African Cleaning Review JulyAugust issue by African Cleaning Review

July/August 2018 | R58.00 (incl. VAT)

Collective bargaining dilemma Hand-dryer technology advances Healthcare cleaning best practices World cleaning showcase in Amsterdam

contents JULY/AUGUST 2018 VOL 19 NO. 4 Prime Cleaning Suppliers is a leading South African cleaning-solutions supplier, established in 1996. Prime Cleaning Suppliers have spent a number of years building strong brands, many of which have been tested by the SABS 1828 and 1853 standards and carry their mark of surety, which gives the customer confidence when using the products. All disinfectants are registered as per Act 29 and compliance to the VC8054 compulsory specification for disinfectants. Prime Cleaning Suppliers’ complete cleaning solutions covers paper products/dispensers, cleaning chemicals/disinfectants, floorcare machines and cleaning sundries. Prime Cleaning Suppliers have an ongoing commitment to ensure the best longterm solution to their customers and represent the following brands: Aquarius, Kleenex, Scott, Wetrok, Wypall, and Rubbermaid Commercial Products.

Opinion

Industry News

Indefensibility of the ‘one-size-fits-all’ wage approach

Turkish mopping systems heading for SA Cleaning for a Reason wins silver in Power of A Woolworths stepping up the action on plastic Autonomous cleaner wins Amsterdam innovation award ISSA Summit Cape Town virtually sold out First of kind workwear showroom opens in Johannesburg Boosting hand-hygiene awareness ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo releases speaker programme Merger of prominent hygiene firms raises competition concerns

Educational

Basics to encouraging repeat business Innovative hazardous-waste-management system launched

Laundry Review

Sustainable water-saving laundry solution

Features

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Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in African Cleaning Review, e-squared publications and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of the claims made by contributors, manufacturers or advertisers. Copyright of all material published in African Cleaning Review remains with e-squared publications and its agents.

Nov/Dec issue: Editorial deadline 19 October • Dispensing systems • Fragrance systems and aircare

Secure your seat at the first-ever ISSA African Industry Summit on 6 September 2018. See pages 16 and 17 for information

Feature in ACR

FM Review

Case Study

New Products

Hako introduces autonomous cleaning technology Next generation battery vac takes cordless cleaning further Highly visible glove safe for users and the planet

All editorial contributions can be sent to the editor who reserves the right to publish editorial based on the strength of its content. No articles or photographs may be reproduced, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publishers.

Creating improved income opportunities for domestic workers

AfricanCleaningReview

Sept/Oct issue: Editorial deadline 24 August • Sustainable cleaning • Cleaning-equipment overview

Advances in hand-dryer technology Cleaning best practices to keep a healthcare facility healthy World showcase for a proud and evolving industry Improving the quality of your service delivery Trends and future developments in FM

@AfricanCleanRev

Publishing Editor: Johann van Vuuren +27 (0) 11 238 7848 or +27 (0) 72 611 1959 Email: africancleaningreview@cleantex.co.za Advertising: +27 (0) 11 238 7848 or +27 (0) 72 611 1959 Email: africancleaningreview@cleantex.co.za Administration and Accounts: Nandé Jacobs Email: africancleaningreview@cleantex.co.za

Planned features for 2018

Advertorial

Delfin vacuum system renders sugar refinery spotless – GCE International Accredited Auditing Professional Workshop – ISSA Strategic Management Summit – ISSA Placement matters for hospital hand sanitisers – TORK

African Cleaning Review is aimed at end users, contractors and suppliers of products and services to Africa’s Cleaning, Hygiene, Maintenance, Laundry, Pest Control and Facility Management Services industries. It is published every other month by: e-squared publications. Tel: +27 (0) 11 238 7848 or +27 (0) 72 611 1959 Fax: +27 (0) 86 672 4794 PO Box 1976, Halfway House, 1685, South Africa Email: africancleaningreview@cleantex.co.za Website: www.africancleaningreview.co.za

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African Cleaning Review July/August 2018

from the editor

ISSA executive summit gaining momentum As we move closer to the first ISSA executive summit to be held in Africa, a sense of anticipation is in the air as we continue to receive more and more delegate applications. Scheduled to take place on 6 September in Cape Town, this executive summit promises to bring together the most senior decision makers of the professional cleaning sector for active and engaging sessions on innovation, strategy, leadership and sales management. It is certainly a must-attend event and I look forward to catching up with many of our readers at this auspicious event. For those who have not committed yet, refer to pages 16 and 17 for more information about the two tracks running concurrently as well as the prominent speakers secured for the day. In this issue we offer carefully prepared content relating to topical issues such as collective bargaining councils, hazardouswaste management, hand-dryer technology advances and how it impacts on hand hygiene, how to improve service delivery and healthcare cleaning best practices. In addition, we offer an overview of the cleaning industry’s largest expo held during May in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. New innovations are always abundant at this show and make a visit to Amsterdam every two years especially worthwhile and informative. This feature highlights some of the new aspects of this year’s show and offers a glance at who attended Interclean Amsterdam and the simultaneous functions as part of the South African delegation.

opinion

The indefensibility of the ‘one-size-fits-all’ wage approach Whilst unemployment and poverty remain some of South Africa’s biggest threats, our centralised collective-bargaining model, which culminates in bargaining councils extending agreements to non-parties, remains the biggest deterrent to employment in affected industries.

he beneficiaries of the bargaining council system – monopoly capital and trade unions – defend the system, suggesting that reducing disproportionate income differentials is one of collective bargaining’s purposes. This however, is wherein the weakness of the South African version of collective bargaining lies, says Gerhard Papenfus Chief Executive of the National Employers’ Association of South Africa (NEASA). The cover-up phrase for this economic delusion is ‘social justice’. However, how can it be ‘social justice’ when: • a statutory dispensation, as contained in the Labour Relations Act, expressly and completely marginalises the voting power of SMMEs, for the purpose of preserving the selfish interests of big business, big trade unions and socialist policies; • an employer, whose cost of labour as a percentage of turnover is less than 5 percent, enforces a wage on an employer whose cost of labour as a percentage of turnover is more than 50 percent; • a small employer in a rural area, where completely different economic realities apply, which drastically differs in each and every respect from a big business situated in an economic hub, is judged by the same economic and operational measures;

• the system strengthens monopolies at the cost of entrepreneurship and SMMEs, which are the main drivers in addressing unemployment and poverty; • it has already caused the complete demise of certain industries and is rapidly contributing to the demise of others; • it denies a work seeker the right to work for a wage he finds acceptable, allowing him to escape the clutches of unemployment, poverty and humiliation; • it dictates that unless a business can afford to pay a specified amount for certain work done, that particular job may just as well be exported; • the system denies the honest reality that employers, without exception: – only pay wages they can afford, – which will not affect the long-term sustainability of the business, – which fits into the realm created by market realities, – of what they want to pay, and – that any arrangement that expects them to operate outside of these parameters, will discourage employment. This approach, which is slated by economists, successive governors of the Reserve Bank and the International Monetary Fund, defies all logic. How is it even possible that in a country where unemployment and

opinion poverty pose serious threats to peace and stability, even more so when the ability to pay social grants will inevitably come under pressure, people are denied the right to, without external interference, agree on a wage? How can this go unchallenged? One cannot be overly surprised when a socialist-orientated government and short-sighted socialist trade unions drive the system that is their lifeline. One can also understand that monopoly capitalists sustain the system: it disguises their weakness in negotiations and affords them the advantage to pass the impact of weak wage deals onto SMMEs, which have to absorb the devastating effect of these poor policies, thereby eliminating competition. All of this is perpetrated under the guise of social justice. However, what is most concerning is the blatant dishonesty of employers who defend the system. At the commencement of each and every round of negotiations these dishonest

employers agree that the system has to change. They agree that the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach has caused immeasurable hardship and that drastic change is urgently required. They even agree to the nature of the required changes. However, without exception, they buckle under perceived pressure and then, in utter selfish weakness, pass on what they can’t afford themselves to SMMEs. They even go further publicly and defend a system, which they, behind closed doors in employer caucuses, admit is indefensible. How utterly weak? How utterly dishonest? The words of former Finance Minister Trevor Manuel are so valid: “There is no counterweight in society if you have cowards in business”. Weak, dishonest and self-serving monopoly capitalists, fittingly portrayed as the ‘nobles’ in the movie Braveheart, remain a prominent threat to the well-being of South Africa. It will eventually catch up with everybody; maybe it already has.

