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ServiceMaster Launches New Goldshield Antimicrobial Cleaning Service to Help Fight COVID-19

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 12:28:16 GMT

ServiceMaster Commercial Cleaning is proud to announce the launch of a new antimicrobial cleaning service using a proprietary product developed by Goldshield Technologies which can kill bacteria and other microorganisms on surfaces for up to 90 days after an application. The service was developed specifically as a response to requests from ServiceMaster customers related to the impact of the pandemic who are interested in a COVID-19 cleaning service .

The service uses the Goldshield Antimicrobial GS5 Concentrate, which was developed exclusively for use by ServiceMaster franchises. Benefits of the product include:

Provides residual protection against microbes on indoor surfaces for up to 90 days after application
Protection on outdoor surfaces for up to 12 months
Has been proven to persistently kill up to 99.99% of bacteria
Product is EPA approved

The Goldshield product is designed to be used as part of a three-stage process of cleaning, disinfecting, and protecting that gives our customers a better chance of keeping their businesses as safe as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. While other cleaning services can clean and disinfect surfaces after an exposure to a pathogen, ServiceMaster is one of the only companies to provide a service that also gives ongoing protection for a business.

How does the Goldshield GS5 Concentrate work?

Before our cleaning technicians apply the Goldshield product, it is first diluted with water at a ratio of 1:5 (meaning one gallon of concentrate will make 6 gallons of solution). It can then be applied with commercial pressure sprayers or pump sprayers to surfaces which have already been cleaned and disinfected.

The product works on just about any surface including fabrics, countertops, and carpets. It forms a strong chemical bond with the surfaces it is applied to, which prevents it from leaching off even during subsequent cleanings. The product poses no respiratory or contact risk, even as it continues to provide long-term protection against microbes.

What types of businesses can benefit from our antimicrobial cleaning service?

Although any business concerned about protecting employees and/or customers from microorganisms (including viruses and bacteria) can benefit from ServiceMaster’s new antimicrobial cleaning service, the service is especially beneficial for businesses with a large volume of foot traffic. This would include:

Schools
Day care facilities
Hospitals
Senior living facilities
Gyms
Restaurants
Salons

Traditional cleaning services which only clean and disinfect a location but don’t provide ongoing protection against microbes won’t be nearly as helpful for these types of businesses. Without the ongoing protection provided by a product like Goldshield, these businesses will need to perform a near-constant cleaning of all high-touch surfaces. The amount of cleaning necessary to keep people visiting these businesses safe might even be impractical, unless there is some type of after-the-fact protection.

Goldshield GS24 Antiseptic Hand Sanitizer

In addition to the GS5 Concentrate used in our antimicrobial cleaning process, Goldshield has also developed an antiseptic hand sanitizer exclusively for ServiceMaster. Registered with the FDA, this water-stable, eco-friendly sanitizer instantly kills up to 99.99% of bacteria, fungi, and some viruses on contact.

Unlike alcohol-based hand sanitizer products that stop working as soon as your hands are dry, GS24 provides all-day protection. It’s available in one gallon and 1.75 oz bottles, and is the perfect product for our commercial customers who want to promote good hand hygiene in their businesses.

If you’re interested in giving your business, your employees, and your customers the maximum protection possible as you navigate re-opening and operating during the COVID-19 pandemic, contact us today to learn more about our capabilities.

Creative Ideas for Your Facility’s Break Room

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 07:03:50 GMT

Your employee break room is a vital part of your workplace. It can set the tone for the entire workday, and it’s one of the best ways to show your employees that you value them. It is also a meeting place, where workers can congregate and hold both social and business functions.

A break room is reflective of your company’s culture and can make a big difference when it comes to employee satisfaction in their job. The act of taking intentional breaks keeps employees fresh and ready to work, and creating an environment that fosters a quick refresh lets your employees know that they mean more to you than just the work they finish.

It’s the same reason that Google spends so much energy on fostering a positive, supportive company culture ; employees feel valued, and therefore value the company more, and take more pride in their work. The upside for you as the employer? Breaks actually increase productivity and create the necessary mental space for employees to come up with better ideas, too.

Idea #1: Provide Snacks for Your Employees

One of the best ways to create a break room that will truly recharge your employees? Refuel your employees by stocking your break room with snacks and caffeine available at your workers’ disposal. Healthy snacks stocked in the fridge or pantry can provide employees with an extra boost during the day.

Providing a tea kettle, coffee maker, or cappuccino maker available can give employees a pick-me-up, especially during the dreaded post-lunch slump . Employees can recharge their bodies while taking a mental break if you provide something for them to snack on.

Idea #2: Offer Activities

Setting out a few brain teasers, board games, a ping pong table, or other multiplayer activities turns your break room into a common space where employees can take a break from their work day and also establish positive relationships with their coworkers, which creates a stronger sense of teamwork that will extend to the rest of the workday, outside the break room.

Pay Attention to Decor

Plain, white walls and generic, uncomfortable office furniture in a long-forgotten break room won’t inspire employees or make them feel recharged and ready to get back to work. These companies have focused on making their whole workplace feel fresh, current, and inspiring, but even a bit of modernity, style, or whimsy added just in the breakroom makes for a vibrant, exciting workspace where employees can’t wait to come to work. A personalized space has character and creates a sense of belonging to something unique and exciting.

A well-decorated, modern break room also becomes a great meeting space, common space, or even a place to hold employee events. Choose comfortable furniture with versatility so that your break room becomes more than just a place where employees go to warm up their lunch; it’s a place where your team can gather and celebrate, recharge, and feel inspired.

Idea #3: Think about Biophilic Design

What’s biophilic design ? It’s the inclusion of natural elements and the outside in design in order to improve mood. Natural light shining through an open window, a view of a well-tended garden or water feature, a varied cluster of indoor plants, or even the use of natural elements in the design of a break room reduces stress and can even improve employee health. Nature can make a huge difference in one’s mental and physical state, so bringing nature into the breakroom is a peaceful way to improve employee morale.

Houseplants are having their own renaissance right now, so in addition to improving the mood, indoor plants will also make your break space feel fresh and contemporary. Plants also act as great air purifiers, too. Here are a few tips on arranging indoor plants, and a list of plants that are ideal for offices because of their visual appeal and low-maintenance needs. You don’t have to turn your break room into a jungle, but a few plants will certainly cheer things up!

Idea #4: Consider a Television

While a television in the break room may not be right in all work environments, having a television set to a steady stream of information— something like the national news set to a neutral station—such as the BBC– means that workers will feel more involved in the world around them. It also is a gentle reminder during break time that the world exists outside of the workplace, making occasional work challenges or difficulties seem more manageable.

If television isn’t an option for whatever reason due to the nature of your workplace, subscribing to a daily newspaper is another way for employees to get informed (or even just fill out a crossword puzzle) during break time.

Idea #5: Ask Your Employees What They Need

One of the best ways to ensure that your break room is exactly what your employees want and need? Find out what their requests are, and do your best to meet requests, within reason. Keeping your employees refreshed and happy will improve their productivity, and enhance your company’s overall culture, so why not take a few extra steps to help make their breaks meaningful and beneficial to them?

Idea #6: Keep Break Spaces Neat and Updated

Making an effort to not only keep break spaces updated but also clean, shows employees that you care about their mental space and their need to take breaks. It unconsciously demonstrates that you are thinking of them as people, not just taskers. Old spaces and out-of-date, beat-up furniture that hasn’t been changed in years doesn’t help employees feel supported or valued in their downtime, and no one wants to spend time in a dingy break room that never gets thoroughly cleaned.

One way to keep break spaces pleasant and enjoyable? Keeping them cleaned and tidied. ServiceMaster Clean janitorial services can extend into the employee break room, where a spotless, fresh room provides a space for fresh ideas to brew as well. No one feels valued or refreshed in a room with clutter, grime, or dust, but a break space that is given regular attention from our cleaning professionals is the perfect location to recharge in the middle of the workday, hold a meeting, or host social gatherings.

Let ServiceMaster give your employee break room the attention that it needs so that your employees have the break room they deserve. Get a quote today to see how we can keep your office, and your break room fresh, spotless, and clean. It’s an investment in your company and your employees you can’t afford not to make.

Safe Handling and Storage of Hazardous Materials

Mon, 21 Jan 2019 07:21:38 GMT

Does your facilities team know how to handle and care for hazardous materials that they may work with or come into contact with while on the job? Would they know what to do if a spill, leak or an accident involving a hazardous material were to happen?

If you are unsure—and possibly a little uncertain that a hazardous materials article applies to you (hint: it does)— keep reading as we sort out the safe handling and storage of hazardous materials.

What Qualifies as a Hazardous Material?

The EPA provides a basic, simplified definition of hazardous material as “ a material with properties that make it dangerous or capable of having a harmful effect on human health or the environment.”

OSHA goes deeper to define hazardous materials as “Any biological agent and other disease-causing agent which after release into the environment and upon exposure, ingestion, inhalation, or assimilation into any person…will or may reasonably be anticipated to cause death, disease, behavioral abnormalities, cancer, genetic mutation, physiological malfunctions…or physiological deformations in such persons or their offspring.”

Well, that’s a lot of “legalese” – so what does this mean? What type of materials would your average facility have that qualify as a “hazardous material?” Anything that bears the label WARNING, CAUTION, POISONOUS, TOXIC, FLAMMABLE, CORROSIVE, REACTIVE or EXPLOSIVE should be considered hazardous. Some examples that would be commonly found in a facility for the purposes of maintaining and cleaning it are:

Disinfectants, floor wax, and other cleaning agents (including solvents)
Glues and adhesives
Paint
Pesticides
Petroleum products
Fertilizers

What Can Happen if Someone is Exposed to or Mishandles a Hazardous Material?

The physical effects of exposure to a hazardous material will vary, depending on the material and the level of exposure. When properly used with the appropriate personal protective equipment, the harmful effects should be close to none.

However, if someone is untrained or careless, they can suffer serious consequences. The effects can be as minimal as a headache or dizziness, more severe like a rash, nausea or vomiting, or potentially life-changing like chemical burns internally or of the skin, nervous system disorders, and even death.

How Should These Items Be Stored?

While of course following the basic fire codes and OSHA regulations for storing these types of items will provide you with a base level of safety, it’s best when dealing with hazardous items to be prepared for anything (even if there hasn’t been an incident with these materials at your facility ever before.) When considering the safe storage and handling of these types of materials, you’ll need to answer the basic questions of What, Why, Where, and How.

What type of material is being stored?

It’s important to know what types of materials cannot be stored together, and if there are materials that are particularly volatile if they come into contact with each other. For instance, flammable liquids should not be stored near corrosives, and particular care should be taken to avoid possible mixing of products that contain chlorine (bleach) – which on its own can be corrosive, but becomes potentially deadly when mixed with other chemicals such as ammonia (found in even household window cleaners) or vinegar.

Why is this material being stored?

Take a realistic inventory of the potentially hazardous materials and assess the quantity and necessity of keeping them on hand, and evaluate the potential for using a less hazardous substance in its place. An example being floor polish (which can be an eye and skin irritant alone, and should never mix with other substances due to ammonia content) – how often are you using this? Can you anticipate the need for more polish in time to order as needed instead of keeping large quantities on hand? Reduce the risk of accidental spills or exposures by minimizing your hazardous materials on hand when possible.

Where and how are these materials stored?

Be certain that storage areas are clearly defined and easily recognizable, as well as easy to access. Many spill accidents can be prevented just by being aware of how things move in and out of storage. The same goes for preventing mistakes in usage by storing materials in a clearly marked area. For example, improperly storing and labeling a powdered cleaning product in a kitchen setting can have disastrous consequences. It is equally important to review the state and federal regulations regarding the storage of hazardous materials as well as take into account the ideal environmental conditions for storing the materials.

Some types and classes of materials, for example, may be stored in a regular storage closet with no additional parameters to be met, where other classes may only be stored in certain quantities and in specific cabinets designed for the purpose of storing hazardous substances.

What Steps Should Be Taken if a Spill, Leak, or Accident Occurs?

Your team should be prepared to take care of small-scale mishaps, if a small splash of oil spills over when maintaining landscaping equipment or a bottle of disinfectant breaks open on a cleaning cart – sopping it up with an appropriate absorbent or a handful of paper towels should be no big deal – but what if there is a bigger problem?

Small, incidental spills like these should be handled with care, of course, but what to do if an entire drum of cleaning solvent knocks over and spills out? The answer: depends. In general, an abundantly cautious rule of thumb is that if you can step over it, you should be able to clean it up, any larger than that, call in someone with emergency training.

Your staff will need to know what to do – or at very least who to contact – in the event of a major spill or leak. Having someone on staff and available with emergency hazardous materials situations or having a point of contact with a company that does this sort of thing is important, especially if you are operating a larger facility with larger amounts of hazardous materials on hand.

What Sort of Hazardous Materials Training Should Your Facilities Team Have?

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration has specific training requirements, courses, and certifications for various safety matters, including emergency handling of hazardous materials – however, general safety training for most purposes can be performed in house. Training should cover:

How to use chemicals correctly and what to do in an emergency
What PPE is necessary for safe use of cleaners and other hazardous materials
Proper dispensing, labeling, and storage procedures
Know the location of MSDS information sheets for all hazardous materials they may use

Having safety procedures and awareness of how to deal with hazardous materials on any scale is essential to the safety of your staff, the patrons of your facility, and the environment.

Wondering what to do next? ServiceMaster can help you ensure that you’re safely handling and storing hazardous materials in addition to providing other helpful services. Interested in learning more? Click here to contact us today.

Snow Removal Tips for Facilities Managers

Wed, 16 Jan 2019 07:33:18 GMT

Winter can be an unpredictable beast. You could go for weeks at a time without seeing a flake, and then suddenly, there are inches of snow on the ground. While it’s true that you can’t control the weather, you can control how you prepare for it’s wrath. Ensuring that you have the right snow removal equipment for your needs is essential to the safety and accessibility of your facility.

There are various types of snow removal attachments available for use with skid steers, pickup trucks, or other vehicles facilities managers frequently use for snow removal. Determining which is right for your needs depends on several factors; what conditions and surfaces you need to clear, the amount of snowfall, and how you need to handle the cleared snow.

The main types of attachments you’ll find are snow plow blades, snow pushers, and snow buckets.

You can find a more detailed look at what each attachment does, and an at-a-glance chart for reference , but in this article, we’ll cover the basics. Read on as we help you determine the best snow removal attachments for your skid steer.

Snow Plow Attachments

As general-use snow removal attachments go, the snow plow is probably the most versatile, working well to clear larger areas while still offering the control and visibility to tackle curb areas and areas close to structures.

Available in both steel and rubber, plow blades can remove snow on multiple types of surfaces with as little damage as possible, moving the snow off to the sides. Hydraulic controls give the user an excellent amount of control in angling the blade to move snow exactly where it needs to go. As with any equipment, however, more moving parts can potentially mean more maintenance.

Snow Plow Advantages: Maneuverability, versatility, efficiency. Provides the cleanest surface out of the three attachments we are reviewing.

