African Cleaning Review MarchApril 2018 issue by African Cleaning Review

PROMOTING PROFESSIONAL HYGIENE AND CLEANING

March/April 2018 | R55.00 (incl. VAT)

Interview â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Nilfisk Country Manager Floorcare tips for contract cleaners Chemical storage and handling Proper HVAC system cleaning

contents MARCH/APRIL 2018 VOL 19 NO. 2 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.

Interview

Nilfisk SA Country Manager shares vision with ACR

Editorial

3 12

New equipment technology brings winds of change to cleaning – i-Team SA International AAP Certification course scheduled for Cape Town – ISSA

Industry News

Netcare steps up the war against superbugs using robots Healthcare forum at world’s leading cleaning show Dancing, culture and a competition at Truvox stand SA’s capital revises smoking policy in government facilities Maer high-pressure washers on show Rules that cater for the increase in VAT rate Servest secures significant pest control contract Diarise the dates – CleantexPulire 2019 GCE appoints official Botswana dealer

Educational

Risks of badly managed sanitary-waste disposal

Features

17 Floorcare tips for contract cleaners Whole-life care ensures carpets retain appeal Storage and safe handling of commercial cleaning chemicals

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Planned features for 2018 May/June issue: Editorial deadline 20 April • Floorcare solutions • Hand hygiene Jul/Aug issue: Editorial deadline 22 June • Hygiene in healthcare facilities • Hand dryers

13 14 19 22

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People and Events

NCCA Western Cape committee elected NCCA Western Cape golf day NCCA Gauteng branch meeting sponsored by Diversey Hako equipment launch

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How to purchase and care for hotel linen

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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

Effective waterless hand sanitiser for use in water-crisis areas – Tork Biological products achieve global green tag approval – Chemical Convertors

High-traffic facilities reap many benefits from green practices Proper and correct HVAC system cleaning vital to maintain IAQ

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

Sept/Oct issue: Editorial deadline 24 August • Sustainable cleaning • Cleaning equipment overview Nov/Dec issue: Editorial deadline 19 October • Dispensing systems • Fragrance systems and aircare

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African Cleaning Review March/April 2018

from the editor

interview

Nilfisk SA Country Manager shares vision with ACR Following Nilfisk’s recent listing on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange and

Lack of water gives rise to alternative hygiene solutions My recent visit to Cape Town gave me a first-hand perspective on the effect that a lack of water has on people, business, and most importantly, the professional cleaning industry. The impact of the drought is obvious, from very evident and abundant signage encouraging people to conserve water to buckets in hotel showers, no plugs in hotel baths and, at some facilities the water supply to taps in public washrooms were turned off completely, thereby compelling people to make do with using hand sanitisers as a waterless alternative in order to achieve effective hand hygiene. The water-shortage situation has therefore led to a significant increase in the use of sanitising gels, foams and even wet wipes, as people are turning to alternative means to maintain effective hand-hygiene procedures. Another reality as a result of the water shortage is how quiet some washrooms have become, especially in high traffic facilities, as hand dryers have almost become obsolete in facilities where the water supply to basins have been turned off, resulting in people having to resort to the new normal – the use of hand sanitisers. Obviously, in drought-affected areas cleaning practices have become a lot more challenging and, in going forward, new cleaning solutions, including waterless alternatives, have to be explored further. This is even more crucial in food-processing environments in order to avoid what could turn into a major health pandemic.

the appointment of CEO Hans Henrik Lund, change was inevitable. These developments led to restructuring within the group that basically carved its global operations into six regions worldwide. The South African operation became part of the Iberian, Middle East and Africa (IMEA) region. In South Africa, changes were also affected towards the end of 2017 with the appointment of a new management team lead by Emma Corder as Country Manager. African Cleaning Review editor Johann van Vuuren spoke to Corder to determine a broader understanding of her new role and vision at Nilfisk South Africa.

New year, new team We herald in a fresh era at Nilfisk South Africa with a new management team that includes Pieter de Beer as National Sales Manager and Johan Coertzen as Finance and Operations Manager. In addition, we have also recently appointed a Human Resource Business Partner, Nomsa Mngadi who will prove to be an excellent asset to our business. We view people as a key component, thereby ensuring that we succeed in keeping moving forward. Nomsa will be tasked with the responsibility of designing a proactive plan to leverage the resources that we currently have to affect an even more successful business going forward.

What do you bring to the job as a Country Manager? I have a thorough understanding of professional cleaning with over nine years’ experience within the industry, having held positions in sales, marketing and management at Industroclean and later Nilfisk South Africa. Company culture and values

are very important to me. I intend to actively drive these core business aspects in all the ways in which we conduct business going forward, including the way that we recruit and retain human capital within the business. My business management style is dynamic, in that I believe in bottom-up and top-down accountability. I am very focused on empowering people within our organisation to allow for accountability and quick decision making. I believe by doing this we will create a more agile and flexible business geared to serve the needs of our customers more effectively.

Who do you regard as a role model? Over the years I have taken different elements of certain people’s behaviour and tried to model myself on those. Somebody like Elon Musk comes to mind for his imagination and determination to succeed. Even when his ideas and ventures were regarded as a ‘pie in the sky’ or unattainable, his vision saw him through to prosper in extraordinary ways.

interview How do you equate that to cleaning? It is indeed very relevant to professional cleaning and Nilfisk, for that matter, if you consider Nilfisk’s global strategy that aims to make our customers’ businesses more efficient and smarter. Consider for instance the company’s vast range of applicationspecific technology, which is further complemented by the development of autonomous cleaning technology. Although South Africa is an emerging market, we can tap into first-world technology to address client needs and expectations effectively, thereby giving these clients an edge in competing for business. I do believe the local cleaning industry is ready for transformation and with the application of credible, long-term-vision cleaning, autonomous cleaning technology can achieve its rightful place in the economy.

Highlight the importance of core values Core values are of fundamental importance in any business. Now we are in the process of formulating

a programme to implement the understanding and interpretation of core values. Employees and leadership will be encouraged to buy into the organisation’s core values to steer them forward in unison.

What is the biggest challenge facing Nilfisk today? It must be said that rivalry is very fierce indeed. However, our value proposition has always been different to that of the opposition. We tend to focus on providing an overall solution to a problem. The solution includes offering suitable cleaning equipment, chemicals and other consumables combined with access to our product expertise and problem-solving scenarios. The ‘mop and bucket’ mentality is another major challenge, however, with the introduction of more digital solutions by Nilfisk, the aim is to slowly evolve this mindset. We are also working very hard to ensure that in a changing market, we remain relevant in South Africa and Africa.

Emma Corder Understanding of customer needs I think that is very much a consultative process. We have a good grasp of our customer needs now, but that is an ongoing conversation. Consequently, it can change and is possibly changing all the time, therefore we must be very aware of what is happening around us from a macro-level so that we

African Cleaning Review March/April 2018

interview are aligned and justly positioned to address clients needs effectively.

Competing in a market where price is king? The difference rests in how you position a product and the ability to sell value. It is also more about how you position yourself in relation to the customer, your reputational value, product quality and in terms of what you can bring to the table from an after-sale perspective. It is also important that the company has an adequate sales-force capacity that can communicate the advantages offered in a logical way.

How will the increasing use of technology change the face of the industry? I strongly believe from a digitalservice perspective, the ability to track labour hours, machines, performance and having a complete oversight of your fleet, will play an increasing and powerful role in any

African Cleaning Review March/April 2018

contract-cleaning business. It enables the cleaning company to track, for instance, the hours worked with the auto-scrubber, when it was charged, its water consumption and areas covered. Access to this valuable information will become a soughtafter tool in running an effective and successful cleaning business. In addition, it will offer contract cleaners the ability to provide their clients with detailed information relating to the services provided on site.

