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Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Operations & Maintenance Roundtable: Environmental Health

The Community Roundtable on operations and maintenance that was held on Monday, Dec. 14, included lively discussion on a variety of topics. In order to keep the conversation going, we invite readers to post their thoughts on each question that was presented to participants at the Community Roundtable. Click here to read notes on what was discussed at the Community Roundtable.

In the past, Broadalbin-Perth’s buildings and grounds staff has been proactive in addressing both local and national health concerns. For example, when MRSA, a drug-resistent staph infection, began affecting some high school athletic teams in the U.S. during the 1990s, Broadalbin-Perth began using cleansers specifically designed to attach and kill the bacteria. Recently, in response to concerns about the H1N1 influenza (swine flu), the district purchased and installed automated hand sanitizers at key locations throughout its buildings.

In addition to addressing known health concerns, Broadalbin-Perth’s buildings and grounds staff has changed many of its cleaning products to “green” alternatives. These “green” products are not only better for the environment, they are also healthier for the buildings’ occupants – students, teachers and staff. The “green” products that Broadalbin-Perth purchases are comparable in cost to their traditional counterparts. The district also saves money on these products by purchasing them in bulk and by buying them under state and local contracts.

How important is it to you that the district be proactive in responding to evolving public health considerations and concerns? How important is it to you that the district use cleaning products that are better for the health of students and staff, as well as the environment?
Additional Information
  • Since July, the district has spent approximately $5,000 to fight the H1N1 influenza (swine flu). This money has been used to purchase automated hand sanitizers and refills for the dispensers, as well as sani-cloth wipes for cleaning the cafeteria tables and fitness center equipment.

1 comment:

  1. I believe it is very important that the district stays proactive in responding to public health considerations and concerns. I also support the purchasing of the automated hand santizer dispensers. Everyone realizes that washing with soap and water is always the best, but this was a very good addition for the staff and students. The only thing I see that could be improved upon is the housekeeping at the Middle School and Intermediate Schools. The High School and The Learning Community seemed to be much cleaner. Whether it be the bathrooms, the stairways or the cafeteria there seems to be a huge difference in the cleanliness.

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