Rink

KEEP YOUR LOCKER ROOMS CLEAN & DRY Cleanliness and the humidity of locker rooms can both be a contributing factor in the spread of staph and MRSA infections. Cleaning locker room areas is critical and needs more attention from arena staff. While more frequent cleaning may not necessarily be the issue, proper cleaning and use of cleaning solutions is critical. The use of EPA-registered products effective against MRSA will keep you in compliance with OSHA's (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens (29 CFR 1910) regulation. Use selected EPA-registered disinfectants when cleaning locker room and restroom areas. A list of EPA- registered products effective against MRSA is available, are organized alphabetically by product names and by numerical order of their EPA registration numbers. This lengthy list (25 pages) can be downloaded by entering the address http://www.epa.gov/oppad001/list_h_mr sa_vre.pdf into your internet browser. Make sure the products you are using are on the list, and ask your cleaning chemical supplier to make sure the products you are using for these areas are EPA-registered and carry an EPA number on the label. Ways to Clean the Areas No-Touch cleaning is the preferred way of cleaning locker room and shower areas. This type of cleaning uses an indoor pressure washer and wet vacuum. Cleaning equipment manufacturer Kaivac offers a variety of No-Touch Cleaning™ Systems, each combining automatic chemical metering and injection, an indoor pressure washer and a powerful wet vacuum into an integrated system. This allows workers to deep clean and sanitize without ever having to touch soiled, contaminated surfaces. The following are other products that should be considered for the proper cleaning of locker room and restroom areas. Some of these are new, so take the time to research their benefits. Color-coding technology — This helps prevent cross-contamination by eliminating the use of cleaning tools in areas where they are not intended. A red cloth or tool might be designated for the restroom, while green could be used for the snack bar. This helps to reduce the redistribution of soil and harmful bacteria. This color-coding system is also part of the bulk cleaning solutions that are used. Be tool-specific — Floors, counter tops, toilets and urinals should be cleaned with different tools, and toilet brushes should never be used on a toilet's exterior. Dual-compartment buckets — Separating clean water and cleaning solution from dirty rinse water can help prevent the spread of bacteria. After cleaning, take care to rinse and clean tools and equipment before storing them. Microfiber mops and cloths — Microfiber cloths have been proven to reduce bacteria by up to 96 percent with their enhanced ability to capture and retain material. To ensure that the right cloth is used for the appropriate task, look for microfiber cloths that are categorized accordingly by a grading system. Employees Are Key The training and performance of the cleaning crew in your skating facility must be a priority. Too often we rely on teenagers to clean our locker room areas, and we provide little or no training because — you may simply ask — how hard can it be to run a mop? It's time to review and correct your cleaning operations, especially if it's been a while since you have done so. Have you held a meeting with your staff about staph and MRSA infections? If not, you need to do so. Ask professionals for help. If you are buying your cleaning supplies from a reputable cleaning supply company, ask them to come in and help train your employees on proper cleaning procedures. 20 R INK MAGAZ INE MArch/April 2008 The best way to clean locker rooms is using a combination power washer and wet vac. For information on products like these visit www.kaivac.com/products/notouch/ KAIVAC

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