Free webcast — Process Cleaning for Healthy Schools
IEHA
Healthier cleaning processes in schools and other workplaces are good for workers, students, employees, attendance and the long-term bottom line, but how do you implement a healthy cleaning program in a budget crisis? The free webcast, held on March 8 at 1 p.m. EST, attendees will learn about the philosophy behind and benefits of healthy schools and workplaces, and the importance of systems thinking for cost-effective process improvement.More

Up to 70 percent of HAIs can be prevented
Infection Control Today
Up to 70 percent of certain cases of health care-acquired infections (HAIs) may be preventable with current evidence-based strategies according to a new study by Dr. Craig A. Umscheid, assistant professor of medicine and epidemiology and director of the Center for Evidence-Based Practice at the University of Pennsylvania. HAIs are infections that occur during a hospitalization and that are not present prior to hospital admission.More

The germiest parts of plane travel and how to
avoid getting sick
USA Today
As spring break travel revs up, Peter Sheldon, vice president of operations and development for Coverall Health-Based Cleaning System runs down the "5 germiest places at the airport and on the plane" and offers his tips for avoiding bacteria and viruses that could make you sick.More

Cleaning for LEED buildings
Mother Nature Network
When it comes to cleaning for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) buildings, the intent is to reduce the use of chemicals and toxins that can hurt human health, building finishes, indoor air quality and the environment. In addition, the LEED program that covers green cleaning, LEED for Existing Buildings, stipulates that program participants should use sustainable cleaning materials, products, equipment, janitorial paper products and trash bags (including microfiber tools and wipes). It's important to note that LEED for Existing Buildings that the purchases of green cleaning products and supplies should include items used by the in-house cleaning staff as well as any third-party cleaning service providers.More

Winter mat care tips
Cleaning and Maintenance Management Online
Christopher Tricozzi, vice president of sales and marketing for Crown Mats and Matting, offers some "winter weather" matting care tips for this time of year and throughout the year.More

Survey: Laundries placing larger orders, making operational adjustments as cotton prices rise
American Laundry News
With cotton prices at or near record highs, textile manufacturers and suppliers faced with higher raw-material prices are passing at least some of the increases onto the institutions and businesses that buy their linens and uniforms. More

Growth in green hospital cleaning
Articlesbase.com
With so many industries going green these days, it makes perfect sense that hospital cleaning would embrace green methods. Many hospitals and medical facilities are looking to find ways to clean their establishments in ways that not only protect employees and patients but also the environment. These methods go beyond simply reducing the number of chemicals used in hospital cleaning to include a reduction in the amount of disposable materials and other waste that could end up in the environment. More

Controlling and preventing air- and waterborne infections
Infection Control Today
Pathogenic microorganisms are transmitted in numerous ways in hospitals. One important consideration is the role that the environment plays in pathogen transmission, specifically leading to airborne and waterborne infections. More

Technology keeps hands clean
Connected World Magazine
Tracking technologies are often used in hospitals to keep tabs on patients, equipment or staff. But technology can also track more complex actions, such as whether or not hospital employees sanitize their hands effectively. More

Protests take a toll on janitors
CleanLink
Thousands of people rallied in Madison, Wis. to protest Gov. Scott Walker's union and budget cuts have created headaches for janitors in charge of maintaining the Capital building. As thousands of protestors spend another night in the building, custodial crews were finding it difficult to stay on top of the mess.More