November 2022 by European Cleaning Journal

The pan-European magazine for the professional cleaning sector

NOVEMBER 2022

SPECIAL REPORT

TECHNOLOGY

BUSINESS

European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards 2022 - more news of this year’s winners

Hand hygiene in the right place

Ambulance efficiencies

The path to digitalisation

Page 16

Page 23

Page 28

Page 42

CONTENTS

November 2022 | Vol.30, No.6

BUSINESS

SPECIAL REPORTS

42 Path to digital transformation

23 Handy in the right place

Hartley Milner on Europe’s bid to secure its digital future.

03 News

Hand hygiene success depends on the the right products in the right place.

28 Digitising Make Ready How smart technology can be used to improve ambulance hygiene services.

10 A.I.S.E. news

31 Today’s trolley essentials What are the most important elements of a contemporary cleaning trolley?

12 European reports

37 An easy ride We find out whether ergonomics are must-have features of a sweeper.

16 ECHA winners

44 Universal solution The high-pressure cleaner is the central element for many different tasks.

47 Proactive approach Dedicated matting systems can help to mitigate winter dirt and debris.

Criterion Publishing Ltd PO Box 299, Chesham, Buckinghamshire HP5 1FP UK T +44 (0)1494 791222 F +44 (0)1494 792223 info@europeancleaningjournal.com www. europeancleaningjournal.com Subscriptions UK - £60 / Continental Europe - £70 / International - £80

Editor Michelle Marshall Features Writer Ann Laffeaty Advertisement director Chris Godman Advertisement sales executive Laura Bell

Circulation Marie Payne

Italy, Spain & Switzerland Fabio Potesta Mediapoint & Communications Corte Lambruschini, Corso Buenos Aires, 8 V0 Piano, Interno 7 16129 Genova, Italy T +39 010 570 4948 F +39 010 553 0088 info@mediapointsrl.it www. mediapointsrl.it

European Cleaning Journal is published six times a year by Criterion Publishing Ltd. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in European Cleaning, Criterion Publishing Ltd and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors, manufacturers or advertisers. Copyright for all material published in European Cleaning remains with Criterion Publishing Ltd and its agents.

ISSN 0968-901X ©Criterion Publishing 2022

CBP007012

NEWS & EVENTS

Sponsors

Media Partners

A.I.S.E. NEWS

Let’s talk about the importance of hygiene

A.I.S.E. is the umbrella organisation representing the European detergents and maintenance products industry. Aisling O’Kane talks about the importance of hygiene with Thomas Rauch, director of IHO (the German industry association for hygiene and surface disinfection) and chair of A.I.S.E.‘s Professional Cleaning & Hygiene Steering Group.

important not to forget how essential hygiene practices every day are. Hygiene and breaking the chain of infection depends on each of us! It is thanks to hygienic practices such as disinfecting our hands, that we have been able to move out of lockdown, to travel again, see our families and socialise. Hygiene is the most significant corner stone of public health.

How does the detergents industry ensure hygiene? The detergents industry enables many other industries to work, by supplying products for diverse applications. As an example, let’s talk about the food we eat: take-away

Milk quality in this example is influenced by hygiene before, during and after the milking process. The importance of good barn hygiene and control is essential for a well-functioning and safe dairy farm. Hygiene requires cleaning and where needed, disinfection.

What role do disinfectants have? Disinfectants are products that contain active biocidal substances with antimicrobial properties. Disinfectants are essential in our everyday lives to protect our health by preventing the spread of harmful microbes. These products are highly regulated by the EU Biocidal

What is hygiene and why is it important for our health? Hygiene is a complex topic, but one which is more familiar in everyday conversation today, than pre-pandemic. To professionals who are involved in the cleaning industry, such as the companies and associations in the A.I.S.E. network, we know that hygiene is fundamental to maintaining public health. In our modern society, the speed at which illnesses spread is alarming. There is also increasing resistance to antibiotics and a squeeze on resources in companies, meaning cleaning can be compromised. These are a few of the reasons why the need for hygiene has to be reinforced and talked about. Hygiene is the practices or conditions that break the chain of infection – in practical terms, this means preventing the spread of an illness, by cleaning and disinfecting surfaces for example, washing our hands, or wearing a mask. During the pandemic, these practices became commonplace to everyone. To adequately address the infectious disease issues we face in the 21st century, it’s

What lessons have we learnt from the pandemic?

sandwiches, home cooked dinners or our children’s lunch in the school canteen. This industry supplies every step of the food chain with appropriate products, processes and training, from the milking of the cow to the churning of the cheese. Food processing industries must meet strict hygiene regulations to ensure the safety of the food chain, and ultimately the consumer. Contamination from harmful viruses or bacteria is avoided through the appropriate application of cleaning agents and disinfectants that are subject to rigorous European standards, protocols and food safety management systems.

Qu’est-ce l’hygiène et pourquoi importe-t-elle pour notre santé ? Aisling O’Kane, de l’A.I.S.E., l’organisation faîtière de l’industrie des détergents, s’entretient avec Thomas Rauch, de l’association industrielle allemande IHO, sur le rôle du secteur en tant que partenaire en matière de santé publique.

10 | November 2022 | ECJ

to European Norms (EN) are required to ensure eg, a 99.999 per cent efficacy. This claim is not a marketing campaign, but a confirmation that the product complies with strict standards and efficacy testing and meets the requirements of customers and EU legislation. The professional user intending to apply a disinfectant will need guidance on the most appropriate product for each application, as this is different for food hygiene, industrial laundry or the healthcare sector for example. European legislation and standards ensure safe and efficacious disinfectant use. National associations such as the IHO provide guidance on the selection of disinfectants – the IHO Disinfectant List (www.desinfektionsmittelliste. de) proved to be an important and reliable tool during the pandemic.

