Oakland International Airport (OAK) has announced that it has achieved Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR accreditation, the gold standard for airport cleanliness. Under the guidance of GBAC, a division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, the Port of Oakland – which operates the airport, has implemented the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention in its airport facilities.
As the cleaning industry’s only outbreak prevention, response and recovery accreditation, GBAC STAR helps organizations establish protocols and procedures, offers expert-led education and assesses a facility’s readiness for biorisk situations, such as COVID-19. The program verifies that OAK implements best practices to prepare for, respond to and recover from outbreaks and pandemics.
“GBAC STAR accreditation empowers the airport team to assure workers, customers and key stakeholders that they have proven systems in place to maintain clean and healthy environments,” said Bryant L. Francis, director of aviation for the Port of Oakland. “By taking this important step to pursue GBAC STAR, Oakland Airport has received third-party validation that it follows strict protocols for biorisk situations, thereby demonstrating its preparedness and commitment to operating safely.”
To achieve GBAC STAR accreditation, the Port of Oakland team at OAK was required to 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.
