African Cleaning Review MarchApril issue

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March/April 2020 | R61.50 (incl. VAT)

Readying workplace for COVID-19 Chemical dispensing systems Loadshedding and your power backup

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African Cleaning Review March/April 2020

contents MARCH/APRIL 2020 VOL 21 NO. 2 Prime Cleaning Suppliers is a leading South African cleaning-solutions supplier, established in 1996. Prime Cleaning Suppliers has 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 cover paper products/dispensers, cleaning chemicals/ disinfectants, floorcare machines and cleaning sundries. Prime Cleaning Suppliers has an ongoing commitment to ensure the best long-term solution to their customers and represents the following brands: Aquarius, Kleenex, Scott, Wetrok, Wypall, and Rubbermaid Commercial Products.

Opinion

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Safe cleaning and disinfection when confronted with COVID-19

Educational

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WHO details basic protective measures against new coronavirus

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Industry News

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Upright vacuum that changes the game in vacuuming Unleash the power with cordless cleaning machines Tork colour-coded cloths offer true colours of efficiency and hygiene

Features

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Coronavirus in the workplace • Readying the workplace for COVID-19

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FM Review

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When Eskom loadshedding strikes, is your power backup investment fail-safe?

City Lodge group invests in solar energy

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.

Jul/Aug issue: Editorial deadline 19 June • Digital and smart cleaning solutions • Healthcare cleaning and hygiene Sept/Oct issue: Editorial deadline 21 August • Sustainable cleaning • Carpet care Nov/Dec issue: Editorial deadline 16 October • Hospitality cleaning solutions • Washroom products and cleaning Feature sections in every issue: • Laundry and Dry Cleaning Review • Facilities Management Review

Published by:

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NCCA Gauteng branch meeting NCCA Western Cape branch golf day Seen at a recent cricket ODI event Clean exhibits at hospitality expo

New Products

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.

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Coronavirus: prevention, risks and protocols for Professional Textile Care Choosing a quality towel for your hospitality facility Texcare International exhibition postponed

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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 Operations and Accounts: Nandé Jacobs Email: africancleaningreview@cleantex.co.za

May/June issue: Editorial deadline 17 April • Hard floorcare cleaning solutions • Hand hygiene

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People and Events

AfricanCleaningReview

Planned features for 2020

Chemical dispensing systems • Raise questions to select the correct equipment • What to look out for when purchasing a dishwashdosing system

Laundry Review

@AfricanCleanMag african-cleaning-review

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Minister announces increase in minimum wage Nilfisk donation to new Chinese hospital fighting coronavirus Bidvest to acquire foremost European hygiene service provider Increased hand hygiene at world’s top 10 airports can reduce virus spread Emergency drinking-water treatment to deploy in SA Cape Town’s anti-graffiti squad cleaning up the CBD

Editorial

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 PO Box 1976, Halfway House, 1685, South Africa Email: africancleaningreview@cleantex.co.za Website: www.africancleaningreview.co.za

Official publication and media partner of:

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First intelligent hand dryers to enter the local market Three new products added to Vikan food-handling range Ensuring urinal cleanliness

African Cleaning Review March/April 2020

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from the editor

opinion

Time for cleaning professionals to stand up and be counted Since our previous issue the world as we know it has changed drastically with the emphasis on how people view cleaning and, even more so, the effective cleaning and hygiene of public spaces. With the recent announcement by the World Health Organization (WHO) that the coronavirus is now classified as a pandemic, cleaning contractors became the front line of defence in the battle against the COVID-19 virus. Cleaning of public spaces has become an absolute priority and we have seen a surge in demand for hand-sanitising and other hygiene products to combat this virus outbreak.

As professional cleaners continue to battle the spread of COVID-19, a new study finds that the virus can survive on surfaces for up to a couple of days. Researchers in the US found that the virus can survive on hard surfaces including plastic and stainless steel for up to 72 hours and 24 hours on cardboard surfaces. It is therefore imperative that when cleaning workers go about their cleaning tasks in these extraordinary times, they wash their hands frequently, wear personal protective equipment, and wipe down surfaces with ammonia or alcohol-based products.

Another impact of the rapid spread of COVID-19 is the postponement of leading international cleaning exhibitions including Interclean Amsterdam, Texcare International and the Manchester Cleaning Show. It comes at a regrettable time when intelligence about effective and innovative cleaning and hygiene solutions peak in demand.

With the coronavirus increasingly being detected, cleaning professionals must realise now more than ever that the spotlight has moved squarely onto their activities. History should reflect this as a period during which effective cleaning and hygiene protocols played a definitive role as a preventative measure against COVID-19. Now is the time for the professional cleaning industry to prove its significance to society and, most importantly, to prove the value of clean.

Safe cleaning and disinfection when confronted with COVID-19 infections: How hospitals can ensure they are equipped The repatriation of South Africans from coronavirus-stricken Wuhan in China, and Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize’s recent announcement that 13 public hospitals had been identified to treat the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19) in South Africa, have sparked a reality update. That special thought should be given to the safety of caregivers and cleaning staff active in healthcare facilities on a daily basis.

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t the time of publication, numerous cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in South Africa’s provinces, as well as in 19 other countries across the African continent.

Meiko, a global technology and service company that develops solutions and supports the processes required to ensure professional dishwashing, cleaning and disinfection, offer a closer look at ways to safely clean and disinfect contaminated hospital utensils.

David Fisman, epidemiologist at the University of Toronto, warns that the potential for COVID-19 to spread via faeces presents novel challenges to hospitals in particular. He also sees potential for the pathogen to take the faecal–oral route if hygiene standards are insufficient. Restricting the virus spread thus becomes difficult, as care utensils such as bedpans become trouble spots within the chain of infection.

Certified effective against COVID-19 The cleaning and disinfection performance of Meiko cleaning and

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disinfection machines has now been assessed as highly effective against COVID-19 by independent hygiene institute, Hygcen Germany GmbH. The report compares the temperature, mechanism and use of chemicals in Meiko appliances with the established characteristics of coronaviruses. The results: the cleaning process used in Meiko cleaning and disinfection machines is safe. There are, however, a few points to remember when dealing with potentially contaminated care utensils.

Add an alkali detergent to the hot cycle Numerous tests have shown high efficacy in combatting viruses with viral envelopes, in particular using detergents with high emulsifying capacities and hot alkali-detergent solutions at 50 °C or higher.

Coronaviruses fit into this category.

Set the disinfection cycle An A0 value of 600 is considered sufficient to disinfect surfaces of temperature-sensitive viruses such as coronaviruses. On some Meiko

opinion appliances, the user can even set this independently. On others, the manufacturer can configure the machine to achieve this. Two temperature sensors verify each other, guaranteeing that the required temperature in the wash chamber of the Meiko machine is reliably maintained over the necessary time period (10 minutes at 80 °C, 1 minute at 90 °C). A0 values can be set or selected from 60 to 3 000.

Rinse-aid/water-softener dosing is compulsory Rinse aid and water softeners have an additional mechanism that destroys viruses, so they are currently especially recommended as part of the process.

They are used anyway in Meiko appliances to prevent the build-up of limescale deposits in the machine and mineral residues on the care utensils.

These points should be observed regardless of whether you are using the short, standard or intensive programme.

Choosing the programme with the correct cleaning performance and the right wash mechanism to achieve the required result depends on the general level of dirt on the care utensils.

Avoiding hospital infections In hospitals, it is standard practice to set up quarantine bedrooms and

Meiko bedpan washer

isolation wards in the case of highly contagious viral infections. In these instances, care utensils must be cleaned in a bedpan washer in the patient’s room or the adjacent wet room. Meiko offers a solution that integrates into the wall.

“Machine cleaning generally minimises contact between potentially contaminated care utensils, medical staff and other patients, effectively reducing the risk of hospital infections or cross-contamination,” says Dr Thomas Peukert, Chief Technology Officer at Meiko.

Safe-cleaning routes for nonmedical devices

Meiko solutions for isolation wards

“In the first instance, the pathogen continues to spread via airway secretions,” explains visiting lecturer Dr Friedrich von Rheinbaben, hygienist and virologist. To avoid droplet infection and transmission via tiny particles in the air (aerosol), any utensils that come into contact with potentially infectious airway secretions (spittoons, wash bowls, etc.) should be disinfected after use.

These items may not be classed as medical devices, but they must be kept hygienically clean for safety,

especially in the case of an epidemic.

