T The cleaning industry is going from seat of the pants to science. Why we clean, what we use and how we do the work is evolving on a daily basis. As these changes occur, the need for train-ing, certification and standards becomes more important to workers, supervisors, managers and building owners. Due to the liability involved when faulty clean-ing processes are used in commercial and residential properties, building managers and owners are writing requirements for training and certification into contract speci-fications. Manufacturers and insurance companies are now making similar demands; within a few years, it is likely that you wonʼt be able to bid on an account or get a job in the cleaning industry unless you are certified by an independent, third-party organization. We are beginning to see the use of scientific quantitative measuring devices to validate suc-cessful completion of cleaning processes. This is often referred to as Integrated Cleaning Measurement and uses quality assurance testing equipment, such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and gloss meters, slip testers, microscopes and other measurement devices. Increased interest in training and certification can bring about many positives for this industry. An industry-wide lack of emphasis on training, employee development and upward mobility is a major obstacle when it comes to promoting the cleaning industry as a career opportunity to the next generation. Up, Up And Away If someone wants to earn an advanced academic degree in cleaning science, there is nowhere to go. You canʼt sign up at your local community col-lege for an Associate degree in cleaning, and you certainly canʼt get a Bachelors, Masters or a Ph. D in cleaning from an accredited university. The IICRC and several industry trade associa-tions offer training and certification programs in a variety of subjects and these are a step in the right direction. However, if you look at what we recognize as professions, such as doctors, lawyers, account-ants, etc., you will see an upward mobility ladder that establishes, recognizes and rewards those who earn an advanced academic degree. The failure to establish upward mobility in the cleaning industry is killing our future. The problem becomes one of attracting young talent and retaining skilled workers and manage-ment staff. Unfortunately, most people come to the cleaning Training Becomes Critical Some companies do a good job of training their employees regarding cleaning, supervision and management-related subjects. A few even do a great job. DMS Facility Services Inc. in Monrovia, California, has a vice president of training and development and offers Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) courses and six sigma class-es for its employees. Team Clean Inc. in Honolulu operates the Professional Cleaning Institute of Hawaii (PCIH) in cooperation with the International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA). Unfortunately, these companies are the excep-tion, not the standard of practice. for more info Visit www.cmmonline.com and type in search keyword: Trends . For more information on related products, visit www.cmmonline.com , select SUPPLIER SEARCH from the main navigation bar, and enter keyword: Consultants . www.cmmonline.com 15
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