In the first post in this series, I laid out four variables that drive smart disinfectant selection: microbial targets, contact time, chemistry, and EPA registration. Each one deserves a deeper look. This post focuses on the first and most foundational: knowing exactly which organisms you are targeting and why that determines which disinfectant belongs in your team’s hands.
Category: Environmental Services
The Essential Workflow for Operating Room Terminal Cleaning
Washington’s state hospitals grew rapidly between the 1920s and 1940s. By 1930, Western and Eastern State Hospitals housed thousands of patients, many of whom lived in appalling conditions. Despite the increased scale, there was no corresponding improvement in cleaning practices or worker protections. Institutional housekeeping remained a custodial function assigned to patients or underpaid staff without training.
Cleaning methods focused on visible tidiness rather than microbial safety. Chemical use was unregulated, and tools were rudimentary. Staff and patients were exposed to pathogens, toxic substances, and unsafe physical environments. There were no systems for reporting workplace injuries or exposures. Institutional goals prioritized containment over care, and the human dignity of workers and residents was largely ignored.
A career in Healthcare Environmental Services is more than a job—it is a calling to make a meaningful impact on patient care, safety, and the overall healthcare system. With strong demand, opportunities for growth, and the chance to work in a role that directly supports life-saving efforts, EVS offers a compelling career path for individuals who value service, diligence, and making a difference.
By choosing a career in EVS, you are stepping into a role where your contributions are essential, appreciated, and impactful. Whether you aspire to advance within the field, gain a foothold in healthcare, or simply seek a career with purpose, Healthcare Environmental Services is a fulfilling and promising choice.
When was the last time you were at your doctors office, or (and I hope not) at a hospital,
Environmental Services departments are constantly being challenged to “do more with less,” to give quality services with fewer resources,
Each year we celebrate environmental services week. How about we celebrate everyday for the next year. Our hardworking staff mean
Happy Environmental Services and Housekeeping week to all the very hard service workers in our industry. In a department