Clean & Hygiene Review ( May-June 2015) 14th Anniversary Issue

May-June ’15

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May-June ’15

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E Publisher cum Editor Rajneesh Sharma

Resident Editor Sharmila Chand (Delhi) Ashok Malkani (Mumbai)

Layout & Design Hari Kumar. V Dev Kumar

Production Assistant Mamta Sharma

Advertising Sales Delhi: Debabrata Nath, Sumesh Sharma Mumbai: Rajesh Tupsakhre Subscription Sales Dattaram Gangurde

Director Sales Sanjay Anand

Director Operations & Finance Rajat Taneja

Editorial & Advertising Offices: Delhi: Hammer Publishers Pvt. Ltd. 1202, Pragati Tower, 26, Rajindra Place, New Delhi-110008 Phone: 91-11-45084903, 25854103 / 05 Mumbai: Hammer Publishers Pvt. Ltd. 105, 1st Floor, Aarpee Centre, Gufic Compound, 11th Road, MIDC, Near Tunga Paradise, Andheri (E), Mumbai-400 093 Ph.: 91-22-28395833 Telefax: 91-22-28388947 Website: www.chrmag.com E-mail: hammerpublishers@vsnl.net © 2015 Hammer Publishers Pvt. Ltd. Clean & Hygiene Review is a bi-monthly magazine, printed, owned and published by Rajneesh Sharma from 313, Himgiri Apartments, J-Block, Vikaspuri, New Delhi. Printed at Print Creations, C-112/3, Basement, Naraina Industrial Area, Phase-1, New Delhi-110 028.

ven as India’s wellness industry is likely to get a boost with the first celebration of International Yoga Day across the world on June 21, the current share of the industry in the global market is minuscule, to say the least. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), India’s wellness market reached $9.8 billion in 2011, an impressive 20 percent increase over 2010. However, India’s market share accounts for less than two percent of the global wellness industry which represents a market of nearly $2 trillion, the report pointed out.

But with the expansion of the Indian middle class along with the rise in disposable income among the young population and their changing lifestyle, the potential for growth of the Indian wellness industry, especially at a time when global interest in traditional Indian therapies like Ayurveda health spa are increasing, is enormous. However, to sustain and expand both global and domestic interest in the Indian wellness industry, establishing international hygiene standards is a must.

As the Cover Story of this issue points out, this is especially true for the spa sector. For a spa owner, maintaining high standards of cleanliness among all areas of spa, including the floors, the bathroom, countertops, and all spa equipment is essential to prevent spread of diseases and increase sales and expanding business. It is only obvious that an untidy spa will lead to a drop in clientele.

Another business opportunity that the changing lifestyle among the young population opens up is that of car wash. As the Business Story of this issue points out, few people today find time to do mundane jobs like washing their own cars. They hardly bother about shelling out a few bucks for their routine car wash, thereby opening a huge opportunity for driving a profitable business in this segment. What has boosted the prospects of this business is that hundreds of new cars hit the Indian roads every day. Moreover, the capital required for starting a car wash business is not astronomical and this can be started by almost every one without much prior knowledge. What is interesting to note is that the franchising route has also opened in the Indian car wash segment.

While an intriguing Report of this issue points out that green buildings are better for business, another report shows that even as India gears up to develop 100 smart cities, with an average score 33 on a scale of 100, Indian buildings rank low on smartness measured on three key categories – green elements, safety and productivity.

As Clean & Hygiene Review completes another year in its journey that began 13 years ago, I hope you will enjoy reading other regular features and news updates of this issue as well.

Annual Subscription rate within India is Rs. 450 and overseas US $110, for surface mail. Single issue is available for Rs.90 in India and US $25 overseas. Cheques are payable to Hammer Publishers Pvt. Ltd.

Editorial Policy : Editorial emphasis in Clean & Hygiene Review magazine is on educational & informational material specifically designed to assist those responsible for managing cleaning & maintenance, Laundry, Pest Control, Water & Waste Management and Environment. Articles are welcome and will be published on the sole discretion of the editor.

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May-June ’15

Contents COVER STORY

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Spa: Score High on Hygiene

HEALTH

20 Clean Chemicals

aintaining hygiene is a key for a spa to deliver what it claims- a rejuvenating experience for the mind, body and soul

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I

BUSINESS

PEST MANAGEMENT

gnoring the harms associated with the usage of low quality or higher quantity of cleaning chemicals could be hazardous for workers

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Driving a Car Washing Business

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ith thousands of cars hitting the road every day and people finding little time to do the errands, driving a car washing business could be a lucrative business option even for those without any prior experience

Crushing the Rule of Rodents

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s lovable as they appear, rats can be equally dangerous to our health as they can contaminate food and spread diseases. The best way to control rats is to seal up their entry points, eliminating their food and water sources and maintaining a clean and hygienic surrounding by keeping up the sanitation standard

SECTIONS 4

News Scan

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Hygiene

6 Report

34 IAQ

26 Laundry

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40 Interview

Waste Management

May-June ’15

Product Preview

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NEW S SCA N

HICC bags best green meetings venue award H

yderabad International Convention Centre (HICC), managed by Accor, a leading hotel operator and market leader in Europe, has received ‘Best Green Meetings and Conference Venue’ Award by South India Travel Awards.

The award was received by Gorav Arora, Director Sales & Marketing, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC in the presence of Shri Ganta Srinivas Rao, Minister of Human Resources Development, Govt of Andhra Pradesh and Shri Neerabh K.Prasad, Prinicipal secretary to Govt.(Tourism).

The South India Travel Awards is an annual event which was designed with an objective to recognize and appreciate the best players in the travel industry.

“We are delighted to receive the award and this is indeed a moment of great pride for Hyderabad International Convention Centre,” said Neil Paterson, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Convention

Gorav Arora, Director, Sales & Marketing, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC, receiving the Best Green Meetings and Conference Venue Award.

Centre & HICC. “HICC is like a “Green Paradise” in the centre of Hyderabad ’s I T district committed to the environment & maintains a greener and healthier

Soon, national award for ragpickers

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n recognition of their services in keeping India clean, the government has announced its intention to institute a national award for ragpickers. ”There are millions of ragpickers in the country. This informal sector has saved the country. They are doing a good job and I have decided to recognise their efforts. We will grant national award,” environment minister Prakash Javadekar recently said.

With a cash prize of Rs 1.5 lakh, the national award will be given to three best ragpickers and three associations involved in innovation of best practices, he noted.

Javadekar pointed out that fund crunch is not an issue for waste management. “What is lacking is scientific guidance to handle different kinds of waste,” he said.

To deal with the problem of untreated waste and sewage, the minister said, efforts have been made to ensure that every village with over 5,000 population has a waste treatment plant.

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surrounding by taking active steps to reduce carbon footprint, saving water &energy and is truly the Best Green Meetings and Conference Venue,” Paterson noted.

Mukund Vasudevan appointed Ecolab India VP

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colab Inc., a leading global water, hygiene and energy technologies and services provider, has appointed Mukund Va s u d e v a n a s v i c e president and general manager, Ecolab India.

Va s u d e v a n i s responsible to drive operational excellence and the overall growth of Ecolab’s businesses (Ecolab, Nalco and Nalco Champion) in India. He assumes the position previously held by Vishal Sharma, who was named senior vice president and head of the Ecolab’s Middle East and Africa region.

Vasudevan joins Ecolab from Pentair Valves & Controls, where he most recently served as the Vice President, and was instrumental in growing Pentair business for Middle East and India. He also served on the board of directors of Infinite Water Solutions, a joint venture between Pentair and Eureka Forbes.

May-June ’15

NE W S SCAN

Poor air quality linked to 4 lakh deaths per year in india

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eeting global air quality guidelines could prevent as many as 4 lakh premature deaths per year in India, says a study led by an Indian-origin researcher.

However, with no changes in air pollution, deaths per capita from air pollution would increase 20 to 30 percent during the next 15 years in India, said the study by lead author Joshua S. Apte of the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas Austin in the US. If also accounting for population growth, the increase in deaths would be even greater in the absence of any change in air pollution.

The study determined t h a t m e e t i n g Wo r l d H e a l t h Organization’s (WHO) air quality guidelines could prevent up to 1.4 million premature deaths per year in polluted areas such as China, India and Russia.

Meeting WHO guidelines in clean regions could reduce premature deaths from outdoor pollution by more than half a million deaths per year.

For the study, the researchers developed a global model of how changes in outdoor air pollution could lead to changes in the rates of health problems such as heart attack, stroke and lung cancer.

May-June ’15

Outdoor particulate air pollution results in 3.2 million premature deaths annually, more than the combined impact of HIV-AIDS and malaria. Meeting the WHO particulate air quality guidelines could prevent 2.1 million deaths per year related to outdoor air pollution, showed the findings published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.

Prior research has emphasized the health implications of breathing polluted air. This new study is the first detailed analysis of how improvements in particulate air pollution worldwide would yield improvement in health, and where those improvements would occur.

The researchers looked at outdoor air pollution from particulate matter

(PM) smaller than 2.5 microns.

Those particles can enter deep into the lungs.

Breathing PM is associated with increased risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular disease; respiratory illnesses such as emphysema; and cancer. PM pollution comes from fires, coal power plants, cars and trucks, and agricultural and industrial emissions.

In low-income countries, PM also comes from burning coal, wood, crop waste and animal dung for cooking and heating, and from open burning of trash.

“We wanted to determine how much cleaner different parts of the world would need to be in order to substantially reduce death from particulate matter,” said Apte. “We believe our model could help in designing strategies to protect public health.”

Worldwide, most people live in areas with PM concentrations far above WHO’s air quality guideline of 10 micrograms per cubic meter, with some parts of India and China experiencing levels that exceed 100.

Another important finding is that because of aging populations, health risks in many countries will increase even if pollution levels are constant.

Older people are more susceptible to air pollution and more at risk than are younger people for health problems such as heart attack and stroke.

Mr Homecare joins hands with Wassup Ondemand

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n-demand home cleaning service Mr Homecare and laundry service Wassup Ondemand have entered into an agreement to provide their offerings on each other’s platforms. As a result of their collaboration, users would be able to order laundry services from Wassup Ondemand on the Mr Homecare platform, and vice versa.

