Author Archive for International Window Cleaning Association – Page 8
Your respiratory protection program starts here.
“As the safety administrator, running a successful respiratory protection program means navigating a maze of regulations and anticipating hazards. Whenever you are in the process, we can help guide you to the information and details you need.
To run a successful workplace respiratory protection program, you must understand and comply with the standards set by state and federal administrations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). If you’ve already started your research, you know it can be overwhelming. To help you make sense of it all, we’ve summarized key elements of the federal standard and what you need to do to comply with each one.
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Highlights of the OSHA regulations on respiratory protection
When respiratory protection is required by OSHA, a written respiratory protection program should be established. That means the designated program administrator must oversee the following:
- Assessment of exposure to airborne contaminants.
- Selection of appropriate respirators.
- Evaluation of employees’ health to make sure they can wear a respirator.
- Fit-testing and training of employees regularly.
- Inspection, repair, cleaning, storage and replacement of respirators as needed.
- Review of the program periodically to make sure it’s being run properly.
- Keeping a written record of all of the above.
Each part of the program can seem complex. Although as a safety administrator you must follow all applicable rules and regulations, we’ve outlined key highlights to help you navigate them.”
https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/safety-centers-of-expertise-us/respiratory-protection/
Facility managers preparing their buildings for the end of shelter at home orders may want to clean their air conditioning units and filters as well as consider opening up the windows. A new study published in the journal mSystems found facilities with air delivery systems should avoid recirculating indoor air as it could potentially increase the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, Newsweek reports.
The most direct way to avoid recirculating air is to simply open windows. However, as weather may prevent this action and not all commercial buildings have windows that can be opened, the next best option is to keep HVAC systems cleaned and maintained as well as air filters properly installed. HVAC systems with higher rates of air exchange may help dilute indoor contaminants, including viral particles. Separate air filtration systems may not be effective as the majority of viruses, including coronaviruses, are too small to be captured in the filter system. Click below for more……
The Glass Smart Insider Magazine April Issue by Henry Grover.
This publication is focused on the maintenance, preservation, and restoration of window glass surfaces. Including residential, commercial, and transportation.
Inside this month:
~ Atomic Sealants
~ Measuring Scratches
~ Defining Glass Corrosion
~ And More….
https://www.flipsnack.com/GlassSmart/the-glass-smart-insider.html
*The IWCA recommends as a company, you make the best decision you can for your employees, yourself, and the public’s health. Checking with legal and your state on your own for clarification of essential is important besides just hearing from us. We do not believe, even if deemed “Essential”, you should keep working if you have not trained your employees on the risks, put proper safety measures in place, provided the proper PPE and procedures to protect the public, the employee, or yourself form contracting the virus or spreading it. You should also let the business or residence make the decision to have you continue cleaning or not as well.
IWCA Statement to the Department of Labor for Sick Leave Exemptions for all cleaning companies throughout the country – DOL Letter IWCA Members Exemptions Under 50 FFCRA
Update on our IWCA White House Clarification Letter
The President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
Thank you for your massive effort to protect the American people and overcome the pandemic crisis. We truly appreciate the decisions made and path being followed to protect our society, our people, and our economy.
The International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA) is now in its 31st year of existence. Our Association was formed as professional window cleaners across the country and internationally came together to educate our industry, keep our workers safe, and protect them from falls from heights. Over the years, our efforts have reduced falls significantly in our industry and deaths have dwindled to zero. These results are due largely in part to our working relationship with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which includes an OSHA Alliance and Ambassadorship; both of which we are incredibly proud of and thankful for.
Our communities and states are starting to shut down as we overcome this pandemic together. We truly appreciate being able to band together to stop this invisible enemy. As an Association dedicated to the safety and health of people in our industry, our Board of Directors and member companies are completely committed to this as well. We believe this is in the best interest of the American people and the best way to slow this infection down so we can all get back to work as soon as possible.
We strongly believe our services are a valuable part of combating and slowing down the spread of this disease. According to the Journal of Hospital Infections we understand that the survival time on glass surfaces for this virus has been shown by to be between 4-5 days. This amount of time without cleaning and disinfecting the surface of glass and windows can increase the spread and prolong the time we spend in quarantine while following “stay at home” orders in our communities. We also believe any type of cleaning is critically needed to reduce overall health issues and to aid in strengthening immune systems during this time. In addition, many of our companies provide exterior façade cleaning, power washing, and soft washing services to increase the benefit of our cleaning services to combat this virus. We believe the additional services should also be considered, “Essential”. Together the services have the greatest impact to reduce the spread of the virus.
