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Organizations and departments looking for resources to inform cleaning protocols, train employees and communicate cleaning procedures in the wake of COVID-19 have a new tool in their toolkit. The Cleaning Industry Research Institute (CIRI), a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the development and dissemination of unbiased, peer-reviewed research for the professional cleaning and disaster restoration industries, has made its 2020 Science Symposium recording available with an optional test and certificate of completion.

“Across all industries and facility types, organizations are looking for strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” says John Downey, executive director, CIRI. “Our Symposium Recording offers eight hours of science-based information presented by academic professionals. Because it’s such a tremendous resource, we wanted to offer attendees the ability to attain a certificate and receive credit for their participation.”

With eight presentations focused on COVID-19 and Pandemic Preparedness, the Science Symposium is broken down into four recordings:

Session 1: COVID-19 Virus Characteristics and  Communications Strategies

Session 2a: Testing Protocols and Results

Session 2b: Assessment and Characteristics of High-Performance Cleaning And Effective Disinfection

Session 3: Pandemic Preparedness, Worker Training and Worker Safety and Protection

The test includes five questions for each presentation. Individuals who successfully complete the exam will receive a certificate of completion. Continuing education credits (CECs) are available for individuals looking to maintain certifications through Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), ISSA and the American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC). 

“From individuals seeking advice on best practices to mitigate an outbreak or organizations that simply want to better understand the science behind cleaning, CIRI’s 2020 Virtual Symposium is a must,” says Downey. “Our presenters are researchers representing some of our nation’s top academic institutions, and they have delivered unbiased, technical information that people need in order to make sound decisions as buildings begin to reopen.”

For more information on how to take the certificate exam, contact Shannon Hughes at shannon@ciriscience.org. To see the trailer for CIRI’s 2020 Science Symposium and learn more about the sessions, go to www.ciriscience.org.