“Laundry requires a different infrastructure, and is not something that we wanted to provide on our platform without having domain knowledge,” Sahil Vora, cofounder of Mr Homecare was quoted as saying in media reports.

Mr Homecare is a subsidiary of facility management firm SILA.

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REP ORT

Buildings in India

Score Low on Smartness: Survey

From left, Anant Maheshwari, President Honeywell India, Richard Verma Ambassador of the US to India and Alex Ismail, President and CEO Honeywell Automation and Control Solutions.

On an average, safety scores of the buildings are very low, highlighting potential risks and the need for greater investments in safety and security solutions

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ith an average score 33 on a scale of 100, Indian buildings r a n k l ow on s m a r t n e s s measured on three key categories – green elements, safety and productivity, reveals a new survey of 2,000 buildings across India.

While airports and hotels in India have the smartest buildings overall, buildings in the education and residential categories are the least smart, the findings showed.

The survey by Honeywell, a Fortune 100 company, and research-specialist IMRB International marks the debut of the new Honeywell Smart Building Score, a first-of-its-kind global tool that evaluates buildings based on each facility’s use of technologies to make the building green, safe, and productive.

As India gears up to develop100 Smart

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Cities, the new tool could help assess the smartness of buildings and establish an industry benchmark.

“The Indian government’s 100 Smart Cities plan is a forward-looking initiative that aims to improve quality of life and make the country a smarter place to live.

We are pleased that Honeywell is taking an active role in this Smart Cities project through its Smart Building Score,” US Ambassador to India Richard Verma said at the event .

“The Honeywell Smart Building Score makes it simple and easy for building owners and facility managers to identify the right technologies to make their buildings greener, safer, and more productive,” Alex Ismail, President and CEO of Honeywell Automation and Control Solutions, pointed out.

The 2,000 buildings participating in the survey covered 10 key building verticals: airports, hotels, hospitals, private offices, retail, surface transport, government offices, education and social spaces, public services, and residential. These buildings are located in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Pune.

The new tool evaluates a building’s use of 15 technology asset groups that make a building green, safe, and productive, based on the systems’ overall capability, coverage of the facility, and uptime.

The green asset group includes a building’s use of natural resources, flexible heating and cooling systems, and control panels for monitoring energy consumption, all of which impact carbon emissions, a facility’s environmental footprint, and utility costs for the building occupant or user.

The safe category includes access control, sur veillance and intrusion monitoring systems, fire and life safety systems, emergency communications, and health and safety systems.

In the productive category, technologies that help boost productivity include indoor air quality sensors, lighting systems, and communications and data infrastructure such as wired and wireless networks, and backup electricity systems for uninterrupted power.

“India could save billions each year by incorporating modern technologies in buildings that drive green, safe, and productive outcomes,” Anant Maheshwari, President, Honeywell India, stressed.

“However, smart building technologies are still new to India and adopted primarily by large commercial buildings.

With the promise of the Government of India’s 100 Smart Cities initiative, it was imperative to create a tool for assessing the smartness of buildings and establish an industry benchmark,” Maheshwari pointed out.

May-June ’15

R EPO RT

Key Findings: • In general, the smartness of buildings in India is low. On a scale of 1 to 100, the national average Honeywell Smart Building Score for these buildings is only 33.

• Airports and hotels in India have the smartest buildings overall (average Smart Building Scores of 49 and 41, respectively).

• Scoring the lowest were buildings in the education (27) and residential (26) categories.

• Most buildings in the survey score highest on green elements (45), potentially reflecting the focus on sustainability from leading global and Indian rating agencies, as well as government incentives to improve building sustainability and energy efficiency.

• Safety scores of buildings on average were very low, at 21, highlighting potential risks and the need for greater investments in safety and security solutions.

• The lowest rated aspect of buildings in the survey was

the safety and personal protection of workers who service and maintain these buildings, at 8.

• Both private (34) and public (29) buildings have similar overall scores, indicating opportunities and needs exist for both sectors.

• Bangalore has invested the most in smart buildings (57%), potentially owing to newer construction, while Mumbai can do more (36%). These percentages denote asset capability only, and not asset coverage, or asset uptime.

• The survey points out significant differences between top- and low-scoring verticals. For example, while airports score 55 in safety, the education and social spaces as well as the residential verticals score 14.

Similarly, public services, which includes police stations, fire stations, courts, passport offices, post offices, and prisons, have a safety score of only 18.

Green Buildings: Better for Business Working in a green building is associated with higher productivity, lower employee turnover and a decrease in the length of open staff positions

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ccording to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), which certifies green building standards, over 3.6 billion square feet or 69,000 buildings have so far been certified in 150 countries.

New research has found that these buildings are not only healthy for the occupants, but also better for business as they can help increase productivity of employees and lower absenteeism.

Dr. Joseph Allen and fellow researchers of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in the US conducted the first comprehensive review of studies that focused on green buildings.

By definition, the design of green buildings minimizes impact on the environment by reducing the use of energy and water. Environmental disturbance is also limited during the building process and by the choice of the building site.

The ways in which the design of green buildings improve human health are, however, less widely recognized or scientifically studied.

Therefore Allen and his colleagues set out to review all current work done and, in the process, enlighten researchers, practitioners and policy

May-June ’15

makers on such benefits. Fifteen studies were included in the review.

“Overall, the initial scientific evidence indicates better indoor environmental quality in green buildings versus non-green buildings, with direct benefits to human health for occupants of those buildings,” said Allen.

Occupants of green buildings are in general more satisfied with indoor air quality, their workspace, building cleanliness and maintenance in general.

The indoor environmental quality measured in green buildings is better compared to typical buildings and, as a result, occupants have less exposure to allergens, pollutants and environmental contaminants such as the harmful gas formaldehyde found in some building materials. Green building occupants in one study for instance reported lower absenteeism and fewer lost work hours because of asthma and allergies.

On the whole, the better indoor environmental quality translates into occupants’ reporting that they suffer from fewer symptoms of sick building syndrome and that they enjoy better physical and mental health. Working in a green building is also associated with

ITC Gardenia, Bengaluru is a LEED Platinum rated green hotel.

higher productivity, lower employee turnover and a decrease in the length of open staff positions.

The researchers also found that green hospitals benefit patients and the medical staff working in them alike. One study, for instance, noted improved quality of care, fewer blood stream infections, improved record keeping and a lower number of deaths among patients.

Building acoustics were consistently the one aspect that did not score better in green buildings, as participants in several studies were not satisfied with the noise levels experienced.

The review was published in Springer ’s journal Current Environmental Health Reports.

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COVER STORY

Spa: Score High on Hygiene Maintaining hygiene is a key for a spa to deliver what it claims- a rejuvenating experience for the mind, body and soul

By Ashok Malkani

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hink of a spa and the immediate though that sparks in the mind is that of sprawling site exuding refreshing aromas of healing hot oils and water meant to make a perfect relaxing ambience. And it is with this very purpose of rejuvenating the mind, body and soul after a stressful week that one visits a spa.

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Immersing yourself in a hot tub or a meticulously crafted massage regimen can relieve your body pains and reinvigorate your mind. And the consumers, especially comprising young professionals with disposable income are ready to pay a premium for a few hours of indulgence. But few people realize that a visit to a spa may be associated not just with

a pleasant relaxing experience but with certain health risks too.

There is a potential for contamination of microorganisms in your tub due to the water that you use. Maintaining water hygiene is, therefore, extremely important in spas. The oil that is used in Ayurvdic massages is also heavy and proper cleaning and sanitisation is essential

May-June ’15

COVER STORY

after each massage.

For a spa owner, maintaining high standards of cleanliness among all areas of spa, including the floors, the bathroom, countertops, and all spa equipment is essential to increase sales and expanding business. It is only obvious that an untidy spa will lead to a drop in clientele.

Spa-associated Infections One of the most common diseases

May-June ’15

spread by unsanitary spa equipment is the skin infection caused by the staphylococcus bacteria. Such infections are commonly referred to as staph infections. Although these bacteria generally cause no problems or result in relatively minor skin infections, staph infections can turn dangerous if the bacteria find way to enter your bloodstream, joints, bones, lungs or heart.

The nature of this ugly beast

is that it can appear as something as tiny as a pimple, or, when left untreated, can manifest into a serious, life-threatening condition such as sepsis, which is an infection of the blood.

One of the most head line gripping stories related to spa related infections emerged in 1994 when a whirlpool spa bath on a cruise ship affected 50 passengers with Legionnaires’ disease – a sometimes fatal form of pneumonia.

Hot tub rash, caused by germ Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is another common form of spa-related infections. These infections can affect the ear or skin and can occur if contaminated water comes in contact with skin for a long period of time. The rash usually appears within a few days of being in a poorly maintained hot tub (or spa), but it can also appear within a few days after swimming in a poorly maintained pool.

A study has concluded that most hot tub rash infections occur due to

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COVER STORY

lack of adequate maintenance.

“Common errors in operation inc luded failure to maintain adequate germicide concentrations, pH, and temperature, and failure to change water and to clean or replace filters,” it said.

Manicures and pedicures recently have also garnered a lot of attention for being a sanitation risk, and the potential for infection is even greater with these services if cuticles are cut and instruments are not properly cleaned.

A few other diseases that can spread due to unhygienic spa environment are the wart virus, bacterial skin infections from pedicure baths, methicillin-resistant Staphylo¬coccus aureus (MRSA) from surfaces, fungal infections from tools that have been improperly cleaned and athlete’s foot from reusing slippers that haven’t been properly sanitised.

Steps to Keep Spa Sanitised In the spa industry everybody is unanimous that a spa must be kept impeccably clean to avoid transfer of skin conditions from one client to another.

The first step to do so could be to keep the equipment used in the spa sanitized. Such products include hand dryers, vending machines,

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paper towel dispensers, cigarette bins, sanitizers and janitorial supplies, etc.

S heets, towels, disposable coverings used in therapy rooms should be changed after each use to ensure high hygiene standard.