Established in 1996, the National Employers’ Association of South Africa (NEASA) is focused on providing employers and microbusinesses with affordable and quality legal representation in labour disputes. NEASA occupies a substantial presence in all sectors and industries in South Africa. NEASA was the first employers’ association to register under the Labour Relations Act of 1995, which allowed for the registration of employers’ associations not limited to specific industries. For more information visit: www.neasa.co.za

African Cleaning Review July/August 2018

industry news Turkish mopping systems heading for SA

Ibrahim Bayraktar with Hako SA’s Anthony Saincic

ne of the leading manufacturers of cleaning equipment in Europe, Bayersan, announced recently that it has appointed Hako South Africa as a

African Cleaning Review July/August 2018

distributor for the Southern African region. Bayersan is a specialist manufacturer of cleaning trolleys and service carts, mopping systems, and window- and solar-panelcleaning systems. “We have been manufacturing and developing professional-cleaning equipment based on market demand since 2000. Our production facility based in Istanbul, Turkey covers an area of over 5 000 square metres. In order to meet client requirements all products are subject to quality-control checks during each production process, plus the use of highquality raw materials enables us to produce high-value products at very competitive prices,” says Bayersan managing director Ibrahim Bayraktar. Bayersan currently export to 62 countries around the world. The company’s range of single and double mopping systems will be available in South Africa from Hako SA starting from August 2018. For more information visit: www.eiegroup.co.za or www.bayersan.com

industry news Cleaning for a Reason® Wins Silver in Power of A

SSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, recently announced that ASAE, the Center for Association Leadership, has awarded its 2018 Power of A Award (Silver Level) to ISSA for its Cleaning for a Reason programme. ASAE created the Power of A Awards to showcase how associations leverage their unique resources to solve problems, advance industry and professional performances, kickstart innovations, improve world conditions, or enrich lives. “Cleaning for a Reason absolutely enriches lives,” said Lou Centrella, ISSA director of digital marketing. “Since its inception in 2006, the programme has facilitated free cleaning of the homes

of around 30 000 women battling cancer.” As a result of this award, ASAE will promote ISSA’s Cleaning for a Reason and provide ISSA with proprietary marketing tools to use in promoting the award. “ISSA Charities is poised to take it to the next level,” Centrella revealed. “This type of recognition and support helps elevate Cleaning for a Reason as a programme and will help us grow it in the coming years.” One of the growth opportunities ISSA Charities will pursue is fundraising. “Attaining thirdparty validation of Cleaning for a Reason’s activities allows ISSA to justify continued investment in the programme and promote participation

from membership, volunteer leaders, and other stakeholders, even outside the association,” Centrella explained. Attention from a large association like ASAE will help spread awareness of ISSA’s Cleaning for a Reason beyond its previous reach, helping to put a spotlight on the cleaning industry and, more importantly, the volunteers who make the programme work. To learn more about Cleaning for a Reason, visit: www.cleaningforareason.org

Stepping up the action on plastic

etailer Woolworths celebrated World Environment Day by announcing a number of measures to reduce plastic pollution as well as pledging that by 2022 all of its own-brand plastic packaging will be reusable and recyclable. As the latest step in its Good Business Journey and in line with the Group’s vision to be one of the most responsible retailers in the world, Woolworths is the first retailer in

South Africa to announce its vision of zero packaging waste to landfill. This means that the retailer aims to have none of its packaging ending up in landfills, which requires 100 percent recyclable material and a supportive recycling infrastructure. Key to realising Woolworths’ vision of zero packaging waste to landfill is the phasing out of unnecessary single-use plastics. As part of this, Woolworths has announced its

commitment for all its packaging to be either re-usable or recyclable by 2022. Woolworths has also committed to phasing out single-use plastic shopping bags, straws and ear buds completely by 2020.

Autonomous cleaner wins Amsterdam innovation award

ACR Editor Johann van Vuuren with Markus Asch, Vice Chairman of the Kärcher executive board at the KIRA launch.

he organisers of Interclean Amsterdam, the world’s leading trade show for cleaning professionals, announced the overall winner of the Amsterdam Innovation Awards as the KIRA B50 from Kärcher. The overall winner was judged out of a total of 89 entries for this year’s Amsterdam Innovation Awards. This autonomous floor-cleaning machine presents the whole package; a step forward in robotics technology for the cleaning industry that overcomes some of the obstacles of similar machines.

Size and design are what make this machine much more attractive to a wider range of applications. So far, robotic scrubber-dryers have been most suitable for extremely large areas, but the KIRA B50 is even suitable for areas under 1 000 square metres. Also the fact that the KIRA B50 can direct itself to a docking station to reload the lithium-ion batteries as well as discharge dirty water and fill tanks with fresh water, means that the level of human intervention is minimal, thereby creating a true reflection of what is to come in autonomous cleaning.

African Cleaning Review July/August 2018

industry news ISSA Summit Cape Town virtually sold out

he first Executive Summit on the African continent by ISSA, the worldwide association for the cleaning and hygiene industry, is set to reach sell-out status towards the end of July, well before the anticipated sales cut-off on 16 August. More than 100 delegates representing the cream of the professional-cleaning industry will gather in Cape Town on 6 September to attend strategic management sessions and the International Accredited Auditing Professional (IAAP) workshop presented by ISSA’s Cleaning Management Institute (CMI). The oneday strategic-management sessions will include presentations by high-profile speakers covering topics like sales benchmarking, business leadership, FM standards, strategic thinking and brand identity development, and using green-star methods to introduce greencleaning strategies in buildings.

Summit venue – Lagoon Beach Hotel

The keynote address and master class will be presented by Lynn Baker, an international business-image consultant, successful businesswoman and customer-experience guru. Her executive-level sessions will tackle hot topics such as strategic thinking, transformational leadership and sales benchmarking, all with a cleaningindustry focus. Another feature of the summit is a dedicated table-top exhibition area where cleaning products and services

will be on display to delegates. Companies that have already confirmed their participation by date of publication include: Blendwell Chemicals, Clean FM Consultants, Diversey, iMop/iTeam, Kimberly-Clark Professional, NCCA, Newell Brands, Numatic International, Prime Cleaning Suppliers, Tork and Wetrok. For more information about the ISSA summit or to download the speaker programme visit: www.issa.com/esafrica

First-of-its-kind workwear showroom opens in Johannesburg

Pictured from left: John Jacobs, Abisha Tembo (DTI) and Denver Berman-Jacob.

eading protective-workwear brand Sweet-Orr, opened a first-of-itskind showroom in Boksburg, Johannesburg at the Terminal Lifestyle Centre during June. Sweet-Orr believes that superiorquality workwear and protective clothing should be easily accessible by everyone, hence the decision to open a showroom that will stock its specialised range as well as essential and utility workwear. “At Sweet-Orr we are passionate about ensuring that individual tradesmen and artisans have access to the necessary garments and advice from expert staff. We believe

African Cleaning Review July/August 2018

that everyone deserves to be able to do their best work without putting themselves at risk unnecessarily,” says John Jacobs Managing Director at Sweet-Orr South Africa. The 150-square-metre showroom features a fresh, modern appeal that combines Sweet-Orr’s African and American heritage, and is centrally located making it easy for both the private and industrial sector to access. “We’ve worked hard to create an environment and experience that is premium and professional, but also warm and welcoming,” says Denver Berman-Jacob Executive Director at Sweet-Orr South Africa. While browsing

the showroom, customers will receive assistance from staff that have in-depth knowledge of the Sweet-Orr range and various fabrications and treatments. This will ensure that customers are appropriately equipped with the correct type of protective workwear based on their requirements. The Sweet-Orr brand is well recognised for high quality and innovative workwear and currently serves companies across a number of industries. The showroom will be open 08h30-16h30 Monday to Friday and 08h30-12h30 on Saturdays. For more information visit: www.sweet-orr.com

industry news Boosting hand-hygiene awareness

t’s official: October 15th is Global Handwashing Day! This year, the Global Handwashing Day theme focuses on the links between handwashing and food – including food hygiene and nutrition. Handwashing is an important part of keeping food safe, preventing

disease, and helping children grow strong. The campaign tagline, Clean hands – a recipe for health, reminds us to make handwashing a part of every meal. Here are a few ways you can make a difference this Global Handwashing Day: • Wash your hands with soap at critical times, especially before eating, cooking, or feeding others. • Model good handwashing behaviour, and remind or help others to always wash their hands before eating. • Make handwashing part of your family meals.

• Establish places to wash your hands in the household, in your community, in schools, workplaces, and in healthcare facilities. • Promote effective change in handwashing behaviour in research, policy, programmes, and advocacy. Global Handwashing Day is a global advocacy day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent disease. Learn more about Global Handwashing Day, and access tools and materials, at: www.globalhandwashingday.org

ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo releases speaker programme

ICC Sydney

he speaker programme for the upcoming ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo to be held in Sydney, Australia has been released. In addition, the event will for the first time feature a dedicated carpet and restoration theatre.