Snow Plow Drawbacks: Higher maintenance than other options, can’t scoop to remove snow to a pile, not good on uneven surfaces (can damage the plow and skid steer).

What Can Happen if Someone is Exposed to or Mishandles a Hazardous Material?

Snow Pusher Attachments

Also referred to as “boxes” or “containment boxes,” snow pushers do just what their name implies— they push the snow forward. They do not have the ability to change angle and articulate like a plow, but snow pushers do contain the snow within the device, allowing you to create a snow pile out of the way instead of just moving it off to the side as a plow would.

The snow pushers’ simpler design gives the advantage of fewer moving parts, reducing potential maintenance. Snow pushers work especially well for areas like parking spaces, loading docks, and other confined space. This results in efficiency, as you will generally only be moving snow in one direction.

Snow Pusher Advantages: Simplicity of design makes it lower maintenance, neater containment of snow.

Snow Pusher Drawbacks: Less efficient for larger areas, generally moves snow in one direction – more time spent reversing to pick up a new line vs a plow blade.

Snow Bucket Attachments

A snow bucket operates in more of a scooping capacity than the pushing-only mechanism of a plow or pusher. Snow buckets have the distinct advantage of control – you can easily direct and pile the snow with a bucket, but beware of overloading (which can cause a skid steer to tip).

When you need precision piling, a snow bucket is your best option. The scooping action of a bucket vs. the pushing action of a pusher or plow blade makes it ideal for use on gravel or dirt surfaces without “pile up” of the material. Snow buckets are also great for pre-loading salt or sand for spreading.

Snow Bucket Advantages: Ideal for precision piling of snow out of the way, great for unpaved surfaces.

Snow Bucket Disadvantages: Lower capacity, not great for heavy/wet snow for tipping and engine stress reason.

Your choice of attachments largely depends on the types of surfaces you need to clear, the type of snow/ice your area primarily receives, and the amount of ground you need to cover. Snow plow blades and snow pushers can be equipped with either steel or rubber blades, allowing them to work over multiple surfaces such as gravel, asphalt, concrete, and uneven surfaces, handling various precipitation, from heavy, wet, sloppy snow, to ice, to loose, powdery snow.

Alternately, snow buckets with steel blades offer a more delicate touch across gravel and loose surfaces and more precision in piling. Depending on the space you need to clear, you may even opt for more than one type of snow removal attachment for your skid steer. Making the right choices for snow removal attachments can help your crew make your facility safer and more accessible in a snow event.

Important Considerations When Cleaning Operating Rooms

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 07:55:32 GMT

Ideally, cleaning operating rooms should keep present microorganisms to an irreducible minimum , protecting the health and safety of everyone in the operating suite. After all, contaminants can enter the room via the patient, medical staff, and inanimate objects; even the air can contain microbial-laden dust, lint, skin squames, or respiratory droplets.

How do you achieve the minimal amount of contaminants in the room? By following protocols regarding the traffic in the room, clothing worn by patients and staff, air ventilation systems, and, most importantly, preoperative and postoperative cleaning.

Here are some of the best practices you should remember prior to cleaning operating rooms.

Cleaning Procedures

A multidisciplinary team consisting of the perioperative leader, infection preventionist, environmental services leaders, infectious disease and facilities personnel should be established. These are the people who will set guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting the perioperative areas.

There should be protocols in place to establish who is responsible for cleaning different areas and equipment in the OR suite, how they are to be cleaned, and how often that needs to take place, along with any special notes. These procedures should be reviewed annually and updated as needed.

Cleaning of the OR suite should occur before and after each case and at the end of the day. Walls and ceilings should be cleaned on a regularly scheduled basis (unless they are visibly soiled, in which case, they need to be cleaned after a case is completed).

Cleaning Agents

Cleaning solutions should be used properly and according to manufacturer directions to avoid injury and damage to surfaces and items in the OR suite. Cleaning directions on equipment should be followed as well.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered tuberculocidal disinfectants (i.e., intermediate-level disinfectants) should be used in accordance with proper cleaning and disinfecting procedures for cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces and equipment above the floor.

Low-level disinfectants can be used to clean and disinfect floors and certain other items and areas outside the surgical environment.

Unique cases

Some transmission-based precaution rooms may require multiple cleanings to thoroughly process the room. OR suites in which transmission-based precautions are in effect should be cleaned and disinfected with an EPA-registered tuberculocidal disinfectant and in accordance with facility-established procedures. In suites where Clostridium difficile is present or suspected, an EPA-registered sporicidal disinfectant should be used because of the potential presence of spores and because C. difficile spores can survive in the environment for as long as five months.

Specific Cleaning Guidelines

All cleaning should be done wearing gloves and with proper cleaning agents that are followed according to the manufacturer’s directions.

Horizontal Surfaces

All horizontal surfaces in the area should be damp-wiped with an approved cleaning agent before the first case of the day. This removes dust, debris and potentially harmful particles that have settled on surfaces since they were last disinfected.

High-touch objects

All high-touch objects as agreed on by the team need to be disinfected in between cases. Any visibly soiled surface should also be cleaned. (This can include furniture, equipment, and fixtures.)

Floors

Floors need to be disinfected up to five feet around the procedural table (and where there has been visible soling) between patients. If possible, a wet vacuum with a filter-diffuser exhaust cleaner should be used. If a vacuum is unavailable, a freshly laundered mop is suitable. One mop should be used to cover the floor with disinfectant, and another should be used to remove it. The mop heads should then be sealed in a hamper or plastic bag.

After the cleaning is complete, all used cloths should be secured in either a laundry or trash bag that is sealed before being removed from the room and properly disposed.

End-of-Day Cleaning

All operating suites, even unused ones need to be cleaned at the end of the day, because staff may have retrieved items from them while working.

There are three methods for end of day cleaning; one should be chosen and followed through until the entire room is clean.

Method 1. Perimeter Method

First, all soiled equipment is placed in the middle of the room. Second, the perimeter of the room is then cleaned and disinfected. Third, soiled equipment in the middle of the room is cleaned and disinfected and moved to the clean perimeter until all items have been processed.

Method 2. Divide-in-Half Method

First, all soiled equipment is moved to the soiled half of the room. Second, the empty half of the room is then disinfected and items from the soiled side are cleaned and moved to the clean side until everything has been disinfected.

Method 3. Zone-Cleaning Method

First, items in the suite are divided between two or more technicians. Each technician is responsible for specific areas, items and surfaces in the suite. Once the room is cleaned and disinfected, everyone verifies and documents that all items have been processed.

Furniture and Lighting

Furniture should be scrubbed thoroughly, using mechanical friction. Casters and wheels should be cleared of suture ends and debris and cleaned with a disinfectant. Kick buckets, laundry hampers, and trash cans should be disinfected. Cabinets doors should be cleaned, with attention paid to the contact points.

Fixtures

Ceiling and wall-mounted fixtures and tracks should be cleaned on all surfaces. Air intake grills, ducts, and vents should be cleaned.

Equipment

Equipment should be cleaned according to manufacturer directions and care should be taken to not let water or cleaning agents enter the sealed portions of the machines.

Linens

Linens should be handled carefully, both so as to not send airborne the particles on them. Also, sharp tools may end up wrapped in them. Linens should be carried away from the body to avoid contamination.

Waste Removal

Waste removal should follow local and state guidelines. In most cases, items that are not saturated or caked with body fluids can be placed into a noninfectious waste container. Items that need to be placed in a sealed, leak-proof container that is labeled properly. Any infectious regulated medical waste (RMW) needs to be placed in a secure area.

Avoiding Mistakes

We know that you want to avoid making mistakes while cleaning operating room suites. Here are some issues to keep in mind:

Make sure that you are familiar with all documentation and procedures before beginning. Improper documentation about procedures as noted above can cause confusion among individuals and can lead to improper disinfection and cleaning.

Review all equipment directions prior to cleaning . Many manufacturers will void warranties if instructions are not followed precisely and the equipment is damaged.

Do not use aerosols or sprays to disinfect and clean . These agents can land in unintended places and can pose health risks to the individuals using them. Bottles that have flip- or pop-tops or that are poured should be used. Microfiber or disposable wipes can be used but should not be double-dipped.

Avoid cross-contamination by keeping all equipment and fixtures in a specific room or area, by wearing gloves, and by following the proper disinfecting and cleaning procedures. Any equipment that is brought into or taken out of the room needs to be cleaned on both entry and exit.

Reduce the traffic in and out of the room by making sure that you bring everything that you need into a room and then do not leave until you are finished. The door to the room should remain closed while you are cleaning.

In summary, following proper procedures when cleaning operating rooms is vital to maintain the safety of patients. If your in-house cleaning staff is not up to the task, hiring a professional commercial cleaning company like ServiceMaster might be a good idea. Contact us for more information about our health care cleaning services if you are interested.

The Truth About Hand Sanitizers

Thu, 16 Aug 2018 08:12:49 GMT

Note: Although this post was originally published in 2018, interest in this topic has spiked in the past few weeks as the COVID-19 pandemic spreads across the United States. New details about the virus are constantly emerging, but the latest research indicates that “60% ethanol and 70% isopropanol, the active ingredients in CDC-recommended alcohol-based hand sanitizers, inactivates viruses that are genetically related to, and with similar physical properties as, the 2019-nCoV” ( per the CDC ) .

If a person infected by coronavirus has been in your facility, or if you are interested in taking preventative measures, please see our page about our anti-coronavirus cleaning services available in our service area of southwest Virginia.

Cleaning Procedures

Although gel-based hand sanitizer was first invented in 1966 by an RN named Lupe Hernandez, it was originally only used in hospital and medical settings. The product didn’t become popularized for home and personal use until the 1980s and 1990s.

Today, hand sanitizer is everywhere. Not only is it in every hospital room and doctor’s office, but it’s also in bathrooms, moms’ purses, kids’ backpacks, teachers’ supply closets, kids’ lunch boxes, grocery store entrances, and even the portable restrooms at countless county fairgrounds. Hand sanitizer has become a staple for many American families, thanks to its usefulness, effectiveness, and accessibility.

But are there any drawbacks to using hand sanitizer on a regular basis? Is it as effective as we’ve always heard? Should we replace soap and water handwashing with sanitizers?

Let’s consider the evidence about this product that has completely changed how we approach cleanliness in America by looking at the facts. But before we can get into the pros and cons of this method for killing germs, let’s make sure we know what hand sanitizer is, how it works, and how it is different from soap and water.

In their article on this topic , the University of Toronto explains: “[Hand sanitizer] works by killing cells—not human cells. It kills microbial cells. It’s based on the use of 70 percent isopropyl alcohol, which is rubbing alcohol. That’s the concentration of rubbing alcohol that is most effective in killing germs—it’s even more effective than 100 percent. Because it has a little bit of water in it, it improves penetration. For a virus, sanitizers work by disrupting the virus’s outer coat. For a bacterium, they work by disrupting its cell membrane.”

This is different from soap and water. When using soap, you’re washing away germs and bacteria, not necessarily killing them. That said, antibacterial soaps do have some of the same germ-killing capabilities as hand sanitizers.

The reasons why hand sanitizer is so popular include:

It’s easy and inexpensive to install hand sanitizer dispensers throughout high-traffic areas, such as hospitals and stores. This means you have more physical spaces where people can clean their hands quickly and effectively, without needing to install hand washing stations or additional sinks.

Carrying a small bottle of sanitizer is convenient for busy families and individuals who want to quickly clean their hands without tracking down a hand washing space like a bathroom or kitchen.

Hand sanitizer is effective and inexpensive.

Here are a few quick facts about the increasingly prevalent hand sanitizer that you see everywhere from doctors’ offices, schools, and your own home.

Fact #1: Hand sanitizers DO kill a lot of germs.

The “kills 99.9% of germs” statistic you see on lots of hand sanitizer bottles is a bit misleading, but researchers have found that it does successfully kill a lot of germs and microbes that could make you sick. For healthcare workers, in particular, hand sanitizers can prevent a lot of illnesses that would otherwise spread between patients and workers. One of the reasons hand sanitizer is so effective in hospital settings is because it is proven that it’s easier to get people to comply with hand sanitizing policies than it is with hand washing policies.

Fact #2: Washing your hands with soap and water is always preferable for preventing illnesses that come from viruses and bacteria.

The CDC emphasizes that washing with soap and water is the most effective method for eliminating microbes from your hands. This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t use hand sanitizers, but simply that when you have the opportunity to wash your hands instead of reaching for the sanitizer dispenser, you should go with soap and water.

Fact #3: The best sanitizers have an alcohol content of 60% or higher.

The higher the alcohol content in your sanitizer, the more microbes it can kill. However, high-alcohol content sanitizers can also dry out your hands.

Fact #4: Hand sanitizers can’t kill C.diff, a potentially deadly bacteria.

Newer research shows that hand sanitizer isn’t effective at killing C.diff, which is a bacterial infection in the colon that can make a person very sick. However, experts still recommend using hand sanitizer, as the new research needs to be recreated with the same results before being enough to change the existing recommendations on using sanitizer frequently between tasks.

Fact #5: It’s possible to use hand sanitizer incorrectly.

There are a number of ways you can misuse hand sanitizer, including not using enough, wiping the gel off your hands before it dries, or choosing sanitizer over soap when your hands are visibly soiled, greasy, or otherwise dirty.

Clearly, there are benefits and drawbacks to using hand sanitizer. It is certainly an effective tool for killing germs and microbes, but it also shouldn’t be used as a replacement for traditional soap and water-based handwashing. Before reaching for the hand sanitizer, ask yourself:

Are my hands dirty enough that I need to wash away debris, grime, or dirt?
Have I potentially been exposed to any high-risk microbes, such as C.diff or MRSA?
Would it be possible for me to wash my hands with soap and water instead?

If your answer to any of these questions is “yes,” we recommend finding a sink and washing with soap and water.

Handwashing and hand sanitizers certainly play a big role in maintaining a hygienic environment, but an experienced janitorial cleaning service can also ensure that your surroundings are as clean as possible. ServiceMaster Commercial Cleaning has been cleaning facilities in southwest Virginia for more than twenty years. Click here to request a free quote today!

Creating an Effective Emergency Plan for Your Facility

Mon, 30 Jul 2018 08:27:14 GMT

We always hope that there’s never an emergency at our facilities but hoping to avert a crisis will not protect us from one. Creating a good emergency plan for your facility is a necessary step in dealing effectively with an unforeseen event.

We’re going to discuss what types of emergencies you should plan for, what a good emergency plan should include, and what types of practice and drills you and your colleagues should do in order to prepare for an emergency. Knowing that you have an operative emergency plan in place will give you peace of mind, and if the unthinkable happens, you will know that you are prepared.

What types of emergencies require plans?

The Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) describes an emergency as any unexpected situation—whether natural or manmade—that causes or necessitates your place of business to cease operating; that poses a danger to employees, customers, clients, the general public; or that causes physical or environmental damage.

