Protecting the Built Environment: Dust Capture in Cleaning for
Health
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Cleaning
effectiveness is measured by the amount of unwanted matter that
is removed, according to Dr. Michael A. Berry, author of
“Protecting the Built Environment: Cleaning for Health,” a
recently completed study of cleaning at the University of North
Carolina – Chapel Hill.
The study found a standardized approach to housekeeping affords
the highest level of cleaning. Conducted April-July 2006, the
study, commissioned by the University and conducted by a
committee of housekeepers, students, faculty, environmental, HR,
purchasing, facilities and safety experts, evaluated the
traditional zone cleaning program currently in use at UNC versus
the Manage-Men Operating System 1 (OS1).
The UNC committee engaged Dr. Berry to act as technical advisor
for the project. In this capacity, Berry was assigned to
scientifically evaluate cleaning and report his findings of both
the traditional and (OS1) cleaning programs in terms of cleaning
and housekeeping effectiveness, training, equipment,
ergonomics, quality control, work loading, indoor environmental
quality and building health, worker safety, physical security
and environmental sustainability.
The report, “Technical Advisor’s Findings and Recommendations:
A Comparison Between the Pilot Program in Carroll Hall and
Traditional Housekeeping in Dey Hall,” reached several
conclusions. Below are the committee’s findings that relate to
dust capture affecting indoor environmental quality and
building health.
Dust Capture Data Released
Environmental sampling of dusts, fungi, bacteria, and aerosol
(PM10) was conducted for Carroll Hall prior to and during the
(OS1) pilot study. To compare (OS1) to zone cleaning, samples
were also taken in Dey Hall, a zone cleaned building adjacent to
Carroll Hall.
According to Berry, a former professor at UNC, “Cleaning
effectiveness is measured in terms of the quantity of unwanted
matter removed. During the Carroll Hall pilot, (OS1) produced a
measurable cleaning result that is (at least in this study) a
factor of 25 times more effective in removing dust from the
building envelope. The data suggest that the (OS1) system
better manages fungal spores and reduces the risk of allergic
reaction of occupants. The two highest fungal levels as
indicated by TNTC (Too Numerous To Count) plates were found in
zone cleaned processes.”
During the evaluation, it was learned that backpack vacuums had
been introduced into the zone cleaning program on campus. Based
on conversations with housekeepers, observations of improper
use, and reports of possible injury, the committee recommended
that all zone housekeepers using backpack vacuums be retrained.
This retraining should follow the model provided in the (OS1)
training.
Included in the training should be proper donning and fitting,
stressing potential safety issues from improper use, and
importance of following bag/filter change out schedule. In
addition, load on/off stations that are available for these
vacuums should be installed in the zone buildings and steps
should be taken to predetermine electrical outlets. Optional
size backpack vacuums should be made available in situations
were there are potential fitting problems or special needs.
Throughout the pilot study, there was building construction
adjacent to Carroll Hall. The construction activity added to
housekeeping requirements and also affected indoor air quality.
“In the face of these extraordinary and less than desirable
outside conditions, over the course of the pilot study, the
(OS1) cleaning program reduced dust concentration in Carroll
Hall by a factor of two, (40-50 percent). The IAQ data are
remarkably similar to the data collected in the Frank Porter
Graham Child Development Center Study in 1990 that demonstrated
that a systematic cleaning program has a positive influence on
IAQ,” said Berry.
Throughout the pilot study, beginning in the training sessions,
measurements were made of particulate matter emissions
associated with the CRI Green Label backpack vacuums and other
vacuums currently in use as part of the zone cleaning system.
During the training, a dust measurement was made on a Green
Label backpack vacuum and an upright vacuum. There was virtually
no detectable emission from the Green Label vacuum (32 ug/m3)
compared to a very high emission (240 ug/m3) from the upright. A
level greater than 100 ug/m3 is considered unsanitary and
potentially harmful to a large segment of the population.
Why is the study important? Berry says, “The evaluation of any
cleaning program begins with an understanding of what
constitutes effective cleaning/housekeeping and clear
recognition of the purpose and value of the housekeeping
activity...If you don’t measure something, you’re not managing
it. Cleaning research leads to professional cleaning. Without
the research, we’re really not going to get better.”
CRI’s Green Label Testing
With regards to dust containment, the Carpet and Rug Institute's
Green Label testing program for vacuum cleaners says, "the
vacuum must not release more than 100 micrograms of dust
particles per cubic meter of air. This protocol evaluates the
total amount of dust particles released by the brush rolls,
through the filtration bag and via any air leaks from the system,
and is more stringent than the National Ambient Air Quality
Standards. ❑ Dr. Berry’s report was published in Nov. 2006
and is available for download at www.fac.unc.edu/Portals/0/Sources/OS1.p
df.For more information about the cleaning program at UNC,
contact Jim Alty, director of physical plant at UNC, Jim.Alty@fac.unc.edu
or call 919-962-0761.
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