Day one of the ISSA Speaker Theatre will include topics such as ‘Tackling the Unseen Contaminations’, ‘Transmission of Bacteria in Hospitals’, ‘Digital Disruption – Good, Bad, or Scary?’ and the ‘Future of Selling’. A healthcare panel on infection prevention will feature Professor Iain Gosbell, Associate Dean (Academic) and chair of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology; Greg Pobjoy of Whiteley Corporation, and Ash Jones of Complex Solutions – ARA Property Services. Day two will commence with the keynote address by former Wallabies captain John Eales. Kärcher Australia’s

Lucas Paris will discuss how to leverage robotic cleaning equipment; Mark Diamond will follow with ‘Tackling the Consequences of Sexual Harassment and Unfair Dismissals’. The inaugural SCRP (Specialised Restoration & Cleaning Professionals) Speaker Theatre will focus on carpet cleaning, restoration and remediation. The ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo, organised by ISSA and Interpoint Events, will be held from 29 to 30 August at the ICC Sydney in Darling Harbour. View the full educational programme at: www.issacleaninghygieneexpo.com

Merger of prominent hygiene firms raises competition concerns

ollowing the acquisition of Cannon Hygiene Limited by Rentokil Initial plc effective 1 January 2018, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found that Rentokil’s purchase of Cannon Hygiene may lead to a substantial lessening of competition within the UK market. The CMA also expected that the merger could lead to higher prices and lower quality for businesses procuring washroom services and products. Rentokil, which trades as Initial for

these services, and Cannon are two of the three largest specialist providers of washroom products and services across the UK. The two companies install and maintain equipment such as air fresheners, feminine-hygiene units, nappy bins and soap dispensers, in commercial, industrial and public facilities. The CMA has found that if the merger goes ahead, the companies could face very limited competition

from other suppliers of washroom products and services. Rentokil and Cannon were given until 25 June 2018 to offer a solution to the CMA’s concerns, however, on the deadline Rentokil informed the CMA that it would not offer such undertakings. Consequently, the CMA decided to refer the merger to its chair for the constitution of a group under schedule 4 to the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 to conduct a (phase 2) investigation.

African Cleaning Review July/August 2018

educational

The basics to encouraging repeat business Do you want to encourage repeat business? Do you wonder what the benefits will be for your business if you had repeat business? Studies have shown that businesses with the same number of new clients but with a higher level of repeat business make more money.

o, how do you increase the return of clientele to your business? These are the three points to start with:

1) Encourage your client to make an initial high purchase It has been proved that the more people pay on the initial purchase, the greater the chance is that they will return to your business for future spending. Therefore, it is a great idea to gear your promotions to encourage this kind of spending.

2) Push the second sale The next step is to work on the next sale. There is a 27 percent chance that a client will buy from you again and if they continue to buy from you, the rate grows exponentially. You could encourage second sales by giving the client a discount on their next purchase. You could also send them a newsletter with items that match the original purchase to encourage them to buy again.

3) Spend a quarter of your marketing budget on client retention By focusing your marketing on returning customers through elite and personalised attention you could encourage them to become life-time brand ambassadors. Here are five ways you could make your valued return customers keep coming back: 1. Feature them on your social media feeds. If you see a client who has shared a compliment on their feed, you can repurpose their message on to your social media feed and give them recognition. Thank them for using your product.

African Cleaning Review July/August 2018

2. Send a personalised gift. You can review their social media feed and see what they like. Write a thankyou note where you state your appreciation for using your service or product with a personalised gift. 3. Offer them a personalised discount on a product they may find remarkable. 4. Offer them free delivery. 5. Create events or meet-ups where you could socialise with your customers. These events go a long way to building rapport with your most loyal customers and they will continue to be brand ambassadors for your product. Other aspects to focus on are:

Quality Though price may be your client’s first thought when buying a product, the second and most important aspect to consider is the quality of your product or service. If your product quality is better than your competitor’s and the pricing is the same, then you will be more likely to attract the client. You will

be able to keep your customer if you continue to keep your quality high.

Being available You need to be able to get back to your customer as quickly as possible irrespective of how you make the contact. If you are on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or have a blog, make sure that you have people consistently reviewing these sites and getting back to your customers as soon as possible. If your customer has a problem, help them to solve it. Don’t just send them to your generic customer-care page. Give them a name and direct email address to contact. By concentrating on these points and aspects you will be well on your way to having great customer retention. Article brought to you by the National Small Business Chamber (NSBC). The NSBC is South Africa’s leading organisation for small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), committed to helping business owners and entrepreneurs become tomorrow’s business legends. For more information visit: www.nsbc.org.za

advertorial GCE Delfin vacuum system renders sugar refinery spotless

GCE system was supplied and installed through Maverick Industrial Cleaning Solutions.

Goscor Cleaning Equipment (GCE), in partnership with authorised dealer Maverick Industrial Cleaning Solutions, recently supplied and installed a state-of-the-art Delfin vacuum system at the Tongaat Hulett sugar refinery in Rossburgh, Durban. The plant refines and packs over 610 000 tons of sugar a year, in various packaging forms ranging from sachets to bulk sugar. The project took about four weeks to complete. The Delfin ATEX Zone 22 compliant system consists of a CV 121 25 kW suction unit, DLF 0056 Z22 separator hopper with timer-controlled automatic reverse-pulsing filters and level detector for automatic discharge. GCE National Sales Director Peter Esterhuizen explains that all these were connected to 147 metres of fixed stainless-steel piping, with 11 hose connection points, of which five can be operated simultaneously. The 11 suction inlets have Z21-certified micro-switches positioned strategically inside the facility on various floors to ensure that all areas can be cleaned easily. Due to the fact that sugar dust is combustible, an ATEX standard explosion-proof system was deemed necessary for this project. The system was supplied and installed through Maverick Industrial Cleaning Solutions. The project was led by Maverick Sales Director Duane Schwarz, who has more than 15 years’ experience in selling industrial-cleaning equipment and is well known in the KwaZulu-Natal industrial-cleaning-equipment sector. The system was required for housekeeping purposes for the pan house, which is the actual factory in which the raw sugar is refined, and hence where a specific fire-protection rating is necessary. The products that needed to be collected by the vacuum system include sugar, icing sugar, castor sugar and sugar dust, at an estimated total of 750 kg to 800 kg per hour of material. This was achieved with four operators working simultaneously. Maverick Industrial Cleaning Solutions MD Anton Nieuwoudt comments that the challenges associated with the project included working at extreme heights. “The fact that the area contains combustible dust required us to take special precautions when using power tools, welding machines and the like. All areas had to be made safe before any work could commence. The refinery was in full production, which only added to the challenges faced.” Tongaat Hulett Corporate Security Manager and Refinery Health, Safety, Environment and Security Manager Grant Cockburn explains that the vacuum system was selected due to Delfin’s reputation and track record as a leading manufacturer of industrial vacuum cleaners. The reliability and durability of the Delfin system, as well as its compliance with the specifications and performance requirements of this particular project along with the trusted product support and expertise provided by GCE and Maverick, made it the best-suited option. “We are able to offer solutions in terms of equipment for any cleaning need or challenge. At the end of the day, we strive to ensure that cleanliness standards are maintained throughout, and that all environments are rendered safe to work in owing to their cleanliness as a result,” Esterhuizen concludes. For more information visit: www.goscorcleaning.co.za

African Cleaning Review July/August 2018

educational

Innovative hazardouswaste-management system launched in SA

Eugene Barnard

A new, innovative hazardous-waste-management system was recently launched in South Africa. It complies with proposed new legislation that holds those who are in charge of a health facility responsible for the way they handle healthcare waste.

s stipulated in the Proposed National Health Care Risk Waste Management Regulations (2018), the person in charge of a healthcare facility must ensure that healthcare waste is handled, collected, transported, removed, treated and disposed of in such a manner that it does not pose a risk to human health and the environment. To monitor for compliance, the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) requires that waste generators keep detailed records on the waste-management chain. “The mandated duty of care and record keeping for hazardous waste presents significant difficulty to medical institutions who consign various stages of the disposal process to external service providers,” says Eugene Barnard Head of Healthcare at Averda South Africa. Therefore, in a bold move that demonstrates their commitment to the responsible management of hazardouswaste products, Averda has introduced Averda TruTrak. This innovative wastemanagement system gives clients access to automated waste-tracking

African Cleaning Review July/August 2018

and record-keeping capabilities via an online customer portal – a first-to-market innovation in South Africa. Waste-management companies are trusted to collect and transport waste, subject it to the required treatment processes, dispose of it in a suitably compliant manner and keep accurate records to support their clients’ auditing requirements. Failure to act in accordance with the specific regulations attributed to each step in this process exposes waste generators, their directors, managers, agents and employees to significant liability. The lack of oversight in a system that is vulnerable to human error and mismanagement does little for a waste generator’s peace of mind. However, according to Barnard, the introduction of Averda TruTrak will resolve this concern. “By providing medical institutions with the means to monitor the disposal of their hazardouswaste loads, they can ensure that they comply with their legal responsibility to protect the communities they serve,” says Barnard.