“It is highly important to keep a spa clean and sanitized. A spa is a premise where people drop their guard and inhibitions in having a perfect, seamless experience. It is very important for the environment to complement it in every way possible, be it aesthetics or cleanliness,” said Moncy Joy, Spa Manager, Goa Marriott Resort & Spa. Husnavaz Dastur, Spa Manager, Club Renaissance at Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel noted, “Spa is a place where guests come to relax and rejuvenate. It is important to keep it clean and sanitize the guest areas. Jacuzzi has an inbuilt mechanism of water filtration. We also keep wet wipes and hand sanitizers in the Club Renaissance gym for guests to clean the hand railing before any machine’s use as it helps in complete sanitisation.”

Manish Jaiswal, Director of Spa, Spa by JW at JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, stated that cleanliness and hygiene are most pivotal aspects of the spa- contributing to the

ambience, look and feel of the place.

“Hence spa cleanliness is of utmost importance in any hotel.

Every hotel/spa has its audit levels for the same and the sanitization is done keeping in mind the target audience we cater to,” he explained.

Other spa mangers also agree that it is really very critical to keep the spa cleaned and sanitized all the time.

According to them a well-kept spa is a testimony of the quality of services that the spa offers.

So the general consensus is that an unsanitised spa could cause diseases, besides marring the reputation of the spa.

May-June ’15

COVER STORY “Also recommended, as part of your arsenal to keep your spa healthy is an enzyme based clarifier. This chemical is used literally to eat body oils that attach to the spa surface giving it the “ring around the tub” title. It also helps keep your filter from clogging therefore making it last longer,” it added.

Skills for Spa Cleaning

Husnavaz Dastur

One of the most important ways to keep hygiene in the spa is to keep the water free from bacteria and viruses.

Because of the high temperatures and heavy bather loads, spas require higher sanitizer levels, as well as heavier oxidizer doses to eliminate bather waste and maintain clear, sparkling water, Spacare.com pointed out.

It may be mentioned that cleaning of a spa needs specially trained and skilled people. Spa technicians chemically treat pools and spas. They may also install, maintain and service pumps, filters, heaters and other related equipment.

Their duties include the following: • Carrying out scheduled water cleaning, using chemicals like chlorine • Testing water quality and pH balance • Cleaning out filtration units • Servicing heating, circulation and de-humidifier systems • Chec king and repair ing

Anu Mohan

corrosion, cracks and leaks in the pool walls or floors • Keeping stock records for cleaning supplies and spare parts • L ogging and reporting equipment faults or water quality problems to managers.

So what do the spa managers, directors and others look for when they are looking for people to maintain their spas?

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May-June ’15

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COVER STORY

Moncy Joy According to Dastur, sense of cleanliness is the most important and self-motivating factor.

“Our Style team is very experienced and is trained on standard Operating procedures which imparts them the knowledge of handling and maintaining the areas,” she said. “ The essential requirements include knowledge of different cleaning materials like soft and hard mops, cleaning products/chemicals amongst others. The associates cleaning the spa should possess the required knowledge and training as per the guidelines set by the Spa by JW which are followed worldwide,” Jaiswal pointed out. “ The people must possess basic knowledge of the product or chemical used for cleaning each area and item, as certain materials

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or areas might be sensitive to specific cleaning agents,” Joy noted.

Anu Mohan, Spa Manager, The Westin Mumbai Garden City, prefers team member who are able to use their own initiative and be consistent and committed to their work.

“We give priority to applicants with previous experience of Leisure / Industrial cleaning with a good knowledge of cleaning chemicals,” Mohan noted.

“We provide them with basic training and tell them that it is imperative to follow the directions when using spa chemicals. The label tells you how much of the product to use and how to handle the product safely. We ensure that they always read the label before using any product,” Mohan said.

Since cleaning and maintenance of a spa is a specialized aspect of cleaning, a pertinent question that arises is: Do the spas use hired help or do they manage it by their own staff?

Dastur dec lared, “O ur Spa attendants are trained by our Style team who help in maintaining the area with the high standards maintained by our hotels by following the procedures.”

“At the Westin Mumbai Garden City we have well trained staff at the spa to take care of the sanitary conditions of the respective area,” Mohan said.

At JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru,

Manish Jaiswal the staff manages the cleanliness and hygiene at the spa,” Jaiswal said.

“They are trained and certified as per the Spa by JW standard followed across the globe,” he stressed.

However, it can be noted that the use of contract staff to maintain hygiene in the spa is also not at all uncommon because of lack of skilled professionals. What, however, is more important is to develop zero tolerance towards unhygienic conditions in the spa and other related facilities for the wellness industry in India to realize its full potential.

A c c o r d i n g t o PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), India’s wellness market reached $9.8 billion in 2011, an impressive 20 percent increase over 2010. However, as compared to the global wellness industry, India’s market share accounts for less than two percent of the global wellness industry which represents a market of nearly $2 trillion, the report pointed out, thereby highlighting the enormous potential for development of the Indian wellness industry especially at a time when global interest in traditional Indian therapies like Ayurveda health spa are increasing.

However, to sustain and expand both global and domestic interest in the Indian wellness industry, establishing international hygiene standards is a must. n

May-June ’15

SMS PEST to 54242 l Toll Free: 1800 212 2125

May-June ’15

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BUSINESS

Driving a Car Washing Business With thousands of cars hitting the road every day and people finding little time to do the errands, driving a car washing business could be a lucrative business option even for those without any prior experience

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he continued rise in income, particularly among the young population, has resulted in a sharp increase in the number of cars on Indian roads. This gives an opportunity for a budding entrepreneur having little previous business experience to start a car

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By Ashok Malkani wash business. According to the International Carwash Association, 37 percent of car wash owners have owned their business for less than five years.

Those days of the local car cleaner cleaning the car with a rag are passĂŠ. It is felt that the same cloth

being applied to several cars causes scratches and does not give the car a spic and span look.

Yes, most car owners are now of the view that one should bid adieu to the local car wash boy and take the car to the car wash. In a fast paced society like today, everyone

May-June ’15

B U S I NESS

would like to get their car cleaned in the shortest possible time by a professional car washer while they relax over a cup of coffee and see their car being cleaned and polished.

Car polishing and washing could thus be the next big thing in India.

Car washing and polishing involves washing, cleaning, drying, polishing, detailing, servicing or otherwise providing cosmetic care to vehicles. However, it does not include motor vehicle repair. Car wash businesses offer various types of services which include full service, self services, automatic polishing and manual polishing. It uses a number of

May-June ’15

techniques and ingredients starting from mild pressure, hot water, steam, foam detergents and liquid wax that will give the car a dirt free coating. However, the techniques and equipments used by different car washers may differ.

You can even get the seats and internal fittings, like mats, cleaned at the car cleaner. The seats are vacuumed. Remember, as long as there are cars on the road, there will be a need for car wash businesses.

Depending on factors, such as location and weather, a car wash can be a lucrative business.

As the number of cars on the road

continues to increase the need for car wash businesses should also increase, according to the International Carwash Association website. A car wash can also be a good business for someone who enjoys working with his hands and enjoys working with the public.

People today have less and less time to spend on errands like getting their car washed. One of the main challenges of today’s car wash owner isn’t just providing customers with clean cars—it’s providing customers with clean cars in as short a time as possible. Another challenge is providing the best quality of wash possible. Customers today are better educated about their options and demand more value for their money.

History of Car Wash Before discussing about the cost and the pros and cons of the car wash business, let’s take a look at the history of this business.

People have found ways to wash their cars ever since cars were invented. They either washed it themselves at home, or paid someone else to wash it by hand. Then, in 1914, two men in Michigan, US opened the first car wash business, which they called the “Automated Laundry”, but it was not really automated. It was basically a pail and

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BUS INESS percent every year, the industry is estimated to become third largest by 2025. By 2025 ever y third car manufactured will be sold in India. Since the number of cars will increase, it only obvious that there would be a high demand for car washing business and detailing services.

But what would be the cost of starting a car wash business?

According to experts, the equipment cost could be around Rs 17-25 lakh, depending on the company the equipment is bought from.

Entrepreneurs will also need to invest in real estate and the setup.

Selecting a Suitable Site

sponge type of operation where the cars were pushed manually through an assembly-line-like tunnel, where one attendant would soap the car as it went past, another would rinse, and a third would dry. Of course, after pushing a few cars through, the attendants got pretty tired.

The first “automatic” conveyor car wash was opened in California in 1940. Instead of manually pushing the cars through, this car wash had a winch system that hooked to the bumper and pulled the car through as men splashed away in the tunnel, soaping, scrubbing, wiping, and drying cars as they came through.

A man named Thomas Simpson is credited with inventing the first semiautomatic car wash system in 1946. Simpson devised a system that took most of the manual labor out of the tunnel. It had a conveyor belt that hooked to the bumper of automobiles, an overhead water sprinkler with three sets of manually operated brushes, and a 50 HP air blower to help dry the car.

Then, in 1951, Archie, Dean and Eldon Anderson got the great idea to fully automate their car wash.

It is said that the Anderson clan invented the completely hands-free automatic car wash in Seattle. Cars would be pulled through the tunnel and machines sprayed soap on them, big brushes scrubbed them, nozzles rinsed them, and giant blowers

16

dried them. Needless to say, this was a big hit! Soon, many other car wash owners were installing automatic equipment in their car wash business.

By the late 60’s car washes were becoming a prominent industry worldwide with car washes being installed in many countries.

Today’s car washes are literally cleaning machines -- they not only wash all five sides of the car at once, but scrub tires and wash the undercarriage as well. They are more eco-friendly, with milder soaps and lower water and electric requirements. Many of the newer car washes even have express tunnels that get your car through quickly, all of which leads to more clean cars and happier car owners.

Scope of Car Wash in India Though there does not seem to be any data available on the number of car washes in India, there is no denying the fact that the number of cars hitting the Indian streets is increasing every year. India was the sixth largest motor vehicle/car manufacturer in the world in 2013.

A record number of 3.22 million passenger vehicles rolled out from Indian auto plants in 2014-15.

