From slip-and-falls to chemical exposure, Bethesda, MD janitorial cleaning services face occupational hazards on a regular basis. These dedicated professionals put their well-being on the line every day – all to ensure your commercial facilities are hygienic, healthy, and safe.
However, while they do take risks regularly – they don’t do it recklessly. Reputable janitorial companies take a whole host of precautions to minimize the dangers to their employees, without having to sacrifice work quality or efficiency. Let’s explore how they do it!
What is a common hazard in janitorial work?
Janitorial work involves a variety of health and safety hazards, which are all the more pronounced in commercial and industrial environments, and may include:
- Chemical exposure: Improper handling of cleaning solutions can cause chemical burns, respiratory problems, and skin irritation.
- Slips, trips, and falls: From minor bruising to broken bones, these are the most common injuries in commercial and industrial settings.
- Ergonomic injuries: Repetitive movements or improper lifting can cause strains, sprains, and other muscle, bone, or nerve injuries.
- Electrical hazards: While not too common, using powered equipment in wet areas or using malfunctioning/damaged equipment can pose a risk of electrocution.
- Bloodborne pathogens: Exposure to infectious materials is most specific to medical settings, but not exclusive to them.
- Noise & vibration: Prolonged use of industrial-grade cleaning equipment can sometimes cause hearing damage or hand-arm vibration syndrome.
- Poor air quality: Using cleaning chemicals in improperly ventilated areas can cause respiratory problems and increase the risk of chemical exposure.
Evidently, there are a lot of risks. Fortunately, they can be dramatically mitigated by adhering to established health and safety standards.
Do janitorial companies follow OSHA and other health & safety standards?
In short, yes – janitorial companies in the U.S. are required to follow OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) guidelines. These regulations define general industry practices that cleaning companies must integrate into their operating models to ensure the safety and well-being of their workers, and primarily focus on:
- Chemical safety
- Bloodborne pathogens
- Slipt, trip, and fall prevention
- Ergonomic and lifting safety
OSHA guidelines are generally considered the gold standard in the industry, but they are somewhat lacking in that they don’t issue cleaning-specific regulations. That’s why reputable janitorial contractors choose to adhere to other safety and regulatory standards, such as:
- EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) regulations for cleaning chemicals recommend using only EPA-registered products for disinfection and sanitization, especially in the medical and food industries.
- CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) guidelines for infection control are critical in healthcare and high-traffic settings, as they help reduce the spread and exposure to bloodborne and other pathogens.
- ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and/or IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning & Restoration Certification) standards are widely accepted by the janitorial industry since they do issue cleaning-specific regulations.
- State & local health codes may have regulations specific to commercial cleaning, most commonly for medical, educational, and food preparation facilities.
- Client-specific protocols are commonplace for companies operating in highly regulated environments (e.g., pharmaceutical or food manufacturing, healthcare), and are typically issued as custom SOPs (“Standard Operating Procedures”) which typically build upon regulations noted above.
While adherence to so many different rules and regulations may seem excessive, in reality – it is necessary. Commercial, industrial, and institutional environments are generally considered “mission-critical” or, at the very least, “high-expectation” – and in such settings, there’s no room for inconsistency, guesswork, or substandard practices.
What are the leading Bethesda, MD janitorial cleaning services near me?
If you’re looking for janitorial services tailored to the specific standards of your industry, look no further than Green Apple Commercial Cleaning. Our teams are trained and certified in the upkeep of high-stakes environments across different sectors, as well as expertly overseen by our experienced janitorial supervisors to ensure top-tier efficiency and effectiveness.
Whether you manage a medical clinic in the vicinity of Walter Reed Medical Center or an industrial facility on the outskirts of Bethesda, signing a cleaning contract with us means signing up for across-the-board higher level of care for your operation. Reach out to us today!
