The Janitors' Closet

Don't get rolled up in the carpet

Got a call from a client; she wanted us to skip the weekend cleaning because they're doing some renovating due to a pipe leak, mostly replacing drywall and all the carpet.  As she put it, the renovation crew would have to work fast (given the size of the job and the Easter holiday) and she didn't want one of my smaller folks rolled up in some old carpet and trucked to the dump.

It reminded me of a situation I doubt I've thought about in 20 years.  We used to office in a 1929 building in the heart of downtown Phoenix.  Our suite was on the second floor, with several other smaller tenants and a couple of large rooms used for storage - old furniture, files, several rolls of old carpet.   For our suite, we had an alarm system that featured a set of microphones that would be monitored at the central station should the alarm trip.  A nefarious individual broke into the building and triggered the alarm apparently by rattling our office door.  The police arrived right away (we were a half dozen blocks from the central police station), and entered before the intruder had time to exit.

To search the entire building, including storage rooms, the police brought down a K-9 unit.  After searching the office space, they went for the storage rooms.  The hollering recorded on the tape at the alarm central station was quite evocative, when the dogs sniffed out the carpet that the fellow had rolled himself up in.

As former AG William Barr titled his memoirs, it's "One Damn Thing After Another".

Get a feel (as it were) for hand sanitation

We tend to focus on the sexy "what's new and better" in jobsite health: hydrogen peroxide and quat sanitizers and disinfectants, microfiber for floors and surfaces, HEPA filtration on vacuums, chemical selection and training in use of, and so on.  All of it good, and I figure we're somewhere around the cutting edge of the industry along those lines. But the lowly washing of hands (thoroughly) is overlooked.

Here's an article from our friends at Waxie (our go-to paper and equipment supplier - good folks!) focusing on just hands.

Per the article, other points in hand sanitation, often overlooked, include:

"...the use of automatic dispensers enhance the consumers perception of restroom cleanliness and placing paper towels by exits are preferred by building occupants. Strategic placement of automatic hand sanitizer dispensers near the restroom, at building entrances and exits, reception counters, and anywhere else they are needed to ensure good hand hygiene."

Good links in the article as well.

As the article notes, bacteria shouldn't be the only culture you're exposed to.

Enjoy, and wash up afterwards! 

 

Never, NEVER set the keys or cell phone down.

Caught an article via our friends at Cleaning & Maintenance Management regarding a janitor suing her employer because she trapped herself in a jail holding cell over the weekend; the holding cell door closed behind her, and both her keys and cell phone were outside on her cleaning cart.  There does seem to be a bit of mismanagement on the part of the employer; to quote the article:

"The complaint claims that Allied Universal should be held responsible for the incident due to improper training and a lack of supervision of their employees. “There had to have been at least seven shifts where new security folks came in,” her attorney, Bill McAfee, told WKMG. “[They] should have seen [her] driver’s license sitting there, should have seen that [her] keys had never been turned in, and that the log had never been signed out.” '

She also had health problems that made the incarceration serious.  Sounds like her employer missed some bets.

I believe in always having back-up; years back, an older client referred to it as a "belt and suspenders" approach to life.  We keep on hand a backup set of keys to all our clients, and always have a least one person easily available straight through the night (via phone, if you've not set yours down) and the weekend.

It would be interesting to see what sort of training her firm provided, regarding keeping keys and phone on one's person.  

I do our initial orientation myself.  I stress that one NEVER sets down keys or phone ANYWHERE.  We don't have many holding cells on our janitorial routs, and if one is locked in the office, there is generally a phone available But it's always possible, say, to be taking the trash to the dumpster, located in the fenced back lot, and have the self locking back door close behind you.  You'd be in the lot for the rest of the night, or weekend, if you'd left keys and phone on the front desk.