Products Regulation (EU) 528/2012 (BPR). At the beginning of the pandemic, there was a shortage of biocidal products due to the very high demand, for hand hygiene gel in particular. Our industry rapidly secured hand disinfectants that were approved by the WHO and could be supplied to public places like shop entrances or schools, and for individual use. However, these are not the same products that are approved for use in places where a higher demand of hygiene is needed eg, an operating theatre or in the food industry. For such professional applications, more specific efficacy tests according

Was ist Hygiene, und warum ist sie wichtig für unsere Gesundheit? Aisling O’Kane vom Dachverband der Waschmittelindustrie A.I.S.E. führt ein Gespräch mit Thomas Rauch vom deutschen Industrieverband IHO über die Rolle der Branche als Partner der öffentlichen Gesundheit.

It’s clear that cleaning and disinfection products and hygiene processes are key to maintaining our modern way of life, and that ensuring hygiene is no easy task. The importance of regular hand disinfection was already known before the pandemic, but we are seeing a very high acceptance of broader hygiene measures. In addition, education and expertise in the field of hygiene and the use of professional cleaning agents are in demand and there is greater recognition for the knowledge and expertise of our industry. I would say that this industry is a public health partner, and indeed we were considered one of the essential industries by the EU Commission during the pandemic. The most important lesson we must take from the pandemic is not to underestimate the need for hygiene, for our health and our wellbeing.

Cos’è l’igiene e perchè è importante per la nostra salute? Aisling O’Kane dell’organizzazione ombrello del settore dei detergenti A.I.S.E. a colloquio con Thomas Rauch dell’associazione tedesca di settore IHO parla del ruolo del settore come un partner della sanità pubblica.

Versatile Cost-Effective Sustainably Engineered e MULTI-Matic is a compact and versatile til trolley range, ensuring productivity with a choice of janitorial solutions and mopping options to suit all environments.

Configure your cleaning solution.

Made from high-quality recycled plastic

numatic.com ©Numatic International Limited 2022. Specification subject to change without prior notice.

LATEST: UK

The challenges of youth How can the cleaning sector attract more young people? Lynn Webster in the UK takes a look. We continue to have serious concern about where the next generation of employees will come from - not only cleaning operatives but in the wider context of positions that remain unfilled due to retirement and resignation of vast numbers from many industries. Following up on other articles on the issue of recruitment, many of our associations are examining the potential of young people; school leavers and those still in school contemplating their career choices. Selecting the route they will take, whether this be towards further education or the first step on the career ladder, has significant impact. The task we face is how we can influence this bubbling cauldron of potential talent towards the cleaning and facilities industries. To create an understanding of the diversity of opportunities available to them when the perception still remains that we are low skilled with nothing more than the ability to move a mop and bucket across the floor or a cursory glance across a surface with a microfibre cloth. The Cleaning and Support Services Association (CSSA) is taking a lead position with its promotion of the Clean Start initiative. So many of us didn’t start our adult life with the desire to be in the cleaning industry; often we ‘just fell into it’ as a circumstance of what life offered and played the deck of cards handed to us. CSSA is highlighting the various aspects of our multimillion-pound industry to the grass roots. This is by visiting schools and colleges, attending career fairs and presenting to groups of young people - reimagining a Que faire pour encourager plus de jeunes gens à faire carrière dans le secteur de la propreté? Notre correspondant Lynn Webster contemple certaines initiatives en cours.

12 | November 2022 | ECJ

career in the cleaning industry with the message that there is so much more on offer. Some serious case studies present the opportunities individuals have taken - completing a degree in palaeobiology and evolution to a role in cleaning and hygiene procurement; from warehouse operative to becoming a demonstrator of innovation, working with robotics; from a working mum to a board director of a national facilities organisation; from teacher to sales and marketing manager, and from pot washing to being a globally recognised cleaning expert. In each case they haven’t lost sight of their valuable roles as ambassadors. The same message is provided by colleagues at the British Insitute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) which already has a focus on youth employment by promoting the Career in Cleaning, and has now added support for the Good Youth Employment Charter. The five principles are: creating opportunity, recognising talent, fair employment, developing people and youth voice. Kelsey Hargreaves from BICSc has become an Ambassador for Youth Employment UK, campaigning to remove the negative images of the cleaning industry. Her aim to attract younger people into a Career in Cleaning with their thoughts, views and personal ethics in sustainability and the environment, are a key to the future. Yes, we belong to a great industry with so many diverse opportunities but we need to take steps, if not some giant leaps, into the future and foster the growth and nurturing of the next generation of cleaning experts.

Wie kann die Reinigungsbranche junge Menschen dazu ermutigen, diese als Beruf in Betracht zu ziehen? Im Vereinigten Königreich wirft die ECJKorrespondentin Lynn Webster einen Blick auf einige Initiativen.

Come può il settore del cleaning incoraggiare un numero maggiore di giovani a considerarlo come carriera? La corrispondente di ECJ del Regno Unito Lynn Webster prende in esame alcune iniziative.

LATEST: NETHERLANDS

Better learning in clean schools? John Griep at VSR in the Netherlands, on research into the link between clean schools and learning. It is the end of the year and this is traditionally the time for good intentions. Ours are not so different in form (doing research) from previous years; they are different in content, though. Indeed, in 2023, we will be conducting research into the effect of cleaning perceptions on school learning outcomes. Suppose you could contribute to student learning outcomes as a cleaning sector? We have long known that there is a difference between technical cleaning quality and the cleaning perception of building users. VSR has been researching how this data compares for years. For example, excellent handling of complaints may not have a direct positive impact on the number of fingerprints, but it does affect the appreciation you receive from customers as a cleaning company. Moreover, previous research shows that a better cleaning experience has a positive effect on office worker performance. So it is worthwhile for both clients and cleaning service providers to invest in enhancing the cleaning experience. VSR is aiming to work with Schoonmakend Nederland, the Dutch trade association for professional cleaning and window-cleaning companies, to conduct research into the perception of cleaning quality in education and its effect on learning outcomes. The goal is to broaden the research into other environments, such as offices. Lecturer and researcher Herman Kok of Wageningen University & Research previously conducted similar research in higher education. His perception survey among

