Austin Convention Center Achieves GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation
November 30, 2020
The Austin Convention Center has achieved Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™ accreditation, the gold standard for prepared facilities. Under the guidance of GBAC, a division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, the Austin Convention Center Department has implemented the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention for the facility.
As the cleaning industry’s only outbreak prevention, response and recovery accreditation, GBAC STAR™ helps organizations establish protocols and procedures, offers expert-led training and assesses a facility’s readiness for biorisk situations. The program will verify that the Austin Convention Center Department is implementing best practices to prepare the staff and buildings for future meetings and events.
“The GBAC STAR™ facility accreditation is a performance-based program that certifies that the Austin Convention Center continues to protect our staff and visitors, as we are equipped and ready to safely welcome back in-person events,” said Trisha Tatro, Austin Convention Center Department interim director. “Our staff has worked extremely hard to operate using specific procedures and protocols to best prepare, protect and recover from outbreaks and pandemics.”
To achieve GBAC STAR™ accreditation, the Austin Convention Center will demonstrate compliance with the program’s 20 core elements, which range from standard operating procedures and risk assessment strategies to personal protective equipment and emergency preparedness and response measures. Learn more about GBAC STAR accreditation at www.gbac.org.
“When the submittal process was presented, our staff never hesitated with the thought of increased documentation and new cleaning protocols,” said Taje Allen, Austin Convention Center Department, interim facilities manager. “We are excited about our new equipment that will assist us with infectious disease prevention and disinfection. I’m proud to say, our Convention Center staff has taken all changes in stride and has welcomed all newly implemented safety measures to ensure a clean and safe environment for all workers and guests.”
Along with reaching a higher level of cleaning and disinfection, the Austin Convention Center Department has purchased new sanitation equipment and uses the following products:
- Stearns® ONE PACKS Mark E II Disinfectant/Deodorizer and multipurpose, neutral pH, hospital grade quaternary. A one-step germicide, detergent, deodorizer, fungicide, and virucide
- Usage of four Sentry 4 UV standalone disinfection machines that emit full spectrum UV light to eliminate up to 99.9% of the bacteria, fungi and viruses in the space, and limit the growth of fungi
- Ordered handheld electrostatic sprayers. Victory Sprayers’ patented technology provides an electrical charge to solutions, allowing them to wrap conductive surfaces with an effective and even coverage. These machines reduce cross-contamination due to their touchless application
- Equipment will be sanitized before the start of each event and at the end of each day.
“GBAC STAR accreditation empowers facility owners and managers to assure workers, customers and key stakeholders that they have proven systems in place to maintain clean and healthy environments,” said GBAC executive director Patricia Olinger. “By taking this important step to pursue GBAC STAR, the Austin Convention Center has received third-party validation that it follows strict protocols for biorisk situations, thereby demonstrating its preparedness and commitment to operating safely.”
www.austinconventioncenter.com