Proactive facility managers, custodial teams, and building service contractors are gearing up for that time of year again: cold and flu season. The season usually runs from October through May—peaking December through February. The sooner you implement enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols, the more successful you’ll be in reducing absenteeism, maintaining healthier indoor environments, and reassuring occupants that their well-being is a top priority. Why disinfecting matters Cold and flu viruses can survive on surfaces for hours or even days, making shared spaces a major factor in spreading illness. High-traffic facilities, such as schools, offices, and healthcare centers, are especially at risk. Ensuring these facilities are stocked with high-quality products, such as hospital-grade disinfectants, can help prevent the spread of germs and keep building inhabitants safe and productive. Effective disinfection is not about appearance; it’s about stopping the spread of germs. The lifespan of flu viruses varies from surface to surface. For hard, nonporous surfaces (like metal door handles, stainless steel, plastic): Influenza viruses can survive for 24 to 48 hours in measurable amounts. Infectious particles are strongest in the first two to eight hours, but traces can linger up to two days. The virus typically survives for only eight to 12 hours, sometimes less, on porous surfaces like fabric, paper, or tissues. Flu viruses can live on hands for up to five minutes after contact with a contaminated surface, which is why handwashing is critical. Unfortunately, common disinfection practices, like “spray and wipe,” often fall short. For disinfectants to work effectively, surfaces must stay visibly wet for the product’s required dwell time—usually between 30 seconds and five minutes, depending on the Environmental Protection Agency- (EPA) registered, hospital-grade List N disinfectant. Disinfectant wipes often offer better coverage because they naturally keep the contact time needed to kill pathogens. Best practices for high-touch surfaces Since restrooms receive most of the attention when it comes to cleaning and disinfecting, other common high-touch and high-use areas are often overlooked. These include: Door handles and push bars Light switches Water fountains and hydration stations Product dispensers Shared equipment and communal surfaces Be sure to disinfect these areas more frequently throughout the day during the cold and flu season. Posting signs and providing hand sanitizer at entrances or throughout buildings can help remind and motivate everyone to do their part in reducing the spread of illness. Partnering with your cleaning staff Whether working with in-house custodial teams or outside contractors, it’s essential to establish clear expectations about disinfection priorities. Consider increasing cleaning schedules and frequency during peak months, and communicate which areas require extra attention. At the same time, encourage personal responsibility. Simple messages like “If you’re sick, stay home” and reminders to wash hands regularly can have a measurable impact. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), proper handwashing can reduce respiratory illnesses by 16 to 21%, while the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that hand hygiene can reduce the spread of infections by up to 50% in healthcare settings. Ultimately, minimizing the impact of cold and flu season requires a multi-layered strategy: using appropriate products, applying them correctly, concentrating on high-touch surfaces, and encouraging personal hygiene. When all these elements work together, facilities can protect occupants, lower absenteeism, and show a clear commitment to health and safety.
CMM spoke with Gregory Gardner, director of environmental services (EVS) at a Georgia hospital, about handwashing challenges 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 & Manor in Bainbridge, Georgia. What is your facility’s most significant challenge with hand hygiene? Gardner: Proper hand hygiene is not consistently practiced among hospital staff and visitors. How often do you recommend that EVS workers wash their hands? Gardner: As often as possible. Ideally, we should wash our hands when switching from one task to another and moving from one facility area to another, even when wearing gloves. Gloves are porous, so washing your hands is the best way to ensure you remove contaminants from them. What are the biggest obstacles to handwashing? Gardner: The biggest obstacle is workers’ mindsets. People are in too much of a rush and do not think handwashing is necessary. Generally, a lack of handwashing facilities is not a problem; there are more than enough sinks available. What are your protocols for wearing disposable gloves? Gardner: Under the standard precaution, you should assume everything is dirty and always wear gloves, unless otherwise posted. EVS staff must always wear gloves when working with chemicals. What are the most common handwashing mistakes among EVS workers? Gardner: I see workers not washing their hands long enough, and not cleaning their nails, the back of their hands, wrists, or between their fingers. Is hand sanitizer ever a good substitute for handwashing? Gardner: In between handwashing, we should use alcohol-based hand sanitizer until we can get to a sink. The exception is when dealing with super bugs like C. difficile. In those cases, hand sanitizer is not an adequate substitute for handwashing with soap and water.
