Agathos Commercial Cleaning Company, Arizona's premier commercial professional janitorial service in
Phoenix and Scottsdale.​
Office Hours | M-F | 9am to 5pm
(951) 283-8042
Green Cleaning Service in Phoenix
A Guide for Leadership in Commercial Cleaning Green
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cleaning— high performance cleaning that protects human and environmental health—is in demand. The procedures, products, and training that services utilize can enhance our health and well-being if managed responsibly. Both in-house and contracted cleaning services can protect tenants, workers, and the environment by following the requirements in Green Seal’s Standard for Commercial and Industrial Cleaning, GS- 42.
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The Scope of GS-42
The standard — establishes leadership environmental requirements for all activities that cleaning services typically perform when cleaning indoor areas and entryways of commercial, public and industrial buildings. The standard also covers the cleaning of hotels, hospitals, dormitories, and similar properties with residential and common areas, and the cleaning of common or public areas of apartment buildings and similar properties. GS-42 does not cover the maintenance of any exterior areas such as parking lots, grounds, or picnic areas; residential homes or areas, or specialty cleaning services.
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Key Areas Addressed GS-42 establishes criteria for the most important and impactful processes of cleaning services:
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Cleaning Operations | Communication | Purchasing | Training | Labeling
Cleaning Operations Requirements (Summary)
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• Building-Specific Plans: Have written standard operating procedures and schedules that are specific to each building
• Floor care: Follow specifics for routine and restorative maintenance of floors and carpet
• Restrooms: Clean and disinfect; do not mingle equipment with other areas
• Dining areas and break rooms: Clean and sanitize surfaces daily
• Entryways: Criteria included for walk-off matting and frequent cleaning
• Disinfection: Use EPA-registered disinfectants only where needed and as directed
• Trash and Recycling: Inspect and pull as needed, work with management to support their program
• Vulnerable populations: Identify vulnerable populations and develop plans that reduce their exposure to cleaning chemicals
• Indoor plants: Keep plants away from carpet and vents
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Communication Requirements Develop a plan to ensure good communication with cleaning personnel and facility managers.
• Provide feedback on issues such as pest control and construction and building improvements
• Make a list of all cleaning products used, provide material safety data sheets and provide a cleaning contact person for building
• Obtain from the manager any special needs of occupants and have a mitigation plan Purchasing Requirements
• Purchase certified environmentally preferable products in the following categories:
â—¦ General-purpose cleaners, floor cleaners, bathroom cleaners, glass cleaners, and carpet cleaners
â—¦ Floor finishes and floor strippers
â—¦ Liquid hand soap â—¦ Toilet tissue and facial tissue
â—¦ Paper towels and napkins • Establish criteria for new powered cleaning equipment: â—¦ Vacuum cleaners
â—¦ Carpet extraction equipment Cleaning Operations
â—¦ Powered floor maintenance equipment â—¦ Propane-powered floor equipment â—¦ Powered scrubbing machines
• Purchase cleaning products and supplies in ways that minimize the amount of waste generated from packaging and containers.
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Why Be an Environmental Leader?
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Green Cleaning Helps Occupants Stay Healthy
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• Green cleaning results in less missed work days and more productive environments
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• Poor indoor air quality can negatively impact worker performance
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• Polluted indoor air can contribute to or aggravate many respiratory illnesses Green Cleaning Helps Protect the Health of Custodial Staff
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• Training staff in the use of safer products helps reduce injuries, decrease Workers’ Compensation claims, and lower insurance costs Green Cleaning Increases the Lifespan of Facilities
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• Proper maintenance extends the life and performance of building materials and furnishings Green Cleaning Preserves the Environment
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• Using less and safer chemicals protects air and water quality and aquatic life
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• Buying recycled paper and plastic products helps conserve natural resources
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• Maintaining equipment and using environmentally preferable products reduces waste This document provides a summary of GS-42.
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