by Theresa | Mar 5, 2013 | Cleaning Industry, Commercial Cleaning
The commercial cleaning industry is transforming, thanks to the Building Service Worker (BSW) Program.
This initiative, a partnership between ACCESS (Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society) and the British Columbia Contract Cleaners Association (BCCCA), is revolutionizing the training and development of workers in the janitorial sector.
Funded through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement, the program is designed to empower individuals, improve workforce readiness, and address critical labour shortages in the cleaning industry.
A Partnership for Success
The BSW Program aims to equip participants with the skills, knowledge, and certifications needed to thrive in the cleaning industry.
Work Experience Placements are a cornerstone of the program.
These placements, hosted by cleaning companies, provide participants with real-world experience while giving businesses access to enthusiastic, pre-trained individuals eager to learn.
Hosts benefit from the following:
- No Financial Commitment: Participants receive financial support during training and are covered by WorkSafe BC insurance.
- Volunteer Support: Trainees bring enthusiasm, commitment, and industry-relevant skills, making them work-ready upon program completion.
- Community Impact: By hosting trainees, businesses help individuals transition into the labour market, fostering a positive impact on both the workforce and the community.
The program is a way to create a sustainable labour pool, directly addressing the industry’s persistent challenges in attracting and retaining workers.
Addressing Industry Challenges
Labour shortages have long plagued the janitorial industry, and recent trends have exacerbated the issue.
A wage survey conducted by the BCCCA revealed that janitorial workers are among the lowest-paid in service industries, earning less than security guards.
This wage disparity has led to workers leaving for better-paying roles in other sectors, further straining the labour market.
The BSW Program is helping to address this by raising awareness of the value of well-trained, fairly compensated workers.
Data shows that when workers are paid a livable wage, they are more likely to stay in their roles, produce higher-quality work, and require less supervision.
Comprehensive Training for Lasting Impact
The BSW Program’s curriculum is designed to ensure participants are thoroughly prepared for the demands of the cleaning industry.
Over 20 days, participants receive training in essential areas such as:
- Chemical Use and Application
- WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Material Information System)
- Basic First Aid
- Infection Control
- Equipment Use and Operation
- Floor Care and Carpet Cleaning
- Window Cleaning, Wall Washing, and Washroom Sanitization
- Workplace Practicum
This comprehensive approach combines industry expertise with cutting-edge training materials and experienced instructors.
The program is led by an instructor with over 20 years of experience in the cleaning and maintenance industry.
With credentials that include a British Columbia Instructor Diploma and leadership roles in various organizations, the instructor ensures that participants receive top-tier education and practical insights.
Building a Better Future
The BSW Program is more than a training initiative; it’s a step toward professionalizing and stabilizing the commercial cleaning industry.
By empowering workers, improving job retention, and promoting workplace safety, the program is helping to elevate the industry as a whole.
For businesses, the program offers a pipeline of motivated, skilled workers who are ready to contribute from day one.
For participants, it represents a chance to build a brighter future through meaningful employment.
As Brenda Crump, Job Coach and Program Coordinator, exemplifies with her energy, creativity, and determination, the Building Service Worker Program is making a real difference.
With ongoing support from BCCCA members, cleaning companies, and community stakeholders, the program is paving the way for a stronger, more sustainable commercial cleaning industry.
Here’s to raising our mops in celebration of this transformative program!
Working with Experienced Janitors
Metropolitan Building Maintenance has been offering commercial cleaning services in the lower mainland for over 40 years, with an average customer retention of 14 years. We’re Canadian-owned and operated, and if you’re interested in our services, contact us today for a free quote!
by Theresa | Feb 25, 2013 | Cleaning Industry, Commercial Cleaning
Janitor work begins around 5 pm when the office staff has gone home, and it extends into an eight-hour shift.
While most people are enjoying their evening activities, janitors are hard at work, ensuring that your office surfaces are dusted, your carpets are vacuumed, your garbage is emptied, and your washrooms are sanitized.
