Pilot-Credits INpc137: Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Space for Emerging Pathogens 1 point

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Intent

To provide effective cleaning and disinfecting relative to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and other emerging pathogens, during re-occupancy and during operations while minimizing adverse health impacts on cleaning personnel, building occupants and visitors; and the environment.

Requirements

• Conduct a review of the appropriate agencies for up-to-date information in recognition that the cleaning, disinfecting, product selection, procedures and other requirements may change with each emerging or mutating pathogen.
• Establish a plan to develop plans to ensure compliance with agency requirements and recommendations.
• Should a policy and plan exist, ensure compliance with the updated agency requirements and recommendations.

• When disinfecting against SARS-CoV-2, use disinfectants that are on EPA’s List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 and formulated with the active ingredients recommended by USEPA’s Design for the Environment Logo for Antimicrobial Pesticide Products. (As of August 2022, the active ingredient list includes: Hydrogen Peroxide, Citric Acid, L-lactic Acid, Ethanol, Isopropanol, Peroxyacetic acid, Sodium Bisulfate, and Chitosan). If concentrated disinfectants are used and diluted to the proper use-solution utilizing a portion control device, put in place a testing protocol to ensure that the correct dilution rate is being achieved. Inexpensive test strips (under ten cents each) are available for many commonly used disinfectants (e.g. hydrogen peroxide and quats). Note: If test strips are not available for the disinfectant being used (e.g. citric acid and lactic acid) or if purchasing ready-to-use products, the use of test strips is not required.
• For emerging pathogens other than SARS-CoV- 2, ensure that disinfecting products are those approved or recommended by the appropriate authoritative bodies, and formulated with active ingredients recommended by USEPA’s Design for the Environment Logo for Antimicrobial Pesticide Products. (As of August 2022, the active ingredient list includes: Hydrogen Peroxide, Citric Acid, L-lactic Acid, Ethanol, Isopropanol, Peroxyacetic acid, Sodium Bisulfate, and Chitosan).
• Use of cleaning and degreasing products that meet EPA Safer Choice Standard, Green Seal standards GS-37, GS-40, GS-52/53, or UL Ecologo 2700 or cleaning products produced on site via cleaning devices if it complies with one of these standards.
• Use of hand soaps and hand sanitizers that that meet one or more of the following standards: EPA safer choice, Green Seal GS-41, UL Ecologo 2700, or soaps with no antimicrobial agents (other than as a preservative) except where required by health codes and other regulations (e.g., food service and health care requirements).
• In areas where soap and water are not available, use of hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol and meet one or more of the following standards: UL Ecologo 2700.
• Use of janitor paper that meets one or more of the following standards: EPA comprehensive procurement guidelines for janitor, Green Seal GS-01 for tissue paper, paper towels and napkins, UL Ecologo 175 for sanitary paper products, janitorial paper products derived from agricultural waste and/or tree-free fibers and certified by Roundtable for Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) standard for Advanced Products or under ANSI/LEO -4000 American National Standard for Sustainable Agriculture; FSC certification for fiber procurement
• Use of trash can liners that meet one or more of the following standards: ASTM D6400 and EN 13432 standard specifications for compostable plastics, Certified compostable by the Biodegradable Products Institute and meets requirements of California AB 1972 (2008) / SB 567 (2011) and Minnesota HF 403 (2010), EPA comprehensive procurement guidelines for plastic trash can liners; and/or USDA BioPreferred certified bio-based trash can liners or compliant to ISO 16620-2 with ASTM 6866 testing, 30% resin (by weight) composed of inorganic minerals.
• Use of cleaning equipment that has ergonomic design features to reduce worker injuries such as vibration, noise, and user fatigue. For examples of ergonomic design features, see EQ credit powered cleaning equipment.
• If you are deploying other procedures that could be beneficial, please share that with us at usgbc.org.

• Use of procedures that meet the joint requirements of USCDC and USEPA on Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes (for SARS CoV-2),
Disinfecting Home and Other Non-Healthcare Settings (for Monkeypox virus), and other guidance on emerging pathogens that maybe appropriate.
• Use of procedures that optimize cleaning personnel resources and minimize unnecessary use of valuable cleaning products and equipment. Do not overuse or stockpile disinfectants or other supplies. Where possible, adjust spaces to minimize frequently touched surfaces and regularly update cleaning personnel on occupant activities in the building to ensure their cleaning aligns with the way the building is being used.
• Identification of “high-touch surfaces” along with frequencies for cleaning and disinfecting the different objects so designated.
• Procedure for quantitative testing of the cleanliness of surfaces (for an example process to evaluate cleaning effectiveness see LI 10503 Surface testing protocol).
• Strategies for promoting and improving hand hygiene, including prioritizing thorough washing of hands with plain soap and water over hand sanitizers where possible.
• If you are deploying other procedures that could be beneficial please share that with us at usgbc.org.

• Use of proper personnel protective equipment (PPE) including eye protection, masks, gloves and gowns for all cleaning personnel as required by the products and processes being used, face coverings, as well as the requirements of the buildings and its occupants relative to SARS-CoV-2 or other emerging pathogens.
• Use of tools, equipment and procedures that reduce ergonomic injuries to workers (e.g. injuries to the back, shoulders and knees).
• If you are deploying other procedures that could be beneficial, please share that with us at usgbc.org.

• Use of disinfectants and other cleaning products and equipment.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including how to properly put it on, take it off and disposal.
• Training on the hazards of the cleaning chemicals used in the workplace in accordance with OSHA’s Hazard Communication standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) and comply with OSHA’s standards on Bloodborne Pathogens (29 CFR 1910.1030), including proper disposal of regulated waste, and PPE (29 CFR 1910.132).
• Training on the basics of infection control and the science of cleaning; personal protective equipment (PPE); ergonomics protection for workers; hazards of disinfectant and other chemical products; disposal of cleaning chemicals; proper use and maintenance of chemical dispensing equipment; and proper training on other products and equipment used in the cleaning process.
• Train cleaning personnel to be able to answer occupant’s basic questions about cleaning procedures.
• If you are deploying other procedures that could be beneficial please share that with us at usgbc.org.

• Provide occupant education to ensure understanding of the steps taken to disinfect and clean the space.

Submittals

General

• Participate in the LEEDuser pilot credit forum
• Complete the feedback survey:

Documentation/Compliance

• Description of the green cleaning approach implemented by the project team, including a review of the most recent authoritative agency requirements and recommendations, a timeline outlining when new practices were put in place for SARS-CoV-2 or other emerging pathogens, and a copy of the green cleaning policy or program.
• List of cleaning products and materials used or purchased to clean the building and associated compliant green cleaning criteria (also indicate when products are non-compliant).
• Description of the training program for cleaning personnel. Include training details for the proper application of disinfectants and the use of personal protective equipment for cleaning personnel (If one of the above-mentioned training programs is used, these additional training details are not required).
• Description of surface testing process with a sample of the test results. [For an example surface testing process see Resources tab]
• Description of occupant education.