In 2024, the U.S. experienced 27 confirmed weather disasters, each causing damages exceeding US$1 billion for a total of approximately $182.7 billion, according to data collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This ranks as the second-highest number of weather disasters in a single year, following the record 28 events in 2023. Last year, weather disasters included 17 severe storms, five tropical cyclones, two winter storms, one flood, one drought/heat wave, and one wildfire. In comparison, the U.S. experienced three weather disasters in 1980. Evacuation is inevitable Severe weather in 2024 led to the evacuation of millions of residents. Hurricane Milton prompted mandatory evacuation orders for approximately 5.9 million people in Florida. Hurricane Helene led to widespread evacuations across multiple states, including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. In January, 14 destructive wildfires in the Los Angeles metropolitan area and San Diego County in California forced more than 200,000 people to evacuate and destroyed more than 18,000 buildings. Thousands seek refuge in evacuation shelters when natural disasters strike—such as hurricanes, wildfires, floods, extreme heat, and tornadoes. While these shelters are critical for the immediate safety and protection of displaced individuals, they also create conditions for spreading infectious diseases. Crowded living spaces, limited access to hygiene facilities, and disruptions in public health services can all contribute to disease outbreaks in these temporary communities. Lessons from disease outbreaks Norovirus outbreak: Hurricane Katrina (2005), Louisiana: Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath displaced more than 1 million people. Many took refuge in large shelters, such as the Houston Astrodome (which hosted 25,000) and various shelters across Louisiana. According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports, multiple norovirus outbreaks occurred, particularly in crowded shelters with inadequate handwashing facilities. The virus spread rapidly, causing symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea among evacuees and response workers. Key lessons: Shelters need access to cleaning products, disinfectants, and cleaning tools. Accessible handwashing stations equipped with soap and water are essential. Teams must be trained in proper techniques for frequent surface cleaning and disinfection. Respiratory illness outbreak: Hurricane Harvey (2017), Texas: Following Hurricane Harvey, severe flooding in Texas led to establishing 692 evacuation shelters to house over 42,000 people. A significant respiratory illness outbreak occurred in one shelter housing more than 3,000 people, according to the CDC. Symptoms included cough, congestion, and sore throat, with several confirmed cases of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Key lessons: Airborne illness risk increases in enclosed, densely populated shelters. Prioritize proper ventilation and air movement to decrease risk. Isolation areas and infection control protocols can reduce transmission. Skin and soft tissue infections: Joplin Tornado (2011), Missouri: After the devastating EF5 tornado in Joplin, Missouri, evacuees took shelter in local facilities. Shelter residents contracted methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other skin infections. Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that shared showers, cuts from debris, and inadequate cleaning of sleeping mats contributed to these outbreaks. Key Lessons: Wound care and personal hygiene kits are essential in post-disaster shelters. Infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship are critical. Volunteers and staff must be trained in proper techniques for cleaning and disinfecting showers, toilets, and sleeping mats. Norovirus outbreak: Hurricane Sandy (2012), New Jersey: Hurricane Sandy led to the establishment of 73 evacuation shelters across New Jersey and New York for approximately 6,800 individuals. Shelters reported norovirus outbreaks, including one in Monmouth County that affected over 100 people. Research published in Public Health Reports revealed that the virus likely spread through contaminated surfaces and close contact, exacerbated by inadequate cleaning and hygiene resources. Key Lessons: Rigorously enforce surface cleaning and disinfection protocols. Hand sanitizer alone may be insufficient; handwashing with soap is critical. Train staff and volunteers in appropriate cleaning procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) use. Prepare for disasters GBAC STAR™-accredited facilities have developed enhanced safety and preparedness protocols for emergencies and disasters. Training for GBAC STAR certification emphasizes appropriate cleaning and disinfection protocols, which are crucial in shelters to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in crowded spaces. The training also covers the proper use of PPE to help protect shelter workers and volunteers from potential hazards, including infectious diseases. In addition, GBAC STAR guidelines include considerations for indoor air quality (IAQ), such as tips on ventilation, filtration, and using IAQ monitors to ensure a safe and healthy environment. Besides cleaning and disinfection training, GBAC STAR certification includes training on disaster preparedness and response, using risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities and prioritize safety measures. Trainees will learn how to apply GBAC STAR principles to develop and implement emergency preparedness plans, including protocols for evacuation, sheltering, and disease outbreak response. GBAC STAR training also emphasizes the importance of clear communication with staff, volunteers, and evacuees about safety protocols and procedures. Overcome shelter challenges Disease outbreaks in evacuation shelters are a recurrent challenge due to overcrowding, limited hygiene infrastructure, and resource constraints. These real-world cases underline the critical need for infection prevention planning, cleaning personnel training, and improved access to cleaning products, disinfectants, PPE, and handwashing stations. GBAC STAR facilities rely on the program’s principles of infection control, preparedness, and response to create valuable tools for ensuring the safety and well-being of evacuees, volunteers, and responders during emergencies.
