It's very important for employees and staff to know about bloodborne pathogens,without the proper knowledge, cleaning staff may be exposed to contaminated materials. Exposure can cause hepatitis b and c leading to life threatening illnesses, by having the proper knowledge and knowing the proper precautions employees can protect themselves and others from infections.

Janitors play a big role in our everyday lives. The role of a janitor is to maintain and clean environments such as offices, schools, hospitals, and stores. The responsibilities and duties of a janitor include sanitizing restrooms, keeping entrances clear, removing snow, and checking ventilation systems. Other tasks of janitors include emptying trash, dusting, and vacuuming floors. Janitors also make sure items such as toilet paper, paper towels, and soap dispensaries are fully stocked in the restrooms. Depending on the position of the janitor, janitors may also have to do maintenance tasks such as changing light bulbs or fixing toilets and sinks. 

It is the janitor's responsibility to ensure that the people in whatever environment are in are safe from any illnesses or diseases. To prevent anyone from catching illnesses or diseases janitors must keep surfaces such as tables and counters clean. There may also be situations where a person vomits or starts bleeding and blood-borne pathogens such as HIV or Hepatitis B or  C can be spread. There are five types of Hepatitis, however hepatitis B and C are the most common and serious ones. It is the janitor’s responsibility to ensure that nobody comes in contact with any of these blood borne pathogens. Hepatitis B and C are blood borne pathogens that affect the liver. Symptoms of Hepatitis B and C include fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice. The only difference between Hepatitis B and C is that there is a vaccine for Hepatitis B only. Diseases can be spread in any environment however, employees at hospitals and medical centers are at higher risk of coming in contact with blood borne pathogens.

While safety may be the most important aspect, presentation is important as well. It is also the janitor's responsibility to make the facility look presentable to students, staff, customers, and other employees. By doing this, the janitor creates a positive image. A Lot of people underestimate janitors due to things such as low pay or may consider the job unskilled. What most people fail to realize is that janitors are responsible for keeping the facility organized and that has an impact on other people's mental health and productivity. Restaurants have district managers and the health inspectors come in to make sure the facility is in order.  Janitors must also clean up spills and clutter to prevent people from injuries. Injuries often result in a person filing a lawsuit against a company and that can cost the company money and resources. It is the janitor’s responsibility to ensure that any facility they work in is safe from any hazards for customers and staff members.

You should identify and clean frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and shared electronics. You should use hospital grade disinfectants that kill a wide range of pathogens. For quick clean up use sanitizing wipes.

Emphasize proper hand washing with soap and water or hand sanitizer. Use a fresh cleaning cloth for each high risk area. Such as patient zone in a hospital setting. 

You should use a product that are effective against a wide range of microorganism. You should always use PPE when handling potential harzard material. Never mix different cleaning chemicals it can create dangerous gases. 

It is important to properly train your staff to understand the proper cleaning procedures. Monitor and keep a checklist or  cleaning records to insure constant standards.

To help prevent the spread of infections. You should proper clean the healthcare facility. It not only reduces the risk of healthcare associates. It's very crucial for the patients safety. 

Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, equipment, and patient rooms removes and kills harmful microorganism. For patients safety a clean environment helps reduce germs and infections leading to a better recovery.

A clean and well- maintained facility creates a positive impression on patients and visitors, promoting confidence in the quality of care. For more information visit  ijcsa.org

At EcoShine, we are proud to be IJCSA Master Green Cleaning Certified, a prestigious designation that sets us apart as leaders in sustainable, health-conscious cleaning. This certification from the International Janitorial Cleaning Services (IJCSA) means we use only eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products that meet rigorous environmental and safety standards. Unlike traditional cleaning companies that rely on harsh chemicals, EcoShine ensures your office and home sparkles while protecting the planet and health of everyone inside. Our green methods deliver exceptional results without compromising safety, making us the ideal choice for businesses and residents that value sustainability and well-being.

