Preventative maintenance service delivers Germ-Free cleaning, extending life, efficiency and healthiness of home and office systems
INDIANAPOLIS, May 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Some people are almost neurotic about washing their hands and using sanitizers to kill nasty germs. But then they sit at their computer and put their hands all over germ-infested keys. Computers and keyboards are the perfect breeding ground for these persistent little bugs, which are known to spread disease and cause illness. But germs, dust and dirt also inflict other harms. They sneak into and clog up computers and machinery, making them inefficient and sometimes dangerous, according to Karl Glass, co-owner of GreenBytz (http://www.greenbytz.com), an Indianapolis-based company that specializes in computer and office machine preventative maintenance services.
"Simply knowing that machines and computers are often some of the germiest surfaces around should be enough to make you get these systems professionally cleaned," Glass says. "But dust, dirt, and grime that enter your computer workstations and office equipment can cause your systems to use up to 73 percent more electricity. In fact, the four most common and costly reasons your computer fails are heat build-up, electrical shortages, abrasive wear and dust, grime and static build-up."
Preventing the replacement of computers and electronic equipment can be a major money saver, especially for computer servers, whose downtime can cost a business more than the expense of equipment. But the accumulation of dirt, dust, grime and germs on any machine, even data rooms, can lead to pricey unscheduled maintenance, decreased production, employee sickness and higher electric bills. Depending on the number of computers and/or machines a business uses, the cumulative effect of such negligence can cost a company thousands of dollars annually.
"You get your oil changed and wash your car to ensure it runs smoothly, is clean and stays in good shape, and you rely on it to last," says Jerry Scott, co-owner of GreenBytz. "There should be no difference in how we treat our computers, ATMs, telephone systems and the many kinds of automated office machines that people use daily. They need upkeep and the right kind of maintenance to function properly. GreenBytz provides this type of preventative service, and we specialize in Germ-Free cleaning, too."
GreenBytz offers free service demonstrations to illustrate the condition of home and office equipment. Appointments are available through the company's Authorized Preventative Maintenance Specialists. For more information, visit: http://www.greenbytz.com.
About GreenBytz
Based in Indianapolis, GreenBytz is an environmentally friendly business that provides its clients with top-notch computer and office machine preventative maintenance. GreenBytz specializes in thoroughly Germ-Free cleaning of the inside and outside of computers and office machines. GreenBytz offers both home and commercial services with a focus on superior attention to customer needs. With a combined 26 years of experience, GreenBytz preventative maintenance techs have extensive computer-maintenance-related backgrounds, along with the care and cleaning of ATM machines, telephone systems, data rooms, computer servers and other automated office equipment that carry germs.
Contact:
Karl Glass
GreenBytz
317-603-7824
info@mygreenbytes.com
Monday, June 1, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Intelligence Journal - Get In Touch With a Hidden Workplace Enemy
Office equipment like phones and keyboards can be a breeding ground for germs.
It's not a pleasant thought, but your computer keyboard at work may be crawling with things that could make you sick. Same with our desk phone, the photocopier and the fax machine. Germs are everywhere, and their latest hiding place seems to be the office equipment, which can be a magnet for bacteria and viruses if people don't wash their hands.
Such is the sales pitch of people like Walter Peters and Keleigh Eby, a father-daughter pair who recently founded Ephrata-based ... services to rid all computers, phones, fax machines, copiers, printers, and even stereo equipment from unseen critters.
The twosome whisk into Lancaster Country businesses with their white lab coats and rubber gloves and within 15 minutes can transform a once-filthy keyboard and monitor into a clean and sanitized electronic tool."We're interested in only those people who understand that there are germs in the marketplace" says Peters, who quit his job at Strada Design Associates of Pennsylvania to start the business with his daughter. "If they understand that, then we do business. People are finally starting to discover where the germs are coming from."
"I started researching this line of work and I saw that there was this huge niche in the market where janitors and cleaning people are not allowed to touch this equipment for fear that their cleaning fluids would ruin the computer keyboard," he said.
"The whole reason why companies have never done this is there's never been a simple way of doing this."
According to a CBS Evening News report in May, for example, a toxic form of E. coli bacteria that could cause stomach ailments and possibly kidney failure was found on an ATM machine in Manhattan. And CBS found that 50% of the surfaces it tested had at least one form of deadly bacteria on them.