Will other product brands be retained as part of your portfolio? We have a long association with other brands like 3M, Chicopee, Filmop, Rubbermaid, Unger and Vileda, which form an integral part of our business and I can confirm that these distributer partnerships will remain intact during the foreseeable future. The South African Nilfisk business model differs slightly to other operations around the world in that we have always been a one-stop,

solutions-based company with the abiity to source and offer clients the best possible product solutions as presented by other leading cleaningproduct brands.

What does the future hold for Nilfisk SA under your leadership? I would like to lead a company that is very dynamic, agile, that demonstrates a thorough understanding of market conditions and customer needs. The company will become a true partner to our customers across the various market segments. This will be realised by imparting our unique intellectual property and product knowledge to ultimately improve and strengthen their businesses. Expansion into the rest of Africa is indeed a focus area which we are pursuing actively. Currently we already have established dealerships in Botswana, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mauritius, Namibia and Nigeria, however, we will be very active in creating supplemental growth in other parts of Africa.

African Cleaning Review March/April 2018

editorial i-team South Africa

New technology brings winds of change to cleaning equipment

Henry Posthumus

i-team South Africa officially opened its doors in October 2017 with a vision to change the way cleaning is viewed in South Africa. i-team is a global family of innovative cleaning, sales and distribution partners dedicated to delivering intelligent, convenient and quality cleaning machines, products and utilities to the industry. The company describes the essence of its business as “to revolutionise the cleaning industry”. According to i-team, revolutionary ideas led to the introduction of new technologies that maintain the flexibility of the original mop, but with the added power of an industrial-cleaning machine. The i-mop is described as a scrubber dryer on a mop handle that allows the operator to move in any direction and even turn 360 degrees.

“The fact is that during the last decade very little has changed significantly, with 70 percent of cleaning still performed manually (the trusted mop-and-bucket system) and during the past 25 years, equipment innovations merely concentrated on downsizing machines without changing the cleaning process,” says i-team South Africa Director, Henry Posthumus. According to Posthumus, this is about to change with the local introduction of a combination of a flat mop and a scrubber dryer. The combination of the two cleaning technologies into what is known as the i-mop, effectively creates a system featuring the flexibility of a flat mop and the cleaning performance of a scrubber dryer. “A case study performed in March 2018 by a leading contract-cleaning firm utilising the i-mop XXL with a 62 cm deck and a leading brand 80 cm walk-behind auto-scrubber to clean a common area measuring 10 000 square metres, showed a 70 percent saving in water usage, a 45 percent increase in productivity and a 67 percent rise in hygiene scores when using the i-mop,” added Posthumus. “The flexibility and manoeuvrability of the i-mop turns any cleaning task into a breeze. In combination with ATP testing, we can now prove the difference in cleaning standards to our clients. Since the introduction of the first unit, we have now made i-mops available to all our regional and super-regional shopping centres. The i-mop is definitely the future of cleaning”, comments Zane Fabricius, General Manager, Brilliant Cleaning.

For more information about i-team South Africa and the i-mop refer to page 16.

African Cleaning Review March/April 2018

industry news Netcare steps up the war against superbugs using robots

ealthcare facilities the world over face a daily challenge to prevent the spread of infections with increasing concern about antibiotic resistance. Now South African healthcare group Netcare has implemented the use of robots that seek and destroy viruses and bacteria within minutes. “Our new ‘allies’ in infection prevention and control have shown such impressive results internationally and during pilot trials at two of our hospitals that we recently ordered a second consignment of these highly advanced robots to further bolster our comprehensive existing disinfection measures,” says Jacques du Plessis, MD of Netcare’s hospital division. “We initially tested the Xenex Pulsed UV Disinfection Robots at the Netcare Blaauwberg and Netcare Pretoria East Hospitals, where we found that they quickly and efficiently disinfected the areas where deployed”, said Senior Clinical Advisor at Netcare, Dr Caroline Maslo. “What we found particularly impressive is the fact that the pulsed high-intensity xenon ultraviolet [UV] light used by the robots is not only highly effective in

destroying viruses, bacteria and fungal spores, but is also able to achieve thorough disinfection far more quickly than the other traditional methods. “This means that we are able to continually move the robots around within our facilities, 24-hours a day, to apply this rigorous disinfection within minutes and with minimal disruption. We have also enlisted the robots for disinfecting Netcare 911 ambulances to excellent effect,” said Maslo. The robots emit UV-C spectrum light, which destroys the DNA of bacteria, viruses and fungi to neutralise them and prevent them from replicating. The technology is entirely non-toxic. “This form of disinfection is particularly useful against antibioticresistant bacteria, commonly referred to as ‘superbugs’. It is environmentally friendly in that it requires no water during operation, thus rendering it optimally water-wise when compared with other forms of intensive disinfection,” Maslo says. “This new technology does not replace the infection-risk-management protocols and procedures we already have in place, but are certainly complementing them as

Delivery of the Xenex Pulsed UV Disinfection Robot was met with excitement by staff of Netcare Sunninghill Hospital involved in infection prevention and control.

an additional weapon in our arsenal against potentially harmful germs. Another benefit is that the cleaning staff responsible for operating this technology are acquiring new skill sets. This is not a case of robots replacing human labour, but rather of robots empowering the human operators,” concludes Maslo.

Healthcare forum at world’s leading cleaning show

rganisers of the world’s largest show for cleaning professionals announced that the inaugural International Healthcare Forum will run alongside the Interclean 2018 show on 16 May in Amsterdam. The future of healthcare will be on display at Interclean Amsterdam 2018, with the show featuring a dedicated healthcare segment and events taking place at the Healthcare CleaningLAB. In addition, the exhibition will offer healthcare and cleaning professionals the opportunity to be part of a unique educational experience – the International Healthcare Forum.

African Cleaning Review March/April 2018

Featuring expert speakers from around the world, the Healthcare Cleaning Forum will run alongside the show on day two. It aims to raise awareness, promote the discussion of best practice and the exploration of the latest research on how cleaning can have an impact on antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) and infection prevention and control (IPC). “Disease and infection do not recognise borders, so neither should our knowledge and understanding of how to prevent them,” said Professor Didier Pittet, Director of the Infection Control Programme and World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Centre

on Patient Safety. “That is why we have introduced the first-ever International Healthcare Forum. By bringing healthcare and cleaning professionals together to discuss their challenges, we aim to improve communication between the two areas and add to the conversation on how best to approach AMS and IPC.” Find out more about the speakers, explore the full programme of events and register to attend the Healthcare Cleaning Forum by visiting: www.intercleanshow.com/hcf

industry news Dancing, culture and a competition at Truvox stand

lready synonymous with commercial floorcare, Truvox International and its sister companies have something else in store for visitors to their stand at the Interclean Amsterdam exhibition. Stand 01.407. In addition to added innovation, the company that last year launched the first cordless upright vacuum (the Valet Battery Upright), Truvox is promising a floorshow and photo opportunities with a difference. • On Tuesday, from 14h00, visitors can join traditional Dutch folk dancers on the stand. • On Wednesday, visitors will have the opportunity to pose with a selection of Photo-Dolls and enter a Social Media competition. • And on Thursday at 11h00, a troop of toe-tapping dancers return for an encore. Amid the whirl of culture and entertainment, there will be more to see and do on the stand. As Truvox takes its award-winning cordless technology a step further, visitors will have an opportunity to test-drive the new VBUII battery-powered vacuum. A firm favourite – the Multiwash scrubber dryer – will also be showing its new, true colours. Alongside these new arrivals will be the latest models from the comprehensive floorcare ranges of Tornado, Powr-Flite and CFR as well as Truvox.