students and teachers showed that cleaning perception is related to learning outcomes. Kok argues: if you want to improve the perception of cleaning quality and therefore learning outcomes, then don’t just focus on cleaning hours, but think holistically. According to him, in relation to our perception of ‘clean’, we respond to, among other things: • Visibility/optics • Symmetry in the space (is the room tidy or not?) • Odour • Colour: green and brown are not positive; light blue and light green are • Surface (rough or flat) • Personnel (clothing of cleaners, eg. no sweat stains) In all, he included 49 such elements in his research. Influencing these factors costs a cleaning company almost nothing more, and does pay off handsomely. Creating a ‘wow effect’ can increase the cleaning experience by between two and 10 per cent. And that pays off. Because whereas there is a link between cleaning experience and wellbeing, engagement and productivity in business, in schools there seems to be a link between cleaning experience and school performance. Reason enough for perception measurement in education. We are looking forward to working with Schoonmakend Nederland in this as well. In addition to new research, VSR will continue to invest in ongoing research in 2023, such as into the storage of moistened microfibre cloths, disinfection with UVC and the training readiness of cleaning workers.

Keep up to date with news at the ECJ website Rapportant des PaysBas, John Griep parle d’un projet de recherche, à entreprendre par l’orgnisation VSR en 2023, pour établir une correlation possible entre la propreté d’un établissement scolaire et le taux d’apprentissage de ses élèves.

John Griep berichtet aus den Niederlanden über eine neue Forschungsarbeit, die 2023 von VSR durchgeführt werden soll. Dabei soll es darum gehen, ob eine saubere Schule besseres Lernen fördert.

Dall’Olanda, il corrispondente John Griep ci parla di un nuovo lavoro di ricerca che verrà condotto dalla VSR nel 2023 per scoprire se una scuola pulita facilita un miglior apprendimento.

November 2022 | ECJ |13

LATEST: FRANCE

LATEST: ITALY

Cleaning companies seek ecolabels

Robotics - the future is now

Christian Bouzols in France explains how many firms in the sector are achieving ecolabel accreditation.

Anna Garbagna in Italy takes a look at the presence of robotic machines in the country’s cleaning sector.

Their logos are well known and it’s common to see packaging with the Ecolabel name and its flower design or showing the Ecocert designation inside a red circle. These labels are present everywhere. Ecolabel was launched in 1992 and Ecocert one year earlier. They were soon applied to many sectors, including cleaning products. Their aim was to help consumers identify products that were environmentally conscious. “The EU Ecolabel, which was created by the European Commission, measures various criteria such as product efficiency, toxicity in water, biodegradation, restriction in the use of hazardous primary materials, etc. The manufacturer must present a dossier to AFNOR, the French standards institution, for an audit to be carried out every three years,” explains Virginie D’Enfert, representative of the French association of detergents, maintenance and industrial hygiene industries (ALISE). As regards the Ecocert label, which was created by a French company, it is backed by a schedule of met quality requirements and an audit. It has also been widely recognised. “The difference between the two labels is that Ecocert insists on the use of raw materials of natural origin and their proper exploitation. It also allows for the labelling of disinfectants, which is not possible under the Ecolabel,” adds D’Enfert. Beyond products and services, a company itself can be evaluated - to achieve certification, rather than labelling. For a long time, companies could demonstrate their competencies by submitting to ISO certifications. These are recognised worldwide Dans les divers domaines de la propreté, les entreprises songent de plus en plus à obtenir l’Ecolabel européen, rapporte Christian Bouzols dans son compte rendu de la France.

and not specific to the cleaning sector. Each one is dedicated to a company process. Thus ISO 9001 concerns service quality and client satisfaction, ISO 14001 deals with environmental management, and ISO 45001 covers health and safety at work. The most recent, ISO 26000, rewards social responsibility.

Recent trade quality labels In 2018 the European Commission launched the EU Label for the provision of cleaning services. This trade quality label was an adjunct to the Ecolabel covering products. Seven requirements have to be met and 50 per cent of products used (which means purchased) must have received the EU Ecolabel or an equivalent recognition. The cleaning teams then have to be given the means for the dilution and dosage of these products. The French cleaning federation (FEP) has launched its own trade label in order to help its members gain the confidence of their clients.

Social responsibility In 2020 the FEP reached a new stage by creating a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) evaluation, the purpose of which was to bring cleaning firms, whatever their size, up to speed with the requirements of customers who want their suppliers to align themselves with their own CSR objectives. Under the scheme the supplying companies can assess themselves under the three pillars of CSR: governance, HR and social commitment, and environmental commitment. At the last stage of the process, the applicant company submits to a field audit and obtains a CSR label.

Christian Bouzols berichtet aus Frankreich, dass immer mehr Unternehmen in allen Sparten der Reinigungsbranche bestrebt sind, ein Umweltzeichen zu erhalten.

14 | November 2022 | ECJ

Dalla Francia, il corrispondente Christian Bouzols ci informa che le imprese in tutti i comparti del settore del cleaning aspirano sempre di più a ottenere la certificazione ecolabel.