Some examples are:

Floods
Hurricanes
Tornadoes
Fires
Toxic gas releases
Chemical spills
Radiological accidents
Explosions
Civil disturbances
Workplace violence resulting in bodily harm and trauma
Utility disruption and failure

While some of these events might seem to you more likely to occur than others, being aware of numerous dangerous situations means that you can take them into account as needed when making your emergency plans. OSHA’s Safety and Health Topics portal provides links to pages focusing on many of these specific incidents.

What should a good emergency plan include?

Now that we’ve addressed potential emergencies, let’s talk about what your emergency plan should include. Each of your facilities (should you have more than one) needs to have its own plan.

OSHA suggests that, at a minimum, every emergency response plan should include the following six elements:

Established protocol for reporting emergencies (this should include your facility’s chain of command)
Evacuation policies and procedures
Emergency escape procedures and route assignments (floor plans marked with these routes, maps, and any safe and refuge areas are useful)
Names and contact information for those individuals both inside and outside your facility who are responsible for providing additional information about the emergency plan and procedures
Procedures followed by those who must remain to perform or shut down various operations or perform other safety-related duties or essential services before evacuating
Rescue and medical duties for personnel designated to perform them

It’s also helpful to establish the location to which employees will evacuate and to have a procedure in place for accounting for everyone.

Your plan should also include how all workers will be notified when there is an emergency. There are related regulations for all businesses mandated by OSHA to have emergency plans, and even if your facility is not among those, you may want to consider them:

Make sure that alarms are distinctive and recognizable as the signal to evacuate or perform the actions in your emergency plan
Have an emergency communications system in place to notify employees and outside agencies (police, fire departments, EMS) that there is an emergency
Mandate that the alarms must be perceived by everyone in the workplace. This means considering employees with disabilities or other conditions that might impact their abilities to perceive an alarm. OSHA suggests implementing tactile devices to render alerts for those who might not be able to perceive an audio or visual alarm.

Your emergency plan might also include people who are designated to assist those with disabilities and those who do not speak English.

What other information should you include?

1. Identification of all potential hazards

You may want to use a risk matrix analysis to identify hazards that are normal occurrences and those with a low probability for a specific facility. That’s the time to think about the above emergencies, too. Fire is among the more common emergencies that can occur anywhere. On the other hand, a hurricane is not going to affect facilities in the middle of the country the same way that it will affect facilities in the southern and eastern parts of the country, if at all.

Keep in mind, however, that it is virtually impossible to predict every single kind of emergency that may occur at one of your facilities. It is useful to know what hazards are most likely to occur. Good emergency plans are “response-based,” and focus on the actions that employees, customers, clients, and guests should take, regardless of the type of emergency.

2. Identification of Crisis Managers

Depending on where your facilities are located in relation to police, fire, and emergency medical services, and the nature of an emergency, it may take time for first responders to arrive and offer assistance. In an emergency, every minute counts. Designate an immediate responder network of crisis managers at each of your locations.

Each building should have a single point of contact, and others should be designated to assist in emergencies to make sure that established protocols are followed: Should a building be evacuated during an emergency, or will everyone shelter in place, for example. Crisis managers should be trained regularly in the company’s policies and procedures, first aid (including CPR and AED training), National Incident Management System (NIMS), and incident command and threat awareness/indicators.

Everyone who is a designated responder may want to take NIMS courses. The National Incident Management System was designed after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and are protocols used government-wide for responding to any kind of emergency.

3. Establish Tabletops, Drills, and Exercises

It is important to understand that emergency procedures are only useful if everyone can implement them properly. This will require planning, discussion, and making sure that everyone is familiar with the plans before they need to be put into action.

During “tabletops,” employees work together in small groups to talk through an emergency response scenario offered by a facilitator. The facilitator should also suggest additional circumstances which will necessitate the groups to strategize quickly “on their feet” as they would need to in an actual emergency.

During drills, specific circumstances are created to which employees must physically respond. The most common of these is a fire drill, which should be coordinated with the local fire department so it is aware that a drill is taking place.

Exercises are more complex than drills and often involve multiple buildings, and perhaps multiple local agencies. They may be somewhat scripted, in that specific individuals will respond to whatever the emergency is in certain ways. As much as possible, a planned response should be included to elements that are counter to the normal.

Regardless of which of these three kinds of activities you plan for your employees, debriefing sessions afterward to review encountered problems, concerns, and suggestions should be held so that emergency plans can be updated accordingly.

What types of practice and drills are helpful?

You should hold a drill only after you have emergency plans in place and all employees are aware of their roles in an emergency. As we noted earlier, it is impossible to foresee every kind of emergency that might occur at your facility. Here is a list of 10 kinds of drills that you might consider:

Evacuation
Reverse evacuation
Lockout
Lockdown
Clear the halls
Shelter-in-place
Medical emergency
Closing or cancelation
Death
Vehicle accident

Your emergency plan can include directions for when these kinds of responses are necessary. Employees should be trained in the specific responses required for each. Drills should be unannounced, should only be one specific type at a time, and should be enacted under different conditions—for example, different times of day, in different weather conditions, and when certain key personnel is absent.

OSHA offers free, confidential, on-site consultations to small and medium businesses in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and certain territories through its On-Site Consultation Program . An OSHA inspector will visit your facility and perform a walk-through with you, noting any hazards, and share suggestions to improve any work-safety programs that you already have in place. No penalties or citations will be issued during the visit. Use the form on the OSHA Consultation Directory page to find the contact information for the Consultation Program in your area.

Avoid These Commercial Floor Care Mistakes

Tue, 26 Jun 2018 08:31:30 GMT

This month, we’d like to spotlight the cleaning of floors of commercial buildings. These floors get an abundance of foot traffic (in all kinds of weather) and inadvertent damage from objects being dropped on and dragged or pushed across them. Properly maintaining the floor of your commercial building requires more care and attention than a quick mopping with soapy water whenever the floor looks dirty.

A floor that is properly maintained and clean fosters a professional image for your place of business. That image goes a long way in attracting new clients and maintaining old ones. Additionally, properly cleaning your flooring also reduces the risk of accidents. Slips, trips and fall injuries make up almost 20 percent of all job-related injuries .

We’d like to address some of the common mistakes that business owners make when cleaning the hard floors of their commercial properties and what are some best practices so that you avoid damaging your floors when you clean them.

Mistake #1: Poor commercial floor care technique

There are right ways and wrong ways to clean your floors. A knowledgeable floor cleaning company will practice the former and will avoid the latter . Do you have vinyl flooring? Concrete? Wood? Brick? Something else? Cleaning company employees will know exactly how specific floor types should be cleaned, leaving your floor as clean and attractive as possible.

Having your floors cleaned by people who are unfamiliar with the proper cleaning techniques for your individual flooring will likely lead to damaged floors when the cleaners are finished.

Mistake #2: Using the wrong type and amount of chemicals for the surface being cleaned

People may follow the maxim, “More is better,” while cleaning, but when it comes to harsh chemicals, this is a terrible idea. People who are not familiar with the type of chemicals necessary to clean your commercial flooring and who are unsure of the proper amount may use the wrong type or too much.

The wrong chemicals or too much of them (or worse, both) will lead to damaged or destroyed floors. Cleaning companies that know which chemicals your floors need and how much of them to use will ensure that your floors are cleaned properly and not damaged during the cleaning process.

Mistake #3: Not prepping the floors before cleaning them

Excess dirt, dust, and other debris should be swept up before cleaning machines or tools are used to ensure that the machines or tools are able to make the necessary contact with the floors and clean them.

If the floors aren’t swept of the excess gunk beforehand, the machines can respread the dirt , resulting in areas that need to be cleaned again. This will lengthen the cleaning process and make it costlier for you. Failure to do the proper prep also gets equipment dirty; that is yet another reason that dirt, dust, and debris can be unhelpfully spread around your floor.

Mistake #4: Not following safety best practices for commercial floor care

People who are not familiar with cleaning processes may not read the safety notices and warnings of whichever cleaning chemicals that they are using to clean your floors. This could lead to misuse, which could cause injury, illness, or worse to the cleaning crew, your employees, and your clients.

Additionally, if people who are cleaning do not put up signs alerting others to wet floors, people may slip and fall. Hiring a cleaning company that is familiar with the potential hazards associated with cleaning chemicals and that engages in best safety practices ensures that your floors will be cleaned properly and safely.

Mistake #5: Using the wrong equipment, or not properly cleaning or maintaining equipment

Using the wrong cleaning equipment for a particular type of flooring can damage or ruin the floor. As we noted above when discussing preparation of the floor for cleaning, dirty equipment can result in dirty floors, and possibly damaged ones, too. Ensure that the cleaning company you hire has equipment that appears to be in good condition and is clean.

Mistake #6: Lack of routine floor maintenance

Not regularly cleaning your floors means that small problems can grow over time, and present bigger or impossible cleaning challenges later on. Stains, for instance, may be harder to remove the longer they’ve been present. A small crack may grow.

Regularly cleaning your floors and examining them for potential problem spots and attending to issues as soon as you see them means that your floors will retain a “brand new” appearance and durability for a long time to come. If your floors can be sealed and are not, you may also want to look into having that done, as it will further aid the cleaning process.

ServiceMaster Clean is looking forward to helping you with your commercial floor cleaning needs! Call us (540-251-4023) or contact us via our website.

What is a Green Building, and How to Become One

Tue, 15 May 2018 12:40:10 GMT

As a building manager, you have probably heard the terms Green Building and Green Building Certification being thrown around. While it may sound like a buzzword, it’s actually not a new concept.

As the Green Building Initiative gains momentum, becoming well-versed in what going green entails and getting your building on board is important.

What is a Green Building and Why Does it Matter?

There isn’t a hard and fast definition of what a green building is, but in general, a green building is a built environmental space that takes into account its effect on both the environment and the people who occupy the building on a day to day basis. This means that the overall operation, design, and construction of the building will focus heavily on the use of sustainable building materials, high-efficiency energy and water use, reduced waste, and generally minimizing its environmental impact.

Becoming a green building has many benefits beyond the obvious reduction of environmental impact. Yes, green buildings protect ecosystems, lend a hand in improving air and water quality, and work to conserve our natural resources – but green buildings go beyond that. Reduced operating costs, qualification for tax incentives, improved productivity, occupant comfort, improved health – really, a generally improved quality of life for the occupants.

Green Globes Certified? What Does That Mean?

The Green Building Initiative is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides customized support, training, and certification for green buildings. The Green Globes certification program launched its web-based building design management tool in the U.S. in 2005.

This tool is based on a previous, less user-friendly assessment tool called the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM). GBI is also an ANSI Developer – a contributor to the development of balanced, fair standards for green buildings and improved environmental design.

The Green Globes certification program gives you personalized assistance in implementing sustainable operations within your building. They will work with you to identify opportunities for improved sustainability and efficiency. They will also set goals for future Green Globes’ rating system which provides you with a clear, in-depth rating system, covering every detail that goes into the operation of a green building.

Why Should I Get My Building Green Globes Certified?

Anyone can claim to have a “green building.” An independent, unbiased verification of the buildings energy efficiency and sustainability gives the general public an evidence-based assurance.

Following through with the certification process will ensure your buildings’ improved energy and water conservation efforts, responsible use of materials, efficient waste management, and will help you and your team have a full understanding of what true sustainability in building management means.

How Do I Get My Building Green Globes Certified?

Green Building Initiative offers an easy-to-follow path to certification that includes educational opportunities, advice, and accountability along the way. The Existing Building (EB) certification begins with a user-friendly web-based assessment. You can begin your Green Globes certification by requesting a quote from GBI. There are extensive training materials, PDF guides, checklists, and training manuals available on the GBI website to get you started.

After you have completed the assessment, a report will be generated that will assist you in evaluating your next steps to enhancing your buildings’ energy efficiency, reduce maintenance, reduce your general environmental impact, and create corporate-wide goals for improving all these areas. Evaluate what areas are realistic to make improvements on in a reasonable amount of time.

Once you have implemented the practices that make the most sense for your building’s situation, a third-party assessment will be performed. An expert Green Globes assessor will make an on-site visit to your facility. The assessor will verify the data that was submitted via the web tool. They will also be able to provide you with recommendations on how to streamline operations and offer guidance on where future sustainability improvements could make the most impact when new funding becomes available.

You’ll then receive a report that will include your Green Globes EB score and rating. This assessment covers a comprehensive list of six different environmental impact areas. Each of these areas has an assigned number of points that add up to 1,000 total. These points are used to gauge the building’s overall operational efficacy and use of environmental best practices;

Energy – How energy efficient is the building? What is the CO2 impact? How well is energy managed?
Water – Are conservation efforts in place? How is water treated as it leaves the facility?
Resources – Are recycling and waste reduction efforts being made?
Emissions – What sort of emissions impact does the building make? Are boiler emissions and hazardous materials handled in environmentally conscious ways?
Indoor Environment – What is the indoor air quality? Is the noise well-managed? Is the lighting both high-efficiency and well-suited to the occupants’ needs?
Environmental Management – What sort of Environmental Management System documentation is in place? Are environmental impacts taken into consideration when making purchasing decisions? What is the general environmental awareness level of the facilities management staff?

Your final report will contain your Green Globes score and rating. If your building scores over the minimum 35% overall, you’re certified!

How Can ServiceMaster Help Your Building Go Green?

At ServiceMaster, we’re proud to report that our proprietary Capture and Removal Cleaning method is an environmentally friendly and extremely effective approach that will get your facility clean!

We utilize special microfiber towels and dust wands that are specifically created to collect more dirt as well as high-filtration vacuum cleaners that can capture and contain 99% of particulate matter. Additionally, we only use cleaning products that are certified “green” by Green Seal and Environmental Choice.

Our Capture and Removal Cleaning system ensures:

25% less time is spent cleaning your facility, lowering the cost
55% increase in the number of airborne particulates that are captured
Improved environment for people sensitive to chemicals and allergens

Are you ready to take the necessary steps to create a green environment in your building? Click here or call (540) 605-9955 to learn more today!

In-House vs. Outsourcing—Which Option Is Best for Your Facility?

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 12:53:19 GMT

“Outsourcing” might bring up images of call centers sent abroad, but it also exists a little closer to home. Outsourcing means bringing in another business or agency to handle certain tasks. If you hire a plumber to come fix your dripping faucet or a lawyer to advise you on a tricky issue, you already have experience with outsourcing certain tasks. On the other hand, there are times when it’s better to bring certain functions in-house and hire employees to handle tasks, either part- or full-time.

So, when should you hire an employee and when does outsourcing make the most sense? It depends on your business, your reality, and the job in question.

Maintenance

All physical facilities and equipment require maintenance from time to time . How much and how difficult this is will help you to decide whether or not you should outsource some or all of your maintenance tasks.

How much maintenance do you need? A monthly equipment inspection or sporadic repair tasks don’t typically warrant keeping an employee on hand. If, however, you have several manufacturing facilities and need someone trained to adjust and repair equipment on a daily basis, bringing on an in-house expert is probably best.

How specialized is the task? Do you need a general fix-it person who can also tackle landscaping and perhaps some security duties as well? If so, there’s a good chance that you can find enough work to justify hiring someone. If you are looking for someone to repair your plasma cutter or solar panels, you definitely want an expert, not a generalist. Outsourcing for this kind of know-how usually makes more financial sense.