Additionally, the Wirthlin World wide research firm for the American Society for Microbiology surveyed 7,000 US residents and found that "while 94% of respondents said they always wash their hands after using the toilet, researchers stationed in pubic restrooms found that only 68% of adults actually do" the Calgary Herald reported in an article titled, "Getting a Grip on Germs."
Even handshakes, the Herald noted, can spread colds, flu, respiratory ailments, hepatitis A, dysentery, salmonella, and skin infections.
That said, how worried should people be that they could contract a disease form their keyboard, office copier, or desk telephone?
"The first issue is whether or not you can actually find these types of germs on public surfaces that would be a health threat, and the answer is yes," said Carl Batt, a professor of food science and microbiologist at Cornell University. "(But) the likelihood of getting sick from contact with bacteria on a public surface is extremely low,"
Most viruses like colds and the flu are spread through person-to-person contact and contact with surfaces, while most bacterial-type diseases are not spread by contact, Batt added.
Even the Manhattan ATM machine probably wasn't a health threat, he said.
"There probably wasn't enough bacteria or germs on that ATM for someone to get directly sick. Things like E. coli, you have to ingest a certain amount of these germs and you have to eat 'em."
His best advice? Do "normal things that your mom probably told you when you were growing up. Wash your hands when you go to the bathroom."
This article originally appeared in the Intelligencer Journal
It's not a pleasant thought, but your computer keyboard at work may be crawling with things that could make you sick. Same with our desk phone, the photocopier and the fax machine. Germs are everywhere, and their latest hiding place seems to be the office equipment, which can be a magnet for bacteria and viruses if people don't wash their hands.
Such is the sales pitch of people like Walter Peters and Keleigh Eby, a father-daughter pair who recently founded Ephrata-based ... services to rid all computers, phones, fax machines, copiers, printers, and even stereo equipment from unseen critters.
The twosome whisk into Lancaster Country businesses with their white lab coats and rubber gloves and within 15 minutes can transform a once-filthy keyboard and monitor into a clean and sanitized electronic tool."We're interested in only those people who understand that there are germs in the marketplace" says Peters, who quit his job at Strada Design Associates of Pennsylvania to start the business with his daughter. "If they understand that, then we do business. People are finally starting to discover where the germs are coming from."
"I started researching this line of work and I saw that there was this huge niche in the market where janitors and cleaning people are not allowed to touch this equipment for fear that their cleaning fluids would ruin the computer keyboard," he said.
"The whole reason why companies have never done this is there's never been a simple way of doing this."
According to a CBS Evening News report in May, for example, a toxic form of E. coli bacteria that could cause stomach ailments and possibly kidney failure was found on an ATM machine in Manhattan. And CBS found that 50% of the surfaces it tested had at least one form of deadly bacteria on them.
Additionally, the Wirthlin World wide research firm for the American Society for Microbiology surveyed 7,000 US residents and found that "while 94% of respondents said they always wash their hands after using the toilet, researchers stationed in pubic restrooms found that only 68% of adults actually do" the Calgary Herald reported in an article titled, "Getting a Grip on Germs."
Even handshakes, the Herald noted, can spread colds, flu, respiratory ailments, hepatitis A, dysentery, salmonella, and skin infections.
That said, how worried should people be that they could contract a disease form their keyboard, office copier, or desk telephone?
"The first issue is whether or not you can actually find these types of germs on public surfaces that would be a health threat, and the answer is yes," said Carl Batt, a professor of food science and microbiologist at Cornell University. "(But) the likelihood of getting sick from contact with bacteria on a public surface is extremely low,"
Most viruses like colds and the flu are spread through person-to-person contact and contact with surfaces, while most bacterial-type diseases are not spread by contact, Batt added.
Even the Manhattan ATM machine probably wasn't a health threat, he said.
"There probably wasn't enough bacteria or germs on that ATM for someone to get directly sick. Things like E. coli, you have to ingest a certain amount of these germs and you have to eat 'em."
His best advice? Do "normal things that your mom probably told you when you were growing up. Wash your hands when you go to the bathroom."
