When it comes to healthcare and medical facility cleaning, there are many important factors to consider. The cleaning company you choose will not only affect the cleanliness and safety of your facility but also the health and well-being of the people who use it. Therefore, it’s crucial to evaluate potential commercial cleaning companies based on their certifications and compliance with regulations. In this article, we’ll discuss three important certifications and regulations to consider when evaluating a healthcare cleaning company: CHEST certification, following OSHA standards, and maintaining HIPPA compliance.
CHEST Certification
The first certification to consider when evaluating a healthcare cleaning company is CHEST (Certified Healthcare Environmental Services Technician). CHEST is a certification program that focuses specifically on cleaning and janitorial services in healthcare settings. To become CHEST certified, a technician must complete a training program and pass an exam. The program covers topics such as infection prevention and control, cleaning and disinfection, safety, and customer service.
Why is CHEST certification important?
Because healthcare facilities have unique cleaning needs, they require a high level of cleanliness to prevent the spread of infection and maintain a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors. CHEST certification ensures that the technicians performing the cleaning have the knowledge and skills necessary to meet these needs. When evaluating a healthcare cleaning company, ask if they have any CHEST-certified technicians on staff.
Following OSHA Standards
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal agency that sets standards for workplace safety. These standards cover everything from hazard communication to bloodborne pathogens to personal protective equipment. Healthcare cleaning companies must follow OSHA standards to ensure the safety of their employees and the people using the facility.
Why is following OSHA standards important?
Healthcare facilities are full of potential hazards, including infectious materials, chemicals, and medical equipment. Cleaning technicians need to know how to protect themselves and others from these hazards. OSHA standards provide guidelines for safe work practices, such as using proper personal protective equipment, handling hazardous materials safely, and properly labeling containers. When evaluating a healthcare cleaning company, ask if they follow OSHA standards and if they have a safety program in place.
Maintaining HIPPA Compliance
Healthcare cleaning companies must work with medical clinics, urgent care centers, and medical offices to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This ensures the privacy and security of patients’ protected health information (PHI). Cleaning technicians may come into contact with this information during their work, making it crucial for the cleaning company to assist in maintaining HIPAA compliance.
Why is maintaining HIPPA compliance important?
To protect patients’ sensitive information, healthcare facilities should partner with professional commercial cleaning companies that comply with HIPAA regulations. The cleaning company should have an understanding of HIPAA regulations and have policies in place to protect PHI. By evaluating a healthcare cleaning company’s HIPAA compliance, healthcare facilities can ensure that their patient’s PHI is kept confidential and secure.
When evaluating a healthcare cleaning company, it’s important to consider its certifications and compliance with regulations. Three important certifications and regulations to consider are CHEST certification, following OSHA standards, and maintaining HIPAA compliance.
- CHEST certification ensures that technicians have the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the unique cleaning needs of healthcare facilities.
- Following OSHA standards ensures the safety of employees and the people using the facility.
- Maintaining HIPAA compliance ensures the privacy and security of patients’ protected health information.
By evaluating potential healthcare cleaning companies based on these certifications and regulations, you can ensure that you choose a company that is capable of providing safe, effective, and confidential cleaning services for your facility. Get in touch with us to learn how the experts at iNX Commercial Cleaning Solutions can create a safe and healthy environment for you!
