The Dangers of a Dirty Trash Chute

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Have you ever thought about what happens when the doors of a trash chute are opened?  It’s definitely something you should be thinking about and be aware of. Recent studies have discovered the inner surface of a chute can carry more than 30 different biological and bacterial growths. If a trash chute doesn’t receive proper and timely cleaning care, all of these germs and bacteria become airborne every time the chute doors are opened. These bacteria carry all kinds of illnesses and infections throughout the building, potentially affecting occupants.

Harmful Pathogens

Trash chutes are breeding grounds for some harmful fungal pathogens; for example: E. Coli, Salmonella, Legionella, Stahylococci Aureus and Pseudomonas. According to Environmental Research & Restoration, the lack of trash chute cleaning is potentially responsible for the increase in frequency of doctor’s office visits. Many pathogenic molds have the ability to inhabit the respiratory tract and become life-threatening. Items found in trash chutes contain organic waste ingredients, a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and disease-causing organisms to thrive and spread throughout the building.

Pathogens

Fire Hazards

Property owners and managers face building violations, odor, and fire hazard risks on a daily basis. The potential possibility for fire risks is the most dangerous. Dirty or substandard trash chutes can cause all of these conditions, although they are entirely avoidable and affordable within a community’s budget. Grease, sludge, and grime build-up, faulty trash chute doors, and clogged air vents are all genuine threats.  When gooey residue builds up, it prevents the chute doors from closing and can even ignite. If, during a fire, the trash chute doors do not close properly, a wind tunnel effect is created, funneling the fire up and down the building. The risk of fire is reduced when a chute is functioning properly and the chute doors are safety-approved. Your building is in violation of fire and safety codes if your chute doors don’t close or latch automatically. In order to keep a chute functioning properly, grease and sludge and grime build-up must be removed on a regular basis; otherwise you risk damaging the components of the chute which occur from build-up, therefore preventing the doors from closing. Furthermore, the collection of goo on the inside of the chute has been proven to be flammable even at temperatures as low as 180 degrees. It’s very important to eliminate risks of a flash explosion by keeping the chute clean and properly maintained. Chute doors that don’t close automatically can create a wind tunnel and increase the severity of a fire.

Cleaning Schedule

Trash chutes should be cleaned a minimum of twice a year, preferably in the summer and winter.  It is also recommended that you clean your trash chutes before and after major holidays; tenants welcome a cleaning in anticipation of holiday entertaining and an increase of visitors. A top notch cleaning process should also include maintenance and repair services.

A properly cleaned trash chute should include the following steps listed below:

Cleaning Process

■ Pre-treat interior chute walls and doors with biodegradable enzyme solution to de-grease, disinfect and deodorize

Pressure wash interior chute walls and doors at up to 3,000 psi to strip away grime

Steam clean trash room floor and walls

■ Service options: Trash room odor control blocks and water reclamation (important for water conservation during this severe drought or when you have a lack of drainage)

A properly cleaned trash chute leads to more than just a safe and cleaner living environment, it also eliminates breeding a breeding ground for vermin, neutralizes odors, and reduces the possibility of resident complaints.

Listed below are several basic maintenance and repair services associated with a properly maintained trash chute.

Maintenance and Repair Services Offered by CAM Services

■ Inspection of intake and discharge door each cleaning visit

■ Repair and replacement of worn hardware performed by trained technicians

■ Refurbish your existing trash chutes and doors to bring them up to code

The seemingly small task of cleaning and maintain a trash chute is more important than some would think and can be good for your business.  Putting forth the effort to keep your tenants healthy and happy increases the likelihood that they will stay in your building longer and reduces your liability.

Trash chute variations

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    Interview with David A. Herrera

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    Leading a New Paradigm in Innovation and Philanthropy at CAM Property Services

    David A. HerreraAs the President of CAM Property Services, David A. Herrera, known for his magnetic personality and unwavering leadership, has transformed CAM Property Services from a small property management company into an industry powerhouse. Today, Herrera is taking a hands-on approach to rebranding CAM, developing an innovative company culture, and investing in philanthropy.

