The Official Publication of the Cleaning Industry Trainers Guild

March 2013 l Issue 55

The Science Behind the Cleaning Process

Having the right products and knowing how to use them isnt enough, cleaning workers need to understand how their actions affect your environment
By Michael Berry, Ph.D. To many housekeeping employees, cleaning is the series of tasks theyve learned to perform over the course of a shifttrash removal, dusting, vacuuming or mopping. These tasks, and many more, essentially are done to make their areas look presentable and reduce customer complaints. However, workers also should look at cleaning from the perspective of all that it does for the environment in which they are working. Every housekeeping employee should understand that cleaning actually is the process of locating, identifying, containing, removing and properly disposing of unwanted substances from an environment. A clean environment can be an object as simple as a floor or shelf, or a structure as complex as a school or a ten-story office building. Ironically, cleaning staff do much to enhance the quality of life without really grasping the extent to which they contribute to occupant health and well-being. So providing them with the right chemicals and tools, as well as teaching them how to use these products, is not enough. They also must understand cleanings purpose and the science behind their actions. Without this knowledge, workers could misuse products, causing more harm than good to the indoor environment.

Dr. Berry autographing copies of the cleaning process interview at the (OS1) Users Symposium held at the Homestead in 2006.

science behind the cleaning products they applyhow the solution affects what they are trying to clean from a surface. When workers apply a cleaning solution to a surface, they help create a chemical action. Cleaning solutions often either are a mixture of water containing soaps or detergents, or an organic solvent in liquid or gaseous form. Polluting substances differ widely in their tendency to dissolve in various solutions, but a common assumption is that likes dissolve likes. For example, oil will not dissolve in water but only in another organic solution. Sodium chloride (table salt) will dissolve in water but not in gasoline. Why Apply Products? First, employees need to understand the In cleaning, its always important to un-

derstand the process of how things dissolve and become suspended before they become removable. If microorganisms arent dissolved enough to safely remove, they will remain and create a host of avoidable headaches for housekeeping managers. Soap breaks down and helps remove oils and fats in fabrics and surfaces because like dissolves like. A more detailed explanation is that the hydrocarbon tails of the soap ions dissolve in the hydrocarbons of an item soiling a surface. This reaction then gradually breaks apart the soil as the charged, water-loving, head of the ion is drawn toward surrounding water molecules. The attractive forces (Continued on page 2)

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The Official Publication of the Cleaning Industry Trainers Guild

March 2013 l Issue 55

Cleaning Industry Trainers Guild Leadership Group offiCers

President Joseph Garcia Mt. San Antonio College Vice President Mary Clark Michigan State University 2nd Vice President Owen Graves University of Massachusetts Communication Director & Editor-in-Chief Chris Wallace Service Point

The Science Behind The Cleaning Process

(Continued from cover) of the water molecules and the head of the long hydrocarbon chain literally pull the soil apart. As the breakage occurs, bits of unwanted substance are held in suspension by the soap solution. Because the charged heads of the soap ions are the same charge, they repulse each other, thereby keeping the soil from reforming. Wash water then emulsifies and carries away the soil. Removing pollutants from a surface often requires the help of mechanical action such as scrubbing with a brush. Workers always have to use some degree of agitation and mechanical force because the agitation makes the molecules of the cleaning solvent interact faster with the molecules of the substance being dissolved. Agitation also helps particles separate by providing the initial momentum for the charged particles to separate and then rearrange themselves according to electrostatic charges. So, for instance, simply pouring toilet cleaner into a bowl and flushing after a few minutes will not remove bacteria as well as agitating that solution with a brush can.

Advisory Committee
Luis Alvarado The University of Texas at Austin Jim Ginnaty University of Michigan Melody Hartford Rappahannock Goodwill Industries Jeff Hawkins Provo City School District Nick Pangaro KBM Facility Solutions Guido Piccarolo Los Angeles Habilitation House Chris Romero Sandia National Labs

Dr. Michael A. Berrys landmark 1993 study, Protecting the Built Environment: Cleaning for Health. This book inspired the scientific approach used in the ManageMen (OS1) cleaning process.