In our orientation, I illustrate using a personal example.  Just after going into business, 40-plus years ago, I was cleaning a small office building featuring several locked suites off a central hallway.  Entered the hallway, locked myself in (to avoid being surprised by the burglars), went into the first suite, set my keys on the reception desk, caught trash and dusting and then went back into the hall to get my vacuum (a Kirby in those days - remember them?)  The self locking door closed.  I was trapped in the locked hallway, without a phone booth (remember those?)  And these were the days long before any kind of mobile phone (remember those days?)

Managed to hop atop a soda machine and accessed the suite, and my keys, via the hung ceiling. Likely I was a bit more spry in those days (remember those days?)

I learned my lesson. Wonder if the gal's firm had a similar personal example, of what not to do.

 

Ashokan Farewell

This has nothing to do with my usual janitorial ruminations, but on something else that's concerned me for some time.  I happen to be introducing a tune at this Sunday's Salt River Brass concert, Jay Unger's Ashokan Farewell; here's my thoughts:

Ashokan Farewell is the haunting theme used throughout Ken Burns PBS series “The Civil War”.  It’s a waltz in the style of a Scottish lament. 

     From its style, most folks assume it to be of the Civil War period; in fact, it’s the only piece used in the film that is of modern origin, written by fiddle player Jay Ungar in 1982.

    It is introduced as background to the reading of a letter from Sullivan Ballou to his young wife just before the battle of Bull Run.  Ballou was major of a volunteer Rhode Island regiment; he lost his leg to a Confederate 9-pounder at the battle, and died a week later.  In his letter, he speaks of their short life together, and of their 2 sons.

    In 1915, the Ashokan reservoir was completed, providing water to New York City.  It inundated a number of small rural communities, including the village of Ashokan itself.  Nothing special about them, but the farms, schools and churches demolished represent generations of families, lives intertwined – a small community cast aside.  We have little enough community in our lives; it’s perhaps fitting to take a moment to reflect on a community lost.

Here's a clip of the original: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kZASM8OX7s 

 

"The Last of Us"

Since early in the Covid epidemic, I've followed Katelyn Jetelina, who posts regularly as "Your Local Epidemiologist", for real time information on the progress of the virus and various remediation methods. Quite useful, both in fine tuning our disinfection regimen and in helping to keep safe, and working, my folks (and myself).  

Back in February, she posted (just to lighten the mood, I suspect) her take on the recent TV hit "The Last of Us", about an insect fungus that evolves to infect humans - and take over their minds, as it does ants in the real world. She got together with an Emory based plant scientist to explore the plausibility of the scenario.

Turns out the fungus exists, and does what it's reputed to do.  Probably would need major evolution to adapt to infect humans (ants are cold blooded; humans are not.  At least most humans...)  It would also have difficulty controlling the human brain the way it does ants - our brains are a good deal more complex (again, most of us).

But, her conclusion:

"Fiction: The “nature” of a fungal pandemic

"We can have a fungal pandemic, but it would look very different from this show and very different from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. 

"Yes, many fungi are airborne, so mask wars would likely commence during a fungal pandemic.

"But fungi thrive in hospitals—IV lines, catheters, blood pressure cuffs. Standard cleaning measures are ineffective and whole units or whole hospitals would need to be shut down. So, more likely, a fungal pandemic would cause the complete collapse of our healthcare system. This, of course, would have devastating effects for societies."

Good to know. The world is now a bit more interesting.

Bleach will kill fungi, depending on strength and dwell time.  Hydrogen peroxide will as well.  Our go-to disinfectant is HP based, but claims effectiveness only over viruses and bacteria, likely again based on strength and dwell time.  

To repeat - the world is more and more interesting.

Learning from the recent flu season

Caught a good article, via our friends at Cleaning & Maintenance Management, regarding lessons learned (or that we should have learned) from the 22-23 flu season.  I'll quote a couple of good points:

• 1) The typically predictable timings for flu season might no longer be accurate, reinforcing the need for a high-level of germ protection throughout the year.
• 2) With the ongoing threat of COVID-19 and the surges in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and streptococcus A (strep A), this winter showed that flu is no longer the only respiratory virus threat in the workplace.

