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Green Cleaning Procedures

Green Cleaning - Best Management Practices

Green Cleaning

It is the policy of SUNY Canton to promote the use of environmentally sustainable practices in all campus operations and to work as a proactive member of the community in promoting such practices. This policy is intended to be consistent with NYS Executive Order #134 enacted January 5, 2005. SUNY Canton promotes green cleaning to protect health without causing environmental damage by using procedures and products that contribute to healthy surroundings for building occupants and cleaning staff. Green Cleaning eliminates or reduces known toxins and promotes resource consumption. Emphasis is placed on the environmental sustainability of cleaning operations and overall building health in addition to building appearance. SUNY Canton uses the NYS OGS Green Cleaning Program and the U.S. Green Building Council LEED Operations and Maintenance Guidelines, January 2008 as the basis for establishing a High Performance Cleaning Program in all campus facilities. The program includes: staff training, the use of dilution systems, sustainable material purchases and the use of appropriate cleaning equipment.

The foundation of an effective environmentally sensitive cleaning program is built on using the best methods, the most effective practices and equipment, in addition to selecting green cleaning products and practices that work effectively. Making both good selections and following best practices are essential to minimizing adverse impacts on health and the environment:

• Reduce the need to clean by installing effective entrance floor matting systems
• Follow instructions and precautions provided by the manufacturer
• All chemical products will be dispensed via dilution stations where possible.
• Disinfectant or germicide cleaners will be used only if needed.
• Minimize the use of products that leave a scent in the room
• Select floor finishes that handle wear and minimize maintenance
• Cleaning solutions that are cold water formulated whenever possible
• Vacuum all areas frequently. New vacuums will be CRI certified.
• Training for custodial and maintenance personnel
• Removing non-standard chemicals from the building
• Purchase supplies that contain high post consumer recycled components
• Install multiple roll dispensers for toilet tissue   
• Install large roll dispensers for paper towels
• Proactively consult with outside resources to enhance custodial systems
• Benchmark cleaning services with similar institutions
• Promote recycling efforts by all campus stakeholders
• Promote the use of new cleaning technologies and equipment such as:
• Microfiber cloths and mops
• Multilevel walk-off mats
• Two chamber cleaning buckets
• CRI approved carpet extractors
• "No Touch" cleaning systems
• Equipment that enhances green cleaning

Integrated Pest Management

Pest management is an integral part of green cleaning and sustainability efforts. Pests can pose significant problems to people, property, and the environment. Pesticides pose similar risks. In order to reduce the possible negative health effects resulting from pest and pesticide exposure, SUNY Canton is committed to a policy of Integrated Pest Management in conjunction with the use of non-toxic or least toxic measures in its facilities and on its campus. By reducing reliance on pesticides and incorporating low-risk control options, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) reduces both pests and pesticide risks and:

• Maintains a safe and sustainable environment.
• Protects human health by suppressing pests that threaten public health and safety.
• Reduces exposure of humans to pesticides.
• Reduces or prevent pest damage to campus properties.
• Reduces environmental pollution.
• Reduces the costs of pest management.
• Prevents pests from spreading beyond campus property
• Enhances the quality of life for visitors, staff, and others using the property

IPM relies on pest monitoring and the most economical and least hazardous combination of cultural, physical, biological, and/or chemical controls to prevent unacceptable levels of pest activity and damage. The full range of management options, including no action at all, will be considered. The choice of using a pesticide is based on a review of all other available options and a determination that these options are not acceptable or are not feasible. Non-chemical pest management methods are used whenever possible. Direct action will be used only when specific pest thresholds are reached. When it is determined that a pesticide must be used, the least hazardous material and method of application will be chosen. Pesticide applications will be timed to minimize their impact on the facilities and the environment. All pesticides will be handled according to local, state and federal laws.