“Whether it’s polishing or scrubbing, vacuuming, deep cleaning or carpet drying, every cleaning professional can get up to speed on their floorcare requirements – all in one place – stand 01.407, from 15 to 18 May 2018”, according to Truvox International. For more information visit: www.truvox.com/Interclean

SA’s capital revises smoking policy in government facilities

he mayor of South Africa’s capital Tshwane Solly Msimanga announced interventions and a revised smoking policy that bans designated-smoking areas within municipal buildings, in a bid to arrest the scourge of smoking-related diseases across South Africa’s administrative capital city. In doing so, he became the first mayor of an African capital city to take the bold step of declaring all municipal facilities smoke-free zones. “The prohibition of smoking in facilities owned and managed by the City of Tshwane is enforced by our concern for the health and safety of both our employees and members of the public that make use of these facilities. The City of Tshwane’s revised smoking policy dictates that those who choose to smoke may not do so within five meters of doorways, windows and building air supply through which tobacco smoke may readily enter the building,” said Msimanga.

He said smokers are also required to dispose of the remains of cigarettes in proper containers in order to keep a neat and clean environment for all employees, visiting partners and customers. “The prohibition has been supported by the eradication of designated-smoking areas within buildings and the erection of notices

that inform people that they are entering a smoke-free facility. The responsibility to ensure understanding of the policy among employees is entrusted to line managers and supervisors and compliance is required from all employees, clients and persons visiting the City of Tshwane, without exception,” said Msimanga.

African Cleaning Review March/April 2018

industry news Maer high-pressure washers on show

he Italian-manufactured Maer range of professional highpressure washers will be showcased by Goscor Cleaning Equipment (GCE), part of the Goscor Group, at Grain SA’s NAMPO Harvest Day from 15 to 18 May 2018 at Bothaville, in the Free State. “Agriculture has traditionally been a significant market for high-pressure

washers, as farmers need to ensure that costly machinery such as combine harvesters, crop sprayers and tractors are maintained properly by removing any dirt particulates, dust and general grime on a daily basis in wash bays,” says GCE National Sales Director, Peter Esterhuizen. High-pressure washers are also ideal for the cleaning of animal pens such

as pig sties, chicken coups, and cow sheds in order to ensure compliance with local and international hygiene and cleanliness standards. “The application determines the specifications in terms of pressure and flow rate. Other factors that need to be taken into account are power supply and water availability,” adds Esterhuizen. Custom solutions to meet specific customer requirements will also be on show. An example of this is a trailermounted, engine-driven pressure cleaner with a water tank for cleaning in remote areas, which is suitable where there is a lack of power or water connections. The Maer range includes electric-, petrol- and dieseldriven versions from 220 V to 380 V, and pressure ratings of anywhere from 100 bar to 500 bar. According to Esterhuizen, special offers will be available to show-visitors that call on the GCE stand.

Rules that cater for the increase in the VAT rate

n his first budget speech, the nowformer Minister of Finance, Malusi Gigaba, announced Treasury’s intention to raise VAT by one percent – to 15 percent – for the first time since 1993. While the rate is still subject to final parliamentary approval, it is expected to come into effect on 1 April 2018. Despite the increase being the first in over two decades, the VAT Act currently contains a number of rules that cater for an increase in the VAT rate. These rules cover, for example, what happens when contracts have been entered into before the VAT rate is increased, where no invoice has yet been issued or payment received. It also explains why it is important to actively track and issue receipts when these transactions are made, to ensure that the correct VAT rate is applied. Director of Value Added Tax at KPMG South Africa, Di Hurworth, offers some examples to highlight how these rules

African Cleaning Review March/April 2018

will work when the new VAT rate comes into effect: • Should goods have been provided before 1 April, or services performed before April 1, then the current VAT rate (14 percent), not the new VAT rate of 15 percent, will apply. • Should goods be provided on a periodic basis or services be performed over a period, which falls before and after the effective date of 1 April, then an apportionment must be made on a fair and reasonable basis and the 14 percent VAT rate will apply to the portion before 1 April 2018, and the VAT rate of 15 percent will apply on the portion of the supply of goods or services from 1 April 2018. Hurworth says that there were also special considerations where the time of supply (invoice or payment) falls within the period from the date the

Minister announced the increase in the VAT rate (21 February 2018) and ending on 1 April 2018. “If the goods will be provided more than 21 days after 1 April, or the services will be performed after 1 April, the new VAT rate should be charged on the supply of goods or services – i.e. 15 percent,” she said. “However, there are certain exceptions to this. This rule, therefore, prevents invoices being raised before 1 April where goods will be supplied more than 21 days after the effective date.”

industry news Servest secures significant pest control contract

n February this year Servest announced that the multi-services group was awarded a significant pest-control contract for Spar’s Western Cape distribution centre in Philippi. The Spar Group operates six distribution centres and one Build-it distribution centre, supplying goods and services to over 1 000 Spar stores across Southern Africa. “Servest is delighted to be associated with such an iconic brand”, says Kumaran Pillay, National Sales and Marketing Director, Office Services. He adds, “Servest does not apply a spray-and-pray approach, our trained sales consultants provide tailormade pest-management solutions to suit your needs”. This approach greatly matches Spar’s own regional personality, as they offer consumers products that are unique to their local store, encouraging retailers to take

full advantage of sourcing specific goods from local traders. Spar’s goal is to provide their customers with unwavering quality of the highest standards, complemented by excellent and personalised service in a warm and inviting community environment; and their ‘Double Your Money Back Quality Guarantee’ on all Spar Brand products, including fresh produce, makes the assurance of safe pest-control solutions that much more important. Servest’s dedicated Cape Town regional office will provide Spar with the necessary support. Servest currently employs over 4 500 people in the Cape Town area and this contract supports further growth in job creation of thousands of entrylevel, semi-skilled, supervisory and management positions across the city.

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GCE appoints official Botswana dealer

George Jolly

ince its establishment in Gaborone in 1999, GHF – a specialist in maintenance, design and fabrication of specialist equipment, with a wide range of products – has grown to become a reliable and trusted industry player, catering for a spectrum of industries, from mining to commercial and agriculture. Goscor Cleaning Equipment (GCE) announced that

the company will now supply GHF with its full range of Tennant auto scrubber-sweepers, Ghibli wet and dry vacuums, Delphin industrial vacuums, Maer high-pressure cleaners and Kaivac cleaning systems. “GCE has previously sold a considerable amount of equipment directly to end users in Botswana. However, the problem was that, by not having personnel on the ground in-country, we were unable to provide the swiftest and most efficient aftermarket service, which is a hallmark of our business,” says GCE Key Accounts Executive, George Jolly. By concluding the distribution agreement with GHF, the company will be able to leverage off GHF’s knowledge of Botswana’s business culture and its local expertise, so as to provide an improved service for GCE’s Botswana clients. Moreover, Jolly notes that GCE has machines already in operation at several of Botswana’s larger mines.

The distribution agreement offers additional opportunities such as an increased capability to upgrade machines already in operation. It also allows GCE to offer buy-backs as a service to its customers, in order to get new equipment into the market. “GCE’s reputation for being the industry leader in the provision of high-quality cleaning equipment is vitally important. The company has a strong brand image in South Africa, where it supplies top contract cleaners and end users. It is therefore crucial to maintain its brand image. Therefore, we spend a considerable amount of time evaluating potential partnering companies before we collaborate with them. We are very excited about the prospects of fostering a strong relationship with GHF, so as to provide the highest level of product and service to customers and expand our footprint in Botswana, which we believe has excellent growth potential,” Jolly concludes.

African Cleaning Review March/April 2018

editorial ISSA NOW IN SOUTH AFRICA FOR THE FIRST TIME!