The Elements That Aid Cleaning

While water is important in the cleaning process, so is air. Like water, air is a fluid. As air flows, it carries suspended materialsgases and small-suspended particles called aerosolswith it. Air is beneficial to cleaning when it helps direct unwanted substances to a desired location for removal and disposal, such as in a vacuum. Airflow also is necessary to achieve drying. While drying seems like a simple enough concept, many times tasks such as carpet extraction can do more harm than

Editor-in-Chief: Chris Wallace Publisher: Clark Kidman

The Cleaning Gazette is the official publication of the Cleaning Industry Trainers Guild. The Cleaning Gazette is published monthly to promote the growth of professionalism in the cleaning industry. For subscription information contact via email jill@managemen.com

good because employees dont fully understand what is involved in thoroughly drying a surface. Drying occurs only when suspended moist air is displaced by dry air on, above and through an environment that has been cleaned. Many cleaning problems occur when environments do not dry, creating breeding grounds for potentially harmful organisms. A classic example is over-wetting a fabric, then not drying it adequately, which creates an opportunity for mold to grow. Time is another critical element. If workers must capture dirt or microorganisms in a solution that then breaks them down for removal, all those steps obviously take time. But cleaning workers need to remember that individual steps require individual time considerations. Applying a solvent to break down oil and then wiping it off right away, will not allow ample time for a chemical reaction to take place. What is necessary is adequate dwell (Continued on next page)

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The Official Publication of the Cleaning Industry Trainers Guild

March 2013 l Issue 55

timethe time it takes for the chemical to sit on the surface and break down the substance before wiping it up. In trying to increase productivity, workers may wipe off chemicals before they can take effect, leaving behind the microorganisms theyre supposed to remove. This not only is less productive, but can lead to workers having to clean that area more often, due to a building up of microorganisms building on that surface, which can lead to health risks. Temperature also is an important element in cleaning, especially as it affects the solvents that break down pollutants. In general, increased temperature makes particles more soluble dirt dissolves much faster in boiling water than in ice water. Elevated temperatures, therefore, can make cleaning more efficient and allow workers to use less chemical to dissolve a given amount of substance. But misunderstanding how heat helps the cleaning process could lead workers to overuse products, draining a departments budget. Heat also destroys living organisms, though critical times and temperatures vary, depending on how well each organism resists heat. This is important when workers must disinfect surfaces cold water could void a disinfecting task.

Last But Not Least

Time, chemical actions, the flow of air and water, temperature and mechanical action all are elements of the cleaning process. But it is critical to address the last two steps: removal and disposal. The more pollutants workers remove, the more effective their cleaning becomes, and the better their actions protect occupant health. An example is the vacuum cleaner that collects dust and other particles in a bag so workers can eventually remove them from the building. However,

pearance can obtain a pleasing appearance, but for a shorter period of time. An example is extracting dirt from a carpet as opposed to simply polishing the carpet fibers. In the end, the dirt that isnt removed will attract more soil and the carpet will require more frequent cleaning than Dr. Berry participating in the University of North Carolina if the initial dirt had (OS1) Boot Camp discusses data collection with Gwen Allston. been completely reif workers mishandle the bag, they displace moved the first time. dust back into the environment, that will Disposing of pollutants is the last step need to be recaptured. of the cleaning process. Simply removing Removal often comes into play when pollutants does not make cleaning effective. arguing the merits of how clean an area be- Cleaners must dispose of unwanted matecomes versus how clean it looks. In modern rials properly to truly improve the indoor times, many customers have greatly con- environment. fused pleasing appearance with healthy. Disposal must be logical, legal, socially While not the same, these characteristics acceptable, environmentally suitable and in are compatible when the pleasing appear- accord with cultural tradition. ance results from extracting and removing An example of socially and environmenthe pollutant. Often hiding the unwanted tally preferable disposal is depositing waste substance from sight or altering its ap- water in a sanitary drain that connects with a wastewater treatment facility, as opposed to putting it in a storm drain that leads to a river or lake. Logic also helps dictate which disposal methods make the most sense. For instance, making sure trash receptacles outside of a building are not located near ventilation intakes is a way to avoid reintroducing particles into a buildings environment. Otherwise cleaners work is nullified by the final step in the process. Cleaning buildings may not seem like rocket science, but it is a highly scientifically-based exercise. Understanding the sciAt the Frank Porter Graham Elementary School ence of cleaning requires a heavy emphasis in 2006 Dr. Berry discusses using science to on the means by which workers achieve determine the important elements of an engineered, professional cleaning process. healthy indoor environments.

