H1N1 VIRUS PREVENTION UPDATE

October 2009
The Texas Tech University System Office of Technology Commercialization is developing a radio-frequency identification (RFID) monitoring system for badges worn by health care and food facility workers to monitor their hand hygiene habits.

According to the University, statistics reveal infections caused by the spread of hospital-originated infections have increased by 109 percent over the past ten years. Simple hand washing can decrease the rate of infection by as much as 48 percent.

“As the regulatory environment for health care shifts and the likelihood of more vigilant insurance increases, the need for such a technology in the present market exists and could prove to be highly profitable.”

The University identifies the restaurant industry and other sanitation-conscious industries such as grocery stores and food packing facilities as secondary markets. Testing has just begun.

Meanwhile, General Electric’s Research team has received $2 million from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to develop wearable RFID sensors to alert people to the presence of environmental chemical agents in the air.

GE’s research is geared toward providing real-time information about the presence of potentially harmful chemical agents i the air. Breath sensors are included, and can potentially identify bio markers, helping to warn against the presence of certain diseases. These sensors can also be placed with an ID badge.

READ PRESS RELEASE: Hand Washing, Prompting and Compliance System by Texas Tech University System Office of Technology Commercialization

READ PRESS RELEASE: GE Scientists Developing Wearable RFID Sensors to Detect Airborne Chemical Agents

For more information on how Metroclean can provide hand-sanitizer stations throughout your building, or to retrofit your restrooms with automatic sensors, please contact Lesli Mann, Director of Business Development at (713) 255-0100 or at lmann@Metrocleanonline.com

Photo courtesy of Telegraph.co.uk.

### © Metroclean 2010. All Rights Reserved

Written by: Dahlia Kelada, Director of Marketing, Metroclean  dahliak@metrocleanonline.com

METROCLEAN IN 2010

by Naoko Costantini

Greetings and Happy New Year!

I would like to take the opportunity to thank you, for your continued support and friendship we shared throughout 2009.

Metroclean, like most businesses, has had to adjust to current economic trends. Throughout the year, we took the opportunity to expand our lines of service. After careful examination of our strengths and weaknesses, we retooled for 2010 by bringing onto our team a Director of Safety and a new Director of Operations.

In order to further commit ourselves to the janitorial industry, we brought onboard Stephanie Loving, a 16-year veteran in property management. Our goal is to bring the property manager’s point of view to better service our Clients.

As always, we begin the new year with new cleaning programs and look forward to introducing our sales team to you. We understand the real estate business is looking to cut costs, and we will work to help you achieve those goals.

Metroclean wishes you a prosperous and successful 2010. Thank you again for your continued support.

— Naoko

“We’re listening to serve you better.”

Polling Green

Four out of five BSCs now use green cleaning products, according to a Contracting Profits survey

By Lisa Ridgely, Deputy Editor of Contracting Profits

Many building service contractors used to have their doubts about green cleaning — and about the green movement in general. But as the business world now knows, green was not a fad; it’s here to stay, and has entrenched itself in our vocabulary, thoughts and behaviors.

Within the past few years, there has been no denying the industry trends of creating healthier indoor environments, cleaning as a respected science, using products that are better for the environment and a heightened emphasis on worker safety.

Three years ago, only about half of BSCs surveyed by Contracting Profits used green cleaning products. Now, four out of five building service contractors who responded to a recent survey are using them.

“With business, if you’re not changing, you’re dying, and the change to go green is a part of all business today, not just the cleaning industry,” says Travis Ryan, general manager at Envirotech Building Services in St. Cloud, Minn. “Our customers are being urged by their customers to be green, and that’s why we’re seeing that jump as well. We’re sort of seeing the trickle-down effect.”

Three years ago, only about half of BSCs surveyed by Contracting Profits used green cleaning products. Now, four out of five building service contractors who responded to a recent survey are using them.

“With business, if you’re not changing, you’re dying, and the change to go green is a part of all business today, not just the cleaning industry,” says Travis Ryan, general manager at Envirotech Building Services in St. Cloud, Minn. “Our customers are being urged by their customers to be green, and that’s why we’re seeing that jump as well. We’re sort of seeing the trickle-down effect.”

True Believers

A small number of environmentally minded BSCs helped start the green cleaning movement by jumping on board five or more years ago, and more BSCs have been spurred to action by customer mandates or legislation as the movement gained steam. Whereas there used to be some industry resistance to transitioning to a green cleaning program — for BSCs, that came in the form of hesitancy to invest in new products — it seems improved green products have proven their legitimacy.