Bodily fluids are the most significant biohazard risk to cleaning professionals who maintain restrooms. Exposure to biological fluids and agents such as saliva, urine, mucus, vomit, feces, blood, and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) is a constant danger when cleaning restrooms. “Handling human blood and related products can increase the risk of exposure to infectious agents like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C,” Marilyn Clifton, La Rabida Children’s Hospital environmental services manager, explained. Biohazard threats are topmost around toilets and urinals due to accidents such as poor aim when urinating or vomiting. “Blood and OPIM should always be considered infectious using standard precautions,” said Mark Heatley, Aramark Healthcare+ quality and standards manager. “Toilet handles, walls, and the floor around the toilet also pose a threat when splash has occurred and is another reason why it is critical to wash your hands thoroughly after [restroom] use.” Infection protections To protect themselves from biohazards, teams should heed risk mitigation procedures and use personal protective equipment (PPE). “We have our standard PPE, adding additional PPE such as double glove, disposable gown, mask, and eye protection based on the circumstances or type of isolation in place,” said Isaac Johnson, MESRE, Aramark Healthcare+ senior vice president of operations. “Proper training of the team helps to mitigate the risks. Proper training through role-playing is a great activity to get your teams comfortable with practicing proper cleaning procedures. This allows the team to make mistakes in a controlled environment.” Nora Gonzalez, Diverse Facility Solutions CPS account manager, agreed that employees are trained to clean, depending on the biohazard, place, and moment. Management ensures employees have biohazard kits on their carts and additional kits in nearby closets. Kits include gloves, aprons, glasses, shoe covers, a face shield, red biohazard trash bags, and hardening powder for fluids such as vomit. A designated mop is used for biohazards. “These tools help employees avoid any contact of any kind when cleaning,” she said. Aramark Healthcare+ team training involves cleaning from the cleanest to the dirtiest area in any space. In the standard cleaning procedure for restrooms, the dirtiest area is always the toilet/urinal unless feces, urine, and/or blood are present in other areas within the restroom. “We utilize reusable or disposable (based on location) microfiber cloths, mops, and toilet mops saturated with our approved disinfectants to clean the areas,” Johnson said. “It is vital that we utilize the proper equipment and cleaning chemicals to maximize safety and efficiency when cleaning.” Clifton offered the following process her teams use for cleaning biohazardous areas in restrooms: Organization: Identify affected areas and determine the scope of the cleanup. Removal: Remove visible biohazardous matter. Disinfection: Once the area is clean, disinfect it with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved products to kill pathogens. Waste disposal: Safely dispose of any hazardous waste. Correct equipment Standard biohazard cleaning equipment includes PPE, cleaning chemicals, and disposal supplies. Appropriate PPE includes masks, gloves, gowns, and shoe protection to be worn when cleaning biohazardous restroom areas and dealing with biohazardous waste. Biohazard bags, sealed containers, and disposal boxes are necessary to collect and transport the waste securely. Professionals use EPA-approved disinfectants to disinfect the area and prevent the spread of infectious agents. Biohazard kits are also a must. Aramark Healthcare+ teams use cleaning products such as microfiber cloths, mops, and toilet mops saturated with approved disinfectants. If bulk bodily fluid is present, it is removed with disposable products such as paper towels, microfiber cloths, or other absorbent products. Diverse Facility Solutions relies on enzymatic cleaners, absorbent powders, and disinfectants. Disposal of biohazardous waste involves placing the threat in a red biohazard bag and properly tying it shut with a ponytail knot. (The bag should be sealed so no liquid can escape if it is turned over.) If bulk liquid is involved, the addition of a solidifier should be standard practice, Johnson explained. Procedures for emptying and cleaning feminine product receptacles differ by facility. Gonzalez said some airports might have service providers who empty the receptacles, with the frequency depending on airport traffic. But, if feminine products end up outside the containers, team members are trained to use proper PPE, including face shields, to remove the biohazard, she said. Safety first To ensure your cleaning team’s safety, the best practice is always to consider any blood or OPIM and follow proper precautions. “If a teammate is not sure how to manage a situation, they should reach out to their leadership,” Heatley said. “It is essential to segregate biohazardous waste from regular waste; this includes liquids, solid waste, sharps, etc., and [everything] should be handled with extreme caution.” Teams also can block off the affected area using caution and wet floor signs or safety cones. If a sharp object sticks your cleaning team member or gets blood or OPIM in the employee’s eyes, nose, or mouth, Clifton said staff should: Immediately flush the exposed area with water. Clean any wound or needlestick site with soap and water or a skin disinfectant. Dispose of sharp in red sharps containers. Train employees about bloodborne pathogen exposures and make hepatitis B vaccinations available. Heatley agreed that employees should immediately wash the affected area with soap and water or, for eye involvement, flush it with clean water. “Then report blood or OPIM exposure to their supervisor and follow the procedure outlined in their exposure policy,” he added. “Once reported, the risk of the exposure is determined according to guidelines published by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If determined to be high-risk exposure, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) should begin within 24 hours of the exposure.” Gonzales said that for employees, who are stuck by a sharp, management will contain the needle and encourage employees to get tested. Management also will test the needle’s contents. While cleaning biohazard contamination has gotten easier over time due to more protocols, Gonzales cautioned that challenges still vary by location. For example, teams must keep biohazard waste storage in airports separate from storage closets and away from breakrooms. 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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.
Ten months after the January wildfires in California, hundreds of homeowners that depend on California FAIR Plan Association (FAIR Plan), the state's insurer of last resort operated by the insurance industry, are seeing their claims denied. Their homes are still intact but suffered damage and were contaminated by smoke. Despite a court loss and sanctioning by state regulators, FAIR Plan has denied policyholders seeking to have their smoke-damaged homes remediated through professional cleaning or replacement of structures and fixtures, such as drywall, insulation, and lighting, the Los Angeles Times reported. Last month, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a package to improve the state’s insurer of last resort and help Californians recover from disasters. The legislation gave FAIR Plan new financing mechanisms to more swiftly pay claims, offer better oversight and improved policyholder experience, and add coverage for manufactured homes. Additionally, the California Department of Insurance will be required to consider additional home hardening measures every five years as part of its Safer from Wildfires efforts. “The kinds of climate-fueled firestorms like we saw in January will only continue to worsen over time,” Governor Newson said. “That’s why we’re taking action now to continue strengthening California’s insurance market to be more resilient in the face of the climate crisis.” In July, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara took formal legal action against the FAIR Plan for systematically denying and limiting smoke damage claims from wildfire survivors, particularly in the wake of the Palisades and Eaton Fires earlier this year. The California Department of Insurance filed an order to show cause against the FAIR Plan after consumer complaints showed a pattern of denying smoke damage claims based on an arbitrary FAIR Plan-defined requirement for “permanent physical damage.” The department’s legal filing follows hundreds of escalating consumer complaints filed with the department against the FAIR Plan and builds on a multi-year investigation, which uncovered at least 418 violations of California’s consumer protection laws. “I’ve spoken with wildfire survivors who would rather lose their homes to flames than endure the stress and confusion of navigating smoke damage claims,” Lara said. “This is unacceptable. This issue has persisted after every fire and has become even more urgent in the aftermath of the largest urban fires in history, the Palisades and Eaton fires. These consumers' messages are clear: They need assistance, not obstacles. We will not tolerate insurance companies breaking the law and denying Californians the coverage they deserve, including the FAIR Plan.” The California FAIR Plan is operated by the insurance industry, not the state. State law requires all property insurance companies doing business in California to participate in the Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan, which provides basic fire insurance coverage when homeowners and businessowners cannot find it in the traditional market. It was first created after the Watts Riots of 1965 and resulting major wildfires. It is designed as a temporary safety net—not a long-term solution. The Department of Insurance has regulatory oversight of the FAIR Plan to ensure it complies with state law and treats policyholders fairly—the FAIR Plan is not exempt from consumer protection and claims handling requirements in California law. Commissioner Lara has also created the Smoke Claims & Remediation Task Force to develop statewide standards for investigating and remediating smoke damage—a gap that has existed for decades. To date, the department has helped recover more than US$74 million for wildfire survivors through formal complaint intervention.
ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, entered a strategic partnership with the National Service Alliance (NSA) to offer building service contractors (BSCs) access to ISSA’s education programs and NSA’s group purchasing power. “Together, ISSA and NSA are creating a platform that empowers BSCs to grow stronger, smarter, and more profitable,” said ISSA Chief Engagement Officer Brant Insero. “Whether you’re a small contractor looking to break into new accounts or are focused on efficiency, this partnership delivers resources that matter.” What this means for contractors: Small BSCs win big: ISSA members with less than US$2 million in annual sales can now join NSA’s Tier III membership—valued at $299 per year—at no cost, opening the door to significant savings on products, equipment, and services. Stronger margins: ISSA members who choose to participate can benefit from NSA-negotiated pricing and rebates across more than 60 leading suppliers, to boost their bottom line while scaling operations. Smarter operations: Members gain access to spend management tools, order control systems, and supplier collaboration opportunities. Elevated professionalism: NSA members get access to discounted pricing on ISSA’s industry-leading training and certification, giving contractors a competitive edge in client bids and employee development. NSA currently represents more than 1,800 contract cleaning companies with combined revenues exceeding $17 billion. By aligning with ISSA, the alliance expands beyond cost savings to build a connected network where contractors gain both operational strength and professional recognition. “NSA focuses on delivering unmatched savings and solutions to contractors,” said NSA President Michael Conrad. “By partnering with ISSA, we’re extending that value to include world-class education and professional development—giving BSCs the complete package to thrive in today’s competitive market.” ISSA members and NSA members who are interested in taking advantage of this partnership should click here for more information.
A new study found that disinfectant wipes were significantly and rapidly able to reduce coronavirus viruses. The study aimed to compare the contributions of physical removal and chemical inactivation to overall disinfection efficacy. Glass and vinyl coupons were contaminated with coronavirus variants at an initial titer of 5–6 log tissue culture infective dose(TCID)50/surface with 5% soil load. After air drying, coupons were wiped using one of the following treatments: pre-wetted blank polypropylene wipe, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-based disinfectant wipe, or quaternary ammonium compound (QAC)-based disinfectant wipe. Wiping was performed manually by hand or mechanically using a Gardco Gardner-scrub. The wiping process followed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency protocol. After a one-minute exposure, residual disinfectant on both coupons and wipes was neutralized separately. Viruses were recovered by sonication for 30 seconds and quantified. Using a blank wipe, more virus was transferred to the wipe from glass (23%–59%) than vinyl (21%–30%), while less virus remained on glass (2%–5%) than vinyl (16%–24%). No significant difference in virus concentration was observed between hand wiping and machine wiping, either on the surfaces or in the used wipes. Both disinfectant wipes reduced the number of viral particles from surfaces, with virus remaining on used wipes below the limit of detection. The survey said these results suggest that disinfectant wipes can significantly and rapidly reduce coronavirus contamination and cross-contamination risk.
Germicidal ultraviolet (GUV) air sterilization appliances, also known as UV germicidal irradiation (UVGI) appliances, use UV light to kill airborne viral, bacterial, and fungal organisms as they pass through a disinfection zone. The COVID-19 pandemic brought a renewed focus on infection control and prevention practices, including the need for effective strategies to reduce airborne pathogen transmission. GUV appliances can be used with minimal disruption and represent a potential adjunct to existing infection control measures. However, despite growing interest in this technology, a study by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) highlighted limited success. JAMA conducted a clinical trial in Australia, where it reported the use of GUV appliances in communal areas resulted in a nonsignificant decrease in acute respiratory infection (ARI) rates. However, time-series modeling showed a statistically significant 12.2% reduction in weekly ARIs. This difference in findings likely reflects the random timing of infections, variations in infection rates, and external environmental factors. The study further estimated the causal effect of the intervention to be an approximately 9% reduction in infections. When applied to the ARI rate in the control arm, such a reduction equates to 92 fewer ARIs per 1,000 residents annually. While falling short of the 20% benchmark that is often considered a clinically meaningful change for an individual, such a reduction could translate to a very meaningful effect from a public health perspective, for which the aggregate benefit of even small individual improvements becomes substantial.