Window Cleaning Safety Standard Released By IWCA

The International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA), the governing administrative body for the American National Standards Institute’s Standard I-14 Committee is working on a new and revised window cleaning safety standard for release in early 2009.

The 2009 draft will be the first version since 2001 and aims to improve procedures for window cleaners with the intent to reduce the number of injuries and tighten existing practices.

A major point of emphasis is building owners and managers have to provide roof-top anchorages approved by professional engineers for the rope descending systems the cleaners use to wash windows. The provision was supported by BOMA International in the first version and has been retained in the revised edition.

Another revision calls for window cleaners to be supplied with information pertaining to the risks posed by any roof-top antennae by the owners and managers.

Green Seal Ends Round One Of Public Voting

The first round of public voting has concluded for GS-37, the Green Seal Environmental Standard for Institutional and Industrial Cleaning Products.

One revision would require all concentrated products building service contractors use in dispensing systems to meet human health criteria. Currently, these types of products are allowed to meet the same criteria in the diluted form.

Another point of contention is revising the term “concentrate” as it relates to GS-37. Right now GS-37 calls for a dilution ration of 1:8. The proposal is that products must be diluted by at least 32 parts by volume of water prior to intended use.

Green Seal is proposing to add to the list of prohibited ingredients for use. The proposal calls for a ban on phthalates and nitro-musks along with limitations on the amount of d-limonene in cleaning products.

Comments and votes on the draft proposed revised standard will be due May 30. Green Seal expects to release the final revised standard by June 6. The voting is only open to those who participated in first round voting.

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W. James Reider, former owner of the George T. Johnson Co. and the first president of Triple S, Billerica, Mass., passed away March 8.

Mr. Reider served as chairman of the board, board director and chairman emeritus for Triple S. In the 1950s he was also vice president, president and past president of ISSA.

The Housekeeping Channel, the International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA) and Wiley Publishing Inc. have collaborated to research and publish “Infection Control For Dummies,” a guide on preventing and controlling infectious illness at home and work.

J. Darrel Hicks, president of the IEHA, wrote the book, which is available as a public service for a shipping and handling fee.

The book will be released in early summer of 2008.

The U.S. Small Business Administration, Washington, D.C., launched its online course, “Business Opportunities: A Guide to Winning Federal Contracts.”

The comprehensive course uses script and audio to provide information on contract rules, where to find federal contract opportunities and how to sell to the government.

Sanitaire, Bloomington, Ill., announced the company will become Green Team Corporate Sponsor of Healthy Schools Campaign’s “Quick & Easy Guide to Green Cleaning in Schools.”

As a Green Team member, the company will support “The Quick and Easy Guide to Green Cleaning in Schools.” The multimedia handbook is designed to help schools clarify green cleaning practices and promote a healthy environment in schools.

3M, St. Paul, Minn., is celebrating its 50th anniversary of originating the first synthetic, non-woven floor pad.

Don Lewis was named the president of SCA Tissue North America, Philadelphia.

Lewis began his career with Fort Howard Paper Co., Green Bay, Wis. He has been with SCA since 2001, most recently as senior vice president of sales and marketing.