CM/Spotlight: Restroom Care credible, science-based and transparent standards. Their certification program meets IS0 14000, the standard set by the International Organization of Standards (ISO) and the organization belongs to the Global Ecolabeling Network. Step Three: Clean Green Develop and implement green cleaning procedures. While the procedure needs to be tweaked to meet the nuances of your facility, a green cleaning approach typically consists of the basics of regular cleaning with emphasis on minimizing human and environmental health hazards, waste — be it time, equip-ment or supplies — and other procedural best practices. Always follow the recommendations of the chemical and equipment manufactur-ers whose products you are using, as they have extensively tested them. Things like dwell time, dilution ratios and other ergonomic advice are more than mere suggestions. Everyone has a role to play in measuring the effectiveness of your work. Custodial staff should follow a simple inspection sheet that covers all assigned tasks. Step Two: Buy Right Analyze your product inventory: ■ Minimize the number of chemicals and use green-certified variants when possible ■ Ensure that all chemical cleaners are dispensed through a system designed to prevent overuse ■ Use restroom equipment that operates on “no-touch” basis ■ Implement microfiber for dusting, wip-ing and mopping ■ Buy green-certified disposable products and rapidly renewable paper products that can quickly be recycled and reused. Supervisors and managers should rely on a qualitative method of capturing inspection results. Customer surveys offer another thought-ful way to understand what building occu-pants think of restroom cleanliness. Monitor complaints closely, as these comments often pinpoint needed changes in products or processes. Step Four: Get Better Every Day Continuously improve what you are doing: Inspect, make corrections, implement change and inspect again. Clearly, developing a green cleaning pro-gram will take some work. You will have to assess your current cleaning program to determine where to make the appropriate changes and then strategically plan for implementation of comprehensive green cleaning strategies over time. CM Circle Product Information no. 219 on page 32 26 CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® • September 2011
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