According to the World Robotics Report 2022, installations of robots in Italy increased by 65 per cent (reaching 14,083 units). With these figures, Italy is ranked second in the countries of Europe, outnumbered only by Germany. Collaborative robotics is still a small share of the market but what must be pointed out is that its growth is proving really fast and interesting. The increase is not only attributed to swapping ‘traditional’ robots for innovative cobots, but more due to the growing interest from medium-sized companies towards these new applications and their use. One of the sectors most affected is the machines sector with a growth rate of 82 per cent. The significant increase in their use is due to their reliability and practicality. Cobots, or collaborative robots, are placed within this category. Thanks to artificial intelligence and machine learning, they are now able to interact safely with operators, equipment and the immediate environment. It is therefore no coincidence that this is the segment of robotics which is exponentially growing in the most diverse sectors from food to agriculture, from medical to cleaning. By guaranteeing consistency in the quality of the yield, ability to adapt to job load requirements, improved safety in the workplaces and better organisation of activities, cobots are effectively the future of cleaning due to the optimisation of the use of resources and labour. The precision and speed of cobots effectively relieve the human operators who can devote themselves to tasks that bring real added value (such as En Italie, Anna Garbagna jette un coup d’œil sur les progrès de la robotique dans ce pays, et notamment au niveau de la propreté.

cleaning of handles or switches). Some Italian companies on the cutting edge of innovation and technology have started to make use of cobots. In Italy the number of new buildings has considerably increased the area to be cleaned, contributing to the growth of professional cleaning. Needless to say, technology is vital to maximise the potential of this market. Cleaning work is strongly linked to workforce, which accounts for 70 per cent of operating costs. We must also not forget that it is more and more difficult to find suitable staff prepared to undertake a career in this sector. The younger generations declare themselves more inclined to work in sectors that are technologically more advanced. Hence the emergence of several companies that are carrying the industry forward with innovation and new experiment. All these characteristics have already gained the attention of the sector’s operators and are proof of the growing importance of the robotics in this industry. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) this growth will certainly continue in the next few years, although at a slower pace. Geopolitical relationships will influence the market trend, as will the reorganisation of supply chains, the volume of production, sustainability (which will lead companies to research more efficient solutions) and the development of further progress in the cooperation between man and robot. But it will mainly be the progressive aging of the population and the growing difficulty of finding staff that drives the growth of the robotics outside the industry. The future of cleaning is indeed coming.

In ihrem Bericht aus Italien wirft Anna Garbagna einen Blick auf die Zunahme im Bereich Robotik in Italien insgesamt und in der Reinigungsbranche im Speziellen.

Dall’Italia, la corrispondente Anna Garbagna prende in esame la crescita della robotica nella nazione nel suo insieme e nel settore del cleaning professionale.

LATEST: GERMANY

LATEST: DENMARK

Wages increase, optimism wanes

Cleaning industry rebrand needed?

The autumn business survey indicates a less optimisic mood in Germany, reports Katja Scholz.

Lotte Printz in Denmark talks to head of education at TEC Facility Services about future initiatives.

The Union of Construction Workers (IG BAU) and the National Association of Contract Cleaners (BIV) entered into a new collective wage agreement of their own accord in June. Wage rates in Group 1 (entry level wage) rose to €13 on October 1 - a rise of 12.55 per cent. There will be another rise on January 1 2024 to €13.50. In Group 6, for glass and façade cleaners, wages increased on October 1 by just under nine per cent to €16.20. There will also be a further increase here in the new year to €16.70. The stimulus for the new collective agreement was the new legal minimum wage in Germany which also rose on October 1 to €12 Euro. “The clear gap between the new agreement and the national minimum wage will continue to be maintained in the future,” said BIV guild master Thomas Dietrich. “This is the key message of our new collective agreement, in the light of the increasing labour shortage.” Wage rates in the German contract cleaning sector have consistently been above national minimum wage since 2015. The Federal Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs has declared the two sector minimum wages universally binding, by statutory regulation under the Employee Posting Act (AEntG - the law on mandatory working conditions for workers posted across borders and for workers regularly employed in Germany). This means both sector minimum wages apply nationwide and without exception to companies not bound by collective bargaining agreements and to hourly-paid workers. Germany’s biggest skilled trades employer has been subject to the Employee Posting Act since 2007. This ensures a Dans son compte-rendu d’Allemange, Katja Scholz évoque le dernier sondage du secteur de la propreté dont il ressort que la hausse des coûts exerce des pressions croissantes sur les entreprises.

level playing field for firms and employees in the labour-intensive service sector. With all the good news, there is also less optimistic feedback to report. The current BIV autumn survey reveals evidence of a distinctly gloomy mood. More than 430 BIV member companies took part. The economic fallout of the Russian war in Ukraine, as well as the global shortage of materials and supply chain bottlenecks caused by the pandemic - along with rising inflation - have resulted in a cautious mood among companies in the contract cleaning sector. As a result, revenue projections for 2022 are significantly more cautious than in the spring survey: 38.5 per cent predict declining sales in contrast to 21.3 per cent in the spring survey. The prognosis for 2023 is set to be even more cautious: 38.8 per cent of companies forecast a decline In sales while 33 per cent expect sales to stagnate. Only 28.2 per cent are looking forward to an upturn in sales in the coming year. The survey also clearly shows that rocketing prices in many areas represent the greatest burden. Whether it’s workwear, cleaning machines, chemical products, refuse bags or hygiene products – cost increases averaging between 10 and 30 per cent have been felt across all areas in recent months. Firms are also finding the further rise in energy costs very onerous. Not new, but no less urgent, is the matter of staff shortages which has also re-emerged from the current survey as extremely important and equally burdensome. Almost 92 per cent of companies state they are desperately trying to recruit more staff and are able to offer them immediate employment.

Katja Scholz berichtet aus Deutschland über die neueste Umfrage beim Gebäudereiniger-Handwerk, aus dem hervorgeht, dass sich Unternehmen durch steigende Kosten unter Druck gesetzt sehen.

Dalla Germania, la corrispondente Katja Scholz ci informa sul recente sondaggio sulle attività di pulizie in appalto che mostra come l’aumento dei costi stia facendo pressione sulle aziende.

