall health and safety of occupants. Beyond protecting individual households or offices, widespread adoption of such practices also helps reduce the spread of infectious diseases in the broader community, supporting public health and minimizing the burden on healthcare systems.

    For businesses or individuals seeking professional guidance or support, resources like the IJCSA Janitorial Services Directory provide access to trained cleaning professionals familiar with healthcare-level sanitation protocols. By consulting these services, organizations can ensure proper cleaning techniques, reduce contamination risks, and promote safer, healthier spaces. Ultimately, integrating medical cleaning practices into non-healthcare environments not only protects the population from harmful germs and viruses but also fosters a culture of hygiene and responsibility that benefits society as a whole.


  • 11 Feb 2026 3:52 PM | Richard Williams

    You need a dependable mold cleaning service because you desire to safeguard your home or place of business from potential hazards caused by mold. The good news is that everyone on our team are certified and trained to deliver the highest quality mold removal and cleaning services because we are members of the International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association (IJCSA).

    Mold can spread rapidly and cause life-threatening dangers to your tenants, staff, or family. Whether you're dealing with a recent flood, water damage, or suspect mold growth, you must act swiftly to minimize more damage and health concerns. It has never been simpler to locate a professional mold cleanup provider thanks to our website's Flood Damage Directory

  • 11 Feb 2026 1:16 PM | Lakeysha Claxton

    Medical cleaning practices were created to help prevent the spread of infection in environments with the highest health risks, such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. However, these same principles can be effectively applied to residential and commercial cleaning settings to significantly improve hygiene, safety, and overall health outcomes. By adopting healthcare-level cleaning standards—such as proper disinfectant use, attention to high-touch surfaces, and standardized protocols in homes, offices, schools, and public buildings occupants can better protect themselves from harmful bacteria, germs, and viruses.

    One of the most important medical cleaning practices that translates well into other environments is targeted cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces. In healthcare, surfaces like bed rails, door handles, light switches, call buttons, and shared equipment are cleaned and disinfected frequently because they are known transmission points for pathogens. Applying this same approach in offices, apartment buildings, schools, and retail spaces—focusing on door handles, door plates, light switches, elevator buttons, keyboards, restrooms, and break rooms helps reduce cross-contamination and lower the risk of illness spreading through shared spaces.

    Another key medical cleaning principle is the proper use of disinfectants and their appropriate dwell times. Healthcare cleaning follows strict guidelines for using EPA-registered disinfectants that are proven effective against specific pathogens, including viruses and bacteria. In residential and commercial settings, cleaners can improve outcomes by selecting approved disinfectants, following label instructions, allowing proper dwell time, and avoiding improper dilution. This ensures that surfaces are not just visibly clean but also microbiologically safe. Standardized procedures, color-coded cloths, color-coded laundry bags, sanitized cleaning tools, and clean-to-dirty workflows common in healthcare can also prevent the spread of contaminants between rooms or areas.

    Implementing medical cleaning practices beyond healthcare settings supports a broader mission to protect public health and reduce preventable illness. Cleaner environments help reduce absenteeism, improve productivity, and protect vulnerable populations such as children, seniors, and individuals with weakened immune systems. By applying infection prevention principles recommended by organizations like the CDC and EPA, residential and commercial cleaning programs play a direct role in safeguarding communities and limiting the spread of seasonal viruses and emerging health threats. Adopting these practices is not just about cleanliness; it is about responsibility, prevention, and contributing to a healthier world.

    https://flsoutherngreencleaning.com/home

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