Think about the first thing you notice when you walk into a building. If it smells clean, the floors shine, and the trash cans are neatly emptied, you probably do not stop to wonder why. That is the quiet impact of janitors and janitorial staff, the people who shape our daily environments in ways that often go unseen. Without their steady work, offices, schools, hospitals, and government buildings would quickly become unwelcoming and unhealthy. Their role in janitorial services is not just about sweeping and mopping, it is about creating order, safety, and comfort in every corner of our lives.

The truth is, commercial cleaning is about more than appearances. Janitors are on the front lines of public health. They disinfect desks before children arrive to learn, sanitize door handles touched by hundreds of hands, and maintain restrooms so that they remain safe and usable. During the height of the pandemic, many people began to recognize how vital their work really is, but even in ordinary times these efforts prevent the spread of illness, increase productivity, and build trust in the places we spend our time. Communities rely on janitorial cleaning services far more than they realize, and often only notice the importance when the work is missing.

Businesses and institutions that take cleanliness seriously often seek out certified and reliable professionals. That is why the Janitorial Directory exists, to connect people with trusted companies that meet industry standards in janitorial cleaning services. For building managers, property owners, or agencies, the directory is a practical way to find dependable providers who understand that clean spaces are not a luxury but a necessity. The next time you step into a spotless lobby or a freshly disinfected workspace, remember that it did not happen by accident. A janitor made that space ready for you, and in doing so made daily life a little better for everyone.

The importance of effective cleaning of work areas for all employees is essential to keeping those employees safe and free from exposure. Effective cleaning of all high traffic surfaces and all areas that may come into contact with employees must be cleaned and disinfected to ensure that those employees have a safe working environment free from exposure of all bodily fluids.

                The importance of employees learning about bloodborne pathogens and infectious diseases is something that needs to be taught and learned to keep it from being passed on from patient to staff. Keeping the staff educated on this matter should be a priority for employers of all medical facilities, from every department that enters a patient care area.

                All in all, education is an important thing for keeping the statistics down. The more education the lesser the chance of possible exposure. As an employer I take a lot of precautions for my employees and want to keep them safe and always educated. Making sure that all courses are up to date and completed by each of my employees helps to ensure that they are safe from exposure and always use universal precaution.

In today's Cleaning industry, it is essential that all cleaning company owners, particularly, members of IJCSA, have made themselves aware of the environmental situation on hand, as it relates to how the harsh chemicals and cleaning solutions being used for decades have proven to be a serious hazard to every living creature on the face of the earth. It incumbent of us to be a part of changing the mindset of the populous.

It is proven by most if not all of us, that "Going Green" is the best and safest option- in all aspects of our lives. We need to remove harmful chemicals and replace them by using all eco-friendly products.

A large percentage of consumers are in synch with this safer, cleaner way of living and therefore have an expectation of us "cleaning company owners", to ensure we have acquired a similar mindset; and are capable to deliver 100% Green Cleaning services using bio-degradeable products. 

IJCSA provides a superb educational website for its members, whereby any consumer can use its resources in Finding a Certified Green Cleaning Janitorial company in your area. International Janitorial Cleaning Service Association  online resource provides consumers with a peace of mind and satisfaction that companies listed are reputable.

IJCSA provides a broad array of training/certification courses to equip all members with the necessary knowledge to keep us current in the industry. It is important as members that we utilize the great resources provided to us. These certifications will enhance our company image whereby we showcase that we have raised the bar in the industry, setting us apart from the other "cleaning companies".

Be sure to sign up to all available certification courses offered by IJCSA by clicking on the following link:  https://www.ijcsa.org/Green-Certification-Course

Green Clean Home Care Services are 100% eco-friendly and chemical free cleaning company and we are ensuring we keep informed on IJSCA' member discussion forums and are embracing the relevant training courses.

When it comes to mold growth, black mold, or lingering mildew odors, choosing the right mold remediation professional makes all the difference. Mold affects indoor air quality, can trigger allergies and respiratory issues, and can spread quickly if not treated correctly. IJCSA Members are trained and certified in professional mold cleaning, mold removal, spore containment, moisture inspection, and HEPA filtration cleaning processes to ensure your home or business is restored to a clean and healthy environment. They use EPA-approved disinfectants, safe cleaning practices, and industry-standard mold remediation techniques to treat both visible and hidden mold at the source — not just on the surface.

Whether you’re dealing with basement mold, bathroom mold, attic mold, or mold caused by water damage or high humidity, there are certified experts ready to help. Use the IJCSA Flood Damage Directory to quickly locate a qualified mold remediation service near you. You’ll be connected with professionals who specialize in black mold removal, dehumidification, water damage restoration, and long-term mold prevention solutions. Our members prioritize safety, honesty, and customer care — helping you breathe easier and live healthier.

Find Your Mold Cleaning Service Here:

International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association - Flood Damage & Restoration

Healthy air starts with a clean environment—choose certified professionals who care.

 Let the International Janitorial and Cleaning Services Association assist you in finding a certified mold inspection and remediation services expert. Through our flood damage directory we can link you with the best professionals in your area whom we have passed our extensive mold remediation course. By using a IJCSA certified company you can be assured you will be working with a company that is knowledgeable and will get the job done right. 

Please visit  http://www.ijcsa.org/Flood-Damage-Restoration-Services to find your local service professional.

Understanding bloodborne pathogens is crucial in the workplace. All accidents that involve anything resembling blood should be treated as such and properly cleaned up.  Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms that are present in human blood and may be found in other bodily fluids, such as vomit, feces, saliva and urine. These pathogens cause diseases such as Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, and HIV which may progress into AIDS.  These pathogens can be spread through ingestion or exposed skin containing a cut or lesion.  To clean and prevent further exposure, certain steps should be taken.