Visit: issa.com/esafrica

International Accredited Auditing Professional (AAP) Certification Karel-Jan Boel

CALLING 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 AAP 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

AAP CERTIFICATION COURSE RATES

ISSA/NCCA member: ZAR 2 000.00 | Non-member: ZAR 2 200.00 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 March/April 2018

educational

Risks of badly managed sanitary-waste disposal

t a time when South Africans are fearing the spread of disease because of mounting water shortages in many parts of the country, it is perhaps now more important than ever to ensure that all waste products are properly disposed of to prevent pollution or contamination. One focus area that has not received enough attention is the disposal of sanitary waste such as personal-hygiene products. In light of these health risks, should industry be looking to technology for a solution? Sanitary-waste receptacles are used for the disposal of a number of personal-hygiene products, often used to clean and manage bodily excretions like blood and mucus. This waste runs the risk of carrying infectious pathogens such as Hepatitis B and HIV and should be handled with care. Considering its infectious nature, corporate entities should ensure that their sanitary waste is treated with the same procedures and precautions ascribed to Health Care Risk Waste. However, the lack of formal legislation governing sanitary waste means that too many companies are shirking their responsibilities.

Questioning own-waste disposal “Many large businesses including computer firms, banks, and mining houses are huge originators of sanitary waste. As responsible corporate citizens, they are obligated to ensure their activities don’t pose a risk to public or environmental health,” says Eugene Barnard, Head of the Healthcare division of Averda South Africa, a leading global provider of integrated-wastemanagement services. “Sanitary-waste generators should be asking their service providers whether their waste is being responsibly disposed of in a manner that can be traced back to origin.” Although these have not yet officially been written into law, Averda manages waste according to the draft Health Care Risk Waste (HCRW) Management Regulations drawn up by the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs in August 2011. These classify sanitary

waste as an HCRW and mandate that it should be subject to the same treatment and disposal procedures. This includes sterilisation of waste by incineration as a prerequisite to disposal. The ash must then be disposed of under dry conditions at an approved hazardous waste site.

Introducing radio frequency identification technology In a bold move that further demonstrates its commitment to accountability and full transparency in the waste-management process, Averda is harnessing radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to track waste and automate traceability. “We believe in going beyond the minimum legal requirements to ensure that sanitary waste – which, of course, includes sensitive substances such as blood – is treated in such a way that it is disinfected beyond a shadow of a doubt,” says Barnard. Preventing the spread of pathogens is just one reason to encourage responsible waste disposal. Both incineration and approved electrothermal deactivation (ETD), which is similar to microwave technology, also result in a significant reduction in waste volume – critical in South Africa where, according to the Department of Environmental Affairs, landfills are in short supply.

within a landfill passes through surrounding solid matter, extracting some of its components. The resulting liquid (leachate) poses a significant threat to both surface water and groundwater if it is not contained. “In parts of the Western Cape province, where water shortages have already reached distressing proportions, the potential for surface and groundwater contamination must be avoided at all costs,” adds Barnard.

Technology meeting industry needs RFID technology uses electromagnetic fields to identify and track specific tags – in this case, tags attached to HCRW containers – resulting in a more accurate, efficient and compliant HCRW management system. “RFID will give us the ability to record transactions from inception to completion in a manner in which human intervention is largely eradicated, along with human error. Our RFID tracking and e-info dashboard system aims to provide our clients with easy-toaccess, secure and real-time overwatch capability, showing when, where and how much material is collected, transported, treated and disposed,” concludes Barnard. Averda is a leading global waste management provider with operations throughout Africa, the

Protecting scarce water supplies

Middle East and the UK. In 2016 they entered

Transporting sanitary waste to landfill sites that aren’t equipped to handle hazardous material poses the further threat of groundwater contamination. The moisture from rainfall and precipitation

the South African market by acquiring stakes in a series of local waste-management companies. Their core focus is providing a high-quality service that prioritises compliance within a stringent regulatory environment.

African Cleaning Review March/April 2018

feature contract cleaning

17 Floorcare tips for contract cleaners Floorcare is regarded as the bread-and-butter aspect of the very competitive, contract-cleaning businesses. Therefore, it is important to stand out from the competition in order to secure and retain customers, especially since floors often make the first impression on a customer as they enter a building. Leon Fields, Business Development Manager for Kaivac who has 20 years’ experience in floorcare maintenance offers some of his favourite floorcare tips and techniques in order to assist contract cleaners to thrive.

1. Know your flooring

5. Importance of matting

One of the biggest challenges facing contract cleaners is recognising the type of flooring. Many luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) are designed to look like hardwood, ceramic or natural flooring. According to Leon, “If you don’t know what kind of flooring it is, you can cause serious damage by using the incorrect chemicals.”

Appropriate matting can collect a significant amount of dirt and debris as people enter the building. Leon recommends matting for 3.5 to 4.5 m from the door. However, it’s also important to clean entry mats as they get saturated and increase the frequency of cleaning during rainy seasons.

2. Shiny is safe When it comes to floor safety, Leon says, “The cleaner the floor, the more slip resistant it is. Most people think a shiny floor is a slippery floor, but it’s actually the opposite. The shinier the floor, the more dirt free and less slippery it is.”

9. Keep it natural  Another common mistake is putting finish on tile floors with grout. Since grouted flooring is not a uniformly flat surface, a finish will not adhere well. If left in its natural state, cleaners can get aggressive when cleaning grout to achieve good results.

4. Extraction is key

African Cleaning Review March/April 2018

Investing in the correct technology can make a huge impact in washrooms. “A  No-Touch cleaning system is far and above the best thing to clean washrooms.” The fresh water, fresh chemicals, power washing  and vacuum extraction mean cleaning staff can get in, clean, and get out quickly, leaving washrooms open and safe for customer use.

High-traffic areas need to be cleaned on a daily basis. While you may be able to get away with spot cleaning less frequented areas, high-traffic areas also have high visibility. Daily cleaning of these areas will also help extend the life of the flooring.

Ceramic flooring can withstand a high-pH solution, but LVT cannot. If you are not sure what kind of flooring you are dealing with, do a test in an inconspicuous area. Start with a low or neutral pH and work up until you find the right balance.

7. No-Touch washrooms

8. Clean high-traffic areas daily

3. Perform a test

Mops do a very poor job of removing soil and other unwanted matter, including potentially harmful contaminants from floors. Mops push the soils and germs around the floor surface and into grout lines. Worse, they can cross contaminate from room to room. They also leave excess moisture and chemical residue behind, which can cause resoiling of the floors from foot traffic. The key to properly cleaned floors is to extract the dirt with a vacuum-aided system and remove it from the facility.

metres, you are in a good position to be able to gain more revenue.”

10. Stripping VCT  6. Talk science, not square metres  “Every cleaning contractor is walking in with a mop and bucket. But, if you come in with a No-Touch cleaning machine and start by extracting dirt from the building, you’re doing  something different. Your customers, their staff, and their customers will notice the difference. Once you talk science instead of square

Stripping and restoring vinyl composition tile (VCT) is extremely labour intensive, which is probably because 75 percent of contract cleaners don’t let their stripper dwell for an adequate period. Like any chemical, floor stripper needs time to work. Leon suggests allowing the stripper a 10-15 minute dwell period in order to make the process easier.

feature contract cleaning

Cleaners who make an effort to stay current, try something different, and use science-based cleaning methods will stand out from the crowd. And that is always good business sense. 11. The 5-minute spill clean-up

13. Do the research

Traditional spill clean-up requires a lot of labour and can take 30-45 minutes before floors are dry. A staff member must be notified, fetch a mop, bucket, broom and dustpan. Then they sweep up broken glass, mop the floor, and put out a wet floor sign, hoping it will dry in 10, 15, or even 30 minutes. For safe and efficient spill clean-up, Leon recommends a battery operated autovac. Spills can be quickly swept up, agitated, and vacuumed, leaving floors safe and dry in 5 minutes.

Many facility managers are not aware of what kind of flooring is installed in their facility.  Set yourself apart from the competition by going into a flooring store and talking to staff there about the different types of flooring. This experience will differentiate you and your staff, thus preparing you for any flooring challenge thrown your way.