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The Official Publication of the Cleaning Industry Trainers Guild

March 2013 l Issue 55

Design Technology Opens at MT. SAC

By Joseph Garcia It has been a great start to 2013 at Mount San Antonio College. With construction continuing on campus, so is implementation of (OS1), as we reach over 80% completion of trained specialist. Our newest facility, which was opened in August of 2012, is the Design Technology building 13. The new $24.5 million dollar Design Technology Building was the final project funded by the $221 million dollar Measure R bond. Measure R was a bond that was approved and passed by local voters in 2001, to replace and renovate deteriorating buildings. The Design Tech building is overseen by Certified Trainer and Supervisor Mike Angle, and Lead Custodian Lorenzo Meza. The building is 62,837 square foot and two levels. Design Tech houses a large assembly hall that seats over 400 people. Some of the programs that are held in this state of the art building include: animation, architecture, graphic arts, photography, and geographic information systems. The building is work loaded for three specialist, and has found great success since

The Design Technology Building was opened in August, 2012 at Mount San Antonio College.

opening with the (OS1) process. Veteran a new building with staff just out of Bootspecialist Joel Renfro and Lorenzo Meza Camp. The team is excited about taking have helped with the transition of opening part in our (OS1) Audit in early March.

Reminder: Bakers Dozen Inservice Lessons for 2013

From left to right, Lorenzo Meza, Jorge Duarte and Betty Smith.

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The Official Publication of the Cleaning Industry Trainers Guild

March 2013 l Issue 55

Continuing Professional Education at LAHH

By Nancy Albin Continuing professional education (CPE) is the means by which people maintain their knowledge and skills related to their professional lives. At LAHH, we have several forms of CPE for our custodial specialists. Two of those forms are called the Certification Program and the Bakers Dozen. Currently four employees of LAHH are making their way through the Certification Program for Light Duty Specialist. The meeting in January was covering the contents of the distribution tray, a revolutionary way to transport extra chemicals, customer response forms, extra gloves, and other items while performing. The Light Duty Specialist enters his or her work environment fully equipped with resources that prevent timely trips back to the custodial office. The test that was being reviewed covered the contents of the distribution tray and its purpose. The four custodial specialists are on track to receive their certification in mid-Spring. The Bakers Dozen classroom training in January covered the history of cleaning starting with a Greek and Roman god of health, cleanliness, and sanitation called Hygieia. This moment in history witnessed the introduction to the world of the concept of hygienethe possibility for people to be clean. Guido had researched additional historical facts for this period that during the reign from 273 to 232 BC, King Asoka, an Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty, built hospitals and attendants gave gentle care to the sick, provided patients with fresh fruits and vegetables, prepared their medicines, gave massages, and maintained patients cleanliness.

LAHH employees make their way through the Certification Program for Light Duty Specialist.

The Middle Ages also evidenced popular asked the group, what is a way in which we healing practices that were integrated into remove fomites? The responses came from the monastic medical routine, including Andre, vacuum reduces dust that goes in herbology, bathing (not otherwise com- our lungs, Justin said, wiping down kitchmon!), preventive bloodletting, and diag- ens and door handles, and Patrick mennostic examination of pulse, urine, stool, tioned wiping the faucets in restrooms, and blood. and lastly Outstanding Custodial Worker The first cure people received in the Bryan said, wiping off fingerprints from hospice, was not medicine, but cleanliness, tables and desks. a bath, a cleaning of the body, the clothes; the monks physically cleaned the sick peopleto cure someone was to clean them. Cleaning the fomites, such as doorknobs, telephones, or switch plates removes and defeats illness and germs. When Guido Piccarolo in class with students.

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The Official Publication of the Cleaning Industry Trainers Guild

March 2013 l Issue 55

USPS, ManageMen Conduct First Pilot Site Boot Camp

On January 16, 2013 at the United States Postal Service Processing and Distribution Center in Salt Lake City, ManageMen and USPS management conducted the first Engineered, Scientific, Professional Cleaning Process (ESPC) Boot Camp. The class included participation from a single cleaning team and USPS management from around the country. This was the first of seven ESPC Boot Camps for the USPS pilot site. During the class, students were introduced to the Janitor University Philosophy of Cleaning, proper fit of the ProTeam SuperCoach Pro 10 Backpack Vacuum and how to properly mix daily use custodial cleaning chemicals. These concepts are delivered using high-impact training materials and coached hands on experience. USPS Management also participated in the course. Each manager was exposed to the same training that the cleaning workers received. This is an important step in an ESPC pilot. Managers need to understand the importance of core concepts such as Rule of 1, proper fit, color coding and the concept of team cleaning. A complete review of specialist tasks was covered in John Walker gives hands-on demonstration during first United States Postal Service Boot Camp. order to ensure an understanding of cleaning as the current Walker and USPS Management. The pilot zone model is transitioned to a team ap- team started their next shift as a trained proach. ESPC cleaning team. The cleaning world At the conclusion of class, cleaning is watching with anticipation of a positive workers and managers were awarded offi- outcome as the USPS transitions its first picial Boot Camp certificates, signed by John lot site.