The system makes use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tracking tags, which are attached to the containers that hold high-risk waste. Then scanners, located on scales, collection vehicles and at treatment facilities, automatically record information – including collection and delivery weight, time, date and location details. This data is automatically captured and uploaded to an online client portal. Clients are given access to the tracking process via the portal, which allows waste transportation to be monitored in real time. This also provides them with access to delivery notes, invoices and disposal reports detailing the nature, quantity and disposal methods for each waste consignment. These are automatically stored and can be printed off as and when required, in line with the waste generator’s auditing requirements. “The automation of this process eliminates the risk of inaccurate or incomplete reporting as well as enhancing transparency and boosting data integrity for record-keeping purposes,” Barnard concludes.

laundry review

Sustainable water-saving laundry solution

he hospitality sector’s consumption of water and electricity results not only in major expenses, but also major pressure on municipal grids and the environment. A solution, which would result in a sizeable decrease in these overheads, will also relieve the sector’s reliance on these scarce resources. Escalating costs for resources mean reduced profit margins; the inevitable knock-on effect of which is a loss of jobs in the sector. With this in mind, it is obvious that eco-tourism goes hand in hand with green travel and the need for sustainable supply chains is no longer a pressing need but a necessity. A technological innovation in laundry systems that results in savings of up to 80 percent in water and 50 percent in electricity is now available in South Africa, promising a sustainable solution for the hospitality sector. Hydrofinity systems can reduce annual water consumption per guest by up to 24 000 litres. When you take into consideration that South Africa has 62 700 hotel rooms, if each hotel made use of Hydrofinity technology, the resultant collective saving would be the

equivalent of 30.1 million daily water allowances of 50 litres per person – which totals a massive 1 504 800 000 litres! To make that figure easier to apply to a business, an average 250-bed hotel could save up to 6 million litres of water annually at a saving of approximately R532 500 on water bills per year by making use of three Hydrofinity machines in their laundry facility. A reduction in the amount of water and electricity consumed by any operation could be facilitated by the implementation of environmentally friendly technology. Cost is obviously a huge factor for most establishments when moving towards sustainable practices, but when dealing with scarce resources it’s a good idea to play the long game. Environmentally friendly technology might come at a cost, but when considering the cost of electricity and water in the long term, and how the cost of both these resources are on an upward trajectory, one can no longer afford to live in the short term. While Cape Town’s Day Zero was narrowly averted, the South African hospitality industry remains forever changed and the quest for innovations that provide sustainable solutions to water and energy saving has begun in earnest. From desalination plants to leak detection and control mechanisms, the world has turned to technology for answers. Imported by local company fanute, the award-winning near-waterless washing system has the potential to revolutionise the local tourism sector. A Hydrofinity system uses up to 80 percent less water than a conventional washing machine and a single 25 kg machine can run 14 cycles a day, saving up to 2 million litres of water a year.

Energy consumption is also reduced, using up to 50 percent less electricity than a conventional machine. However, manager of fanute Charl De Beer says that the energy and water savings don’t come at the cost of performance. “Tough stains are removed easily with award-winning technology, and linen life is extended due to a lower temperature and less detergent needed to clean. Less detergent also translates to lower costs, and staff won’t have to spend as much time pretreating and sorting.” Water usage is reduced by replacing 80 percent of the water conventionally used in a washing machine with polymer XOrbs. The beads gently massage the textiles and, combined with the supplied detergent solution, provide superior cleaning results by attracting the dirt molecules from the linen. The XOrbs are reusable for hundreds of washes and, towards the end of their lifespan, can be recycled. When considering the rising costs of water and electricity due to the growing scarcity of these utilities, the wisdom of investing in a sustainable solution is clear. Citing a case study of the Hyatt Hotel in Reston, Virginia, De Beer says, “With three 25 kg Xeros machines, the hotel achieved savings of 5.3 million litres and the equivalent of R510 780 in one year, with the client reporting that Xeros delivered on promises of savings and superior performance.” “The hospitality industry has an important role to play in sustainability, and water reduction is an essential contribution to the future of tourism in South Africa,” says De Beer. For more information visit: www.fanute.co.za

Promote your company in The Source of Workplace Hygiene Solutions! Reach your target market cost effectively by advertising in African Cleaning Review. The direct link to end users, building service contractors, FM service providers and key institutional sectors. Contact us for more information regarding cost-effective advertising options: africancleaningreview@cleantex.co.za | www.africancleaningreview.co.za

African Cleaning Review July/August 2018

feature hand dryers

Advances in hand-dryer technology improves hand hygiene Hand-dryer technology is constantly improving, modern hand dryers use less energy and are actually more effective at drying hands than older models. Using less electricity means reduced running costs and greater effectiveness at drying hands. Wet or damp hands spread germs quickly, so ensuring effective hand drying means a reduction in the spread of germs around the workplace. This can help to reduce illness in the office and therefore increase staff productivity.

t is important when answering a question like ’are hand dryers hygienic?’ to make the distinction between traditional, commercial hand dryers and the new breed of energyefficient hand dryers. Also, within the new breed there is the distinction between blade hand dryers, hybrid hand dryers and hands-under hand dryers according to Intelligent hand dryers, the UK’s first Carbon Trustaccredited supplier of energy-efficient hand dryers.

Traditional, commercial hand dryers These are the type of hand dryers that typically have a motor featuring revolutions per minute (RPM) of between 2 000 and 7 500. The airflow is a vehicle for warm air to be passed over the hands, thus evaporating the moisture. These types of hand dryers typically have a dry time of between 20 and 50 seconds. The paper-towel industry always argues that hand dryers are unhygienic as they essentially suck in dust and dirt, are not regularly cleaned inside and then heat up bacteria and blow it onto the users’ hands. There have been many studies into this and certainly they had a point; although the extent of bacteria protection has varied considerably depending on who commissioned the test. There have been counter studies that show that if the airflow was heated enough, this was enough to kill the bacteria rather than multiply it.

African Cleaning Review July/August 2018

Another argument is that hand dryers are ineffective and therefore the user doesn’t tend to dry their hands completely. This again was true as wet hands have been demonstrated to carry more pathogens than dry hands, again another big plus for the paper-towel industry. All in all, traditional hand dryers were cheaper, more eco-friendly, required less servicing and kept washrooms tidier, but certainly lost out when it came to effectiveness and hygiene. Hand hygiene has to be considered a priority otherwise you have to question the need to wash your hands in the first place.

an argument that the dirty air was spread a greater distance than before. Then along came the Airforce hand dryer from World Dryer. This dryer had no heater element and had antibacterial plastics and a filter to prevent the unit from clogging up with dirt. Even earlier, Mitsubishi launched a completely new concept ‘the blade hand dryer’ called the Jet Towel. The Jet Towel was available in a non-heated version and dust and dirt was filtered creating a cleaner dry. The Jet Towel was not seen in the UK market until the early part of 2000 and wasn’t widely adopted; presumably as it just didn’t look like a

You can see that modern hand dryers have come a long way from the dirty, unhygienic, warm-air versions that the paper industry had a field day with. Hand dryers are now hygienic, fast drying, environmentally friendly and help to maintain cleaner facilities. The new breed of hand dryers First we had high speed, hands-under hand dryers that relied on air speed as opposed to heat, the first of which was the Xlerator. These were certainly much more effective at drying hands thoroughly and bacteria production was reduced. These new high-speed hand dryers still suffered from sucking in dirt and dust and gently warming it, so bacteria multiplication continued to occur, albeit to a lesser extent. There was also

hand dryer was supposed to at the time and they didn’t market the concept as effectively as Dyson. Dyson put some serious resources behind developing and marketing their own clean-air, high-speed hand dryer and gained NSF approval for the Airblade. The P335 protocol was developed in conjunction with Dyson as a way of testing hygiene and dry speeds. It was certainly a big positive for the industry to establish a credible protocol.

feature hand dryers

Mitsubishi Jet Towel slim series.

The Mitsubishi Jet Towel and Jet Towel Smart are now both NSF certified. They also have an antibacterial resin injected into their plastic parts. Other hand-dryer manufacturers have followed suit by incorporating HEPA filters and antibacterial surface protection. Some have even innovated further. The issue is that not many hand-dryer manufacturers can afford to pay the large fees the NSF requires to officially test with the NSF and become certified, and a similar, more affordable approval needs to become available. Tests also need to be longitudinal: to test the continued protection the new breed of hand dryers offer.

You can see that modern hand dryers have come a long way from the dirty, unhygienic, warm-air versions that the paper industry had a field day with. Hand dryers are now hygienic, fast drying, environmentally friendly and help to maintain cleaner facilities. Washing hands correctly is the most important aspect of hand hygiene. All hand dryers are hygienic if hands are dried properly, however with improved features including HEPA filtration, anti-microbial surface protection, ionisation and the use of UV-C technology, there has been a vast improvement in hygiene.

