Issue link: https://hi.iaq.net/i/639237
3 ISSA Clean Standard: Measuring the Effectiveness of Cleaning 1. Overview and Background The goal of the ISSA Standard for Measuring the Effectiveness of Cleaning in Institutional and Commercial Facilities (hereinafter referred to as the "Clean Standard") is to provide facilities with a tool that will help them measure and monitor the effectiveness of their cleaning processes thereby contributing to the quality of the indoor environment for the benefit of facility occupants. The Clean Standard is a performance-oriented standard that is focused on: • The desired levels of cleanliness that can be reasonably achieved; • Recommended monitoring and inspection procedures designed to measure the effectiveness of cleaning procedures using quantitative measures (i.e., ATP Meters) and traditional methods (i.e., sight, smell, touch); and • How to use the results of monitoring and inspection to evaluate and improve the cleaning processes and products that are critical to maintaining a safe and healthy indoor environment. The Clean Standard is focused on achieving and maintaining an effective cleaning program through the use of a systematic approach and standardized guidelines. As such, the Clean Standard provides facilities with a framework and protocol for using ATP meters along with qualitative methods to measure and assess cleaning effectiveness on a periodic and consistent basis. Perhaps more importantly, the Clean Standard provides a structured approach to addressing those situations where a facility's condition and cleanliness are less than desirable. By assessing cleaning effectiveness, facilities can improve the cleaning process and ensure that a desired level of cleanliness is achieved and maintained. Effective cleaning is especially important in light of the growing body of evidence that concludes that improved hygiene results in reduced illnesses and reduced absenteeism, as well as increased productivity. The Clean Standard derives from the ISSA Standard for Measuring the Effectiveness of Cleaning in K-12 Schools, which in turn is predicated upon independent and unbiased scientific research, including thousands of ATP measurements from high touch surfaces recognized as posing health risks in schools (i.e.: student desks, cafeteria tables, restroom sinks, and stall doors). The ATP measurements were conducted in numerous schools across the United States to account for potential geographic or climatic variations. The details of the research are set forth in "ATP as a Marker for Surface Contamination of Biological Origin in Schools and as a Potential Approach to the Measurement of Cleaning Effectiveness," as published in the June 2013 issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene by Shaughnessy and Cole, et.al. Each school selected its own cleaning method, which was then rigorously monitored for compliance by research personnel. Following cleaning, sampling procedures were conducted on the cleaned surface. The research indicated that standardized measurement of cleaning effectiveness could be used as a practical approach to improve the cleaning practices and contribute to a healthier school environment. 1