Schools, colleges and universities are noted as being the facilities most interested in green cleaning, according to a recent survey. New York state even recently passed legislation requiring green cleaning in all public schools.

To help building service contractors implement green-cleaning programs in the educational market, The Healthy Schools Campaign (HSC), an Illinois-based independent nonprofit has released the multimedia handbook “The Quick and Easy Guide to Green Cleaning in Schools.”

The book is authored by Steve Ashkin, president of the Ashkin Group LLC, Bloomington, Ind., and explains how green cleaning can reduce student exposure to chemical fumes, pesticides, molds and other toxins. Creating a healthier environment keeps students healthy and improves learning.

The free guide is available through national educational associations, school authorities, district purchasing agents and school administrators. Click here for more information.


BSCs Should Comply With ANSI I-14 By End Of The Year

All contractors performing window cleaning operations should be in compliance with the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) I-14 Window Cleaning Standard by December 31, when the standard reaches its five-year deadline.

“When [the standard] was originally published [in 2001], it stated that everyone should make an effort to comply, especially with life safety issues, within five years from the date of publication,” says Stefan Bright, safety director of the International Window Cleaning Association, Howell, N.J. “Contract cleaners, window cleaners and property managers and owners across the country have been working toward compliance during the last five years.”

The ANSI standard is voluntary, however, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration will reference the standard when investigating worksites and may fine companies not in compliance.

Now that five years have passed since the standard was introduced, ignoring its guidelines will carry more weight in the courtroom if companies are sued by injured workers, says Bright.

The standard covers safe work recommendations for window cleaners with regard to the use of extension poles, ladders, manlifts, scaffolds and rope descending equipment, says Bright.

Mergers And Other Moves
  • New Image Building Services Inc., a Mount Clemens, Mich.-based building services contractor, has acquired the assets of Metro Steam Cleaning Specialists of Clarkston, Mich.

    The new division of New Image, Metro Steam Cleaning Services, will provide commercial kitchen hood and duct cleaning, kitchen equipment cleaning, fan belt replacement and power washing.

  • Kansas City-based janitorial company BG Service Solutions has purchased Maintenance Experts, expanding its operations into the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. All employees of the Roseville, Minn.-based Maintenance Experts will transfer to BG Service Solutions. Tom Chase, former owner of Maintenance Experts will also remain with the company and assume responsibilities in business development.

newsbriefs
Pacific Floor Care has hired Stephen K. Parker as president and CEO, effective immediately. Parker began his industry career with the James River Corp., where he spent 22 years in a variety of vice president-level executive-management positions. Since that time Parker has lead three other international manufacturing/distributor companies as their president/COO or CEO.

AquaStar, Paramount, Calif., a manufacturer of microfiber products, has announced its sponsorship of the Green Seal Green Cleaning Services standard.




POSTED ON: 10/1/2006