12. Less is more  When it comes to carpet care, using less chemicals is better. Cleaning chemicals are designed to grip dirt, and if excess chemicals get left in the carpet the chemicals will grab dirt from shoes, making the carpet resoil quickly. In fact, many carpets can be cleaned with just hot water and extraction.

14. The truth about grout  Most people are under the impression that grout is black in colour. In reality, it’s often grey, tan, or even white, but you would not know it due to poor cleaning practices. This is especially true in commercial kitchens. The grease buildup makes floors unsafe and grout lines unsightly. The use of mops often makes the situation worse by spreading the grease around and depositing it into the grout lines. In washrooms, grout lines trap urine and faecal matter, thus causing unpleasant odours.

15. Large venues need large equipment  For cleaners contracted to clean large venues such as stadiums,   Leon recommends an investment in a larger piece of equipment like the 2150 No-Touch cleaning system. An NTC system makes cleaning large, high-traffic washrooms much faster than cleaning by hand.

16. Wet weather equals more frequent cleaning  Leon stresses the importance of increasing cleaning frequency both for safety and floor preservation during inclement weather. Clean floors as often as possible, as water, mud and sand will be constantly tracked into the facility. If possible, add more walk-off matting, increasing it to 3.5 to 4.5 m during bad weather.

17. Cleaning as a philosophy  Above all else, contract cleaners should approach their work as a philosophy. Cleaners who make an effort to stay current, try something different, and use science-based cleaning methods will stand out from the crowd. And that is always good business sense.

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 March/April 2018

Introducing

4D cleaning: key features • • • • •

Reduction of unproductive travel times Everything on board Great additional options such as i-light Highly professional image with branding possibility Safe and secure operation

African Cleaning Review March/April 2018

feature contract cleaning

Whole-life care ensures carpets retain appeal They have had a timeless appeal, but no matter how heavily trodden, today’s carpets can continue providing colour, comfort and value for years when properly cared for. A cleaning regime geared to whole-life carpet care begins with vacuuming, but does not end there. Gordon McVean, Sales and Marketing Director at Truvox International, outlines Gordon McVean

a whole-life approach to carpet maintenance.

espite the appeal of interiors with minimalist styles and gleaming surfaces, we have an enduring fondness for carpets. Through the centuries they have proved their value, providing colour, texture and a sense of comfort. Those qualities can be sustained – giving this flooring asset a surprising long life – when carpet is properly maintained. The most immediate threat is premature wear, which is why routine vacuuming is crucial. Typically 80 percent of carpet dirt is dry soil, comprising silicates, sand, clay and dust. Unless it’s regularly removed by vacuuming, this abrasive material accelerates wear while also detracting from the carpet’s superficial appearance.

The most immediate threat is premature wear, which is why routine vacuuming is crucial. Typically 80 percent of carpet dirt is dry soil, comprising silicates, sand, clay and dust. A cleaning regime geared to whole-life carpet care begins with vacuuming, but does not end there. Interim and deep cleaning is required to preserve the good looks of carpeting and safeguard this asset. The frequency of this depends on the intensity and type of traffic. Spills and stains may dictate the timing of interim cleans. The advantage is that interim maintenance cleaning is both rapid and effective when performed with a specialist spray extractor. The Hydromist range made by Truvox International is designed to suit all areas, from small to large venues.

African Cleaning Review March/April 2018

feature contract cleaning Interim and deep cleaning is required to preserve the good looks of carpeting and safeguard this asset. The frequency of this depends on the intensity and type of traffic. Spills and stains may dictate the timing of interim cleans. The advantage is that interim maintenance cleaning is both rapid and effective when performed with a specialist spray extractor.

These machines inject cleaning solution and extract dirt with a powerful vacuum. The two main types are ‘box and wand’ models, which can be very compact, and self-contained ‘pull-back’ machines with capacities up to 55 litres – and the productivity and features needed to clear large areas of carpeting. The Hydromist 55, for example, has a powerful 3 000 W in-line heater and offers variable-pressure spray injection up to 400 dpi. Specialist pre-spotting solution should be used to tackle localised stains. Where carpets are extremely dirty, leaving the Hydromist-sprayed cleaning solution to stand for 5-15 minutes will allow the detergent to emulsify the dirt before vacuuming. But when staining is extensive – or it’s time for a deep clean – the most effective way to restore carpet to its pristine glory is through encapsulation. Deep cleaning is imperative because of the other 20 percent of soils not removed by vacuuming. These are sticky or oily substances that adhere to carpet fibres. Interim

African Cleaning Review March/April 2018

cleaning with extraction will remove some of this material and keep the carpet looking presentable. But soils embedded deep in the pile pose an even greater challenge. Encapsulation provides the answer by taking advantage of polymer chemistry and scrubbing technology designed for the task. Our Cimex-Encap carpet-cleaning system is the most reliable method for restoring deep cleanliness, brightness and texture to even the most heavily soiled commercial carpets. It also helps keep the carpet cleaner for longer, so the entire cleaning cycle is streamlined. Cimex-Encap involves a simple fourstep process. Thorough vacuuming removes all the dry dirt, clearing the way for the polymeric solution to attack that sticky/oily residue. Carpet fibres are coated with this diluted solution without saturating the carpet by using a triple-head Cimex Cyclone machine. It scrubs the carpet with pad drives and pads or shampoo brushes. As the solution dries, it loosens the sticky soil and encapsulates it. In the final stage, vacuuming easily removes this material, leaving a revitalised carpet. Guiding the machine at a quick walking pace, the operator needs to apply only enough solution to dampen the surface, by ‘feathering’ a release lever or adjusting a control valve. The dampness is sufficient for the polymeric chemistry to begin working, and the effect can be almost instant. Carpets look cleaner as the solution releases the sticky dirt bonded to the fibres.

This low-moisture system allows carpets to dry quickly. It may take as little as 45 minutes to be touch-dry, or at most two hours. Walking on the damp carpet causes no problems. Where practicable, letting the carpet dry overnight before vacuuming ensures the soil is fully encapsulated. Restorative deep cleaning in this way is as productive as it is effective. Depending on the level of soiling, about 200 m2 of carpet can be deepcleaned per tank of solution. If the soiling is light, around 300 m2 can be treated in an hour as these carpets come clean with a single wet pass. Where there are more embedded oily soils, a ‘dry’ pass – agitating the pile without dispensing solution – will ensure the Cimex-Encap solution is dispersed even more thoroughly. Even still, cleaning rates of more than 200 m2 per hour should be achievable. Multiple dry passes should only be necessary for the most heavily soiled carpets, reducing output to around 100 m2 per hour. If some areas are severely soiled they can be presprayed with the polymeric solution to break down the bond with the carpet fibres. The sprayed area is left for a short time before the wet/dry pass procedure is followed. The power of Cimex-Encap to restore the most jaded and neglected carpets is often underestimated. But whether it’s part of a wellplanned whole-life approach to carpet maintenance or a life-saving measure, this is the best way to ensure that carpets and their appeal endures.

advertorial Tork Effective waterless hand sanitiser for use in water-crisis areas easier for everyone in the workplace. So you can give your guests greater confidence, reassure your colleagues about washroom cleanliness, or cut cross-contamination in critical environments. Tork alcohol hand sanitisers are a leave-on sanitiser with 70-75 percent denatured alcohol (w/w), ideal as a complement to handwashing with soap and water or as a handrub when water is not available. Perfect for food-service areas and hygiene-sensitive areas.

