Commercial Cleaning

Environmental Services (EVS) in Health Care: What You Need to Know

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What are Environmental Services in Health Care

Environmental services (EVS) health care personnel are tasked with helping to stop healthcare-associated infections from spreading. They work with colleagues to prioritize areas that pose immediate health risks, following the appropriate guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting along the way. Environmental service personnel, including many of the individuals who work for and with Corvus Janitorial Systems, have an important role to play in the prevention and minimization of healthcare-associated infections. They help keep medical professionals like doctors, nurses, and assistants safe. And they help protect patients, loved ones, and other visitors, as well.

Where Environmental Services are Prioritized

EVS is important in any setting where infections may linger and spread. Among others, this includes:

· Hospitals
· Outpatient clinics
· Surgical centers
· Walk-in treatment centers
· Primary care doctors’ offices
· Senior centers
· Obstetricians’ offices

These are the places where infections collect, and with near-constant traffic, it can be difficult to keep them properly cleaned and sanitized without professional help. Focused on sanitation, EVS team members clean the patients’ rooms, waiting areas, procedural rooms, surgical suites, and other areas where germs may linger and easily spread. Environmental service positions are the primary defense against serious infections that tend to linger on high-touch surfaces throughout different medical facilities.

Other Locations and Areas Where Environmental Services are Useful

Environmental services are particularly useful in health care and medical settings, especially when the world is battling a deadly pandemic. But these incredibly valuable services have been around long before we faced our first shutdown. And they’ve been used successfully in other areas, too. A few other uses for environmental services:

· The hospitality industry
· Schools and daycares
· Office buildings
· Production factories
· Food manufacturers
· Community cleanup
· Disposal services

A career in environmental services offers many different meaningful pathways. But one that focuses on healthcare and improves the lives of medical professionals, first responders, and vulnerable patients may be the most rewarding. And the availability of environmental service hospital jobs is projected to continue increasing for the foreseeable future.

Environmental Services Tasks

Each visit might be different depending on the type of facility and their needs. But many healthcare facilities need the same thing: regular deep cleanings and high-level sanitation. Because many infections spread easily and quickly, healthcare facilities require a higher level of care and greater attention to detail. Some of the most common environmental services tasks in healthcare settings might include:

· Regularly mopping, vacuuming, and sweeping all of the floors
· Washing the windows and dusting the furniture
· Washing and replacing bed linens
· Properly disposing of waste and other hazardous materials
· Emptying trash cans and restocking supplies
· Disinfecting the rooms, equipment, and supplies with high-level sanitizers

During COVID, these services might be more intensive or scheduled more regularly. They might also set limitations that didn’t exist before, like requiring that you come to clean and sanitize the facility at night while patients are sleeping, on the weekends, or on a holiday. Health care doesn’t take days off. While a job in health care environmental services can be challenging, it is also incredibly and uniquely rewarding.

Electrostatic Spraying in Health Care Settings

One high-level sanitation method that is particularly useful in health care environments is electrostatic spraying. This powerful disinfecting technique is often used to promote health and safety in sensitive or high-traffic spaces, like hospitals and airports. Electrostatic spraying works by applying a positive electric charge to a liquid disinfectant. The resulting spray reaches its target almost instantly and sticks to it. This type of treatment is highly useful in risky and highly populated settings because it offers a deeper and more efficient and effective clean.

And because it is a fine spray instead of a concentrated wipe or a cloth, it makes it easier to target hard-to-reach or otherwise difficult spaces, like the tiles tucked in the back corners of bathrooms, high supply closet shelves, and various other surfaces. An environmental services provider with electrostatic spraying equipment can achieve 360-degree coverage of any area they need to treat. So not only are the high-touch surfaces better targeted and disinfected, but the corners, nooks, and hard-to-reach crannies won’t be missed either.

Requirements for EVS Personnel in Health Care Settings

During and after COVID, the operators of health care facilities might be stricter with their guidelines for how environmental services are performed. For example, they might require that anyone in the building wear sanitary clothing or disposable isolation gowns, masks, goggles, or face shields, gloves, and other protective gear. EVS is, essentially, the first defense against infection control. As such, they’ll have stricter guidelines to adhere to than janitorial service providers in other settings might.

