The Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, a worldwide cleaning industry association, is partnering with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) to bring essential business reopening resources to ICCA members. (ICCA’s members include venues, tourism bureaus, airlines and other event-related organizations.)
As part of the agreement, ICCA will promote two GBAC programs that help facilities and cleaning professionals better prepare for, respond to and recover from biorisk situations:
- GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation Program, which helps public and commercial facilities of all types and sizes set and maintain a cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention program.
- GBAC Fundamentals Online Course: "Cleaning & Disinfection Principles," an e-learning course for cleaning professionals that highlights infection and contamination control measures for infectious disease prevention.
“We are pleased to be working with GBAC and their GBAC STAR Accreditation Program that will encourage and allow our members to operate safely with shared best practices around hygiene,” ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath said in a press announcement. "As organizations begin to open again, it is of utmost importance that they do so by showing their commitment to cleanliness during these times. We’re glad to introduce such best practices to our members, so that business events can return in the near future."
GBAC STAR accreditation demonstrates that a facility follows the proper cleaning protocols, disinfection techniques, and work practices necessary in the age of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Facilities are encouraged to track their cleaning program’s progress and set goals for improvement in order to renew their accreditation annually. To date, numerous convention centers, hotels and destinations have earned or committed to earn GBAC STAR accreditation.
The GBAC Fundamentals Online Course: "Cleaning & Disinfection Principles" educates cleaning professionals on cleaning and disinfection, including infection and contamination control measures for infectious disease outbreak situations. Successful completion of the course results in a Certificate of Completion from GBAC and the ability to differentiate oneself as a “GBAC-Trained Technician.”
ICCA members are encouraged to visit the ICCA website to learn more about the programs and their benefits for each segment of the events industry. When applying for GBAC STAR or enrolling in the GBAC Fundamentals Online Course, ICCA members should use referral code ICCA20.
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