CMM spoke with Gregory Gardner, director of environmental services (EVS) at a Georgia hospital, about the critical role of EVS staff in preventing the spread of infectious pathogens in healthcare facilities. How long have you been working in EVS? Gregory Gardner: I have worked in environmental services for 15 years. I am currently the director of EVS at Memorial Hospital and Manor in Bainbridge, Georgia. Which infectious diseases does your facility contend with the most this time of year? Gardner: We see a lot of cases of norovirus, flu, and COVID-19 in the winter. Which infections/pathogens are your facility most concerned about? Why? Gardner: We are most concerned about the spread of C. diff, COVID-19, and the flu. Patients and visitors have numerous opportunities to spend time in common areas within the hospital, and that opens up the possibility of cross-contamination. What cleaning protocols do your EVS teams follow to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases? Gardner: Our daily cleaning protocols in patient rooms and public areas include wiping down high-touch surfaces, as well as surfaces closest to the patient. We clean waiting-room furniture, public restrooms, and high-traffic spaces multiple times each day. In addition, we perform blitz cleaning in various common areas of the hospital and manor, including sweeping; mopping; wiping down tables, chairs, walls, and vents; and dusting high surfaces. Then we perform audits to ensure rooms are cleaned correctly and thoroughly and that soap and sanitizer dispensers remain stocked. What is your facility’s top challenge regarding infection prevention? Gardner: We have a problem with family members of patients who don’t follow instructions for infection control precautions. They do not feel that these precautions should apply to them and don’t understand the impact of not following the processes. What are your biggest staff challenges? Gardner: It is important that the EVS team perform its tasks consistently, focusing on safety and using personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly. To accomplish this, PPE requirements must be in effect, including when patients leave the hospital or transfer to another facility. Staff must educate family members and visitors on the importance of PPE and enforce its use. What are the most common misconceptions about infection prevention? Gardner: Many people mistakenly believe their actions don’t affect infection prevention. In reality, the actions of everyone in the building affect infection prevention. For example, hand hygiene is essential, along with keeping each individual’s environment clean. Infection control is not just housekeeping’s job.
Technology is taking an old problem—the transmission of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)—and looking at new ways to prevent it. Crothall Healthcare, which provides support services and environmental services (EVS) to hospitals and other healthcare facilities, is one of the organizations implementing automated and smart technology to help stop the transmission of HAIs. In 2019, Crothall Healthcare began a partnership with the American Nursing Association in its quest to reduce the instances of C. diff and other HAIs in the facilities it serves. “The association brought a wealth of knowledge on how to best partner with clinical teams on combating healthcare-associated infections,” said Sophia McCrae, vice president of operational strategy at Crothall Healthcare. “It truly takes a team to minimize the spread of HAIs.” The partnership increased the number of accounts that utilize a hygiene monitoring program using radio-frequency identification (RFID) to track whether healthcare employees wash their hands properly. Washing until the green light For example, a New York hospital, partnering with Crothall, installed RFID sensors on sinks, hand sanitizer dispensers, and soap dispensers, which healthcare employees use before treating patients or cleaning patient rooms. This technology communicates with sensors on staff badges to signal how long the employees are washing their hands. “It’s a hospital-wide initiative; every department is monitored, not just environmental services, to create a culture that prioritizes hygiene,” McCrae said. When employees approach an RFID-equipped sink or dispenser, they see a yellow light to remind them to wash. If they don’t wash long enough to remove germs, a red light flashes. The light remains red until they are compliant; then it flashes green. “Green is clean, bright yellow is a reminder, bright red means stop and rewash your hands,” McCrae explained. Employee noncompliance is reported to a supervisor. However, the system is not solely punitive; it also provides data on compliant employees. “This allows us to recognize and reward compliance,” McCrae said. Since the RFID system was installed in 2021, the hospital has seen higher hand hygiene compliance and experienced increased patient satisfaction regarding hospital hygiene. “Accounts that utilize this system are above the 75th percentile for patient satisfaction, based on surveys,” McCrae said. “When patients see hospital staff washing their hands during interactions, this improves their perception of cleanliness and increases their confidence in safety protocols.” Revealing invisible C. diff spores In addition to improving hand hygiene, technology is tackling challenges in surface hygiene, including detecting when a surface is contaminated with invisible pathogens. “In environmental services, we aim to find the dirt and clean the dirt; find the dust and get rid of it,” McCrae said. “But what happens when you don’t really know what is living on a surface because you can’t see it?” Crothall joined forces with an organization that created a microbiological visualization tool that reveals the presence of C. diff with a unique patented spray. Cleaning staff spray down a surface and wait three to five minutes. Then, using ultraviolet lights and goggles, they can see the illuminated C. diff spores. Historically, Crothall EVS teams have concentrated on disinfecting specific high-touch patient room areas such as bedrails and over-the-bed tables. After testing multiple surfaces with the spray, they have added adenosine triphosphate (ATP) swab testing to additional high-touch areas, such as shower fixtures and glove boxes. EVS crews learn how to use the spore visualization spray in simulation labs. New hires are trained to use it as part of their onboarding. “We are exploring it in about 20 of our accounts today, and we are participating in research with an academic medical center,” McCrae said. “We are seeing significant research outcomes, both quantitative and qualitative.” Automating UVC disinfection Ultraviolet (UVC) light disinfection is not a new