As a general rule, environmental service providers in health care facilities might also be required to sanitize their hands both when they enter and leave exam rooms. When patients are discharged or moved to different rooms, EVS health care providers will clean and sanitize each surface to prepare for the next patient. As the patients are moved around, there might be some overlap, and EVS providers should remember to respect the patients’ privacy. It is an EVS provider’s job to help patients feel safe when they are at their most vulnerable. Be compassionate, respectful, and kind if you do interact with any of the patients during your work.

Corvus Janitorial Systems

If you are a professional looking to start your career in environmental services or you’re an owner or operator of a health care facility, reach out today to see how we can help. For our franchisees, we offer training, support, and numerous other business-building advantages. For our clients, we provide high-level and reliable cleaning and sanitizing services. We offer peace of mind where and when you need it most.

Our high-quality services, proven systems, and dedicated teams are all here to ensure that we contribute positively to the lives of our clients, their employees, patients, and loved ones, and the community at large. Contact us today to request a free quote.

Corvus Janitorial Systems Commercial Cleaning Customer Reviews

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Reviews from Corvus Janitorial Customers:

Corvus of Charlotte:

“We started working with Corvus in July 2015 and to date, have had a great experience with them. They had some local management changes a couple of years ago and that went well with no change in service (which can happen!). When we ask for something, the response is quick and efficient. We had a COVID-19 potential exposure in our office and they were able to come out the next day and do a thorough sanitizing of our office suite. All of their folks have been great but Jodean climbs to the top of the list – she is there for us! We thank you, Corvus!”

Corvus of Chicago:

“Corvus has been servicing our Elk Grove facility for over a year and we are pleased with the quality of service and their communication. Regular visits from a local Manager are a welcome addition and provide a platform for us to submit specific feedback regarding the scheduled service, special requests and explore additional services that we may require.”

Corvus of Cincinnati:

“Very detail oriented. I requested specific things. The first time the crew came they missed something. I made a phone call to Christine one time and they went above and beyond my expectations. Fantastic crew!!!”

Corvus of Columbus:

“It takes the hard work out of finding good help. Great communication, excellent value and good people to work with.”

Corvus of Denver:

“This company has been great to work with. They went above and beyond when we needed them the most during COVID. Michael and his team are very responsive and accommodating. I highly recommend them for your cleaning and sanitizing needs.”

Corvus of Indianapolis:

“Corvus has been a phenomenal resource for my business! The team is responsive, timely and professional. Their team of professionals check in consistently to make sure that the work performed is up to standard. Highly recommended!”

Corvus of Jacksonville:

“I have worked in child care for years, never satisfied with any of our janitorial companies until now. Charles is amazing at what he does and very responsive. They provide a log book for daily communication and quarterly evaluations, asking us what they can improve on. Spencer, the supervisor, is very easy to speak with and always checking in. Not only do they provide great cleaning services, they are now offering electrostatic disinfecting – which we did today in our classrooms. I am very satisfied with Corvus services and would recommend them to anyone!”

Corvus of Lexington:

“The company I work for has used Corvus for a number of years and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From the team on the ground to management, we were taken care of on every aspect. If there was ever a question or an extra request, the team was always accommodating.”

Corvus of Little Rock:

“Top notch service. Shayna and Jennifer are great. You can count on them to always follow up to ensure that you are pleased with the service. Had a couple of “emergency” cleans come up over the last couple of years and they have always gone out of their way to cover my poor planning and made me come out looking like a star when visitors arrived.. Would recommend to anyone. A+++”

Corvus of Louisville:

“So glad to know David Villafana and Corvus! They use green products, well trained employees, and methodical cleaning.”

Corvus of Nashville:

“Switched over to Corvus at our site several months ago. Their service and attention to detail has been great. 10/10 would recommend.”

Corvus of New Orleans:

“Corvus has provided us excellent services in day to day general cleaning and floor care for nearly 10 years. Any issues are addressed immediately and handled with urgency and customer satisfaction in mind.”