IT and Computers

It doesn’t matter whether you’re in finance or farming, computer technology has become a necessary part of the business world.

Is the work central to your business? Are you storing data for customers? Are programmers directly responsible for building your product? Is the main factor that distinguishes you from the competition your technical know-how? Then keeping your IT folks in-house where you can provide more consistency between projects is recommended. If you’re a brick-and-mortar retail shop that needs a little help keeping your website up to date and your spreadsheets tidy, consistency is less important than the cost. This makes outsourcing a more appealing option.

Will Extremely Bad Things happen if response time is a little longer? What happens if your system goes down for half an hour or even a day? If your first thought is that this will be a PR disaster , you probably need at least one IT expert on your staff. If it’s more of a hassle than a horror, outsourcing is likely safe.

Cleaning

Nobody wants to do business in a dirty environment. Keeping things clean is critical for maintaining a professional reputation, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to keep cleaning staff on hand 24/7.

Do you really know cleaning? Cleaning means different things in a laboratory, an office, and a barn. But what they all have in common is that they require people who know how to clean them appropriately and effectively. If you’re a restaurant owner who knows the ins and outs of sanitizing like the back of your hand, you can probably do a decent job of training and managing staff to take on those tasks. If you run a B&B but think grout is a type of arthritis and cleaning your rugs at the car wash is a good idea, it might be best to focus on what you’re good at and let someone else manage the cleaning.

How’s your storage space? Cleaning requires a fair bit of equipment, and not all of it is as portable as a spray bottle and a roll of paper towels. Laundry facilities, carpet cleaners, pressure washers, and other equipment costs not only money but space. If you’ve got a warehouse with room to spare, setting yourself up with in-house cleaning might not be too difficult. If you’re squeezed for space or trying to keep your rent down, outsourcing your cleaning to someone who can provide their own equipment is likely in order.

Thinking about outsourcing? You’re not alone.

With Millennials increasingly entering the work world as independent contractors rather than employees, Americans are getting more cozy with the idea of outsourcing tasks that aren’t part of their primary mission. The use of virtual assistants is on the rise and business owners are able to outsource security, accounting, event planning, and even marketing, allowing them to keep their attention focused and more productive .

At ServiceMaster, we keep things clean so you don’t have to. Whether that means regular janitorial services or an occasional deep clean, we are experts in cleaning. Curious about what that would look like for your business? Request a quote and we will find a solution that works for you.

How Long do Bacteria and Viruses Survive Outside the Body?

Thu, 12 Apr 2018 13:54:16 GMT

Note: Although this post was originally published in 2018, interest in this topic has spiked in the past few weeks as the COVID-19 pandemic spreads across the United States. New details about the virus are constantly emerging, but the latest research indicates that the coronavirus responsible for the current pandemic can survive for up to three hours in the air and up to three days on surfaces. If a person infected by coronavirus has been in your facility, or if you are interested in taking preventative measures, please see our page about our anti-coronavirus cleaning services available in our service area of southwest Virginia.

Bacteria and viruses thrive in warm, moist environments. But they can live a surprisingly long time almost anywhere you touch: countertops, door handles, curtains, toys, computers, even inside refrigerators and freezers.

In fact, scientists just discovered long-dormant germs in animal remains exposed by melting permafrost in Siberia . A 12-year-old boy died and 20 people were hospitalized before doctors realized they’d been exposed to infectious anthrax, which endured 75 years of sub-zero temperatures.

Bacteria and viruses are tough survivors, composed of many different types that can adapt to a wide variety of environments. To the human eye, a living room wall might not look very dirty. But it can be full of microscopic germs that cling to the surface.

Virus Survivors

In general, infectious viruses prefer the human body first , followed by hard surfaces at room temperature. The smallpox virus, for example, can easily live for months – even years – on a tabletop. That’s why it caused a devastating epidemic before the smallpox vaccine.

Some viruses survive for shorter periods outside the body, although “shorter” is often still long enough to infect other people . Hepatitis B and C can live between 16 hours and 1 week. Cold viruses can survive 1 week and flu viruses die after about 24 hours. HIV is an example of a virus that dies almost instantly outside the body.

There are also viruses that are less deadly but widespread, like stomach flu bugs.

Norovirus, also called viral gastroenteritis, is a common cause of diarrhea and vomiting in children . It can live for days or weeks outside the body, depending on the surface and environment.

Bacterial Invaders

While viruses like hard surfaces, bacteria prefer porous surfaces like fabrics and food. They cling to the tiny grooves in the material and sometimes even create spores to expand their colonies.

Salmonella and Campylobacter, which can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting, can live about 1 to 4 hours outside the body . Staphylococcus aureus, the bacterium that causes dangerous MRSA infections, can live for many weeks because it thrives without moisture. These are of particular concern at hospitals and food service establishments.

Two strains of strep that cause ear and throat infections, S. pneumoniae and S. pyogenes, were recently found to survive more than 24 hours on soft things like stuffed animals. That’s much longer than previously thought, and significant because many public places— including daycare centers and schools— based their cleaning procedures on the idea that those bacteria couldn’t survive overnight.

Up Close and Personal

It’s easy to forget that viruses and bacteria sit on objects all around us. Some places seem dirtier than others, but looks can be deceiving. Sure, public restrooms might be full of infectious germs … But what about the things closest to you, all day long?

Here are a few examples of surprisingly germy things.

Hands: Your hands are the dirtiest part of your body and the primary exposure point for bacteria and viruses. The average person touches their face with their hands at least 16 times per day , bringing germs into their ears, eyes, nose, and mouth.

Cell phones: Because cell phones touch the hands and face, they are also major germ carriers. This is especially true during flu season because influenza can survive on a cell phone for 2 to 8 hours . MRSA has been found on cell phones 8 to 9 days after exposure.

Keyboards: One study found that personal keyboards had three times more bacteria than a public toilet seat, with 3,000 bacteria per square inch.

Money: A 2017 study of $1 bills at a New York bank found hundreds of species of microorganisms, including enough E. coli and salmonella to easily make people sick. Money spreads germs to purses and wallets, where a warm environment may allow them to live longer than expected.

Kitchens: The surfaces in your kitchen hold 5 of the top 10 dirtiest surfaces most people encounter every day: drains, sponges, sinks, faucets, and the floor in front of the sink. All of these spots have more bacteria than either trash cans or toilet seats.

Workspaces: A study of 5,000 office spaces found the 6 dirtiest spots with a high risk of spreading disease : break room sink handles, microwave door handles, office keyboards, refrigerator door handles, water fountain buttons, and vending machine buttons. They posed the most risk because they weren’t part of a regular cleaning schedule.

Keeping Things Clean

Consistent hand-washing with soap and warm water is the best way to keep germs at bay. Keep surfaces clean, especially in the kitchen and bathroom, and discard sponges frequently. Proper food-handling procedures are also crucial to prevent people from ingesting harmful organisms.

Be proactive about keeping outside bacteria and viruses from settling into your home and workspace. Of course, some buildup is inevitable, so it’s a good idea to have a routine cleaning schedule to remove harmful invaders and freshen things up.

ServiceMaster is a cleaning company that understands the threats posed by bacteria and viruses. That’s why 700,000 customers around the world trust ServiceMaster to clean their carpets, windows, furniture, bathrooms, and all the other spaces where germs can settle in. Contact ServiceMaster now for a free cleaning quote .

Tips for Keeping Pollen Allergies in Check This Spring

Thu, 15 Feb 2018 14:34:59 GMT

The same things that make springtime wonderful make it miserable for people with pollen allergies: flowers, grass, trees, breezes. When the weather warms and blossoms bloom, the world is alive with allergy triggers.

If you struggle with spring allergies, it’s tempting to just stay indoors. But your indoor space might actually be worse for your allergies, depending on factors like your home’s air quality, proximity to allergen sources, and the state of your carpets and upholstery.

What can you do? Actually, there’s a lot you can do to reduce the severity of pollen reactions. Here are some time-tested tips for surviving spring allergies.

Watch the Pollen Count

The local pollen count has become a commonly-tracked statistic, just like snowfalls and heatwaves. Your geographic zone has periods where pollen is more or less intense. So keep an eye on a local weather station for updates, or sign up for alerts about high pollen levels.

In general, 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. tends to be the worst time for pollen movement, when the sun warms the ground, plants open for pollination, and morning breezes pick up. Avoiding time outdoors during those hours can help significantly.

Limit Yard Work or Use Protective Gear

On spring mornings and when pollen counts are high, take a break from yard work. Gardening activities like weeding, raking, mowing, and trimming can create a blast of pollen that hovers in the air around you.

If you must do yard work, consider wearing protective gear like a breathing mask or allergy-approved head net. Sure, they’re not the most fashionable accessories, but they’re quite effective. Even just snug sunglasses can help prevent pollen from getting into your eyes .

Change Clothes When You Get Home

Many allergy doctors recommend changing clothes as soon as you get home from your daily activities. When you remove clothes, put them straight into a box or bag that is sealed tightly enough to prevent pollen and dander from spreading throughout your home.

This simple habit decreases the number of allergens that reach your personal areas like couches, beds, and linens. And remember – your shoes are also full of microscopic irritants, so you should probably store them outside your bedroom.

Shower at Night

It’s ideal to shower immediately after getting home , or at least before bed. This removes allergens from your body so they can’t settle into your bed. If you don’t have time for a full shower, wash your hands and face in the sink.

Consider the Impact of Pets and Children

Do you have pets or children? If so, it’s a good idea to include them in your pollen-busting plan. Children bring in all kinds of allergens on their clothing, shoes, and hair. Pets frequently carry pollen on their fur and paws.

Evening baths are a big help. It’s also a good idea to limit exposure to pets and children who have just spent time outdoors in wooded areas.

Check and Use Your Air Conditioner

Many spring pollen sufferers get relief from using an indoor air conditioner. It might seem silly to flip on the A/C when spring breezes are still keeping things cool outside, but it does more than just cool things off. It does exactly what its name implies: conditions your air.

As your A/C moves air through the house, it removes humidity – which holds pollen spores – and filters out all kinds of airborne particles. Check and change your air filter frequently to prevent buildup that can creep back into your house. For added protection, buy an A/C HEPA filter .

Use OTC Treatments with Caution

Over-the-counter antihistamines and inhaled sprays can offer relief, but allergy experts caution that some of these treatments aren’t intended for long-term use . Decongestant nasal sprays create a rebound effect, where allergies actually get worse after a few days of use.

Talk to your doctor about your reaction to spring pollens and see an allergist if necessary. They may be able to offer allergy shots or prescription medications that are right for your situation.

Eat Natural Antihistamines

Did you know that some foods have natural antihistamine qualities, which can ease your reaction to pollens? Garlic, onions, apples, and citrus all fall into this category.

Bee pollen and honey, gathered from sources in your area, are also thought to help manage allergies by stimulating your immune system to resist local threats .

Improve Your Air Quality

he effect of your office or home’s indoor air quality can’t be overstated. Even if you do all the things listed above, you’ll feel little relief when your indoor air is already contaminated with pollen and other pollutants.

Anything that has fabric, including furniture and draperies, can hold pollen spores indefinitely. In fact, over time pollen and dander can build up to create nasty puffs of irritants as you move through your home. Regular upholstery cleanings keep them at bay.

Carpet is another major source of allergens. All of the irritants in your home eventually give in to gravity and settle into your carpets and rugs. If you have allergies, carpet cleaning is a worthwhile investment in good air quality.

Avoid VOCs and Perfumes

As you seek cleaning services, make sure the company you use follows the latest environmental and allergy-friendly recommendations. A reputable company, like ServiceMaster , meets high safety standards and offers treatments that are free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and perfumes.

Need help keeping your pollen allergies in check this spring? ServiceMaster can help pollen-proof your home, just like it does for hundreds of other happy customers .

How to Avoid Getting Sick This Winter

Tue, 16 Jan 2018 14:50:55 GMT

No one ever wants to get sick, and no one plans for a cold or the flu to wreak havoc on their schedule, let alone their immune system.

When the weather gets colder, we all huddle inside, creating a perfect storm for bacteria and illness to multiply. The flu virus actually thrives in cold air, encouraging flu season to continue on until warmer weather arrives; because of this, colds can spread around the workplace like lightning during the winter months.

In small, contained areas like offices, it is easy for sickness to get passed around, leaving you understaffed and forcing your employees to take off work to rest or see their doctors. Here are a few ways to protect you and your office from having to use all those sick days:

Dress Warmly

Believe it or not, your grandma was right: adding extra layers and making sure you stay nice and cozy during the winter really does help you avoid getting sick. There’s actual evidence that supports the idea that shivering can lower your body’s immune response, lessening its ability to fight off a cold or the flu.

Also, it’s been proven that breathing in chilly air through your nasal passages affects their ability to combat germs. Additionally, if you let your feet get cold , you’re more likely to get sick. So bundle up, put on an extra pair of socks, and don’t be afraid to wrap that scarf around your face when you head outdoors.

Hit the Gym (Or Just Take a Brisk Walk!)

A great workout— or even moderate exercise a few times per week— can increase the number of T-cells in your body, which are designed to fight off infection. In fact, 65-year-olds who work out regularly have been shown to produce the same number of T-cells as a 30-year-old person. Increased blood flow can also help prevent sickness, giving you and your coworkers yet another reason to make exercise a priority.

The flipside of this? Be careful you aren’t working out too much. Putting extra stress on your body will actually lower your immune system! Find a balance that works for you, and help fight a cold by breaking a sweat.

Also important? Don’t forget to rehydrate after your workout! Drinking plenty of water is another way to keep your immune system firing on all cylinders.

Wash Your Hands

While we know that many of the germs that cause colds or the flu are spread through the air with all that sneezing and coughing, we can pick up loads of viruses and bacteria on our hands, which can cause you to get sick just as easily. Wash your hands whenever you get the chance, and make sure you are using proper handwashing technique .

In the midst of cold and flu season, it’s also important to avoid touching your face. Your eyes, nose, and mouth pick up germs at an alarming rate when you touch them with dirty hands. Regular hand washing, and keeping your hands away from your face will reduce your risk of getting sick greatly this winter. You’ll want to stock up on plenty of paper towels and soap for the winter so your coworkers can wash their hands as often as possible!

Sanitize Your Smartphone

When you or a family member gets sick, you may think to wipe down doorknobs or counter-tops to help prevent the spread of germs, but we rarely think to clean off our smartphones, even though they come in contact with our hands and face all too regularly.

On a non-porous surface like your iPhone screen, the flu virus can remain active for several hours, and dangerous bacteria like MRSA -a sometimes deadly staph infection- can live on your phone for as long as 8 or 9 days. Fortunately, there are methods available to sanitize your phone so that you stay healthy without damaging your phone or its screen.

Encourage Sick Employees to Stay Home

While it may seem counterproductive to try and prevent a spike in sick days by encouraging your employees to take a sick day, it’s far better than the alternative. One sick employee coming in to work can quickly lead to a workplace epidemic, so give them the time off they need to recover before they come back to the office.