Multiwashers manufactured by Meiko are designed for this and provide chemothermal disinfection.

The Sinner circle As early as the 1930s, Meiko started gathering expertise in cleaning and disinfection technology and in medical devices, meaning we now possess extensive expertise in this area.

The Sinner circle is a principle that has always been applied in Meiko machines and is still valuable. This model describes the mechanisms that are used in cleaning processes.

There are four factors here that come together to determine the cleaning result. They are: cleaning agents, mechanism, temperature and time.

You can change each individual factor, but you must ensure that the relationship between them remains in balance. In this respect, Meiko offers reliable, holistic processes, especially in the case of infectious diseases.

The Meiko system includes a suitable machine, the right chemicals and the necessary dosing systems.

For more information about Meiko, visit: www.meiko.info

African Cleaning Review March/April 2020

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educational coronavirus preventative measures

WHO details basic protective measures against the new coronavirus The World Health Organization (WHO) urges people around the world to stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak. Information is available on the WHO website and through national and local public health authorities. COVID-19 is still affecting people in China with increased outbreaks in other countries. Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others.

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he WHO encourages people to take care of their health and to protect others by adhering to the following:

Wash your hands frequently Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body.

Practice respiratory hygiene Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene.

This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

Maintain social distancing Maintain at least 1 metre distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

Why? When someone coughs or sneezes, they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth, which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus, if the person coughing has the disease.

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the

Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19.

Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authorities or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

Why? National and local authorities will have the most up-to-date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.

If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early

When and how to use masks

Stay at home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.

Why? National and local authorities will have the most up-to-date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your healthcare provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent the spread of viruses and other infections.

• If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected COVID-19 infection.

• Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.

• Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent handcleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

• If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.

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

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African Cleaning Review March/April 2020

educational coronavirus preventative measures

How to put on, use, take off and dispose of a mask • Before putting on a mask, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

• Cover your mouth and nose with the mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.

• Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

• Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not reuse single-use masks.

• To remove the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front

of mask); discard it immediately in a closed bin; clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

For information about the WHO or more information related to the virus, visit: www.who.int. For more local information about COVID-19 visit: www.sacoronavirus.co.za

African Cleaning Review March/April 2020

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industry news Minister announces increase in minimum wage

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outh Africa’s Minister of Employment and Labour Thulas Nxesi promulgated the new national minimum wage (NMW) effective 1 March 2020. This is the first increase since its introduction in 2019.

The national minimum hourly wage

and the special wages for some categories of work will increase by almost 3.8 percent, which is approximately in line with current inflation figures. However, the unions – outraged at a previous recommendation of a 5 percent increase – commented

that the minimum wage introduced in 2019 was agreed in 2017, and therefore was now much eroded.

With effect from 1 March 2020 employers shall pay contract-cleaning workers at least the minimum hourly wage as detailed in the schedule below:

Area A

Area B

Area C

Metropolitan Councils: City of Cape Town, Greater East Rand Metro, cities of Johannesburg, Tshwane and Nelson Mandela.

In the rest of South Africa

Local Councils: Emfuleni, Merafong, Mogale City, Metsimaholo, Randfontein, Stellenbosch, Westonaria.

All areas in KwaZulu-Natal NB: Conditions of employment for KwaZulu-Natal areas shall be subject to the agreement concluded in the Bargaining Council for the Contract Cleaning Service Industry KwaZulu-Natal (BCCCI) published in the Government Gazette No. 38468 dated 13 February 2015.

Rate per hour R22.84

Rate per hour R23.04

Rate per hour R20.83

Subsequent to the new NMW announcement, the National Contract Cleaners Association (NCCA) NEC issued the following statement: “As most NCCA members are aware, the national minimum wage increased to R20.76, effective 1 March 2020.

In conjunction with the NMW, all sectoral determinations, of which cleaning is one, increased with the same/similar percentage of 3.8 percent. Although this might be interpreted as a low increase, it must be borne in mind that CPI has remained in this range and it also reflects a realistic view on a depressed economy. Whereas the Department

of Employment and Labour is tasked with improving terms and conditions of employment, they are equally concerned with unemployment; further hiking the increase would likely exacerbate job losses.

With effect from 1 March 2020: • Area A has increased from R22.00 to R22.84 • Area B (KZN) has increased from R22.20 to R23.04 • Area C has increased from R20.07 to R20.83 It must be noted that the increase in KZN was rather unexpected as confirmation was received from the

Department of Employment and Labour that the current agreement would be extended until August 2020.

The NCCA is currently taking legal advice on the situation and will advise members once there is a definitive answer. Many KZN NCCA members have taken the view to withhold increases until this matter has been finally adjudicated.

We trust the above summary is of assistance, however, should you require any further guidance or clarity do not hesitate to contact the NCCA’s national office.”

Email: national@ncca.co.za

Nilfisk donation to new Chinese hospital fighting coronavirus

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eading global provider of professional cleaning solutions and services Nilfisk announced that it signed an agreement with the Chinese contract-cleaning company, T&RAIN Group, to donate a range of cleaning machines to the new Huoshenshan Hospital in Wuhan, China.

Huoshenshan is an emergency specialist hospital, built in Wuhan over a period of only 10 days – 23 January to 2 February – in response to the current coronavirus outbreak. The hospital is operated by the Chinese authorities

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and is designed to isolate and treat patients infected with the coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Nilfisk equipment arrived at the hospital on 4 February and is being used by T&RAIN Group to clean the hospital following the building and construction work that took place. This will ensure that all facilities provide an optimal hygienic standard for incoming patients, according to China Daily.

Serdar Ülger, Group Senior Vice President of Nilfisk, responsible for sales in Asia and Pacific, commented:

“We are deeply saddened to see the current development of the coronavirus in China and beyond. As a global company with a presence in China, we want to act responsibly and support the communities where we operate. In this case, we are putting our products to work at the much-needed Huoshenshan Hospital in Wuhan.”

Nilfisk offers a range of professional cleaning products used to clean hospitals across the world, including floor-cleaning machines, vacuum cleaners and high-pressure washers.

editorial GCE Upright vacuum that changes the game in vacuuming Latest from leading industrial-cleaning-equipment solutions provider, Goscor Cleaning Equipment (GCE), is the Goscor 30UR upright vacuum. The new machine – a culmination of feedback from the cleaning industry and years of innovation and development – ushers in a new era with a range of innovative features. It is ideally suited for commercial office and hospitality applications, particularly within the BSC industry.

Peter Esterhuizen, National Sales Director at GCE, explains that key features include flat operation, easy repair and replacement, the patented Whizzo indicator and its ability to reach high places. The Goscor 30UR can operate completely flat, so cleaners can reach all the hard-to-reach areas such as under furniture, desks, equipment and any other obstacles.

The telescopic wand affords the machine the ability to reach high areas easily and provide an ergonomic way to operate the machine. “The upright vacuum cleaner offers improved ergonomics compared to barrel vacuums, resulting in less operator fatigue,” says Esterhuizen.

A quick disconnect of the upper body from the motor deck translates into easy repair and maintenance. The machine also comes with a detachable power cord for convenient storage. Additionally, no technical support is needed in case of replacement.

The patented Whizzo indicator creates a loud, highpitched tone when the bag is full or the vacuum is clogged.

Additionally, it supplies the motor with cooling air to avoid temperature peaks to limit breakdowns and reduce maintenance costs and downtime.

Meanwhile, its high-speed agitator (3 000 rpm) in the vacuum head lifts the carpet pile, resulting in deeper cleaning. “Of note is that the machine only weighs in at 8.3 kg, making transportation, storage and operation convenient for the operator. The unit produces noise levels of only 69 dBA, making it ideal to use even during office hours,” concludes Esterhuizen.

Goscor Cleaning Equipment is a Bud Group company, which represents leading cleaning equipment brands including: Tennant, Elgin, Maer, Delfin, Kaivac, i-team and HighPoint. For more information, visit: www.goscorcleaning.co.za

African Cleaning Review March/April 2020

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industry news Bidvest to acquire foremost European hygiene service provider

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ervices, trading and distribution group Bidvest is set to be a stronger player in the hygiene industry after agreeing to acquire UK-based PHS Group, the foremost hygiene provider in the UK, Ireland and Spain, for £495 m (R9.8 bn).

Bidvest recently announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire 100 percent of hygiene service provider PHS Group from Anchorage Capital Group, L.L.C. Further expansion into the hygiene sector comes at a time when the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19) amplified the need for improved public health, specifically in the away-from-home sector.

