CLEAN SWEEP INSIGHTS ON CLEANING AND BUILDING MAINTENANCE
MARCH 2007
IS THERE A VACCINE TO PREVENT PANDEMIC INFLUENZA? There is much talk about the avian flu (bird flu) and the possibility of a pandemic in the United States. In the previous CleanSweep newsletter we published tips to help companies prepare. The focus in this issue is the availability of medical treatments and vaccines for the avian flu.
within 2 days after the onset of symptoms. It is also not known how available these drugs would be if there is a pandemic. BG Service Solutions knows that many of you are concerned about the
demonstrates disinfectants that kill flu
BOMA International Launches The G.R.E.E.N.
germs during a pandemic response planning presentation to the Topeka
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Facility Managers’ Association January 25, 2007.
There are flu treatments available such as Tamiflu and Relenza. It is not known how effective these antiviral drugs will be against the H5N1 (avian flu) strain. These drugs must be taken
Americans Seek EnvironmentallyFriendly Buildings PAGE TWO
Laura Knight, BG Service Solutions,
There is currently no vaccine available to protect humans from the avian flu virus. However, research on developing vaccines for both humans and birds is in the works. For now though, the best prevention is to cook all your poultry very thoroughly and keep your hands and surroundings germ-free.
IN THIS ISSUE
Office-based Stress Management possibility of an avian flu pandemic; therefore, we are committed to keeping you informed and will continue researching ways to assist you. To request a copy of the BG Service Solutions Pandemic Response Plan, or if your company is interested in a Pandemic Response Planning presentation, please contact Laura Knight at:(800) 743-8088 ext. 1485 or lknight@bgserve.com.
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Turn Complaints into Compliments PAGE THREE
FAST FACT Each year, the flu kills approximately 36,000-40,000 Americans, hospitalizes more than 200,000, and costs the U.S. economy over $10 billion in lost productivity and direct medical expenses. - World Health Organization (WHO)
White Glove Clean Since 1972
Americans Seek EnvironmentallyFriendly Buildings St. Paul Public Housing Agency, Minnesota
When it comes to workplace benefits, an overwhelming percentage of U.S. employees are looking for a different kind of green: not just the green in their paycheck, but an environmentally friendly place to work. According to a recent poll conducted by Mortgage Lenders Network USA (MLN), 94% of Americans prefer working in a building that is designed to be energy efficient and ecologically sound. Women tend to be more environmentally concerned than men about their workplace. 72% of working women declare a strong preference for green employers, versus 64% of men. The trend to embrace green concepts to reduce operating costs, improve occupant
satisfaction and enhance productivity can be seen throughout North America. In Minneapolis, the design strategy for the St. Paul Public Housing Agency was employee-focused and financially sensitive – the strategies just happened to be eco-friendly as well. Thomas Chase, founder of Maintenance Experts, now a BG Service Solutions Business, believes in using green chemicals and procedures in cleaning the St. Paul Public Housing Agency building. The green cleaning program employs industry-recognized best practices for the safe application of Green Seal “certified” cleaning products, dust containment, use of recyclable paper products, and highperformance vacuum cleaners.
BOMA International Launches The G.R.E.E.N. By CleanLink Editorial Staff The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) launched The Green Resource Energy and Environment Network (G.R.E.E.N.) with the purpose to provide the best resources to help building owners and managers wade through the sea of "green" to identify the solutions that work for them and their overall building mission. BOMA International believes that reducing energy consumption and taking other steps to “green” existing buildings helps drive ROI, keeps properties competitive with new construction and benefits tenants and the environment.
GREEN CLEAN
As the environmental and health benefits of green catch on, there will be more and more building occupants requesting working environments that incorporate green programs. For more information or to request a complimentary Guide to Green Cleaning send a request to GreenCleaning@bgserve.com. Based on an article originally published in the GreenBiz e-Newsletter, 2006 and Building Operating Management.
FAST FACT This year was the Academy Award's first-ever greening initiative. The effort included offsetting carbon emissions, incorporating environmental features into the greenroom design, and using recycled materials, including the Oscar ballots themselves. Leonardo DiCaprio announced with Al Gore during the live telecast, “For the first time in the history of the Oscars, environmentally intelligent practices have been thoughtfully integrated into the planning of tonight's event to make our world healthier and help combat the threat of global warming.”
FAST FACT
Turn Complaints into Compliments
Overwork doesn't just cost employees. The tab paid by business for job stress is $150 billion a year, according to one study. Joe Robinson, author of “Work to Live: The Guide to Getting a Life”
Before
Office-based Stress Management
After
After Before Keeping restrooms germ-free!
