Global Experts Focus on the Future of Cleaning in Spotlight Panel

A panel of experts discussed ongoing and future strategies the global cleaning community must embrace in COVID-19: Where Do We Go From Here, Wednesday’s Spotlight Speaker event at ISSA Show North America Virtual Experience. 

The event featured Patricia Olinger, executive director of GBAC, a Division of ISSA; Dr. Gavin Macgregor-Skinner, director of GBAC; Carolyn Berland, senior scientist/brand innovation manager at Essity; and David Causton, general manager of McCormick Place in Chicago.

Olinger began the presentation by referring to her timely article (January 2020) in ISSA Today magazine that warned of the dangers of pandemics and how crucial it was to be prepared. She noted an interesting historic event, that in September 2019 the Global Biorisk Advisory Council, or GBAC, merged with ISSA and together they worked to create and launch the GBAC STAR^TM Facility Accreditation program. Since the launch in May 2020, 3,500 organizations have signed up to receive GBAC STAR accreditation.

“It’s been a year of partnerships,” Dr. Macgregor-Skinner said in his introduction. “What comes next? What is needed? Where are the gaps?” he asked attendees. He then explained how to translate written procedures and protocols into practical “how-to” guidance that the cleaning industry can use. 

Macgregor-Skinner also stressed the need to use science-based information, to avoid the “voodoo” science and marketing that currently has “become its own industry.” He added that people have good intentions but are often mislead by a lack of science-based guidance.

The bottom line, according to Dr. Macgregor-Skinner? Concentrate on smart, strategic partnerships and use them as part of the equation to come up with solutions that work and are cost effective.

Next up was Berland, who concentrated at the beginning of her presentation on proper handwashing. She noted only 41% of people surveyed say they wash their hands enough. The vast majority of those polled indicated they do wash their hands enough— whether they forgot, had no access to proper handwashing stations, or other reasons.

Berland said that soap and water are crucial for handwashing Sanitizers cannot remove physical soil and may not be sufficiently effective against parasites. “Choose a really high-quality soap with moisturizing ingredients, use water at a comfortable temperature, and you can restore your skin” with lotions, she said. “Dry hands are safer hands,” she added, stressing the need to dry your hands after washing.

Bacteria on your hands transmit infection if transferred to your body interior or to a new person or surface, she pointed out. Proper handwashing practices help prevent this from happening. Berland recommended encouraging building occupants to wash their hands properly with posters that demonstrate techniques to follow.

Causton, who represents McCormick Place, the largest convention center in the United States, said that since March 2020, his convention center has lost 165 events due to the pandemic. This represents not only a loss to a convention center, but to the expansive economy affected by these events. Reopening and doing so strategically is vital to many involved.

He mentioned how GBAC is important to McCormick Place. GBAC STAR accreditation will help his facility with all components of meeting challenges of events, from cleaning to disinfecting to how food service is handled, and more.

Causton noted that the future of events will be hybrid, perhaps more regional, and implement safety measures. 

“I think, long term, the cleaning culture has changed, including or large convention centers. What I mean by that is before the days of COVID, you expected the facility to be clean and look clean. What customers want to see now and what they will see in our facilities is people cleaning,” he said. When restrooms are closed, visitors will understand it is for cleaning and disinfecting, and they will be assured their health is being protected.