“Even though the coronavirus has been devastating in many cases, it has highlighted the need for improved hygiene across the world,” CEO

Lindsay Ralphs said, referring to the respiratory disease that has killed thousands, disrupted global trade and raised concerns about global economic growth.

PHS was founded in 1963 and currently serves in excess of 120 000 clients. The hygiene market is resilient and continues to grow – supported by structural growth drivers such as urbanisation, hygiene and safety standards as well as a growing and aging population, to name a few.

In the UK, the provision of sanitary and nappy bins is legislated by the Environmental Protection Act of 1990.

External industry research forecasts the hygiene market to grow at 1.5–2.0 times GDP. Speaking at the presentation of Bidvest’s interim results in March,

Ralphs said the hygiene industry was large but fragmented, suggesting his company could play a role in possible sector consolidation. The acquisition of PHS is in line with Bidvest’s stated strategic intent to expand its presence beyond South Africa in niche, assetlight businesses that will benefit from Bidvest’s capabilities and expertise.

Bidvest believes that the PHS service offering and geographic presence will be complementary to Bidvest’s Services division.

Several learnings can be shared, and enhanced, thereby improving the overall service offering. The geographic footprint allows for growth optionality into Europe and further afield. The transaction is expected to be completed by mid 2020.

Increased hand hygiene at world’s top 10 airports can reduce spread of coronavirus

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he increasing spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) across the globe via infected travellers could result in a pandemic if not contained in hotspot areas such as congested airport facilities. A study just published by the Society for Risk Analysis, analysing the impact of implementing diseasemitigation strategies at airports across the globe, finds that increasing traveller engagement with proper hand hygiene at all airports has the potential to reduce the risk of a potential pandemic by 24–69 percent.

The researchers also identified 10 critical airports, central to the global air-transportation network. And if hand-washing mitigation strategies are implemented in just these 10 locations,

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the pandemic risk could drop by up to 37 percent.

The study, ‘Hand-hygiene mitigation strategies against global disease spreading through the air transportation network’, suggests that if increased handwashing practices were instituted in 10 key airports, there would be a significant impact on decreasing the spread of viruses. These 10 airports are not just locations that see large volumes of passengers, they also connect travellers with destinations in all parts of the world.

The identified airports include: • London Heathrow • Los Angeles International • John F. Kennedy • Charles de Gaulle • Dubai International • Frankfurt • Hong Kong International • Beijing Capital • San Francisco • Amsterdam Schiphol “Airports – and airplanes – are highly infectious because they are close, confined areas with large, mobile populations,” states Christos Nicolaides PhD, lead author, University of Cyprus and

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). “Viruses are spread through bodily fluids, so keeping hands clean at major transport hubs is central to control spread.”

Airports also contain numerous highly contaminated surfaces that are frequently touched by travellers, including selfservice check-in screens, gate-bench armrests, water-fountain buttons, door handles, seats and tray tables. In addition to increasing the frequency at which public areas are cleaned and sanitised, using proper coughing etiquette, wearing face masks, and proper hand-hygiene practices are the most common actions that can be adopted by air travellers.

Currently, analyses show that, at most, one in five people have clean hands at any given moment. If hand cleanliness at all airports increased from 20 percent to 30 percent, by increasing the capacity and/or awareness of hand washing, the impact of a potential infectious disease would have a global impact that is 24 percent smaller. A cost-effective measure would be to adopt these practices at the top 10 most influential airports, reducing the impact of the disease spreading to just 37 percent.

African Cleaning Review March/April 2020

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industry news Emergency drinking-water treatment to deploy in SA

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lueGreen Water Technologies Ltd, a global cleantech company, announced in February that it has named Jurgens Van Loggerenberg as its Africa Head of Operations. In this role, Van Loggerenberg’s focus will be providing regulators, local municipalities, water utility companies and private communities in the South African market with access to BlueGreen’s rapid-response and resultdriven toxic algae treatment.

Blue-green algae blooms have been declared a global problem with severe health effects on both humans and animals by the World Health Organization. The toxic algae increases each year in severity and frequency and has become a major concern to regulators and communities all over the world. BlueGreen Water Technologies’ US EPA-approved algaecides have been introduced as a groundbreaking treatment to combat the worldwide cyanobacteria epidemic.

With 20 years of experience in water treatment, Van Loggerenberg brings extensive knowledge,

experience and commitment to this position. Van Loggerenberg began his career servicing the water treatment plants of the Kruger National Park, and subsequent roles included responsibilities at municipal purification plants in Mpumalanga. He worked with the German water-treatment company Süd-Chemie as a technical and sales support for water-treatment plants throughout South Africa. In 2016, he joined the South African chemical group of companies AECI under Improchem as a public water industry specialist. During his 20-year tenure in water treatment, Van Loggerenberg established chlorine dioxide in drinking-water applications as an advanced oxidation process in eutrophic raw water. He has conducted extensive research in this field and contributed to a chlorine dioxide publication as co-author. He also holds two patents to his name.

“We’re excited to have Jurgens aboard the BlueGreen team,” said Eyal Harel, CEO of BlueGreen Water Technologies. “His outstanding professional capabilities and

Jurgens Van Loggerenberg understanding of both water and people has forged long-term relationships in an industry that relies on science and trust. We’re confident that his experience and connections will pave the way for the Lake Guard™ Blue and Lake Guard™ Oxy to be adopted into the African market where the pursuit of clean water is first and foremost a humanitarian matter.”

For more information, visit: www.bgtechs.com

Cape Town’s anti-graffiti squad cleaning up the CBD

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he continuous hard work of Cape Town’s Central Business District’s dedicated graffiti clean-up team aims to keep the Mother City’s CBD attractive to tourists and the public in general.

It is common knowledge that the City of Cape Town does have an ever-increasing problem with illicit writing and drawings using paint and sprayed on or scratched on walls or other surfaces, even electrical boxes are not spared. However, this practice, also known as ‘tagging’ is

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not unique to the City of Cape Town, in fact it is prevalent in many cities across the world. Graffiti is one of the most visible forms of crime and disorder that occurs in a community and as such can become a visible sign of unruliness, social decline and antisocial behaviour among young people, according to the Australian government’s Institute of Criminology.

In the Cape Town CBD, these so-called graffiti tags are quite often gang-related and can affect community members’ perception of the safety of the area. The graffiti squad is part of the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) Urban Management department that delivers top-up services to those performed by its primary partner, the City of Cape Town. The CCID is funded by

business owners in the CBD. “It is destructive to the visual aesthetic of a city and the confidence of the people when an area has all these indicators of discord and disorder. Graffiti tagging portrays this as a place where lawlessness reigns,” a city official said. “The graffiti team assists us in removing the unsightly tagging in and around the CBD. This maintains the upkeep of the area, thus encouraging visitors to come into that space. This, in turn, has a positive impact on businesses and maintains the property value in the area, as well as keeping the space looking neat.”

According to the CCID’s 2019 annual report, graffiti is a significant and escalating problem in the CBD. This is why the graffiti removal team works tirelessly and swiftly to counteract its impact.

African Cleaning Review March/April 2020

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feature chemical dispensing systems

Raise questions to select the correct equipment In this article, Hydro Systems’ Global Director of Brand and Marketing Communications, Alistair Blair-Davies explains how selecting the correct chemical-dispensing equipment is one of the most crucial decisions you will make. Without being sure of delivering safe, cost-effective operation and high-quality cleaning – while responding to all of your customer’s key requirements for quick installation, reliability of dilution, ease of use and maintenance – you risk damaging the most important asset you have – your firm’s reputation.

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ave you ever been disappointed by the performance of a chemical dispenser? Did the model turn out to be nothing like the sleek and efficient problem-solving unit that was promoted to you by the manufacturer? Were you even certain that your choice would have been able to satisfy your customer’s growth and aspirations in the future – let alone their immediate needs?

There is much to bear in mind when you choose a chemical-dispensing system. Avoid being seduced simply by price, by one highlighted feature, or assurances that nothing else on the market is better able to optimise the potential of your chemicals. Otherwise, when there is an irate caller on the line who stood in a pool of congealed chemical residue, reeling from a stream of disgruntled employees and disappointed customers, it is you who will be bearing the brunt of their aggravation.