    Here’s a little insight to David’s leadership behind the scenes and what it truly means to be a leader with a benevolent mission:

    Q. After being in business for over 32 years, which is most important to CAM Property Services—mission, core values or vision?

    A. While all are important, at CAM Property Services, our core values have had the biggest impact in shaping the integrity of our business, keeping staff members engaged and supporting a fun company culture.

    The core values, including being the most honest and accountable contractor possible, are really what have separated us from other competitors over the years. We want our clients to be customers for a long time. In fact, we have clients who have been with us since the beginning. Ultimately, we want CAM Property Services to be known for being a friendly, responsive, loyal, trusted, professional and innovative partner. In the end, it’s the honest and ethical approach to doing maintenance and construction work that has attributed to our success for the last 32 years.

    Q. How has your mission evolved over the years?

    A. Our mission at CAM is to enhance the value and appeal of our clients’ assets by providing innovative and unparalleled property services. The company was established as a result of the development of mini-malls and strip centers, which sprouted up in the early ‘80s, and gave us the “One Call, Does It All” platform from which to launch.

    As the industry has become more sophisticated, the needs of our clients have changed, so we’ve evolved to specialize in new innovative services. A few interesting trends we’ve seen is the focus on multifamily property management and big shopping malls now being repurposed into office space like Google exhibited when they recently took over the Westside Pavilion.

    With the refinement of our brand, CAM is now proud to promote that we make your job simpler and your life easier. We want all potential customers to know, ‘We’re CAM Property Services, the innovation facility experts. We’re your friendly responsive partners in growing your business – big or small, simplifying your life, and helping your property shine.’

    Q. What is your proudest achievement at CAM Property Services thus far?

    A. I’ve been working at CAM for the last 28 years, almost since the beginning, and I consider it an honor to be ranked among the state’s top professional property maintenance companies. We service over 1,300 commercial, multifamily units and institutional properties valued at over $7 billion across California. To be among the industry’s elite is very humbling.

    Our team has survived some of the toughest crises along the way and every time we’ve grown stronger and better from those challenges. In some years, like so many other companies, we were just fighting for our economic survival. Now we are being much more strategic. So, it’s very satisfying to be able to sit here today and look back on our longevity in the marketplace. I don’t know everything but surrounding myself with great people and being able to listen and learn have been keys to my working relationships among employees and between management and staff.

    The client relationships we’ve developed are very strong and that’s been integral to our success. Most importantly, though, I have the full support of my family. They are involved with all aspects of my professional career and I’m so grateful for that.

    Q. What is something that we would be surprised to learn about you?

    A. Three years ago, I was asked by one of my clients to volunteer for the Harmony Project, LA’s largest music non-profit that offers free music lessons and instruments for the kids year-round so they are able to gain access to teachers and artists that they would otherwise not be able to, and this past July I was honored to be selected as the new Chairman of the Board.

    While research shows that music rewires the brain, what was most surprising to learn were the low graduation rates from high school, especially in the LA Unified School District, which are just over 50%. At Harmony Project, we have 3,500 kids in our program, and we are graduating about 70 kids per year that are high school seniors, so the graduation rate is well above 95% for our kids that are in the program.

    One of the biggest personal joys is witnessing the kids’ achievement through grit. It’s exciting to strategize on building the next generation of Harmony Project and how we can take this program national. We highly encourage our staff to get involved in their communities to make the world a better place. Philanthropy is truly a passion that has made all the difference. The giveback is really important.

    Q. What is the most gratifying part about being a leader and how do you develop your team to their fullest potential?

    A. I’ll let you know when I get there (laughter).

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      Interview with Matthew Budnick

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      The Keys to Inspiring a Successful Company Culture of Innovation at CAM Property Services

      Matthew Bundwick Profile PictureProactive organizations recognize the importance of consciously innovating and permeating that philosophy throughout all levels of the company. Superior results emerge when strategies, business models, structure, processes, technologies, tools, and reward systems fire on all cylinders in symphonic unison. As the Director of Operations for CAM Property Services, Matthew Budnick thrives on creating a vibrant company culture driving growth and innovation.