India, with over 35 million vehicles on road, is the 5th largest vehicle manufacturing country in the world. Increasing at a rate of 10

“The profitability of individual firms depends on favourable location and efficient operations,” says a report

by First Research, leading provider of market analysis tools.

It is estimated that over 80 per cent of the customers come from within a 10-mile radius of the location. So if you are planning to start the car wash business, conduct surveys and collect data about different localities regarding the population and the number of cars. Also, take into consideration certain conditions, such as a busy street, no-exit restrictions, traffic signal, shopping mall, or a car service station.

Ta k e t h e c a s e o f A n b u Christubass, a Bangalore based businessman who invested around Rs 35 lakh to set up a swanky car wash station. He chose one of the busiest locations in the city Within a fortnight of starting his business he had over 3,000 customers a day!

The outskirts of big cities, where people are buying property, have a lot of potential too. It is also important to find out if any development like a road or a flyover can affect traffic flow in the near future. Once your car wash is up and running, advertising in local newspapers, or local cable channels could be helpful.

Though there is no guarantee that any particular site will be successful, according to autowash.com, there are some important factors which must be considered, like:

May-June ’15

May-June ’15

17

BUS INESS •

•

•

•

•

Traffic flows: Main road frontage is ideal with easy access to your site from both directions preferred.

Signage and visibility: The bigger the sign the better and 30m visibility in either direction is very important.

Medium to high densit y residential area: Low density re s i d e n t i a l a re a s o r p a r t commercial/part residential areas can work but prime car wash sites typically are situated in higher density residential areas.

Demographics: Again this is no hard and fast rule but you should study data to determine the average age of cars in your area, number of cars per household, use of cars as opposed to public transport etc.

Local Schools & Community Organisations: Successful car washes are constantly busy.

Local schools and community organisations often mean steady

trade inside typically work hours and are also often great partners in car wash marketing and fundraising initiatives

Franchising As in all businesses you could also opt for the franchising route in car wash business.

There are some well-known franchisers like Express Car Wash, Speed Car Wash, Carzspa.India, and Autozspa, among others.

Car washing business is a business which is sure to prove lucrative for an intrepid entrepreneur, whether he chooses to operate individually or follow the franchising route.

Here are some facts and figures related to car franchising

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Company

Investment

Area reqd

Validity

Functional Support

Express Car Wash

Rs 19-29 lakh

1000 sq. ft

Speed Car Wash

Rs 10-20 lakh

1000-1500 Sq.ft

5 years

Initial and Ongoing Training Programs Marketing/Advertising Assistance Equipment and Technical Support Web and Online Support Operations & Technical Support Integrated POS System Marketing & Advertising Assistance

Carzspa

Rs 7-8 lakh

1000-1500 sq.ft

3 years

Architectural & Interior design for outlet All machines, products, chemicals, consumer products Machine set up and fitting Training, technology and support (Multilingual Training) Sales & marketing training Free machine maintenance visits Personal Relationship Manager to guide you always.

Autozspa

Rs 10-15 lakh

700 sq. ft.

5 years

Supplies detailed operating manuals Training provided at franchise/s site Field assistance provided Provides IT systems to the franchisee–

Start with comparatively low initial establishment costs.

ECW Franchise Business model has stood the test of time.

Franchisees are provided complete guidance and training to run their Outlets.

Detailed Operation manuals and processes Sales and Marketing, Technical and Operational support

May-June ’15

CITIE

Guangdong·China 2015

The Largest Hospitality Exhibition in the World

The 13th China (Guangdong) International Hospitality Supplies Fair 10-12 September, 2015 China Import & Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou

600,000+ sq.m 70+ countries and regions 4,000+ exhibitors 61,088+ professionals gathered

Official Website

Contact us: Guangdong Xinji Huazhan Exhibition Co., Ltd. Tel：+86-20-85645910 E-mail：hosfair@hosfair.com Web：www.hosfair.com/en Organizers: People's Government of Guangdong Province China Hotel Supplies Association Kitchen Utensils Chamber of Commerce of

May-June ’15 Feb-Mar ’15

All-China of Industr y and Commerce

Hammer Food & Beverage Business Review

41 19

HEALTH

Clean Chemicals Ignoring the harms associated with the usage of low quality or higher quantity of cleaning chemicals could be hazardous for workers

W

hile purchasing cleaning chemicals there are various things one should look for. Managers should find out if the chemical formulation contains ingredients that are harmful to those who might breathe its vapours. Will the chemical burn skin? Does it contain carcinogenic, or known cancercausing ingredients? Can the overexposure to the chemical fumes cause Tuberculosis? How will the product impact the environment?

These are some the questions that the managers should ask in order to order the right cleaning chemicals.

Right Choice As buying chemicals has major implications, especially because all

20

products cannot be deemed safe, managers must do their research, deciphering labels and ask vendors and suppliers lots of questions to find out if the product lives up to its claims. They must develop database of the harmful chemicals found in the cleaning products. For example, some carpet spot removers contain a solvent called butoxyethanel, which when absorbed through skin, c an damage blood and major body organs, and also can harm the developing fetus in pregnant women. This solvent is also found in some floor strippers. Building occupants might be sensitive to the solvent’s vapors or residue.

As an alternative there are hydrogen peroxide and enzymebased products that work

well as carpet spotters. Other ingredients to be aware of include monoethyanolamine, sodium hydroxide or sodium metasilicate and zinc. One must not to buy products that contain heavy metals.

There is a wide range of carpetcleaning chemicals available. The ingredients vary in each product.

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HEALTH health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose. The group must lay down the purchase guidelines for the cleaning products.

In developed nations there are groups which list hazardous chemicals and focuses on eliminating or minimizing the use of carcinogens, ozone-depleting substances, formulations with high phosphate concentrations and volatile organic compounds.

The most harmful chemicals include hydrofluoric acid, nitrilotriacetate or nitrilotriacetic acid, perchloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene and tributyl tin.

Use Less When possible, managers should reduce the frequency of tasks that require the most harmful chemicals, like floor stripping and finishing, and carpet spotting and extracting.

Some housekeeping departments might follow a specific schedule for these tasks, but if the areas still look good, managers should reschedule the work for a later time.

Lower frequency of carpet cleaning and floor stripping and finishing reduces the number of times workers, building occupants and the environment are exposed to harmful chemicals. Housekeeping managers can lower cleaning frequencies by ensuring entryways and outside areas are clean. Cleaning staff can help prevent dirt from entering buildings by sweeping and pressurewashing outer walkways and placing walk-off mats in entryways.

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The Core Group

The Responsibility

Though there is no universal rule or law to identify clean chemicals, one must ask the chemical company about the ingredients and the usage manual and be sure these products do not contain toxic or carcinogenic materials. One must be careful about the dubious claims made by these companies - ultimately it is the question of public health.

Just because a product is safe in one way by not containing a certain ingredient, it might be harmful in another way by including something else.

It it is imperative for the cleaning industry to develop a core group which must tests and evaluates products and lists those chemicals which are safer and healthier. Tests should be performed to evaluate cleaning products for toxicity, carcinogens, skin and eye irritation, skin sensitization, combustibility and environmental impact.

This will help in identifying the products or services that have a lesser or reduced effect on human

Cleaning without chemicals may not be possible and therefore their safety aspects should not be overlooked. We care about the quality of machines, manpower productivity, time schedules and profits but how much for the safety of our employees who are performing the task and the clients who are generating the profits. We talk of standardizing the cleaning industry but what steps have been taken cumulatively to achieve the same?

It is very important that the manager must select environmentally preferable products to create a healthy environment. They should work towards using fewer chemicals by cleaning only when needed and ensuring the staff dilute and mix products properly. They should research products carefully: read labels and material safety data sheets, contact manufacturers, search the Internet for chemical information, or contact health departments for more information. n

21

PES T MA N AGE ME N T

As lovable as they appear, rats can be equally dangerous to our health as they can contaminate food and spread diseases. The best way to control rats is to seal up their entry points, eliminating their food and water sources and maintaining a clean and hygienic surrounding by keeping up the sanitation standard

Crushing the Rule of

Rodents

W

hen it comes to creating a mess out of a nice place, rats always defy their size. They have an unmatched ability to survive in adverse circumstances.

They also have an uncanny capacity to recognize the rodenticides used against them and once the effect of the rodenticides minimizes or disappears, they have the tendency of reappearing.

They are devastating in all areas like kitchens, where they contaminate the processed as well as unprocessed food. In other places, they can create mess by eating stationery papers and grinding the furniture items; they can even reduce furniture into dust.

The best way to control rats is to maintain a clean and hygienic surrounding by keeping up the sanitation standard high. Rats find

22

it easy to survive in junks created by the piles of empty containers, idle equipment and discard building materials.

The most common variant of this popular and harmful pest is called the house mouse. It is a replica of its larger cousin the common rat (Rattus Rattus), usually dark to light brown in color; it has a whitish underbelly with a 10-16 cms naked tail.

Believed to be of the Asiatic origin, it is found everywhere; in the houses, offices, commercial complexes, the crop fields in the villages and adjoining granaries, and even in five star hotels.

They are an active lot with a keen sense of smell, touch, hearing, and are excellent climber with acrobatic skills.

The offsprings, within one month

of their birth, attain full growth and start contaminating through their urine and droppings. The capacity to contaminate is 10 times as much as they eat and because they live in burrows they can’t be controlled easily.

Tackling the Rat Menace Rats have excellent capacity to adapt to their surroundings and they are also quite suspicious by nature.

Their long history of survival has proved that rats easily recognize regularly used rodenticides against them and make a suitable ploy to avoid, rendering them ineffective.

Any anti-rat therapy, which requires half of the activity to be done by the rats like mechanical traps, pills, glue and sticky traps, etc., becomes useless over a period of time.

Controlling rodents call for a

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P E S T M ANAG E M ENT

systematic and pre-planned stepby-step process to be implemented effectivel y under an exper t ’s guidance. It starts with – • Checking: Checking, mapping and then disrupting their behavioral pattern. After some time it becomes difficult for them to re-establish themselves in that particular area.

• Rodent Monitoring: Surveillance for the presence of rodents. Looking for the features in the environment, which will

May-June ’15

encourage rodent migration. It should be done regularly and formally by a specific set of staff.