Wake Forest University Benefits from Engineered Process by Achieving Amazing Safety Results
By Tim Poskin Nil...Zilch...Nadda...None.. Zero! This is the number of cleaning workers injured utilizing the (OS1) Process at Wake Forest University in 2011. Wake Forest University has achieved significant safety improvement by moving custodial service to an Engineered, Scientifically Proven, and Professional process for cleaning. The reports for 2011 were staggering. According to the report Wake Forest University submits to OSHA annually, The Cleaning Specialists who were transitioned to the (OS1) Process on 3rd shift had zero Lost Work Days and zero Days with Restrictions. Other areas that have not been converted show typical industry type numbers for injuries. However, to injure one person while performing custodial work is unacceptable. I cant wait to see what the results will be for 2012.

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The Official Publication of the Cleaning Industry Trainers Guild

March 2013 l Issue 55

Moving Up!
(OS1) Says Good Luck to Some of Our Favorite People!
Bobby Moddrell
Beginning Monday, March 4, 2013 Bobby will begin a new adventure as the Assistant Director Centers for Student Life Facilities at The University of Texas at Austin. We congratulate Bobby in his new position and we know he will do extremely well there. It is with mixed feelings that I say farewell to my many friends at ManageMen and (OS1) Users across the country. I have accepted a different position with the university and will no longer work in our incredible custodial services department. I have learned so much from John and the ManageMen staff as well as from other users over the past seven years. I will apply much of what I have learned in other areas of my life as the sound reasoning that is the corner stone of (OS1) is well suited to many applications. The many friends that I have made will forever be cherished and will never be forgotten. I wish each and every one of you the very best that life has to offer and I encourage you to contact me if there is ever anything that I can do to repay the friendship and kindness that you have shown. Best regards, Bobby

Lavone Jones
On Monday, February 11, 2013, Lavone began her new role as Material Movement Manager (managing Transportation and Receiving) for Sandia National Laboratories. Lavone had an integral role with rolling out (OS1) in the Labs over 10 years ago. We were thrilled to see Lavone back and Custodial and will miss her dearly.

Jim Alty
In January 2013, Jim began his new role as Vice President for Facilities and Campus Development at Tulane University in New Orleans. We already miss Jim at Wake Forest but we congratulate him on his move to New Orleans!

Super Secret Websites

Websites you should check regularly for professional updates include:

www.managemen.com www.simoninstitute.org www.cleaningindustrytrainersguild.com www.youtube.com/user/os1channel www.scribd.com/TheCleaningLibrary

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The Official Publication of the Cleaning Industry Trainers Guild

March 2013 l Issue 55

A R E YO U R E G I S T E R E D ?

Expert Trainer Class

April 18-19, 2013
Register Here www.managemen.com

2013

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Boot Camp Book Boot Camp Keynote Presentation Basic Training Book Boot Camp Set-up Kitting Planner Boot Camp Instructors Guide Vacuum Specialist Training Video Vacuum Specialist Fitting Video Light Duty Specialist Training Video SDS Training Video Scouting Reports Product Specifications Book

March 11-15, 2013 Janitor University Class 68 Little America Hotel Salt Lake City, UT www.managemen.com March 15-16, 2013 Simon Institute Meeting Little America Hotel Salt Lake City, UT www.simoninstitute.org April 18-19, 2013 (OS1) Expert Trainer Contemporary Hotel Orlando, FL www.managemen.com

June 17-21, 2013 Janitor University Class 69 Little America Hotel Salt Lake City, UT www.managemen.com June 21-22, 2013 Simon Institute Meeting Little America Hotel Salt Lake City, UT www.simoninstitute.org July 14-16, 2013 Simon Institute Symposium The Dearborn Inn Dearborn, MI www.simoninstitute.org

September 5-6, 2013 (OS1) Coach Class Disneys Grand Californian Anaheim, CA www.managemen.com October 7-11, 2013 Janitor University Class 70 Little America Hotel Salt Lake City, UT www.managemen.com October 7-11, 2013 Simon Institute Meeting Little America Hotel Salt Lake City, UT www.simoninstitute.org

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