Industry Search Engine Adds Article Search Option
In May 2006, Trade Press Publishing Corp., the parent company of Housekeeping Solutions

magazine, launched the first search engine targeted specifically for the cleaning industry, www.cleanhound.com. CleanHound™ has recently added a new search feature. This vertical market search engine now offers users the option to focus their search specifically on industry-related articles.

Visitors to CleanHound™ can now scour article archives for the most current information available from the trade industry. The article search feature will provide users access to published information from all industry publications and government agencies.

CleanHound™ is designed specifically for in-house cleaning professionals, building service contractors and sanitary supply distributors.


Industry Handbook Released by the U.S. Department of Labor
The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics has released the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), 2006-07 Edition for facility managers. The handbook covers hundreds of different types of jobs, but specifically focuses on the cleaning industry.

The handbook lists the training and education cleaning managers need to become successful in this industry. It also outlines the standard salary expected for various cleaning positions, the task requirements for workers, and proper working conditions required for a cleaning crew. Managers will also read about tips for recruitment, links to state specific job market sites, and more.

The handbook is also useful for individuals considering working in the cleaning industry. Revised every two years, this handbook is recognized for its career information and is designed to provide valuable assistance to individuals who are making decisions about their career.

The cleaning section of the OOH can be found at www.bls.gov/oco/ocos174.htm.


Minimum Wage at Standstill
In early August, millions of minimum-wage workers lost another battle for a federal wage increase when the wage-and-tax bill fell short of the votes needed to bring it to the U.S. Senate floor. The vote may lead to a filibuster.

The wage increase would have raised the current minimum wage of $5.15 an hour to $7.25 in three phases. But the increase was part of a larger package that would have also cut the estate tax. Pairing the wage increase with the estate tax caused some members of the Senate to hesitate on voting for the bill. In the end, that hesitation left the package three votes shy.

Although some politicians were happy to see the bill fail, there are over 5 million hotel maids, dishwashers, janitorial and fast food workers who might disagree. They work for a minimum wage that is the lowest it's been in 50 years.

New York Finalizes Green Cleaning Product Specs
The New York State Office of General Services (OGS) published the final version of its Green Cleaning Procurement Specifications and Guidelines for Schools, as required by the Laws of New York.

The purpose of the specifications is to provide direction and guidance to all elementary and secondary schools that are now required by state law to purchase and use green cleaning and maintenance products, effective September 1, 2006.

The recently finalized document sets forth specifications for green cleaning products. In regard to chemical-based and paper products, the OGS adopted, by reference, products certified by Green Seal and Environmental Choice. They have also adopted the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label standard for vacuum cleaners.


Hand Soap Goes Green
New standards for hand soap have been developed by Green Seal and the EcoLogo program to encourage departments to use environmentally-responsible products and services.

Included in the new standard are industrial hand cleaners most often found in the public washrooms of airports, restaurants, retail stores, educational facilities, and office buildings. The standard does not apply to hand cleaners used in households, food preparation operations or medical facilities, nor do they cover anti-bacterial hand cleaners, disinfectants, or hand sanitizers.

Under the new standard, departments can undergo one audit to receive both Green Seal and EcoLogo certifications. Certification will be awarded to hand cleaners that:

• Perform as well or better than conventional hand cleaners.
• Are biodegradable and have limited toxicity to aquatic life.
• Are packaged in recyclable packaging, ideally incorporating recycled content.
• Have eliminated ingredients considered likely to negatively impact health and the environment.

EcoLogo officials hope the standard gives facility managers and cleaning professionals an opportunity to incorporate more green products into their cleaning program.

U.S. EPA Considers Revisions to Worker Training
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering revisions to its worker training and certification regulations that would expand training and certification requirements of occupational users of “pesticides,” including but not limited to, employees who use disinfectants, sanitizers and other antimicrobial products in the course of their employment.

The EPA plans to move quickly on this issue by working with group members, such as ISSA, to discuss various proposals. It is expected that the contemplated training regulations will have a substantial impact on employers of cleaning personnel who use disinfectants, sanitizers, and other EPA-registered products as part of their work responsibilities.

The first set of papers issued by the EPA clearly indicate that the agency is considering extending training, and some level of competency requirements, to occupational users of antimicrobial pesticides — including health care workers, school employees, janitors, water treatment technicians and food-handling employees.




POSTED ON: 9/1/2006