As a general guideline, your employees should wait 24 hours after a fever subsides or one day after the start of a round of antibiotics before they are no longer considered contagious. While they may fall temporarily behind, giving them the time they need to get better not only keeps others from getting sick, but your employees will return rested and ready to get back to work, increasing their overall productivity.

Keep Germy Areas Clean

Recent studies have shown that 50% of the surfaces in classrooms contain the flu virus during the winter months, and offices aren’t much better. Countertops, desks, keyboards, phones, doorknobs, and light switches are all known surfaces that harbor countless germs, and they should be disinfected regularly to prevent the spread of illness.

Consistent, routine cleaning of these surfaces will help keep this to a minimum. Just one sick coworker can quickly pass around a head cold to the entire office if they grab the handle of the refrigerator at lunchtime or use another employee’s phone or keyboard.

In order for your office to truly prevent the spread germs and illness, you must move beyond cleaning the standard surfaces. The office kitchen, fridge, microwave, floors, and other hard surfaces should also be frequently cleaned and properly sanitized with antibacterial and antiviral cleaners. The common cold and the flu are most contagious before most symptoms start to appear, so you won’t want to wait for the first sign of sickness to sanitize.

While this level of deep cleaning may seem daunting, we are here to help. At ServiceMaster Clean, we want to help keep you and your business running smoothly this winter. Making sure you stay healthy by hiring the services of a highly trained professional cleaning company will kill germs and viruses before they can impact your workplace.

The Benefits of Smart Buildings

Mon, 18 Dec 2017 07:28:00 GMT

People are pretty smart, in general. If you put a group of people in an office building on a daily basis, they’ll soon figure out all its little quirks. Which rooms tend to run hot or cold, what combination of lights can be adjusted to make the room just a little brighter or dimmer, what time of day to close the shades to avoid an uncomfortable glare—these are all examples of smart humans adjusting their habits in order to accommodate ordinary buildings.

But what happens when we flip this scenario?

Smart buildings are the answer to this question. They are designed to adjust to the people who use them rather than the other way around. Thanks to an integrated building management system, smart buildings don’t just run on a schedule, they learn from their environs and respond to them. The more systems that are integrated and the more intelligently they respond, the “smarter” the building can be said to be.

The Benefits of Smart Buildings

Efficiency and savings— Reducing the cost of utilities is often a major reason behind the development of smart buildings. Heating and cooling costs can be reduced when smart HVAC systems combine usage patterns with sensor data to predict the need for an adjustment. Energy-intensive appliances can wait to run outside of peak hours when electricity costs are lower. And of course, the environmental impact can be huge, especially when solar or wind energy are integrated into smart systems as well.

Better feedback for easier maintenance— Smart buildings rely on a variety of sensors providing a constant stream of data back to the building management system in order to function. This same system of constant feedback also alerts the system quickly to problems. If a piece of equipment begins to malfunction, that information is shared right away. Rather than a vague message that “something isn’t working” or “Carla says her office has been freezing for the last two days,” smart buildings are able to quickly pinpoint the issue for swift and effective maintenance.

Safer and more comfortable environment— Smart buildings enable people to spend their time in an environment that adjusts to their needs. This can look like the lighting over the desk of a person who is prone to migraines “knowing” that she prefers it to be dimmer, while the lighting over a factory floor never dips below a certain level of brightness for maximum visibility. It can look like equipment that starts up as soon as employees start arriving in the morning, rather than leaving people waiting around for their system to load before they can begin. It can look like elevators that will not take passengers during a fire, in order to a prevent a possible tragedy. Or it can look like getting a notification when the kitchen is down to its last cup of coffee. It all depends on what the priorities are.

Built Smart or Made Smart?

Constructing a smart building from the ground up is an option for some organizations, but what can be done about already existing buildings? Are smart retrofits possible?

The answer is yes, but it can be tricky. A lot depends on the age of the building in question. For buildings with pneumatic HVAC, upgrading to a smart building management system can involve tearing up walls and ceilings, displacing employees and disrupting work. Add to that the asbestos that’s often lurking inside older buildings, and the process can become tricky as well as frustrating. Still, a retrofit can pay for itself in energy savings over the long run, even though it may take several years. Each building’s situation is unique.

Are smart buildings secure?

Just as the needs for building or retrofitting a smart building are different from constructing one that is more traditionally controlled, the security risks are different also. In a building with isolated systems, a hacker might be able to gain access to a single device or computer. In an integrated system, there is the potential for one device providing access to doors, elevators, and electricity. It’s important to have an IT security team that understands the particular needs of keeping a smart system secure.

When dealing with computers, an update can quickly be issued as soon as a vulnerability has been discovered. Updating thousands of different sensors, in the same way, is not always possible, so the human side of cybersecurity becomes all the more important in a smart building. Strict limits on people who have access to key software are vital, as are robust, non-repeated passwords. And just as you would place security cameras in a hallway to watch for unauthorized individuals, it’s important to have systems in place to look for suspicious network activity.

Businesses to Watch in Smart Buildings

Sidewalk Labs , a subsidiary of Alphabet (Google’s parent company) is looking to go beyond the smart building and create a smart city—or at least a smart neighborhood in Toronto. It promises to combine a host of sensors and feedback from residents to create an urban environment that truly supports people in their day-to-day lives. Skeptics wonder if it will manage to serve even those who traditionally lack a voice in urban planning. The results remain to be seen.

Comfy is concerned primarily with the human element of smart buildings. Rather than relying on sensors to decide on optimum temperatures, their system allows employees to control their own local environment through an app on their phone. In the future, they’d like to see if they can’t track employees’ preferences across spaces, which could be a huge boon for offices where hoteling is the norm.

Verdigris is interested in energy usage. A small sensor attached to a circuit breaker box, along with an algorithm that can teach itself to identify sources of electrical uses, can allow building managers to analyze and change their own electricity usage, locate malfunctioning equipment, and more. And a consumer product is in the works, one that they’re hoping will be at a price point enticing to everyday homeowners.

Protect Your Business Against Fraud and Identity Theft

Mon, 20 Nov 2017 07:39:40 GMT

Did you know that the trash your cleaning company removes from your facility every day is a target for identity thieves? Communal trash cans often hold receipts, notes, and other paperwork that can expose critical information to criminals. Modern thieves are skilled at piecing together seemingly harmless information into data attacks.

Between 2013 and 2015, the percentage of small businesses that dealt with identity and fraud attacks increased from 18 to 31 percent. Business identity theft cost the U.S. economy $15.3 billion in 2016, up from $13 billion the year before.

Research shows that while business owners are becoming more aware of cybercrime in general, they’re not addressing critical flaws right within their own buildings. Fully 71% of small business owners are not actively taking steps to address security risks .

Let’s take a closer look at how you can protect your business against this kind of crime. It starts with identifying your riskiest zones.

#1 Danger Zone

Try to guess which part of your business is the most vulnerable to identity theft and cyber attacks. It’s not computers or credit card machines: It’s your employees. Employees are the #1 cause of company security breaches .

Most of these breaches are unintentional. As your workers go through their normal routines, they probably don’t think about all of the ways they expose your company to risk.

Theft Scenarios

The Identity Theft Resource Center, a nonprofit dedicated to educating people about protecting sensitive information, examines how thieves steal data. Often, thieves trick employees in a process called social engineering : gathering clues and manipulating people.

Scenario 1: The Vendor Trick

For example, an identity thief might call your employee, posing as a new vendor who wants to earn your business. They request an email address and the name of your current vendor.

Later, the thief could send a spoofed (fake) email from that address to your actual vendor, requesting a password reminder. Using the password and email address, they can log into your vendor account, re-route deliveries, and steal your merchandise.

Scenario 2: The Trash Trick

As another scenario, imagine that one of your accounting employees jots down a password to your billing system on a sticky note. After taking a few moments to memorize the password, she crumples up the note and tosses it into the trash can.

When your cleaning company takes out the trash, the sticky note is placed in a large bag full of other company trash. There are scraps of information like employee names and the logo of your billing system. Suddenly an identity thief has everything they need to log into your billing system and wreak havoc: website, employee name, password.

Scenario 3: The Social Media Trick

Employees also accidentally reveal information on social media sites like Facebook and LinkedIn, which are a treasure trove for thieves. Social media users innocently reveal words they might use as passwords, like children’s names, pet’s names, and favorite bands.

Sometimes thieves send fake friend requests, either posing as someone you actually know or appearing as someone you might want to know, like a customer interested in your business. But they’re actually gathering pieces of data to use against you.

Locking Down Vulnerabilities

Your workplace also has a variety of potential vulnerabilities in its processes, systems, and equipment. The U.S. Small Business Administration warns businesses of these common cybercrime risks :

CREDIT CARDS— Don’t give out your company’s credit card or credit card numbers. Switch to secure online ordering. Route all credit card bills to a P.O. box and give access only to one or two trusted employees.
IT INFRASTRUCTURE— Use up-to-date software and the latest technology for your firewall, anti-virus, malware, and spyware protection. Safeguard your data with cutting-edge security.
PASSWORD POLICIES— Establish a complex password protocol that requires frequent changes. Don’t allow the same passwords to be shared between systems.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING— An untrained employee is a risky employee. Make data security a priority at your business. Train your employees how to protect sensitive company information. You can start with c ybersecurity training tips from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) .
BACKGROUND CHECKS— Do background checks during the hiring process, for all employees, not just accounting or IT. Make sure your background checks follow legal restrictions. Do drug screenings to avoid employees who steal due to an addiction.

Document Security

Day-to-day document sharing is another source of information theft. In the normal course of business, employees share memos, spreadsheets, legal notices, and other sensitive documents.

Protect documents by using a secure electronic document storage and transmission system. Restrict access to certain high-security documents, and assign an approval tree of people who can allow access as needed.

Electronic systems usually have some sort of archive and tracking feature that allows you to review who’s accessing your documents. Assign someone to review this periodically for unauthorized users, like former employees.

Tracking Your Cash Flows

All thieves love getting their hands on cash. Yet cash continues to be one of the most loosely-monitored aspects of many small businesses. This is true of both actual currency and electronic cash flows. When a few dollars go missing here and there, it’s usually not viewed as a major problem.

Hackers sometimes use small transactions to test whether anyone is paying attention . If they find a way to deduct a small amount of money from your systems each week, and you don’t crack down on it, the thief has an easy flow of stolen money.

In fact, enterprising thieves resell credit card numbers and small-transaction revenue streams to the highest bidder. It’s like black market eBay, where the winning bidder gets your company’s sensitive information.

The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners recommends the following steps for locking down cash flows:

Maintain strong internal controls
Assign responsibility for approving all expenditures
Install security cameras near cash boxes and registers
Conduct surprise audits
Take it seriously when small amounts go missing
Enforce mandatory vacations that prevent theft
Have a hotline for whistleblowers to report fraud

The Bottom Line

Most security experts say that if a hacker is absolutely determined to get sensitive information from your company, they have a good chance of doing it. But that doesn’t mean you can’t affect the odds.

Prevent fraud and identity theft by hiring good people, establishing security rules, and making sure that when your cleaning company takes out the trash, they aren’t taking your company secrets with it!

How to Increase Energy Efficiency in Commercial Buildings

Mon, 30 Oct 2017 12:33:11 GMT

Multiple studies have confirmed that most commercial buildings waste 30% of their energy . In Southwest Virginia, the average commercial electric bill is $751. If 30% of that is wasted energy, the average commercial building is wasting $225.30 per month or $2,703 per year.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the bill of the average commercial building ranges from $334 to $3,288. This means that the average waste of commercial buildings in the United States is $1,202.40 to $11,836.80 per year. This is just electricity averages and does not include gas.

Imagine what you could do with the 30% savings if you made sure your building was more energy efficient. Take a look at some of the ways you can increase energy efficiency in commercial buildings.

Top Ways Commercial Buildings Waste Energy

Lights left on at all hours of the day
Temperature controls being accessible to employees and not regularly checked for functionality
Doors or windows left open when HVAC systems in use
Office machinery left on at all times
Inefficient cleaning practices

Easy Commercial Building Energy Improvement Tips

Do an audit of all the things left on during the nighttime hours that should not be left on. Even small lights, like lamps, should be turned off, all computers, fax machines, copiers, etc., should be in “sleep” mode when not in use overnight.
Create a routine inspection checklist for all office equipment to ensure everything is functioning efficiently.
Look at janitorial practices to make sure lights are turned on and off as cleaning is done and nothing is “awoken” from sleep mode during cleaning. Consider day cleaning as a possible energy saving solution.

Energy Improvement Tip #1: Lighting

Natural light is a major commodity in the average workplace. If you’ve got it, use it. When natural light is sufficient, make sure overhead lighting and lamps are turned off. Maximize daylight by opening blinds all the way, and make sure windows and doors are unobstructed to let natural light in.

Additionally, check to see if you have areas that are over-lit. If there are too many lamps in an area with overhead lighting or areas that have natural lighting, consider moving the lamps to under-lit areas. Make sure the bulbs in lamps and in overhead lighting fixtures are energy efficient.

Energy Improvement Tip #2: Office Equipment

Offices have a ton of electronic equipment, so it’s important that you ensure that you’re doing everything you can to reduce the amount of energy expended. Make sure all employee computers have their monitors set to go automatically to sleep when not in use.

Today’s printers, copiers, fax machines, and other large pieces of office equipment have sleep settings; be sure that they’re set to shut down when they’re not in use, especially during the evening hours when a building is not in use. You can also invest in smart power strips that will cut power to items when not in use.

Energy Tip #3: Heating and Cooling

Turn back the thermostat when the building’s occupancy is low or empty. Also, it’s important to ensure that the thermostats are calibrated correctly so as to be as efficient as possible when monitoring temperature. Don’t forget to set thermostats differently when seasonal changes occur.

Make sure that the filters on all HVAC are changed on a frequent and regular basis. Are your vents or air returns blocked? If so, this will cause an unnecessary increase in energy usage.

Remember the words of your parents when you were a kid— you’re not trying to heat/cool the whole neighborhood. Keep all exterior doors and windows closed when HVAC system is in use so temperatures stay regulated.

Energy Tip #4: Speak to Your Staff

Educate your staff about the little changes they can make to have big impacts on office efficiency. Help them understand that their participation is important! Reward office staff who make good changes to their personal workspace and stay on top of energy efficient practices for their departments. Also, make sure that you hire a cleaning company who uses environmentally safe cleaning products.

These all can seem like overwhelming changes to have to make, so here are five immediate changes you can make to your operations and management of your building to make the most impact.

Energy Change #1: Energy Review and Change Building Operations

Create an in-office energy task force and ask the following questions:

What time can lights be set to automatically be off?
What time does the thermostat setback because a building is empty?
Can we maximize the natural light we use?

Energy Change #2: Heating and Cooling Optimization

If your building uses large boilers for heating, go through all the steam traps to make sure they are functional. If not they may be sending large amounts of steam back to the boiler, wasting energy.

