Safe, sanitized schools achievable with innovative technology

Schools provide a safe space for students and staff, and a positive learning environment for their mental, social, and physical health. Part of providing that safe space requires a clean and sanitized environment.

When education facilities are correctly cleaned, students perform better, and their attendance and morale improve.

While education facilities are no strangers to innovation, when it comes to technology in cleaning, many schools don’t always have the awareness or buyin.

When schools invest in the right technology, like surface imaging and quality management software (QMS), they can better measure effectiveness to waste fewer chemicals and target highrisk areas in less time. Technology like Optisolve® offers both surface imaging and QMS to work seamlessly for validated, evidencebased cleaning in schools. An investment upfront translates into saving time and money in the long run. Most importantly, it ensures precision cleaning that keeps students, faculty, and staff healthy and safe. Let’s explore some of the key benefits of implementing this combination of technology in schools.

Surfaces last longer when they are properly cleaned and maintained

Having a centralized cleaning protocol stored within quality management software lets staff know precisely what kind of chemicals, applications, and equipment they should use in every room. Using the correct chemicals in accurate dilutions helps to keep materials looking and performing like new. Soils left untreated can cause dirt to erode floor finishes and grease to back up pipes. Damage can also occur when staff apply undiluted chemicals to the wrong materials.

Avoid chemical waste

An efficient cleaning protocol can be developed by visually tracking and monitoring all surface areas. Custodial teams can avoid cleaning and wasting products on already clean surfaces to focus on highrisk areas instead. Surface imaging technology provides visual validation to see the contaminated regions, and subsequently prove they have been appropriately cleaned and sanitized. Identifying soils and organic matter

helps tailor suitable chemical usage and dilution rates, so staff only use what they need.

Spend less time cleaning

Schools are busy places, and people often share these spaces for extended hours, sometimes 24/7, which poses challenges for janitorial staff to work around. Most facilities have staff shortages, and cleaners must cover more surface areas per shift. Optisolve® allows them to target hightouch areas in less time through evidencebased imaging software. Easytofollow digital checklists stored in secure, centralized software, keep everyone accountable and on the same page.

Measure effectiveness

Defining your standard operating procedures, and definitions of quality results is the starting point. Sharing this information centrally allows staff to train and support each other across different locations and campuses. Employees, students, and regulatory agencies

will have peace of mind that the proper cleaning, disinfection, and sanitization processes are being met to provide a safe and healthy environment.

Sourcing innovative suppliers

Developed in Canada, Optisolve® has created an award-winning combination of Pathfinder’s surface imaging technology and SAVI’s quality management system. Cleaning teams can input their checklists and upload images into the software (available offline when required) to be shared securely in the cloud for centralized access. Available through Swish, our experts can help provide insights into Optisolve’s evidencebased practices that help foster healthy and safe educational spaces.

For more information, visit www.swish.ca/optisolve or call 18554679474. n

SUITE 300, 6 ROSLYN ROAD, WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA www.delcommunications.com

THE KEY TO PUBLISHING SUCCESS.

We offer outstanding personal service and quality in the areas of: • Advertising Sales • Trade Publications • E-newsletters • On-Line Directories • Websites • Qualified Sales & Editorial Team • Creative Design

RETURN-IT SCHOOL PROGRAM 2022/2023 IS BACK!

REGISTER TODAY AT RETURNITSCHOOL.CA

Return-It School is the free beverage container recycling program offered by Return-It. Return-It is the not-for-profit product steward that makes recycling in BC easier for everyone. The ReturnIt System diverts used beverage containers from the landfill and makes sure they are properly recycled. You probably know us best through your local Return-It location.

By participating in BC’s FREE Return-It School program, you get access to our online Teacher’s Dashboard with exclusive educational resources and fundraising tips, our online activity book as well as free recycling bins for your school. Your school keeps all the deposit refunds from recycling, so you can use the program to supplement your school’s fundraising efforts. We want to help students learn how to do their part to help keep the planet green by recycling their beverage containers and more.

Free Program Offered FREE to all schools in BC by Return-It, the not-for-profit product steward for beverage container recycling in British Columbia.

Free Recycling Bins Get up to 3 free Return-It bins to help your school’s recycling program. Plus, discover the best collection & bottle drive methods for your school, from Return-It Express to pick-up services (where available).

$5,000 Grand Prize Story Contest Share your school’s interesting, creative and impactful recycling story with us and you could win a Grand Prize of $5,000 (two Elementary School winners and two High School winners every year!)

Tools & Tips Registered schools will have access to resources to help with recycling programs including fundraising and bottle drive tips.

Return-It School Video Presentation Kit Teachers can request a free Presentation Kit via mail with a fun & educational video about recycling, lesson tips, and special goodies for their students.

NEW!

Return-It School Online Activity Book Activity Book is now available online to the registered schools through the teacher’s dashboard with games about recycling, comics, fun recycling facts and many more.

Bottle Drives with Express Return-It Express makes it easier for schools to hold their bottle drives. No sorting and easy drop offs!

Sign-up today at ReturnItSchool.ca and join hundreds of schools across BC