Introducing airblade technology During 2006 Dyson engineers decided to put a century of poorly performing hand-drying methods to rest, with the invention of Airblade technology.

irblade hand dryers operate differently. The combination of the Dyson digital motor and the HEPA filter is what sets Dyson apart. The Dyson V4 motor is one of the world’s smallest fully integrated 1 600 W motors, and instead of old-fashioned carbon brushes, it uses digital-pulse technology to spin up to three-times faster than a conventional motor. Chief Engineer James Dyson said: “Using complex computer modelling, Dyson engineers have developed a high-performance digital motor. The Dyson digital motor self-adjusts 6 000 times a second to maintain optimum efficiency to create high-velocity sheets of air that dry hands quickly and hygienically”. Bacteria and viruses in washrooms can cause colds, flu, sickness, diarrhoea or worse. All Dyson Airblade™ hand dryers are equipped with a HEPA filter as a standard feature. Dirty washroom air passes through a HEPA filter to remove 99.9% of bacteria before it’s blown onto hands, so hands are dried with clean air rather than dirty air.

The latest offering from the Dyson engineers is the Airblade Wash+Dry. This unit provides Airblade technology ‘in tap’, allowing users to wash and dry hands at the basin. Washing and drying hands in the same location helps reduce the spillage of waste water that always lands up on the floor, as there is no need to move to a separate area to dry hands. Water spillage on the floor can result in slippery tiles and increase the need to clean more regularly. It also saves space, as it removes the requirement of having an area for paper towel dispensers or dryers in the washroom. This means there is extra space for cubicles, or the washroom can be made smaller. Because noise from the washroom can be a concern for businesses, Dyson have re-engineered their original Tap hand dryer to reduce noise, whilst maintaining a fast-drying time. The new Wash+Dry is 39 percent quieter than the original tap unit and has been tested and approved by the Noise Abatement Society, which awarded it the Quiet Mark. continues >>

African Cleaning Review July/August 2018

feature hand dryers The Quiet Mark was developed in response to public-health concerns over the psycho-physiological effects of excessive or invasive sound produced by appliances. For facility managers, reducing hand-dryer noise is high on the washroom agenda as even people with stronger sound tolerance dislike roaring hand dryers, which are uncomfortable to bear. Inside the latest Airblade Wash+Dry is a retuned 1 000 W variant of this motor, which not only enables fast, hygienic hand drying (a 14-second dry time), but also contributes to the 39 percent reduction in sound generated by this machine. The motor achieves this by drawing less air through the inlets and HEPA filter and expelling less air through the outlets â&#x20AC;&#x201C; reducing sound generated by turbulence. Airblade hand dryers are distributed exclusively in South Africa by Rentokil Initial. For more information visit: www.initial.co.za/bathroom-hygiene-services

African Cleaning Review July/August 2018

feature hand dryers South African washroom products manufacturer Serra® offers unobtrusive fully automatic ‘no-touch’ hot-air hand dryers that use a 100 percent moisture-proof, integrated infrared sensor, saving up to 80 percent on energy costs. The ‘no-touch’ function eliminates the need to touch the dispenser with wet hands, thereby eliminating cross-contamination. The company’s user-friendly and convenient designs ensure ease of use while optimising hand health. All hand dryers are fully automatic and are internationally certified for compliance, adding additional quality assurance. With the advancements of technology and understanding about the health benefits associated with proper hand care, Serra® offers world-class products supported by world-class service. Serra® XPRS™ PLUS Auto Hand Dryer Stainless Steel Satin Finish For more information about Serra® hand dryers visit: www.serra.co.za

SAVE THE DATE www.cleantex.co.za

4 • 5 • 6 June 2019

Gallagher Convention Centre | Johannesburg | South Africa The one international trade show in Africa showcasing all sectors of the professional cleaning and hygiene industry

African Cleaning Review July/August 2018

advertorial ISSA

CO UR S

CE RT IF IC AT IO N

NOW IN SOUTH AFRICA FOR THE FIRST TIME!

Visit: issa.com/esafrica

International Accredited Auditing Professional (IAAP) Certification Workshop Karel-Jan Boel

ISSA Program Development Director (EMEA)

FINAL CALL TO ALL CLEANING PROFESSIONALS…

BOOST YOUR CAREER AND YOUR BOTTOM LINE

By attending this one-day global certification workshop you will join an elite group of auditing professionals with a completed IAAP certification! The ISSA’s Program Development Director (EMEA), Karel-Jan Boel will visit South Africa on 6 September 2018 to present this hands-on training opportunity in order to empower cleaning professionals to: • Understand the origin of, and solutions to, deficiencies • Reduce your operating expenses while increasing employee efficiency • Give your clients a value add and the assurance of highquality cleaning: – How to analyse operations data – Incorporating calibration into operations – How to engage/involve the customer or key stakeholders – Hands-on experience in using and demonstrating quality auditing tools. And more...

WHO SHOULD ATTEND AND WHY? • In-house cleaning/hygiene service providers: value proposition to improve quality assurance programme • Professional cleaning/hygiene service contractors: ongoing quality assurance to maintain efficiencies internally, as well as to comply with customer quality requests. Will assist when performing site inspections in order to bid on new tenders • Supplier sales staff: evaluate customer operations to identify areas of improvement or gained efficiency for systems/solutions sold • Industry professionals: interested in quality assurance procedures, this certification provides global credentials for increased credibility and differentiation

BOOK NOW! DEADLINE: 13 AUGUST 2018 IAAP CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP RATES ISSA/NCCA member: ZAR2 200.00 | Non-member: ZAR2 300.00 Course date: 6 September 2018 Location: Lagoon Beach Hotel | Conference | Spa | Cape Town, South Africa Includes summit delegate fees, entry into expo, documentation, parking, lunch, refreshments and entry to networking cocktail function. Standard terms and conditions apply. Rates exclude VAT.

For more information or to book your seat contact: nande@cleantex.co.za

African Cleaning Review July/August 2018

facilities management review

Improving the quality of your service delivery Successful facility management outsourcing requires flexibility and responsiveness. A self-delivery model can secure just that. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how it creates value.

here are many issues to consider when deciding how to best structure a facility-managementoutsourcing collaboration. Evaluating what service-delivery model best fits the needs of your business is one of them. Through a self-delivery model in facility management, your provider will commit to self-perform the services agreed on without having to resort to the use of subcontractors. This holds multiple benefits for you as a customer according to Kostka Parlade-Galindez Head of Excellence IFS at ISS, a leading global provider of facility services.

Self-delivery decreases risks and improves compliance Choosing service self-delivery in facility-management outsourcing can in many aspects help to minimise risk

African Cleaning Review July/August 2018

through higher transparency in service provision. When self-delivering, a service provider can secure that the front-line employees involved receive the training necessary to perform the service in a consistent and compliant fashion and are motivated to support your business outcomes directly. Compliance is one of the key principles of successful facilitymanagement outsourcing. When using sub-contractors, the control over compliance aspects automatically decreases. Instead, when delivering services through self-delivery the service provider can better ensure that all regulations are properly followed.

Self-delivery reduces costs and improves efficiencies Ensuring that front-line employees

involved in the service provision undergo the same training is not only beneficial from a risk-management perspective but also improves efficiencies. A self-delivery model of outsourcing can generate new costefficiencies and synergies through cross-training/upskilling of employees. This means that a front-line employee can perform more than just a single service. Upskilling of front-line employees in a self-delivery model can secure better utilisation of existing personnel and thereby lower temporary-personnel recruitment costs as employees are able to capably stand in for each other and are empowered to assist colleagues by executing services in other functions when needed. This service and employee-synergy benefit is much harder, if not impossible to recreate, when working with various sub-suppliers. As an additional plus, research shows that employee upskilling has a positive influence on employee motivation and engagement as they get the opportunity to develop new skills and advance their careers.

Self-delivery improves service quality When high-quality standards are to be applied in service delivery, only using own front-line employees with the correct training and service mindset can secure the service quality desired. The level of service quality delivered is often highly reflected in the company culture, corporate values, mission/vision and principles of work. Therefore even when sub-contractors get trained, it is hard to guarantee that the employees are culturally capable to deliver in line with what the client organisation expects.

facilities management review

Trends and future developments in FM by Steve Wallbanks Facility skills have grown from a mixed array of isolated services previously perceived to be menial tasks performed by ‘unskilled labour’ to a fully-fledged service offering par excellence.