“Nothing much has changed for the people on the shop floor in this sector for the past 20 years,” Maria Veha, head of education at TEC (Technical Education Copenhagen) Facility Services, says speaking to ECJ. This bleak view on the state of the cleaning profession triggered Maria Veha to address the industry in an article earlier this year pleading for action - a paradigm shift - if status quo is not to be maintained in the industry in 10 years’ time. The pandemic may have helped spur focus on cleaning and hygiene, but it doesn’t suffice in Veha’s view. Nor does the important, but lengthy process of policymakers. Change also comes from within, and she wants to give the cleaning sector a bit of a push. “It’s wonderful that more people engage in advocating this profession. But bottom line is that words alone do not make changes - at the speed necessary. If we are to succeed in a paradigm shift and transforming the way we all look at the cleaning profession, it’s time for action and new ways of thinking around the whole sector. “For cleaning to be considered a craft, the profession needs rebranding. We must reconsider the antiquated views on what cleaning is. Cleaning has a very solid brand and changing that does not happen overnight. But perhaps there’s a shortcut?” Looking at the ways in which cleaning quality is being measured and the values we want this profession to represent. Turning things upside down a bit, are some of Veha’s ideas. Because no matter which methods cleaning standards are being applied, aesthetics is still considered a key factor in the industry. So, the way the quality of cleaning is being measured Rapportant du Danemark, Lotte Printz explique que l’évolution du secteur de la propreté sera subordonnée à une transformation de la manière dont il est perçu.

today, the surface of a sink would be considered clean if it looks clean, even though the cloth used has been used for the toilet first, Veha argues. “Millions of Danish Kroner are being spent every year on measuring and assessing the end result and following up on contracts. But for the cleaning profession to be considered a craft, it would be far more relevant to look at the ‘how’. How we get the result of a specific task. If the cleaner has the knowledge and the professional skills regarding methods, tools, chemistry and hygiene, they will also be on top of the end result – including what’s not visible to the naked eye.” Veha says. Naturally, perhaps, as head of education at TEC Facility Services, education and rethinking education and training in its present form are at the forefront of Veha’s agenda. ”Cleaning managers have not been fully equipped for their jobs so it’s been a thankless task. They really needed an upgrade. The same goes for the companies submitting contracts, that have to inform customers on the price of taking on skilled cleaners. They rarely know the options in education and training themselves, and thus contribute to the narrative cleaning does not require education or training. The power lies with them.” Maria Veha encourages all cleaning companies and organisations to stand united in efforts to create a strong brand for the cleaning profession. Dialogues have been postponed, however, as a more hands-on task was in store for Maria Veha and TEC Facility Services. They are currently travelling the country in a number of roadshows to promote a free digital training course cleaners can access by QR codes from their phones.

Lotte Printz berichtet aus Dänemark, dass dort einige der Meinung sind, dass die Wahrnehmung des Reinigungsgewerbes einer vollständigen Umwandlung bedarf, um eine Änderung zu bewirken.

Dalla Danimarca, la corrispondente Lotte Printz ci parla di come sia necessaria una trasformazione totale di come viene percepita la professione del cleaning affinché il cambiamento possa avvenire.

November 2022 | ECJ | 15

EUROPEAN CLEANING & HYGIENE AWARDS

Make the difference For Netherlands cleaning services business Breedweer, diversity is a central element of its business model. Which won it the Commitment to Diversity in the Workforce prize in the European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards 2022. “As a social enterprise, we aim to bring as many people as possible from a vulnerable position into employment in a sustainable manner,” explains Jack Stuifbergen who founded the social enterprise cleaning business Breedweer. “The aim is they are independently able to earn their own livelihood. We believe it is important that everyone matters - regardless of religion, skin colour, origin or disability.” Stuifbergen acknowledges the cleaning sector has always championed diversity, however “we see all too often that companies choose to follow the easiest way. Unfortunately, choosing certain target groups with their various problems is sometimes rather difficult for companies. It is about patience and attention, and providing the right care is essential. “We are therefore committed to a target group that has received a ‘label’ from society - that they are unsuitable. Everybody deserves to participate in society again.” So how does Breedweer go about recruiting its staff? The company has established relationships with social partners, benefit agencies, reintegration agencies and local authorities and that helps it to find those vulnerable target groups. Stuifbergen explains: “We are in favour of ‘open hiring’ whereby everyone who applies gets a job - no interview takes place or selec-

16 | November 2022 | ECJ

tion questions are asked.” And as soon as each employee is settled within the business, the focus is on continuous development. “That’s why people like to work for us. Everyone has a talent and they are always looking for it. So by using a personal development plan people get the opportunity to find what makes them happy.” Developing a business with such strong diversity values clearly comes with significant challenges too. “The most demanding aspect is ensuring a viable business model,” says Stuifbergen. “If you have to invest a lot of time and energy in your employees, you sometimes lose sight of the fact you also have to make money. This was our biggest challenge in the beginning. “We started with an ideology, which is nice, but in the end it turned out to be difficult to find a revenue model. In addition, achieving and maintaining the right culture within the organisation is by far the most important aspect. The process of getting everyone on board so they understood how committed we are to vulnerable groups was a major challenge. Communication plays a crucial role in this.” Part of the communication drive for Breedweer is, naturally, with its clients. And they have responded positively to the company’s diversity stance. “Our customers choose us as a social enterprise,” Stuifbergen says, “which means they immediately know why and how we do things. Clients are therefore enthusiastic about us deploying those vulnerable target group in our workforce, with. government departments in particular being very supportive of what we do. “We sell impact rather than cleaning,

we use cleaning as a means to realise the impact. Our customers often have a problem in the implementation of sustainable development goals, so we come up with a nice solution.” Stuifbergen now has ambitious plans for the future of Breedweer - and that is to demonstrate to the facilities services world that doing business with a focus on creating social returns can be successful. “We would like to help other companies to take that same step,” he says. “To achieve this, we are mainly focusing on government procurement policy. In the Netherlands, we have a national government purchasing spend of €75 billion per year. By asking the right purchasing question, we can make great strides in implementing the SDGs. “All too often we see that in cleaning tenders from the government a list of requirements is written about how cleaning services should look. It describes which cloth or which cleaning agent should be used, it outlines how good the cleaning should be and what the penalty is if you do not comply with this. And yet the contracting authority still asks the tenderers ‘how are you going to clean?’. “Why aren’t governments committed to asking a different question? The government uses public money and has one primary task - to serve the public interest with this money. So the question could be asked: ‘how does the tenderer think it can add value to the public interest?’ “Our greatest ambition is that it would be compulsory for every business to be more impactful. That is what we want to achieve in a social sustainability revolution,” concludes Stuifbergen.