Asking the right questions Above all, it is about the total package that you offer: the system you choose has to deliver a mutually beneficial high level of performance. What is right for you, is right for your customer – and vice versa.

With what can appear to be a bewildering number of dispensers on the market, how do you ensure that you are giving your customers exactly what they want?

Doing your research and asking the right questions is essential. If you do so, it will help you to maximise the benefits and lifespan of each unit, making for a smooth and profitable long-term relationship.

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From ensuring efficient dispensing, you can immediately begin to deliver a range of significant benefits to your customers, which you can promote in order to gain and retain business. These include improved environmental friendliness and cleanliness, in addition to labour cost savings, increased productivity and safety. A virtuous circle to the bottom line. Employing a dispensing system that delivers the right amount of chemical every time eliminates wastage and ensures that chemicals are not dumped where they can have a negative effect on water supplies and your brand. A closed dispensing system significantly reduces waste packaging that would otherwise end up in landfills. Greenhouse gasses are also reduced because less fuel is needed to ship chemicals in concentrate form.

With automatic dilution, there are no guessing games on whether too much or too little chemical is being used. The right dispensing equipment reduces customers’ cleaning costs by up to 30 percent by accurately diluting the proper amount of chemical – supporting their bottom line. Getting it right, safe and productive by automatically mixing concentrates with water, there is less direct contact with potentially hazardous chemicals, and no heavy containers to carry. Properly diluted chemicals also help to reduce the risk of litigation from dangerous slip-and-fall accidents.

Dispensing systems avoid manual measurement, while correct dilution eliminates the need to fix areas that

were not properly cleaned, resulting in a reduction of labour costs.

When cleaning chemicals are consistently diluted to the manufacturer’s specifications, it allows the concentrates to work at their full potential. Overly rich mixtures can leave slippery residues and even damage surfaces, while weak mixtures can leave germs remaining.

Each scenario could leave the customer pointing accusingly at you.

Thinking ahead Try to be strategic and think ahead. You should base your selection decisions on being able to respond to both the current and future requirements of your customers. Make sure that features are well-suited for their application or they may not function as efficiently as you would like, and that units are user-friendly and enhance productivity. You will want any system to be easy to install to minimise potential problems, whether this is for your in-house team or any contractors you employ to do the job.

Bear in mind that, although some dispensers are designed to handle only one or two chemicals, others allow for multiple options, which can improve cleaning efficiency. It is important to pick a manufacturer whose product line incorporates this range of functions.

Water-pressure problems can be responsible for inconsistent dilution rates. Look for dispensing systems that address this, such as those that contain a regulating component. There are other features that can help to narrow your

feature chemical dispensing systems key. If your customers don’t understand how to use all aspects of the system, how will they get the most out of it?

Make sure your installers remember to follow the proper plumbing codes. Don’t let them place the dispenser where it seems most handy. If the chemical is higher it’s possible it could be siphoned out. This means that too much is used – driving up costs – while delivering a negative impact on performance and productivity. To enable consistent and continuous use, maintenance is crucial.

Regular maintenance ensures great cleaning performance and limits chemical waste, loss of productivity and added costs. choice such as easy-locking buttons on units, technology that enables perfect dilution rates every time, and the availability of extra space for maintenance and tubing purposes.

Maintaining dialogue and performance Maintain an open dialogue with your customers. Education and awareness is

Hydro solutions Hydro’s dispensing systems are in use across a number of applications, including cleaning and sanitising, animal health, irrigation, and laundry, and feature user-friendly designs and minimal maintenance. They utilise three key technologies – Venturi, peristaltic pumps and volumetric injectors.

Hydro Systems’ wide range includes models that deliver dilution accuracy regardless of fluctuations in water pressure, dispense multiple diluted products at multiple flow rates, have features that make switching from one function to the next incredibly easy, and exhibit durability to improve resilience against chemical corrosion. Just some of the many features that will enhance the use of your chemicals and the regard in which they are held among your customers. Access to such a comprehensive range of features means your customers reap the benefits more quickly. If you provide a bad dispenser, it has the potential to interrupt the smooth flow of chemicals and goodwill.

Yet conversely, it will increase the flow of negativity to a flood that you will find very hard to control. This will impact your customer retention, industry perception, brand image and, ultimately, affect your profitability. The choice is yours.

For more information, visit: www.hydrosystems.com

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feature chemical dispensing systems

What to look out for when purchasing a dishwash-dosing system Maintaining high hygiene and cleaning standards in commercial kitchens is paramount to obtaining good foodhygiene standards. With this in mind, buying the right equipment to maintain the standards is essential. As the number of people dining out is increasing, so increases the amount of dirty cutlery, crockery and glassware.

Therefore, dishwashers need to perform at their optimum to ensure clean results every time.

D

ishwash dosing systems ensure optimal dishwashing performance as they consistently and accurately dose dishwashing detergent and rinse aid, taking out the guesswork and minimising contact with the chemicals.

There are many dishwash-dosing systems on offer, which can make choosing the right system for your business slightly daunting, with many factors to be aware of. Brightwell Dispensers offers some important points to consider when choosing a dishwash-dosing system for your business:

Compact product design Chemical-dosing systems are often installed in areas with limited space; therefore, compact and robust product design is very important for ease of access to the system.

Accurate and consistent dosing of dishwashing chemicals A system that delivers accurate and consistent dosing of dishwashing chemicals is essential to deliver highquality cleaning results.

Cost-efficient equipment Chemical-dosing systems allow businesses to maximise cleaning performance and forecast their cleaning costs in an efficient way. In addition, these systems accurately dispense the correct amount of chemical needed each time, without the risk of chemical spillage, dosing the wrong amount and pilferage.

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African Cleaning Review March/April 2020

Easy installation and maintenance Ease of installation and maintenance is vital so that the job can be done quickly and efficiently, while minimising the impact on the kitchen operation itself.

System access codes When it comes to dosing systems, it is important to ensure that only authorised personnel have access to the system. This is so there is no tampering with the unit.

Customer service Suppliers should offer a good pre- and after-sales service as well as customer service. It is important that a supplier is interested in the long-term success of your company and is able to provide installation, maintenance advice

and training for the equipment you purchase.

To meet the demands of today’s commercial kitchens, Brightwell Dispensers released the Quantura dishwash-dosing range. Quantura is a versatile system that provides precise and consistent dosing solutions for a variety of commercial dishwasher applications. This includes glass, underthe-counter, single-tank, and tunnel/ conveyor dishwashers.

Compact in design, pre-wired for easy installation and with the option to set and use access codes for security, Quantura offers businesses an easy and efficient way to keep dishes clean, every time.

For more information, visit: www.brightwell.co.uk

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editorial Truvox International

Unleash the power with cordless cleaning machines Keeping floors clean and shining in any busy building is demanding enough. When there are clients, visitors or other people present during the cleaning operation, the challenge is that much greater. There are clear benefits, therefore, to equipment that leaves surfaces dry and safe to walk on in minutes, and machines that don’t have trailing power leads. The advantages of battery-powered cleaning machines are persuasive, says Gordon McVean,

Gordon McVean

Executive Director of Truvox International.

F

ortunately, technical advances are making a big difference to floorcare, with the latest generation of floorcare machines being a world apart from their old and familiar predecessors, in terms of safety, efficiency, manoeuvrability, sustainability and quietness.

A notable example is the transformation of the traditional upright vacuum to cordless machines, powered by battery technology. These are ideal for quiet and unobtrusive cleaning, without the hassle and risk of a cable, making daytime vacuuming around visitors and employees seamless and safer.

Cleaning operatives appreciate the freedom of working without the stopstart of plugging and unplugging and finding the nearest wall socket. Light and highly manoeuvrable machines are a popular option, as this makes transporting the machine between cleaning jobs or to different parts of a building easy.

Cordless upright vacuum The commercial cleaning sector’s first cordless upright vacuum, the Valet Battery Upright II (VBUII) boasts a removable battery, allowing the operator to quickly double its running time of more than 50 minutes. Light yet powerful, this cordless vacuum weighs just 5 kg. This means that the VBUII can easily be carried from one vacuuming task to the next, while being 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 000rpm brush speed. Filtration performance is similarly high, thanks to its HEPA 13 media bag.

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African Cleaning Review March/April 2020

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 find the machine easy to use, due to the comfortable hand grip.

A battery level indicator ensures that the user knows when their machine will need re-charging – or a quick battery swap.