      Here’s a little insight into Matt’s leadership behind the scenes:

      Q. According to CAM President David A. Herrera, the core values of CAM Property Services are fundamental to the company culture. As a leader, how do you encourage your employees to exemplify those core values?

      A. The key to culture is making sure the values are clear and put into action. We’ve created a friendly competition in which every employee strives to mirror our brand and embody our three core values – Friendly, Responsive, Partnership – and voted on by their peers and management to be recognized as a CAM Brand Ambassador.

      By reinforcing our core values every step of the way, from an inspection report to a conversation with a client to the nomination process, employees at CAM Property Services are incentivized to do the right thing. In turn, it’s created a collaborative work atmosphere where employees are happy and encouraged to give 100% every day.

      Q. How would you describe your corporate culture at CAM Property Services?

      A. We work hard and we’re not afraid of getting our hands dirty. Our open-door policy is such that if anyone has a good idea, we encourage them to put it out there and, if it has merit, we’re going to implement it. For an employee who isn’t an executive or manager, that’s a fantastic opportunity to make a difference at CAM.

      Q. How do you inspire innovative thinking to meet your clients’ needs?

      A. When I first came on board, we didn’t offer many of the innovative services we have today. Now it’s part of our everyday culture to think of ways to meet our clients’ future needs. David is all about efficiency and getting people the latest tools to be successful. For example, I believe we were one of the first property maintenance companies to have an in-house app to produce reports and have the capability to communicate with our clients using the latest technology. What’s most essential for us is saving clients time and money, which all goes back to innovation.

      Q. Would you consider the multifamily sector to be one of your areas for innovation?

      A. We rely on facts, not feelings. Through our research, we saw an opportunity in the multifamily segment which was not being met by any other company.

      We won significant contracts in this arena, mainly because of our trash chute cleaning service. It was this offering that propelled us into multifamily seven – eight years ago, and it has continued to be a large portion of our growing business.

      Ultimately, the willingness to take risks has allowed us to try new services such as drone inspections. We want to be more than a maintenance and cleaning company; we want to continue to be the best partner and consistently add value to our clients.

      Q. What is your proudest accomplishment at CAM Property Services thus far?

      A. When I started here six years ago, we had no set way of aggregating business intelligence. Seizing the opportunity, we analyzed three – five years of data and began predicting trends through analysis of key performance indicators. We continue to expand on that data and are now integrating Microsoft Power BI and business intelligence so that it’s available on all our employees’ phones and tablets in real-time. This proprietary app will allow our team to increase efficiency, which ultimately improves our customer service and bottom line. It’s the way of the future, making decisions based on accurate information and facts. I’m driven by improving our efficiency, increasing our service quality, and maximizing our impact in the marketplace.

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        Top 10 ADA Violations in California

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        Based on information from lawsuits filed against The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) violations, as required by California Senate Bill 1186, the California Commission on Disability Access (CCDA) has compiled the following list:

        Top Ten Alleged Construction Issues (Jul-Dec 2019)

        Rank Description %
        1 Access Height of Goods, Support, Services, and Equipment: Heights of surfaces such as counters, bars, or tables are not compliant. 21
        2 Exterior Path of Travel – Pathway: Routes to and from parking lot or public right of way are not accessible. May include uneven surfaces or lack of detectable warnings. 11
        3 Number of Handicap Parking Spaces: Parking lot does not contain a minimum number of accessible parking spaces. 9
        4 Parking Spaces: Existing parking spaces are not compliant; fading blue paint or excessive slope. 9
        5 Interior Path of Travel: Path of travel features not accessible including non-compliant surfaces, excessive slope, cross-slope, etc. 5
        6 Exterior Path of Travel – Door Hardware: Thresholds, handles, pulls, latches, locks, or other operating devices are not accessible. Lacking door kick plates. 5
        7 Parking Signage: Signage in parking lot is not compliant (e.g. spaces need to be designated as reserved by a sign showing the symbol of accessibility). 4
        8 Parking Areas: Loading zones and van access aisles are not compliant or non-existent. 4
        9 Access to Goods, Support, Services, and Equipment: Accessible lodging units are non-existent, inaccessible, or insufficient in quantities. 3
        10 Exterior Path of Travel – Ramps: Curb ramps or entrance ramps are not compliant or non-existent. 3