EUROPEAN CLEANING & HYGIENE AWARDS

Driving innovation The award for the Best Use of Smart Solutions by a Service Provider in the European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards 2022 went to Principle Cleaning Services in the UK for its contract at Dashwood House in London. London-based Principle Cleaning Services has an ambitious goal - to become the most sustainable cleaning company in the UK. To achieve that, the business has committed to driving innovation using smart technology, which is where PCS Connect - its own workflow system - comes in. This plays a key role in daily operations reviewing daily schedules and the cleaning regimes across client sites, allocating tasks and team hours according to actual data and client needs. Communications and media manager Charlotte Kiss explains: “The smart technology we’re deploying across client sites ensures the team can maintain extremely high cleaning standards and action the tasks in priority order in sufficient timescales, whilst all data is available for review at any time by all parties.” Principle won its European Cleaning & Hygiene Award for the implementation of PSC Connect on the contract at Landsec’s Dashwood House, where the system has played a pivotal role since mobilisation of the account in 2021. The data dashboard shows trend analysis of footfall, occupancy, cleaning and consumables in specified areas (fitted with sensors), and this is all visible on Landsec’s bespoke portal within the YourPrinciple online platform.

18 | November 2022 | ECJ

The system provides a host of benefits including autonomously scheduled cleaning zones for the housekeeping team throughout the day, which improves accuracy and efficiency - thus allowing more focused activities and improved standards. Space Scheduler is a proof of attendance concept, which can be modified to suit specific areas within the office space and washrooms, providing assurances to staff and visitors that areas are clean and sanitised. Hours Monitoring is another key feature of PCS Connect at Dashwood House. The schedule has been set for all operatives working in the building with draft times and the number of occasions that individual areas need to be attended to and cleaned. Team members scan in at the beginning of their shift and scan out at the end by touching the appropriate NFC tags. During working hours, tags also need to be scanned each time an operative attends the area out of their daily scope of work. “The benefit of this system is that it monitors actual hours allocated to each area per operative,” adds Charlotte Kiss. “It also supports invoicing, and each client can see the hours they have received work for so they are invoiced accordingly.” PCS Connect also sits within Principle’s Safe Space programme, which the company created in conjunction with Hygiena and Gem Scientific - manufacturers of industry-leading microbial testing systems. Safe Space uses ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) testing to verify the level of ATP in a swab sample and provides an indication of surface cleanliness. Safe Space provides organisations with new methodology for cleaning and hygiene using

scientific verification, service enhancement & smart resourcing, and data monitoring, to mitigate risk and provide reassurance to staff and visitors. “In collaboration with our IT team, Principle Window and High Level Cleaning - our window cleaning division - also developed Drop Marking,” Kiss explains. “This is a system where we can tag the top and bottom of building façade ‘drops’, which is part of the PCS Connect smart solution. While vertical work is carried out, the length of time of the drop is recorded on the site visual and the drop changes colour - showing ‘in progress’ and ‘completion’ on a real time basis, offering complete transparency to our client.” What made this entry stand out and so deserving of the prize was the fact Principle Cleaning could demonstrate how its smart solution could improve daily operations in a very measurable way. Enabling the management to review daily schedules and implement the cleaning regime across the site. Not only that, tasks and team hours could be accurately allocated according to actual data and client needs. Principle’s deputy ceo, Tom Lloyd, commented: “PCS Connect has revolutionised the way we clean at Dashwood House. Being able to monitor and measure the occupancy of the building provides us with data that allows us to clean areas based on their usage. This in turn means productivity is maximised and cleaning standards are taken to an even higher level.” Principle is delighted to have won the top award this year, Charlotte Kiss says. “It’s a huge credit to all of the teams involved. We couldn’t be more proud and will continue to drive innovation.”

EUROPEAN CLEANING & HYGIENE AWARDS

A clear focus “When I founded TRU, my goal was not to become the biggest business, but to do big business with an eye for future growth,” says Vanessa Morini, ceo and co-founder of TRU. This Belgian business is expert in cleanroom cleaning - there is no other firm in Belgium or the Netherlands with this level of expertise in the sector. Morini had accumulated the specialist knowledge she needed while working for major companies such as J&J and Sanofi for 14 years. “There, I learned the ins and outs of the (bio)pharmaceutical sector’s cleanroom hygiene needs,” she explains. “I know all the cGMP standards required for cleanroom cleaning so after three years at Vebego, where I set up a new business unit, I decided to take the plunge: in October 2019 I started my own company, TRU.” The standards for cleaning and disinfection are becoming stricter and stricter in this area of cleaning and updates to EU legislation released in August of this year mean requirements go further than ever before. Morini’s specialist knowledge set her apart from other regular cleaning providers offering cleanroom services as an add-on. “Thanks to our focus, we could have a much greater impact with TRU.” So after 17 years as a employee Morini’s move into setting up her own business was a gigantic leap. “From being in a team of 250 employees I was suddenly all alone,” she explains. “Not a single contract in hand, not a single employee employed... that’s how I started on October 7 2019. But I knew very well what I wanted and where I was aiming. “The first challenge was to build brand awareness in our market,” Morini continues. “Fortunately I have a large network,