Corvus of Northwest Arkansas:

“Corvus Janitorial provides excellent service! It is hard to find a cleaning company that is honest, professional, AND does a good job! I would highly recommend Corvus Janitorial for anyone needing a top notch cleaning company for their business, small or large.”

Corvus of Orlando:

“Corvus does a great job! John and Vivian are super professional and provide outstanding service! Our office is always in great condition, they are very easy to communicate with and to get in touch with when needed. We highly recommend using Corvus to any business!”

Corvus of Raleigh-Durham:

“I’ve had my franchise for almost 3 years now and I really can’t complain about anything that has happened within. Everything and everyone is straightforward and willing to help. Plenty of opportunity to grow your franchise. The main thing I like is how easy it is to contact the partners at the office or corporate and how knowledgeable they are when it comes to different types of problems that may occur! Thank You!!!”

Corvus of St. Louis:

“Zion Lutheran School has been with Corvus since 2000. I love the communication we have with Corvus. They are so responsive to our cleaning needs at school. It is nice to have cleaning issues taken care of, and not have to deal with that during a busy school year. Corvus has been a great partner in our school growth.”

Corvus Janitorial Systems of St. Louis Customer Reviews

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At Corvus Janitorial Systems of St. Louis, we take pride in providing our customers with top-notch service and support. We believe that reliability, consistency, and communication are the foundation of our relationship with our customer-partners. It is our goal to keep your facility clean, sanitary, and safe for your employees, customer, and other stakeholders. Don’t just take our word for it; read on to see what our fantastic customers have to say about their experience with Corvus of St. Louis!

Corvus of St. Louis Customer Reviews –

“We use Corvus Janitorial for our cleaning services for three shifts and they are one of the better companies we’ve used. They are always professional, cover absences well and never miss a beat.”

“Stacy is AMAZING! From the very beginning, communication has been excellent, expectations are met- and exceeded, and the price is well worth the services. We have high standards and have worked with several companies over the last 8 years for our clinic and have been dissatisfied with the previous service, communication, and integrity until we began with Corvus. If you are looking for high quality, professional cleaning, I would recommend Corvus.”

“We just started with Corvus after having another company for several years. Corvus Janitorial are doing a great job. They are also quick to respond to any questions you may have about other work they offer.”

“I am extremely happy with Corvus Janitorial. Any issues or extra services, they are more than helpful. And dealing with Louis Kline is great!”

“We started using Corvus here at St. Joseph’s School this school year and Carlos and Cortez have been great. Louis stops by frequently to check progress. It’s a welcomed change. I would highly recommend Corvus.”

“Corvus Janitorial has served my company for the last 2 years with exemplary performance. The few issues we’ve had have been taken care of immediately and were not repeated. Very good experience with them!”

“We have used Corvus for about two years now. The service has been very good – my guy is TJ and he has always been responsive and available to come in for spot cleaning or after a large event – we will continue to use Corvus here at Mercedes-Benz of St Louis.”

“The team that cleans my building are always professional. The group at the main office and the account manager have never been too busy to resolve an issue or audit my building to see that what has been promised is being completed.”

“We are extremely happy with the customer service from Corvus. They go above and beyond and take full initiative to keep everything clean. Our custodian calls and checks in on a weekly basis for feedback, as well as makes notes for us in a feedback log in the front office. Keep us the great work and thank you so much!”

“We have been a client of Corvus for over a decade now. They provide a very reliable cleaning service. Any time we need to meet with them or discuss our needs, they are very prompt to answer us and make any necessary adjustments. They truly are committed to customer service.”

“We have been using Corvus for several years now to clean our two-story private elementary school with an early childhood department, which requires cleaning and sanitizing nightly. Their area manager has been quick to respond to the few problems we have had over the years. Our current custodian is very thorough, flexible and is willing to go above and beyond to help us with “extra” things we need done that are not part of his routine. Corvus can handle any job, no matter how big or small. I would effeminately recommend them!”

“We have used Corvus weekly since August 2013 and they have been excellent!! The people are friendly, the services are great, and the communication is outstanding!! I would highly recommend them to anyone seeking cleaning services for their business!!”

Is Electrostatic Spraying Right for Your Office?