        *edited for ease of reading. Read original table here.

        These ADA violations account for 74% of the total violations. The remaining allegations are less common but still enforceable and actionable.

        Penalties and fines for these violations can be costly. Select law firms have targeted businesses for ADA lawsuits in California, as the laws are more favorable to plaintiffs than elsewhere.

        Facilities interested in an evaluation or that suspect violations should be inspected by a professional Certified Access Specialist (CASp), licensed by the state of California in order to provide adequate access to all customers and minimize business liability.

        CAM Property Services has supported property managers and facilities in California since 1987. In addition to building services, landscape, hardscape, construction, and maintenance, CAM offers fully integrated ADA compliance and CASp inspections, remediation, and repair services. Contact CAM today at 800-576-3050.

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          Facilities Prevent ADA Compliance Violations Through Inspection and Remediation

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          Code enforcement against businesses violating The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) continue to rise, while civil lawsuits set record levels year over year. California is particularly active in penalizing ADA code violations. In the first half of 2019, the state represented a staggering 43% of the country’s ADA lawsuits according to Seyfarth Shaw LLP. ADA compliance is an important aspect of facility management.

          Courts continue to rule against businesses violating the ADA for failing to meet legal regulations with curb cuts, parking, signage, wheelchair ramps, countertops, and restroom facilities. Quite often, business owners have no idea of the violations prior to the lawsuit.

          Modern toilet sign
          Man in wheelchair having trouble going through door
          Handicap parking at a medical office

          In addition to statutory citations, California courts are fraught with cases brought about by plaintiffs and law firms targeting small businesses for ADA violations. While Federal law offers a $1,000 minimum for violations, California awards a $4,000 minimum per violation plus plaintiff attorney fees, making the state a hotbed for lawyers seeking quick, out-of-court settlements.

          Some of these cases are brought about by vexatious litigants seeking to shakedown business owners for unjust profit. One study showed 46% of the ADA lawsuits in California were filed by just 14 plaintiffs.

          In recent years federal and state lawmakers have attempted to reform the rules around filing ADA cases. Some require giving a business time to make repairs prior to the filing of a lawsuit. However, plaintiffs have been quick to adjust, often moving lawsuits from one jurisdiction to another to circumvent such requirements. ADA lawsuits can typically be filed in state or federal court.

          Most cases do not proceed through to a full court trial as businesses tend to settle these grievances out of court. The legal fees and penalties can be substantial, so businesses often begrudgingly settle with plaintiff attorneys for less than the estimated cost of a legal defense. This is especially true when a business is likely to be found in violation, whether they knew about the regulation or not.

          It is clear that avoiding these types of complaints and lawsuits is most advantageous. The best way is to hire a company for an ADA inspection. If violations are found, repairs should be immediate. Most property managers find it advisable to hire one company that does both the ADA inspection and the ADA remediation, leaving no room for dispute.

          In addition to code enforcement, California regulators also certify professionals specifically trained in ADA remediation. A Certified Access Specialist for Property Inspection (CASp) is educated and licensed through the Division of the State Architect (DSA) to inspect buildings and properties for compliance with state and federal accessibility standards. These certified CASp experts are best qualified to lead ADA compliance efforts.