but the pharmaceutical industry is very conservative and risk averse. When you knock on the door as a small company, without references or contracts in hand, you need persuasion, patience and time. And then the Covid pandemic hit which Morini at first thought was a crisis situation for TRU. “In retrospect, however, Covid gave us an extra push and accelerated our start-up. The need was suddenly very high for companies that knew how to change clothes safely, how to remove invisible dirt, how to remove the virus. So we grew very quickly to 25 employees dedicated to healthcare every day. “After the first Covid wave, we switched back to our core business and signed up the first customers for long-term contracts with TRU.” While it remains challenging for TRU as a small business to compete alongside the larger names, the fact this is such a specialist firm is seen as a major benefit by more and more clients. Morini says they are particularly impressed with TRU’s reliability, expertise and high standards. “Above all, they value our open and honest communication.” TRU now operates under three fundamental principles - Truthentic approach, revolutionary impact, unique focus. Morini explains the thinking behind each of them. “As an indispensable link in our customers’ processes, we bear a tremendous responsibility. We do everything we can to prevent contamination and protect lives. Given the extreme complexity of our field, authenticity is crucial. Robust operations and clear communication are a top priority. “In addition to economic objectives, we also share social ambitions with our

Having learned about cleanroom cleaning when working for other companies, Vanessa Morini decided to take the plunge and start her own specialist business, TRU. Based in Belgium, the company has prospered under Morini’s clear direction, winning the European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards Start-Up of the Year category for 2022. customers. We create an environment that complies with the strictest hygiene standards so our customers can focus on what they do best: developing innovative medications, medical devices and biotechnology. In this way, we are creating impact on various levels. From people and patients to companies and society. “Finally, we are the only Belgian company dedicated exclusively to the critical cleaning of cleanrooms and equipment. It is this unique focus that sets us apart. Our specialisation results in greater safety and lays the foundation for our employees and our professional training programmes.” People clearly play a key role in the business’ success. TRU gives low-skilled employees the opportunity to retrain and develop specialised knowledge and skills. They receive on-the-job training and extensive coaching. What are Morini’s next plans for TRU? “In the coming years we will be working primarily on growing cleanroom cleaning but in addition we are also taking the first steps in the field of cleaning product contact surfaces in the pharma industry.”

November 2022 | ECJ | 19

STRONG. G. STRONGER. NGER. SUPER R CLASS. S. n the The new Kärcher high-pressure cleaners in ments and HD super class meet the highest requirements ontrol, ergonomic standards – thanks to servo control, se reel. Vibrasoft nozzle, as well as automatic hose karcher.com

HAND HYGIENE

Handy in the right place HAND HYGIENE SHOULD be a simple process. Soap; lather, wash, rinse, then dry – what could be easier? Yet the products we use can vary significantly depending on the level of dirt that needs to be removed from the hands, how often this needs to be done and how crucial it is that the hands remain scrupulously clean and germ-free. Most routine hand washes are designed to remove light dirt or transient bacteria from the hands, and the majority of soaps are up to this task. But more robust products would potentially be needed in an industrial setting for washing off substances such as paint, solvent or grease. And in a hospital there will be a need for extra care when cleaning away substances such as bodily fluids. So, how far do professional hand hygiene products vary from sector to sector, and how do manufacturers meet the needs of the various different environments? Any hand hygiene product needs to be effective and be able to promote good skin health according to GOJO’s managing director UK and Ireland Chris Wakefield. “It should also offer a positive experience for the user, regardless of the industry,” he said. “However, hand hygiene products must also be suitable for the environment in which it is used. For example, a specialist scrubbing agent would not be required in a healthcare facility because the soils here would be much lighter than those in, say, a factory or workshop.” Optimum hygiene is of paramount importance in hospitals, he says. “Many people will be visiting vulnerable patients and potentially touching and contaminating surfaces, which means good hand hygiene is vital,” he said. “All soaps and sanitisers in these settings should meet key hospital norms to provide assurance they are effective against germs and are safe for use in healthcare locations.” Any hand hygiene formulation used in a hospital also needs to be gentle on skin,

he adds. “Skin health is a primary concern for healthcare workers who will need to wash or sanitise their hands repeatedly during a shift.” All products used in healthcare must be effective against germs and clinically proven to maintain skin health, according to Wakefield. “Acceptability is also crucial because if staff members like the products, they will be more likely to use them consistently,” he adds. “And this in turn will help to prevent infections from spreading whereas if they have a poor experience, the opposite may be the case.” Operatives In a factory or workshop need to have access to specialist hand cleaners that are strong enough to defeat heavy dirt and grime while also being kind to the skin, he says. “The choice of formulation here is incredibly important, particularly for people whose career involves working with their hands,” said Wakefield. “The wrong product combined with exposure to solvents and substances such as abrasive cleaners, wet cement, paints, adhesives or other materials commonly used in construction could lead to dermatitis.”