“Janitorial products and equipment over the past few years have changed so much,” Dahlia Kelada, director of marketing for Houston-based Metroclean Commercial Building Services. “There are many more green-claimed products on the market, requiring stricter monitoring and regulations, not only for using them but for manufacturing them. Even the standards set by governing bodies have made adjustments along the way. I think if those green-claimed products weren’t standardized and regulated, the same hesitation would still be here. It establishes trust for the customer, and even us janitors who directly use them.”

Some companies have such a commitment to green cleaning that they have transitioned completely to green programs, leaving most traditional chemicals behind. In fact, the most commonly used green products, according to the survey, are multi-purpose cleaners, restroom cleaners and glass cleaners. Other popular green products include microfiber cloths and mops and recycled paper products.

The Right ‘Stuff’ Are jan/san distributors meeting end user needs? How you match up.

By Nick Bragg, Deputy Editor
ClinkLink

Even in an uncertain economic situation, one thing is for sure in the jan/san industry — end users still view distributors as an important link in the supply chain.

According to separate Sanitary Maintenance magazine surveys of building service contractors (BSCs) and in-house service professionals (ISPs) that asked them about their distributor expectations, 55 percent of BSCs and 67 percent of ISPs say they purchase their products exclusively from jan/san distributors.

A major reason why most end users say they choose to deal exclusively with distributors rather than manufacturers, wholesalers or “big-box” stores is because distributors can control costs, offer more resources and bring value through partnerships.

“Distributors become very familiar with our business and know who our particular audience is. They can provide alternate solutions to us that other outlets can’t,” says Dahlia Kelada, director of marketing for Metroclean, a Houston-based BSC. “Distributors know right away what our customers want. The relationship part is important. There’s value in that.”

That relationship becomes even more critical during economic hardships. In light of the recession, 73 percent of both BSCs and ISPs are relying more on their distributors to help them grow their business.

“We look at an economic downturn as an opportunity to grow our business, not as a hindrance,” says Kelada. “We value vendors who want to go the extra mile to provide exceptional value, as opposed to those who want to make a quick sell.”

With more end users seeking extra help nowadays, it’s extremely important that distributors provide the services customers want or risk losing their business to another supplier.

Pricing Outweighs All

In the current recession, BSCs overwhelmingly view good product price as the most important factor when choosing a distributor. According to the survey, 52 percent of BSCs chose a distributor based on their product prices. The next highest trait — value-added services was selected by only 18 percent of respondents.

Because end user companies have been forced to tighten their budgets and work with less, price has easily become top of mind, especially for those BSCs who have customers requesting reduced pricing.

###

Courtesy of IWCA:
Photos show a new razor blade before and after it was passed over the surface of defective tempered glass.

A good window cleaning contractor will determine, prior to project start, if cleaning can be done safely, without risk of damage to the windows. Standard operating procedures must be in place and implemented before, during and after a window cleaning service.

RECOGNIZING DEFECTED TEMPERED GLASS
Some testers believe thorough testing involves scraping the tempered glass (as it would occur during the normal cleaning process) and using bright lights to locate scratches. Magnifiers can be used to confirm they were indeed fabricating debris scratches.

Signs to identify poor-quality tempered glass:

• Scratches and/or “pimples” are commonly widespread on the glass surface.
• Scratching will typically occur on the side of the tempered glass that was in contact with the rollers in the tempering furnace.
• The side facing up in the tempering furnace is usually defect free, and will not scratch when cleaned with the same window cleaning tools and technique.
• If one pane has defects, it’s likely others will too if it comes from the same batch.

For more information on Metroclean’s Construction Cleanup services, please contact Ginger Rucker, Account Executive at (713) 255-0100 or ginger@metrocleanonline.com.

If you would like a free window cleaning estimate on your existing building, please contact, Director of Business Development, Lesli Mann at (713) 255-0100 or  lmann@metrocleanonline.com.

“We’re listening to serve you better.”

Sources:
“Construction Window Cleaning: A Primer by Daniel A. Fields”
www.wisegeek.com
www.iwca.org
www.stopscratchedglass.com
PHOTOS: www.iwca.org

“We’re listening to serve you better.”

### © Metroclean 2009. All Rights Reserved

Written by: Dahlia Kelada, Director of Marketing, Metroclean  dahliak@metrocleanonline.com

From a distance, an attractive building can catch a prospective tenant’s eye; but, if they approach your building only to find dirty or oil-stained sidewalks and parking garages, unclean dumpster areas or even unsightly stains or graffiti on the building, this may deter them from going inside.