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Electrostatic spraying is a powerful disinfecting technique that is often used to promote health and safety in public spaces. It has long been used in settings like airports and medical facilities as part of a highly effective and efficient disinfecting strategy. But how do you know if electrostatic spraying is right for your office? Or if typical cleaning and disinfecting services and strategies are enough? Here are a few things to consider when it comes to this high-level disinfecting method:

How electrostatic spraying works

Electrostatic spraying works through the application of a positive electric charge to a liquid disinfectant. This combination creates a spray that reaches its target almost immediately and then sticks to it. Compared to traditional cleaning and disinfecting sprays, this method is much more effective. Instead of spraying specific areas directly, electrostatic spraying allows the service provider to achieve 360-degree coverage of the area they are treating. This means that it’s easier to hit high-touch surfaces and all of the corners and crevices that would otherwise be difficult to reach and might get missed.

Why your facility might need it

If your facility has many high-touch surface areas or sees a lot of traffic each day, you should consider electrostatic spraying your office. Electrostatic spraying is ideal for facilities like office spaces, schools, and medical facilities because these are high-traffic settings with many different high-touch surface areas. We can use this incredible and innovative disinfecting method to reduce the transmission of COVID in your facility. Along with things like wearing masks, frequent hand washing, and maintaining the appropriate distance, we can do more.

There are several important ways that we can ensure that we’re meeting safety precautions, protecting each other, and controlling the spread of COVID. With employees back in their workspaces and students back at their desks, social distancing needs to be met with additional efforts. Anyone who can’t work from home or engage in remote learning shouldn’t have to be scared or uncomfortable in shared spaces each day. If your facility is open, you have individuals coming in and out, and you have high-touch surfaces that need extra attention, you need electrostatic spraying.

Where else electrostatic spraying is used

Even before the COVID outbreak began, there were several different types of businesses and locations that made use of electrostatic spraying. One that we mentioned already: airlines. Imagine the number of individuals that walk through just one airport in a day (pre-coronavirus). Imagine the number of high-touch surfaces that they have to disinfect, from seats, belts, bathrooms, and armrests to storage bins, tray tables, and waiting areas. In any airport, there are plenty of areas that require a deep level of cleaning and disinfecting. But it’s not just airlines that use this high-level disinfecting method.

Electrostatic spraying has also long been used in medical facilities like hospitals and clinics, sports and athletic facilities, and other high-traffic areas. If it’s the method of choice in places where traffic is high and the stakes are higher, it’s clear that it should be the method of choice elsewhere, too. Employing effective cleaning and disinfecting services may be the sole choice that keeps your facility from closing during COVID-19 like so many others have already. Many office buildings and restaurants have had to close for a week or two at a time to clean and disinfect after someone tested positive. It’s better to be proactive, slow the spread, and avoid the shutdown rather than addressing it after the fact.

Peace of mind

When people hear the term “electrostatic spraying,” they tend to have several questions. The first one is usually what is it? Next: is it safe? Is there any way that it could be toxic or dangerous? Now that you know how electrostatic spraying works and where it’s used, let’s talk about toxicity. Most people are surprised to learn that electrostatic spraying actually uses fewer chemicals than more standard disinfection techniques. This is simply because electrostatic spraying is more efficient.

Its higher transfer efficiency and reach mean that it works better and can do the job using fewer chemicals. This reduces the chemical exposure for your employees, patients, or students, and also for the environment. COVID may have brought electrostatic spraying out into the limelight this year, but it’s not a new technique. The technology used in electrostatic spraying was invented nearly 100 years ago. It has been used in the background in the auto industry, airlines, hospitals, arenas, and other settings for many years. It is just recently becoming more popular in other settings, too.

This extra step could help protect you until we have a vaccine

With the promising news that the COVID vaccine may be distributed early in 2021, it can be tempting to ease back or loosen up. But now is the time to be more vigilant than ever before. With COVID cases still going up in numbers in many states across the country, now is not the time to slow down. The best way to keep our businesses open and ourselves and each other safe and healthy is to follow all of the guidelines that are being set out for us.

Wear your masks, wash your hands, keep your distance, and stay home if you’re not feeling well. But make sure that you’re not stopping there. In both your home and your business, routine cleaning and disinfecting can help reduce the risk of exposure. Don’t leave the health and safety of your business, employees, clients, students, or patients up to chance.

