Executive Housekeeping Today - January 2009 - (Page 13)

a What’s in YOUR Janitor Closet? by Vince Fagan parent. Gutter is an example of a change agent. As part of the tour, we were all made more aware of the many CO2 emissions and VOCs that are in the air due to materials we had all assumed were safe in the past. Now, due to a heightened awareness, we know how to create change to improve IAQ and IEQ in buildings. Becoming an agent for change includes making a well-thought-out plan in order to make changes for health at your facility seem more palatable. Let’s start with the janitor closet and think about the folks who utilize it. With the introduction of new Green cleaning chemicals, as well as Green strippers and floor finishes, to name just a few, there might be some justified confusion among our cleaning staff. Our job as supervisors, managers, administrators, and directors is to alleviate that confusion. Training can take you there. Yes, yes, we have all heard the concern in regards to training, “Why put time into training the staff? They just leave right after they’re hired anyway.” It is a known fact that turnover in our industry can reach a level of 300 percent; however, it is also known that the number one method of reducing turnover is training. Having trained many cleaning staffs myself, I always begin by asking the attendees, “What is the definition of a custodian?” Answer: The protector of the assets (assets, for us, being the building occupants). Next question, “What is the difference between a janitor and a custodian?” Answer: Training. Insisting on a professional training program at your facility is another way to set new precedents As we begin a New Year, I look forward to this column becoming a channel for change in our industry. For many executive housekeepers, change is an ever-present challenge. For those of you who have embraced change as a positive force in your careers, I say, “Congratulations.” Many of us, however, for one reason or another, think that we are too busy, may have too little interest, or feel that we have too many more important things to do than change. We are the ones who need to step back and consider the possibilities that change may bring to the facility we manage. If becoming a change agent differentiates the executive housekeeper as being proactive versus reactive, then I believe we should all become change agents. This brings about the next question, “What needs changing?” As an advocate for LEED buildings (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), I can safely presume that we should start by addressing issues that affect our indoor air quality (IAQ) and our indoor environmental quality (IEQ). In November 2008, I attended a Healthy Schools Conference in Washington, D.C., which was held in the same building that headquarters the United States Green Building Council, the home of LEED. As an added benefit to the conference, we were afforded a tour of the USGBC offices (LEED Platinum rated). The tour was conducted by Rachel Gutter, senior manager, and it was inspiring to see the excitement and vigor that she displayed while giving the tour. Her commitment to the cause of sustainability, source reduction, reuse, and recycling all were ap- What’s in YOUR Janitor Closet? We hope not this! and become a change agent for our industry. Now, assuming that your program is in place and ready to go, take the next step and find out what’s in YOUR janitor closet. If you’re not sure, take a walk down the hall and join the meeting probably already in progress—take an audit, match the SKU’s against what purchasing has procured, see if there is consistency of products in all the closets in the building. Think of your work as a journey of health towards improving the IAQ and the IEQ in your facility. If anyone is inclined, you are invited to share stories, ask questions, or make comments related to your janitor closets. If your communication and stories can benefit our industry, then through this information we can all promote a healthy means of cleaning and use of safe products and practices. Send in your experiences and stories, funny or sad, good or scary—send them all! Please send to: thejanitorcloset@yahoo.com. u Vince Fagan is Vice President Sales for United Supply Service, Inc., in Chicago, Illinois. He may be reached at thejanitorcloset@yahoo.com. January 2009/Executive Housekeeping Today 3

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Executive Housekeeping Today - January 2009

Executive Housekeeping Today - January 2009 Contents Executive Corner Start With the Seal: CRI Seal of Approval Offers Proven Effectiveness 2008 IHW Celebrations! Frugal Housekeeper What’s in Your Janitor Closet? Feature Article Let the “Recognition Games” Begin! The Green Scene Product Highlights New Members Joint IEHA/ISSA Members REH/CEH Members Advertisers' Index Calendar of Events Inside IEHA What IEHA Has Done For Me

Executive Housekeeping Today - January 2009

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