THE PROBLEM • Tile and grout surfaces absorb moisture and contaminants. • Soil and germs produce a dingy appearance and foul odors. • Regular mopping does not help the appearance or make the smell go away. • Restrooms cause more critical com plaints per square foot than any other area in the building!
THE SOLUTION Highly cost effective, SaniGLAZE® turns complaints into compliments! • The SaniGLAZE® process extracts contaminants, soil and odors from the tile and grout surface and substrata. • A permanent, non-porous, moisture proof material shields grout against future absorption of contaminants and odors. • The entire process is completed overnight.
Studies have shown that office-based stress management programs can have a profound effect on increasing worker productivity and reducing illness and absenteeism. There are many ways to reduce stress in the workplace. One important thing you must always remember to do is to take a vacation! Vacations are the ultimate stress reliever — Use your vacation days and make sure your employees do too.
By Joe Mann, Facility Director It was 10:00 p.m. on January 15th when I stepped off the plane. I walked through the terminal of MCI (Kansas City), and out into the mosaic-tiled hall. I stepped outside the automatic doors and Wham! I was hit with a 35-degree temperature assault. When I stepped onto the plane, it had been a lovely 80 degree Florida paradise. I had on my Ron Jon t-shirt I bought in Cocoa Beach, a pair of shorts, and a pair of sandals, definitely not the preferred garb for a Midwestern winter. This was my “first-time-to-Florida” vacation, and I didn’t have time to change before catching my flight home. For those of you who have visited Florida before, I probably won’t have any new revelations for you. For those of you who haven’t visited Florida, I am here to convince you that your next vacation should be there. In the “winter”, the weather is beautiful, the crowds are mild, and the options of things to do are endless. For more information on Florida vacations, go to www.topfloridavacations.com
Orlando International Airport cleaned by BG Service Solutions
According to a recent survey by TripAdvisor.com, Orlando International Airport is the favorite airport of American travelers because of its cleanliness, selection of restaurants, wireless internet access, ease of getting around and through security, and good parking.
Corporate Headquarters 1225 E. 18th Street Kansas City, MO 64108 (800) 743-8088 Cardinal Branch 2318 W. 10th Street Topeka, KS 66604 (785) 354-7676
DESTOP
20,961 PHONE
25,127
GERMS PER SQ. IN.
GERMS PER SQ. IN.
Columbia Branch 730 W. Sexton Road Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 874-8000 Denver Branch 2000 Clay Street, Suite 100 Denver, CO 80211 (303) 698-4800
KEYBOARD
3,295 GERMS
TIP
PER SQ. IN.
GERM OFFENDERS
Denver International Airport 8400 Pena Blvd. Box 492036 Denver, CO 80249 (303) 342-7891
The typical office desk area has 400 times the amount of bacteria than the average toilet seat. Worst offenders: first, the office phone. Then the desk. Finally, the keyboard. Use a disinfectant wipe to clean the desktop, computer keyboard, and phone.
Jefferson City Branch 721 Jefferson Jefferson City, MO 65101 (573) 635-9297
DON'T TOUCH THE FIRST FLOOR ELEVATOR BUTTON!
Joplin Branch 1221 E. 5th Street, Suite A Joplin, MO 64801 (417) 623-3225
TIP
In an elevator, the first-floor button harbors the most germs because more people touch it than any other button. If you're alone, use your elbow instead of your finger to press the button. [Use your elbow even if others are there. Who cares if they think you're a little strange!]
Maintenance Experts 1925 Oakcrest Ave, Ste. 6 Roseville, MN 55113 (651) 636-1888
A Cure for What Ails You (and your employees)
Orlando International Airport 9406 Airport Blvd. Orlando, FL 32827 (800)743-8088 xt. 1485
Two effective ways to reduce the spread of germs:
Salt Lake City International Airport 750 N. Terminal Drive Box 22085 Salt Lake City, UT 84116 (800) 743-8088 xt. 1485 Sedalia Branch 2101 W. Main Sedalia, MO 65301 (660) 826-6941 Springfield Branch 440 S. Cavalier #D Springfield, MO 65802 (417) 831-3332 St. Louis Branch 1330 Hampton Ave. St. Louis, MO 63139 (314) 644-5300
Use SaniGuard surface spray and destroy germs bacteria and viruses in just seconds. Kill airborne particles and sanitize an entire room without any harmful residue.
Corporate Headquarters 1225 E. 18th Street Kansas City, MO 64108
PLEASE CONTACT LAURA KNIGHT AT (800) 743-8088 INFO@BGSERVE.COM OR VISIT WWW.BGSERVE.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Start a Clean Hands Campaign in your workplace today. Hand hygiene is the single most important practice for reducing the transmission of infectious agents. Starting a campaign is quick and easy. To order SaniGuard products or to start a Clean Hands Campaign, contact your BG Service representative or call (800) 743-8088 x1485.