Steve Wallbanks

or a country that is commodity driven and highly reliant on exports, the changing landscape of the facilities management (FM) industry has contributed greatly towards employment, upskilling and service offerings that were once thought to be ingenuous. What started as a simple, isolated service, the FM industry in South Africa, has grown to an estimated worth of R39.2 bn.1 Facilities management has progressed from a function to a service and more so, a service offering, as is the case with any other consulting or outsourced profession. In this regard, trends are an important factor in creating awareness of what is to be expected in the future. To anticipate a client’s needs is to prepare for uncertainties in all aspects of political, economic, social, technical, legislative and environment changes and advancements. The recent inclination towards insourcing has seen many companies grapple with the concept, as the socio-economic factors directly affect the economics of a business. All

organisations are working towards costcutting measures and the ease of doing business. This includes among others: • Outsourcing services not core to the business • Reducing the company’s liability with regard to contract staffing of non-core services • Offering services to employees and clients without compromising quality Further issues arise when it comes to finding competent and skilled labour. Service offerings are niche and fragmented, poor ethics and practices are often engaged and the cost to the company is compromised. What should result in a benefit to the employer and employee often ends up in minimal or no upskilling, minor innovation and a drawback to a company’s bottom line. A 2017 Facilities Management South Africa Knowledge Executive Research Report found that eight game changers would influence the FM industry over the next five years: • Digitalisation and Technology • Customer Experience (CX) • Cost Savings • Knowledge • Leadership • Employee Experience (EX) • Sustainability • Good Data Innovation is considered to be a strategic business objective for most, if not all businesses. For the FM industry, these include, the Internet of Things (IoT), drones, automation and robotics, and wearable technology. A good example is using drones to notice problems from afar and addressing them immediately, such as security breaches. The customer experience (CX) is enhanced and positively affected by the expediency of solving problems, for example, when

robotics is used to identify the exact location of a rat infestation. As the client does not have the need to invest in such technology, it provides savings through the use of an FM company, which has the knowledge, expertise, data and sustainability to continue to provide innovative solutions to the end user. All of these factors positively impact the client, the FM employee’s capabilities (EX) and provides for collaborative leadership. Integrated services in the FM arena are not common and niche offerings require that companies have to manage multiple service providers with disparate service level agreements and reporting structures, not to mention the dissimilar skills sets, trends and lack of innovative ways of providing the service. The ISS 2020 Vision Future of Service Management describes the service as an “emerging paradigm, which is characterised by the everything-as-aservice (XaaS) mantra that is rapidly expanding beyond cloud computing and the telecommunications sector. Buyers will increasingly expect a service provider to proactively anticipate their needs within a given set of circumstances and to offer a matching service that reduces user complexity. “As a result, the new normal of service in the 21st century will be that which is highly tailored, data-driven and primarily relationship based. Users will expect added personalisation, more options, constant contact or at least the ability to reach service providers, increased responsiveness and greater control”.2 Service level agreements are key with regard to the monitoring and evaluating of services, but so is expertise and regulation of continues >>

African Cleaning Review July/August 2018

facilities management review Facilities management has progressed from a function to a service and more so, a service offering, as is the case with any other consulting or outsourced profession. In this regard, trends are an important factor in creating awareness of what is to be expected in the future. industry standards, remuneration of employees, cost-cutting measures and environmental advancements. Imagine for a moment the efforts that go into a healthcare facility as an example. The considerations and services are so diverse, they would include catering, cleaning, hygiene, office plants, landscaping, parking management, clean drinking water, pest control, security and others. This includes a multitude of different disciplines, which require different skill sets and different controls. Hygiene in hospitals, for example, is much more than just mopping a floor; there are

African Cleaning Review July/August 2018

stringent waste-disposal methods in place and if not complied with, dire outcomes can result . Ensuring that your diverse labour force is constantly upskilled and equipped with new innovations and tools is no easy feat. This does not even include the monitoring of the different areas of fields of work, nor the regulation of the specialities or contributing towards the employeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth, who ultimately is the custodian of a brand. Service quality, access to technical expertise, and cost reduction are the top three most important factors

that will drive outsourcing, according to research. However, building relationships with clients and bridging communication gaps are key to the success of working as a team. Being customer centric in a way that an FM provider services a client is key. Every company has different needs and packaging the service offering according to specifications is of utmost importance. The future of FM is ever evolving, ever expanding and provides for ease of doing business without the hassle of managing multiple services providers. References: 1. P arts extracted from 2016 SAFMA industry survey Stats SA, BER, SAMI. 2.2 2. I SS 2020 Vision Future of Service Management Steve Wallbanks is the CEO of Servest South Africa, a multidisciplinary business positioned to co-ordinate all facilities-related services, including operational and infrastructure support. For more information visit: www.servest.co.za

African Cleaning Review July/August 2018

advertorial dispenser placement

Placement matters for hospital hand sanitisers Healthcare professionals take pride in taking the best possible care of their patients. An important duty is to practise good hand hygiene in order to minimise cross-contamination and the spread of healthcare-associated infections. Research shows that hand-hygiene dispensers have an impact on compliance rates. In order to assist healthcare institutions maximise positive hygiene impact, SCA has created visual inspiration for supporting hospitals in dispenser-placement decisions. “Nurses can walk miles during a single shift; they shouldn’t have to go out of their way to get to the hand-hygiene dispenser,” says Jenny Logenius Tork Global Brand Innovation Manager. What matters most is not putting up more dispensers but making sure they are correctly placed. In fact, studies show that optimising dispenser placement can increase usage by more than 50 percent, and that simply increasing the number of dispensers has a smaller impact on usage than keeping the same number

African Cleaning Review July/August 2018

of dispensers but making them more prominently visible.

Giving easy access to, and info about, hand hygiene could potentially have great benefit.

Inspirational visuals Every hospital is unique; to truly optimise dispenser placement a workflow study is needed. However, the inspirational guide can help with some general principles. The information in the placement guide is based on both SCA-sponsored research and independent findings from academic research. The guide is built around visualisations of four common types of area commonly found in hospitals. The visualisations suggest possible dispenser placements, which support hand-hygiene compliance with the important WHO 5 Moments in mind.

The hospital entrance 1. Many visitors do not clean their hands when entering the hospital.

The 4-bed patient room 1. This type of room requires more than one dispenser. 2. Familiar locations eliminate the need to look for dispensers. In one observational study, dispensers located near the sink and at the entrance to the room are used more frequently than dispensers at the rear of the room. 3. Perform a work-flow study to see where the ’high-traffic‘ areas of the room are as well as where healthcare workers are standing when one of the 5 moments occurs. 4. In addition to high traffic, take extra care to see where healthcare workers move between patients.

advertorial dispenser placement The single-patient room 1. Placing dispensers on ‘walkingroutes’ or at a site where care is frequently provided results in more usage. 2. Dispensers should not be out of the way, behind another object or out of sight. Note: Placing dispensers in bed brackets is good in addition to other ABHR but might result in bottles disappearing when the bed is taken out of the room.

“ Nurses can walk miles during a single shift; they shouldn’t have to go out of their way to get to the hand-hygiene dispenser.” The hospital entrance

The 4-bed patient room

The single-patient room

The nurse station

The nurse station 1. An observational study showed that dispensers located at the nursing station were used more frequently than dispensers placed on the wall behind patient beds. 2. Place dispensers in walking corridors for use on the go. For additional information from Tork email: kirsty.collard@essity.com or for information and downloads of educational material from the WHO please visit www.who.int/gpsc/5may/en

African Cleaning Review July/August 2018

feature healthcare cleaning best practices

Cleaning practices to keep a healthcare facility healthy Healthcare cleaning demands attention, precision and a well-trained staff. While the stakes are high in the proper maintenance of an office, school, hospitality or food-service establishment, there is no room for error when it comes to keeping healthcare facilities clean. A poorly cleaned facility poses a risk to patients, medical staff and visitors, while cleaning the facility incorrectly poses a risk to your cleaning staff.

“T

he responsibility and risks inherent in these accounts should not be taken lightly,“ says William R. Griffin, president of Cleaning Consultant Services, Inc. “The possibility of illness, death, and liability looms if contractors do not follow proper procedures”. Keep the public and your cleaning crew safe by following these cleaning tips for a healthy healthcare facility.

This nasty bacterium causes a range of symptoms from diarrhoea to lifethreatening colon infections and is linked to about 14 000 U.S. deaths every year, according to the report. Along with C. diff, there is also methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) to contend with.

Importance of good infection control

Nosocomial infections have social costs as longer hospital stays, added illness and death emotionally tax patients and their families. But there is also a financial cost. In 2015 over 2 500 hospitals were fined a total of US$420 million in penalties due to HAIs, according to a recent article. These fines are part of a mandatory pay-for-performance programme established under federal health law. “We want hospitals focused on patient safety and we want them laser-focused on eliminating patient harm,“ says Dr Patrick Conway, chief medical officer of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

On any given day, about one in 25 hospital patients has at least one healthcare-associated infection (HAI), according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention. These HAIs, also known as nosocomial infections, are defined as an illness a patient contracts in the healthcare facility after admission. The most common types of HAIs include urinary tract infections, surgical site infections, gastroenteritis, meningitis and pneumonia. Most HAIs are transmitted in intensive care units, which house the most vulnerable patients, but infection can occur anywhere in a healthcare facility. In fact, the CDC reports that 75 percent of C. difficile infections occur in people recently cared for in a doctor’s room.

African Cleaning Review July/August 2018

Double costs of poor infection prevention

Specialised cleaning standards require specialised training Cleaning teams play a vital role in

infection control in healthcare settings. Because of this, intensive and ongoing training is paramount. Work must be tracked and documented standard operating procedures followed. Cleaning results are often validated through testing with scientific instruments like an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) measurement system. Because of the nature of the work, cleaning staff are also at risk of illness and injury. Not only are they potentially exposed to infectious materials, they must look out for used needles, broken glass and other sharp objects. They must know protocols around bodily fluids, what to do with medical waste and how to avoid slips, trips and falls. Healthcare maintenance workers must also be trained in patient protocols. HIPAA and other privacy rules are cut and dry, but soft skills like sensitivity and empathy also needs to be addressed. Good ‘bedside manner’ training will not only make patients feel better but instil a sense of pride and ownership in the cleaning staff too.