          As facility professionals in California since 1987, CAM Property Services is well equipped to handle any ADA concerns you might have. CAM offers ADA inspections, repairs, and remediation, for existing and new construction. CAM facility experts have extensive experience with buildings, access points, parking lots, and other common areas. Their certified CASp experts are available to assess and manage your ADA concerns.

          Problematic ADA lawsuits can arrive without warning. Fortunately, property managers in California can call 800-576-3050 now for a consultation about ADA compliance before it becomes an even bigger issue.

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            5 Ways Every Facility Can Benefit From CAM Property Services

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            The first impression you project to your tenants and their customers is an important factor in the success of your operation. For 32 years, CAM Property Services has provided clients with high-quality workmanship and specialized offerings to improve the value and attractiveness of commercial, retail, and government buildings.

            Here are the Top 5 ways property managers can benefit when they contract building services from CAM Property Services:

            Make Your Property Shine

            From Class A offices and retail centers to universities and government facilities, CAM Property Services keeps buildings and businesses sparkling. Hiring a professional cleaning service to assist with your cleaning needs can improve your professional image. There is nothing more embarrassing than having customers or tenants view a business as unprofessional and messy. CAM uses the latest techniques, tools, materials, and green-certified cleaning solutions to ensure your business delivers a great first impression. Additional cleaning services include full-service janitorial programs, window cleaning, day porter, post-construction cleanup, and expert floor care. Big or small, we can do it all.

            Sanitation employee

            Expertise and Quality of Service

            Every business operates differently, in fact, some facilities take it upon themselves to sweep and scrub. While this is certainly viable for smaller locations, medium and large-sized enterprises require more attention, care, and expertise. Not all commercial cleaning companies are equal in the level of service they perform. The range of services offered by CAM covers every need, from regular cleaning to restoration and remediation.

            Hygienic Work Environment

            Because of the high-volume of traffic that an office sees on any given day, it’s no surprise that they’re also a breeding ground for germs and bacteria to grow and spread among employees. Aside from the health concerns a dirty workspace creates, it can also pose potential dangers for accidents and personal injury to employees. Commercial workspaces benefit from industrial level cleaning, specialty services such as high/low dusting, heavy vacuuming, and industrial strength cleaning solutions. Additionally, professional industrial cleaning staff are trained in the most effective ways to clean an office, removing any potential health and safety concerns.

            Higher Productivity and Employee Retention

            A messy, unsanitary office stifles productivity. Employees become distracted, more irritable, and less motivated to get things done. Even worse, an unclean workplace tends to cause added sick days as germs are more easily spread. Conversely, hiring competent office cleaning services can result in fewer sick days and higher productivity. If a company fails to keep its workplace clean, employees may leave and find another job with a better sanitation regimen. Hiring cleaning services for your occupants is just as important as hiring them for your visitors.

            Prevent Larger Problems

            One of the most important jobs of a facility manager is to address small issues before they become big problems. Timely cleanups can prevent rodent infestations, accidents, or other hazards. Regular professional maintenance generally prevents these calamities from occurring. Cleaning services will maintain important aspects of your business so you can avoid problems that may become unmanageable.

            Is it time for your business to hire a professional building cleaning service? Call the property professionals at CAM Property Services to discuss your specific cleaning needs.

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              Can I Use A Robot Vacuum To Clean My Office?

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              With dozens of robot vacuum cleaner models on the market and millions sold each year, it is no surprise that they have become one of the top holiday gifts. Chances are that you or someone you know has received one.

              The iRobot Roomba seems to have started it all when they hit the market in 2002 and they have continued to improve features year after year. Since then, competitors have entered the marketplace, such as the Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac, Shark IQ, Ecovacs Deebot, Samsung PowerBot, and Neato Botvac.

              Robotic vacuum cleaner working on laminate wooden floor
              Businesspeople at office desk

              Right about now, someone is asking themselves if they can use their new domestic robot to clean their office. The short answer is … probably not. While they seem to be getting better, robot vacuums are designed for light use. In fact, a recent lab test by Consumer Reports showed that the suction of a high-end robot vacuum picked up less than half the volume of dust collected by a manually operated upright vacuum cleaner.