Versatile scrubber-dryer Another good option is a model that can wash, mop, scrub and dry hard and soft floor coverings in a single pass, like the multi-purpose scrubberdryers in our Multiwash range. The cordless Multiwash 340/Pump Battery is renowned for its versatility, leaving both hard and soft floors clean and ready to walk on in minutes. With a cleaning width of 34 cm, this scrubberdryer can tackle large areas on a single charge, which powers up to 50 minutes’ continuous operation. It is quiet, as well as simple to operate and manoeuvre around obstacles.

With its counter-rotating cylindrical brushes, it effortlessly sustains the pressure required to clean thoroughly in the grout lines of tiled floors and other crevices. Economical in their use of water and solution, all Multiwash models clean effectively on a wide variety of floors – from vinyl and laminates, to marble.

Introducing even more portable power Now available and joining the battery range of equipment is our new Valet Battery Backpack. Lightweight for

operator comfort, every detail of the vacuum backpack machine has been designed with ease of use and productivity in mind.

An ergonomic back support and harness position the unit away from the operator’s body and comfortably supports the machine on the hips.

The Deuter® Aircomfort harness was designed specifically for these backpacks. Quickly adjustable to fit the user’s torso, the harness is proven to reduce perspiration. All the tools needed are conveniently stored on the harness’s unique belt, leaving the operative’s hands free for the task being performed.

Productivity is further enhanced by the telescopic wand and easy-glide floor tool for effortless vacuuming.

The backpack can be used in a wide variety of spaces and is ideal for confined areas where electrical power points may not be easily accessible. This includes train carriages, stairwells, corridors in schools, offices and hotels, and seating areas in theatres and cinemas.

The machine has a run-time of 55 minutes, with a charge time of two and a half hours. Its quick-change battery system means you can have another battery on charge and easily swap them during longer shifts. The machine has dust bags for clean and tidy emptying, with a capacity of five litres.

The backpack can be used in conjunction with other machines available in the ‘Tru-Heroes’ range. To find the machinery that will unleash your superhero cleaning powers, visit the Truvox stand 01.407 at Interclean Amsterdam later this year.

For more information, email: sales@truvox.com or visit www.truvox.com

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facilities management review

When Eskom loadshedding strikes, is your power backup investment fail-safe?

A wave of loadshedding is hitting the country again, as you would have no doubt experienced. This has resulted in incidents where service providers such as OR Tambo International Airport, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital and many others have been unable to operate at full capacity. At Pragma, we also suffered a generator failure at our head office, at a highly inconvenient time. These events prompted us to take a critical look and think about what should be in place to ensure a reliable backup when the inevitable occurs. After all, even backup plans need maintenance.

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couple of our pragmatic engineers put their heads together and came up with the points below. The bad news is that there is no app for your smartphone that will do the job for you. The good news is that if you apply yourself to the suggested actions, you can have more peace of mind when the next loadshedding hits.

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Before you lift a finger, or grab a meter, it is important to get a good understanding of the real-life situation.

In any case where you want to ensure predictable, reliable operation of a device (be it a machine, computer, or even a human) you should examine the following: • What are the critical functions you expect from the device?

• What is the critical component that will affect this function?

• How likely is that component of the device to fail?

In this case, the ‘device’ under discussion is a standby electrical power generator set, aka ‘genset’.

For such a genset, the answers to these questions are quite simple, and illustrated below.

Function

Components

Likelihood of failure

Detect primary AC failure

Voltage sensor; actuated switch

Low

Start the engine

Battery, starter motor, engine ignition, fuel

High

Run engine for 2 hours

Engine, cooling, lubrication, fuel supply

Medium

Generate electrical AC

Alternator, regulator

Low

Switch supply connections

Transfer switch

Low

To ensure good reliability and effective delivery of standby power from your diesel- or petrol-powered genset, here are 10 useful, simple tips to bear in mind when caring for such an asset: 1. Ensure that all fluids in the machine are kept at the correct levels: • Coolant level is between minimum and maximum on level indicator • Oil level is between minimum and maximum on dipstick or sight glass (do NOT overfill) • Fuel level is between 75 and 100 percent of tank capacity.

This reduces the possibility of condensation absorption into fuel, as well as the risk of premature depletion

2. It is vital that the batteries, used to start the generator engine, are always fully charged. This is ideally confirmed by measuring the voltage of the disconnected battery to be > 12.6 VDC (for each 12 V unit). Furthermore, battery electrolyte, for maintainable units, should always be at the correct levels in each cell of the battery set.

For sealed, maintenance-free (SMF) units, the visual indicator should be (positive) green.

3. Ensure that the AC mains powerfailure-detection system, as well as the automatic transfer switching (ATS) system, is functional and is switched into the AUTO RUN or equivalent mode at all times.

4. For gensets that switch on and transfer power automatically, and especially larger sets (100 KVA and more), it is essential to keep the engine oil and coolant at an elevated temperature, typically above 45 °C. This ensures immediate loading capability of the generator, without having to wait a few minutes for engine warm-up.

5. Do regular visual inspections to ensure that all cooling system air ducts, inlet filters, radiators and extraction fans are clear of dust and debris. Air-filter units should be regularly checked for blockages (check filter air block detectors where used).

African Cleaning Review March/April 2020

facilities management review 6. Perform regular visual inspections for signs of fluid leaks or seepage.

If any are found, ensure they are promptly rectified before leaks become excessive.

7. Ensure adequate fuel reserves are immediately available and fuel refilling is easily possible without spillage. Consider day tanks, hoses, filler fittings, transfer pumps, spare fuel drums, drum trolleys.

8. During testing, ensure that when the engine is started up, it is not run longer than 10 minutes without load. If started up, it is preferable that the engine is run with a load, for a minimum of 30 minutes; observe temperatures, pressures, cooling and signs of fluid leaks. It is essential that a genset gets regular exercise.

9. In the longer term: • Simulate AC mains failures at recommended intervals and ensure that the mains/ generator/mains switch-over cycles fully complete their functions.

• During simulated AC mains failure tests, ensure that the engine starts immediately

and smoothly takes up the load, while observing for signs of labouring due to possible overloading (excessive diesel smoke, under voltage, machine not achieving rated engine speed).

• It is a good practice to have the generator serviced annually, or every 200 operating hours, by a reputable, competent, specialist service provider.

• Plan and budget to proactively replace battery packs every two to three years, depending on the climatic conditions/exposure to high ambient temperatures.

10. From a generator size and design point of view, ensure that the genset is not electrically overloaded during start-up and continuous running. Review the load configuration regularly to further ensure that load circuits have not crept up and that phase balancing is maintained.

Last, but possibly the most important aspect to have assurance of asset reliability, is the disciplined adherence to your adopted maintenance and

asset care programmes. This often has to compete against operational and political pressure but should never be compromised. Good mechanisms to support this are clear service level agreements and computerised maintenance management systems.

Established in 1990, Pragma is an engineering company that delivers enterprise asset management solutions to asset-intensive industries. A privately owned company, Pragma employs 540 employees all working to give clients total peace of mind. For more information, visit: www.pragmaworld.net

City Lodge group invests in solar energy

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he JSE-listed City Lodge Hotels Group announced that it has invested about R20 million in solar energy at 25 of its hotels and is planning to expand the initiative to a further 12.

According to CEO Andrew Widegger, each of the hotels will generate 30 percent of their total energy needs from solar and will lower the group’s overall energy consumption from non-renewable sources by about 10 percent.

Widegger said that the payback from the investment made in solar is less than four years. “So bottom-line-wise, we are probably talking in the region of R2 million to R3 million in savings in the next six months,” he said.

Widegger said that the group has refined the model and will apply all those insights when it looks at the next batch of about 12 hotels to get solar energy. CFO Alastair Dooley said that the solar energy facilities at all 25 hotels were completed between October and December 2019 and are all operational and generating electricity.

He said that the energy produced is better than envisaged in the feasibility study and the group will start seeing the benefits from that in the second half of its financial year to June through a reduction in the amount it pays Eskom for electricity.

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feature coronavirus in the workplace

Readying the workplace for COVID-19 On 18 March 2020 the WHO website confirmed the number of cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has risen to more than 191 000 globally with at least 110 000 cases outside of China, as the economic trauma caused by the outbreak continues to impact global share markets.

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t least 7 807 people have died as a result of the virus, with the majority in mainland China. But figures outside of the country where the virus was first reported are growing, even as China slowly starts to get back to normal.