The article goes on to stress the need for ongoing surfaced disinfection, not just the obvious areas or when one happens to see something in the media about escalating disease transmission. 

I'm happy we at CBN used the Covid pandemic to analyze and upgrade our equipment, chemicals and procedures - everything from "wall to wall" surface disinfection, using an HP based disinfectant and a frame to hold the microfiber pad, to full electrostatic disinfection.

But there's always something new to learn - one of the interesting aspects of this industry.

An update on the homeless encampment, and the Old Station, from an old friend

 Bob, a few days back you posted a story titled 'Homeless in My Neighborhood' about the Old Station, an old gas station that's been converted into a cute sandwich shop in 'the Zone'.  As your article mentioned, the Zone refers to the epicenter of the homeless population in Phoenix, both various homeless resource providers and the large encampment.

I also recall, as you mentioned, ordering lunch from the Old Station when I worked at CBN.  They have good food.  

As you know, for a couple of years I worked for a homeless service provider located about a block from the sandwich shop.  I, along with several of my coworkers from the shelter, would frequent the Old Station for lunch about once a week; the owners where really wonderful.  I frequently saw the challenges they faced trying to operate just a couple of blocks from three homeless shelters and two soup kitchens... I thought the least I could do was buy a sandwich from them once a week.  

Something else that you mentioned in the article was a reference to 'The Duce', and the old produce market that used to be located near downtown Phoenix. 

I grew up in Phoenix and attended Old Saint Mary's High School; my dad was a Phoenix Police homicide detective, and my uncle sold melons, onions, and corn at the old produce market.  I actually knew several families that bought and sold produce there as well.  I have fond memories of eating breakfast with my dad and uncle at the old Busy Bee Cafe next to the old produce market. 

So, a few points of correction for the article you posted.  You referred to the 'The Duce', the proper spelling is 'The Deuce', and while 'The Deuce' was near the old produce market, the name had no reference to produce.  The word deuce means 'two dollars', and referred to an area in old Phoenix that was infamous for prostitution. 

When a newspaper reporter once asked Former Phoenix Mayor Margret Hance, 'why is that area called 'The Deuce', she quipped back 'Oh come on boys, that's what it costs'.  That is one of my favorite Maggie Hance stories, the other being when she appeared on stage for a Junior League costume and talent show charity benefit, dressed as Noblesse Oblige.  The mayor strolled on stage handing out cake, and even had the accent of the 'second estate' down.  I really miss that gal! 

See the map I prepared that shows the epicenter for homeless services located in The Zone, near where CBN's office is located, and where the Old Station is.  

The map also shows where the 'The Deuce' and the old produce market were once located.  Close, but different places.  

Bill 

Perhaps we ought not "whitewash" history

Folks ignorant of history make some ironic decisions.

Recently, both the national Audubon Society and its New York chapter have contemplated removing Audubon's name from their names, having (apparently) recently discovered that Audubon owned slaves.  The national society elected to retain the name; the New York chapter is removing it.  The New York chapter seems  oblivious to the rather more odious "York" in their name (and in that of city and state as well). The "York" was James II, Duke of York and brother to Charles II later king in his own right. New York was named for James after a James-organized expedition stole New Amsterdam from the Dutch.

For the irony: In around 1660, James founded the Royal African Company, with assistance from King Charles and London merchants.  The company was created to enjoy a monopoly on all British trade with the African coast, including that in silver, gold, ivory and slaves.  James was governor of the company until 1688, and its largest shareholder.  That would have made him one of the largest slave traders of his day, not to mention (further irony for a conservationist organization) one of the largest ivory traders. Audubon was small potatoes by comparison. 

The recent push to remove disreputable names from our lexicon seems rather double edged.  While, as it were, dishonoring some of the dishonorable, it allows us to avoid reminders of our history, warts and all.