What It’s Like for a Janitor Working at Night
Did you know that the term “janitor” comes from the Latin word “ianitor,” which means “doorkeeper”?
Historically, janitors were responsible for guarding entrances, but their roles have evolved significantly over time.
Janitor work is vital in maintaining office cleanliness. They not only ensure a clean environment but also contribute to a healthier workspace.
For some, janitorial work might not be their first choice, but it is a necessary employment option for many.
Janitors come from diverse backgrounds and have various motivations for taking on this essential role.
Janitors are truly the unsung heroes who prevent our workplaces from succumbing to dust, stains, and unpleasant odours.
They tackle the mess that accumulates during the day, making sure you start each morning in a fresh and clean environment.
This is a typical breakdown of what a janitorial shift involves:
The Shift Begins
Janitor work kicks off in the late afternoon, around 5 pm, just as the office staff is heading home for the day.
Eight Hours of Dedication
Their janitor work entails an eight-hour shift, extending well into the late hours of the night.
They spend the time dusting, vacuuming, washing windows, scrubbing floors, cleaning surfaces (think of those coffee rings, and dirty keyboards), sanitizing washrooms and kitchens, and reaching high up to remove cobwebs and dust gathering along the ceiling.
A Silent Transformation
While most people unwind and relax, janitors quietly go about their tasks, transforming the office space so that when workers and customers return the next morning the space has been virtually reset.
Janitor Work: Everything That Gets Cleaned After Hours
1. Banishing Germs and Bacteria
Janitors serve as the first line of defence against the encroachment of dirt and clutter in our office spaces. Their janitor work ensures that the workspace remains presentable and hygienic for employees and visitors alike.
2. Unseen Imperfections
Despite our efforts to maintain a clean workspace during the day, janitors spot the imperfections we miss, from coffee rings to food particles. Their meticulous attention to detail ensures that no speck of dirt goes unnoticed.
3. Daily Maintenance
They battle greasy build-up on keyboards, desktops, and phones, as well as pesky dust bunnies that multiply unless vacuumed nightly. This daily maintenance not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the office but also contributes to a healthier work environment.
In the grand scheme of our daily lives, it’s easy to take a janitor’s work for granted. However, their commitment to providing a clean and comfortable workspace for all of us is invaluable.
Join a Growing Community of Appreciation
The next time you leave your office in the evening, spare a thought for the janitors who will be working diligently through the night to ensure you return to a clean, refreshed environment in the morning.
They may work in the shadows, but their contributions to our daily lives are as clear as the daylight they prepare us for.
Janitor work is not just about cleaning; it’s about ensuring a productive and healthy workplace for everyone.
Consider joining thousands of companies worldwide for Thank Your Cleaner Day as a way to improve your relationship with your janitors and change the perception of the cleaning industry writ large.
Build a Winning Team
If you’re interested in having night or daytime janitors maintain your commercial space, look no further than Metropolitan Building Maintenance!
by Theresa | Feb 18, 2013 | Commercial Cleaning, Disinfecting, Floor Maintenance, Green Cleaning, Janitorial Supplies
Spring is in the air, and that means it's time for your janitorial service to freshen up your commercial space or business.
A thorough cleaning can breathe new life into your workspace, making it more inviting and productive for both employees and customers.
To ensure you don't miss a beat, here's a comprehensive spring cleaning checklist for office and building managers.
1. Assess the Space to Tailor Your Spring Cleaning Checklist
Before diving into the cleaning process, take a moment to assess your commercial space. Walk through every room and make note of areas that require attention. This initial evaluation will help you create a tailored spring cleaning checklist.
2. Gather Essential Supplies
To efficiently tackle your spring cleaning checklist, gather all the necessary cleaning supplies. Stock up on cleaning agents, disinfectants, microfiber cloths, mops, brooms, vacuum cleaners, and garbage bags. Having everything ready will save you time during the cleaning process.