Almost one hundred countries and territories have confirmed cases, now including South Africans that recently travelled to Italy. During early March Italian authorities placed much of the northern part of the country on lockdown, affecting nearly 15 million people, while other regions will face varying forms of travel restrictions.

More than 31 500 cases and 2 503 deaths have already been confirmed in Italy.

With confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 25 African countries including South Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) and key health partners are strengthening cooperation to better coordinate readiness and response efforts across Africa. The WHO convened a meeting in Nairobi during the first week of March, with representatives from the Kenyan Health Ministry, the African Union and key United Nations partner agencies in attendance.

The WHO Regional Office for Africa is supporting member states to prepare for a potential case of COVID-19 in a number of ways. The WHO has dispatched experts to countries believed to be at higher risk of an outbreak of coronavirus to assist in areas including case management, surveillance and early detection.

Across the continent, the WHO is working to increase the capacity of national laboratories to detect COVID-19 by supplying reagents, testing equipment and training for

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staff. Essential personal protective equipment has also been dispatched by the WHO to some African countries.

It must, however, be kept in mind that although the World Health Organization and public health authorities around the world are taking action to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, long-term success cannot be taken for granted. All sections of society, including businesses and employers and most definitely the professional cleaning industry, must play an active role in presenting workplace hygiene solutions if we are to stop the spread of this disease.

Background – how COVID-19 spreads When someone who has COVID-19 coughs or exhales, they release droplets of infected fluid. Most of these droplets fall on nearby surfaces and objects – such as desks, tables or telephones.

People could catch COVID-19 by touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. If they are standing within one metre of a person with COVID-19, they can catch it by breathing in droplets coughed out or inhaled by them. In other words, COVID-19 spreads in a similar way

to flu. Most persons infected with COVID-19 experience mild symptoms and recover. However, some go on to experience more serious illness and may require hospital care. Risk of serious illness rises with age: people over 40 seem to be more vulnerable than those younger. People with weakened immune systems and people with conditions such as diabetes, heart and lung disease are also more vulnerable to serious illness.

When considering hygiene in the workplace, it is imperative to be mindful of the following information made available by the WHO. These measures should also be discussed with the professional cleaning contractor on site in order to ensure seamless action against infections in the workplace.

Ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in your workplace The low-cost measures below will help prevent the spread of infections in your workplace, such as colds, flu and stomach bugs, and protect your customers, contractors and employees.

Employers should start giving attention to this now, even if COVID-19

All sections of society, including businesses and employers and most definitely the professional cleaning industry, must play an active role in presenting workplace hygiene solutions if we are to stop the spread of this disease. has not arrived in the communities where they operate. In doing so, they can already reduce working days lost due to illness and stop or slow the spread of COVID-19 if it arrives at one of your workplaces.

• Ensure all staff, contractors and clients have access to facilities where their hands can be washed with soap and water as washing kills the virus on the hands and prevents the spread of COVID-19.

Ensure workplaces are clean and hygienic

Encourage good respiratory hygiene in the workplace

• Wipe surfaces including desks and tables as well as telephones and keyboards regularly with disinfectant, as contamination on surfaces touched by employees and customers is one of the main ways that COVID-19 spreads.

• Display posters promoting respiratory hygiene. Combine this with other communication measures such as offering guidance from occupational health and safety officers, briefings at meetings and information on the intranet, etc.

• Ensure that face masks and/or paper tissues are available at your workplace, for those who develop a runny nose or cough at work, along with closed bins for hygienic disposal. Good respiratory hygiene combats the spread of COVID-19.

promoting the message that people need to stay at home even if they have mild symptoms of COVID-19.

• Display posters with this message in your workplace. Combine this with other communication channels commonly used in your organisation.

• Make it clear to employees that they will be able to count time off as sick leave.

Issues to consider when you and your employees travel

Encourage regular and thorough hand washing by employees, contractors and customers • Position sanitising hand-rub dispensers in prominent areas in the workplace. These dispensers should be refilled regularly.

• Display posters promoting hand washing (available through local public health authority or alternatively on the WHO website: www.who.int).

• Combine this promotional material with other communication measures including offering guidance from occupational health and safety officers, briefings at meetings and information on the intranet to promote hand washing.

Brief your employees, contractors and clients that if COVID-19 starts spreading in your community, anyone with even a mild cough or low-grade fever (37.3 °C or higher) needs to stay at home • They should also stay home (or work from home) if they have had to take simple medication such as paracetamol/acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin, which may mask symptoms of COVID-19.

• Keep communicating and

Before travelling: • Ensure that your organisation and its employees have the latest information on areas where COVID-19 is spreading. You can find this at https://www.who. int/emergencies/diseases/novelcoronavirus-2019/situation-reports/ • Based on the latest information, your organisation should assess the benefits and risks related to upcoming travel plans.

• Avoid sending employees who may be at higher risk of serious illness (e.g. older employees and those with medical conditions such as diabetes, heart and lung disease) to areas where COVID-19 is spreading.

• Make sure all persons travelling to locations reporting COVID-19 are briefed by a qualified professional (e.g. staff health services, healthcare provider or local public health partner).

• Consider issuing employees who are about to travel with small bottles (under 100 cl) of alcoholbased hand rub. This can facilitate regular hand washing.

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feature coronavirus in the workplace The COVID-19 virus cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites.

To date there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that the new coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes. The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus, which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Also, avoid close contact with anyone who is coughing and sneezing.

Hand dryers are not effective in killing COVID-19.

While travelling: • Encourage employees to wash their hands regularly and stay at least one metre clear of people who are coughing or sneezing.

• Ensure that employees know what to do and who to contact if they feel ill while travelling.

• Ensure that your employees comply with instructions from local authorities where they are travelling.

If, for example, they are told by local authorities not to go somewhere, they should comply with this. Your employees should comply with any local restrictions on travel, movement or large gatherings.

Return from travelling: • Employees who have returned from an area where COVID-19 is spreading should monitor themselves for symptoms for 14 days and take their temperature twice a day.

• If they develop even a mild cough or low-grade fever (i.e. a temperature of 37.3 °C or more) they should stay at home and self-isolate. This means avoiding close contact (one metre or nearer) with other people, including family members.

They should also telephone their healthcare provider or the local public health department, giving them details of their recent travel and symptoms.

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African Cleaning Review March/April 2020

• Small- and medium-sized businesses without in-house staff health and welfare support should develop partnerships and plans with their local health and social service providers in advance of any emergency.

• Your local or national public health authority may be able to offer support and guidance in developing your plan.

Clarity on some of the misconceptions As the COVID-19 epidemic spreads around the globe, a host of misconceptions and falsehoods surround it. Here, some of these myths are dispelled to help you cut through the confusion.

The COVID-19 virus cannot be transmitted through goods manufactured in China or any country reporting COVID-19 cases.

Even though the new coronavirus can stay on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days (depending on the type of surface), it is very unlikely that the virus will persist on a surface after being moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperatures.

If you think a surface may be contaminated, use a disinfectant to clean it. After touching it, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash hands with soap and water.

To protect yourself against the new coronavirus, you should frequently clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Once your hands are cleaned, you should dry them thoroughly by using paper towels or a warm air dryer.

An ultraviolet disinfection lamp can kill the new coronavirus.

UV lamps should not be used to sterilise hands or other areas of skin as UV radiation can cause skin irritation.

Thermal scanners are effective in detecting people infected with the new coronavirus.

Thermal scanners are effective in detecting people who have developed a fever (i.e. have a higher-than-normal body temperature) because of infection with the new coronavirus. However, they cannot detect people who are infected but are not yet sick with fever.

This is because it takes between 2 and 10 days before people who are infected become sick and develop a fever.

Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill the new coronavirus.

Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. Spraying such substances can be harmful to clothes or mucous membranes (i.e. eyes, mouth). Be aware that both alcohol and chlorine can be useful to disinfect surfaces, but they need to be used according to appropriate recommendations.

feature coronavirus in the workplace Now is the time to prepare for COVID-19. Simple precautions and planning can make a big difference. Action now will help protect your employees and your business.

The WHO advises people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus, for example, by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene.

Remember: Vaccines against pneumonia protect you against the new coronavirus.

Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against the new coronavirus. The virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine. Researchers are trying to develop a vaccine against COVID-19, and the WHO is supporting their efforts.

Although these vaccines are not effective against COVID-19, vaccination against respiratory illnesses is highly recommended to protect your health.