The professionals in our industry have the means of being part of the solution and feel it is our responsibility, nay, our duty, to help protect our citizens and our communities.
Based on our belief, we are asking for a clarification statement from the Office of the President to our states and communities around the country to include window and building cleaning services as an “essential” business during this time of crisis.
We believe window and building cleaning should be an essential part of sanitation efforts around the country and it should be a cleaning service the White House and our Government recommends to commercial buildings, residential buildings, and businesses while they are open; or while closed and prior to re-opening.
Thank you for your attention to this issue as a way to increase the protection from infection in residential homes, commercial facilities, and high rise buildings in our country.
Sincerely,
Paul Collum – IWCA President
CC: The Honorable Chad F. Wolf
Acting Secretary – Department of Homeland Security
The Honorable Alex M. Azar II
Secretary – Department of Health and Human Services
The Honorable Elaine Chao
Secretary – Department of Transportation
IWCA – International Window Cleaning Association
800-875-4922 ~ www.iwca.org ~ info@iwca.org
The IWCA would like to have suppliers and companies who sell or have stock of cleaning products, chemicals, detergents, disinfectants, tools, PPE Supplies, Masks, Gloves, and any other product which can help cleaning companies and emergency responders get the proper supplies they need to post their information, logos, and links to their product websites or contact information. Please do not post pricing in this page. Posts will be in first come order. We will be asking other associations and organizations to post this link on their pages as well. Please help all you can so we can get this slowed down, save lives, and get companies back to work!
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*The IWCA recommends as a company, you make the best decision you can for your employees, yourself, and the public’s health. Checking with legal and your state on your own for clarification of essential is important besides just hearing from us. We do not believe, even if deemed “Essential”, you should keep working if you have not trained your employees on the risks, put proper safety measures in place, provided the proper PPE and procedures to protect the public, the employee, or yourself form contracting the virus or spreading it. You should also let the business or residence make the decision to have you continue cleaning or not as well.
BUSINESS RESOURCES
Window Cleaning Is Essential Marketing Video: Window Cleaning Is Essential
New York Cleaning Guidance Report: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/03/cleaning_guidance_general_building.pdf
COVID Resources from our Accountant: https://www.bswllc.com/resources-covid19
My PPP Loan was approved now what?: https://www.bswllc.com/resources-articles-my-ppp-loan-was-approved-what-now
ISSA Advocacy Center – Get Involved signing petitions to push forward some initiatives to help with PPP, Essential, and the Cleaning Tax Credits: https://www.issa.com/advocacy/get-involved/advocacy-action-center?vvsrc=%2fhome
Housecall Pro Coronavirus Resources: https://www.housecallpro.com/coronavirus/
OSHA Recording for COVID Illness: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/standards.html
J Racenstein Article for How Long the Virus stays on Surfaces and cleaning specs: https://home.jracenstein.com/how-long-does-covid-19-stay-on-glass/
What do you do if your employee tested positive?: https://hbr.org/2020/03/your-employee-tested-positive-for-covid-19-what-do-you-do
Update on the Stimulus Plan: https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-administration-senate-democrats-said-to-reach-stimulus-bill-deal-11585113371
Coronavirus Tax Breaks: https://www.ais-cpa.com/breakdown-coronavirus-tax-breaks-for-us-citizens/
CARES Act: https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/3548/text
Paycheck Protection Program Guide
Family First Act: https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/6201
SBA Loan Forgiveness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMruBMfrsSg&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR0tiDQi3I9duRgU1d3lc7s7Xp6UP3Ap-drbchG8c4GGtI3FEjK1ETRQ01k
US Chamber Letter, Coronavirus_Essential_Infrastructure_Business_Letter_Final, to the President on “Essential” and their website with tons of information for employers and employees. https://www.uschamber.com/coronavirus
IRS Filing Extension Info: https://www.aicpa.org/content/dam/aicpa/advocacy/tax/downloadabledocuments/coronavirus-state-filing-relief.pdf
Small Business Loans/Information: https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-newsroom/press-releases-media-advisories/sba-provide-disaster-assistance-loans-small-businesses-impacted-coronavirus-covid-19?fbclid=IwAR3nd8dCP
Great list of Small Business Resources from the Government, Local States, and Online resources for Credit Cards, Loans, Software Programs, etc. https://thepointsguy.com/guide/small-business-resources-coronavirus/
Employers and Employees should check with each state and area for Unemployment Options. Many states are offering no wait benefits. It will potentially take care of your employees and safe the company the costs if you need to shut down or slow down. You should also check with states and cities for options for food pantries, food stamps and programs, and many non profit organizations helping out with food options in this crisis. Many schools are offering meals for breakfast and lunch while students are out if any employees have kids.