This article originally appeared in the Intelligencer Journal
Monday, May 11, 2009
Facts, Data and Industry News on Computer Cleaning Industry News
In a new study by Dr. Gerba of the University of Arizona explains the risks of germs in the work place, especially on the phone, keyboard and mouse. In fact the keyboard has some 10 million germs swarming around it at any given time. Dr. Gerba also stated that the keyboard has about 400 times more germs than the average toilet seat. Yuck!
Dr. Gerba's study -- funded by The Clorox Company -- took a look at typical office sites across the country. Each included a mix of cubicles and private offices. The cleaning routines in these offices were pretty much nonexistent. "We don't think twice about eating at our desks, even though the average desk has 100 times more bacteria than a kitchen table and 400 times more bacteria than the average toilet," says Gerba. "Without cleaning, a small area on your desk or phone can sustain millions of bacteria that could potentially cause illness."
Source: webmd.com - Messy Desks Breed More Than Dust Bunnies - Jeanie Lerche Davis
Bacteria and germs from greasy food bits, skin flakes, and other nasty unmentionables were found to be living on a keyboard. TechTV sent out a keyboard for testing at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health. Their results...cultures came back with a "large proliferation of gram-positive bacteria, which can include staphylococcus. This is the organism behind "staph" infections and an important contributor to skin wound infections. It's also the bug behind strep throat." They went on to say, "The keyboard is not clean, so you are working and then you touch your nose and maybe inoculate yourself with the bacteria that causes respiratory infection."
Source: techtv.com - Keyboard Cooties - Becky Worley
Germs and dirt abound keyboards everywhere. Research by AOL-UK, "The average keyboard, it said last week, accumulates up to two grams of dirt per month." Earlier this year, a team of infectious disease specialists took cultures from computer keyboards in the Tripler Army Medical Centre intensive-care unit in Honolulu. They found that 25 percent had a strain of the multi-drug-resistant staphylococcus aureus bacterium.
Source: cnet.com - What evil lurks...beneath your keyboard - Susan Tsang
Spreading Germs and Illness in the Workplace. ABC News January 19, 1998. A study done by New York University Microbiologist Dr. Phillip Tierno revealed that the following germs were found on office equipment: Human contamination from the mouth and skin. Surprisingly feces on phones, desktops and on the buttons of office machines. Electronic equipment attracts bacteria. “The existence of these microorganisms can therefore not exclude person to person transfer and may pose a potential cross infection health risk”.
Source: Clinpath Laboratory results
Dr. Carl Batt, microbiologist from Cornell University found on equipment throughout the United States: Bacillus cereus on telephones. Staphylococcus aureus on computer keyboards. Escherichia coli on ATM machines. This particular bacteria on an ATM machine would represent a public health threat.
Source: The Importance of working on clean equipment CBS Evening News reported May 13, 1997
CBS news reporter, John Roberts, did a report throughout the United States on the presence of germs on all kinds of public surfaces. He reported that, in ALL of the surfaces tested, it was found there was at least one form bacteria and/or virus on each surface, such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and even fecal matter, just to name a few.
What we found on some ATM's was a toxic form of E. coli bacteria similar to one that caused a deadly outbreak of food poisoning in the Northwest four years ago... and it wasn't just the ATM's that were carrying the disease. Fifty percent (50%) of the surfaces tested had at least one form of toxic bacteria on them.
Source: Dan Rather CBS News Report On May 12th, 1997
Architecture Professor Tang Lee with the University of Calgary's faculty of environmental design. He mentions: "Our fascination with high tech equipment gives germs more opportunity to travel on all those buttons on computer keyboards, fax machines, telephones and printers etc. Common causes of indoor workers taking sick leave are colds, flu, pneumonia, strip throat and sniffed. Most likely source for these germs, the COMPUTER EQUIPMENT."
Source: The Herald
Dr. Gerba's study -- funded by The Clorox Company -- took a look at typical office sites across the country. Each included a mix of cubicles and private offices. The cleaning routines in these offices were pretty much nonexistent. "We don't think twice about eating at our desks, even though the average desk has 100 times more bacteria than a kitchen table and 400 times more bacteria than the average toilet," says Gerba. "Without cleaning, a small area on your desk or phone can sustain millions of bacteria that could potentially cause illness."