Hospital cleaning procedures: patient rooms There are three types of patient-room cleaning: occupied, turnover and terminal.

Occupied-patient-room cleaning should start with a knock at the door. Enter slowly and greet the patient using their name. Empty waste can and dust high surfaces. Sanitise surfaces and spot clean walls. Clean the washroom as instructed. Then clean the floors. Finally thank the patient and say goodbye. Terminal cleaning is deep cleaning done at the end of each day, where needed. According to Infection Control Today the following steps should be implemented when cleaning a terminal patient’s room: 1. Use an EPA-approved hospital-grade disinfectant to clean the top, front and sides of the bed headboard, mattress, frame, side rails and between side rails. 2. Use the same disinfectant on the TV remote, nurse call device and cord and all other touch points like tabletops, drawer pulls, inner drawer, phones, armchairs, door handles, and light switches. 3. Clean the washroom starting with the basin and counter areas first. Clean support bars and shower fixtures. Clean the toilet last. 4. Remove and double-bag privacy curtains. 5. Clean and disinfect clinical equipment before moving to the sterile-processing department. 6. After terminal cleaning, remove gloves without touching the outside. Wash hands with antimicrobial soap and water before putting on a new set of gloves. Turnover cleaning follows the same procedure, but is done between patient change outs.

Doctor’s office cleaning procedures While hospitals and other acute care locations must follow strict infection prevention guidelines, the same cannot be said for doctor’s offices. These facilities have no ‘zone’ that is exclusively dedicated to a patient. The result is a space that is more vulnerable to germ contamination. The problem is compounded as successions of patients move quickly through the exam room, decreasing the likelihood of thorough, postpatient cleaning. In order to keep occupants safe, instruct staff to wipe down exam tables and furniture with a disposable disinfectant wipe. These wipes can also be used on common touch points like doorknobs, soap dispensers, light switches, computer keyboards and cabinet pulls. Mopping floors in-between patients is neither practical nor effective as the technique leaves dirt and pathogens behind. Consider a floorcleaning system that fully removes soils and leaves floor dry and ready to walk on.

Nursing home cleaning challenges and solutions Nursing homes and other long-term-care facilities pose unique challenges for cleaning teams. Residents often have compromised immune systems, making the removal of contaminated soils very important. Instruct staff on how to avoid cross-contamination and provide tools like colour-coded and numbered microfibre towels to make the job easier. Seniors are often sensitive to harsh chemicals so try to limit their use in cleaning. Often, nursing home staff make use of strong chemicals and/or air fresheners to rid the facility of unpleasant odours. A healthier choice is to remove contaminants fully with technology that demands less harsh chemicals.

African Cleaning Review July/August 2018

case study

Creating improved income opportunities for domestic workers One of the most progressive developments within the domestic-worker industry since the dawn of democracy is that domestic-worker wages are now regulated. It’s concerning, however, that the minimum – a minimum to which many employers don’t adhere – is still very low. The minimum wage for domestic workers for 2018 has been set. However, at less than R3 000 per month, it doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface in corresponding to the job they perform.

Aisha Pandor

ompanies like SweepSouth are actively working to change the status quo in this sector and to give back dignity to domestic workers through appropriate income opportunities and flexible working hours. This article by entrepreneur Aisha Pandor, co-founder and CEO of SweepSouth, South Africa’s first, largest on-call ad hoc or regular homecleaning services provider, sheds more light on how to create better income opportunities for domestic workers. As many cash-strapped South African households buckle under the weight of rising food and fuel prices, electricity price hikes and job scarcity, cutbacks on spending inevitably leads to more job losses. During these tough economic times, low-paying jobs and casual workers are the most vulnerable. Stats SA recorded an unemployment rate of 26.7 percent

African Cleaning Review July/August 2018

for the fourth quarter of 2017, while the Stats SA Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the third quarter of 2017 puts the unemployment rate for youth (aged 15 to 34 years) at 38.6 percent. Even more alarming is the fact that these rates don’t include those who have given up actually looking for work, and are likely to remain outside of the active labourseeking market. Unemployment has been referred to as a ticking time bomb and high on the list of priorities for President Cyril Ramaphosa, but it’s clear that the challenge remains for all South African businesses to prioritise the creation of improved income opportunities. According to Stats SA, there are around 1 million domestic workers currently employed in South Africa. However, with the minimum wage for domestic workers having increased from 1 January 2018, and in the context of increasing costs for consumers, this could put existing jobs under strain. In a relatively slow economy, where household spending goes to rent, bills, and putting food on the table, having help with home cleaning could be seen as a luxury, and domestic workers are often laid off when their employers tighten their purse strings. With scarce job opportunities, they have nowhere else to look. Many entrepreneurs and small businesses like SweepSouth are at the forefront of the fight against unemployment by finding solutions to society’s many struggles.

SweepSouth, a home-cleaning-services platform matching domestic workers looking for work with homeowners that need assistance with home cleaning, has created income opportunities for more than 6 000 unemployed or underemployed domestic workers since 2014. During the four years since launching, we’ve worked hard at filling a critical gap between job supply and demand. Customers can choose the number of hours they require/can afford to employ a cleaner and therefore are able to stay within their budget. On the other hand, SweepStars are also able to choose the number of hours they want to work, to ensure they can earn the income they need and can accept or reject bookings based on their schedules. They can also structure their days and hours to fit in other work or education obligations, so they never have to miss out on any opportunities. We are also firm advocates of the rights of domestic workers: to have a voice and choice, to be treated fairly and to earn a fair wage. Our hourly rates, currently at R38.00 per hour with SweepStars earning 80 percent of the booking fee, rank above minimum wage as well as above averages paid to domestic workers in any region in the country. This is supplemented by the ability to earn tips to increase take-home pay. Collectively, SweepStars have worked over 2 million hours in South African households through SweepSouth. However, with this platform, domestic

case study SweepStars to benefits and medical resources, as well as low-cost-banking options as part of a drive towards financial inclusivity and financial literacy. The industry still has a long way to go of course, and SweepSouth is by no means the only solution. But I believe we are moving in the direction of positive change as we continue to innovate to improve the livelihoods of all South Africans, especially the most vulnerable. With a unique business model and a thoroughly engaged and energetic team, we will continue to be a positive force in helping to empower the economically vulnerable. SweepSouth is South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first and largest on-call ad hoc or regular home-cleaning-services provider with more than 6 000 cleaners on its

work need not be a destination: it can also be a stepping stone for SweepStars to pursue their dreams. Increased earning rates and our flexible model, as well as a focus on digital learning and professionalism have given many SweepStars the opportunity

to further their careers. We are already engaging with numerous online course providers to provide SweepStars with educational resources like basic skills and vocational training. In addition, we are working with partners to provide free access for

platform. It was founded in 2014 by husband and wife team Alen Ribic and Aisha Pandor. Currently the company operates in most areas of Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Centurion and Pretoria. For more information visit: www.sweepsouth.com

African Cleaning Review July/August 2018

feature Interclean Amsterdam

World showcase for a proud and evolving industry The leading exhibition for the professional-cleaning industry, Interclean Amsterdam 2018, took place from 15-18 May at the RAI exhibition centre in Amsterdam. The exhibition, established in 1967, offered a combination of old and new segments that displayed an overview of the latest technology and trends in the professional-cleaning sector.

uring the exhibition visitors were able to enjoy countless activities on exhibitor stands including a folklore performance, a basketball court and virtual reality demonstrations, all of which made it worth spending more time at the show. According to the organisers, a grand total of 33 710 visitors attended the four-day event that spread over 13 exhibition halls. What also makes this exhibition unique in a way is the fact that 77 percent of the visitors came from outside the Netherlands, making it a truly international cleaning-industry platform.

Some of the eye-catching innovations at this year’s show included selfcharging robots, hand towels getting a second life as toilet paper and the re-use of plastic bottles for new products, osmosis water solutions, trolleys and equipment with integrated measuring and registering systems, and new worker-safety regulations.

Amsterdam Innovation Award One of the major attractions of the show has always been the new innovations showcased for the first time. The ever-popular Amsterdam Innovation Awards ceremony and the InnovationLAB play a valuable part to highlight the latest professionalcleaning innovations.

Robot arena

Other category winners include: PowrMop Lite from Scot Young Research, Vermop System One from Vermop, and the Tork PaperCircle from Essity Hygiene & Health. The Visitor’s Choice Award was won by Tork Paper Circle from Essity Hygiene & Health. At the conclusion of the awards ceremony, the Amsterdam Innovation Award handed a donation of €12 000 to the African Medical & Research Foundation (AMREF) Flying Doctors, and its project in Kilindi, Tanzania, providing accessible water and sanitary facilities for the community.