Additionally, ensure that your heating and cooling systems are operating at an optimal level and consider replacing with energy efficient models.

Energy Change #3: Energy Management Controls

If your building has older thermostats they may need recalibrating to operate at the highest efficiency, or they may not be programmed for current usages. Consider updating or replacing older thermostats to make sure your building is functioning at its full potential.

Energy Change #4: Embrace Advanced Technology

Advances in technology happen so quickly it can be difficult to keep up. Consider the last time windows and doors were replaced in your building. There may be newer technology that would offer considerable savings in energy usage.

If you’re designing a new building, take a look at the advancement in construction materials and design in general that can help your building be as efficient as possible in its energy use.

Additional Ways to Make Your Office Environmentally Friendly

Reduce Printing —Does your office do a lot of printing? What happens when those papers are printed by mistake? Consider having a pile box for papers mistakenly printed. Those papers can then be cut in half and put on a clipboard for employees to use for notes.
Restrict Refrigeration —Is there a refrigerator in your office break area? Do employees have mini refrigerators in their offices? Make sure your refrigerator is cleaned out periodically to avoid overcrowding of the cooling elements and thus overuse of energy to keep the refrigerator cool. Consider also putting a second larger refrigerator in the break room so employees don’t have personal refrigerators in their offices.
Introduce Air Dryers —In your bathrooms, you may consider putting in air hand dryers to eliminate the use of paper towels. To cut down on water usage, installation of timed or motion activated faucets go a long way.
Encourage Recycling —Offer recycling bins next to trash bins and place them next to copy machines.
Increase Carbon Dioxide —Buy office plants and encourage employees to have plants in their offices to reduce VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) and carbon dioxide levels in the office. These can come from building materials, electronics, even office furnishings. Having plants not only reduces these things but also has an environmental impact in the office by increasing employee health and mental wellness.

Many consumers are now very conscious of the environmental practices of the businesses they buy from. Other businesses might very well inquire about the practices of your office or commercial building in regard to energy efficiency. In order to stay competitive in your field, it is vital to make the changes required to become energy efficient and lessen your negative environmental impact.

How Your Cleaning Company Can Help Increase Energy Efficiency

As you attempt to make your building more energy efficient, there are several ways your commercial cleaning company can help.

First, if the company offers day cleaning services , that can help reduce energy costs, since the lights in your building won’t be on at night when they otherwise wouldn’t be.

Also, make sure your company is using microfiber towels and dust wands and high filtration vacuum cleaners. This method, which at ServiceMaster is known as the Capture and Removal Cleaning method , has been shown to cleaning time by up to 25%, thus saving energy costs.

Cleaning Standards for Medical Clinics and Dental Offices

Sat, 09 Sep 2017 12:43:05 GMT

While all offices should keep up to date on OSHA rules for the health and safety of the employees who work there, it is especially vital for medical and dental offices to adhere to OSHA standards. An inspection can happen anytime, so medical and dental offices must be prepared. Here are just a few of the standards that medical and dental offices must adhere to in order to avoid steep fines. Read on for more information about cleaning standards for medical clinics and dental offices.

Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

In order to comply with OSHA standards, offices must have universal precautions for everything used to draw blood. There must be a color-coded waste disposal system and it must be clearly posted so it can be referenced if need be. Equipment like needles, gloves, or vials, all must be disposed of in designated areas. There are also cleaning standards for what can be used to clean spills, and how the cleaning supplies are to be disposed of.

A written exposure control plan should be in place in case of exposure. This should include:

List of employees whose job might put them at risk of exposure.
Procedures on how to avoid contact with bloodborne pathogens.
Follow-up procedures to ensure medical exams are given to anyone exposed.
Report sent to OSHA about the exposure.

Hazard Communication

Communication about hazardous materials is key to the safety of all employees and patients in a medical office. Signs should be prominently placed to ensure everyone in an area is aware hazardous materials are present.

Hazardous materials include, but are not limited to:

Hazardous Waste
Disinfectant
Anesthetic
Mercury
Sterilant
Pharmaceutical
Radiological

Proper disposal and cleanup of areas with hazardous materials are key. Any employee who may have to handle hazardous materials while doing their job must be trained on the handling of hazardous materials.

Finally, a plan must be in writing about how training will be given to those employees. The health and safety of all who come through your office are safeguarded when these standards are met. It is also necessary to note that not just the handling of these hazardous materials are regulated, but the storage and management of them are also regulated by OSHA.

Ionizing Radiation

Signs must be placed in every room which contains x-ray equipment, and must specifically read “Caution X-Ray Radiation”. These signs must also be placed on the doors to the rooms where the equipment is held. Any room with x-ray equipment must be a restricted area. Only employees who have to go into these areas to perform their jobs should be allowed in. These employees need to have monitors on their persons to make sure they are not exposed to more than the necessary amount of radiation. Also, an important part of keeping these machine running safely, and good patient care, involves proper disinfectant.

Exit Routes

As in all businesses, safe and accessible exit routes are posted throughout the office to ensure the ability of staff and patients to be able to exit in case of emergency. These routes must be kept clear of all equipment of hazardous materials in order to allow patients and staff to leave the building quickly and safely. Doors must not be blocked at any time, and hallways must be kept clear of debris. Even the waiting room must be kept clean and orderly in order to maintain proper exit procedures in case of emergency.

Electrical

OSHA Pub. 3073 defines a hazardous area as areas where flammable liquids, gases, or vapors, or combustible dust exist in sufficient quantities to produce an explosion or fire. Careful attention to detail must be observed when cleaning in these kinds of areas. If your office has any of these, be sure to consult your local fire department, your insurance company, and OSHA when installing electrical equipment and wiring in areas where these substances are kept.

As you can see, there are so many different factors to consider, so how do you prepare? There’s a newsletter put out by OSHA to assist offices in keeping up to date, and you can also download standards from OSHA’s website . Of course, it’s important that your staff be fully aware of and trained in all OSHA guidelines. But did you know that you should expect nothing less from your commercial cleaning service?

When you hire a company to come in and attend to your office’s cleaning needs, seek a knowledgeable and trained cleaning company, such as ServiceMaster Commercial Cleaning , to provide a safe and healthy workplace for your employees and patients.

Finding a cleaning company that’s not just familiar with all OSHA rules and regulations, but prepared to implement them, will ensure that your office is always ready for an OSHA inspection. Failure to comply with OSHA guidelines for your office could lead not only to the injury of a patient or employee but costly fines from the government. Contact us today to learn how we can help your office be a safer, more prepared workplace.

Is Your Office Furniture Hurting Your Back?

Fri, 08 Sep 2017 12:51:10 GMT

Do you leave each work day with an aching back? If so, it’s time to consider an ergonomic office chair. It’s something you spend 1,900 hours a year sitting in, yet most people spend far more money on desks, computers, and other office equipment than the crucial piece of furniture that supports their back.

Discovering Ergonomics

A simple, conventional office chair is designed for cost savings and easy assembly at the factory. Businesses often purchase them in bulk to set up basic workstations. Until the late 1970s , ergonomics – the science of fitting things to the health needs of humans – wasn’t well established. Most people just tolerated the chair they were assigned at work.

In 1976 the Ergo chair, which was inspired by health-conscious design and new interest in yoga, revolutionized office seating. It promoted blood flow to the legs and better spinal support. These issues had become daily concerns for office workers who spent less time on their feet and more time on the phone and on paperwork.

As computers became part of everyday work environments in the 80s and 90s, so did additional strain on the neck, shoulders, arms, and back. Workers complained, and companies began to seek out ergonomic solutions.

In 2001, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA) issued a much-anticipated ergonomic standard for U.S. workplaces. It required employers to identify and reduce risks of musculoskeletal disorders and to address workplace risk factors like repetition, force, contact stress, vibration and – most significantly for office chairs – awkward postures.

Stress and the Spine

Why does a conventional chair put stress on the body? There are two primary reasons.

First, a straight-backed chair that sits at a 90-degree angle doesn’t contour to the body. It offers no support to the natural curvature of the spine. Because it forces an unnatural way of sitting, people quickly tire of it and begin to slouch .

Slouching not only irritates your grandmother but also irritates your joints and muscles. With repeated slouching, the spinal ligaments overstretch and strain the surrounding areas in the neck and shoulders. You begin to notice persistent pain. Parts of the body may feel tight or swollen.

Over time, slouching contributes to health issues like poor circulation, constipation, shallow breathing, raised cortisol, persistent inflammation, and aggravation of existing musculoskeletal problems. A recent study at San Francisco State University showed that continued slouching also led to lower energy and feelings of depression.

The other reason conventional chairs stress the body is that they have no built-in flexibility . Without thinking about it, people constantly wiggle and adjust in their chairs throughout the day. It’s a way of relaxing the body. You might lean a little to the left to answer the phone, tilt forward to read an email, or sink deeper into the back of the seat when tired at the end of a long day.

Conventional chairs sit immobile, working against this natural body movement. Lack of movement can cause depleted energy, fatigue, and ankle swelling of 6 to 15 percent during the day. For shorter people, non-adjustable chairs can cause the legs to dangle and create even more swelling.

By contrast, ergonomic chairs are built for flexibility . Not only can you adjust them to fit your body overall, you can twist around during the day and feel the chair move along with you. Every part of an ergonomic chair can be nudged to a setting that suits your body perfectly.

Maximum Ergonomic Effect

Okay – it’s time to select the ideal ergonomic office chair. What are the key features to seek out? Experts say an ergonomic office chair should have the following qualities:

Lumbar support. It should have a curving S-shaped back that supports both the lower back and shoulders.
Adjustability. Both the arm height and the overall height should be adjustable. Some chairs also offer additional adjustments to the angle of the back, the tilt of the seat, and the overall amount of “give” the chair has when you move around in it.
Breathable fabric. The material of the chair seat and back should be breathable enough to prevent you from feeling hot. The cushion should be substantial – memory foam, if possible.
Swiveling and rolling wheels . A truly ergonomic chair has wheels and a swivel base because the easy movement prevents you from overstretching to reach things.

A Synchronized Space

When you find a chair that has all of these qualities, don’t stop there. Bring it to your space and make sure it synchronizes with your overall workspace. Adjust the chair to fit your body, then scoot it up to your desk and ask yourself a few questions.

How’s my posture? Your upper arms should be parallel to your spine, and your elbows and knees should be at a 90-degree angle. Adjust the armrests to support your arms during natural movement and typing.
Am I sitting too high? Your feet should rest comfortably on the floor, or on a footrest, without dangling. You shouldn’t have to stretch at all to reach the keyboard. Things you need should be easily within reach without leaning or twisting. About 16 to 21 inches off the ground is usually the right range for seat height.
Should I adjust the desktop? If you can’t seem to get comfortable, consider whether your worktop is just too high or low. This includes your computer screen. If it’s sitting too low on the desk, your chin will be tilted down while sitting. The screen should be level with your gaze as you sit with good posture.
Is the seat at the right depth? Another aspect of comfort is whether the seat depth – the distance between the front edge and very back of the chair – is too deep or not deep enough. Ergonomic chairs make it easy to adjust. You should feel firmly supported by the back without feeling like you are tipping forward out of the chair.

You’ll know your chair synchronizes with your space when you can move through your normal work tasks without awkward twists or extra strains on your body. When you have the perfect office chair, situated in the perfect office space, it has the Goldilocks factor: It’s just right.

Four Reasons to Keep Your Store Windows Clean

Wed, 23 Aug 2017 13:03:36 GMT

The following guest post was contributed by ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba .

Are you always on the lookout for little ways to improve your business? In today’s competitive world, who isn’t? Fortunately, you don’t have to break the bank to make some major improvements to your store, restaurant, or office.

Weather, traffic, and landscaping are just a few of the things that can wreak havoc on your windows. Dirty windows make for a terrible first impression for anyone who passes by your business.

Simply investing in storefront window cleaning can change the way you operate, save you money in the long run, attract new customers, and keep your old customers happy.

#1: Good First Impressions

The first impression is always the most important, and that extends to your storefront. When a consumer walks or drives by, he or she is likely to look at your building, even if they aren’t a customer there.

If the building looks dirty and dingy, that person is either going to forget about your store or be turned off if he or she ever does require your products or services. Wouldn’t you do the same if you walked past a similar place? It gives off the impression that the owner or manager just doesn’t care.

Losing potential customers just because you have dirty windows may be difficult to swallow. This is especially true when you realize how inexpensive and efficient commercial window cleaning can be.

#2: Better Window Displays

If you own or manage a retail operation, your window display may be the first point of contact between you and your customer. This is why merchandisers go to great lengths to show off a store’s products in the most creative and attractive ways possible.

Your windows are also a great place to showcase your style, hang signs advertising new products or sales, and show potential customers what sets you apart from the other stores in the area.

Unfortunately, all the creativity in the world isn’t going to matter if your customers are distracted by dull and dingy windows. Your exterior needs to shine like your interior. This is especially important in cities that see plenty of foot traffic. Those passersby are up close and personal with your smudges and grime.

#3: Save Money

If you view commercial window cleaning as an added expense, you are thinking about it all wrong. First of all, not having clean windows can cost you potential purchases, which could cost more than what you would pay for the cleaning service.

Second of all, hiring a qualified cleaning company to handle your windows can actually be cheaper than buying equipment and supplies yourself. Of course, then you or one of your employees has to take time away from tending to your business to do the actual cleaning.

Additionally, if your windows are tall or located in an awkward position, cleaning them yourself can be dangerous. A qualified commercial cleaning service has the right equipment and expertise to get to those hard-to-reach places.

#4: Increase Customer Confidence

Many studies and surveys conducted over the years have shown that shopping in a tidy store is one of a customer’s top priorities . That alone should be reason enough to maintain a clean store , along with spotless storefront windows.

You want your customers to have a pleasant overall experience, from the time they walk into the door to the time they leave with your products. Creating a welcoming environment is part of that experience. It can also lead to positive online reviews and word of mouth recommendations.

Now is the Time to Think About Storefront Window Cleaning

Hopefully, this list has you thinking about cleaning your windows and improving your storefront. With so much business taking place online these days, it’s more important than ever for brick and mortar retailers and other businesses to create the most inviting place possible for customers to browse and shop.

Five Top Maintenance Management Software Solutions

Mon, 24 Jul 2017 13:21:06 GMT

From work order management to inventory control, maintenance management software can take the stress out of a variety of maintenance tasks. We’ve summarized the features, pros, and cons of the top-rated maintenance management software on Capterra to help your business choose the platform that will best suit its maintenance needs, including managing third-party vendors like ServiceMaster Commercial Cleaning that you might be working with.

EZ Office Inventory

Average Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
Number of Reviews: 239

Features Summary – EZOfficeInventory allows users to track maintenance costs, schedule services, manage vendors, and customize alerts. Their mobile app features QR code functionality and a way to manage service tickets on-the-go. Preventative maintenance benefits from the full maintenance history tracking and actionable service reports. The software also features an integration with Zendesk for customer engagement and insights. Maintenance professionals can try out EZOfficeInventory for free with their 15-day trial.