Learning about the dangers of common cleaning chemicals has helped us educate our clients on their potential dangers. Many traditional cleaning sprays contain harmful ingredients like ammonia and synthetic fragrances, which release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that irritate eyes, skin and lungs, potentially triggering asthma or headaches. Worse, some chemicals can form toxic gasses when mixed. By choosing EcoShine, you avoid these risks, as our IJCSA-certified green cleaning staff ensures a safer, healthier workplace and home for all. 

EcoShine's commitment to green cleaning isn't just about safety-it's about creating a better future. Our IJCSA Master Green Cleaning Certification guarantees that our team has completed comprehensive master's course in green cleaning, equipping us with cutting-edge knowledge in sustainable cleaning practices. This expertise sets us apart from traditional cleaning companies, as we understand how to select and apply eco-friendly cleaners that are both effective and environmentally responsible. From disinfecting high-touch office surfaces to sanitizing homes, our certified professionals use techniques that minimize waste and eliminate harmful residues, ensuring and healthy space. By choosing EcoShine, you're partnering with a company whose advanced training and commitment to green excellence deliver unmatched results. 

EcoShine is committed to green cleaning and eco-friendly practices, driven by our mission to serve the Missoula, Montana community. We strive to provide local homes and businesses with sustainable, safe cleaning solutions that safeguard both people and our beautiful Montana landscape. Contact EcoShine today to experience our certified green cleaning expertise in your home or office. 

Imagine walking into a sparkling clean office or a pristine hospital room; it feels safe and welcoming, right? That's largely thanks to the dedicated cleaning staff who ensure these spaces are spotless. However, there's more to cleaning than meets the eye, especially when it comes to handling bloodborne pathogens. These tiny microorganisms, found in blood and other body fluids, can cause serious diseases like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. It's crucial for cleaning employees to be well-informed about these pathogens to protect themselves and others from potential harm.

Proper training on bloodborne pathogens equips cleaning staff with the knowledge and skills to handle potentially infectious materials safely. This training covers everything from identifying hazardous materials to using personal protective equipment (PPE) and following proper cleaning procedures. By understanding the risks and following safety protocols, cleaning staff can prevent the spread of infections and maintain a healthier environment for everyone. It's not just about wearing gloves and masks; it's about knowing why these precautions are necessary and how to use them effectively.

Now, let's add a pinch of fun to this serious topic. Think of bloodborne pathogen training as a superhero boot camp. Just like superheroes have their gadgets and suits to fight villains, cleaning staff have their PPE and cleaning agents to combat pathogens. They undergo rigorous training to become the unsung heroes who keep our spaces safe and clean. So, the next time you see a spotless office or hospital room, remember the trained cleaning staff who are working behind the scenes to keep those invisible villains at bay. In the world of cleaning, knowledge truly is power!

Looking for a trusted carpet cleaning service? Choose IJCSA-certified members for a professional, reliable, and eco-friendly clean! Our experts are trained to handle stains, allergens, and wear, leaving your carpets looking and feeling fresh. With advanced techniques and non-toxic solutions, IJCSA members ensure a healthier home or workspace. Experience the difference of certified care—find an IJCSA member near you and elevate your cleaning standards today!

Natural green cleaning, using non-toxic and biodegradable products, is essential for safeguarding personal health and the environment. Traditional cleaning agents often contain harmful chemicals like ammonia, chlorine and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and long-term health problems. These chemicals linger in indoor air and on surfaces, posing risks to children, pets and adults with sensitivities. By switching to natural green cleaning, individuals eliminate exposure to these toxins, creating safer homes and workspaces where everyone can breathe easier and thrive.

Beyond personal health, green cleaning protects the environment from the devastating impact of chemical pollution. Conventional cleaners contribute to water and soil contamination when rinsed down drains or improperly disposed of, harming aquatic life and disrupting ecosystems. In contrast, natural cleaning products, derived from plant-based or biodegradable ingredients, break down harmlessly, preserving waterways and wildlife habitats. By adopting green cleaning, every person can reduce their ecological footprint, ensuring a healthier planet for current and future generations.