• Prevention: Create environmental conditions, which will discourage or prevent rats from re-entering the area after it has been removed.

• Sanitation: Rodents require food and shelter. Reduce availability of these two factors.

A few popular rat control mechanisms are:

Mechanical Control Mechanical methods to control rats are most common amongst all.

They include devices like regular traps, sticky glue traps, etc. They are easy to use and are less complicated than chemical rodenticides. Unlike chemicals, they don’t kill rats immediately and trap them inside cages. They are not very effective, and are cumbersome and labor intensive. They are more appropriate in household use.

Cages - Trapping is the most common method used in households and small shops. It produces good results at those places where rats move frequently.

These traps require the rats to respond to the baits placed for them.

They are either killed instantly or are trapped inside the cages. Killing traps are generally not used due to their brutality and arresting traps don’t assure that rats will eventually fall for bait.

Sticky & Glue Traps - These traps are made of wood covered

23

PES T MA N AGE ME N T with very sticky material. Once the rat steps on the pad, it gets stuck .

Generally, they don’t need any kind of bait. Placing them on their path works well. The only problem lies with these pads is their disposal.

These traps become ineffective over a period due to the keen sense of smell the rats possess.

Chemical Controls Chemical controls are generally used away from homes and large areas like godowns, store rooms, etc. Rats are suspicious of new objects such as baits and traps. Therefore baits may take some time to do its work.

But, they are a good alternative to mechanical ones, and do not suffer from their limited area efficiency.

Moreover, they don’t require direct participation of rats. Chemicals have a wider range and they can even go inside the burrows.

Chemical Rodenticides: Anticoagulant Rodenticides - They affect by clotting blood mechanism of the rat. The effect is on the blood pressure and due to that rat dies slowly due to blood loss caused by hemorrhage. Hemorrhage takes place due to the external and internal injuries caused during their regular movement. Such injuries cause capillary breakage and loss of blood.

This is uncommon and basically avoided due to its slow pace.

Perimeter Baiting - It involves creating a boundary, which rats can’t cross. Baits are placed outside the immediate area of interest with a hope to restrict the immigration o f r a t s . A s s u m p t i on b e h i n d this technique is to fulfill a rat’s requirement of food just outside the complex so that they will not feel the

24

Areas Where Rats Breed • Lockers – where workers keep their snack food is a convenient food source for rodents.

• Rest Rooms – Rodents are attracted to rest rooms because water- a vital lifeline for rodents is readily available.

• Kitchens, lunch rooms and cafeterias – food water and shelter make these sites particularly attractive for the rodents. Improper sanitation and faulty garbage disposal also attract rats and mice.

• Boiler rooms – this is an extremely attractive area for the rodents because it is the warmest room.

• Storerooms - can be categorized in food or non-food area. In the food storage areas materials should be stored off the floor and at least 18 inches from walls and the floor should be swept regularly. Key breeding places in storeroom areas, overhead doors and windows, sewers, water drain etc.

• Offices – Food is sometimes left in the drawers by workers or meals eaten at desks invite rodents to infest these sensitive locations.

• Unused terraces - are places where squirrels, birds and other rodents gain access to buildings. Damaged rooftops, open windows and drain pipes are some of the favourite locations because the rodents can stay undisturbed in these areas. need to trespass and contaminate further.

Fumigation - Though this is the most effective chemical rodenticides due to its unlimited reach but it asks for certain strict precautions. If direct contact is established with the chemicals, it can affect humans just like it does to pests.

It can be used directly inside the burrows and the nesting places of rats. Conditions regarding its use are that that gas should be heavier than the air and should not be used inside kitchens, food-processing units and near human population. Though, while fumigation is performed, human life (except the pest control worker) should not be around the vicinity where the task is being carried out.

These gases are generated when the powder or tablets come into contact with moisture present in the air. The tablets and powder can also be placed directly and harmlessly inside the holes. The only problem is that if the rat dies inside the burrow, it will create a hell of breathing problem for us.

So it is clear that rats can surely be controlled. What calls for is a proper planning with a dedicated professional. There is no single and foolproof measure to control rats.

They can be controlled through a

step-by-step method.

It starts with looking for the signs of rat’s presence and then capturing them with the use of proper and efficient aide. The next step is to create in-house facilities to stop them from infiltrating and even if they do succeed, there will signs that serve as a warning. Last, but surely not the least, manpower is the most important factor in controlling the rat menace.

Chemical and mechanical anti rodenticides are good ways to get rid of mouse menace but they will not be efficient until and unless they are backed by trained and efficient professionals who understand how to use what.

H o w e v e r, t h e i n t e g r a t e d approach that focuses on sealing their entry points and eliminating the conditions that attract mice in the first place is considered the best way to controlling mice populations. And when they are spotted, the objective should be to disrupt their behavioural pattern and make it difficult for them to establish themselves in that area.

Identification and treatment with traps or rodenticide should be followed up by regular monitoring.

Sanitation and proofing methods can provide lasting protection against re-infestation. n

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25

LAUNDRY

Keep the Shine On While chlorine bleach can help keep white clothes white by brightening the fabrics and removing stains, proper methods should be followed while using it in laundry.

When used incorrectly, chlorine bleach can permanently discolor and damage fabrics.

Applied directly, it can burn holes in the fabric

T

he use of white clothes is extensive in the hospitality and healthcare industry.

As nice and comforting as they look, white linens can be equally difficult to maintain. In the absence of proper care such clothes can display a different color other than white. Moreover, stains too become more visible on white clothes than on colored clothes. So keeping white clothes white can be quite a challenge. Laundr y workers have long used a pesticide with antimicrobial properties to solve these problems! Yes, chlorine bleach, a popular laundry aid that helps detergents remove soils and stains

26

is a pesticide. It can also be used as a disinfectant to reduce germs in layndry.

Through oxidization, laundry bleaches convert soil into more soluble, colorless or dispersible particles that can be removed by detergent and carried away in the wash water. Besides chlorine bleach, there is another type of bleach called oxygen bleach. While chlorine bleach is generally used in white clothes, oxygen bleach can also be used in coloured clothes, unless stated otherwise in the fabric label.

Sodium hypochlorite (also called chlorine or liquid household bleach) and oxygen bleaches should not be

used together. The benefits of both are lost when combined. In fact, it is very important to check the label of the fabric to know if it allows the use of bleach. Improper use of bleach can harm the clothes and even make a hole in the fabric.

Chlorine Bleach Chlorine Bleach can be identified by the word “chlorine” or “hypochlorite” on the wrappers. It comes in both liquid and powdered form. It can be used for laundering all fabrics except silk, wool, spandex, non-colourfast fabrics, and certain flame retardant finishes. If the garment care label says “No Bleach” or “No Chlorine

May-June ’15

LAUND RY Bleach”, then it is strongly advisable not to use it.

Liquid chlorine bleach is a powerful chemical and must be used according to product label instructions. Powdered chlorine bleach is not as caustic as liquid but must be diluted and handled with care. When used incorrectly, chlorine bleach can permanently discolor and damage fabric fibers. Applied directly, it can burn holes in your fabric. Safety should be observed when using chlorine bleach, as it is highly toxic. Never mix chlorine bleach with ammonia, rust removers, vinegar, cleaning fluids, or acids.

These chemicals can produce toxic gases when combined.

Procedure to use Sodium Hypochlorite Bleach: • Always follow the bleach package directions.

• Use a standard measuring cup and measure the recommended amount. For best results, dilute bleach with a quart (0.95 L) of water and add about five minutes after the wash cycle has begun.

• Applying undiluted bleach directly to fabrics may result in color removal and/or weakening of the fabric.

• Adding bleach at the beginning of the wash cycle with the detergent destroys some detergent ingredients (FWAs, enzymes). This reduces the effectiveness of both detergent and bleach.

• Adding bleach after five to six minutes allows the FWAs to attach to fabrics, the enzymes to work on soils and the bleach to have maximum effectiveness.

For washers with dispensers where bleach is automatically dispensed and diluted, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Sodium hypochlorite bleach can be used on all washable colorfast natural fibers (cotton, linen) except protein fibers like wool, silk and mohair. It is also safe on all washable synthetic and permanent press fabrics, except spandex.

Sodium hypochlorite bleach is safe for most (70 to 80 per cent) colored washable fabrics.

To determine if a color is bleach

May-June ’15

safe, apply one drop of a test solution made from one tablespoon (15 ml) of bleach in 1/4 cup (60 ml) of water to an inconspicuous part of the fabric or garment, such as a seam allowance.

Be sure the solution penetrates the fabric. Let it dissolve for one minute and blot dry with a paper towel. If there is no color change, the article can be safely bleached.

Highlighting strategies to inhibit potentially serious contamination from healthcare textiles, a new review published in the journal Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology suggests that laundry additives, such as hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid and acetic acid, can provide extra disinfection options for short wash cycles of healthcare textiles or for those laundry situations in which chlorine bleach is not indicated.

provides a more gentle bleaching action than sodium hypochlorite used in chlorine bleaches.

Water temperature affects the bleaching rate of oxygen bleaches.

Hot water accelerates the bleaching action. As water temperature decreases below 130 degrees F, exposure time must be increased substantially.

Powdered oxygen bleaches also contain a builder, usually sodium carbonate, which provides additional alkalinity and allows the perborate to function more effectively as bleach. Other ingredients such as surfactants, brighteners, bluing agents and fragrance can be incorporated into both liquid and powdered formulations. Enzymes are used in powdered bleaches.

Oxygen Bleach (all-fabric bleach)

• Use a standard measuring spoon or cup and measure the recommended amount.

• Add oxygen bleach to the wash water before clothes are added.

• Do not pour oxygen bleaches directly on wet colored fabrics without testing for colorfastness first.

To determine if a color is bleach safe, mix one teaspoon (5 ml) dry oxygen bleach to one cup (240 ml) hot water or follow instructions on the package. Place a few drops of test solution or undiluted liquid oxygen bleach on an inconspicuous portion of fabric for the time designated on the package. If colour does not bleed or there is no colour change, oxygen bleach may be used.

