One of the primary goals of a green maintenance program is to protect the health of building occupants. This is done in many ways, including the identification and removal of harmful contaminants, such as particulates, mold spores, bacteria and viruses.

And while the cleaning process can reduce exposure to these and other harmful contaminants, the Pennsylvania Green Building Operations and Maintenance Manual says the process of cleaning and cleaning products themselves can cause adverse health effects on building occupants.

This is especially true for those who are very sensitive to odors, those with pre-existing health conditions such as asthma and allergies, those with reduced immune systems such as those recovering from cancer, and other health conditions.

For these individuals accommodations must be made relative to cleaning activities such as noise levels in floor cleaning equipment. Understanding the sensitivities is essential for accommodating the occupants.

In some cases different product may be necessary, in other cases the time of day that cleaning takes place may need to be altered, and in other cases occupants who are reacting to their co-workers may need to be relocated to other areas within the building.

When vacuuming, choose vacuums with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration capable of trapping 99.97 percent of all airborne particles that are collected by the vacuum. On carpet, it may be preferable to use vacuums with a beater bar to increase the amount of soil removal. In selection of all equipment it is preferable to select those that are durable, energy efficient and quiet.

While in some cases changing the cleaning products or cleaning schedule may address the situation, in other times relocating the individual or reconfiguring their workspace may be necessary, which needs to be addressed by facility management. In many cases, these issues cannot be resolved by the cleaning contractor, but require everyone, including the affected individual, to work together to achieve the best outcome.

For dusting and dust mopping, the Green Building manual recommends the following:

1. Ensure that dust mops are properly treated to capture dust.

2. Use wide area vacuums fitted with appropriate bags/filters, as much as possible.

3. Use lint-free dusting cloths or a vacuum instead of feather dusters.

Traditional dusting and dust mopping techniques frequently move dust and other contaminants from one area to another, such as from a bookshelf to the floor. It is important to recognize that moving the dust around is more then just an efficiency issue. Dusting and dust mopping activities that do not capture soils frequently stir them into the air where people can then inhale the particles, which for some can become a serious health hazard.

In addition to the traditional procedures for dusting and dust mopping it is preferable to minimize chemical dust treatments. It is preferable to use a vacuum cleaner fitted with a wide area hard floor attachment as compared to a dust mop treated with a high VOC content solvent.

If dust mopping is used, choose the widest swivel action mop possible (based on the size of area and the physical abilities of the custodial worker) and a water-based dust mop treatment.

Feather dusters should not be used. It is preferable to dust with lint-free damp clothes that are neatly folded like a handkerchief to expose multiple sides for absorbing dust.

When dust mopping: 1. Fill a properly labeled trigger spray bottle with dust mop treatment, which has been prepared according to label directions.

2. Spray dust mop treatment onto a clean dust mop. Follow manufacturer’s directions for application rate. Apply next to the backing, at the base of the yarn. Do not over treat.

3. Roll the dust mop, treated side in. Place in a plastic bag to cure for at least 24 hours. After 24 hours, place treated/cured dust mop on the frame.

4. Dust mop the area, use a continuous motion, without lifting the mop from the floor.

5. Begin with the mop next to the wall. Walk to the other end of the work area. At the opposite end, pivot the dust mop so that the leading edge remains the same. Return to the opposite end. Overlap the previously mopped path by 2 to 4 inches, to ensure complete coverage.

6. One pass with a properly treated dust mop removes dirt, dust and abrasive particles, without leaving the floor dull or slippery. Sweep accumulated soil to a collection area, lightly shake loose soil from the dust mop, and continue. Remove gum, tape or other sticky residue with a scraper, using care not to mar or scratch the floor finish. Continue the dust mopping process until the entire area has been dust mopped. When completely finished, pick up the collected debris using a counter brush and dustpan.

7. Clean excess dust from the mop head. Place the mop over a trash container. Brush with a stiff bristle brush in a firm, downward motion.

8. Store the mop in a hanging position. DO NOT store the dust mop on the floor. The mop treatment will stain the floor, and the mop fibers will become matted.

9. When the dust mop no longer attracts soil, it may be re-treated. Spray the mop at the end of the work shift, and hang to cure overnight.

10. Dust cloths may also be treated with dust mop treatment. Spray lightly and allow to cure for 24 hours before use.

11. Launder soiled dust mop heads. Soak mop heads overnight in a neutral pH cleaning solution. Rinse thoroughly, wring out and hang to dry.

12. Re-treat as directed for initial treatment.

D. Entryways

1. Clean entryways beginning outside the building.

2. Use walk-off matting outside and inside entry. Vacuum, sweep, cleaning these mats frequently, especially during inclement weather.

3. Make sure mopping solutions are kept clean using only the correct amount of cleaning chemical. Do not overuse concentrated cleaning chemicals. Remake as necessary and dispose spent solution appropriately.

4. Use appropriate vacuums. Dispose of captured material or empty bags before half full. Dispose appropriately.