Property managers are selling before they even meet the prospective client — presentations start when people pull into your parking lot.

Current market conditions make it challenging for property managers to compete for a new tenant’s attention. Why miss an opportunity because of exterior maintenance?

Federal, state and local regulations are always changing, and we’ve interpreted current rules and regulations for the purpose of this article. Always reference your local government before making a decision. CITY OF HOUSTON: PUBLIC WORKS

The main goal of pressure washing is to break the bond between the dirt and the surface area. Pressure washing makes this process quicker and more efficient.

Hot Water — High Pressure
Depending on soiling, a temperature of 250-320 degrees is used to clean granite, concrete, precast concrete, quartz and brick. High pressure cleaning involves a direct blast of internally-heated water, typically discharged at five gallons per minute, under 3,000 pounds per square inch of pressure (psi).

Large-Area Pressure Washing
For large areas such as warehouse, parking areas and other large, ground areas, using flat, cart-mounted power washers are more practical and excellent at removing oil and grease.

Hot Water — Low Pressure
This is typically used for fragile stone such as limestone. This low-pressure (100 psi), steam cleaning (200 degrees) method allows for mildew and stain removal from limestone without damaging its structural integrity.

Cold Water — High Pressure
This method is best to clean areas that may be otherwise sensitive to heat, including plastic, rubber and various types of paint.

CAREFUL WHO YOU HIRE
Hiring someone because they offer an unbeatable low price or because they have a truck and a water tank on the bed, doesn’t mean they’re going to save you money or do a quality service. Unqualified or uninsured contractors can cause more damage than good. Consider broken stone, scarred concrete and misdirected water as likely possibilities.

Be sure to hire a company that has reputable credentials and is a member of PWNA (Power Washers of North America).

DON’T FORGET THE LAWS
Texas has strict waste-water ordinances, requiring run-off water to be captured and disposed of properly after “cosmetic cleaning” services including that of exterior pressure washing. More specifically, if chemicals such as emulsifiers are used during the pressure washing service, the water must be reclaimed. Regulations are in place so that run-off water doesn’t leak into storm drains and the local water supply.

Any cold, used water from pressure washing that is not contaminated with soap, detergent, degreaser, solvent, emulsifier, dispersant or any other cleaning substance may be discharged to the storm drain as long as the storm drain inlet is screened to catch debris.

Types of polluting substances released when pressure washing various surfaces:

• detergents
• fats / oil
• grease
• gasoline
• solids
• heavy metals
• herbicides/insecticides/pesticides/fertilizers
• solvents
• emulsified oil

Yes, Metroclean has a dedicated team of technicians that provide exterior building maintenance, including pressure washing of sidewalks, buildings and parking garages; as well as graffiti removal. We can also restripe your parking lots.

For a free quote and surface evaluation for an existing building, Property Managers, please call Lesli Mann, Director of Business Development at (713) 255-0100 or e-mail her at lmann@metrocleanonline.com.

For a free quote and surface evaluation for new construction buildings, General Contractors, please call Ginger Rucker, Account Executive at (713) 255-0100 or ginger@metrocleanonline.com.

“We’re listening to serve you better.”

### © Metroclean 2009. All Rights Reserved

Written by: Dahlia Kelada, Director of Marketing, Metroclean  dahliak@metrocleanonline.com

Metroclean’s Construction
Cleanup Division

Meet Ginger Rucker

Metroclean welcomes Ginger Rucker to the business development team as Account Executive for Metroclean’s Construction Cleanup Division.

Ginger has been working as an account manager in the construction industry for nearly three years, with prior experience in both sales and operations for telecommunications and data network installation.

“Superintendents, project managers and estimators work so hard to select the right vendors to construct their buildings. Now is the time to make the best possible first impression, indoors and out. That’s what we’re here for — Metroclean is in the business of first impressions, and we want your finished building to reflect the highest standards your building owner and future tenants expect.”

Detailed final cleaning includes ongoing indoor and outdoor high-dust removal, floor cleaning and window cleaning.

For more information on Metroclean’s Construction Cleanup Division or to inquire about a free estimate, please contact Ginger Rucker, Account Executive at (713) 255-0100 or ginger@metrocleanonline.com.

### © Metroclean 2009. All Rights Reserved

To understand the difference, we must first know what pre and post consumer fibers are, as well as recycled content.