The first step is to secure the area so no one else will be exposed. Second, a bloodborne pathogen kit should be obtained and all instructions read.  The kit is filled with items to help protect the person cleaning.  Common kit items include a mask, shovel and scoop, absorbing powder, booties, a biohazard bag, safety goggles, apron, towelettes and germicidal disposal wipes etc.  Proper cleaning steps should be completed and everything disposed into a biohazard bag. This PPE helps protect the cleaner from exposure. 

Knowing this information protects the cleaner and other employees and staff from potentially getting sick or catching a fatal disease.   The last element is proper documentation.  Every business should have instructions on how to handle bloodborne pathogens on site with proper training for all employees.  Management should always be notified and information forms completed when an exposure occurs.  

Cleaning professionals play a critical role in maintaining safe and sanitary environments in healthcare facilities, schools, offices, and public spaces. One of the most vital aspects of their job involves understanding and managing the risks associated with bloodborne pathogens (BBPs)—infectious microorganisms found in human blood that can cause diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B (HBV), and Hepatitis C (HCV). Accidental exposure to contaminated blood or bodily fluids through cuts, punctures, or mucous membranes poses a real health threat. That’s why it’s essential for all cleaning staff to be properly trained in recognizing, handling, and disposing of materials that may carry bloodborne pathogens.

Training and awareness empower cleaning employees to take appropriate precautions and use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, face shields, and protective gowns when dealing with potentially infectious materials. Understanding universal precautions—the practice of treating all human blood and certain body fluids as if they are infectious—ensures staff do not become complacent or assume a surface is safe. Staff should also know how to safely clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces, manage sharps disposal, and follow post-exposure procedures, including medical evaluation and incident reporting.

Beyond safety, knowing about bloodborne pathogens helps reinforce a culture of professionalism and accountabilitywithin cleaning teams. When employees are confident in their ability to protect themselves and others, they perform their duties more efficiently and with greater peace of mind. Additionally, it demonstrates that the employer is in compliance with OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), which is a legal requirement for many workplaces. In summary, educating cleaning employees about bloodborne pathogens is not just about compliance—it’s about protecting lives, maintaining trust, and ensuring a safe environment for everyone.

Cleaning employees and staff play a critical role in the ongoing effort to control the spread of germs and pathogens which can often lead to any number of diseases including but not limited to HIV and HBV.  When we receive training and education on bloodborne pathogens, we help guard against the spread of contagions that can result in negative health consequences for anyone who might otherwise be exposed to them. 

As a professional in the janitorial services field, I value the training that I received particularly since I work in medical facilities.  My training has helped me to better understand best practices for the properly handling of trash including a process which is very common that being the compacting of trash within trash liners and how that is a potentially hazardous practice which I will advise my staff not to perform.

My training has also helped me to better understand the most likely sources for the transmission and exposure to bloodborne pathogens, that being that pathogens are most likely to enter our bodies through our mucus membranes and or through cuts to our skin.  I think that most cleaning professionals take the basic precaution of wear gloves but armed with a better understanding of the other ways an infections can occur, I am inclined to resume wearing additional PPE including protective eyewear and a face mask.  

I think our collective relief that the threat posed from COVID 19 has been drastically reduced, got us all a little lax and this training reaffirmed the need for cleaning professionals to be as vigilant now as we were in the not- so-distant past.

Understanding bloodborne pathogens is essential for all working in the cleaning and janitorial industry. Employees often can encounter situations where exposure to bodily fluids can occur—such as restroom care, trash removal, or accident cleanup. Without proper training, staff may unintentionally put themselves and others at risk. Knowledge in this area helps workers recognize hazards, understand how infections spread, and respond safely and confidently.

Proper training ensures employees know how to use protective equipment, select the right disinfectants, and follow proper cleanup and disposal procedures. Well-trained staff can prevent cross-contamination, handle sharps safely, and take the right steps during an exposure incident. This not only protects employees but also safeguards clients, building occupants, and the public, resulting in cleaner, safer environments.

For professional cleaning companies, the benefits are just as significant. Employees who are educated about bloodborne pathogens help reduce liability and risk, maintain compliance with safety standards, and provide a maximum level of service. Investing in this training, is paramount to builds client trust and strengthens the overall professionalism and reliability of the organization.

Topps Cleaning Service believes that occupational health, safety, and knowledge about bloodborne pathogens is crucial, particularly for our cleaning employees and staff. Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms present in blood that can cause diseases in humans. This group of pathogens includes, but is not limited to, Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Given the nature of cleaning tasks, which often involve exposure to bodily fluids, it is imperative that our staff be well-informed and adequately trained to handle such hazards.

Our facility employees such as janitors, housekeepers, custodians, and cleaners may be at risk of exposure to blood and other body fluids in the workplace. If proper precautions are not taken, exposure to these pathogens can easily lead to infectious diseases.  

Organizations, like Topps Cleaning Service, are required by law to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards regarding bloodborne pathogens. These regulations mandate employee training, the implementation of exposure control plans, and the provision of necessary protective equipment. Compliance not only ensures the safety of our employees but also protects Topps Cleaning Service from legal liabilities associated with non-compliance.

Our educated and well-trained cleaning staff play a critical role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases within the workplace. By following proper protocols, our employees can minimize the risk of contamination and ensure a safer environment for everyone. This is particularly important in healthcare settings, schools, and other public facilities where the risk of exposure is higher.

Topps Cleaning Service, as well as other members of the IJCSA, prioritize employee safety and protection from the risks that these pathogens pose.