Executive Housekeeping Today - January 2008 - (Page 5)

Shining the Light on ATP Detection Jerry and Maggie celebrated 25 years together at their favorite restaurant in their favorite hotel. As a waiter placed their entrées in front of them, they exchanged satisfied glances and shared a toast to their long-lasting marriage. Unfortunately for the happy couple, the celebration soon came to an end: Both suffered mild cases of food poisoning later that evening. Although the hotel’s kitchen appeared clean and well-maintained, the couple was unknowingly exposed to harmful bacterial microorganisms and residues left from previous meals or cooking activities. And this all could have been prevented, had the housekeeping staff been aware that they could test for the presence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and this would have allowed them to clean and remove the harmful contaminants before they were consumed. ATP detection devices and systems help to eliminate the risk of contamination. Although cleaning, scrubbing, and mopping may provide the illusion of cleanliness, as it did in this case, without the proper tools to detect harmful bacteria, there is no way of knowing if a property is still infected unless a swab and other samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis. But even then, the results may not be conclusive. With recent national headlines about food products being recalled and restaurants being closed after testing positive for E. coli (in November 2007, General Mills announced it was pulling tainted frozen pizza off the shelves; and in 2006, health inspectors were j by Michael Schiavetta called to the famed Drake Hotel in Chicago due to an outbreak of food poisoning), it is vital that hotel properties, restaurants, and food facilities demonstrate how they are using the most advanced technology available to promote clean and healthy work environments. And the news doesn’t stop there. Last year, USA Today (February 6) reported that Florida’s hotels and restaurants were not being inspected thoroughly, primarily due to outdated equipment and a lack of inspectors and proper inspection equipment. The government auditors who made this conclusion also warned that consumers might be exposed to greater risks of health hazards, including foodborne illnesses, unless these problems were fixed. Furthermore, health inspection results for hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and other businesses across the country are often available to anyone with Internet access, potentially and seriously marring a property’s reputation. All of these elements make it imperative for industries to take advantage of technology such as ATP detection systems, which help find harmful organisms that could adversely impact clients and the bottom line. After years of research and technological innovation, ATP detectors have advanced to the point where their user-friendly design and inexpensive nature can truly empower facility managers and cleaning professionals across many industries to improve their job performance. The science used to measure ATP allows users to better understand the effectiveness of their cleaning methods, as well as how to make improvements to their current regimen. Before ATP detection, the primary testing method used petri dishes to help scientists monitor the growth of harmful bacteria and other contaminants. The downside of this process was that it took days to deliver results and was expensive. Thus, the system was not considered practical. In the 1970s, scientists improved the detection of microorganisms by introducing machines specifically designed for this purpose, though new limitations—namely, the cost and size of these devices—hindered widespread use. But today’s advanced ATP detection systems offer much more mobility and greater accuracy. In addition, they are more cost-effective as compared to their predecessors, making them the perfect tool for restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and other organizations that are serious about ensuring a safe and healthy workplace. And, test results with these new systems can be attained in as little as 15 seconds. Why All the Fuss About ATP? The molecule ATP is one of the basic foundations of all life. However, its presence is a red flag to professional cleaners that harmful bacteria may be present. As such, ATP detection is one of the most important steps to developing a proper cleaning regimen, particularly in the food and health industries. “ATP is the primary energy (continued on page 10) January 2008/Executive Housekeeping Today 5

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Executive Housekeeping Today - January 2008

Executive Housekeeping Today - January 2008 Contents Executive Corner How Hand-Held Computers Benefit Quality Assurance Programs Shining the Light on ATP Detection Frugal Housekeeper MRSA: Myth or Monster? The Impact of New Laundry Technology I.E.H.A.’s 41st Educational Conference and Convention Wrap-Up Board Briefing 2007 Audit Report The Green Scene 2007 International Housekeepers Week Celebrations! Inside the Industry Product Highlights Advertisers' Index Joint IEHA/ISSA Members New Members Calendar of Events Inside I.E.H.A. What I.E.H.A. Has Done For Me

Executive Housekeeping Today - January 2008

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