Better than sewer gas

Just finished an industry accreditation session for a couple of our new folks.  We only take on janitorial contractors with a minimum two years background in the industry, as an independent firm, servicing its own accounts; that gives us both current client references we can speak to about competence and reliability, and a pretty good indication that the contractor is used to solving its problems on its own, without the kind of ongoing supervision that hourly employees require.

The cleaning system we're certified in was developed by Greenguard Environmental Institute, originally for cleaning schools, so it's built around a heavy emphasis on indoor air quality and touch-point sanitation; it also emphasises chemical safety and environmental concerns.  When the program was introduced, we adopted it immediately; Greenguard's concerns lined up almost exactly with our existing program.

We're doing the accreditation session with a view towards the contractor getting his own certification from Greenguard; it takes a load off us, and better guarantees proper procedures for the client.  Therefore we mostly run through Greenguard's system: HEPA filtration, microfiber technology, Greenseal approved chemicals, chemical labeling, and so on.  But I also try to work in the reasons behind the Greenguard system (as in why one might want to wear safety glasses when using heavy duty bowl acid, for instance), and a few of the "tricks of the trade" we've picked up over the years (don't set the building keys down on the lobby desk, and then run back out to your van, letting the door lock behind you).  Helps to keep their interest up.

I sometimes assume that the reason for periodically putting a cup of water down seldom-used floor drains is obvious; you want to keep the trap under the drain full of water, so the sewer gas does not back up into the facility.  One of the folks I just sat down with (years in the industry, learned it under his father, and the sort of "quietly competent" type that I would have guessed does most of his own minor repairs around the house) had never heard of a drain trap.  If you don't know why the trap exists, you don't have much reason to remember to fill it. 

Like they say - never assume.

Comments

[Sewer repairs]

Wow, great article, I really appreciate your thought process and having it explained properly, thank you!

[Bob Croft]

Thanks!