Why should we invest in cleaning?
In an ISSA survey, The Value of Clean,
facility managers say safety is the top-rated
concern among FMs in educational settings.
By improving cleaning practices in schools and
establishing a standard to measure cleanliness,
student and staff health is protected,
academic performance improves and schools
improve their bottom line.
Lost work time due to illness costs businesses
$225.8 billion per year. By improving
cleaning practices and establishing a standard
to measure cleanliness, facilities can reduce
the probability of catching the common cold or
flu by 80 percent and reduce absenteeism by
46 percent, according industry research.
Cleaning is an investment in human health,
the environment and an improved bottom line.
Implementing cleaning practices can elevate
the level of cleanliness in buildings without
increasing annual cleaning costs of the existing
cleaning contractor or in-house staff.
ISSA has developed the Clean Standard that
relies upon Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) testing
systems that scientifically measure the effectiveness
of a cleaning process. ATP testers not only
measure the effectiveness of a cleaning process,
but also identify ways to improve cleaning.
ISSA and the Cleaning Industry Research
Institute collaborated on a three-year research
project using ATP testers to develop a uniform,
scientific measure of clean from a public health
perspective so that when a facility is labeled
“clean” it means that it is healthy and sanitary
for the occupants’ welfare.
The research indicated that standardized
measurement of cleaning effectiveness could
be used as a practical approach to improve the
cleaning practices and contribute to a healthier
environment. To learn more about ISSA and
The Value of Clean, go to issa.com/value.
This article originally appeared in the issue of .
About the Author
Bill Balek is the director of Legislative and Environmental Services at ISSA where he oversees the association’s legislative, regulatory and environmental programs. He has over 30 years of experience in the cleaning industry. Balek is an attorney licensed to practice in Illinois, and holds an MBA in marketing from DePaul University Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. For more tips and information, visit issa.com/infectionprevention.