Welcome to Elliott Affiliates, Ltd.’s Knowledge Center, where you will find information relevant to owners, occupiers, investors, and contractors in the commercial real estate space. While Elliott’s core focus in the janitorial services segment is about creating clear performance- and outcome-based contract scopes of work and guiding their delivery using a continuous improvement process that delivers exceptional results. Organizations that engage contractors have a myriad of factors to consider when engaging and managing contracted services.
The Hidden Dangers of Everyday Cleaning Products
IFMA FMJ article on "the harmful chemicals found in commonly used cleaning supplies," their negative side effects, and possible less-harmful "alternative cleaning solutions"
Cancer-causing Chemicals Found in Cleaners Banned by EPA
Cleaning Maintenance & Management report on the EPA's ban of trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) in cleaning chemicals as of December 9, 2024 due to their ability to cause cancer
Contracting Profits (November / December 2024 Edition)
The November / December 2024 edition of the Contracting Profits magazine discusses "planning for the next outbreak" and choosing the appropriate chemicals to use for disinfection (P. 5-7), using software to manage commercial cleaning (P. 8-10), and using technology in facility management to "work smarter" (P. 12-14).
Building Services Management (November 2024 Edition)
The November 2024 edition of the Building Services Management magazine discusses "tips to avoid damage from de-icing chemicals" to concrete and other infrastructure (P. 12), "concrete maintenance in wet environments" (P. 22-23), "restroom cleaning" (P. 28-29), and surface disinfection with "dry hydrogen peroxide" (P. 30-31).
Sprayer Backpacks Recalled Due to Fire Hazard
FacilitiesNet article mentioning the recall of selected models of Bauer "four-gallon battery-powered backup chemical sprayers" sold by Harbor Freight as of October 31, 2024
CleanTalk: Mastering Infection Control
This 63-minute CleanLink webinar discusses "strategies, technologies, and best practices for effective infection control." (Note: A free signup is required to access the video.)
ISSA Today (September / October 2024 Edition)
The September / October 2024 edition of the ISSA Today magazine discusses the ISSA Show North America 2024 conference (P. 10-15), the GBAC STAR accreditation for facilities (P. 16-18), "best practices for bidding and estimating commercial floor cleaning" (P. 28-29), infection prevention in healthcare facilities (P. 30-31), and "misleading or exaggerated claims about... the effectiveness of products and services designed to improve indoor air quality" (P. 32-34).
Sanitary Maintenance (September 2024 Edition)
The September 2024 edition of the Sanitary Maintenance magazine discusses proper labeling of hazardous materials such as certain cleaning chemicals (P. 12-15) and the usage of lithium-ion batteries in floor care equipment (P. 16-19).
Disinfection Decoded: Exploring the Evolution and Importance of Surface Disinfection & Compatibility
In this 56-minute ISSA webinar, representatives from PDI discuss "how proper practices can help ensure surface and patient protection" in healthcare facilities and "the importance of adopting effective and compatible products, as well as embracing innovation and technology." Specific approaches such as hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and UV-C were mentioned.
Beyond the Myths: The Real Science of Cleaning
In this 17-minute ISSA video, Brandon Beyer of Univar Solutions discusses common myths regarding the science behind various cleaning products.
EPA Strengthens Safer Choice Standard for Commercial Cleaning Products
CleanLink report on EPA's August 2024 update to the Safer Choice standard for cleaning products, which "strengthen the criteria products must meet to qualify for the voluntary Safer Choice label"
EPA Proposes to Ban Chemical Used in Stain Removers
Cleaning Maintenance & Management report on the EPA's proposed rule "to ban the solvent 1-bromopropane (1-BP) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to safeguard public health and protect consumers and workers"