Source: webmd.com - Messy Desks Breed More Than Dust Bunnies - Jeanie Lerche Davis
Bacteria and germs from greasy food bits, skin flakes, and other nasty unmentionables were found to be living on a keyboard. TechTV sent out a keyboard for testing at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health. Their results...cultures came back with a "large proliferation of gram-positive bacteria, which can include staphylococcus. This is the organism behind "staph" infections and an important contributor to skin wound infections. It's also the bug behind strep throat." They went on to say, "The keyboard is not clean, so you are working and then you touch your nose and maybe inoculate yourself with the bacteria that causes respiratory infection."
Source: techtv.com - Keyboard Cooties - Becky Worley
Germs and dirt abound keyboards everywhere. Research by AOL-UK, "The average keyboard, it said last week, accumulates up to two grams of dirt per month." Earlier this year, a team of infectious disease specialists took cultures from computer keyboards in the Tripler Army Medical Centre intensive-care unit in Honolulu. They found that 25 percent had a strain of the multi-drug-resistant staphylococcus aureus bacterium.
Source: cnet.com - What evil lurks...beneath your keyboard - Susan Tsang
Spreading Germs and Illness in the Workplace. ABC News January 19, 1998. A study done by New York University Microbiologist Dr. Phillip Tierno revealed that the following germs were found on office equipment: Human contamination from the mouth and skin. Surprisingly feces on phones, desktops and on the buttons of office machines. Electronic equipment attracts bacteria. “The existence of these microorganisms can therefore not exclude person to person transfer and may pose a potential cross infection health risk”.
Source: Clinpath Laboratory results
Dr. Carl Batt, microbiologist from Cornell University found on equipment throughout the United States: Bacillus cereus on telephones. Staphylococcus aureus on computer keyboards. Escherichia coli on ATM machines. This particular bacteria on an ATM machine would represent a public health threat.
Source: The Importance of working on clean equipment CBS Evening News reported May 13, 1997
CBS news reporter, John Roberts, did a report throughout the United States on the presence of germs on all kinds of public surfaces. He reported that, in ALL of the surfaces tested, it was found there was at least one form bacteria and/or virus on each surface, such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and even fecal matter, just to name a few.
What we found on some ATM's was a toxic form of E. coli bacteria similar to one that caused a deadly outbreak of food poisoning in the Northwest four years ago... and it wasn't just the ATM's that were carrying the disease. Fifty percent (50%) of the surfaces tested had at least one form of toxic bacteria on them.
Source: Dan Rather CBS News Report On May 12th, 1997
Architecture Professor Tang Lee with the University of Calgary's faculty of environmental design. He mentions: "Our fascination with high tech equipment gives germs more opportunity to travel on all those buttons on computer keyboards, fax machines, telephones and printers etc. Common causes of indoor workers taking sick leave are colds, flu, pneumonia, strip throat and sniffed. Most likely source for these germs, the COMPUTER EQUIPMENT."
Source: The Herald
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
The 5 second rule isn't so funny anymore
Swine flu seems to have taken over the airwaves here and around the world. We have had mad cow, West Nile, bird flu,etc. which are all cause by in some part by germs, bacteria and unclean areas you come in contact with. We all seem to to become locked in the comfort zone when we travel or go abroad not thinking that we will come in contact with anything that will be harmful to you or your children, but they are always lurking. It seems the 5 second rule has come back to harm us. Which was once a joke, the 5 second rule (in case you've been living in a cave for the last 100 years), is when you drop a steak or any food item on the floor and it does not stay on the floor for 5 seconds, it never actually hit the floor.
Germs and bacteria is a killer in the workplace. Your keyboard can harbor thousands of germs and bacteria that is harmful to you. Keeping your workstation free of these killers is essential to combating disease, sickness, high medical bills, etc. A thorough cleaning of your computer inside and out. It will clean out all the dust, dirt and grime that can be harmful to your computer and yourself.
Germs and bacteria is a killer in the workplace. Your keyboard can harbor thousands of germs and bacteria that is harmful to you. Keeping your workstation free of these killers is essential to combating disease, sickness, high medical bills, etc. A thorough cleaning of your computer inside and out. It will clean out all the dust, dirt and grime that can be harmful to your computer and yourself.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Eco-friendly or Green Design
As part of the worldwide fight to combat climate change, eco design has become a fully developed movement within the realm of interior design. It is more than just recycling, reducing energy use and reusing products and materials. Eco design can be used to generate stylish spaces that work in harmony with the surrounding natural environment.
