AUSTIN, Tex. – The Austin Convention Department has announced its commitment to achieving 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 and the Palmer Events Center will implement stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention at its facilities.
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 the Austin Convention Center Department is implementing best practices to prepare the staff and buildings for future meetings and events.
“This performance-based program is to certify that the Austin Convention Center and the Palmer Events Center continues to protect our staff and visitors,” Austin Convention Center Department interim director Trisha Tatro. “We want to operate using procedures and protocols to best prepare, respond, and recover from outbreaks and pandemics.”
To achieve GBAC STAR accreditation, the venue teams 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.
“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, The Austin Convention Center and the Palmer Events Center will receive third-party validation that they follows strict protocols for biorisk situations, thereby demonstrating its preparedness and commitment to operating safely.”