Oxygen bleach is considered “safe for all fabrics” and therefore it is also known as “all fabric bleach”.

However, if garment care label says “No Bleach”, oxygen bleach should not be used. This type of bleach is most effective when used consistently. It is not strong enough to restore whiteness to garments that have become gray and dingy or to be considered a “stain remover”.

It may be added in the recommended amount along with the detergent when loading the washer. Follow Product Label instructions.

Oxygen bleaches are available in both a dry and liquid form. All dry oxygen bleaches contain inorganic peroxygen compounds, such as sodium perborate tetrahydrate and sodium percarbonate. When dissolved, the inorganic peroxygen compounds convert to hydrogen peroxide (the oxidizing agent) and the residue of the compound (e.g., sodium borate or carbonate).

Liquid oxygen bleaches contain hydrogen peroxide, which supplies the oxidizing agent directly. The hydrogen peroxide reacts with the soil and organic materials in the wash to either decolorize or break them up. Hydrogen peroxide

How to Use Oxygen Bleach:

Bleach Dispensers Many washing machines provide a bleach dispenser. When used as per the manufacturer’s instructions, they work very well at dispensing the bleach when the washer is at its fullest, and the clothes have already been saturated, thus reducing bleach damage, which can occur when undiluted bleach comes in contact with fabric - particularly dry fabric. Do not add powdered bleach to a bleach dispenser unless otherwise recommended by the machine manufacturer.

27

WASTE M A N AGE ME N T

Water : When Wastage is

Not an Option

In the absence of sustainable conservation practices by all stakeholders, water shortage could pose a major hurdle to India’s growth

By Jyotismita Sharma

T

he recent sealing of a fivestar hotel in Hardwar, Uttarakhand for allegedly releasing untreated water to the “holy” river Ganges has once again brought the issue of water treatment in the hospitality industry to the fore.

28

“During an inspection in April, it was found that the hotel had not set up its waste water treatment plant and untreated water was flowing into the drains near e hotel and onto the Ganga,” Ankur Kansal, regional officer, State Pollution Control Board, Roorkee unit, was

quoted as saying.

“Notices were issued to the hotel earlier as well to have its waste water treated but they were not heeded. Therefore, action was initiated to have the property sealed,” Kansal added.

The issue highlights at least two

May-June ’15

WAS T E M ANAG EMENT things. First, it shows that even big hotels in India are lacking in terms of compliance to the rules of water treatment which is quite unfortunate. On the other hand, the punishment meted out to the hotel shows that non-compliance to the water conservation norms by the industry may no longer be tolerated which is a positive thing.

Punitive action against those who fail to follow the minimum standards to conserve water, a limited natural resource, is a welcome change as it sends out the message that water pollution or water wastage is hardly an option now, especially when shortage of water is already a major hurdle for effective functioning and growth of various industries.

With India consolidating its position as a major power house in an increasingly open and integrated world economy, the pressure on its finite natural resources, including water is also on the rise.

In fact, it is only natural that

May-June ’15

growth of the industries that drive the growth of the country’s economy hinges to a large extent on uninterrupted supply of some of the basic resources like water.

Therefore, while demand for water across the sectors is on the rise, there is also fear about the availability of water in the near future among the industrialists. Going by the

increasing demand for water across the industries in the country, a Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) study points out that India is projected to move into the category of water stressed nation by 2020. “ The water demand for the industrial sector is on a rise and will account for 8.5 and 10.1 percent of

29

WASTE M A N AGE ME N T

the total freshwater abstraction in 2025 and 2050 respectively. This is a 4 percent rise from the current level of 6 percent of the total freshwater abstraction by the industries in 2010,” the ‘Water Use in Indian Industry Survey’ by FICCI Water Mission said.

The rising cost of water and quality of water are two other major concerns. Many also fear that environmental changes due to global warming and lobbying by environmental groups may also impact access to water for a variety of sectors.

Effective water conservation measures It appears that grey water (wash water which is not foul; so water that comes out of kitchen sinks, showers, washing machines, etc.) recycling for non-potable use and rainwater harvesting have already gained currency among various sectors of the economy.

However, they are not the only measures used to conserve water.

Some other measures range from use of various devices such as low flow showerheads, low-flush toilets, faucet aerators, etc. to reduce the use of water, to engaging employees and guests in saving and reusing water by adapting behavioural changes to adopting strict water audits to monitor the use of water

30

and check its wastage.

Other water conser vation measures in industries may also include the following: • Strict water budgeting norms • Industrial process modernisation to cut down on water requirement •Rec yc ling water with a recirculating cooling system (using the same water to perform several cooling operations • Of the three cooling water conser vation approaches -evaporative cooling, ozonation and air heat exchange, the ozonation cooling water approach is regarded best as it can result in a five-fold reduction in blow down when compared to traditional chemical treatment.

• De-ionized water may also be considered for reuse in several areas because it may still be better than supplied municipal water.

• Effluent treatment before disposal.

It is now said that with water conservation practices in place, urban areas can reduce the demand as much as by one third, besides minimising pollution of surface and ground water resources.

Importance of Water Audit Any business establishment for which water supply is crucial to its very existence and operations must take stock of its supply to keep a plan ready to meet any impending crisis. Water audit inevitably becomes an important

May-June ’15

WAS T E M ANAG EMENT Why Water Needs Your Care • Water is a finite resource and cannot be replaced/ duplicated.

• Wa t e r r e s o u r c e s a r e theoretically ‘renewable’ through hydrological cycle. However, what is renewable is only the quantity, but pollution, contamination, climate change, temporal and seasonal variations have affected the water quality and reduced the amount of ‘usable water’.

• Only 2.7% of the water on earth is fresh.

• The ground water levels are declining very fast.

• Ra i n f a l l i s u n e v e n l y distributed over time and space.

• Increased demand in coastal areas is threatening the fresh water aquifers with seawater intrusion.

• In inland saline areas, the fresh water is becoming saline due to excessive withdrawal of ground water.

• Wa t e r c o n s e r v a t i o n practices in urban areas can reduce the demand as much as by one third, in addition to minimising pollution of surface and ground water resources.

Source: Press Information Bureau

May-June ’15

part of such a management plan that can rescue an establishment before a water crisis hits it.

However, a water audit is not only geared towards identifying the areas of excessive water use in the establishment, but also making an assessment about whether the supplied water for each application meets the required quality standards, and also to set up norms for water budgeting and optimize the cost of treating water. Thus, according to the Press Information Bureau, water audit involves the following: • Measurement of water onsumption at user points by calibrated instruments. F low through closed pipes can be measured by an Ultrasonic flow measuring instrument and flow through open channels through V-Notch weirs.

• The quality and quantity of effluents generated from each section should also be assessed.

Conscious efforts shall be made to effect savings in cost of treating the effluent.

• The next step is to establish bench marks for water consumption based on international practices for similar industries and identify areas of excess consumption.

• An action plan should then be drawn for reducing the consumption of water in those areas.

Effluent Treatment Effluent treatment is necessary for any industry to ensure availability of safe water in the downstream h a b i t a t i on . W h i l e u n t re a t e d effluent discharge in a public sewer

or receiving stream poses health risks, the treated effluent can be used for low-end applications. To ensure uninterrupted water supply and achieve the goal of zero liquid discharge, it is very important for an industry to have facilities to treat, recycle and reuse effluent in its premises.

Water Conservation: India vs World According to Vishal Sharma of Ecolab Inc, a 13 billion USD c on g l om e r a t e a n d a l e a d i n g provider of water, hygiene and energy technologies, in terms of water conservation, India is behind the developed world, and also behind China at this time.

“Discharge norms and costs of non-compliance are much more stringent and higher in the developed world and the adoption is also far higher. So from a technology point of view, the similar technologies exist everywhere. The big difference is in adoption of the technologies and this should change over the next decade,” he said.

He said that India needs to have mechanisms that encourage the recycling and reuse of water, which will reduce the consumption of fresh water, in all relevant areas.

“This will drive the installation and build up of the infrastructure and within a decade, our water situation will improve dramatically,” he said.

“Water availability is a necessary growth enabler for India and without it, we will have major problems,” Sharma noted. n

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HYGIENE

Restroom Regal Most of the innovations with regard to the washroom in recent years have been centered on minimizing the use of resources such as water and energy

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he state of sanitation in the restroom is often considered a mirror of the hygiene standard that a property maintains.

This is largely true for all types of hospitality properties and health care facilities. After all, who would like to visit a bar again if its washroom is not well maintained? In fact, if washroom of any facility reeks of stench, all other measures to attract guests or visitors may fail. On the other hand, a spacious, dry and clean washroom equipped with high-quality personal care products that exude a mild aroma of freshness can immediately make a lasting

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statement about superior hygiene standards for the whole property.

So washroom hygiene can be considered a very important scale that a consumer uses to measure the value of a hotel or a restaurant, or for that matter a hospital. Thus this small area, often neglected by many, can play a very important role in attracting visitors and the right clients.

The increasing importance that people are attaching to washroom sanitation is not without reason.

In the absence of proper cleaning, washrooms can be a source of deadly pathogens that can make us ill.

Now cleaning the washroom is one thing and maintaining hygiene in the washroom could be quite another. For example, even a clean washroom may not be able to maintain hygiene if it does not provide appropriate bins at the right places to dispose the tissue papers used by the customers. And what would happen if someone finds the soap dispenser empty while washing hands after using the toilet is anyone’s guess. Similarly, if washrooms are not equipped with toilet seat sanitisers, chances are high that one would have to compromise with hygiene.

May-June ’15

H Y G I ENE So providing quality personal care products and ensuring their availability all the time is an important aspect of washroom hygiene, besides, of course, keeping the washroom itself spic and span.

Innovation While improvements in design and aesthetics of washrooms to offer an impressive relaxing experience to the guests have been the focus of housekeepers for long, most of the innovations with regard to the washroom in recent years have been centered on minimizing the use of resources such as water and energy.

Thus faucets in modern washrooms are sensor based which can go drastically cut down water wastage.

The use of recycled water in toilets has also gained currency. Waterless urinals are becoming increasingly common, especially in places with high foot falls like shopping malls.

