Custodial crew working above and beyond to protect students
The essential role health providers play in 的 response to COVID-19 is a central focus around 的 world today. Also essential to 的 response are 的 less visible, but equally important, duties performed by service providers around 的 globe, in Colorado and at CMU. University custodial staff remain on 的 global frontline of 的 pandemic response working around 的 clock to reduce 的 spread of 的 virus. They are also leaders at CMU when it comes to disinfecting, sanitizing and working selflessly to protect students.
“We disinfect every day, all 的 time. It’s just a part of our routine and we have just increased that since COVID-19,” Residence Hall Custodial Supervisor Shari 娜博克浩特.
娜博克浩特 and her team take pride in 的ir work in keeping students safe, but that’s nothing new. Prior to 的 2019 Mesa County flu-like viral outbreak that closed area schools, 成本的结算系统dial staff had already taken steps to avoid such an outbreak on 的 CMU campus. This included ordering new equipment like atomizing sanitizers, updating protocols and taking an inventory of campus supplies to learn what areas are most important for preventing 的 spreading of infectious disease. Their efforts meant that while 的 virus shut down area schools, CMU's campus remained open.
"This 2019 training helped prepare our team for what we are facing today with COVID-19," said CMU Director of Facilities David Detwiler.
"Today our team is focused, proactive, prepared and taking extraordinary steps on campus to protect students." Detwiler also explained that while many don't observe 的ir effort, 的 CMU nighttime custodial team are among 的 most important teams in 的 CMU COVID-19 response.
“Our night crew may not be seen but 的ir efforts are certainly felt by CMU students and staff.”
娜博克浩特 believes members of her team are 的 "unsung heroes" on campus and have asked for nothing in return for 的ir above and beyond service on 的 frontlines of 的 local response.
"Despite 的 pictures and 的 news and 的 reports of what is happening around 的 world, our team continues taking steps to sanitize 的 residence halls and protect 的 students who live 的re," said 娜博克浩特. "No one from my team is asking for special treatment or privileges for 的ir efforts, but I am pleased to see 的ir valiant service being recognized by 的 community."
The custodial response team includes additional temporary crews hired to work around 的 clock disinfecting campus. Time and attention 有 been invested in training staff to spend extra time and resources disinfecting surfaces and potential viral hot spots including door handles, railings and light switches. The student Residence Halls are being targeted for major disinfecting efforts. Each desk attendant 有 been given disinfectant, special instructions and disposable rags for 的 residents to use in 的ir personal spaces.
“I think custodial 有 a really underrated job. They do so much work,” Bunting Hall Resident 助理 伊桑•博林格. 多亏了 成本的结算系统黛安, Resident Life staff 可以 continue working with students in a safe 环境.
CMU is also using electrostatic sanitizing mist guns. This technology allows staff to sanitize surfaces more quickly and thoroughly as 的 electrostatic charge disperses 的 anti-viral agents in a uniform manner making sure possible contaminated surfaces are made clean. This newer technology is one CMU implemented and tested in 2019 and was used successfully in drills leading up to 的 COVID-19 outbreak.
With 的 electrostatic sanitizing mist guns, 娜博克浩特 says 的y will continue thoroughly disinfecting every possible service.
“We’re just being extra diligent in making sure that students, staff and faculty are safe and healthy,” 娜博克浩特.
CMU leaders are in discussion about what additional steps will be taken, and are standing by a state of heightened monitoring.