technology. However, the most modern units now feature artificial intelligence- (AI) powered automation. Crothall-serviced facilities formerly used AI disinfection units that EVS workers needed to move around a room manually. Now they use fully autonomous UVC systems that are mounted in the corner of the room. “You can tell the system which surfaces to disinfect, and when nobody is in the room, it will automatically turn on,” McCrae said. “It knows which surfaces to attack and the exact height of these surfaces. We can pre-set it to sporicidal mode, and if C. diff is present, it will intentionally target the spores.” McCrae said the automated UVC disinfection system has resulted in a 3-log reduction in C. diff spore counts in facilities that use that system. Enhancing manual cleaning Technical advancements like AI-automated UVC disinfecting systems will not replace the importance of manual cleaning and the need for EVS staff to perform that cleaning. However, they can add an extra level of disinfection that lowers the risk of contracting an HAI. “The technology has resulted in a significant reduction in bioburden,” McCrae said. Spore visualization sprays and other advancements also provide a roadmap that guides EVS teams to the surfaces most in need of attention, so they can distribute their time and effort more effectively. “In cleaning, we always talk about turnaround times and benchmarks,” McCrae said. “Cleaning and disinfection technology helps us understand how much time we are spending on each surface and whether we are spending too much time in one area and not enough time in another.”
Winter conditions alter how respiratory viruses, such as influenza and common cold viruses, spread within buildings. Cleaning practices, products, and decision-making must adapt accordingly. Strengthening infection prevention and maintaining indoor environmental health requires winter-specific cleaning shifts as people spend more time indoors with reduced ventilation and longer viral persistence on surfaces in colder, drier air. In the United States, flu season typically starts in the fall and extends through winter. While influenza viruses spread year-round, we see many more people get sick from October through May. Unfortunately, many cleaning programs remain unchanged throughout the year. A “one-size-fits-all” program that doesn’t account for seasonal shifts increases the risk for infectious disease transmission. Adapting a cleaning strategy Respiratory viruses spread through close interactions among people, contact with contaminated surfaces and hands, and airborne transmission. Cold, dry air allows viruses to persist, travel further, and remain viable on surfaces for longer periods. Cleaning for health in winter is not simply about cleaning more often. It is about cleaning differently and using science to guide changes in products, practices, processes, and decision-making across the entire cleaning chain. When facility managers treat winter cleaning as a targeted public health intervention rather than routine maintenance, buildings can play a measurable role in reducing viral transmission and protecting both occupants and front-line workers. Winter brings operational challenges. Facilities often reduce fresh air intake to conserve energy. Cleaning staff usually face increased workloads due to prolonged indoor occupancy, illness among building occupants, or weather disruptions. Colder temperatures often affect chemical application and performance. To meet these challenges, facility managers must intentionally design winter cleaning programs and demand a focus on health outcomes. Shifting from appearance to health A surface that appears clean can still harbor infectious viruses capable of spreading illness. Shifting from cleaning for appearance to cleaning for health requires coordination across the chain so that products, protocols, training, and expectations are aligned with infection prevention goals. Winter cleaning programs should prioritize: High-touch, high-occupancy surfaces, such as hotel lobbies, handrails, restrooms, and common equipment. Frequency and timing based on risk patterns, not arbitrary schedules. Measured effectiveness, not assumptions of cleanliness. Selecting products The choice of cleaning and disinfecting chemistry becomes more critical in winter when seasonal respiratory viral loads and occupancy patterns shift. Facility managers and building service contractors need to ensure the products they choose: Are supported by evidence demonstrating efficacy against enveloped viruses, such as influenza, in real-world conditions. Include clear, science-based instructions on dwell time, dilution, and application methods. Remain stable and effective when stored or applied in cooler environments. Balance antimicrobial performance with worker and occupant safety. Facilities and cleaning companies must not overuse more potent chemicals in winter without understanding exposure risks. Stronger chemicals do not necessarily equate better performance. Effective winter cleaning is about using the right chemistry correctly, especially when increased frequency is needed. Rethinking processes To interrupt viral transmission, cleaning staff must redesign processes to reflect actual human behavior and occupancy during winter. This includes rethinking where, when, and how often cleaning occurs.• Use a floor plan to map and analyze occupant movement to target high-risk areas. Increase cleaning frequency for identified high-touch surfaces. Build cleaning schedules based on activity patterns rather than time schedules alone. Separate cleaning and disinfection tasks, ensuring teams apply disinfectants to already clean surfaces for maximum effectiveness. Choosing consistency over speed In winter, consistency becomes more important than speed. Disinfectants require a specific dwell or contact time—the period a surface must remain wet with the disinfectant—to work. Yet, rushed application is one of the most common failures in real-world cleaning. To ensure proper disinfectant application, cleaning teams should reinforce the use of: Application tools that support even coverage rather than over-spraying. Verification tools, such as fluorescent markers and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) testing, to confirm cleaning quality. Routine verification processes that confirm tools (microfiber cloths and mops, dispensers, dilutors) are clean and functioning correctly. Mechanization and automation, such as touch-free dispensing systems, can improve consistency while reducing cross-contamination risks when implemented correctly. Protecting the workforce Cleaning staff face higher workloads and increased exposure to pathogens during winter. Facility managers must adapt training to explain: Why cleaning practices need to change in winter Why cleaning staff must take on the role of infection prevention professionals. When the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required. How to recognize symptoms of respiratory illness. Protecting cleaning workers is inseparable from protecting building occupants. A workforce that feels informed, valued, and protected is more likely to deliver consistent, high-quality cleaning outcomes. Enhancing indoor air quality Beyond surfaces, the air we breathe plays a significant role in respiratory virus transmission. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, no single air strategy is sufficient on its own. Effective prevention depends on a multi-layered approach that complements surface cleaning and hygiene practices. Increase outside air ventilation to the maximum extent practical to help dilute the concentration of virus-laden aerosols in indoor spaces. Adjust airflow patterns to avoid direct air movement between people and exhaust air from smaller spaces like restrooms. Filter recirculated air through high-efficiency filters, such as MERV-13 or the highest MERV rating a building’s ventilation system can accommodate, to remove airborne particles. Place portable air cleaners in areas that are hard to ventilate with outside air or that have high occupancy. Utilize upper-room ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) to reduce airborne virus transmission further. While not a replacement for ventilation or filtration, UVGI can be an effective supplement in high-risk areas. Set ventilation and filtration goals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends five air changes per hour when using outdoor air ventilation alone or five equivalent air changes per hour when using a combination of ventilation from outdoor air, filtration, and other air treatment. Cleaning for public health Flu and cold season is predictable. Cleaning programs that remain static during winter miss a critical opportunity to reduce risk, protect people, and demonstrate the actual value of professional cleaning. When all sectors of the cleaning industry work together with a shared
What has the cleaning industry learned as it transitioned from the first pandemic year to the second? In this episode of BioTalk, a GBACtv production, learn the details about what went well and what didn't in 2021, and what we as an industry need to know right now. Infection prevention experts Patty Olinger, the executive director of the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a division of ISSA, and Dr. Paul Meechan, the former head of safety with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and who now serves on the GBAC scientific advisory board, discuss these topics with ISSA Media Director Jeff Cross. This webcast also digs into the science and the layered support when it comes to cleaning, disinfection, and air purification, and how the omicron variant shouldn’t be considered just another type of “cold”. Olinger and Meechan also discuss the possibility of the end of the pandemic. This webcast is brought to you by our sponsor Breezy.
In an effort to promote workplace safety, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) launched the Safety Champions Program, a new cooperative initiative designed to help employers develop and implement effective safety and health programs. The Safety Champions Program encourages businesses to take proactive steps with a philosophy of continuous improvement to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. The program has three progressive steps—introductory, intermediate, and advanced—each aligned with OSHA’s recommended practices for safety and health programs. This tiered structure allows employers to build their safety and health programs over time and adopt best practices tailored to their needs and operations. Participants can choose to work independently or collaborate with Special Government Employees—individuals with safety and health experience who work alongside OSHA to provide guidance and technical assistance. The Safety Champions Program emphasizes seven elements that are essential for effective safety and health programs: management leadership, worker participation, hazard identification, prevention and control, education and training, program evaluation, and communication. By incorporating these elements, OSHA said employers can create safety and health programs that not only meet regulations but also enhance workplace safety and health. Upon completion of all three levels of the Safety Champions Program, participants are expected to have implemented all seven elements and showed plans for continuous improvement of their safety and health programs, thus demonstrating their commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
The March/April issue of Cleaning & Maintenance Management is now available in a digital format. The March/April issue of Cleaning & Maintenance Management focuses on sustainability, highlighting best practices for safely cleaning K-12 schools and recycling processes for transforming paper into surface wipers. It offers facts to overcome common myths about green cleaning products. Beyond sustainability, the latest issue of CMM highlights the results of its annual In-House/Facility Management Benchmarking Survey, revealing budget constraints, the spread of infectious diseases, and staffing as common industry concerns. In response to these concerns, it offers solutions for hiring entry level cleaning staff and explains how certifications can help convention centers ensure public health. In time for spring, this edition offers best practices for protecting facilities from insects, rodents, and other pests that become more active in the warmer weather. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll find in this issue: Building a Healthier Tomorrow Why sustainability matters for K-12 schools Myths & Facts About Green Cleaning Products Training, product standardization, and consistent processes ensure green cleaning success 2026 CMM In-House/Facility Management Survey Report In-house supervisors share the inner workings of their facilities in our annual benchmarking tool Testing Industrial Design Principles in the Restroom How to address dispenser requirements for multiple stakeholders How Healthy Is Your Convention’s Venue? LEED and GBAC are defining safer and more sustainable events Overcoming Entry Level Staffing Challenges Respect and flexibility position new hires for career growth Turn Your Paper Trash Into a Sustainable Cleaning Tool Follow the recycling path to produce a green wiper Protect Your Facility From Springtime Invaders Tips for relieving warm weather pet pressures Check out the table of contents to see all this edition of CMM has to offer, including a Sustainability Showcase.