              A house has a small number of occupants, a relatively consistent floorplan, an easily controllable environment, light-duty cleaning requirements, and consistent floor and carpet surfaces, making it more suitable for automated assistance. Retail, commercial, and office spaces tend to have a much higher number of occupants, shifting layouts, closed doors, heavier floor traffic, and varying floor and carpet surfaces, which are all problematic for robot vacuum cleaners.

              There are other barriers to domestic robot use in a business environment — loose electric cords, varying floor surfaces, multiple obstacles, limited battery life, and much larger floor areas. Some robots have been known to spread gooey messes from room to room or temporarily get lost by losing their navigation signal when operating too far from the charging base.

              Professional decision-making often comes into play, especially with spot cleaning, such as removing gum from carpets or lifting black marks from hard surfaces. Automated floor cleaners lack the capacity for adapting to environments.

              “Nothing can replace the decision-making capabilities of a professional cleaning crew. Robot vacuum cleaners cannot spot clean, move light objects, or open office doors. Additionally, our staff is trained to look beyond the tasks at hand and identify potential safety hazards or preventative maintenance issues,” said John Salido, Janitorial Division Manager at CAM Property Services.

              CAM BUILDING SERVICES

              You should also be aware that if your building houses a government organization, there may be rules within the building lease or collective bargaining agreement which prohibits the use of robotic cleaning devices.

              If still inclined to give it a try, be prepared for a less than satisfying result when attempting to use a robot vacuum cleaner to clean your office.

              For those interested in a more fulfilling office floor and carpet cleaning experience, professional building maintenance and cleaning services are the way to go. Contact CAM Property Services, a leader in professional property maintenance throughout California for commercial, industrial, multi-family, and institutional properties. Contact Us

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                Tips for Landscaping and Tree Trimming in Early Spring from Commercial Property Pros

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                Early spring is the perfect time for building managers to act on landscaping and tree trimming plans for the year ahead. Working with a landscape services company now can give your greenery the deep-rooted foundation for a successful growing season.

                The goal is to maximize plant health early in the season to establish long-term success. Here are the types of maintenance landscapers should be doing for your property according to experienced professionals.

                Be sure to continue watering your plants appropriately. Even if you’ve neglected other landscape maintenance throughout the winter, watering should remain consistent to maintain plant health and to prevent the onset of disease.

                Tree trimming is a top priority in early spring, well before the crown reaches full bloom. The foliage is at its thinnest, making broken and damaged branches most visible. These branches should be removed to improve the overall strength and health of the tree.

                Tree trimming

                Schedule heavy pruning and cutbacks on plants and trees during the dormant season, November thru March, that typically impact public walkways, gutters, and building eaves later in the year. Consider the overall attractiveness of the landscape now and throughout the summer. Move or replace plants which have outgrown their space.

                Trim plants early to prevent massive overgrowth, especially shrubbery. Be sure to prune shrubs and trees before buds break for blooming or the pruning will stress the tree. This is especially important for fruit trees and summer-blooming varieties.

                Professional inspection and care of trees and shrubs is an important and highly visible aspect of good building management.

                Get an early jump on weeding. Remember that the fertile growing season is equally effective for all plants, good and bad. Heavy weeding in the early spring can minimize future problems and provide more resources for managed plants. Be sure to discard weeds rather than mulching, as you don’t want their seeds to be distributed.

                Now is the time to utilize a pre-emergent weed killer, before crabgrass and other weeds take control. Reducing competition from weeds is a great way to ensure plant survival.

                Fertilizer can be another key ingredient for growing success. If you fertilize, landscaping pros should test the soil every few years to make sure it has the proper pH balance and the right nutrients for your plant needs. Sometimes additional fertilization is unnecessary and should be decided by the soil condition. Trees and shrubs also enjoy fertilizers but be sure to use a slow-release product.