Healthcare Cleaning Forum On Wednesday 16 May the first-ever International Healthcare Cleaning Forum took place alongside the Interclean Amsterdam exhibition. This Forum brought 300 healthcare professionals from 46 countries together to explore and discuss the biggest challenges and solutions in healthcare cleaning today. The Forum complemented the rest of the exhibition – showcasing the latest innovations in healthcare cleaning through expert demonstrations and seminars.

Facility Inspiration Event

Healthcare Cleaning Forum

During the show days the robot arena, the InnovationLAB and the new Healthcare Cleaning Forum and LAB proved to be particularly popular.

African Cleaning Review July/August 2018

The KIRA B50 from Kärcher was announced as winner of the Amsterdam Innovation Award 2018 on the first day of the show. KIRA B50 is Kärcher’s first robotic scrubber-dryer. The company has entered the market with a fully autonomous machine with a docking station to allow independent charging and tank emptying/refilling. It offers automatic route planning of predefined zones.

The Facility Inspiration Event was a special day-long event held on 17 May, organised by Interclean in conjunction with leading consultancy company ATIR. The event was dedicated to inspiring facility managers to explore the opportunities available in implementing more efficient and environmentally friendly cleaning solutions. The focus was on improving performance from insights on sustainability and in harnessing new technology.

feature Interclean Amsterdam

ISSA well represented

Pointing to some of the ISSA cleaning industry events around the world are from left: ISSA President Ted Stark III (ISSA Show), Toni D’ Andrea (ISSA Pulire) and Johann van Vuuren (ISSA Cleantex).

African interest at the show The number of South African cleaning professionals that make their way to the Amsterdam event continues to grow. In fact, the organisers confirmed that in total 160 South Africans, and a further 300 from the rest of Africa, attended this year. The very popular show tour led by SWB Sports’ Steve Braham arrived in Amsterdam two days before the opening day – allowing the group to settle down and find their way around the city. The following day the tour group went on an excursion in the Holland countryside and visited the centuries-old fishing village of Urk

with its unique history and culture and Giethoorn known best as a care-free village with boat-filled waterways and centuries-old thatched-roof houses. A visit to the next exhibition scheduled for 2020 is certainly recommended; it is an invaluable learning curve and will continue to serve as a source of inspiration for cleaning professionals. Interclean Amsterdam has grown to become the must-attend trade show for businesses around the world looking to discover the latest innovations and experience an unrivalled networking opportunity.

Hundreds of ISSA members from around the world exhibited at Interclean Amsterdam thereby swelling the number of exhibitors to 900. Visitors had an opportunity to stop by the ISSA stand to learn more about the worldwide cleaning industry association’s activities. As part of the show’s numerous educational sessions, ISSA presented the firstever internationally certified Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) workshops to 30 delegates of 11 nationalities. ISSA also hosted a global networking function at the Heineken Experience, where more than 200 guests joined ISSA staff for an evening of fun.

The NCCA stand was officially opened by means of a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the first day of the show. Officiating are from left, Douglas Burger (Prime Cleaning Suppliers), Dewald Botha (Numatic International SA), Greg Venter (Goscor Cleaning Equipment) and Eric Platt (Safic). Looking on are NCCA Western Cape Chair Clive Damonze and NCCA National Chair Patrick Makhubela.

African Cleaning Review July/August 2018

feature Interclean Amsterdam

The 2018 South African delegation pictured here after a boat tour on the canals in the Dutch village of Giethoorn.

African Cleaning Review July/August 2018

new products Hako introduces autonomous cleaning technology

Pictured from left are ACR Editor Johann van Vuuren, Benjamin Lindemann – Hako Germany and Tony Saincic – Hako South Africa at the Hi-ONE launch.

The professional cleaning industry’s interest in autonomous cleaning has greatly increased in recent years and at this year’s Interclean Amsterdam Hako entered that market by presenting Hi-ONE – what Hako believes to be the future of autonomous cleaning. The compact scrubber-dryer was able to demonstrate its practical capabilities to an interested audience of trade experts who experienced the machine’s abilities ‘live’ as it independently carried out standardised cleaning processes by means of its recently developed drive technology, special sensors and Hako’s in-house-developed navigation software. Great emphasis was also placed on the

safety aspects, as some of the challenges of autonomous cleaning are the practical applications within a facility, the people factor and changing surroundings. The Hi-ONE was able to impressively demonstrate the fact that Hako has solved the issue of both identifying and circumnavigating obstacles safely and reliably. Intuitive, user-friendly operating and programming of the autonomous cleaning machine, which is also made possible by means of a smartphone app, is another important aspect that was met with a great deal of interest at the show. In addition to introducing the HiONE, Hako also presented other show highlights in Scrubmaster models B75 R and B120 R as well as the brandnew model B175 R. These compact and highly manoeuvrable ride-on scrubberdryers, which provide area performances of between 3 000 and 7 560 m2 per hour, cover a wide range of applications. These machines are equipped with many comfort-enhancing and efficiency-

increasing features that have a positive impact on both the cleaning staff’s daily work routine and the cleaning result. An example of this is the recently developed pre-sweep unit that enables the Scrubmaster B175 R to collect loose dirt prior to wet-cleaning the floor. Other features include brush- and pad-wear indicators and the new squeegee with a patented self-cleaning function. For more information visit Hako SA at: www.eiegroup.co.za or www.hako.com

Hi-ONE in demo mode.

African Cleaning Review July/August 2018

new products Next generation battery vac takes cordless cleaning further The commercial-cleaning sector’s first cordless upright vacuum returned to the Interclean 2018 show with a new feature for clients seeking the ultimate in daytime cleaning freedom. Gliding smoothly between carpets and hard floors and with no need to plug and unplug, the Truvox valet battery upright makes the daily vacuuming routine easier than ever. The next generation battery upright, the Truvox VBUII, boasts a removable battery that doubles its running time of more than 50 minutes. Light yet powerful, this cordless vacuum is ideal for quiet and unobtrusive cleaning around obstacles and occupants, without the hassle and risk of a trailing cable. Weighing just 5 kg, the VBUII can easily be carried from one vacuuming task to the next; this is a robust machine designed to produce excellent cleaning results. The 43.8 V lithium ion battery delivers 312 W of vacuum motor power and a 3 000 RPM brush speed. Filtration performance is similarly high as it features a HEPA 13 media bag.

A squeegee improves the pick-up of grit and fine abrasive particles on hard floors, while the cleaning head adjusts automatically between surfaces. The VBUII also has an edge-cleaning feature to boost efficiency further, and maintains full suction when laid flat to clean under furniture. Operators will also find the machine easy to use, due, not least, to the comfortable hand grip. A battery-level indicator ensures that the user knows when the machine will need re-charging – or a quick battery swop. Watch Truvox in action at: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=HDvyj9ESC8I Truvox International is a leading supplier and manufacturer of commercial and industrial floorcare machines, meeting the needs of a wide range of markets including healthcare, education, retail and facility managers, Truvox works directly and indirectly through a network of dedicated dealers based across the UK and worldwide. For more information visit: www.truvox.com

Highly visible glove safe for users and planet

The inventors of the world’s first biodegradable single-use nitrile glove announced a new addition to their biodegradable hand-protection range: SHOWA 707HVO – a chemical-resistant glove engineered with SHOWA’s revolutionary Eco Best Technology (EBT). SHOWA, which translates to “finding a balance between different elements” in Japanese, has paved the way in biodegradable innovation within the PPE glove market. Driven by the desire to make a positive impact on the planet, a large proportion of the company’s research is devoted to biodegradable

African Cleaning Review July/August 2018

products and to developing fibres that have no impact on the environment. “We see an enormous increase in new and existing customers who are looking to replace their current purchases with more eco-friendly options, especially when it comes to PPE. Following the success of our chemical-resistant 707 glove series, our R&D team designed a new 707 glove to help customers meet regulations while still providing the best hand protection in the market,” said President and COO Richard Heppell. Crafted with SHOWA’s revolutionary Eco Best Technology®, SHOWA 707HVO blends the best of single-use and chemical-resistant technology to deliver optimum fit, feel and comfort while protecting against chemicals. The 0.23 mm thick unsupported, unlined biodegradable nitrile complies with EN ISO 374-1 (JKOPT) and 374-5, is impermeable and protects against oils,

hydrocarbons, grease, chemicals and abrasions. The 305 mm long glove is chlorinated for easy donning and doffing, with a rolled cuff to prevent dirt from entering the glove. Typically to SHOWA, the gloves are manufactured using a unique hand former, allowing for a lightweight protection that fits like a second skin. The bisque finish on palm and fingers offers longlasting grip and excellent tactility. Its fluorescent orange colour makes it highly visible and an excellent choice for food, professional cleaning or sanitation environments, or to separate applications on processing floors. Founded in 1954, SHOWA® is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of medical, cutresistant, general purpose, chemical-resistant and speciality hand protection. For more information visit: www.showagroup.com

African Cleaning Review July/August 2018