• All stakeholders will be informed about IPM methods used
• Pest sighting sheets and pest control records will be kept
• Outside contractors will have documented IPM experience
• Outside contractors will be licensed in the State of New York
• Regular site reviews for the purpose of monitoring pest activity
• The use of traps and baits to identify pest presence
• Establishment of threshold limits rather than eradication
• Using mechanical means of pest control
• Changing methods and procedures as a means of pest control
• The use of non-toxic or least toxic pesticides as a last resort

Approved and prohibited cleaning products and/or chemicals used on Campus

Approved Products:

• Johnson Diversey GS Alpha HP Cleaner JNJ3350727: RTD Concentrate for Dilution System
  • Carpets, Walls and doors, spot cleaning, furniture, bathroom fixtures, floors and shower room floors
• Johnson Diversey GS Stride SC Citrus Neutral Cleaner
  • Autoscrubbing and mopping of public area floors.
• Johnson Diversey Virex ll 256 Disinfectants:  RTD Concentrate for Dilution System
  • Bathroom cleaning and disinfection
• Johnson Diversey Glance Glass Cleaner: Ready to Dispense Concentrate for Glass
  • Glass surfaces and stainless steel
• Johnson Diversey  Bowl Cleaner: Ready to Use for Toilets and Urinals
  • Stain removal in toilets and Urinals as needed
• Johnson Diversey – Crew Mild Acid Tub and Tile Cleaner
  • Shower stall in Residence Halls
• Go-JO Industries Foaming Hand Soap GJE516503EXL
  • Bathroom dispensers
• Johnson Wax Professional Freedom Stripper Green Seal Certified (GS-40)
  • Stripping of Floor Wax
• Johnson Wax Professional Carefree Floor Finish / 3M Floor Protection System
  Purell Instant Foam Hand Sanitizer: Various Locations, Fitness Center
  • Hand sanitizing for select areas, fitness center, training rooms

Prohibited Products:

• Antibacterial chemicals with triclosan and triclocarban
• Synthetic Surfactants with Alkylphenol ethoxylates
• Cleaning Chemicals with Dibutyl Phthalates
• Products with heavy metals lead, arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, mercury, nickel, selenium
• Ozone depleting compounds with ODP > 0.01
• Optical Brighteners and fluorescent whitening agents
• VOC levels not in compliance with California Title 17 CFR

Approved and prohibited cleaning practices used on Campus

Approved Cleaning Practices:

• Prevent soil and other contaminants from entering the facility by regular cleaning and maintenance of the entrance floor matting systems by vacuuming and extraction.
• All products should be used following instructions or precautions provided by the manufacturer. The use of dilution stations is required. Carefully follow the instructions for product dilution systems before use.
• Germicides must be left on the surface for the contact time specified on the product label for it to be effective.
• Clean first using neutral cleaner and only use a disinfectant or germicide if needed.
• Minimize the use of products that leave a scent in the room; however, some of the fragrance ingredients can improve cleaning performance and some counter-act an objectionable odor from the cleaning ingredients in a product or from the environment being cleaned.
• Select floor finishes that handle wear and tear, require minimal burnishing and last without stripping for at least 3 years.  Maintain daily by dust mopping, vacuuming, mopping and auto-scrubbing.
• Dilute cleaning detergents and cleaning solutions with cold water whenever possible to prevent soils from spreading and reduce the need for additional rinses. The use of cold water saves energy and reduces labor.
• Carpets should be vacuumed daily to reduce dirt, dust and residue.  A regular carpet vacuuming routine helps maintain environmental quality and extends the life of a carpet. It should also reduce the use of chemical and/or water-based shampoo extraction products.  
• Use extraction cleaning methods when needed, but always dry vacuum before using cleaning solutions. Follow the carpet manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Maintain vacuum cleaners and filters regularly. Vacuums are a very effective tool; however, it is essential that both the vacuum and the filters are maintained on a regular basis. Follow the manufacturer recommendations carefully.  Only use the approved filter and bag for the vacuum and make sure that they are properly installed in the equipment.
• Use microfiber cloths for cleaning, dusting and general custodial activities.  Clean clothes as needed by washing and drying in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

Prohibited Cleaning Practices:

• Mixing of chemicals – the dilution systems must be used in accordance with the product label
• Unauthorized chemicals – outside chemicals may not be brought to or used in the building
• Prohibited chemicals – chemicals on the prohibited list are not to be used in the building
• Unattended materials – custodial areas and equipment must be locked when not in use
• Re-use of filters – disposable vacuum bags and filters may not be reused
• Storm drains – cleaning chemicals may not be discharged into storm drains
• Solvents – the use of chemical solvents for cleaning is not allowed
• Chlorine – products that contain chlorine may not be used with products that contain ammonia

Staff Training:

Training is provided to all cleaning staff for all methods and products described within this plan. A Building Services New Employee Orientation Handbook is available on site and is accessible to all staff members.

