Training Staff On Advantages Of Water Technologies

As is the case with most new cleaning processes, training was a key component of the health system’s success with aqueous ozone. In the beginning, Cape Coral had CleanCore come in to conduct trainings, including lessons on the science behind the technology and how to use the product properly.

“We never just give our staff a product,” says Helvey. “We really explain how and why it works. Training on the reasons why we do things is most important.”

With any new technology, training must be frequently repeated. However, aqueous ozone has the added complexity of shorter-than-average shelf life. In fact, the cleaning solution created by aqueous ozone only lasts for a few hours. At Cape Coral Hospital, cleaning staff must replace the product after only four hours. This process needs to be incorporated in all trainings and reinforced among staff.

“To make it simple, we tell our staff to use what they make in the morning before lunch, and then make new product after lunch,” says Helvey.

The staff uses a line of housekeeping carts that dispense the right amount of solution to saturate microfiber floor mops. This system fits well with aqueous ozone because it eliminates the need for a bucket and eliminates user error by making sure the proper amount of solution is used.

In addition, the staff use pump spray bottles that they fill at centrally located wall-mounted units for surface cleaning. For carpet and restroom cleaning, staff use the mobile caddy where the solution is made as it is being used, which eliminates the need for keeping track of shelf life.

Making Progress

There’s a financial incentive to aqueous ozone that Helvey and his team are enjoying now that a few years have passed and they have moved beyond the initial investment in the equipment. Since implementing aqueous ozone at the hospital two years ago, they have saved over $16,000 in chemical purchasing cost.

“Other than paying for water and sewage, I’m not spending any money to use this technology to clean,” says Helvey.

Additional benefits include reduced chemical inventory storage demands, reduced chemical packaging waste and reduced supply distribution labor. 

NICOLE BOWMAN is a freelancer based in Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania.