Let's all take a deep breath.
When was the last time the air filters were changed in your HVAC system?
The CDC has published some guidelines on how frequent this should be done.
This will not only reduce air borne dust, particles, spores, pollen but also help to reduce the possibility of Sick Building Syndrome. A complete analysis of this is available from the EPA.
Remember also that the frequent changing of the filters will prolong the life of the air handling units and reduce down time. This will also save money on costly service calls and repair bills.
We offer this service as well as our other programs at L & K Facility Services.
Just give us a call at 262-790-9330
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Your Health at Work Part 2
We are now entering the peak of the flu season.
Most of you should have noticed that we have placed large bottles of antiseptic hand cleaner by your break room sinks, coffee stations or bathrooms.
We provide these for your protection and to help make everyone aware of the possibility of cross contamination of surfaces that are shared by all.
We use an antiseptic wipe on each phone when we clean your office. However, if we clean your phone once per week or 5 x per week it is only clean until the first person uses it following our cleaning. Therefore, when someone who is coughing, sneezing etc... Picks up the phone on your desk to make a call, they are now transferring those nasty little germs over to the next person to use your phone. (you?)
If you would like more of the bottles of antiseptic for other places in your office please contact us at 262-790-9330
We care about our customers, 24 hrs. a day.
Most of you should have noticed that we have placed large bottles of antiseptic hand cleaner by your break room sinks, coffee stations or bathrooms.
We provide these for your protection and to help make everyone aware of the possibility of cross contamination of surfaces that are shared by all.
We use an antiseptic wipe on each phone when we clean your office. However, if we clean your phone once per week or 5 x per week it is only clean until the first person uses it following our cleaning. Therefore, when someone who is coughing, sneezing etc... Picks up the phone on your desk to make a call, they are now transferring those nasty little germs over to the next person to use your phone. (you?)
If you would like more of the bottles of antiseptic for other places in your office please contact us at 262-790-9330
We care about our customers, 24 hrs. a day.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Your Health at Work Part 1
Your sitting in front of your computer, nice hot cup of tea or coffee next to you.
Take a sip.
Now, how was that mug cleaned? Was it put in a dishwasher? If so, go ahead and finish that java.
If on the other hand, you like 96% of office workers everywhere, you probably rinsed that mug out with some tepid water at the sink and put it off to the side for your next cup.
Some researchers at the University of Arizona, tested some common work place surfaces including spoons used to stir coffee, coffee mugs and other commonly shared utensils.
You can read about their tests in this story from the Associated Press.
The CDC did some similar tests a few years ago and found that there were more bacteria growing in one coffee mug that had only been rinsed out night after night for one week then there was growing on a public toilet seat.
Still drinking?
Before you run over to the sink to wash out your mug, grab some paper towels to wash with because those sponges and dishrags have more bacteria in them than your mug currently does. Unless that sponge and rag is rinsed nightly in a bleach solution, the bacterial growth in those items can sicken an entire building of workers. The most common bacteria that cause intestinal problems, (those solved by Pepto) are now mostly resistant to antibacterial soaps.
Take a sip.
Now, how was that mug cleaned? Was it put in a dishwasher? If so, go ahead and finish that java.
If on the other hand, you like 96% of office workers everywhere, you probably rinsed that mug out with some tepid water at the sink and put it off to the side for your next cup.
Some researchers at the University of Arizona, tested some common work place surfaces including spoons used to stir coffee, coffee mugs and other commonly shared utensils.
You can read about their tests in this story from the Associated Press.
The CDC did some similar tests a few years ago and found that there were more bacteria growing in one coffee mug that had only been rinsed out night after night for one week then there was growing on a public toilet seat.
Still drinking?
Before you run over to the sink to wash out your mug, grab some paper towels to wash with because those sponges and dishrags have more bacteria in them than your mug currently does. Unless that sponge and rag is rinsed nightly in a bleach solution, the bacterial growth in those items can sicken an entire building of workers. The most common bacteria that cause intestinal problems, (those solved by Pepto) are now mostly resistant to antibacterial soaps.
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Those shiny floors
Did you know that many of us in the Cleaning Field consider floor work or scrubbing and waxing floors to be a form of craftmanship?
It's true, stripping, scrubbing, sealing and finishing floors requires a learned skill and the process itself is filled with numerous challenges that must be faced and conquered in order to achieve the high gloss, durable shine required in your facility.
You can protect your floors and allow that shine to last longer by installing carpet mats at all entrances from the outside and also from the inside if they lead into production areas.