Conclusion

While we are inching closer, we aren’t back to normal just yet, and we should all be playing our part in slowing the spread of COVID-19. Our high-level electrostatic spraying services will help protect both your business and the people who interact with it. Your employees, clients and customers, and all of their families deserve the peace of mind that comes with high-level cleaning and disinfecting services.

With our high-quality services, proven systems, and dedicated teams, we can help you make the most of your facility and stay safe and healthy until things return to normal. Contact us today for a free quote for electrostatic spraying in your office.

Deep Cleaning: What You Need to Know

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Due to the resurgence of COVID-19 cases nationwide, Corvus Janitorial is noticing more and more businesses implementing deep cleaning into their office routines. In fact, the CDC announced deep cleaning as an essential step in the effort to maintain safety in public spaces like your workplace, school, home, and business.

So what is it that makes deep cleaning different from ordinary, everyday cleaning? Read on to learn more about the process – and importance – of deep cleaning.

What is Deep Cleaning?

A deep clean is an organized and detailed clean of an area with the intent to reduce germs and control the spread of infection. It goes above and beyond regular cleaning to ensure those hard-to-reach corners and crevices that are oftentimes neglected in standard cleaning routines are being reached.

When a person is cleaning, whatever kind of space it may be, he or she is mostly focused on improving the overall appearance of that area. Cleaning does work to remove dirt and impurities – like germs and viruses- from a surface, but it does not actually kill them away. Impurities can only be killed by cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting the area.

While a standard clean is generally performed daily or throughout the week, a deep clean occurs far less regularly (think- spring cleaning). However strenuous of a task it may be, ensuring that your home and other public spaces have been disinfected is absolutely essential to controlling the spread of COVID-19. If the proper products are used, disinfecting can actually kill the virus that causes COVID-19.

Standard Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning

Let’s compare cleaning a kitchen to deep cleaning a kitchen as an example. Cleaning the kitchen after dinner may look like something along the lines of clearing the plates, loading the dishwasher, wiping down the countertops, and sweeping underneath the table.

Deep cleaning the kitchen is a much more comprehensive process. In addition to the chores mentioned above, it would involve tasks such as clearing out the pantry and refrigerator, tossing away any expired food, and then wiping down the shelves with a disinfectant spray. One might use a clean toothbrush or similar tool to reach the corners and edges of the shelves as well.

Deep Cleaning Your Business

This time last year if you were to ask anyone his or her thoughts on disinfecting a doorknob each time someone opens and closes the door…most likely everyone would agree that it is a crazy and completely unnecessary idea. Now, the health and safety of your employees, as well as the vitality of your business, could depend on this very action alone.

Businesses and other workspaces contain several high-touch surfaces (desks, light switches, keyboards, phones, toilets, faucets, etc.) that, if neglected, can drastically increase one’s chances of contracting COVID-19. Since there are so many high touch surfaces to consider, businesses will generally hire professional cleaners to perform a deep clean.

Oftentimes professional cleaning companies will use advanced technologies like electrostatic sprayers to properly clean, sanitize, and disinfect. Whether or not your facility uses a commercial cleaning service, it is worthwhile to consider bringing in a professional for a disinfecting service. It will save a great deal of time, and you can rest assured knowing that one of the most powerful and effective disinfecting methods was applied to your workspace.

Tips and Tricks For Deep Cleaning Your Home

While businesses typically hire a janitorial company for their cleaning needs, deep cleaning your home can be done without help from professional cleaners. The thought of disinfecting your entire household is probably overwhelming, so it helps to break the project down into small, more manageable tasks.

Just like deep cleaning any public space, first and foremost you must disinfect the high-touch surfaces in your home. It is helpful to always have a supply of disinfectant products readily available. Clorox, Lysol, and Purell are common brands included on the EPA’s list of approved disinfectants. Wearing disposable gloves while deep cleaning these surfaces is a great preventative measure you can take. If a member of your household does contract COVID-19, it is best for him or her to stay in a separate bedroom and bathroom if at all possible.