Features: People want to be comfortable that they are living, eating or working in a safe and clean environment. Businesses on the other hand want to know that they have done all they can to cut the risk of contamination and poorhygiene practices that result in absenteeism. But good hygiene is a joint effort that depends on colleagues and customers getting into the habit of effective hand hygiene. Tork can help put together the best combination of products to make hand hygiene

• Effective sanitiser against a variety of bacteria – conforms with EN1500 • Quick and easy refilling – proven with easy-to-use certification by the Swedish Rheumatism Association • Sealed bottle with single-use pump secures good hygiene and reduces risk of cross-contamination • Bottle collapses as the contents are used, thereby reducing waste • Tork alcohol hand sanitisers contain unique moisturising ingredients such as betaine, which helps replenish moisture

in the skin and maintain the skin barrier. Even with frequent use, hands remain healthy, making it easier to maintain hand-hygiene standards.

Tork offers two types of sanitisers: • Tork alcohol gel or liquid sanitiser: Effective hand-sanitiser formulations developed for frequent use with moisturising agents, do not leave sticky residue and available in different formats for flexible usage. • Tork alcohol foam sanitiser: Leave-on Tork alcohol-foam hand sanitiser with 75 percent denatured alcohol (w/w). It is ideal for sanitising hands when no water is available, especially in offices and other public areas. Conforms with the European Standard EN1500. Suitable for use in Tork foam-soap dispensers. For more information contact: kirsty.collard@essity.com

African Cleaning Review March/April 2018

feature cleaning chemicals

Storage and safe handling of commercial-cleaning chemicals Regardless of the reason for coming in contact with commercial-cleaning products, safety should always be a top priority. Commercial- and industrial-cleaning staff, housekeepers and even office workers should feel comfortable in their working environment, which can be easily achieved by taking a few extra precautions to ensure everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s utmost safety. Fortunately, it is easy to learn how to care for and store cleaning products and supplies.

f you are involved in cleaning tasks in your office, you probably find yourself using a number of cleaning supplies on a regular basis. Like most people, you do not necessarily know the chemical components of those everyday cleaning agents or exactly how they should be handled and stored for optimal safety. The selection for use, application, handling and storage of chemical cleaners are matters of serious concern, as they involve not only the safety of the surfaces being cleaned, but also the safety of the public, the cleaners and the facility.

containers is still evident in many facilities. This is not only a health hazard, but could also result in damaging results to surfaces where these unlabelled chemicals are used as part of a cleaning process. Such practices are extremely hazardous considering the abundant variety of powerful and volatile cleaning chemicals available. The use of chemicals requires the proper selection of those that most effectively meet the specific job requirements. The user should know the type of chemicals in a product with some degree of

Chemicals must be stored neatly in a clean, dry, ventilated and cool area, the containers clearly labelled and firmly closed. Leaking cans and containers must be removed and replaced, and any spills wiped up and cleaned away. One of the most important steps to take to ensure proper handling of cleaning chemicals is to follow a strict chemical-safety programme that includes making a complete list of all cleaning chemicals used in the facility. Make sure that there is documentation present, detailing the potential hazards associated with each chemical as well as a safety data sheet for each chemical product. Indiscriminate mixing of cleaning chemicals and decanting of chemicals into empty milk or cold-drink

African Cleaning Review March/April 2018

accuracy. The product label supplied by the manufacturer should be read and understood by personnel who are working with these chemical materials. A basic understanding of the pH of cleaners, along with the chemicals used and how they actually work, will go a long way in selecting the best products to clean and protect worktop surfaces, carpets and other types of flooring. If the cleaner is unable to understand the label, it is illegible, or if no label is affixed to the container,

then the cleaner should have the contents explained to him by the supplier or person in charge of building maintenance. Directions for application as supplied by the manufacturer, should be followed as closely as possible. Safety precautions are extremely vital in the mixing and use of cleaning chemicals. The cleaning agent selected must have no damaging effects to the surface to be cleaned. The need for adequate ventilation cannot be stressed enough as this helps to reduce the possibility of unsafe concentrations of toxic vapours, no matter how low the toxicity of a chemical product may be. Adequate ventilation also improves the drying time when chemicals are applied to a surface. Rubber gloves should be used when handling products of a corrosive or skin-irritant nature and rubber boots or special footwear should be standard attire when these products are used on floors. When spraying or fogging operations are undertaken, facemasks may be necessary to protect against inhaling the fine mist. If strong solutions such as acids or alkalis are splashed onto the skin, they must be flushed off immediately with water and the incident should be reported to the facilityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first-aid department. If your facility is running low on personal protective equipment, it is essential to restock those items before they completely run out. Using personal protective equipment can

feature cleaning chemicals

have a significant impact on the level of safety achieved while working with any cleaning supplies or potentially hazardous chemicals. Chemicals must be stored neatly in a clean, dry, ventilated and cool area, the containers clearly labelled and firmly closed. Leaking cans and containers must be removed and

replaced, and any spills wiped up and cleaned away. Never leave a container under a drum with the tap running when you are not present, as it can result in the contents spilling over and onto the floor surface. This is an extremely dangerous procedure when handling corrosive, highly volatile chemicals.

It is essential to take note of any problems or potential risks that may be present in the workplace environment and take corrective action as quickly as possible. By remembering these few simple tips, you can be sure that your working environment is not only clean and healthy, but safe as well.

African Cleaning Review March/April 2018

advertorial Chemical Convertors

BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS ACHIEVE GLOBAL GREEN TAG APPROVAL

SEWERAGE ACTIVATOR

MULTI–PURPOSE DIGESTOR

BIO-ENZYMATIC BOWL CLEANER

DRAINZYME

Global Green Tag is one of the world’s most robust, trusted and widely recognised ecolabels. The company independently assures that every product is fitness tested and certified under one of the two leading certification programmes that use the world’s best scientific methods. That’s why the company has earned the reputation and trust of thousands of buyers, hundreds of companies and numerous green building councils, certification bodies and governments around the world.

To build trust in Green Tag, the company: • Requires full disclosure of every product ingredient and process. • Made it the most independently certified, standards compliant certification in the market. HOW BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS WORK • Natural bacteria are selected for greatest efficiency of organic waste’s digestion. • Microorganisms and free enzymes are ready to go to work. • Enzymes are soon activated with water and organic material. • Free enzymes break down organic molecules to make them easier to be digested by selected microorganisms. • Microorganisms reproduce themselves as required by the organic waste to be digested. • Only the required number of bacteria stays alive to keep the surface clean from organic waste. The biological product range includes a variety of readily biodegradable cleaning-chemical products:

SEWERAGE ACTIVATOR A bioactive grease-cutting formulation and sewerage activator is a unique combination of cultures, enzymes and nutrients designed effectively to degrade waste in sinks, grease traps, septic tanks, pit toilets and drains. The enzyme activity digests complex proteins, cellulose, starch, fats, oils and grease.

system. The selection of specialised bacterial strains and chemical cleaners are specifically designed to make your toilet shine like never before. In addition to being a bowl cleaner you can use daily for down urinal, shower, sink and bathtub drains. This will assist you in keeping pipes clear and free from grease, fats and other solid materials.

Application: • Septic tanks • French drains • Pit toilets

Application: • Cleaner and odour control • Change rooms/washrooms • Urinals/sinks/showers

MULTI–PURPOSE DIGESTOR This is a biological product containing microorganisms and is non-toxic, non-corrosive and has instant odour control. It is ideal for use in homes, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, schools, factories, flats, office blocks and farms. Application: • Odour control – carpets (pet spills/vomit/ urine)

DRAINZYME A multi-biological breakthrough that allows the natural ability of bacteria/enzymes to digest and degrade waste. Drainzyme has the remarkable ability to withstand intermittent high temperatures and the high alkalinity of many cleaning products. The product utilises the natural ability of unique bacterial strains to degrade the solid waste that accumulates in grease traps and drain lines.