Green cleaning also promotes sustainability by minimizing reliance on resource-intensive, chemical-based products. Many traditional cleaners come in single-use plastic packaging, adding to global waste, while their production emits pollutants that exacerbate climate change. Natural cleaning solutions often use eco-friendly packaging and sustainable ingredients, supporting a circular economy. This choice empowers individuals to align their daily habits with environmental stewardship, contributing to a cleaner, greener world without sacrificing clean efficacy.

Finally, embracing natural green cleaning inspires a ripple effect of positive change. When individuals prioritize non-toxic products, they drive demand for sustainable alternatives, encouraging manufactures to innovate and reduce harmful chemical use. This collective shift fosters healthier communities and protects vulnerable populations, such as those with allergies or compromised immune systems, from chemical exposure. By making green cleaning a personal standard, every person becomes a catalyst for a safer, more sustainable future, providing that small actions can yield profound benefits for health and the environment.  

If you want to embrace a green cleaning lifestyle the IJCSA has a directory with top-tier companies that hold a master certification in green cleaning. Visit the directory here https://www.ijcsa.org/Green-Cleaning-Services 

Properly cleaning healthcare facilities is crucial for maintaining a safe environment for patients, staff and all visitors. These settings are where vulnerable individuals will receive treatment, making them susceptible to any infections. Implementing rigorous cleaning protocols significantly reduces the risk of healthcare-associated infections, which can lead to serve complications and increase healthcare costs. Effective healthcare cleaning practices are essential to safeguarding everyone's well-being in these environments.

Key aspects of cleaning facilities include using appropriate disinfectants and methods. High-touch surfaces like doorknobs and medical equipment are consider breeding grounds for all germs. Regular cleaning and disinfection of these areas help eliminate pathogens that spread illnesses. Additionally, trained cleaning staff will ensure a safe handling of biohazardous waste and understand of bloodborne pathogens, further protecting all health.

Maintaining a clean healthcare facility also enhances the patient's experience. For example, a well-maintained environment boosts the patients comfort and trust in the healthcare system. When a patient sees that cleanliness is prioritized, they tend to feel safer during treatment, which can influence their overall health outcomes. For more information on professional cleaning services, check out the International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association - Janitorial Services Directory for qualified providers specializing in healthcare cleaning.

Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms that are transmitted by way of blood. HIV and HBV, or Hepatitis B, are considered to be the most widely known or serious bloodborne pathogens that we face today. They present significant long-term health risks such liver failure, cancer, and even death. These small organisms are transmitted in a variety of ways to include bites, entry through cuts, nasal passages, and even the smallest needle stick. There are a variety of bloodborne pathogens to be aware of while cleaning numerous environments. Whether you are removing garbage from a facility that may contain used syringes, handling laundry soiled with blood, or even cleaning up after a sick child, it is important to follow safe practices when dealing with bodily fluids as they could contain infectious pathogens. 

Examples of this would be if you are disposing of trash that contains used needles, you may come in contact with a variety of bloodborne pathogens. Any time you come in contact with blood or bodily fluids, you are put at a higher risk of contracting or spreading bloodborne pathogens.

OSHA, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, has developed a bloodborne pathogen standard which breaks down the proper way to approach cleaning up bloodborne pathogens. From proper PPE, personal protective equipment, to disposal, OSHA has a standard to keep everything simple and outlined to avoid miscommunication. If you are cleaning up any type of bodily fluids, you should always wear proper PPE including eye protection, gloves, and a face mask.  Contaminated waste must be disposed into colored waste bags (red or orange) and labeled and disposed of separately of regular trash. Always make sure to thoroughly wash your hands after any exposure to bodily fluids and/or shower to avoid contamination. If you feel you may have been exposed to any bloodborne pathogens, make sure to notify your employer immediately as well as your physician to receive the proper next steps on your health.

Proper training on bloodborne pathogens is essential for all cleaning services to maintain a safe and clean environment. All employees within a cleaning company should have bloodborne pathogen training as it is needed to perform cleaning in many areas.  Janitorial service workers should specifically receive this training free of charge either during their work hours or be paid to take this course as they are at a much higher risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The CDC reported that 5.6 million healthcare and janitorial workers are at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Many of these workers clean and dispose of bodily fluids on a daily basis meaning they are very likely to contract or spread it.