Issue link: https://hi.iaq.net/i/639237
ISSA Clean Standard: Measuring the Effectiveness of Cleaning 4 Specifically, the research has validated ATP (adenosine triphosphate) measurement systems as a "…relatively simple, rapid and affordable measure of the level of biologically sourced contamination on the interior surfaces of schools." Further the research concluded that ATP is an "…excellent candidate marker for the monitoring of biologically derived soiling/cleanliness…" In addition, the research has produced reasonable range values based on ATP measurements (for three different ATP meters) for each surface type tested in schools, and that these ranges "…may be used in a standardized and routine approach to the monitoring of cleaning effectiveness in school buildings based on detection and quantification of biologically derived soiling." 2 While ATP does not directly measure the total contamination on a surface, the research has concluded ATP luminescence is presently the best available quantitative measure of hard surface cleaning effectiveness. It is hoped that further research and development will yield additional measurement methods for other contaminants. 2. Scope and Purpose The Clean Standard applies to institutional and commercial facilities, including office buildings, retail stores, hotels, and other similar facilities. It derives from extensive research in K-12 schools, but has been restructured in part to make it applicable to and easier to use in a wide variety of institutional and commercial facilities. However, the Clean Standard is not intended for use in facilities with special cleaning needs, such as hospitals, food processing plants, food service operations, or senior care facilities and nursing homes. The Clean Standard is based on the following: (a) a building audit to assess the level of cleanliness at a facility, (b) periodic measurement of cleaning effectiveness using ATP meters, and (c) establishment and implementation of corrective actions in the event the facility is not achieving the desired level of cleaning effectiveness. These elements are intended to be used in a systematic process to determine the background condition and cleanliness of a facility and also provide for periodic measurement of cleaning effectiveness at the facility. This process makes it possible to assess and improve the effectiveness of cleaning processes and products used at a facility. In this regard, the Clean Standard empowers facilities to select a cleaning process that is the most effective and economical. This is especially important in light of the growing body of studies and empirical data that indicate effective cleaning has a positive impact on the health and safety of facility occupants. For example, it has been established that the level of cleanliness is a key factor involved in the spread of viral disease in crowded indoor establishments. 3 Furthermore, the exposure and health benefits associated with a reduction of airborne pollutants—achieved through effective cleaning practices—have been demonstrated in a long-term cleaning effectiveness study. 4 Consistent with such studies and findings, the Clean Standard research suggests a reasonable connection between ATP reduction and healthier indoor environments. Concurrent with ATP testing,