Washington State Convention Center Commits To GBAC STAR™ Accreditation
July 8, 2020
The Washington State Convention Center (WSCC) has announced its commitment to achieve the Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™ accreditation on outbreak prevention, response and recovery. Recognized as the gold standard of safe venues, GBAC STAR™ provides third-party validation to ensure the implementation of rigorous protocols in response to biorisk situations.
A new certificate program from the Global BioRisk Advisory Council, a division of the worldwide cleaning industry association ISSA, could help the industry safely resume face-to-face events and lessen attendee concerns. The GBAC program is designed to teach venue-cleaning professionals how to prepare for, respond to and recover from infectious diseases and biohazards. GBAC’s scientific advisory board, who are experienced in microbial-pathogenic threat analysis and mitigation, created the program.
Facilities will gain accreditation when they show they are implementing the industry’s highest standards of cleaning for COVID-19 and are safe to welcome guests and hold events. The program is backed by over a dozen industry organizations, including the International Association of Venue Managers, International Facility Management Association, and International Association of Exhibitions and Events.
To be considered a GBAC facility, a venue must have at least one staff member complete the GBAC fundamentals certificate course. The online course covers everything from proper procedures and training to the chemicals, equipment, tools, and personal protective equipment necessary for preventing and responding to infectious diseases.
“WSCC has always strived for stellar cleanliness throughout the facility and this extension of knowledge will further enhance our abilities to clean and sanitize once events return,” said WSCC Director of Operations Earl Taylor.
Facilities must also complete an online application and demonstrate compliance with the 20 GBAC STAR™ program elements, which include risk-assessment and risk-mitigation strategies, personnel training, and inventory control and management. Applications will be reviewed and approved by the GBAC Accreditation Council.
“The world as we knew it has been fundamentally changed by COVID-19. When we are all ready to meet face to face again, WSCC wants every meeting planner and their event attendees to know they are in a clean, safe and healthy environment,” said WSCC VP of Operations Jon Houg. “We will be examining and tending to every aspect of the operation, including bringing in the latest research, technology and innovation to make that happen.”