Pros and Cons – Ease of use, features and functionality, and customer support all receive consistently high marks for EZOfficeInventory users. Several reviewers note the ease of being able to search through inventory using the software, while the barcode scanner also appears to be a popular and well-loved feature. Many reviewers commented on how easy the software was to use, even for those who are not so technologically-savvy. For any issues they did encounter, most users noted that customer support was quick and helpful in resolving those issues.

With its average five-star rating, EZOfficeInventory doesn’t have too many cons listed by its reviewers. Several requests for new features, a more intuitive platform, and the ability to add features without upgrading the account were a few of the cons listed by otherwise satisfied users.

mHelpDesk

Average Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
Number of Reviews: 456

Features Summary – mHelpDesk is an all-in-one maintenance software where maintenance professionals can manage work orders, scheduling, job assignments for field techs, estimates and invoices, and even payment from the field. mHelpDesk offers a free trial for those looking into the product and features mobile versions of the platform for both iOS and Android. Other features include service history tracking, inventory control, and asset tracking.

Pros and Cons – Customer support is consistently ranked highly for mHelpDesk. Users who had a positive experience mention genuine, personalized support throughout the implementation of the software and when experiencing issues. Reviewers also appear to be mostly satisfied with the features and functionalities of the software, particularly with the option to add custom fields.

For users who gave a low score, ease of use seemed to be an area where mHelpDesk can use improvement. The customer support score also tends to tank in reviews where the user experienced difficulty using the software. Negative reviews note that customer support didn’t appear to know how to fix an issue, and would become unresponsive.

UpKeep

Average Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
Number of Reviews: 146

Features Summary – UpKeep calls attention to its work order generation functionality, notification system when tasks are updated, and app alert feature. Users can control inventories, manage billing and invoicing, schedule and plan work, and even manage technicians through the software. Pricing is figured per user per month, and a free trial is also available.

Pros and Cons – Reviewers of UpKeep love its ease of use, and many have commented on the quick implementation time and low amounts of training needed to get users on board. The tracking functionalities are also mentioned often in the pros–users are pleased with the work order and supply tracking features. In-app communication is often listed as a pro, as is a quick response time from customer support. UpKeep engineers are also known to be very receptive to product suggestions from users when updating the software.

Even with an average five-star rating, some cons still pop up here and there. Limitations seem to be the most commonly-listed con, including the inability to make work orders in bulk and having to upgrade to a premium account to access certain features.

Maintenance Connection

Average Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
Number of Reviews: 162

Features Summary – Maintenance Connection is a robust software that allows work order tracking, preventive maintenance, predictive maintenance, asset management, built-in procedure libraries, inventory tracking , purchasing, scheduling, and service requests. The software can be installed on an internal intranet, or hosted in the cloud in their secure data center.

Pros and Cons – For those who fully understand the depth and capabilities of Maintenance Connection’s software, ease of use and functionality are both highly rated. Its customization options for reports are commonly listed as a pro. Many users find they are able to stay more organized, especially in asset management and inventory control. In addition to a helpful implementation team, users are impressed with the training documentation available to them when learning the software and training others on their team to use it.

Several reviewers recalled difficult experiences when trying to contact tech support. While commenting that the support teams were knowledgeable and helpful, it was the process of actually getting through to a support tech that proved to be difficult. Customization, while noted as a pro by some users, was also frequently listed as a con. Some users were upset that customization required upgrading an account, while others were simply overwhelmed by the process of setting up custom options.

Hippo CMMS

Average Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
Number of Reviews: 133

Features Summary – Hippo CMMS allows users to track service history and assets, manage work orders, calibration, dispatch, and technicians, and control inventory. The software features scheduling and planning functionalities, and preventive maintenance. Certain price points allow for unlimited users, and free trials are available for those interested in a first-look at the software.

Pros and Cons – Ease of use, customer support, and value for money are three high-ranking categories contributing to Hippo CMMS four-star rating. Reviewers consistently comment on the software’s user friendliness and easy-to-navigate interface. One user specifically called out the advanced dashboard option as a significant pro. This effective visual tool simplifies navigating through the system and monitoring different statuses, and provides maintenance teams with interactive layouts.

Some reviewers were frustrated by the slow advancement of the product and wished for more frequent platform updates. For example, while a mobile version exists, users would prefer to use an actual app instead and believe this functionality should already be available.

Potential Dangers of Common Cleaning Products

Thu, 22 Jun 2017 13:33:49 GMT

When cleaning our homes and workplaces, our goal is to rid them of harmful germs and bacteria. Unfortunately, while they kill bacteria, many common cleaning products also cause damage in other ways through bad chemicals and other hazardous materials. Learn about the potential dangers of common cleaning products to help avoid exposure to harmful chemicals.

Notable Chemicals

Several toxic chemicals show up with alarming frequency in common cleaning products used in the home. Check labels on your cleaning supplies for the following chemicals, and be aware of the dangers they can cause.

Chlorine Bleach – In the household, chlorine bleach is commonly used as a whitening agent in the laundry. Chlorine bleach can be hazardous in a variety of ways, most notably as a strong eye, skin, and respiratory irritant. If mixed with other cleaners like ammonia, chlorine bleach can release chlorine gas–exposure to which can cause coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, and other symptoms.

Ammonia – Common in glass cleaners and other surface cleaners, ammonia can burn the skin or damage the eyes, sometimes even blind, upon contact. Ammonia can also be irritating to the throat and lungs if inhaled.

Triclosan and Triclocarban – Commonly found in everything from hand and dish soap to toothpaste, triclosan and triclocarban have been linked to hormone imbalances and a potential increased risk of breast cancer.

Ammonium Quaternary Compounds – Also known as “quats,” these chemicals are found in disinfectant sprays and toilet cleaners. Some have been identified as a known inducer of occupational asthma.

Nano-Silver – Incorporated into things like textiles, plastics, and packaging, nano-silver is also often found in different types of soap. It gives the natural antibacterial property of silver metal, however, nano-silver particles can penetrate deep into the body, and have been shown to be toxic to both the liver and the brain.

Nonylphenol Ethoxylat e – Used in detergents, personal care products, and pesticides, products containing nonylphenol ethoxylate are not sold in the European Union and were banned in cleaning products in California in 2012. The chemical breaks down to nonylphenol, which can disrupt the hormone system and is toxic to aquatic life.

Butoxydiglycol – Found in several common products, such as various Lysol sprays, oven cleaners, bathroom cleaners, and even a few leather and carpet cleaners, butoxydiglycol can irritate and inflame the lungs. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) also lists this chemical in categories for skin allergies and irritants, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and even as a possible carcinogen.

2-Butoxyethanol – Used in spot removers, degreasers, and several products of the “Simple Green” cleaning brand, 2-butoxyethanol is a solvent absorbed through the skin that can damage red blood cells and irritate the eyes.

Hazards in Everyday Cleaning Products and Alternatives

All-Purpose Cleaners

All-purpose cleaners can be great to keep in the house for a sort of one-stop-shop solution, but they can present a number of hazards to watch out for as well. Commonly found in cleaners marked as “all-purpose” are sudsing agents diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA) . Both chemicals can react with nitrates, which are often undisclosed preservatives or contaminants present in cleaners. This reaction can form nitrosamines, which are carcinogens that readily penetrate the skin.

Most household cleaning needs can be met in simpler, more eco-friendly ways. A good scrubber brush combined with warm water, liquid castile soap, vinegar, lemon, or baking soda can work wonders on dirt and grime. If you’re more comfortable working with a premixed cleaner, here are a few safe brands:

Window Cleaners

Many window and glass cleaners contain ammonia, which, as mentioned above, can irritate airways, eyes, and skin upon contact or inhalation. Ammonia can also release toxic chloramine gases if mixed with any cleaners containing chlorine. Some window cleaners can contain a chemical called butyl cellosolve, which can be damaging to the nerves.

As an alternative, just using plain water can be as effective as commercial cleaners. For greasy fingerprints or other harder-to-remove spots, white vinegar or lemon juice can be added to a spray bottle of water. The following eco-safe brands are a decent alternative as well:

Drain Cleaners

Understandably so, drain cleaners represent some of the most dangerous household cleaners available. The corrosive elements found in drain cleaners such as sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite (bleach) can permanently blind, burn the eyes and skin. If ingested, drain cleaners can also prove fatal.

The best way to avoid using harmful drain cleaners is to prevent clogged drains from the start. Ensure your kitchen sink is equipped with a garbage disposal to break down food particles or dispose of them prior to rinsing dishes. Install metal or plastic drain screens in showers and bathroom sinks to collect hair and other drain-clogging elements.

If preventative measures fail, try using a “snake” plumbing tool to manually remove the blockage, or try suction removal methods like a plunger before purchasing a drain cleaner. If you must resort to a cleaner, look for brands that use enzymes rather than caustic chemicals to eat away at the blockage, such as Earth Friendly Earth Enzymes Drain Opener.

Furniture Polish

As with most chemical-based cleaners, furniture polish contact with skin can cause irritation, and aerosol-based polishes can cause damage to lung tissue if inhaled. Many brands also contain nerve-damaging petroleum distillates, which are flammable and dangerous if ingested.

White vinegar and small amounts of olive oil can be combined to create a less harmful furniture polish and dusting solution. Eco-friendly brands will use plant oils as the active polish rather than solvents. Ecos creates an Earth Friendly Furniture Polish, which can be found at most natural food stores.

Laundry Detergent

Laundry detergents often top the list of household cleaners with hidden hazardous chemicals. What’s worse, these damaging chemicals stick with as you wear your clothes and use your sheets and towels. Many popular detergent brands contain chemicals like 2-butoxyethanol, chlorine, diethanolamine, and petroleum distillates. These chemicals can have effects ranging from skin irritation to far more severe damages such as developmental delays, blood issues, digestive problems, and even increased risks of cancer.

Laundry detergent is easy enough to make at home, and health blogger The Organic Prepper published her own recipe with the following ingredients:

Two 55-oz boxes of washing soda
One 64-oz box of baking soda
One 32-oz tub of LA’s Oxygen Cleaner
3 bars of castile soap

Store-bought brands that are safe and environmentally-friendly include:

Honest Free and Clear
Biokleen
Seventh Generation Laundry Powder
Planet by Ultra
Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder
Whole Foods 365 2X Concentrated Laundry Detergent
Sun and Earth Unscented Detergent
GrabGreen Laundry Pods, Unscented

Air Fresheners

In addition to causing allergic reactions and causing further irritation of the eyes, skin, and lungs, synthetically-fragranced aerosol air fresheners are often flammable as well. A 1999 study also found aerosol air fresheners to be linked to less obvious effects, including illnesses in children and pregnant women. The study, published in New Scientist by researchers at Bristol University, found that in homes where aerosol air fresheners were used frequently, mothers suffered from 25% more headaches and 19% more depression, while infants under six months had 30% more ear infections and a 22% higher incidence of diarrhea.

Popular air freshener brands like Glade and Air Wick contain warnings that “intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling the contents can be harmful or fatal.

Fans, open windows, and other ventilation methods can help to clear out odors rather than using aerosol air fresheners. Baking soda is another great solution for odor removal, while citrus fruits can help to naturally freshen the air.

Brands to Avoid

The EWG published a Hall of Shame report in 2012 to highlight some of the worst offenders in harmful household cleaners. Those making the list included:

Simple Green Concentrated All-Purpose Cleaner
Whink Rust Stain Remover
Citra-Solv Cleaner & Degreaser
Scrubbing Bubbles – Antibacterial Bathroom Cleaner & Extend-A-Clean Mega Shower Foamer
EASY-OFF Fume Free Oven Cleaner
Drano Professional Strength Kitchen Crystals Clog Remover
Walmart Great Value Heavy Duty Oven Cleaner
Lysol Disinfectant Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner with Lime & Rust Remover
2000 Flushes and X-14 toilet bowl cleaners

List of ServiceMaster Blogs Around the Country

Sat, 17 Jun 2017 13:51:43 GMT

ServiceMaster franchisees around the country keep pretty busy providing their commercial and residential customers with the best service in the cleaning and disaster recovery industry, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have the time for blogging. In fact, many franchisees maintain active blogs, which can be a great source of information about cleaning techniques, industry trends, and news about the small business community in various parts of the country.

In order to help you find blogs maintained by ServiceMaster Clean and/or ServiceMaster Restore franchises around the United States, we’ve started building a comprehensive list of those blogs. We’ll continue to add to the list as we discover more blogs. If you maintain a blog for a ServiceMaster franchise and you don’t see it on the list, please contact us so that we can add it.

Alabama

ServiceMaster Restoration and Cleaning (Auburn)

California

ServiceMaster by Melin (Fresno, Merced, Paso Robles)

ServiceMaster by Cronic (Redding, Benatar)

Indiana

ServiceMaster by Monroe Restoration (South Bend, Ft. Wayne, Valparaiso)

Iowa

ServiceMaster by Harris (Waterloo)

Louisiana

ServiceMaster Quality Services (Houma)

ServiceMaster Elite Cleaning Services (New Orleans)

Maine

ServiceMaster Fire & Water Restoration (Auburn)

Maine

ServiceMaster of Flint

ServiceMaster of Kalamazoo

ServiceMaster Absolute (Mason)

Minnesota

ServiceMaster Minneapolis

Missouri

ServiceMaster of Columbia

New Jersey

ServiceMaster TBS

Pennsylvania

ServiceMaster Restoration by Advanced (Erie)

South Carolina

ServiceMaster of Charleston

Tennessee

ServiceMaster Cleaning and Restoration (Chattanooga)

ServiceMaster Property Restoration (Memphis)

Texas

ServiceMaster of North Texas (Garland)

ServiceMaster Advantage (Houston)

ServiceMaster Restoration by Century (Houston, San Antonio, Austin)

ServiceMaster Southwest (Stafford)

Virginia

ServiceMaster Commercial Cleaning (Radford, Roanoke)

Wisconsin

ServiceMaster Restoration Professionals (Wausau)

Washington

ServiceMaster of Tacoma

Online Resources for Facilities Management Pros

Tue, 06 Jun 2017 13:59:07 GMT

In order to help our commercial cleaning customers keep up to speed on the latest developments in the facilities management industry, we have published a list of resources for facilities managers and maintenance professionals on our website.

The list includes 75 of the most useful, informative, and up-to-date resources on the internet for anyone who is responsible for maintaining a commercial building.

We grouped the resources on the list by categories, such as professional organizations, software, podcasts, magazines, blogs, and trade shows.

Each resource is listed with a description and a link to the relevant website.

In order to make the cut, a resource had to have good, quality information that was up-to-date and couldn’t be found in many other places online.

If you are aware of a resource that should be included on our list, please contact us and if the resource in question meets our guidelines for quality and relevance, we will add it to the list.

The Dirtiest Places in the Workplace

Tue, 18 Apr 2017 14:14:43 GMT

As the Flu season comes to an end with summer just around the corner, you may not think twice about the germs we’re exposed to in the office. However, we are exposed to viruses, germs, and bacteria all over the workplace year-round, not just in the dreary winter months.