                Mulching

                Mulching provides both decorative and functional protection for landscapes. Besides adding an attractive top layer, mulch helps soil retain moisture, buffers against weed growth, and provides organic enrichment to the soil. A mulch layer about 3 inches thick is ideal.

                This is also the ideal time to address those bare spots in the lawn. The professionals know to mix soil with grass seed, cover generously, and water liberally until the bare patch starts to fill. Sod may be more appropriate for larger problem areas.

                Begin an overall assessment of the property’s landscaping. Decide which plants stay and which go. Struggling areas should be reinvigorated or replaced. Early spring is definitely the time to make these decisions, enabling any new vegetation to solidify its position prior to the peak growing season. Planning and budgeting will make all of the difference in successfully achieving your landscaping goals.

                You may consider the convenience of a company that offers comprehensive building and landscape maintenance as an all-in-one service. With an expertise in landscaping, these professionals can also identify and address issues related to hardscape and building maintenance.

                CAM Property Services is one such company, providing property maintenance services for over 1,300 commercial, office, multifamily, retail, warehouse, and institutional properties across California. With a reputation for knowledgeable and personal care, this team has been helping facility directors and property managers maintain safe and beautiful environments for clients big and small.

                Call 800-576-3050 now if you would like to learn more about incorporating California’s best professional landscaping services for your commercial property.

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                  Disinfect Workplace Viruses with Anti-Virus Fogging

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                  We have entered an era where viral outbreaks have become so common that the general public is now familiar with terms such as Ebola, Zika, Norovirus, and Coronavirus. Big or small, these pandemics have created heightened fear and concern about health and safety in public places. One of the solutions that facility managers are using to address this concern is electrostatic fogging with virucide.

                  The latest coronavirus outbreak has risen the stakes considerably. Beyond confirmed human-to-human contact and airborne transmission, the virus has been proven to be resilient. Disinfecting with anti-virus fog delivers a wide dispersal of cleaning agents to sanitize rooms from top to bottom. This cleaning technique, previously limited to hospitals, food processing facilities, and sterile environments has now entered the mainstream.

                  In addition to public safety, the focus on the health of employees is also rising. Federal regulatory agencies and local health boards are addressing working conditions more stringently, as employee infection rates rise. Industries have been crippled from the quarantine of entire work crews. Businesses are becoming more proactive to reduce the spread of viruses at the workplace before problems rise to these levels. Virucide fogging has been a great way to protect workspaces such as retail shopping, offices, government agencies, and industrial warehouses.

                  One man in protective suit disinfecting the Apartment entry
                  Anti virus fogging service

                  Effectiveness and ease of use are the top reasons why fog-based virucidal disinfectants have caught on. Through electrostatic fogging, the anti-virus becomes negatively charged micro particles, which repel each other, thus creating a wide dispersal pattern. The virucide fog, more accurately described as smoke or vapor, is light and airy. The negative ionic charge also creates an attraction to the positive charge of common surfaces, allowing a uniform coating of even the most difficult to reach touch points.

                  The spread of viruses from around the world has led to the development of products to combat these strong biological infectants. Concentrates are available that combine strong anti-viral and anti-bacterial agents with regular cleaning solutions, yet are non-hazardous, clear, odorless, environmentally friendly, and rinse-free. Mixed at a highly dilutable rate of 1 part concentrate to 64 parts water, this product is safe for human contact soon after use.

                  Chances are that workplaces have already taken the basic precautions of issuing personal protective gear and new guidelines as part of the new normal. The question becomes what else have you done? Employee and customer well-being have focused attention on how the workplace is serviced, including cleaning standards, indoor air quality, and hygiene. Managing these risks is increasingly falling on facility managers.

                  Beyond the risk of infection, an outbreak can cause irreparable damage to the reputation of a business, brand, facility, or even managers, especially if a response is slow or ineffective. Tests have shown that chemical agents used in anti-virus fogging can continue to act toward preventing future outbreaks, with residual efficacy possibly extending into months. A regular virucidal schedule can provide building tenants and customers with a level of comfort for their safety and health that will protect lives, as well as business operations and reputations.