3. Declutter and Organize
Begin your spring cleaning by decluttering the workspace. Remove any unnecessary items, outdated paperwork, or broken equipment. Organize desks, shelves, and storage areas to create a more functional and tidy environment.
You can also take this time to declutter and properly file papers that seem to gather everywhere, ensuring your filing systems are well organized. This will give you a chance to revisit old checklists, reports and notes to make sure nothing has fallen through the cracks over the year.
4. Dust and Clean Surfaces
Dust accumulates quickly in commercial spaces. Use microfiber cloths or dusting wands to clean all surfaces, including desks, shelves, windowsills, and electronic equipment. Pay extra attention to air vents and light fixtures.
5. Carpet and Flooring
Deep cleaning of carpets and floors is essential. Vacuum all carpets thoroughly and consider professional green carpet cleaning if needed. For hard floors, mop with a suitable cleaner and scrub away any stains.
6. Windows and Blinds
Clean windows and blinds to allow more natural light into your space. Use a streak-free glass cleaner for windows and wipe down blinds with a damp cloth.
7. Sanitize High-Touch Areas
In the wake of recent health concerns, sanitizing high-touch areas is crucial. Disinfect doorknobs, light switches, elevator buttons, and communal spaces such as break rooms and restrooms.
8. Furniture and Upholstery
Dust and clean all office furniture, including chairs, desks, and cabinets. For upholstered furniture, consider professional upholstery cleaning to remove deep-seated dirt and stains.
9. Electronics
Clean and disinfect keyboards, computer screens, and phones. Use compressed air to remove dust from hard-to-reach areas of electronics.
10. Restrooms and Kitchen
In commercial and office spaces, restrooms and kitchens are frequently used and require special attention. Thoroughly clean and disinfect sinks, countertops, toilets, and kitchen appliances. Restock essential supplies like hand soap and paper towels.
11. Exterior Maintenance
Don't forget about the exterior of your building. Clean the windows, pressure wash the building's facade if necessary, and tidy up the surrounding landscape. A well-maintained exterior gives a positive first impression to visitors.
12. Evaluate the HVAC System
Consider scheduling an HVAC system check to ensure it's working efficiently. Clean or replace air filters, inspect ductwork, and address any ventilation issues.
13. Final Inspection and Create a Spring Cleaning Checklist for Next Year
Once you've completed all the tasks on your spring cleaning checklist, do a final walkthrough of the space. Check for any missed spots or areas that require additional attention. You might also take this time to note everything you will need to clean and declutter for next year, based on what you’ve learned – always plan ahead!
Spring cleaning is an opportunity to refresh and revitalize your commercial space.
By following this comprehensive Janitorial spring cleaning checklist, office and building managers can ensure that every nook and cranny is attended to. A clean and organized workspace not only boosts productivity but also creates a healthier and more pleasant environment for all who enter.
A Breath of Fresh Air
A well-executed Janitorial spring cleaning checklist can set the tone for the rest of the year, promoting a positive atmosphere and leaving a lasting impression on employees and clients alike.
So roll up your sleeves and get ready to make your commercial space shine this spring!
If you’re interested in hiring professionals to help with spring cleaning or regular cleaning and maintenance, reach out to Metropolitan Building Maintenance today for a free quote!
by Theresa | Feb 12, 2013 | Commercial Cleaning, Disinfecting, Green Cleaning
The Impact of Chemicals in Commercial Cleaning
In the realm of commercial cleaning, the term “chemical-free” has gained substantial traction in recent years.
As businesses and individuals become more conscious of the environment and their health, the harmful nature of chemicals in cleaning products has come under scrutiny.
In this blog, we will explain the significance of Metropolitan’s chemical-free philosophy in commercial cleaning, shedding light on the potential environmental and health hazards associated with conventional cleaning chemicals.
