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Contributed by GSF-USA
The Challenge
Medinah School District in Roselle, Illinois serves more than 600 students across its primary, intermediate and middle schools. Given that the district operates with the motto “Every Student. Every Day.”, it’s no surprise that it sought a thoughtful approach to maintaining its schools in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Teachers, students, parents and administrators had reservations about returning to in-person learning during the 2020-2021 academic year and wanted to be certain that the district was prioritizing the wellbeing of everyone who learns and works in these buildings, as well as the community at large.
“Our main objective at Medinah School District is to provide an environment that is healthy for students and conducive to high-quality learning,” said Marco Rajcevich, director of operations, Medinah School District. “By rethinking the way we clean, and introducing safer solutions, we can face today’s challenges.”
The Solution
In August 2020, GSF-USA, a global cleaning services provider, installed an on-site generation (OSG) system from PathoSans at each of the district’s schools. The PathoSans systems use three simple ingredients – water, salt and electricity – to produce two electrochemically activated (ECA) solutions: PathoClean, a cleaner/degreaser, and PathoCide, a sanitizer/disinfectant.
The systems support GSF’s promise of cleaning for health and safety through the use of non-irritating cleaning and disinfecting solutions. The district also knows that cleaning solutions are always available because they are generated daily in the schools’ custodial closets. On-site and on-demand generation of cleaner and disinfectant eliminates reliance on shipments of conventional cleaning chemicals from suppliers.
“At GSF, we take pride in recruiting, training and retaining employees who are champions for cleanliness at our customers’ sites. We supply employees with the necessary tools to do their job well,” said Grant Mackall, operational ssset Manager, GSF. “The PathoSans system fits in nicely with our goals and the districts’ because employees always have the cleaning solutions they need to maintain the buildings.”
The Results
Through the use of PathoSans’ systems, GSF-USA and the district realized the following benefits:
1. Eradicate pathogens of concern.
PathoSans solutions have demonstrated efficacy against human coronavirus and other viruses more resilient to disinfection. PathoCide has been proven by an independent GLP laboratory to inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus in 60 seconds on a pre-cleaned surface and in 10 minutes in a one-step process when produced by an on-site generator and used as directed. In addition to inactivating viruses, the solutions are also effective at killing a wide variety of bacteria and fungi. According to Mackall: "It’s easy to find cleaning chemicals that kill pathogens of concern. The challenge is finding chemicals safe enough to use every day. With PathoSans, we have effective and safe solutions.”
While the PathoSans solutions look like water, they are well-suited to tackle today’s viral, bacterial and fungal threats. PathoClean enables surface cleaning and biofilm removal ahead of disinfection to ensure workers can effectively kill or inactivate pathogens. Regular, long-term use of PathoClean helps restore hard surface finishes without leaving residues that can impact appearance and attract dirt.
2. Reassure students, parents and staff of the schools’ cleanliness.
The pandemic has resulted in fear regarding the cleanliness of public facilities. The district’s cleaning processes go a long way in reassuring faculty, students and parents that the district’s buildings are thoroughly cleaned with effective and non-irritating solutions. Adds Rajcevich: “With the help of GSF and PathoSans, I feel confident about having students return safely to Medinah School District.”
3. Enable opportunities for in-person learning.
The district’s buildings are being cleaned more frequently, making the use of environmentally responsible products crucial. Conventional chemicals can be toxic and corrosive and pose environmental and health hazards. With no added fragrances and three ingredients, PathoClean and PathoCide help preserve good indoor air quality and won’t aggravate conditions like allergies and asthma, creating a better learning environment for students and faculty.
4. Empower cleaning teams.
Custodial teams want to know that their work contributes to the overall success of the district. By using products that eliminate pathogens without compromising safety, employees feel empowered to do their best work so students can focus on learning. Luis Tovar, Branch Manager at GSF says: “Because of our partnership with PathoSans, I have what I need to do my job well. This is a safe environment where I feel confident working.”
“The PathoSans system has helped us create healthier learning environments across Medinah School District,” added Mackall. “We are using the best products available. Because they are responsible, effective and always available, PathoClean and PathoCide meet the needs of many and provide comfort for all.”