Even in terms of using personal care products or those required to keep the washroom clean, the focus of innovation has been on providing eco-friendly products that minimize the adverse affects of these products on the environment.

Modern washrooms should also be so designed that even people with certain disability can easily use them without any difficulty.

In this context, it c an be mentioned that small steps such as putting up posters of interesting Right Steps • Bathrooms and toilets should be visible yet they should be hidden from view with the help of doors and screens.

• It should also be situated away from the dining area.

• Spacious and opulent bathrooms have a relaxing effect.

• Toilet doors should be kept closed and the lid should cover the pot at all times.

• A very large washroom using too much water could lead to problems in evacuation, while a cramped bathroom could impair bodily functions.

May-June ’15

toilet etiquette or good washroom practices can also go a long way in helping housekeepers maintain washroom hygiene.

The Chemicals Chemicals should be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions. At a minimum, all cleaners should wear safety gloves.

Never take short cuts- follow all usage and safety directions. Clearly posted signs at all entries and exits are necessary when floors are wet.

Workers should use the least caustic or abrasive chemicals and should never mix them together because this can result in the release of potentially deadly gases. Chemicals should also complement rather than counteract each other. For instance, a strawberry scented freshener, a lime scented bowl cleaner and a grape scented disinfectant could create more unpleasant smells than regular restroom odors.

The purpose of cleaners is to eliminate dirt, bacteria and germs that cause malodors. A properly cleaned restroom may not even need air fresheners or odor maskers all the time.

Acid Bowl Cleaners: These are very harsh bowl cleaners that remove heavy bowl and urinal bowlbuildup. They should never be used outside the bowls because they can damage the lighter exterior finishes of such fixtures. In most cases, these chemicals should only be used one or twice a week.

Non-Acid Bowl Cleaners: These chemicals are less harsh and provide an acceptable level of hygiene with minimum hazard. They can be used several times a week with good result. Some non-acid bowl cleaners come with disinfectant capability as well.

Hard Surface Cleaners: These cleaners are meant for hard tile surface, walls, partition and mirrors.

They may also help minimize the chemicals used in a restroom.

Disinfectants: Disinfectants are used to mop floors and in most cases are also acceptable for cleaning toilets and urinals. A good disinfectant can also kill both bacteria and the germs that cause odors. Disinfectants can

act as a cleaner for floor drains and more importantly replace evaporated water from the drain trap, a necessary measure that prevents raw sewage gas from backing up into the restroom.

Sanitary Disposal Both men and women workers have to handle decomposed garbage in its worst forms. The garbage often contains used sanitary napkins loosely thrown in, fecal matter, etc.

They have to handle all this without any proper implements, and often with their bare hands. This also leads to unhygienic conditions for the workers who are working. Ensuring proper safety norms for sanitation workers is essential for their wellbeing.

As difficult as it appears to keep the washroom area clean, the emergence of contract cleaners have made the job a lot easier for many facilities who are willing to outsource the cleaning services.

Today the industry might not be totally organized, yet auspicious beginnings have been made. Those who use improved quality products and outsource services are aware of improved product range. There are still a few mushrooming fly by night operators in for a quick buck, but they are being edged out or being forced to clean up their act to emulate the examples of stalwarts and successful ventures. As the client becomes more discerning and aware, providers of service and equipments have to buckle up and meet with the requirements.

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IAQ

HVAC Systems and Indoor Air Quality Appropriate design, installation and maintenance are crucial for proper operation of HVAC systems that facilitate uninterrupted supply of clean air

By Jyotismita Sharma

I

t is well known that poor ventilation and specific sources of contaminants in the indoor environment are responsible for most of the problems in the indoor air.

Therefore, be it a home or hotel, a restaurant or a mall, putting adequate measures for maintaining proper ventilation facilities is a matter of life and death for many, although this harsh reality is not immediately visible to even the inhabitants of such buildings who suffer directly from absence of such facilities day in and day out.

Lack of adequate ventilation leads to build up of contaminants from harmful sources in the indoor environment. Results of several other investigations have confirmed that proper ventilation is of utmost significance so far as maintaining good indoor air quality is concerned.

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Adequate ventilation can be ensured in a building through the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, “HVAC systems include all of the equipment used to ventilate, heat, and cool the building; to move the air around the building (ductwork); and to filter and clean the air.” These systems can have a significant impact on how pollutants are distributed and removed, it said.

However, most HVAC systems today recalculate indoor air to conserve energy. This system combined with the present construction practice in most buildings that seal leakage of air through cracks and other openings in walls, floors, and roofs has actually accentuated indoor air pollution.

To maintain proper ventilation, buildings should be designed in such a way that allows supply of adequate outdoor air. The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends supply of a minimum of 15 cubic feet of outdoor make-up air per minute (CFM) per person in the indoor living areas of residential buildings. The ASHRAE guidelines for make-up air for areas with higher degree of humidity such as kitchens and bathrooms in homes are much higher. This fresh make-up air dilutes indoor contaminants and helps exhaust them from the home, ASHRAE believes.

However, the fault doesn’t lay only in the building design. Proper design of HVAC systems also plays a crucial role in uninterrupted supply of clean air.

May-June ’15

Location of Outdoor Air Intakes and Exhaust Proper location of outdoor air intakes can minimize the blockage of airflow and intake of contaminated air: • Intakes should not be placed within 25 feet of any potential sources of air contaminants, including sewer vents, exhaust air from the school, loading docks, bus loading areas, garbage receptacles, boiler or generator exhausts, and mist from cooling towers.

• Grilles protecting air intakes should be bird- and rodentproofed to prevent perching, roosting, and nesting.

• Intake Screens must be accessible for inspection and cleaning.

• Consider adding a section of sloped intake plenum that causes moisture to flow to the outside or to a drain if intake grilles are not designed to completely eliminate the intake of rain or snow.

Source: US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Design, installation and maintenance of HVAC system Proper operation of HVAC systems depend on appropriate design, installation and maintenance.

Both number of people and

May-June ’15

amount of equipment in a building affect the delivery capacity of a HVAC system. Therefore, it should be so designed keeping in mind both the factors. So when an area of a building is used for a different purpose than it was originally meant, the required modification in the HVAC system must also be done.

“For example, if a storage area is converted into space occupied by people, the HVAC system may require alteration to deliver enough conditioned air to the space,” the EPA said.

To avoid indoor air pollution, adequate supply of outdoor air is also very important. For example, the photocopy machines, printers, building materials, furnishing and even people release several pollutants inside the building. To dilute these pollutants distribution of outdoor air through HVAC system is essential for thermal comfort.

The placement of equipment and furniture is also crucial for distribution of ventilation air through HVAC system.

“For instance, the placement of heat generating equipment, like a computer, directly under an HVAC control device such as a thermostat may cause the HVAC system to deliver too much cool air, because the thermostat senses that the area is too warm,” the EPA said.

Moreover, inappropriate placement of furniture and equipment in the building can also affect indoor air quality as they can block the supply of air.

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IAQ

Focal Points • 1.3 million people in India die because of indoor air pollution every year, says a WHO study • About 27.5 % of under-five mortality is because of indoor air pollution, says a TERI study • Average indoor air pollution in India is 375 unit grams in cubic meter of air The irregular and inadequate maintenance of HVAC systems may also contribute to indoor air pollution to a great extent.

As the EPA points out, when ventilation air filters through HVAC systems get contaminated with dirt and/or moisture and when microbial growth results from stagnant water in drip pans or from uncontrolled moisture inside of air ducts, the HVAC systems can act as sources of pollutants for indoor air.

“Ventilation system filters that are not replaced on a regular basis may become clogged, reducing air flow volume, quality, and distribution,” the Public Health Department of Illinois, a state in the US, said.

“They also may become places for bacteria and molds to grow and be distributed throughout the home.

Humidifier systems on HVAC systems also must be properly maintained to prevent bacteria and mold

36

contamination,” it added.

Following the methods mentioned below may help improve your ventilation system, according to the Public Health Department of Illinois: Following a regular maintenance schedule for the HVAC system.

Filters and humidifiers should be regularly serviced.

Installation of special high efficiency filters in the HVAC system.

Consult with an HVAC contractor to ensure your system is properly designed for your home.

Use exhaust fans in potential problem areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and hobby rooms, to exhaust contaminants generated inside the home.

During the spring and autumn, when outdoor air supply is favourable, residents can use mechanical fans to supply additional make-up air inside the house. Similarly, during summer and winter, when temperature is either very high or very low, one can install air-to-air heat exchanger to supply make up air.

“These units exhaust stale, warm air from the house and transfer the heat in that air to fresh air being supplied from the outside,” the Illinois Department of Public Health said in its report.

It also suggested that building owners can also install fans that supply outdoor air directly to the return side of the HVAC system.

These fans are usually installed with

a timing mechanism or manual control to regulate the amount of outdoor air supplied to the structure.

“This type of system works effectively to supply make-up air, but it also increases the cost of operating the HVAC system since the air is not cooled or heated before it enters the home,” it said.

Basic Component of a HVAC System

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• The basic components of an HVAC system that delivers conditioned air to maintain thermal comfort and indoor air quality are: outdoor air intake mixed-air plenum and outdoor air control air filter heating and cooling coils humidification and/or dehumidification equipment supply fan ducts terminal device return air system exhaust or relief fans and air outlet self-contained heating or cooling unit control boiler cooling tower water chiller

May-June ’15

May-June ’15

May-June ’15

37 43

PRODUCT PREVIEW BRUSHING UP MATTERS Generally the brush filling industry consists of household

brushes and industrial brushes. Both these segments have different brushes for various applications. The ideal machine depends on the product mix that the customer would like to cater to. Borghi India’s Alpha 113, which is a Three Axis model one filling, one drilling machine, is ideal for making both household and industrial brushes.

Here it deserves a mention that Borghi India, a joint venture between Borghi Italy and Satellite Plastic Industries, India, is engaged in the production of stateof-the-art brush filling machines.

Borghi India has three different options in the household brushes segment. The first option comprises Radial Brushes which are flat and plain. The second option comprises Round Brushes like the round head toilet brushes and the third is Double Hockey, which is fast gaining popularity in the Indian market.