Antibiotics are effective in preventing and treating the new coronavirus.

viruses, only bacteria. The new coronavirus (COVID-19) is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment. However, if you are hospitalised for the COVID-19, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.

Now is the time to prepare for COVID-19. Simple precautions and planning can make a big difference.

Action now will help protect your employees and your business.

How to stay informed: Find the latest information from the WHO on where COVID-19 is spreading:

The new coronavirus only affects older people.

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/

People of all ages can be infected by the new coronavirus (COVID-19). Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.

Advice and guidance from the WHO on

novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports/ COVID-19 https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/ novel-coronavirus-2019 https://www.epi-win.com/ For more local information about COVID-19 visit: www.sacoronavirus.co.za

No, antibiotics do not work against

African Cleaning Review March/April 2020

23

editorial Tork

Tork colour-coded cloths offer true colours of efficiency and hygiene Achieving the highest efficiency while maintaining safety in your cleaning tasks is easy with Tork® Premium Colour Coded Cloths. The straightforward colour-coded system allows you to dedicate specific colours to specific repeat-use wiping tasks. This provides improved hygiene control, reduces the risk of cross-contamination and assists in HACCP compliance. Tork Premium Colour Coded Cloths are strong, absorbent and low linting. These soft yet durable cloths maintain high performance in both wet and dry applications. This high-performance feature reduces the need to replace the cloths as frequently, minimising your consumption and improving your cost-in-use savings.

High performance features • Strong and durable – high performance in both wet and dry applications • Designed for repeated use –

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African Cleaning Review March/April 2020

minimises consumption and reduces costs – improving hygiene • HACCP endorsed – safe for use in food-contact areas • Low linting – leaves no trace, ideal for hygiene-sensitive environments • Colour-coded system – specific colours for specific tasks, helps reduce the risk of crosscontamination. The Tork HACCP coloured cloths are available in four colours: red, green, blue and yellow, and are designed for all wiping and cleaning tasks.

Wiping that leaves nothing to chance In the food industry, wiping and cleaning tasks are varied, but hygiene always comes first. Using Tork products ensures that you can handle these tasks with confidence.

For more information, email: kirsty.collard@essity.com

FOCUSED MANAGEMENT = EXTERNAL EXCELLENCE!

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16–17 September 2020 The Lord Charles Hotel | Somerset West | Western Cape | South Africa A two-day co-located executive event for professionals in cleaning, hygiene, laundry and pest control Day 1: Strategic business management sessions for all delegates Topics: Strategic thinking, leadership, customer care, the future workplace, digitisation, scenario planning, corporate culture and business evolution Day 2: Two independent tracks in separate facilities Track 1: Professional Cleaning Industry summit focusing on business growth, infection control, sustainability, in-depth customer journey mapping, challenges and solutions beyond 2020 Track 2: Pest Control Industry subject matter and training sessions

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laundry review

Coronavirus: prevention, risks and protocols for Professional Textile Care

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ith the coronavirus increasingly being detected in more countries other than China, the obvious question raised is that of which preparations are necessary to prevent infections in your own country and industry. For the Professional Textile Care (PTC) sector, this mainly concerns the protection of employees, in particular drivers and employees in waste sorting, but also to ensure certainty of sufficient textile disinfection.

CINET, the international association for the PTC industry, sheds more light on the industry risks, prevention, processing and applicable protocols.

What are the characteristics of the coronavirus COVID-19?

• The virus can be transmitted from person to person by exposure to large respiratory drops (by sneezing), by direct contact and by spreading in the air. The infection itself takes place in the respiratory tract.

• The virus is particularly dangerous because infected people only start showing symptoms of the disease after about two weeks. In the meantime, they spread the virus without any awareness.

• The life cycle of the coronavirus outside a human host cell is very short: it is estimated to be less than 20 minutes. This makes the chance of infection via linen extremely small as the transport time of contaminated linen is usually more than 20 minutes.

The exception to the rule is that linen contaminated with faeces may remain infected for up to 24 hours.

This statement is based on previous experience with the SARS coronavirus.

What are risks?

• The risk of infection when transporting and washing linen is very small. The standard hygienic precautions are adequate.

• The new virus is destroyed/ deactivated in the washing process by:

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African Cleaning Review March/April 2020

– Thermal disinfection – according to time/temperature rules; and – Chemothermal disinfection – when applying disinfectant products approved by CTGB.

What to do with contaminated laundry?

• With regard to the supply of contaminated laundry, the customer/ care institution can or must follow its own protocols and supply it separately, marked and packaged individually.

• If not, the care institution must in any case arrange for the separate delivery of linen/laundry contaminated with faeces and used in an environment with persons infected by the COVID-19 virus.

• If washing is done at a low temperature, a disinfectant must be added to the washing process.

Otherwise a minimum temperature/ time of 800 by 10 minutes or 700 by 25 minutes is applied.

There is currently no basis for contaminated linen not to be processed.

What about staff protection?

• All personnel must carefully observe the rules on good (hand) hygiene • Wash your hands regularly • Cough and sneeze in the inside of your elbow • Use paper tissues • Drivers must wear gloves when collecting laundry • Personnel tasked with sorting (dirty laundry) must wear gloves and a mouth mask (type FFP3)

In the event that contaminated laundry is supplied separately, in separate and marked bags, additional safety measures are recommended: • Personnel should wear protective clothing if there is a risk of direct contact with biological agents (for example, in the event of splashing). Replace and launder protective clothing in the event of contamination.

What to do with sick staff?

• Employees who have a fever in combination with respiratory complaints (cough, shortness of breath) must contact the doctor and must not report for work.

• Check whether local legislation and guidelines require reporting sick employees to local authorities/ healthcare institutes. If so, report!

• GPs and the authorities/healthcare institutes can determine whether further investigation is required.

Protocols hospitals/care institutions Hospitals/care institutions naturally have their own responsibilities with regard to protocols/guidelines regarding the use of linen, work clothing and other textiles. The advice is to coordinate well with the individual healthcare facility / care institution, etc., in order to identify and resolve any points for attention.

For any questions and/or further information, or other agreements that are made with buyers, contact the CINET Secretariat by email at: cinet@cinet-online.com

laundry review

Choosing a quality towel for your hospitality facility

T

he truth is, you can’t take an inexpensive towel and make it perform like a quality towel that you would get at a five-star hotel. This article by Austin Linen addresses the question of towel quality.

Towels have a specific rating system that determines their quality. GSM is the abbreviation for grams per square meter. All fabrics have a weight, and the standard measurement for the weight and quality of fabrics (including towels) is grams per square meter. This number refers to the density of the towel. The higher the GSM number, the better the quality of the towel.

Towels with high GSM numbers will often outlast towels with lower GSM numbers. Also, towels with higher GSM numbers tend to be softer and more absorbent towels. They are also heavier – similar to a cozy, warm blanket.

Towels with a GSM in the 200 to 300 range are poor quality stock. While towels between 400 and 600 GSM are medium weight and average higher-

quality towels, the kind of towels you would find at a Holiday Inn, for instance.

Towels with a GSM of 600 to 900 are premium, luxury weight. This quality of towel will be denser, heavier, and more absorbent. It’s the kind of towel you will find at a premium hotel.

GSM is a direct measure of the density of a towel, so with that in mind, a high GSM number isn’t necessarily a better towel for all uses. Towels with a lower GSM are thinner, lighter and more comfortable to take with you.

They would be equivalent to a workout towel that you could take to the gym or beach.

But if you’re looking for the kind of towel that you might find at a luxury spa or hotel, go with a much more substantial, fluffy towel. These kinds of towels can last for years versus the lighter, thinner towels that have a short economic life.

Luxury hotels need high-quality towels that complement their brand and guest environment, in addition to the

fact that higher-quality towels tend to last longer and remain in good condition after multiple washes. Towel fibres deteriorate over time and numerous washings, so if plushness and longevity are the key criteria, use towels with higher GSMs. The fact is, a quality towel feels softer and more luxurious.

Texcare International postponed

T

he organisers of Texcare International, Messe Frankfurt, announced that with the spread of COVID-19 infections around the world in mind, a decision was made to postpone the world’s leading exhibition for textile care to November this year. Texcare International, normally held every four years, was scheduled to take place in Frankfurt, Germany from 20 to 24 June. The exact dates in November 2020 will be announced soon. This latest COVID-19 pandemic-linked announcement follows other similar decisions by organisers of cleaningindustry-related exhibitions including Interclean Amsterdam and the Manchester Cleaning Show to move their respective event dates to the last quarter of this year.