In honor of Global Recycling Day, Sofidel shared how restrooms can play a pivotal role in reducing waste and supporting sustainability efforts. “Restrooms are high-traffic areas that generate significant waste, yet they’re often the last place businesses consider when building a sustainability strategy,” said Tahnie Gilliland, Sofidel marketing specialist. “Global Recycling Day is a reminder that the products we choose and how we manage them can have a real environmental impact.” Five steps facility managers can take include: Choose certified paper products. Switch to paper towels and toilet paper made from trusted third-party organizations, such as Green Seal or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This helps reduce reliance on virgin fibers and supports responsible sourcing practices. Properly sort waste. The average restroom visitor uses two to four paper towels per visit, making effective recycling practices essential. Place labeled bins near sinks and hand-drying areas to encourage correct disposal. Switch to automatic dispensers. Touchless paper towel dispensers premeasure each use, reducing over-pulling and cutting unnecessary waste for a measurable environmental impact that adds up quickly in high-traffic restrooms. Educate staff and visitors. Display easy-to-understand recycling instructions and equip custodial teams with training to improve recycling efficiency and reduce waste contamination. Use high-capacity product formats. High-capacity paper towel and toilet paper rolls last longer and require fewer changeouts, which helps reduce packaging waste while maintaining a consistent supply. Reviewing usage patterns helps facilities right-size their products and eliminate unnecessary waste.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued its first carbon monoxide (CO) surveillance report, detailing all known unintentional CO exposures in the state from 2019-2023. Data from the report aims to help state and local officials work on targeted public information and education efforts and other interventions to help Illinoisans avoid emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and deaths resulting from carbon monoxide exposure. “In 2024, Illinois fire departments responded to 9,860 carbon monoxide-related calls across our state,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow. “These numbers serve as a powerful reminder that carbon monoxide remains a serious and potentially deadly threat in our homes. The good news is that prevention is simple, working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives. Regularly testing your alarms, checking expiration dates, and replacing units that are broken or outdated is your strongest line of defense against accidental carbon monoxide poisoning or worse.” Among the key findings in the report: Over the five years of the study, carbon monoxide exposures resulted in an average of 940 emergency department (ED) visits, 126 hospital admissions, and nearly 57 deaths annually in Illinois. While unintentional CO exposures are most common during cold weather months from October to March, they can and do happen at any time of the year. Among the most common sources of unintentional carbon monoxide exposures are fire and smoke; malfunctioning or improperly ventilated furnaces, gas stoves, water heaters, or other appliances; exhaust from vehicles running in garages or other enclosed spaces; generators operating indoors without proper ventilation or operating outdoors too close to open windows; and gas-powered tools like saws or power washers being operated indoors or in unventilated spaces. Fire departments responded to more than 50,000 total carbon monoxide incidents statewide in the five-year period, with 95% of them occurring in residential settings. Commercial and business locations accounted for 2.4% of total reports, followed by public/government locations, healthcare and assisted living facilities, and institutional/educational locations. CO incidents were more likely to occur on Sunday than any other day of the week, and more likely to happen in the evening hours (6 p.m. to midnight). Both findings reflect times when people were more likely to be home and using furnaces, appliances, or other potential sources of carbon monoxide. In 81% of all incidents, no data was provided on whether a working carbon monoxide detector was in place at the site of the exposure. Of the remaining 19% of incident reports, 6% indicated that residents were alerted to the issue by a working CO detector; 1% indicated that no working detector was in place; and 12% said the CO detector status was “unknown.” The report said this shows the need for more consistent and complete reporting practices. IDPH will use the report to support a number of initiatives aimed at improving awareness and prevention of carbon monoxide exposures.