1.1 This guide covers a procedure to assist owners and operators of commercial and institutional buildings in the stewardship of cleaning and housekeeping operations. The focus of this guide is to address appropriate cleaning activities and processes, to promote eco-efficiency and sustainability, and to avoid adverse impacts on the building occupants, cleaning personnel, the building structure itself, and the environment. Adherence to the principles set forth in this guide can lead to greater tenant/occupant satisfaction, reduced operational costs and greater productivity (of occupants and cleaning personnel).

1.2 This guide will focus on the development of a stewardship plan and will include the assessment of cleaning processes, product selection, storage, usage, disposal, equipment, training of cleaning personnel and communication throughout the chain-of-commerce.

1.3 This guide addresses issues relating to the operation and maintenance of the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems which can have a major impact on indoor air quality (IAQ) only to the extent that the HVAC system provides adequate ventilation to lower risk to cleaning personnel, building occupants and the environment during or as a result of the cleaning process.

1.4 This guide is for use in a building that is maintained by either in-house cleaning personnel or an outside cleaning contractor.

1.5 This guide is not intended for construction related activities, but may be appropriate