The Harms of Chemical Cleaning Products
Commercial cleaning has traditionally relied on a plethora of chemical-based products to disinfect and sanitize. While these products are effective at eliminating germs and stains, they often come with a hidden cost. Here are some of the key concerns:
- Phosphates: Phosphates are chemical compounds commonly found in detergents and cleaning agents. While they enhance cleaning performance, their runoff into water bodies can have devastating consequences. Phosphates are known to promote the growth of algae in waterways, leading to harmful algal blooms. These blooms can deplete oxygen levels in the water, causing massive fish and aquatic life die-offs.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs encompass a range of organic compounds found in various cleaning products. When released into the atmosphere, VOCs can react with other chemicals and sunlight, forming ground-level ozone and smog. These pollutants are known to contribute to environmental diseases, respiratory problems, and even climate change.
- Aromatic and Halogenated Solvents: Cleaning products that contain aromatic and halogenated solvents pose a significant risk to human health and the environment. Exposure to these solvents can lead to toxicity of the nervous system, reproductive damage, liver and kidney damage, respiratory impairment, and even an increased risk of cancer. Additionally, they can cause skin irritations and dermatitis upon contact.
The Ecologo Certification Program
In response to these concerns, organizations and consumers have sought safer and more eco-friendly alternatives to traditional cleaning products. The Ecologo Certification Program, managed by UL (Underwriters Laboratories), plays a vital role in identifying and promoting environmentally responsible products.
Ecologo certification is a trusted symbol of environmental leadership, ensuring that products meet rigorous criteria for reduced environmental impact. To receive this certification, products must undergo comprehensive testing and evaluation in areas such as energy efficiency, toxicity, and biodegradability. By choosing Ecologo-certified cleaning products, commercial cleaning services can significantly reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining effective cleaning results.
Benefits of a Chemical-Free Cleaning Approach
- Reduced Environmental Impact: By adopting a chemical-free approach, commercial cleaning services can minimize the release of harmful substances into the environment, helping to protect ecosystems and aquatic life.
- Improved Indoor Air Quality: Chemical-free cleaning products typically contain fewer VOCs, which can lead to better indoor air quality. This is particularly crucial in commercial spaces where occupants spend a significant portion of their day.
- Enhanced Health and Safety: Employees and clients benefit from reduced exposure to toxic chemicals, resulting in a safer and healthier working environment.
- Sustainability: Chemical-free cleaning aligns with sustainability goals, demonstrating a commitment to responsible business practices and environmental stewardship.
Alternatives to Chemical Cleaning
Embracing a chemical-free cleaning philosophy doesn’t mean sacrificing cleaning effectiveness. There are eco-friendly alternatives available that can deliver outstanding results while minimizing harm to the environment and human health. Some alternatives include:
- Microfiber Cleaning: Microfiber cloths and mops are highly effective at trapping dirt and germs without the need for chemical cleaners.
- Steam Cleaning: Steam cleaning uses hot water vapour to sanitize surfaces, eliminating the need for chemicals.
- Green Cleaning Products: Many manufacturers now offer green cleaning products that are biodegradable, non-toxic, and free from harmful chemicals.
- Ionized Water: Some cleaning systems use ionized water to clean and disinfect surfaces effectively without chemicals.
In the world of commercial cleaning, adopting a chemical-free philosophy is not only a responsible choice but also a forward-thinking one.
Understanding the potential harm posed by chemicals in cleaning products underscores the importance of seeking safer and more eco-friendly alternatives.
Start With Green
At Metropolitan, we opt for cleaners that are Ecologo Certified. Ecologo serves as a beacon of environmental responsibility, guiding commercial cleaning services toward products that are both effective and environmentally sustainable.
By prioritizing a chemical-free approach, our commercial cleaning services contribute to a healthier planet, safer workspaces for our clients, and a more sustainable future.
The shift toward cleaner, greener cleaning practices not only benefits the environment but also the well-being of those who occupy the spaces we clean.
If you’re interested in adopting a chemical-free approach to cleaning in your office, contact Metropolitan today!
by Theresa | Nov 29, 2012 | Commercial Cleaning
The holiday season is fast approaching, and for many businesses, that means hosting festive gatherings to celebrate with employees, clients, and partners.