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people and events NCCA Gauteng branch meeting Goscor Cleaning Equipment hosted the first National Contract Cleaners Association (NCCA) Gauteng branch meeting at their showroom in Germiston on 12 February. The meeting was opened by National Chairman Patrick Makhubela who welcomed the president designate of the Contract Cleaners Association of Ghana, Yussif Salford, as a special guest.

Pictured at the branch meeting are from left: Arthur Bath (Branch Treasurer), Patrick Makhubela (National Chairman), Yussif Salford (CCAG) and Steve Braham (SWB Agencies).

NCCA Western Cape branch golf day at new course The annual NCCA WC branch golf day took place on 21 February in Cape Town. This year the popular event was welcomed by the King David Mowbray Golf Club. Seen below are some of the golfers and sponsors that ensured the golf day was a huge success.

Seen at a recent cricket ODI event Members of the professional cleaning fraternity enjoyed a day out in Cape Town at SWB Agencies’ hospitality suite in the Newlands stadium. Steve Braham welcomed several guests at the KFC ODI tournament between South Africa and Australia including Clive Damonze (Clean FM), Trevor Longmore (Prime Cleaning Suppliers) and Gordon McVean (Truvox International) who was on a short visit to South Africa. Just by the way, Australia won by 97 runs.

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African Cleaning Review March/April 2020

people and events Clean exhibits at hospitality expo A few members of the professional cleaning industry exhibited their products at the recent Hostex food, drinks and hospitality trade show held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. African Cleaning Review editor Johann van Vuuren paid them a visit on the second show day in order to ascertain which new products were introduced to the South African hospitality market.

Tork

Safic

Nuwkem

Cleaning World

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new products First intelligent hand dryers to enter the local market South African hand-dryer distributor Hurricane Dry recently announced the launch of the Comac range of hand dryers in South Africa. The first intelligent hand dryer to be introduced to the local market is manufactured by Canadian Comac Corporation. Hurricane Dry believes the new Comac hand dryers will take the hand-dryer industry to a new level in 2020. “The advantages of the Comac hand dryers are something that have never been seen before. The costs involved in maintaining hand dryers and going to site are going to be something of the past; a simple call from the client to adjust the sensor activity is now done remotely and a huge advantage is that the hand dryers have a 10 year/ lifetime warranty,” says Hurricane Dry MD Claudia Wells. In order to meet client requirements and budget, the Comac range consists of 3 different units.

• Comac Blast: high-speed hand dryer • Comac iBlast: high-speed hand dryer

with built-in technology that tracks usage from anywhere around the world, and the technical specifications can be adjusted remotely.

• Comac iCast: high-speed hand dryer with built-in technology that tracks usage from anywhere around the world, and the technical specifications can be adjusted remotely. The Comac iCast also features a 5.5-inch touch screen for advertising messages in high-traffic areas such as airports, shopping centres and fast food outlets.

Product features • Unique, intelligent connectivity communicates diagnostics in case of defaults.

• Capability to establish usage frequency.

• Controllable remotely via web portal.

• The iCast with a 5.5-inch touch screen offers full WiFi, GSM, Ethernet and

Bluetooth connectivity for data upload & remote dryer maintenance.

• The iBlast/iCast models feature remote activation/deactivation, sensor adjustment, etc.

• Vandal proof and scratch resistant with a reinforced steel cover and 8 seconds drying time.

• The hand dryer’s inner casing has an antibacterial coating that assists to eliminate germs and bacteria.

For more information, visit: www.hurricanedry.co.za

Three new products added to Vikan food-handling range Vikan, the global leader in hygienic cleaning and food-handling tools, recently announced a major expansion of its range of hygienic, ergonomic food-handling utensils. The new products provide the food industry with an even more extensive range of application-specific tools that meet the most demanding needs. The new products include an ergonomic scoop, a push-pull hoe and a new measuring jug, all available in 5 colours and that feature market-leading ergonomics, durability and functionality.

Product-specific benefits include:

2-litre ergonomic scoop

Push-pull hoe

2-litre measuring jug

• Ergonomic handle positioning • Flat bottom for stability • Hygienic design

• Maximum versatility • Rugged, hygienic design • Fits Vikan threaded handles

• Excellent pouring control • Easy-to-read transparent measuring scale • Great ergonomics and durability

Single-source advantage The new products make it easier than ever for food producers to rely on Vikan as a single-source supplier of all the hygienic foodhandling utensils they are likely to need. “Food factories and processing plants have a lot to gain from buying all their food-handling utensils from a single supplier. For example, a single-source approach ensures colour-coding consistency and saves everyone time in the procurement process,” says Jette Fruergaard, product manager for Vikan’s Hygiene range.

For more information or for a copy of a dedicated guide to understanding and selecting the correct food-handling tools for different applications, visit: www.vikan.com

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African Cleaning Review March/April 2020

new products Ensuring urinal cleanliness A new generation of advanced cleaning that combines biological enzyme additives and biodegradable surfactants from the world’s leading manufacturers offer cleaner urinals in the washroom environment.

The new Uri-POD is specifically designed to clean urinals where traditional chemical products prove to be ineffective. It deep cleans piping and bottle traps by removing grease and grime that collect in hard to reach areas.

The Uri-POD improves air freshness by controlling odours emanating from organics and degrades residual organic soils.

Product features • Specific enzyme action offers increased effectiveness compared to normal urinal screens/mats

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• Ease of use saves time and money • Enzymes are non-toxic, nonirritating, non-gaseous, nonflammable, non-pathogenic and non-hazardous • Enzymes digest the host material where germs and odour-causing bacteria reproduce • Back splash is reduced by as much as 90 percent • It is not an odour-masking tool, but rather an odour eliminator that acts by killing and removing odour-creating bacteria The product is manufactured in South Africa and designed to address local washroom issues.

All prices include VAT at 15%, postage and packaging and are valid until 30 June 2020.

Postponed until last quarter of 2020 due to coronavirus pandemic. New dates to be announced soon.

Be part of the official African delegation to visit the bustling city of Amsterdam and the world’s largest professional cleaning exhibition Holland’s capital city is a hub for happy cyclists, beer-drinkers, tourists and art-lovers. Amsterdam’s go-to bohemian vicinity brims with coffee shops, bars and restaurants, and the renowned Albert Cuypmarket is well worth a visit.

During the fall of 2020 the world of professional cleaning will gather in Amsterdam at what is regarded as the world’s largest exhibition of its kind. This is your opportunity to view the latest cleaning technology and updates on global trends and developments while connecting with cleaning professionals from over 143 different countries. The exhibition floor stretches over several halls and is divided into eight specific segments, namely: high pressure; laundry; management; mobility; steam cleaning; washroom; waste solutions; window cleaning; and healthcare. The other three segments – machines, equipment and detergents – are fragmented and can be found in every hall.

The first Interclean exhibition took place in 1967 and it has since developed into the world’s leading trade fair for the professional cleaning industry. “ I have really enjoyed the trip, learned a lot about new technology and will surely implement some systems. The trip was very well organised.” Awie Human, Branson Chemicals

“ Thank you for an amazing trip. It was well planned and executed. It was fun and also very beneficial.” Simon Barrett, SB Marketing

Tour departs Saturday 9 May 2020 Interclean 2020 tour package:

• • • • • • • •

Five-night 4-star accommodation in Amsterdam, including breakfast Direct flights to and from Amsterdam Hotel/airport transfers, welcome drinks on arrival including activity Day-trip sightseeing tour to Rotterdam in luxury coach including tour guide and lunch Transfer – hotel to RAI exhibition centre on opening day Three-day city tram pass Two-hour evening canal cruise through Amsterdam city canals including drinks and snacks Farewell three-course dinner including all drinks at a traditional Dutch restaurant

To book your travel package or for more information, contact: Steve Braham Tel: +27 11 646 9322 | Mobile: +27 83 265 1268 Email: steve@swbagencies.co.za

Full tour package rates:

Single delegate: ZAR36 000 Twin delegates sharing: ZAR29 500 per person

Land only package:

Single delegate: ZAR23 500 Twin delegate sharing: ZAR17 000 per person Tour package rates subject to exchange rate fluctuations

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Postponed until last quarter of 2020 due to coronavirus pandemic. New dates to be announced soon.