You might be asking, “Why should I have my custodial staffs handle this?” The answer is simple: In most facilities, crew members are the last ones in the build-ing, know what power sources have been left on and can turn them off before the building is shut down for the evening. Coloring In The Outline Once facilities managers have an under-standing of what a sustainability color-coding system is and how it can be put into practice, they can put together an effective scheme. Some of the key stages of developing a sustainability color-coding system include: ■ Forming a team Create a team to spearhead the system; it should involve management, custodial work-ers and building users. The team’s first duty is to explain to all stakeholders why the color-coding system is being developed. ■ Making a plan Determine what colors are to be used and what each one will designate; identify what power sources and types of power sources each color will apply to. ■ Walking through the facility While this is possibly the most time-con-suming part of the program, it is also the most important. The team must walk through the entire facility and assign a different color to each power source, group of power sources or type of power sources. It is not unusual for later modifications to be implemented, and there are no rules and regulations that apply to all facilities. The best system is one that everyone can agree with — even if it must later be adjusted. ■ Training workers and informing stakeholders At this point, you are ready to put the pro-gram into operation. If someone has not done so already, a team member should explain to custodial workers and other stakeholders why the sustainability color-coding system is being created, what each color represents and what actions they are to take for each color. Finally, keep the entire program as sim-ple as possible; the more complicated it is, the more difficult it will be to implement and follow. While the dots should be inconspicuous, they should not be difficult for cleaning work-ers to find or see. In addition, provide refresher courses on the program for workers and allow time for their feedback. They may have firsthand suggestions that can be of great value. This also keeps them involved with the pro-gram and enthusiastic about it, which helps guarantee its success. CM Color-coding To Curb Cross-contamination ■ Red — high risk: Would apply to tools, equipment and chemicals used for cleaning toilets, urinals, floors, operating areas, etc. ■ Yellow — moderate to high risk: Would include tools used for cleaning infec-tious and isolation areas of a hospital as well as door handles and other high-touch areas ■ Green — moderate to low risk: Typically applies to foodservice and other dining areas ■ Blue — low risk: Would include clerical and other areas that pose minimal risks for cross-contamination. www.cmmonline.com 35
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