Stop The Spread – Clean and Contain

Nursing Homes: Failure to sterilize linens can become an incubator for the spread of Bacteria and may cause infections in residents, personnel who work at the facility and family and friends who come to visit.

Nursing homes, other health care and extended living operations can produce 2,500 lbs. of dirty laundry a day.  Sheets with blood, urine, feces and other bodily fluids are routinely washed with other, less contaminated items.

To ensure laundry is clean and sanitized key steps are necessary in the processing of Linens.  Housekeeping and laundry personnel need to wear gloves, goggles and any other types of protective equipment and clothing.  Coveralls made of TYVEK will give you the flexibility and durability you require to perform all your functions while being protected.  This step is vital when handling, transporting, sorting and washing soiled linens.  When collecting and transporting soiled linen, handle it as little as possible and with minimum contact to avoid accidental injury and the spread of microorganisms.  Carry linens in covered containers or plastic bags to prevent spills and splashes and confine the soiled linen to a designated area.

Do not do any sorting or washing of soiled linens in areas where patients live or come in contact with.  Establish an area that has adequate ventilation and physical barriers (walls) between the clean and soiled linen areas.  Safe sorting is extremely important.  Bedding from patient’s rooms may contain blood –stained or wet with other body fluids.  Washing and drying all linen items used in the direct care of a resident must be thoroughly washed before reuse.  Decontamination prior to washing is not necessary, unless linen is heavily soiled.  Using Amerisource ONYX, our break detergent will help you handle the most difficult soiled linens.  You can also add bleach about 2 to 3 table spoons will do it, using our OPAL De-Strainer and Sanitizer.

Remember throughout this process make sure if at any time you take your gloves off make sure you wash your hands.

When the linens are clean they are ready to be stored in a clean storage area, keep shelves clean and handle the stored linen as little as possible.  During transportation back to the resident the linens should be wrapped or covered to avoid any contamination.  Do not leave extra linen in a room, avoid shaking linen as it may release dust and lint into the room also clean soiled mattresses before putting linen on them.

It is important that care be taken when you are handling the needs and heath of the elderly.  All of us some day will depend on someone else to maintain a clean environment for us.

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Garbage Bag – Can Liner Keys

1. Select the smallest thinnest bag that does not significantly fail to carry the trash to the collection container
1. Remember you are buying a block of plastic that happens to be blown into bags.  The weight of the case is the most important indication of what you are buying
2. Manufacturers cheat the spec and the case does not always contain what the label says.  The weight never lies.
2. Most people use too big and too thick a liner
1. Most common liner is a 38×58 liner that only fits a empty steel drum.  Have you seen any 5ft tall garbage cans?
2. If you gather the top of the bag and pull it will have it’s maximum strength.  A 1 mil bag will pull more than 75lbs of trash.  How many of you can pull that weight up with your arms over your head?
3. What type of trash
1. Sharp objects – must use LLDPE
2. General trash use HDPE – less plastic for the same pull strength
4. How do you want them packed
1. Flat bulk pack – if case is damaged they can get wasted
2. Coreless rolls – 10-25 in a nice compact roll for easy dispensing and use

                                                               i.      Drop one in the bottom of the can for easy replacement

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Testing Reveals High Contamination Levels of Everyday Objects in Major U.S. Cities; Gas Pump and Mailbox Handles are Among the Dirtiest

Kimberly-Clark Professional* Findings Also Show People Encounter Armies of Germs Just Getting to WorkEach Day; Results Reinforce Importance of Proper Hand and Surface Hygiene as Critical to a Healthy Workplace ROSWELL, GA [DATE] –Just in time for cold and flu season, new testing in six major U.S. cities reveals that gas pump and mailbox handles may be among the dirtiest surfaces Americans touch. The results, released today by Kimberly-Clark Professional*, show that more than 60 percent of gas pump and mailbox handles and more than 40 percent of escalator rails and ATM machine buttons can be highly contaminated, potentially exposing people to illness-causing bacteria. Illness in the workplace is not just a health issue, but can also have a major economic impact. Each year companies lose $1,685 per employee due to absenteeism and presenteeism (employees coming to work while sick). 

 The testing was conducted by trained hygienists in high traffic locations in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami and Philadelphia. Using a Hygiena System SURE II ATP Meter, a device commonly used to monitor sanitary conditions in industry, Hygienists swabbed the objects to measure levels of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). ATP is present in all animal, vegetable, bacteria, yeast and mold cells. Detection of ATP indicates the presence of contamination by any of these sources. Everyday objects with an ATP reading of 300 or higher are considered to have a high risk for illness transmission. In all, more than 350 separate swabs were taken and analyzed.