Deep cleaning aside, wearing a mask outside your home and limiting the number of visitors who come into your home are the most effective ways to protect yourself and your family from contracting the coronavirus.

Conclusion

Deep cleaning our workspaces and households is a crucial step we must all take to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Simply cleaning up after ourselves will not be enough, so it is best to start adopting these practices now and to maintain them for as long as the coronavirus continues to affect our lives. For more information and resources relating to COVID-19, visit our coronavirus response page here.

Corvus Janitorial Systems

If you are looking for a commercial cleaning company that uses only the highest-quality products and proven techniques, Corvus Janitorial is it. For all of your cleaning, purifying, and disinfecting needs, trust Corvus Janitorial. Contact us today to learn more about how Corvus can help your facility.

Industrial Cleaning: Your Facility is Unique, Your Clean Should Be Too

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As we all know, cleaning and disinfecting, in any setting or capacity, are more important this year than ever before. Now and in the future, there will be a greater need for thorough cleaning and disinfecting services in offices, schools, medical centers, and industrial buildings alike. Whether you operate a transportation service, auto dealership, manufacturing plant, or another industrial facility, it’s important to create a safe and compliant workspace. Luckily, you can count on Corvus to create this type of workspace for you.

Typically, industrial facilities have a host of requirements that differ greatly from general office-based cleaning services. We know and understand these unique requirements and needs very well. We will give your facility the high-level attention it deserves. Here are a few things to expect from your Corvus Janitorial industrial cleaning:

Customized cleaning services

The tools and skills we bring to an industrial cleaning won’t be the same ones we arrive at a corner office with. We don’t provide cookie-cutter lists or one-size-fits-all solutions. We offer top-level industrial cleaning based on your specific requirements and needs. We will comply with your business’s guidelines, as well as the guidelines from the CDC and EPA that were carefully created to keep all of our workspaces safe. Each of our crews are highly trained and knowledgeable in terms of compliance, proper methods, safety procedures, and effective services.

Zero interruptions

Many businesses have been interrupted due to a lack of compliance with safety protocols. If one person gets sick, you may have to shut down your entire operation for a time. Corvus can save you both time and money by ensuring that we keep your operation open and running smoothly. We’ll help you meet the standards you’ve set, avoid interruptions, and keep your employees and their families safe.

Downtime in any manufacturing facility can be costly. We’ll help you ensure that everything is moving along the way it should be so that you can focus on doing what you do best: running your business. To accomplish these goals, we can offer a variety of needs-based services, including increased frequencies, cleanings outside of traditional weekday work hours or on the weekends, and high-level cleaning and disinfecting tools and techniques.

Total transparency

We won’t leave you guessing about which services you need and which we’ll provide. Our account executives will meet with your or your facility’s manager to go through any special requirements, guidelines, budget caps, or other nuances that make your industrial cleaning unique. We’ll do everything we can to ensure that we are meeting your facility’s needs. This includes providing the appropriate chemicals and equipment, as well as SDS sheets you need to stay compliant with any audits or safety guidelines. Our customized proposal will include all of the specifications written up solely for your facility. We will meet with you and work with your team every step of the way.

Additional services

Your previous industrial cleaning services may have been limited to the bare minimum to get by. Most businesses chose this path without even realizing it. We offer a wide array of additional services that will not only keep your industrial business clean and disinfected, but will also keep your facility looking exactly the way you want it to. Your facility serves as a place of business and daily operation, but it may also serve as a tool to demonstrate your services and products to your customers. Even if this aspect of your business is currently suspended, things will go back to normal eventually, and it is best to be prepared now rather than waiting for that day to come.

Some of our most popular additional services include:

• Hard floor care
• Carpet cleaning
• Electrostatic spraying
• Green cleaning
• Post-construction clean-ups
• Window cleaning
• Day porters
• Emergency clean-ups

Corvus Janitorial Systems

We’ll work with you to determine the best schedule, plan, and services for your facility. We’ve been an industry leader for the better part of two decades, and we’ve used our experience to create systems that ensure we are providing top-level industrial cleaning services. We’ve worked with and met the unique needs of industrial operations for years. We look forward to learning about yours and becoming a part of your team. Contact us today for more information and to receive a free quote.