Though many companies invest in cleaning services for their offices, the truth is if the service isn’t thorough enough, your office is at risk of being downright dirty. Not all surfaces are created equal; some areas of the office are much more germ-ridden than others. Read on to discover the dirtiest places in the workplace and how to get them up to par and germ-free.

The Breakroom

Using a tool to measure the amount of ATP, a molecule found in all living cells, mold, yeast, and bacteria, Kimberly-Clark Professional conducted a study by swabbing over 4500 surfaces across several types of workplaces and office buildings.

You might find it surprising to learn that the top of the list of dirtiest spots was not the office bathroom, but the break room. The worst offenders? The kitchen sink, microwave handle, and refrigerator handle. In the study, these surfaces contained a multitude of ATP molecules in 75% of breakrooms tested.

The study’s findings are startling. Many people eat in the breakroom, and they naturally assume that the break room is sanitized to ensure their meal area is germ-free. To remedy the situation, the problem surfaces should be cleaned each day with a thorough cleaning each week to prevent the spread of germs and reduce employee sick days . In the meantime, it is always a good idea to implement hand-washing after any contact with communal surfaces.

Your Office or Cubicle

Another area that beats the restroom as one of the dirtiest places in the workplace may come as a surprise: your own office or cubicle. In the Kimberly-Clark Professional study, personal keyboards, computer mice, and office phones were the biggest germ-hoarders. Most people probably don’t think to worry or sanitize their own area, so this adds to the number of sick days taken each year.

Even if an employee is a diligent hand-washer, their co-workers may not be as sanitation-prone. This leads to the transference of germs in communal areas such as the break room onto many personal items such as computer accessories and telephones.

To combat this, it’s a good idea to keep sanitation tools such as Lysol or Clorox wipes in your personal area and conduct a quick wipe-down of frequently-used surfaces before you leave at night, or even before your shift begins.

The Bathroom

Kimberly-Clark Professional estimates the bathroom to be low on the list of dirtiest places in the workplace due to employee’s awareness of risky germs found in the area. This, paired with regular thorough restroom cleaning , reduces the risk of germ transmission.

The study, however, aimed to show just how many germs of those who fail to properly wash their hands after using the area can spread around the office from the refrigerator to a personal keyboard.

To maintain good hygiene, it is best to always keep up with hand washing, though it doesn’t stop there. Since many may improperly wash their hands, or some not at all, it’s best to use paper towels to turn off faucets after washing and when opening germy door handles as well.

In addition to the quick cleaning tips provided in the above office problem areas, the best solution to keep your office clean is by utilizing a commercial cleaning service.

Top New River Valley Events in May 2017

Tue, 18 Apr 2017 14:07:45 GMT

There’s always something to do in the gorgeous New River Valley, and with summer fast approaching, it’s time to get out and get enjoy it! In this post, we’re bringing you the top New River Valley Events to enjoy in May 2017.

The Pulaski Pedalfest 2017 – Spring Ride

To benefit the Ratcliffe Transportation Museum, riders will start and end the Pedalfest course at the Pulaski Train Station. Three routes are available to ride in this non-competitive cycling adventure and each follows the Dora Connector to the New River Trail. The routes available will vary in distance with a 5-mile course, 12.5-mile course, and a 21-mile course.

When: May 6th, 2017

Where: The Pulaski Train Station

Interested? Find out more at the official Ratcliffe Museum website

Marc Baskind in Concert

From the Mississippi Delta to the New River Valley, Marc Baskind is sure to liven up your Summer with his versatile music and have you dancing the night away! At the scenic Preston’s at the River Course in Radford, Marc Baskind will bring his talents for one night only, so be sure not to miss it!

When: May 12th, 2017

Where: Preston’s at the River Course

Interested? Find out more on Marc Baskind’s official website

Opening Night at the Marketplace

To mark the beginning of 16 weeks of live music, culinary showcases, and craft cider, wine, and beer, Opening Night at the Pulaski Marketplace is the kick-off you won’t want to miss. This 100% local experience will let you experience all the New River Valley artisans and farmers have to offer at the delicious and delightful event.

When: May 16th, 2017

Where: The Pulaski Marketplace

Interested? Find out more at the official Pulaski Marketplace website

The Sounds of Summer Concert

The Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley presents the Sounds of Summer concert to kick-off the free concert season! Come to this lively event for talented local musicians and dancing, stay see experience all the Fine Arts Center has to offer.

When: May 26th, 2017

Where: The Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley

Interested? Find out more on the official Fine Arts Center Facebook page

Lunch at the Depot

The center of the Town of Pulaski is its historic gem, the Pulaski Train Station. Come enjoy the outdoors and have lunch at the train depot! There will be local food truck catering for purchase for a fun afternoon luncheon to start the Summer off right!

When: May 17th, 2017

Where: The Pulaski Train Depot

Interested? More details coming soon to the official Town of Pulaski Facebook page

Enjoy the beginnings of summer without even having to leave the beautiful New River Valley are! The above live and local events are sure to be great fun for the whole family, and each provides a great way to get outside and take advantage of all that our dynamic community has to offer!

We hope this guide has highlighted some great local activities for you and your family to enjoy together. At ServiceMaster Commercial Cleaning , the New River Valley is one of the regions we serve, and we take every opportunity to connect with and enjoy life within our community and with you!

Quick Tips for Cleaning Upholstery

Tue, 28 Mar 2017 14:30:52 GMT

Keeping your upholstered furnishings clean, fresh-smelling and stain-free are arguably as important to your business as keeping restrooms clean! Dust, dirt, and grime can become embedded in the fibers, not only leaving your office furnishings looking dingy but also contributing to the fabric wearing out prematurely.

This early breakdown will result in unexpected premature replacement costs to your company. To prevent this, we recommend having your upholstered furniture professionally cleaned every 1-2 years, but in the meantime, here are some tips for cleaning upholstery.

Keep up with the Upkeep

Upkeep is pretty simple when it comes to upholstery. All you’ll need to do is vacuum your upholstered furniture regularly, using appropriate upholstery attachments. Remove any loose cushions and vacuum cracks and crevices thoroughly—who knows what you’ll find! Pay special attention to sneaky dirt trap areas like fabric folds and tufted areas on cushions. (If you or your team don’t feel up to the task, just ask us about our janitorial services and let us handle it!

Blot Spots on Upholstery to Prevent Stains

Of all the tips for cleaning upholstery, the number one tip for stain prevention is to get to spills quickly before they have time to set into the fabric. When cleaning up a spill, always blot or dab; rubbing can cause the spot to “blossom,” which is just a nice sounding term for a nasty, bigger stain! Using a white cloth or paper towels, blot from the outside edge of the spill toward the middle, repeating until the area is dry.

Taking the Next Step: When That Spot Won’t Blot

If you find stains and soiled spots that have already dried, or if blotting just didn’t cut it, you’ll need to move on to an upholstery cleaning solution. Before choosing your cleaning method, you’ll need to determine two things; the type of fabric and the type of stain/soil you are working with. Using the wrong method can result in damage to the fabric such as discoloration or color bleeding, so be sure to take care when determining the fabric type and solution needed!

How to Determine Your Upholstery Fabric Type

The furniture industry has established codes for fabric care, found on the tag usually located under a cushion on the base of the piece:

W – Use only a water-based solution
S – Use only water-free cleaners, such as dry cleaning solvent
WS – You may use either water based or water free cleaning products
X – Professionally clean only! Vacuum what you can and call in the experts (that’s us!)

Determine What Kind of Stain You Have and Treat Appropriately

Before moving forward with treating your stain with any sort of cleaning solution, you’ll want to test your fabric for colorfastness . Choose an inconspicuous area to test, dampen a cloth with your cleaning solution of choice, and press for about 30 seconds. Check your cloth for any color transfer, and your fabric for any changes.

For most non-greasy food and beverage stains , use a solution of two cups cool water plus one tablespoon liquid dishwashing soap or other pH balanced detergent. Dampen a white cloth or clean sponge with the solution and gently blot the stain with the soapy mixture. Take care not to rub the stain, as this can damage the fabric. Use a fresh cloth with just water to blot out the soapy mixture, and press dry with a dry cloth or paper towels.

For greasy, oil-based spots , you’ll need a two-step approach. First, try and absorb as much of the oil as possible by sprinkling the area with cornstarch or baking soda and allowing it to sit for 15-20 minutes. Vacuum the cornstarch or baking soda up and use white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, or a professional dry cleaning solvent, blotting carefully. Press dry with a dry cloth or paper towels.

For either type of stain, you want to avoid overwetting or really saturating the fabric . This can cause the stain to spread, settle deeper into the fabric, and even potentially cause a mildew situation if the padding stays wet for too long.

Proper care of your upholstery can seem like a daunting task. If you fear you’re a bit over your head, or you just don’t have the time or resources to deal with it, ServiceMaster Commercial Cleaning can take care of everything from regular upkeep with our janitorial services, to thorough, non-toxic upholstery cleaning services. Contact us today for a quote!

How a Clean Facility Improves Workplace Safety

Tue, 28 Mar 2017 14:23:42 GMT

A clean workplace means much more than having that fresh, sparkling appearance. It also helps improve workplace safety.

The US Department of Labor reports that in 2015, nearly 3 million nonfatal injuries and illnesses were reported by private employers, and just over half of those required days off work, job transfer, or restricted duties. Many workplace injuries and illnesses can be prevented by maintaining a clean, safe work environment.

A well-kept facility has fewer slipping and tripping incidents. Why? Clean, clutter-free workspaces, fewer fire hazards, hygienic conditions, and better overall maintenance contribute to keeping your workers safe. Here are 4 ways a clean facility can reduce the number of dangerous incidents and improve workplace safety.

Cut the Clutter

Cluttered surfaces can hide hazards such as sharp objects, but they can also make it far more difficult to do your job, increasing the amount of stress you deal with daily. However, desktops and counters aren’t the only places where clutter can be dangerous.

When you allow your clutter to obscure stairways and hallways, it poses a trip and fall risk as well as a fire hazard. Additionally, allowing trash to pile up offers a haven for pests such as rodents and insects; rodents are particularly fond of paper and cardboard, so be sure to have a recycling bin (that’s regularly emptied) on hand. Offering plenty of wastebaskets in main areas make it easy for employees to keep clutter and trash under control.

Clean Floors Improve Workplace Safety

Keeping floors clean, dry, and free of spills is the key to preventing slips and falls and improving workplace safety. Be sure to choose your floor cleaning product carefully, as different categories of cleaners are good for different purposes; alkaline cleaners a great for restaurant floors, while acidic cleaners work best at removing rust, scale, and oxidation from floors. Some products may contain chemicals that could damage flooring or cause it to wear prematurely. It’s best to talk to a professional about what’s best for your situation.

In addition to keeping floors cleaner, placing floor mats in entryways can greatly reduce the amount of dirt, dust, and moisture that is tracked across floors. Regular vacuuming and deep cleaning of mats and carpeted areas reduce dust, allergens, and germs, while also extending the life of mats and carpeting.

Disinfect Your Way to Fewer Sick Days

Germs can easily spread throughout the workplace, leading to missed workdays and a miserable, unproductive staff. The CDC reports that in 2015-2016, 62% of the people hospitalized for influenza were between the ages of 18-64—that means the very people who make up the nation’s workforce were among those hardest hit. Routine cleaning of surfaces such as countertops, floors, and walls is an obvious first step, but that Aloe is not enough to stop germs in their tracks.

Using an EPA-registered, hospital-grade disinfectant on any hard surfaces is the sure way to kill germs and keep illnesses from spreading. Don’t forget important smaller surfaces that are frequently touched (aka “hot spots”), including computer keyboards, mice, phones, doorknobs, light switches, and faucets.

Keep the Light Shining Bright

Light fixtures are an often-overlooked area that needs regular upkeep. Dirty, dust-covered light fixtures can significantly reduce the amount of available light , making routine tasks more difficult than they need to be –not to mention potentially dangerous.

Be sure light fixtures are plentiful, clean, and well-maintained. Aside from maintaining task lighting, don’t forget the entryways, halls, and stairwells, as keeping these areas well-lit is also important to a safe workplace. Along with light fixtures, keeping windows clean and clear of dirt and rain spots also allows more light to stream in, offering extra visibility, and in turn safety.

Effective cleaning is an ongoing process, a regularly scheduled part of operations. Sporadic, hit and miss cleanups are ineffective in reducing accidents and illnesses and in the end, can be costly to your business. We can help you keep your workplace safe and clean on all fronts. Contact us today for a quote on our commercial cleaning services , and we will work together to keep your facility at its best!

How to Remove Chewing Gum Stains

Mon, 13 Feb 2017 14:37:16 GMT

ServiceMaster Commercial Cleaning is pleased to announce that we are now adding chewing gum removal to the list of services we provide to clients in Roanoke, the New River Valley, and the surrounding areas. We use an industrial-strength chewing gum removal machine that delivers steam at the point of contact, which makes it possible to easily remove chewing gum from any surface without damaging your carpets, furniture, or hard surface floors.

While removing chewing gum from your workplace is as simple as giving us a call and having us do it for you, what about removing chewing gum at home? A quick search of the internet turns up some pretty unusual and questionable suggestions involving everything from peanut butter to egg whites.

In honor of our new chewing gum removal service, we thought we’d post a quick guide to how to remove gum from various surfaces around your home, courtesy of HowStuffWorks.com . Hopefully this will help you separate fact from myth and avoid further damaging your property or making a mess in an attempt to remove gum.

How to remove chewing gum from fabrics

To remove chewing gum from fabric surfaces, begin by holding an ice pack against the gum until it hardens. Next, using a scraping tool, carefully scrape off the gum or rub the matter from the fabric. Sponge the fabric with a cleaning fluid before applying a dry spotter and covering with an absorbent pad. Keep the stain and pad moist with the dry spotter until the stain has been removed. To finish the process, flush the affected area with a dry-cleaning solvent.

How to remove chewing gum from hard surfaces

As described in the instructions for removing gum from fabrics, begin by freezing the gum using an ice pack. Once it is frozen, scrape the gum off of the surface and clean the surface with warm sudsy water. Dry the surface with a cloth to remove any residue.

How to remove chewing gum from leather

The procedure for removing gum from leather is a little different than the procedure for removing it from hard surfaces or fabrics. First, carefully scrape as much excess gum from the surface as possible. Then, mix a solution of mild soap in lukewarm water and stir aggressively to create as many suds as possible. Use a sponge to apply only the foam to the gum stain and scrub it gently until it has been removed. Dry the area with a clean cloth and then clean it with leather cleaner, following the instructions for the cleaner.

How to remove chewing gum from human hair

If you or a child is unfortunate enough to get chewing gum stuck in their hair, the easiest way to remove it is to simply cut the hair. However, if that is impractical or undesirable, the American Academy of Dermatologists recommends using vegetable oil to remove the gum. Simply cover the gum in oil, wait a few minutes, and then remove it from the hair.

Hopefully, this quick guide has provided you the information you need to remove chewing gum at home. However, if you have a facility of many thousands of square feet that needs dozens or hundreds of chewing gum stains removed, you’re probably better off giving us a call!