The principle may be quite simple; however, balancing costs, functionality and design style can be daunting. Fortunately, we now have an expanding amount of available “green” products so that even the smallest changes can make a big difference in improving the environmental friendliness of your home.
Here are some steps you can take towards achieving better and greener living spaces:
# Look for products and furnishings that come from sustainable forest wood which is both durable and has low-toxicity
# Choose low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints
# Buy local and vintage furnishings
# Replace light bulbs and look for energy efficient lighting systems
# Create an efficient recycling centre in your home
# Reuse and reinvent furniture and accessories
# Use steam and biodegradable, homemade or natural products for cleaning
# Reduce your energy consumption
When it comes to construction, renovation, design and decor, I always strive to create spaces that flow with one another and with the property as a whole. My vision and practice of eco design also considers the connection between the home and the surrounding environment. Functionality and comfort can be achieved by using the right combination of different materials that fit within the “green” framework. In this way, eco design can embrace the principle of economic, social and ecological sustainability without sacrificing style.
This article was provided by TO DESIGN CO. Whether you want to go “all green” or just are considering taking some steps towards environmentally friendly finishes and products, TO DESIGN CO can do it all. Visit our website at www.todesignco.com or call Lucy at 416 799-3224, lucy@todesignco.com.
The principle may be quite simple; however, balancing costs, functionality and design style can be daunting. Fortunately, we now have an expanding amount of available “green” products so that even the smallest changes can make a big difference in improving the environmental friendliness of your home.
Here are some steps you can take towards achieving better and greener living spaces:
# Look for products and furnishings that come from sustainable forest wood which is both durable and has low-toxicity
# Choose low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints
# Buy local and vintage furnishings
# Replace light bulbs and look for energy efficient lighting systems
# Create an efficient recycling centre in your home
# Reuse and reinvent furniture and accessories
# Use steam and biodegradable, homemade or natural products for cleaning
# Reduce your energy consumption
When it comes to construction, renovation, design and decor, I always strive to create spaces that flow with one another and with the property as a whole. My vision and practice of eco design also considers the connection between the home and the surrounding environment. Functionality and comfort can be achieved by using the right combination of different materials that fit within the “green” framework. In this way, eco design can embrace the principle of economic, social and ecological sustainability without sacrificing style.
This article was provided by TO DESIGN CO. Whether you want to go “all green” or just are considering taking some steps towards environmentally friendly finishes and products, TO DESIGN CO can do it all. Visit our website at www.todesignco.com or call Lucy at 416 799-3224, lucy@todesignco.com.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Workstations are weapons of mass destruction
Do you remember when everybody was so concerned about those deodorant cans that sprayed all that bad mist into the atmosphere and was one of the sole culprits of the ozone layer fiasco of the eighties. I say fiasco because no one seemed to believe that a can of deodorant could cause such a scare when drug tampering, gang violence, political corruption, child abductions, etc was the theme of the day. Yet it gave us pause and made us listen a little bit more intently at just what direction our world was headed. We tend to walk a little more, disinfect a little more often and ask for paper [not plastic] from the grocer. Would you say these little changes will make the world a better place to live? Of course it would if you truly care about our planet. But what about what you are surrounded by 8 hours a day. Germs, dust and grime crawl around your workstation like bee's looking for honey. Most of the time it's invisible to the eyes but rest assured, they are spreading their business everywhere. How many times have you went to the warehouse to get a few papers that is scattered around the dirtiest keyboard you've ever seen. You may also notice the monitor and cpu unit is just as filthy as the keyboard as though nobody can be infected by the germs that they carry. Sometimes we can't see the forest for the trees. This is to say that the before mentioned panics of the 80's where sometimes much harder to solve than what right in our face. Weapons of mass destruction is hidden right on your desk and around your workspace. You and your staff could be at risk of catching potential cross infections such as E. Coli, Salmonella and Listeria. There are many reasons you should be concerned about these creatures lurking around your workstation. Number one, you should be concerned about work absenteeism. Another problem that has nothing to do with germs, but has more to do with equipment failure. One of the reasons equipment has fans inside of them is to keep your motor, cpu, amp, etc. from over heating and causing them to malfunction at the height of production.
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