BIO-ENZYMATIC BOWL CLEANER This bio-enzymatic bowl cleaner is used to help digest and degrade waste in the entire sewer

Application: • Fat/grease traps • Drain-lines/waste treatment

African(011) Cleaning970-2023/4/5 Review March/April •2018 Tel: Email: sales@chemicalconvertors.co.za • www.chemicalconvertors.co.za

laundry review How to purchase and care for hotel linen

s a frequent hotel guest, one of the first things noticed in a hotel room by Diversey’s Simon Hemmes is the linen, from the bed sheets and pillows to the bathroom towels. If it shows signs of wear and tear, has oddly coloured stains or an unpleasant odour, it contributes negatively to the overall impression of the hotel. And other travellers agree – quality linen can contribute anywhere from 5 to 20 percent of customer satisfaction ratings, according to a study by Metabolic. The study also found that over the course of a year, a 120-room hotel can spend roughly US$ 65 000 (ZAR 786 000) on linen laundering, with 25 percent of that cost due to linen itself. Lowering operational costs within the hospitality industry can be a major challenge, but there are ways hotels can save. According to Hemmes linen can have a longer life if hotels are smart about the purchase process and how they care for linen. When purchasing new linen, hotels can enhance customer satisfaction, reduce operational and labour costs, and increase their commitment to sustainability by following the following guidelines: 1. Choose durable linen. One-hundred percent organic cotton is more durable and preferred by most customers. Because it can be recycled 2-4 times on average, it reduces GMG emissions and landfill waste, thereby saving money and the planet. 2. Avoid linen made from cotton grown using high amounts of insecticides and pesticides. Nonorganic cotton consumes up to 24 percent of the world’s insecticides and 11 percent of pesticides, thereby making it a highly impactful crop. Organic cotton, on the other hand, is more environmentally friendly and should be chosen by hotels whenever possible. 3. Source textiles from areas with low water stress. Textile crops occupy 2 percent of agricultural land, yet they are responsible for 20 percent of agricultural water use. Looking

into where linen comes from helps hotels ensure that their linen is responsibly sourced. 4. Swap out woven for knitted. Towels are usually woven, but the knitting method uses a different manufacturing process that reduces energy use by up to 15 percent and can result in softer, more breathable linen that customers prefer. 5. Ensure linen is bleached with ozone during manufacturing. Most linen is bleached white with toxic chemicals, which contributes to environmental pollution, water waste and GHG emissions. Ozone bleaching during the manufacturing process produces a vivid white color and is non-toxic, providing guests with a safe and environmentally friendly option.

Linen care Proper textile selection is the first step to extending the life of linen. Then, hotels must consider tips for proper linen care, including: 1. Implementing a low-temperature wash programme. These lowtemperature wash solutions, like Clax® Advanced, reduce energy and water consumption and wear on linen while making stains disappear. The programme extends the lifespan of linen by 30 percent or more. 2. Following the ’first time right‘ approach. When linen is washed correctly the first time with the right wash programmes and pre-spotting procedures, hotels reduce the need to rewash linen. This helps to increase labour productivity and significantly lowers energy and water use. 3. Introducing new textile-washing policies and practices to employees and guests. When washing policies and practices are improved, it’s important to train employees on the new method to ensure that linen is treated correctly. It’s also vital to inform guests of the hotel’s environmental policies and ask for their co-

operation when new washing practices are put in place so guests understand when linen will be replaced. 4. Repurposing linen. When linens reach the end of their lifespan, it’s crucial that hotels don’t toss them out. Instead, programmes like Diversey Linens for Life® initiative helps hotels set up a process with communities to re-use linen as cleaning rags or even pocket linings and other trimmings for clothing. 5. Recycling. With 100 percent organic cotton, hotels can recycle or work with a third-party provider to compost used textiles. This helps the environment as well as a hotel’s image. Whether a hotel is searching for ways to cut back on its water and energy bills or increase guest satisfaction scores, smart linen purchasing and care can help properties see results. To learn more about the impact of linen and tips for purchasing, care and end-of-life decisions, access the executive summary of a study on the environmental impact of hotel linen, which Diversey commissioned by Metabolic. For more information visit: www.diversey.com

African Cleaning Review March/April 2018

facilities management review

High-traffic facilities reap many benefits from green practices Visitors have expectations for high-traffic facilities such as airports, train stations, stadiums and large office buildings. In addition to convenience, people today now look for sustainable initiatives when they visit a busy facility.

ringing nature indoors by adding more park-like spaces, plants, trees and natural light has become popular and sends a strong, positive message to visitors about your facility. Green practices have a significant impact on user experience in your facility because they offer the ability to:

African Cleaning Review March/April 2018

• Reduce pollutants • Improve ventilation • Offer noise control • Ensure building hygiene • Enhance air and water quality Additionally, sustainable practices can also deliver economic benefits. One benefit we like to share is what can be gained from switching from paper towels to high-speed hand dryers. With this one decision, your facility can increase energy efficiency, cut back on costs and have the opportunity to qualify for green recognition, like valuable LEED credits. In a high-traffic facility these benefits are especially important. Efficient high-speed hand dryers use up to 88 percent less energy and dry hands up to three times faster. Over its lifetime, a high-speed hand dryer produces three tons less CO2 than the production of the paper towels it replaces – saving the resources required to make paper. Additionally, while it is possible to make paper towels from recycled paper, they are rarely, if ever,

recycled, creating millions of cubic feet of waste in landfills. Another reason why high-speed hand dryers are a great fit for busy facilities is their rapid dry times – cutting down on waiting time, queues and crowding. Paper towels can make a mess very quickly in a frequently used washroom, from overflowing waste baskets to clogged toilets. Installing high-speed hand dryers will help ensure that your visitors’ time in the washroom doesn’t detract from their overall experiences at your facility. There are many studies that prove how much environmental quality affects the image and reputation of frequently visited facilities. Focusing on the improvement of facility operations in all areas delivers benefits to both the overall operations of a facility as well as the quality of its environment. Article by Dan Storto, president of US-based World Dryer, a global manufacturer of energy efficient, rapid-dry hand dryers. For more information visit: www.worlddryer.com

facilities management review

Proper and correct HVAC system cleaning vital to maintain IAQ

By: Chris Greenwood

Few building owners or facility managers would argue the fact that HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) systems are important factors in a building’s indoor environment. After all, it seems only logical that the systems relied upon to condition and transport air through a facility would play a key role in the quality of the air in an occupied building. As such, one would expect that due consideration would be given to the design, installation, and maintenance of these air-handling systems. However, budget cuts and limited financial resources in general often dictate that indoor-air quality, and HVAC maintenance in particular, take a back seat when budgets are compiled.

VAC system and air ducts should be cleaned for the same reason that the rest of the building or facility needs cleaning. Imagine if your building had not been cleaned for three to five years? Most facility firms keep very clean buildings; however, they cannot fathom what is commonly found in HVAC systems. Even new buildings have air ducts, which are filled with construction debris. It is therefore

Internally insulated ductwork before cleaning.

