Sustainable Building Technical Manual - Etn-presco.net

CHAPTER 22Ho u s e ke e p i n gand CustodialP r a c t i c e s★ S I G N I F I CA N C E .Soils, particles, gases, and biocontaminants enter a building in many ways, and their concentrationis directly proportional to the level of human activity in the building.Maintaining a quality indoor environment requires special attention to these sources ofpollution, which can affect the health of building occupants and maintenance workers.Poor housekeeping can lead to environmental health problems such as Sick BuildingSyndrome, Building-Related Illness, and Legionnaires’ Disease. Adjustments to a building’sheating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system, environmentally soundhousekeeping procedures, and proper selection of cleaning and other chemicals used andstored in the building can control contaminants, promote healthful surroundings, andpreserve a building’s appearance.AuthorStephen P. AshkinThis chapter provides information that can help building owners and managers establishand maintain a good indoor environment. It suggests key management principles, specifichousekeeping and custodial practices, and selection criteria for cleaning products.. ☛ SUGGESTED PRACTICES AND CHECKLISTIManagement❑ Adopt the following 10-point list of suggested management principles as a basicframework for administering an environmentally sound building housekeepingp r o g r a m :1.Commit to the continual education of building occupants and custodial staff.2.Clean to protect both health and appearance.3.Clean and maintain the building in an integrated manner. Cleaning and maintenancein one area of a building can have major impacts on other areas.4.Schedule routine housekeeping and custodial services. Frequent, thorough, regularlyscheduled housekeeping is the most efficient and effective means to achievehigh building performance.