facility focus allowing grime to fester means that less caustic chemicals are necessary to remove multiple layers of soil. This results in less volatile organic com-pounds (VOC) being introduced into the indoor environment, reducing the chances of an adverse chemical reaction for staff or other chemical-sensitive building occu-pants. “The best procedure is to employ a product that actually neutralizes the organic matter that the bacteria are using as the food source. Bacteria produce gases that cause odors, and if you elimi-nate the food source, the bacteria cannot survive,” notes Scott Maag, international director of research for Buckeye International, Inc. By not allowing dust buildup to form or malodors to manifest, the indoor environ-ment will be cleaner and employee and building occupant health and well-being will benefit. A content workforce is an efficient one, and healthy building occupants are happy ones. that a lack of cleanliness becomes a dis-traction at APPA Level 4: Moderate Dinginess. Characteristics of Moderate Dinginess include: A noticeable buildup of dirt and/or floor finish in corners and along walls Base molding is dull and dingy with streaks or splashes All vertical and horizontal surfaces have conspicuous dust, dirt, marks, smudges and fingerprints Lamp fixtures are dirty and some are burned out Trash receptacles contain old trash and are stained and smell sour. These health-hampering concerns are avoidable with sufficient odor and dust con-trol protocols. While the findings of the study may not relate directly to the types of facilities you clean and maintain, the data is eye-opening and should conjure a desire to increase your odor and dust control efforts. CM The Facts Don’t Lie A recent study by the Center for Facilities Research (CFaR) at APPA co-sponsored by ISSA found that a lack of cleanliness becomes a distraction while orderly cleanli-ness creates good learning and working environments. The study, entitled Cleanliness and Learning in Higher Education, was con-ducted by Jeffery Campbell, Ph.D., chair of the facilities management program at Brigham Young University and Alan Bigger, APPA president and former director of facil-ities at Earlham College. Not surprisingly, of the 1,481 individuals polled for the study, 88 percent reported Popular Odor Control Options According to Eric Probst, regional sales manager for Waterbury Companies Inc., the most popular odor control options fall into one of three categories: Active systems – systems that emit an odor control agent into the air based on a pre-determined timer. – These are ideal for high-traffic facilities where extensive rest-room cleaning is not viable multiple times a day. Passive systems – systems that rely on air movement to disperse odor control agents. – These are generally tied into heating, ventilation and air con-ditioning (HVAC) systems and emit a pleasant scent while fil-tering and dispersing air throughout the facility. Use area systems – systems that are tied into the flushing of toilets or urinals to help clean the fixture and freshen the air. – These are ideal for controlling odors that occur in specific areas of the restroom and are also a good alternative to air-based systems that could neg-atively impact occupants’ aller-gies. Are you in the dark when it comes to finding equipment and supplies? • Search by product category to get an overview of available options • Search by brand or company name to locate your favorite product or vendor Let us guide you to the resources you want. Click on SUPPLIER SEARCH at www.cmmonline.com Convenient and reliable information for the cleaning and maintenance industry 38 CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® • May 2010
CMM – Archives May 2010: 38