While I am on the subject of carpet mats, is it me, or has anyone else noticed that the mats being delivered by the rental companies really look terrible. I was looking at these black mats in 6 different buildings just this past evening and many of them looked like they were stored in or near a moth farm. These pitiful mats were threadbare in some spots, some had stains and they were just installed today! And some looked like they were used by a teething puppy!
I flipped a couple of them over and they all seem to be coming from 2 companies, that bad ones that is. Aramark and Cintas. I would recommend that all my customers stop the delivery driver next week and tell him/ her that you find the conditions of these mats to be unacceptable. Here you have this gorgeous, shiny floor, provided by L & K Cleaning and then they throw down this ugly, spotted, chewed up mat!.
It's true, stripping, scrubbing, sealing and finishing floors requires a learned skill and the process itself is filled with numerous challenges that must be faced and conquered in order to achieve the high gloss, durable shine required in your facility.
You can protect your floors and allow that shine to last longer by installing carpet mats at all entrances from the outside and also from the inside if they lead into production areas.
While I am on the subject of carpet mats, is it me, or has anyone else noticed that the mats being delivered by the rental companies really look terrible. I was looking at these black mats in 6 different buildings just this past evening and many of them looked like they were stored in or near a moth farm. These pitiful mats were threadbare in some spots, some had stains and they were just installed today! And some looked like they were used by a teething puppy!
I flipped a couple of them over and they all seem to be coming from 2 companies, that bad ones that is. Aramark and Cintas. I would recommend that all my customers stop the delivery driver next week and tell him/ her that you find the conditions of these mats to be unacceptable. Here you have this gorgeous, shiny floor, provided by L & K Cleaning and then they throw down this ugly, spotted, chewed up mat!.
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
The Zen of Cleaning Safety tips continue
Since I have brought up the subject of office safety, I would fall short of my goal if I did not mention how to handle the cleaning supplies you will find in the janitor's closet.
Please, do not handle the cleaning supplies in the janitor's closet.
If you must, please read the labels. Yes, they smell pretty, yes they look just like some of the stuff you use at home. No, none of them are available to you at the supermarket. We buy commercial grade products from legitimate supply distributors and manufacturers. Many times these products are dangerous if not handled and used properly. It is why you will see a MSDS book in every closet. The Material Safety Data Sheets in those books match the chemicals found in the bottles.
This is per OSHA Codes, laws and standards that we must adhere.
Why am I writing about this today? Last night, I stopped in at one of my accounts and there was a woman, in the cafeteria, washing off some plates with a spray bottle from my cleaners cart. When I approached I noticed that she was using a bathroom disinfectant cleaner to clean her dishes. I then tried to explain to her that this was wrong and dangerous, unfortunately she didn't speak a word of English. In my limited capacity to speak Spanish, I got across the basic message of Parada and Peligroso.
Somehow, this woman wandered into the janitor's closet, saw cleaning chemicals and just borrowed a bottle. What would have happened if I had not seen this. Who would be to blame if she or any of her co-workers got ill from this?
We as cleaning business owners, understand that while our equipment and supplies are stored in closets in your buildings that they may be subject to use from time to time. Al l we ask is that a little oversight, control and definitely some label reading is done prior to use.
Please, do not handle the cleaning supplies in the janitor's closet.
If you must, please read the labels. Yes, they smell pretty, yes they look just like some of the stuff you use at home. No, none of them are available to you at the supermarket. We buy commercial grade products from legitimate supply distributors and manufacturers. Many times these products are dangerous if not handled and used properly. It is why you will see a MSDS book in every closet. The Material Safety Data Sheets in those books match the chemicals found in the bottles.
This is per OSHA Codes, laws and standards that we must adhere.
Why am I writing about this today? Last night, I stopped in at one of my accounts and there was a woman, in the cafeteria, washing off some plates with a spray bottle from my cleaners cart. When I approached I noticed that she was using a bathroom disinfectant cleaner to clean her dishes. I then tried to explain to her that this was wrong and dangerous, unfortunately she didn't speak a word of English. In my limited capacity to speak Spanish, I got across the basic message of Parada and Peligroso.
Somehow, this woman wandered into the janitor's closet, saw cleaning chemicals and just borrowed a bottle. What would have happened if I had not seen this. Who would be to blame if she or any of her co-workers got ill from this?
We as cleaning business owners, understand that while our equipment and supplies are stored in closets in your buildings that they may be subject to use from time to time. Al l we ask is that a little oversight, control and definitely some label reading is done prior to use.
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