Environmental Services Technicians Create Safe Environments for Care
Environmental services technicians are essential members of the health care team. Every day, hospitals and health systems face the challenge of providing quality patient care in a high-traffic environment where many illnesses can be highly transmissible. The goal of EVS technicians is to create a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors, and in doing so, contribute to a healthier community.
What do EVS technicians do?
EVS technicians are responsible for maintaining cleanliness, disinfection and overall environmental hygiene within the facility, including:
- Cleaning and disinfecting medical equipment*, patient rooms and common areas for visitors and staff.
- Taking part in continuous trainings to stay up to date with the latest standards, guidelines, and strategies in the field.
- Working closely with clinicians and other health care professionals to ensure that quality standards are met for all patients and that patients and visitors feel trust and comfort in the care environment.
*Depends on equipment and facility’s responsibility matrix.
EVS technicians are also accountable for tasks that are vital to keeping patients and health care workers safe, such as:
- Working with infection control teams to implement and maintain cleaning and disinfecting protocols.
- Responding to hazardous spills and other emergencies to ensure quick and safe cleanup.
- Safely emptying and sanitizing waste containers and biohazardous materials.
EVS technicians help keep patients safe by keeping care spaces safe. Their work is vital, and, when done properly, can significantly decrease rates of health care-associated infections, prevent illnesses from spreading, and contribute to high-level working conditions for care teams and exceptional care experiences for patients and their families.