Internally insulated ductwork after cleaning.

recommended that HVAC systems be cleaned every three to five years. A five-year study conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) showed that indoor air-pollutant levels exceed outdoor levels by 200 to 500 percent. Many hazardous contaminants, such as mould spores, fungi, bacteria, pollen, animal dander, etc. have the potential to affect people’s health. Harmful contaminants are drawn into air ducts where warmth, darkness and humidity create a breeding ground for these contaminants. The HVAC system will continue to disperse these contaminants back into the air circulated within a building. The removal of such contaminants from the HVAC system should be considered as the first step in an overall plan to improve indoor-air quality. Research conducted by the EPA has shown that removal of debris that builds up inside HVAC systems can improve air flow by up to 20 percent or more. This means that the system should not have to run as long to do the job it was designed to do, resulting in reduced energy bills. Proper and correct HVAC system cleaning in accordance with Concept Clean Africa and The National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA) Standard of the USA along with regular system maintenance can help achieve optimal efficiency for existing HVAC systems. Concept Clean Africa bases its work

methods on the NADCA Standard as this outlines several cleaning requirements that are important to follow to ensure HVAC cleaning is performed correctly – offering high quality results. Sanitisers are antimicrobial chemicals applied to the interior surface of the air ducts and are designed to control microbial contamination. Before any sanitisers are used, the system should be thoroughly cleaned. It is imperative that any antimicrobial treatment used in your system be EPA-registered for use in HVAC systems. Concept Clean Africa is the Southern African distributor for HVAC-specific chemical products EnviroCon™ and Oxine A.D. Both products are EPA- and Food and Drug Association (FDA)registered sanitisers and deodorisers for HVAC systems. These chemical products can be applied to occupied spaces because of their low-toxicity levels. In order to serve the increasing need to minimise elevated levels of circulating dust and bacterial contaminates within HVAC systems, Concept Clean Africa offers a highly specialised service to solve indoor-airquality problems. For more information visit: www.conceptcleanafrica.co.za or contact Chris Greenwood, Sales Director, Concept Clean Africa at chris@conceptcleanafrica.co.za

African Cleaning Review March/April 2018

new products End-to-end integrated dust-management solutions

RDC 20 is an innovative formulation of blended emulsified copolymers and ionic modifiers.

I-CAT offers highly effective dustsuppression systems for mines, based on extensive research and development, coupled with affordability. Thus, it is able to provide end-to-end integrated dust-management solutions that comply with all relevant industry regulations and standards. The company has in-house capabilities to research and develop products to fit specific client solutions. Assessments are conducted onsite, and soil samples are extracted. “Once these have been analysed, we customise the necessary products and service in accordance with the client’s requirements. Each case is different,” I-CAT Dust Division Project Manager, Wessel van der Westhuizen explains. Site inspections are conducted, whereby I-CAT gathers all of the necessary information from the client in order to compile a baseline of their current dust emissions. It then consults with the environmental department to determine the source of the dust being generated, which involves a full-scale analysis of the soil samples taken, so as to be able to provide a tailored solution. In addition, I-CAT generates a thorough report on the effectiveness on all or any systems supplied. It conducts regular trials for mines on different soil samples. “Trial-and-error is key to perfecting our products and systems,” van der Westhuizen stresses. Main products in this regard include

African Cleaning Review March/April 2018

RDC 20, an innovative formulation of blended emulsified copolymers and ionic modifiers. When sprayed onto the road surface, this water-soluble anionic polyelectrolyte polymer forms a durable cross-linked matrix. The matrix binds fine soil particles into larger, heavier particles, which are less prone to becoming airborne. GreenGrip is a natural polymerbased, durable, gravel-road sealant. It is an environment-safe alternative to chemically based products for semipermanent gravel roads on mines and in residential areas. It is water soluble and is incorporated easily into routine dust-suppression procedures, with no requirement for special equipment or handling precautions.

GreenBit is a natural binding agent combined with an emulsified bituminous product to create a durable gravel-road sealant. It is also an environment-safe alternative to purely chemically-based products for permanent gravel roads on mines and in residential areas. GreenBit was developed specifically for this application and produces a durable, smooth and dust-free surface that eliminates the need for frequent maintenance. I-CAT has acquired the sole distribution rights for sub-Saharan Africa for state-of-the-art, low-pressure misting systems from Europe. “We have modified and adjusted this worldleading technology for application in the industrial and mining sectors in Africa,” van der Westhuizen adds. I-CAT also holds the sole distribution rights for an exciting new mist-nozzle system, developed and manufactured in Europe. It enables the user to have full control of the amount of water used – from minimal water usage, with no effect on the resource, up to higher levels of water use that increase the level of moisture in the material, which is desirable in some cases. This system is easy to install and operate. The DustMonster product line provides outstanding results by creating an ultra-fine mist that attracts dust, encapsulating airborne particles, and driving them to the ground.

DustMonster creates an ultra-fine mist that attracts dust encapsulating airborne particles.

Amsterdam – where cleaning professionals meet in 2018

Join Steve Braham on a tour to bustling Amsterdam and the world’s largest professional cleaning and hygiene exhibition INTERCLEAN Amsterdam 2018

Tour dates: 12-17 May 2018 Tour package highlights: • KLM/Air France flights from and to O.R. Tambo International • Five night accommodation in 3 star Apollo Museum Hotel situated in Amsterdam’s museum district • Transfers to and from hotel • Welcome drinks and snacks at the Apollo Museum Hotel • Day trip sight-seeing tour of Holland in luxury coach • Evening canal cruise through city of Amsterdam – drinks and snacks included • Entrance to cocktail party hosted by the ISSA • Farewell three-course dinner including drinks at an Amsterdam restaurant

For more information contact Steve at: Tel: +27 11 646 9322 Email: steve@swbagencies.co.za | Website: www.swbsports.co.za @swbsports |

SWB Sports

Tour package rates* • Single booking: ZAR 29 995.00 • Twin/sharing: ZAR 23 500.00 per person

Land only arrangements* • Single booking: ZAR 21 000.00 • Twin/sharing: ZAR 15 000.00 per person * T our package rates subject to exchange rate fluctuations

people and events NCCA Western Cape committee

In January the National Contract Cleaners Association (NCCA) Western Cape branch elected a new executive committee at a meeting held at the Kelvin Grove Club in Cape Town. With a strong drive to inject some “new energy” into the Western Cape cleaning industry, the committee is made up of established industry players, committed to represent the interests of the regional cleaning industry membership. Committee members pictured from left to right are: Thami Makeleni (Metro Cleaning), Nealia Berger (Prime Cleaning Suppliers), Andrew Brown (Ethical Services), Clive Damonze – Chairman (Metro Cleaning), Michelle Williams (Metro Cleaning), Niell Damonze (Metro Cleaning), Matthew Gervais (Prime Wetrok Cleaning Academy).

NCCA Western Cape golf day The annual NCCA Western Cape branch golf day took place on Friday 23 February at the picturesque Rondebosch golf course in Cape Town. The field included 22 4-balls and 11 wet holes. Prime Cleaning Suppliers won the trophy for the best sponsored hole featuring a set of 4 seats where weary golfers could sit down for a complimentary head and shoulder massage while watching the company’s drone in action. The NCCA branch introduced a brand new floating trophy for the Team of the Year. A bit of wind and rain towards the end of the day did not dampen the enthusiasm of the golfers, all dressed in bright-red golf shirts and caps that almost resembled the labour movement.

African Cleaning Review March/April 2018

people and events NCCA Gauteng meeting The first NCCA Gauteng branch meeting for the year took place at the Emperors Palace conference centre, near OR Tambo international airport. Branch Vice Chairman Pieter van der Westhuizen chaired the meeting and national Chairman Patrick Makhubela was also in attendance. Diversey hosted the meeting, which allowed the leading global cleaning-and-hygienesolutions company the opportunity to highlight the recent changes at the company, new branding and the latest bright orange TASKI equipment as presented by Michelle Cowley.

African Cleaning Review March/April 2018

people and events Hako equipment launch In February EIE Group launched a cross section of the latest HAKO cleaning and sweeping machines at their premises in East Rand. The star of the show was the Hako Citymaster 600, a multifunctional vehicle and sweeper. Its compact dimensions, small working width and extreme manoeuvrability from a true track articulated steering enable the vehicle to access the most confined areas. The robust and maintenance friendly Citymaster 600 from Hako is equipped with a universal hopper with nominal volume of 600 litres and a loading capacity of 500 kg. Hako imports a comprehensive range of its scrubber dryers and sweepers through the Toyota Forklift division of the EIE Group. Seen here is the Hako team on the day, ready to showcase the latest equipment to clients and the media.

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African Cleaning Review March/April 2018