### © Metroclean 2009. All Rights Reserved

Written by: Dahlia Kelada, Director of Marketing, Metroclean  dahliak@metrocleanonline.com

Meet Gabriel Hernandez

### © Metroclean 2009. All Rights Reserved

### © Metroclean 2009. All Rights Reserved

Written by: Dahlia Kelada, Director of Marketing, Metroclean  dahliak@metrocleanonline.com

Rumors have gone around that the number indicated on the bottom of your water bottle lets you know how many times you can reuse it. WRONG!!

Typically, only #1 and #2 with narrow necks can be placed in common plastic recycling bins. To recycle plastics with  higher numbers, contact your local recycling facility. Find local recycling facilities for all types of materials.

Numbers 1 and 2 plastics should only be used once – No refilling.

DOWNLOAD: Read the HealthObservatory.org article
to see what each number means.

HAVE YOU HEARD OF BPA?
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical found in many types of plastics.

According to the National Institute of Health: “BPA gets into our bodies when we eat or drink foods from containers made with BPA. Most plastic containers arena’t made with BPA, but it’s often found in a strong, see-through plastic called polycarbonate. (Polycarbonate containers with BPA usually have a #7 recycling symbol on the bottom, although not all plastics marked with #7 contain BPA.)  Scientists know that tiny amounts of BPA can leach out of these containers into foods and drinks.”

Some studies suggest that exposing the plastics to high temperatures can cause more BPA to seep into foods.

A recent study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that more than 90 percent of Americans age 6 and older have detectable levels of BPA in their urine.

A report from National Toxicology Program, released in September 2008, expressed “some concern” about BPA’s potential effects on infants, children and fetuses. Animal studies suggests that BPA exposure before adulthood can affect the brain, behavior and prostate gland.

• Avoid using plastic containers in the microwave. Chemicals are released from the plastic when heated and leech into the food. Don’t microwave food and drinks in plastic containers, unless they say “Microwave Safe.” Instead, use ceramic containers free of metallic paint.
• Avoid using cling wrap in the microwave. Use waxed paper or a paper towel instead. If you must use plastic wrap, don’t let it touch your food.
• Avoid plastic bottled water unless you’re traveling or live in an area of questionable water. Because bottled water is less regulated, it has less-certain purity and safety than tap water, and is much more expensive.
• Reduce or eliminate the use of plastic bottles to avoid landfill waste and exposure to chemicals that leach from the plastic. There are biodegradable, bio-based plastic water bottles on the market.
• Never put warm or hot liquids in a plastic bottle.
• Bring your own bag to the grocery store. Avoid using plastic bags.
• If you’re going to use plastic, use containers that do not contain BPA.

PLASTIC FACTS

• Recycle: reprocessing of materials into new products
• Reuse: the act of using something again
• The bottling industry alone now uses up around 100 million barrels of oil a year to product their product packaging, and that doesn’t include the fuel used to transport them around the world.
  
• Only 1 percent of plastic bags produced globally each year are recycled
• In a 2007 national survey, 72 percent of Americans did not know that plastic is an oil-based product. (Around 10 percent of U.S. oil consumption goes into making plastic.)
• Forty percent of people think that plastic biodegrades underground, in composts, landfills or out at sea. The truth is, it doesn’t biodegrade at all, at least not for up to a thousand years or more.
• If we recycled every plastic bottle we used, we would keep two billion tons of plastic out of landfills.
• We use enough plastic wrap to wrap all of Texas every year.

Let’s face it, we can’t change the world over night. If you’re ready to get your tenants started on a recycling program and practicing sustainability, let the experts at Metroclean help you lead the way.

We can help you start a recycling program for plastic, paper, aluminum, toner cartridges and batteries. Give Lesli Mann, Director of Business Development a call at (713) 255-0100 or lmann@metrocleanonline.com.

Sources: Earth911.com; National Institute of Health, “Worried About Plastic Bottles;” Institute of Agriculture and Trade Policy; and CNN.com/Asia: Recycling Plastics

### © Metroclean 2009. All Rights Reserved

Written by: Dahlia Kelada, Director of Marketing, Metroclean  dahliak@metrocleanonline.com

— simply because, touch-free products reduce material costs, create less waste, reduce water consumption and require less-frequent janitorial servicing.

• paper dispensers
• soap dispensers
• faucets
• toilets/urinals
• lights
  

STORAGE AND WASTE
PAPER: With traditional paper dispensers, people may not take the time to unfold paper towels properly, or may have the habit of grabbing more than necessary. Large amounts of waste are also created with traditional dispensers that allow for paper to fall out of dispensers on the floor.