The Physical Plant Policy Manual is available to all staff and includes contact information to direct product questions, emergency contact for a hazardous event (such as a spill).  An MSDS book is kept on site and step-by-step instructions for proper use of each product (including use, dilution, and disposal) is included. Training for proper use of specific products or equipment is provided through the product manufacturer or distributor.

Staff Training Includes:

• General orientation
• Review of this plan, including intent, procedures, and products
• On-site supervised training:
• General cleaning practices and techniques
• Use and care of housekeeping equipment and supplies
• Housekeeping chemicals
• Review of universal warning symbols pertaining to hazardous substances and waste

Cleaning Routine - Daily and Weekly

Restrooms - Daily

• Empty trash receptacles, clean as needed, and replace bag liners
• Spot clean wall surfaces adjacent to trash container if necessary
• Check and replace all paper products such as tissue and hand towels
• Check and fill soap dispensers as necessary
• Clean and disinfect sinks; toilet seats and bowls; entrance and side panels of stall partitions
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect floors, including corners
• Clean mirrors

Restrooms - Weekly

• Dust air vents and tops of light fixtures
• Check for and remove cobwebs from ceilings, walls, and light fixtures

Classrooms - Daily

• Empty and clean waste receptacles; replace bag liners as necessary
• Spot clean wall surfaces adjacent to trash container as necessary
• Dust mop hard surfaced floors
• Wet mop hard surfaced floors as weather and usage conditions dictate
• Vacuum carpeted floors
• Arrange furniture to its original position unless a note indicates to leave as is
• Clean glass in classroom entrance doors
• Change any burned out light fixtures as needed
• Clean blackboards and chalk trays
• Empty pencil sharpeners
• Report any damage or vandalism to your janitor or supervisor

Classrooms - Weekly

• Check for and remove cobwebs from ceilings, walls, windows, and light fixtures
• Remove graffiti if possible from desk tops
• Time permitting, clean interior surfaces of windows
• Time permitting, dust exposed horizontal surfaces such as window sills, furniture, etc.

Offices - Daily

• Empty and clean waste receptacles; replace bag liners as necessary;
• Spot clean wall surfaces adjacent to trash container if necessary
• Remove any overflow or spills from trash receptacles on surrounding floor areas
• Vacuum carpeted floors thoroughly
• Dry and wet mop hard surface floors
• Clean glass in doorways

Offices - Weekly

• Check for and remove cobwebs from ceilings, walls, windows, and light fixtures
• Time permitting, clean interior surfaces of windows
• Time permitting, dust exposed horizontal surfaces such as window sills, furniture, etc.

Lounges/Meeting Rooms - Daily

• Empty and clean trash receptacles; replace bag liners as necessary;
• Spot clean wall surfaces adjacent to trash container if necessary
• Remove any overflow or spills from trash receptacles on surrounding floor areas
• Vacuum carpeted floors thoroughly
• Dry and wet mop hard surface floors
• Clean horizontal surfaces such as table tops, counter tops, desks, etc.
• Replace furniture to original position
• Clean glass to entrance doors

Lounges/Meeting Rooms - Weekly

• Check for and remove cobwebs from ceilings, walls, windows, and light fixtures
• Time permitting, clean interior surfaces of windows
• Time permitting, dust exposed horizontal surfaces such as window sills, furniture, etc.

Hallways - Daily

• Empty and clean trash receptacles; replace bag liners as necessary
• Spot clean wall surfaces adjacent to trash container if necessary
• Remove any overflow or spills from trash receptacles on surrounding floor areas
• Vacuum floors
• Auto-scrub floors as needed

Hallways - Weekly

• Dust around ledges and windows
• Clean glass and doors

Main Entrances - Daily

• Empty and clean trash receptacles; replace bag liners as necessary
• Spot clean wall surfaces adjacent to trash container if necessary
• Remove any overflow or spills from trash receptacles on surrounding floor areas
• Sweep and clean entrance mats/rugs
• Clear snow and ice in winter months
• Wet mop floor areas
• Clean Glass

Equipment Maintenance (Daily) Maintain equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines.

Procurement

Per NYS Executive Order 4, SUNY Canton procures products, materials and equipment that minimize potential impacts to human health and the environment. NYS OGS maintains a listing of product specifications to be considered during procurement. View more about NYS OGS Green Purchasing Products and Sources.