All should check with local utility companies, loans, payments, anything you have open currently. Many companies are waiving payments, fees, and offering free resources all around the country. SBA has emergency paperwork you can file for disaster planning. You can also file creditor and loan hardship forms to push payments back for the time we need.
Are your businesses considered “Essential” and allowed to stay open? We believe in most cases yes as a sanitation and cleaning business. Please check with your local city leaders but as we see in a few cities, you are allowed to keep operating.
How you can help small business from Bankrate: https://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/how-you-can-help-small-businesses-impacted-by-covid19/
How do cleaning proposals change?: https://www.cleanlink.com/news/article/How-COVID-19-Changes-Cleaning-Proposals–25375
COVID Apple Store App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/apple-covid-19/id1504132184
ISSA/P&G Infection and Cleaning Certificate Training: https://university.pgpro.com/#/
Coronavirus Anxiety and Stress Manual: https://thewellnesssociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Coronavirus-Anxiety-Workbook.pdf
Pivoting Your Business Questionnaire: Pivoting Questionnaire
If employees are still working, consider moving to one person per vehicle, training on hygiene, precautions, and PPE usage.
Contractors Playbook: https://www.servicetitan.com/coronavirus/covid-19-contractor-playbook?
Customer Education Letter Examples to Reduce Cancellations (Can you keep customers on the schedule? Yes you can if you have a plan!) *As a reminder the IWCA does not claim to be experts in what product kills the virus nor do we recommend you claim you can kill it 100% no matter what product you use, even if the CDC/EPA tell you they can: Customer Education Letters – Corona Virus
Customer Education Infographic Example: 
Customer Letter Example for Sales and Estimating (Can you keep selling new customers? Yes you can with a plan and consistently selling!): Coronavirus_Letter_to_Customers for in person sales meetings example
Education Committee Newsletter – Thoughts on Operating Through this: blog 3-11-2020
Add On Services Other IWCA Companies are adding to keep business & residential coming in (More to come….): Soft washing and Power Washing. Outside Only Cleanings. Wiping down handles and often touched services. Wiping down shopping carts and handles. Marketing to high need businesses – Medical Facilities, Schools, Grocery Stores, Churches, Property Managers, Government Buildings, etc. Adding recommended EPA sanitizing agents to their cleaning solutions.
Employee PowerPoint Training: CoronaPPTEmployeeTraining
What each Business and Business Owner Can Do to Minimize the threat: https://www.cspdailynews.com/company-news/what-businesses-can-do-minimize-coronavirus-threat
Also: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html
Here are two documents from the CDC and OSHA on preparation and prevention for the COVID Virus. Please read them and utilize the information in them.
Cleaning Product Recommendations to Disinfect for COVID – https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2
OSHA Guidance Document on Preparing the Workplace – https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf
White House Corona Virus Guidance: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/03.16.20_coronavirus-guidance_8.5x11_315PM.pdf
EPA Website: https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus
ISSA Website: https://www.issa.com/education/cleaning-for-infection-prevention/coronavirus-prevention-and-control-for-the-cleaning-industry
Surface Lifespan Study and How to Effectively Clean: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/03/14/811609026/the-new-coronavirus-can-live-on-surfaces-for-2-3-days-heres-how-to-clean-them
Developing Cleaning Programs: https://www.cleanlink.com/news/article/How-To-Prepare-For-Infectious-Outbreaks–25242
Basic Cleaning Process Info-graphic: 
Household cleaners which may kill the virus: https://www.moneytalksnews.com/household-cleaners-that-kill-coronavirus/
Do not mix these chemicals: 
Workiz How Service Businesses Can Protect Themselves: https://workiz.com/how-service-pros-can-protect-themselves-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=intercom&utm_campaign=workizcoronablogandfblive_adgroup=nurture&utm_content=corona-blog-post&utm_term=coronablogandfblive
Tucker/RHG USA Info-graphic on a plan of attack right now for your business: 
FAMILY RESOURCES
Daily Schedule for Kids at Home: 
Science Experiments for Kids: https://www.mkewithkids.com/post/here-are-two-weeks-worth-of-fun-and-easy-science-experiments
Free Tutoring: https://www.varsitytutors.com
Virtual Classroom to Learn At Home: https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html
Other Free Education Resources If Schools Close: Resources for Free if Schools Close
Giant List of Ideas for Kids: https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1o6kEgCKLn3cyIm2hehhhSTIk7yRTd0C3zx49JS4wwCI/mobilebasic
Virtual Field Trips to Take with Your Kids: https://adventuresinfamilyhood.com/20-virtual-field-trips-to-take-with-your-kids.html
More Virtual Field Trip Options: https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1SvIdgTx9djKO6SjyvPDsoGlkgE3iExmi3qh2KRRku_w/mobilebasic
