by Brianna Crandall — April 15, 2020 — ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, has provided numerous resources in recent weeks and months to help its members and the greater cleaning industry to be prepared for, cope with, and recover from the global COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 novel coronavirus. Two of the group’s recent initiatives are a new online course on infection control fundamentals, and free 30-day access to its online learning portal, described below.
GBAC Fundamentals Online Course
ISSA’s new GBAC Fundamentals Online Course is a virtual seminar from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a division of ISSA, designed to empower cleaning professionals to become “Microbial Warriors.” The course trains attendees to prepare for, respond to, and recover from biohazards in the workplace.
Participants will learn infection and contamination control measures for infectious disease outbreak situations such as the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Individuals who successfully complete the course within 30 days of enrollment will receive a Certificate of Completion from GBAC.
ISSA Executive Director John Barrett stated:
Frontline cleaning workers are essential first responders to the novel coronavirus and other infectious agents. These heroes are working courageously to slow the spread of the virus, but they need proper training and applied understanding of best practices to protect themselves and the facilities they serve. The GBAC Fundamentals Online Course fills this void and empowers cleaning professionals to work safely and effectively.
GBAC’s online course features video presentations from Patty Olinger, GBAC Executive Director, and Dr. Gavin Macgregor-Skinner, GBAC board member and assistant professor for Penn State’s Department of Public Health Sciences.
The interactive workshop includes information on the origin, symptoms, and treatment of COVID-19 as well as information useful for those responsible for cleaning and disinfecting areas that may be contaminated with the coronavirus. Upon completion, participants will be armed with the knowledge needed to respond to and recover from biohazards in the workplace.
ISSA’s GBAC Fundamentals Online Course can be accessed from the ISSA website. The course is US$150 for ISSA members and $300 for nonmembers. In addition to the online training, participants also receive access to GBAC’s webinar and a downloadable GBAC Forensic Restoration Guide.
Free online learning for 30 days
In its quest to help the cleaning industry protect public health and promote the value of clean, ISSA is also offering a series of complimentary tools and resources to help you and your team respond and stay ahead of what’s next. The group is offering a free, 30-day subscription* to the ISSA Online Learning Institute — ISSA’s digital learning platform — to access topical content to prepare your business and staff in the face of the pandemic.
The free subscription includes video and interactive content on cleaning for the novel coronavirus, special COVID-19 business continuity resources, health and safety topics, restroom care, and other online training for your cleaning-industry career path.
*Claim your free 30-day subscription by April 30, 2020 on the ISSA Online Learning Institute web portal. All complimentary subscriptions derived from this offer will expire 30 days after your signup date and no later than May 31, 2020. You may renew your subscription after your free offer expires for the prevailing rate.
ISSA coronavirus resources
Plus, be sure to check ISSA’s Cleaning and Disinfecting for the Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) webpage for frequently updated information, news, resources, and complimentary best-practice tips for prevention and control.