However, the joy of these holiday parties often comes with the aftermath: the need for a thorough holiday party clean-up.
In this blog, we’ll delve into what commercial businesses need to know about preparing for and cleaning up after holiday parties in their workspace.
1. Pre-Party Preparation
Before your holiday party kicks off, it’s essential to take some proactive steps to minimize the post-party cleanup effort:
- Declutter and Organize: Tidy up your workspace by removing unnecessary items and clutter. This not only creates a more inviting atmosphere but also simplifies the cleanup process.
- Set Clear Guidelines: Communicate expectations to your guests regarding responsible behaviour during the party. Encourage them to help maintain cleanliness and order.
- Protect Sensitive Areas: Identify areas that are more susceptible to spills and messes, such as carpets or upholstered furniture. Consider placing protective covers or mats in these locations.
- Designated Trash and Recycling Bins: Position ample trash and recycling bins throughout the venue. Label them clearly to encourage proper disposal of waste.
2. During the Holiday Party
While the holiday party is in full swing, a few measures can be taken to manage cleanliness and prevent excessive mess:
- Check Restrooms Regularly: Assign someone to periodically check and tidy up the restrooms. Ensure that there is a sufficient supply of hand soap, paper towels, and toilet paper.
- Spill Kits: Have spill kits readily available in case of accidents. These kits typically contain items like absorbent materials and disposable gloves, making it easier to handle spills promptly.
- Prompt Cleanup: If spills or messes occur, address them as soon as possible to prevent stains or damage. Quick action can often minimize the impact of accidents.
- Garbage Collection: Empty trash and recycling bins as they fill up to prevent overflow and make post-party cleanup more manageable.
3. Post-Holiday Party Clean-Up
After the last guest has departed, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work on the holiday party clean-up:
- Delegate Responsibilities: Assign specific cleaning tasks to your staff or consider hiring a professional cleaning crew to ensure a thorough clean-up.
- Clear Trash and Recycling: Begin by collecting all trash and recyclables, ensuring nothing is left behind. Empty and replace liners in trash bins.
- Dishes and Utensils: If your holiday party includes catering, gather dishes, utensils, and glassware for cleaning or return them to the catering service.
- Spot Cleaning: Inspect carpets, upholstery, and other vulnerable surfaces for spills or stains. Address these promptly using appropriate cleaning solutions.
- Floor Care: Vacuum or sweep the floors to remove debris and dirt. Mop hard floors to restore their shine.
- Restroom Clean-Up: Thoroughly clean and sanitize restrooms, including sinks, toilets, and mirrors. Restock essential supplies.
- Check for Lost Items: Look for any items left behind by guests, such as coats, bags, or personal belongings, and store them safely until claimed.
- Inventory and Restocking: Take stock of your cleaning supplies and restock as needed. Ensure you’re prepared for future events.
4. Professional Holiday Party Clean-Up Services
For larger commercial spaces or businesses hosting frequent events, it may be beneficial to hire professional holiday party clean-up services.
These cleaning crews are experienced in handling post-event messes efficiently and thoroughly.
They can save you time and ensure that your workspace is ready for regular operations promptly.
Hosting holiday parties in your commercial space can be a wonderful way to celebrate the season and strengthen relationships with clients and employees.
However, it’s crucial to be prepared for the inevitable holiday party clean-up that follows.
By taking proactive measures before, during, and after the event, you can maintain a clean and welcoming workspace while enjoying the festivities of the season.
Getting the Support You Need
Whether you choose to handle the clean-up internally or opt for professional assistance, a well-executed clean-up plan ensures that your commercial space remains in top-notch condition and ready for business as usual.
So, as the holiday season approaches, make sure you’ve booked your holiday party clean-up crew or have a solid plan in place to keep your workspace sparkling clean.
If you’re interested in hiring a commercial cleaning company to come before or after your big event (or any other day of the year), reach out to Metropolitan Building Maintenance for a free quote!