Virtual Tour of 33 National Parks: https://totallythebomb.com/heres-33-national-park-tours-you-can-take-virtually-from-the-comfort-of-your-home
Live Zoo Cams: https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/zoos-aquariums/virtual-zoo-live-animal-cams
https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/17/21181541/soothing-live-animal-webcams-aquarium-zoo
https://www.earthcam.com/events/animalcams/
Museums Around The World with Virtual Tours: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours%3famp=true
DIY Hand Sanitizer: https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-make-hand-sanitizer
Homemade Pasta: https://www.biggerbolderbaking.com/homemade-pasta-2-ingredient/
Best Foods if you need to be stationary for awhile: https://www.allrecipes.com/article/how-to-stock-emergency-pantry/
Banana Bread Recipe from old Bananas: https://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/food-and-cooking/prep-school-got-old-bananas-make-banana-bread/html_fb9b9f9a-968e-5ecf-b18c-a69979917a45.html
Example of a grocery list and procedures: https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/17/health/coronavirus-quarantine-grocery-list-drayer-wellness/index.html
Homemade Bread: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/basic-homemade-bread/
Below is an Educational PowerPoint to talk through the COVID19 Virus with your staff. All information is from the CDC and OSHA Guidelines and any claims you make to customers should have some solid education and guidance behind them from reputable sources. The last slide has some links to the CDC, ISSA, OSHA, and EPA websites for safe practices and cleaning products approved to reduce the risk of COVID19 spreading.
Here are two documents from the CDC and OSHA on preparation and prevention for the COVID Virus. Please read them and utilize the information in them.
Cleaning Product Reccomendations to Disinfect for COVID – https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-03/documents/sars-cov-2-list_03-03-2020.pdf
OSHA Guidance Document on Preparing the Workplace – https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf
Coordinating Credit Card and ACH Acceptance Can Lead to Robust AR Strategy
February 2020
https://go.evopayments.us/b2b/february2020/1
B2B companies are constantly looking to put the buying power in the customers’ hands. As the automated B2B payment space continues to grow rapidly, it is worth noting that 51% of all B2B payments are still being made with paper checks. Bank of America estimates that a single business check can cost anywhere from $4 to $20 once the time and cost of invoice creation, mailing, collecting, and reconciling the check are all accounted for.
It’s time to eliminate paper and lean on ACH payments or credit card payments. Both have their advantages and it’s important as a company to process both. We look at the benefits of each and how coordinating the two can help you build a more robust AR strategy.
Size of transactions vs. volume of transactions
It’s all about customer preference at the end of the day. For example, if a company is bringing in $1 billion from 100 customers, that equates to $10 million per transaction. In this case, a check, or electronic check (e-check) would be the most effective way to collect that payment.
On the flipside, if you are selling nuts and bolts to 50,000 customers at an average order of $5, there are too many invoices to manually process paper checks, so credit card payments would be more effective. The simplest way is to put the power in the customers’ hands.
Advantages of credit cards
On average, sales increase 17% for B2B companies that offer credit card payment options to their customers. Increasing the acceptance of credit card payments for all transactions allows B2B companies to:
- Accelerate cash flow
- Skip long invoicing procedures
- Forgo waiting for payments
- Receive payment instantly
- Avoid the high cost of manually processing checks
The more expensive your invoices are, the more likely you are to use checks or ACH and avoid credit card fees. For example, if you have a credit card transaction of $100k at a cost of 2.5% in fees, that is $2,500. For that cost, you could fly from New York to San Francisco, stay there three nights, order a bottle of wine, and personally collect the check from your customer. The 15 minutes of time it would take you to process the check could save you $2,500.
B2B companies are accustomed to receiving checks for a majority of transactions, but electronic payments are becoming more commonplace. Customers are now using apps for their personal banking and mobile commerce for products and services. According to data from NACHA and the Credit Research Foundation, “Accounts receivables professionals expect the portion of ACH payments received to increase to 45 percent by 2020.” It’s time to move to digital payments because accepting checks can prove costly for your B2B company at the end of the day.
A good B2B payment gateway allows merchants to accept a variety of payments, including ACH, credit cards, and debit cards, and integrate with suppliers and customers in a seamless manner. Making the most out of your gateway allows you to streamline both payments and improve your AR strategy.
