Green equipment and tools enhance frontline worker safety.  Green cleaning is about protecting worker health and the equipment/tools must follow this same message.  Green attributes will include, but not be limited to:  

• True HEPA filtration satisfying certain standards of efficiency such as those set by the United States Department of Energy (DOE) whereas, an air filter must remove (from the air that passes through) 99.97% of particles that have a size of 0.3 micrometers.

• Dust/Particulate containment for units not having vacuum capabilities, are fitted with appropriate devices to contain/filter dust and/or particulate when units are in operation.  Many carpet, floor and vacuum equipment move dust and particulate during the removal process and containment of these are paramount to IAQ.

• Noise levels below 75db: is recognized by The National Institute on Deafness (NIDCD) as noise-induced hearing loss which is preventable and even after long exposure, are unlikely to cause hearing loss.  Those units having motors and/or mechanical action with sound levels present, must have documentation appropriately stating the sound levels in decibels.   

• Ergonomics and safety issues area as varied as there are many different types of EHS Technicians in the workplace, Many times these units will also promote better safety as the EHS Technicians will experience better workplace compliance with safety protocol when units work more to their personal size, shape and limitations. 

• Powered units utilizing batteries must be self-contained or AGM. Sealed, (maintenance-free) or Advanced Glass Mat batteries provide Green cleaning operation with the ‘best practice’ options and improved IAQ when these options are in place.  Additionally, these provide higher levels of dependability based on client use.  Additionally, many electrical powered units have long, heavy cords attached to the units which add to transportation weight.  In recognition of ergonomics for the Technician, cords which can be detached from the unit during transportation are considered as having Green attributes.

 

David Thompson is a 40-year veteran of the cleaning industry and author of‚ "The New Generation of Cleaning," a best Practices Guide for Environmental Health Services. Thompson is also president of the Green Clean Institute. His book can be found at www.Janitorkatt.com while the GCI coursework and certification courses have a home at www.GCICertified.com.

 


posted on 12/20/2013