 The percentage of public surfaces tested and found to have high levels of contamination (an ATP count of 300 or higher), includes:

•  71 percent of  Gas Pump Handles
•  68 percent of  Mailbox Handles
•  43 percent of  Escalator Rails
•  41 percent of  ATM Buttons
•  40 percent of  Parking Meters/Kiosks
•  35 percent of  Crosswalk Buttons
•  35 percent of  Vending Machine Button

“People do not realize the amount of contamination they are exposed to going to work each day and doing everyday things like filling their gas tank or riding on an escalator,” said Dr. Charles Gerba, Professor of Microbiology at the University of Arizona. “This new testing is compelling because it underscores the importance of hand and surface hygiene. Most cold and flu viruses are spread because people touch surfaces in their immediate area and then touch their faces, other objects and other people. Washing and drying your hands frequently throughout the day, can help prevent your risk of getting sick or spreading illness around the office.” 

“The likelihood for illnesses to transfer from the objects that people use every day like ATMs and parking meters is eye-opening,” said Brad Reynolds, North American Platform Leader, The Healthy Workplace Project*, Kimberly-Clark Professional*. “These findings indicate that illness-causing germs are everywhere and have the potential to travel with you into your office space. That’s why we developed The Healthy Workplace Project* – a unique approach to hand and surface hygiene that helps employees understand and reduce the spread of cold and flu germs throughout their workplaces.”

The Healthy Workplace Project* is a new, multi-faceted program that Kimberly-Clark Professional* has designed to help companies provide their employees with a healthier and more productive office environment. The program provides educational materials in conjunction with hand and surface hygiene products to employees, arming them with the tools and knowledge necessary to break the cycle of germ transmission in the office. By reinforcing the importance of “washing, wiping and sanitizing” through The Healthy Workplace Project*, employers can help reduce that impact.

About Kimberly-Clark Professional*

Kimberly-Clark Professional* is dedicated to providing essential solutions for a healthier, safer and more productive workplace. These include a unique portfolio of innovative, cost-effective and sustainable offerings for office buildings and lodging properties, healthcare facilities, manufacturing environments, laboratories and cleanrooms, educational facilities, food preparation and processing operations, and home professionals. Kimberly-Clark Professional* offers a comprehensive array of hand hygiene and contamination control solutions to break the germ transmission chain and help create a healthier workplace as well as wiping and safety solutions that minimize risk and drive productivity. Its trusted global brands include Kleenex

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One innovative Skin Care Hand Soap dispenser

 The STOKO® Refresh 4 in 1 dispensing system is the latest cost – cutting Innovation from the worldwide leader in skin care solutions. Now, one durable, attractive, easy – to – use and economical dispenser is all you need for all of your hand hygiene programs.

 One dispenser works with four Skin Care systems

1. Thick Foam encourages frequent washing and proper skin care– environmental friendly and easy on your budget
2. Concentrated spray cleansers and sanitizers deliver superior STOKO quality at the lowest cost per use 
3. Mild liquid cleansers are ideal for use in high – traffic or high – volume work areas 
4. Hand sanitizing gel effectively sanitizes hands without water, killing 99.99% of germs that can cause illness

Flexible skin care System

• Complete system choice with abilityto switch product type at any time
• Easy to operate, simple and quick to refill
• Secure key–entry or convenient  Keyless push–button option
• One dispenser for all product types
• Can be customized with customers logo or colors

Economical Skin Care

•Low Cost per use
•High use per refill

Durable Skin Care Dispenser

• Sturdy, high impact dispenser housing
• Low maintenance, clean design

Better for the environment

• Environmentally preferred ingredients
• Conforms to recognized ecological standards
• Complete system choice with ability to switch product type at any time
• Easy to operate, simple and quick to refill
• Secure key–entry or convenientkeyless push–button option
• One skin care dispenser for all product types
• Can be customized with customer’s logo or colors

 Economical Skin Care Products

• Low cost per use
• High use per refill

Durable

• Sturdy, high impact dispenser housing
• Low maintenance, clean design

STOP throwing money down the drain.

STOKO Refresh 4 in 1 – the best solution for facility operation and business profit!

 Cost effective

• Save time. Save money
• Simplify your purchasing – no morefiguring out which product goes inwhich dispenser
• Streamline your inventory – no needto stock multiple dispensers
• Competitively priced refills
• Improve cash flow – less inventoryto carry
• No confusion at point of use – you always have the right dispenser at hand

Trusted quality from one world class supplier

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Janitorial Supplies Michigan Tennessee Wisconsin – Amerisource Industrial Supply

It happens around this time every year. The sore throats, runny noses and coughs that herald the start of the flu season.

Up to 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the seasonal flu annually. More than 200,000 are hospitalized with flu-related complications, and 36,000 people in the country die from flu-related causes.

The uncertain severity and timing of seasonal flu activity means that schools, businesses and workplaces need to prepare for higher absenteeism rates, along with cases of presenteeism – when someone goes to work or school while sick, leading to productivity declines and the possibility of spreading illness to others.

Fortunately, there are several things facility managers and building services contractors can do to help prepare building occupants for the upcoming flu season. Education is the first step.

Stopping the Spread of Germs

Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Sometimes, people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. In fact, some germs can live for two hours or ore on surfaces like doorknobs, desks, and tables.