Borghi Brush Machinery Pvt. Ltd. borghi.india@gmail.com

MIRACLEAN’S NEW SCRUB-O-MOP

CLEANING THROUGH MICRO FIBERS

Partek offers its Micro Fiber High Performance Cleaning Cloth, which can make a perceptible change in your cleaning process for the better.

It can facilitate you to prevent cross-contamination in a much better way than a conventional cloth. The product has been designed to give you enormous cleaning power with just plain water. The micro fibers in this cleaning cloth are 200 times thinner than hair, which enables them to reach every micro pore of any surface that needs to be cleaned.

And when you wash it, the cloth releases dirt really fast, unlike the conventional cotton cloth.

With this cloth, you have no need to use soap or costly detergents, thereby making it an environment-friendly product also.

Partek’s micro fiber cloth is available in two types — regular & life. The product comes in four colours; blue, green, red and yellow.

Cleaning through this cloth leaves no room for lint, and even if you forget to wash it after use, there will be no bacterial build-up.

Besides the utilitarian, hygienic and environmental aspects, the soft and plush feel of the cloth gives you a unique pleasure while cleaning; without the need for scratching even the delicate surfaces. The micro fiber cloth could last 300 -500 washes, which gives it a durable character.

Nutech Jetting Equipments India Private Limited info@nutechgroup.org

Miraclean Tools Pvt. Ltd, has come up with its first Scrub-O-Mop. It can scrub, or serve the purpose of a dry dust mop. Just stick the scrubber pad on a PP frame and you can use it as a scrubber. It can also be utlised for scrubbing the floor with water and floor cleaners. The equipment can be fixed with a dry dust mop control and it will be ready to wipe the floors clean.

It can also be fixed with the scrub-o-mop refill to serve the dual purpose of scrubbing and mopping together. While the Nylon Alox scrubber slab in the middle of the dry mop scrubs the floor and removes the stick hard material (dirt, gum, etc.), the four side cover microfiber filaments collect the mobile dirt. During mopping, the special filament, according to the company spokesperson, produces static energy and attracts minor dust particles.

Miraclean Tools Pvt. Ltd. miracleantools@gmail.com

WIZARD FLOOR CLEANER

Quartz Home Care’s (QHC) Wizard Floor Cleaner is a product which is being used by most of the leading institutions for day-to -day cleaning and disinfection. The product has lime fresh fragrance and is capable of destroying germs and bacteria at the source. Wizard has been upgraded with innovative rawmaterials which are sourced from various countries across the globle.

Being multipurpose and very safe, non-acidic and nontoxic, this product can be used for cleaning of any type of floors, laminated surfaces, plastics, etc. without defacing or destroying the originality of surfaces. Available in userfriendly packings, Wizard has two variants; low-foam for machine use and regular for manual use. The product is also reasonably priced.

Quartz Home Care qhcindia@gmail.com

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he information published in this section is as per the details furnished by the r e s p e c t i v e m a n u f a c t u r e r / d i s t r i b u t o r. I n a n y c a s e , i t d o e s n o t r e p r e s e n t t h e v i e w s o f Hammer Publishers Pvt. Ltd.

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May-June ’15

BU S IN E S S O P P O RT U N I TY

ADVERTISER’S INDEX

BAKERY REVIEW

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ADVERTISER’S INDE X

A D V E R T I S E R S

COMPANY

I N D E X PAGE NO.

ADANI WILMAR LTD.

01

APPLE BAKERY MACHINERY PVT. LTD. COMPANY BUNGE INDIA PVT. LTD.

PAGE NO.

CRAFT AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION (CSDO) AARCHI .......................25

23 PAGE NO. 07

COMPANY

KARCHER CLEANING SYSTEM PVT. LTD.

.......................BC25

CREMICA FOOD INDUSTRIES LTD.

BIC

DABON INTERNATIONAL (P) LTD.

ATLANTIC PASTE & GLUE CO. INC.

.......................29

BC

NAVIN POLYCON

.......................23

MADHAV ENTERPRISES

33

NAGPAL BROTHERS (REGD.)

GRAND CHEMICAL WORKS

.......................31

PEST CONTROL (INDIA) PVT. LTD.

.......................13

NEENA ENTERPRISES

14

RANS TECHNOCRATS (INDIA) PVT. LTD.

HEATEX BOILERS (INDIA) PVT. LTD.

......................21

QUARTZ HOME CARE (I) P LTD.

FIC

.......................11

REMINGTON STEEL ARTS

29

SATELLITE PLASTIC INDUSTRIES

HICARE SERVICES PVT. LTD.

.......................01

ROOTS MULTICLEAN LTD.

10

.......................BIC

STEC STAINLESS STEEL PVT. LTD.

11

STERN INGREDIENTS INDIA PVT. LTD.

HOSFAIR 2015

.......................19

SUPESHINE LAUNDRY SYSTEMS PVT. LTD.

.......................17

THAIFEX 2015

13 15

THE NEW INDIA ELECTRIC & TRADING CO.

IFB INDUSTRIES LTD.

09

.......................FIC

UNIQUE TRADING COMPANY

.......................35

12

TRAFS 2015

17

TROPILITE FOODS PVT. LTD.

21

INDIA HOSPITALITY EXPO - GOA 2015

.......................37

PRODUCT PREVIEW

* BC - BACK COVER

* BC - BACK COVER

May-June ’15 34

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* FIC - FRONT INSIDE COVER

* GF-GATE FOLD

* BIC - BACK INSIDE COVER

* FIC - FRONT INSIDE COVER

* BIC - BACK INSIDE COVER

Feb-Mar 39 ’15

I NTERV IE W

‘Housekeeping in India heavily dependent on People, not Technology’ In her career spanning over three decades, Anjum Sarwal, Director Housekeeping at The Grand New Delhi, has been in the leadership role for the past 26 years. She has been associated with brands like The Aman resorts, The Leela Kempinski Mumbai, The Oberoi and The Grand Intercontinental New Delhi and achieved excellent results in managing room division, handling laundry and monitoring extensive banquets arrangements. In her current position, Ms Sarwal is responsible for setting procedures and guidelines in the organization for smooth functioning of the hotel operations.

For her unflinching dedication and enormous contribution to the hospitality industry, Ms Sarwal was conferred with the Hospitality Achiever Award 2013. She was earlier nominated by the Hotel Federation of India for Best Housekeeping Award. Here are the excerpts from an interview with this dynamic manager:

By Sharmila Chand How important in your opinion is housekeeping to hospitality?

Housekeeping as a function is critical to the hospitality industry. In fact, one can safely say it is the backbone of the industry.

What is the modus operandi of housekeeping operations at your hotel?

At our hotel we follow and adhere to strict guidelines and regulations.

Checklists are a must with proper scheduling and monitoring. Also, communication and coordination among all departments play a very important role to ensure smooth operations.

What are the new trends in housekeeping? Please comment on the latest housekeeping scenario.

The trends keep changing with focus on latest technology and productivity.

Nowadays, one can see a lot of new developments and innovations such as mechanized beds, productivity tools, live plants and minimalism inspired set up to increase efficiency.

Please name any one tool which has made the operations much easier?

It would most definitely be the ‘ Pr o d u c t i v i t y ’ t o o l w h i c h h e l p s in rationalizing manpower of the department as per the business requirement.

Housekeeping, as complex as the function, requires rigorous training.

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How much of an emphasis does the hotel place on this?

As a hotel we focus immensely on training to extract the best out of our employees and maintain standards. We conduct daily trainings, weekly trainings, class room trainings, grooming, and buddy system regularly.

How does India compare with the international scenario with regards to housekeeping?

India is still lagging behind when compared to the International scenario, especially in terms of the latest technology and equipment used abroad. We are still very heavily dependent on people.

What elements do you take into account to recruit staff in the housekeeping department?

There are some key factors we consider while recruiting, some of which are: • Pleasing and positive Personality • Grooming • Integrity through reference checks • Trade test for market knowledge.

What is the role of the housekeeping staff in the context of security?

Integrity and honesty is critical.

Housekeeping staff has direct access to the personal space of guests at all times.

Hence it is of prime importance that the staff is very honest.

Also, the housekeeping staff must keep an eye on suspicious activity in and out of the hotel. Alertness is a huge part of the job to catch any security threats.

Any other input you would like to give in context to housekeeping in your hotel?

Housekeeping department has to delivers despite various architectural flaws and odds which occur due to design defects in the hotel. Common issues are high rise ceilings, hard water and granite usage which make it very challenging for maintenance activities.

What are the challenges you have to face in your job responsibilities?

As a Director of Housekeeping, I face a lot of challenges in managing the staff efficiently, talent retention, lack of updated infrastructure, consistency in performance and productivity.

What do you like about your job?

The job of a Housekeeping Director is very challenging yet extremely rewarding.

My true gratification lies in overcoming challenges on a daily basis and yet bringing a smile to the guests and associates. Also, the job keeps me fit and on my toes at all times and ensures I am organized, meticulous and detail oriented at any given time.

Finally, what is it that you would like to change about your job?

I would definitely want us to move in the direction where most international hotels are where in we inculcate a culture where in each department looks at their cleaning and managing and housekeeping only has to look at the rooms and finer things.

May-June ’15

May-June ’15

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Regd. No. R.N. DELENG/2001/7213

Efficient solution for clean results.

Economical, time-saving, innovative. Three succinct reasons for using Karcher appliances on hard surfaces. From deep cleaning and routine maintenance cleaning to polishing - we provide the right solution for every need. Perfectly matched cleaning agents clean floors hygienically and with sparkling results without attacking sensitive surfaces. www.karcher.in I Call Us : 1800 1234 180 I clean@karcher.in

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Head Office & Marketing Office : Karcher Cleaning Systems Private Limited, D-120, Sector 63, Noida - 201 307, Uttar Pradesh, India Branch 42 Offices : A h m e d a b a d I B e n g a l u r u I C h e n n a i I C o c h i n I I n d o r e I K o l k a t a I M u m b a i I N o i d a I P a n c h k u l a I S e c u n d e r a b a d I Va d o d a r a

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May-June ’15