Cleaning Chemicals, Dilution Control Systems, and Alternative Cleaning Systems
Chemicals will be Green Seal certified (Green Seal Industrial and Institutional Cleaners, GS-37). If a Green Seal certified product for a specific use is not available, then a product will be selected that is “Environmentally Preferable” (GS-42), or that minimally does not contain toxins and other hazardous chemical compounds. If a non-green product must be used, is should only be used for an isolated issue that can only be resolved by using that product.
If a green product does not exist in a given product category, then product use should be minimized or eliminated. Evaluation of future developed product options should continue in the identified category.
Naturally derived bio-based products are preferred. In some areas a vinegar and water mixture will be used to clean finished wood floors as specified.
The number of cleaning products will be minimized to facilitate training and simplify the cleaning program.
Cold water will be used when mixing chemicals. Adequate dwell time (in accordance with product specifications) for chemicals is required to maximize product efficacy and minimize product use. Cleaning should first be attempted without chemicals when appropriate (i.e. with microfiber wipers) before cleaning chemicals are used. Use chemicals in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Spray chemical directly on wiper and clean the soiled surface instead of spraying chemical directly on the surface itself. This will conserve product, avoid overspray and avoid unnecessary product inhalation.
The use of harsh disinfectants will be eliminated or minimized and used only as needed at primary contact points (i.e. bathroom sinks and toilets). Hypochlorites (bleach) and phenolic disinfectants will not be used except for bloodborne pathogen cleanups. FMO will use a quaternary disinfectant for certain cleaning applications. H2O2 based cleaning products and H2O2 based disinfectants will be the standard disinfectant product option.
FMO is continually testing environmentally-preferred products from a variety of manufacturers to stay on the cutting edge of product development.
Any selected cleaning products will have adequate dilution control systems, preferably a closed, unalterable proportioning system with required backflow and cross-connection protection. (However, any dilution control/proportioning system is preferable to manual dilution. Other options include packet dilution, measured dilution occurring within the product packaging, manually measured dilution and dilution within the trigger sprayer unit.) Product systems that reduce packaging waste, have recycled-content packaging, and can be recycled, are preferred.
Cleaning systems utilizing ionized or electrolyzed water as a cleaner, and those utilizing liquefied ozone as a cleaning agent, are recommended as they eliminate cleaning chemicals and return to a water state within a short time period. FMO is currently evaluating and testing several systems with a likely adoption of these systems as critical elements of the FMO Green Cleaning Program.
Contact Us
For information contact Jason Luke, Associate Director of Custodial and Support Services at 617-495-7847, or email jason_luke at harvard dot edu