Consider instituting a Healthy Workplace campaign, with letters to building occupants and posters in prominent locations detailing recommendations from health experts like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which advocates the following tips to help stop the spread of germs:

• Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. It’s best to cough or sneeze into a tissue, which should be thrown away after it is used, or into one’s sleeve. If you sneeze or cough into your hands, be sure to clean your hands afterward – every time you cough or sneeze.
• Clean your hands often. When possible, use soap and warm water and rub hands vigorously together for 15 to 20 seconds, scrubbing all surfaces of the hands to dislodge and remove germs. When soap and water aren’t available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. If using a gel, rub the gel into your hands until they are dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick (and for at least 24 hours after fever is gone) and check with a health care provider when needed. Keeping your distance from others may protect them from getting sick.

Facility Issues
Educating building occupants about how to prevent the spread of flu is only one step. You’ll also need to make sure you have the right infection control tools for the job. That means stocking workstations and public areas with plenty of facial tissue. Anti-viral facial tissue is now available for this purpose. In addition, you should install wall-mounted or free-standing dispensers for alcohol gel hand sanitizers throughout your facility. It’s also important to make sure restrooms don’t run out of hand soap and paper towels, and that sufficient numbers of no-touch disposal receptacles are provided for used hand towels and used facial tissue.

When stockpiling items like hand soaps and cleaning supplies, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration recommends being aware of each product’s shelf life and storage conditions (e.g., avoid areas that are damp or have temperature extremes) and incorporating product rotation (e.g., consume oldest supplies first) into your stockpile management program.

According to the CDC, business and employers, in general, can play a key role in protecting employees’ health and safety, as well as limiting the negative impact of influenza outbreaks on the individual, the community, and the nation’s economy. Facility professionals should be on the front lines in the war against the flu and other germs in their facility. A combination of education and effective flu-prevention tools and practices will put facilities and their occupants in a good position to avoid the brunt of the flu this season.

*CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE SITE EVALUATION*
313-924-0696

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Flu Season Tips

1. Wash Hands Frequently and thoroughly with high quality hand soap
   1. Sanitize after contact
2. Try not to touch your face

1. Sneeze into your sleeve or tissue
2. Stay home 24 hours after fever ends
3. If at high risk get vaccinated

1. Disinfect hi touch  hard surfaces daily with high quality Disinfectant
   1. Phone
   2. Door Handles
   3. Desk top
   4. Car Steering wheel

Visit our catalog for many other quality products
Use the category section to find other important information on FLU, disinfecting and hand washing

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CREATING A HEALTHY WORKPLACE

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

•  15% of all payroll costs are spent on absenteeism

• Sick days cost employees $1320 per person

• Absenteeism cost American businesses 55 billion in 2008

• 75% of men wash their hands after using the bathroom, 25% do not

• There are 50,000 known bacteria’s per square inch on the average person hands

• Fingers carrying a flu virus can contaminate up to 7 clean surfaces

• One virus on one hand can transfer to 6 people

• Cold and flu viruses are transmitted when a person’s hand touches their face; average person touches their face 16 times an hour

• 25,000 germs per square inch on average phone

Understand Problem Areas

By identifying the surfaces, spaces and locations that most often harbor germs, you and your employees can begin providing solutions for greater hand-hygiene and a healthier workplace environment.

Step Up Protection

Wash, Wipe & Sanitize, killing the germs that exist and preventing new ones from causing workplace illness.  

Educate & Communicate

A healthy workplace encourages their employees to adopt healthier hand hygiene habits.

• Proper hand washing is still the best way to reduce the spread of germs
• Drying with paper towels reduces germs by 77%
• Hand sanitizer can reduce your sick days by over 20%
• Surface wipes kill germs where they are waiting for you

Healthy Workplace Tips

TIP 1

Sanitize Often – Avoid touching your face, eyes, or rubbing your nose, and use sanitizer after touching office germ “hot spots” like elevator buttons or copiers.

TIP 2

Wash Well – Wash your hands with soap for 15 seconds before you leave the restroom, then use a towel to turn off the faucet.

TIP 3

A Clean Routine – Create an easy-to-remember routine for sanitizing your hands throughout the day—particularly before and after meetings, and every time you exit the restroom.

TIP 4

Desk Wipe-down – Desks typically have 400 times more germs than toilet seats. Wipe your desk at the beginning and end of every workday.

TIP 5

Surface Safety – Wipe down the conference room table before each meeting, as germs can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours.

TIP 6

Wash & Dry – Drying your hands with a towel after washing helps reduce germs by 77%

Wipe down conference room tables, desks and common areas often. Germs can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours!

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Bag or Liner Size Formula

If you don’t have a flexible tape to measure around the drum/box or given the information in an email, how do you calculate the circumference?

Circumference = Pi (3.14) times Diameter (C=pD)

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Selecting the optimal wiper is based on a number of factors

1. Type of Fluid being Absorbed
2. Type of Fluid to be applied
3. Dry Wiping Application
4. Substrate being wiped
5. Lint and other specialty requirements

Kimberly Clark has some out with a new website to help make these decisions.

http://www.kcproductselector.com/Wipers.aspx

Click the link to use the Wiping Solutions Selector Tool.

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