                  Weighing the benefits against the risk of not acting, it becomes clear that virucide electrostatic fogging is a strong and effective tool for today’s property manager.

                  In California, CAM Property Services provides cleaning and disinfecting services to more than 1,300 properties. Please contact us today at 800-576-3050 to order the best professional facility services for your business.

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                    Customers Demand New Sanitization Standards

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                    As businesses reopen in the post COVID-19 era they may have only one opportunity to win customers back. While there are plenty of unknowns, there are things of which we can be certain. The public is on high alert regarding sanitization and will remain so indefinitely. Future purchasing decisions might easily be made based on which companies are showing signs of looking out for customer and employee health.

                    Facility cleaning and sanitizing, which has typically occurred afterhours or at the very least out-of-sight, may very well be moving to the forefront as consumers demand the confidence and security that comes with knowing a company’s cleaning practices. Customers are asking questions they have never asked before, such as when was the last time that door handle was cleaned or what product do you use to wipe down tables?

                    Landlords and tenants have a common goal in bringing customers back to businesses. The cost of restarting in-person transactions just might be an investment in stronger cleaning regimens. Letting the public know about better sanitization through certification from a third-party source improves the effort.

                    Retail store coronavirus sanitizing
                    Sanitized space
                    Sanitized space sticker in retail store window
                    Sanitized space sticker in retail store window

                    While questions about sanitization are on a steep rise, they follow the pattern of recent changes in consumer behavior. Businesses have already seen shifts in consumer habits this millennium with advertisements seeped in social awareness replacing traditional consumer messages. Large companies now invest heavily in building trust with communities to establish a millennial-friendly tone.

                    Brands such as Ben & Jerry’s and Starbucks have long tapped into the belief systems of their loyal customers, mimicked in socially responsible behavior and corporate practices. TOMS shoe company, founded in 2006, skyrocketed to success by supercharging their corporate giving to include donating a free pair of shoes for every pair sold. Similar companies have followed.

                    In 2017, the conversation delved even deeper with companies forced to move beyond what they stand for into declaring publicly what they stand up for. And consumers began to proactively make purchasing decisions based on these declarations.

                    A recent study on Corporate Social Responsibility shows just how important these messages are to potential customers. An incredible 87% of consumers said they would purchase a product from a company that advocated a cause they also cared about. Equally alarming is that 76% would refuse to purchase from a company which supported an issue contrary to their own beliefs.

                    Which brings us to present day, where consumers demand to know the practices, beliefs, and inner workings of companies where they do business. Wouldn’t it be great if you could head these questions off at the door? You can.

                    For years, companies have been signaling all kinds of information. Think about the signs you see on a regular basis, posted on a business door – accepted credit cards, armed security company, ADA compliancese habla español, and health board rating.

                    Due to popular client demand, CAM Property Services has designed a variety of signs to let customers know that the businesses they enter have strict professional sanitization practices in place. Facilities that undergo superior sanitization and anti-virus fogging to combat the Coronavirus are specially designated with certification.

                    CAM has been providing professional, commercial grade sanitization to restaurants, national retail chains, shopping centers, government facilities, office buildings, transportation companies, and more since 1987.

                    You can let your customers know that you are looking out for their health and safety by hiring professional cleaners. Clients are using table tent cards, wall signs, pedestal signs, front window stickers, and even lawn signs to announce a space has been sanitized with anti-virus fogging.

                    Cleaning has taken center stage and CAM Property Services is proud to be a longstanding partner for retail, commercial, government, and industrial properties in California. Contact CAM now at 800-576-3050 to join in protecting customers as they transact their business safely and confidently.

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                      Benefit from the reliability of professional janitorial services, landscaping, property inspection and facility maintenance combined with the convenience of managing it all through one service provider. Big or small, we can do it all.