Perhaps modern Germany has a better idea.  Shortly after the war, Germans contemplated demolishing the Nazi concentration camps, removing painful reminders of the Holocaust. On consideration, the kept some, turned them into museums, and encouraged the public to visit.  They have also, more recently, installed metal plaques into sidewalks, identifying homes where Jews once lived - thus giving neighbors a daily reminder.

Those who do not remember history are likely doomed to repeat it.  

Include the periodic floor and window work, and sanitation - in good times and in bad

I uncertain times, given banking challenges, inflation, labor and other shortages, I suspect we're soon to see commercial janitorial clients, ours and others, looking at ways to cut costs.  Here's some notes I put together a few years ago, during another uncertain period:

When the economy went south a while back, many firms around the Valley cutback on facility cleaning - either dropping the janitorial service entirely, or cutting services to a minimum, with periodic jobs such as burnishing and refinishing tile, carpet cleaning, and window washing eliminated.  (Or, if those periodic cleaning items were not included in the ongoing janitorial price, they were put off to another day.) 

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with saving a few bucks, particularly if it avoids layoffs, or bankruptcy.

Sooner or later, though, deterioration of your facility and furnishings, due to lack of proper periodic maintenance begins to show, and expenses multiply - deep shampooing of heavily soiled carpet is considerably more costly than the bimonthly or quarterly carpet cleaning we normally provide; burnishing tile is a lot less expensive than the refinishing job that’s needed if you skip the burnishing. 

Moreover, a building that is not being properly cleaned and sanitized - not just restrooms, but touchpoints through the building (due to a cheap but less than thorough janitorial service, or to one’s own untrained employees) - leads to a less healthy, and less productive, workforce. 

Now might be a good time to evaluate whether less frequent but thorough cleaning and sanitizing schedule (perhaps once or twice per week in a smaller facility) coupled with periodic burnishing, carpet cleaning, window washing and so forth, might make economic sense over the long haul.

We clean a lot of facilities on that kind of schedule.  Our client gets one reasonable and consistent monthly price, a better-looking and healthier workplace, and a happier and more productive staff.

Homelessness in my neighborhood

Caught a New York Times article today about a sandwich shop a bit over a half mile from .  It's called Old Station Subs, and we've ordered take-out from them from time to time over the years.  Phoenix's huge homeless encampment (1100
and counting) is a block or two from the shop; the article deals with the issues longtime small business owners face with drug dealing, theft, murder and general crime occurring on their doorstep.

The neighborhood abuts the old "Duce", along the rail yard.  the name is variously attributed to it's being the old produce district, it's situation between 2nd Street and 2nd Avenue ("duces"), or that the local "ladies of the night" (the prime neighborhood industry) used to charge that.

It was seedy but perhaps not as dangerous or hopeless as today.  We had a couple of clients in old warehouses in the district; here's a bit I wrote a dozen or more years about our janitor at one of those clients:

"Getting the job done"

Some other janitorial services have all sorts of excuses for why the client received no service last night, and I hear them when preparing cleaning packages: had a flat tire, someone out sick, got confused about which places are on tonight's schedule, and so on.

Brings to mind an incident of many years past.  We were cleaning a string of small industrial facilities in Phoenix's tenderloin area, called the "Duce", from its origin as a produce warehouse district.  We had a tough middle aged gal - tougher than me - cleaning the route; she couldn't have been over 5'2", maybe 100 pounds.  She was thoroughly used to rolling winos (the then current term) out from in front of client doorways, so she could get in to clean.  In the wee hours of one evening, in the middle of her route, she tried to move the expected wino, and found him to be a body instead.  Called the police.

She got the building cleaned, and the rest of her route - just barely.  Hadn't called us at the time, because it really wasn't a problem she couldn't deal with herself.  Next morning, she dropped by our office - needed to vent.  Seems the cops had kept her answering questions for several hours - and she had WORK to do. 

We've not had any clients in the Duce for over a decade; most firms there have closed.  But we still do get the job done.