### © Metroclean 2009. All Rights Reserved

Written by: Dahlia Kelada, Director of Marketing, Metroclean  dahliak@metrocleanonline.com

When a product is “Green Seal Certified,” it means that product meets rigorous, science-based environmental leadership standards. Metroclean uses Green Seal Certified products with our LEADGREEN Program; because, the Green Seal stamp of approval means these products are better for human health and the environment.HOW DOES GREEN SEAL AND LEED WORK TOGETHER?
The use of products certified under the Green Seal Standards will automatically qualify for LEED points.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GREEN CHEMICALS?

• helps meet green purchasing mandates
• promotes a healthier working environment
• improves safety for janitorial workers
• reduces environmental footprint
• helps position your property as a leader in sustainable practices

For more information on how Metroclean can start start using Green Seal products in your building today, contact Lesli Mann, Director of Business Development at (713) 255-0100 or lmann@metrocleanonline.com.

Source:  http://www.greenseal.org/

### © Metroclean 2008. All Rights Reserved

Written by: Dahlia Kelada, Director of Marketing  dahliak@metrocleanonline.com

Metroclean recommends each tenant has a safety captain to sweep the office regularly to identify potential hazards.

Here are seven common fire hazards most people miss in an office environment.

1) Damaged Power Cords: Damaged and ungrounded cords pose a threat of electric shock to employees, and can present a fire hazard.

Have your tenant’s elected safety captain inspect the cords regularly for wear, and never use a power cord with damaged external sheathing or exposed wires. If the third prong on the plus is damaged or removed, do not use.

Don’t forget, damaged cords are in violation of your building’s safety codes.

Downloads:

• U.S. Office of Compliance Safety & Health Facts: Damaged Cords [PDF Download]

2) Misused Extension Cords: Improper use of unapproved extension cords can present a serious fire safety hazard in the workplace. The most common cause of fires, according to the U.S. Office of Compliance Safety & Health, is from extension cords that are improperly used or overloaded.

• U.S. Office of Compliance Safety & Health Facts: Extension Cords & Power Strips [PDF Download]

3) Improper Storage of Heavy Items: Large stacks of materials and/or heavy articles can pose a great safety risk to employees if they fall or are knocked over. Heavy items should always be stored to close to the floor, and care should be taken never to exceed the safe load capacity of shelving or storage units.

4) Blocking Sprinkler Heads: Sprinklers are an essential and effective way of fire protection. Often times, furniture and stacked items are placed near or around the sprinkler heads, blocking the range of the sprinkler. Never place anything higher than 18 inches below a sprinkler or in such a way that it will block its full range of coverage.

5) No Emergency Action Plan: Emergency Action Plans, or EAPs, describe how to safely evacuate in an emergency, where to gather after evacuation, and who should perform certain critical functions.

6) Opened Fire Doors: Holding fire doors open by unapproved means is a significant fire hazard. Fire doors are fundamental to the integrity of fire barriers, which are used to separate spaces to prevent the spread of fire in buildings.

Doors that are designed to be fire doors can be held open, but only if they automatically release when the building fire alarms are activated.

Downloads:

• U.S. Office of Compliance Safety & Health Facts: Fire Door Safety [PDF Download]

7) Unsafe Space Heaters: It’s best not to allow space heaters at all, especially since they can be forgotten about and left on, posing a major fire hazard.

If portable space heaters are allowed, be sure to always use those that are approved for commercial use by a recognize safety testing laboratory.

Never place a space heater near combustible materials, and have a tip-over switch to ensure they will turn off automatically when knocked over.

Never use space heaters with extension cords.

Downloads:

• U.S. Office of Compliance Safety & Health Facts: Facts About Space Heaters [PDF Download]

Metroclean values a safety-first attitude, and actively trains our janitors to perform safely at all times. We have an in-house foreman to repair all our equipment to not only protect the lifespan of our state-of-the-art equipment, but to prevent fire hazards in the buildings we service.

For more information about how our janitors are trained, or our equipment maintenance please contact Lesli Mann, Director of Business Development at (713) 255-0100 or lmann@metrocleanonline.com.

Source: Library of Congress: Office of Compliance

### © Metroclean 2009. All Rights Reserved

Written by: Dahlia Kelada, Director of Marketing, Metroclean  dahliak@metrocleanonline.com