Reliability and durability The dispenser will help to drive the choice of hand hygiene product in an upmarket facility, he says. “This is both for aesthetic reasons and in terms of functionality,” says Wakefield. “Sloppy, leaky pumps or dispensers that have been allowed to run empty will not evoke a feeling of luxury. “Reliability and durability will be key requirements here, and touch-free dispensers will make a particularly good choice because they are modern and intuitive to use.” Claimed to be particularly suitable for use in healthcare is GOJO’s new gentle Mild Lotion Wash which has a three-inone formula and can be used on the hair and body as well as the hands. The company also offers a range of mild, foaming, fragranced and fragrance-free soaps plus specialist heavy-duty hand cleaners for

Mild soaps, hand sanitisers, industrial hand cleansers, luxurious lotions – all of these products help to keep our hands clean, healthy and germ-free. But the choice of hand hygiene product will heavily depend on the environment in question. How do manufacturers meet such a wide range of hand hygiene needs, asks ECJ?

industrial environments. All hand hygiene products should be chosen to reflect the environment and tasks for which they are intended, says Essity’s communications director Renée Remijnse. “For example, healthcare practitioners need to wash and sanitise their hands frequently so it is important to keep the skin on their hands healthy,” she said. “Studies have shown that more bacteria and pathogens tend to be present on skin that is cracked or irritated, so all soaps and sanitisers should be as mild and gentle as possible to prevent irritation.” The same is true of food industry environments, she says. “Hygiene is fundamental in the food preparation area and the hands here will need to be washed frequently throughout the day,” says Remijnse. “Hospitality teams will therefore require products that are kind to the skin. But they will also need soaps that can remove strong food odours such as fish and garlic from the hands.” Essity’s Tork Odour-Control Liquid Soap is designed for this purpose. Aesthetics are particularly important in a hospitality setting, she says. “Hygiene products here may be used to promote a luxury experience and enhance brand identity while working as a promotional tool,” she said. “Dispensers with modern Continued page 24

November 2022 | ECJ | 23

HAND HYGIENE Handy in the right place (continued)

designs, smooth surfaces and clean lines equipped with premium quality refills will create a good impression in a restaurant or hotel and boost the high-quality image of the venue.” Industrial environments will have their own specific needs, she adds. “Here there will be a requirement for soaps with fatdissolving ingredients that are capable of removing dirt, oil and grease from the skin,” she said. Essity’s Tork Oil & Grease Liquid Soap, for example, is designed for use in industrial settings. All formulations in the food sector need to be colour and fragrance-free according to CWS head of marketing for hygiene Leandra Stroosnijder. “Employers are obliged to minimise the risk of crosscontamination, and all soaps used in the food sector should fit within the HACCP system,” she said. Soaps used in industry need to be able to remove grease, dirt and paint from the hands while also being kind to the skin, she says. “It is important that hand washing can be achieved in a skinfriendly way and that the use of lotions is considered.” She recommends an exfoliating soap incorporating vegetable particles for this Les usines et ateliers ont besoin de savons de qualité industrielle pour l’élimination de graisses, saletés et peintures de la surface des mains. Les hôtels doivent proposer à leurs clients des savons et serviettes à l’allure attractive, voire luxueuse. Tandis que dans les hôpitaux, il est impératif d’adopter des mesures d’hygiène scrupuleuses ainsi que des produits doux aux mains fréquemment lavées. En quoi les défis du lavage des mains varient-ils d’un environnement à l’autre?

24 November 2022 | ECJ

purpose. “For example, CWS heavy-duty soap contains ground cornflour particles which are free of silicone and solvents and will not clog the drains.” She adds that thorough hand hygiene is particularly important in healthcare settings. “Healthcare workers need to constantly wash and disinfect their hands - and this needs to be carried out carefully without harming the skin,” she said. CWS PureLine soaps are said to be pH skinneutral and allergen-free and will cleanse the hands while leaving the natural skin barrier intact.

Drying equally important Drying the hands thoroughly is just as important as washing them - particularly in the healthcare sector, she says. “Microorganisms can retain their hold and multiply more effectively in a moist environment,” says Stroosnijder. “In addition, rubbing the hands dry with a towel will help to remove any remaining germs from the hands.” She says any products supplied in an upmarket hotel or office should be pleasing to the eye. New from CWS is the PureLine, described as an elegant washroom hygiene solution. The company also offers a range of soaps gels and hand drying In Fabriken und Werkstätten werden Seifen in gewerblicher Qualität benötigt, um Fett, Schmutz und Lack von Händen zu entfernen. In einem Hotel sollten alle Seifen und Handtücher attraktiv, ja sogar luxuriös sein. Und in Krankenhäusern ist gewissenhafte Hygiene von überragender Bedeutung und gleichzeitig müssen die dort verwendeten Reinigungsprodukte sanft zu häufig gewaschenen Händen sein. Welche Unterschiede gibt es bei den Anforderungen, die in unterschiedlichen Umgebungen an die Handhygiene gestellt werden?

solutions plus disinfectant foam soaps and hand lotions. So it is clear that each environment has its own specific hand hygiene needs. But are any requirements common to all? The primary purpose of all hand hygiene products is they should be able to clean and dry the hands effectively and gently according to Essity’s Renee Remijnse,. “They should also be conveniently located and easy to use to encourage good hand hygiene behaviours,” she adds. CWS’ Leandra Stroosnijder says aesthetically-pleasing hand hygiene products are important everywhere. “They lift the spirits and provide customers and visitors with a comfortable experience when visiting the washroom,” she said. “And they show people they are appreciated which will increase the chance that they will return to your establishment and recommend you to others.” GOJO’s Chris Wakefield says all hand hygiene products should ultimately balance efficacy, skin health and a positive user experience. “If one of these elements is missing it will compromise success – either because of low compliance rates or because the product simply isn’t doing its job and killing germs effectively,” he said. I saponi di qualità industriale per l’uso nelle fabbriche e nei laboratori devono eliminare dalle mani unto, sporco e vernice. In un hotel, tutte le saponette e gli asciugamani devono essere attraenti e persino raffinati. Negli ospedali una igiene scrupolosa è essenziale e i prodotti devono anche essere delicati per il lavaggio frequente delle mani. Come varia la sfida dell’igiene delle mani da un ambiente all’altro?

PRODUCTS: HAND HYGIENE

Biodegradable Osanis is the hand sanitising foam from Salveco and it’s based on a 100 per cent vegetable and mineral origin formula based on lactic acid. The foam is 100 per cent biodegradable according to OECD 301 guidelines and the formula is patented. It’s alcohol free and dermatologically tested, boasting virucidal, bactericidal and yeasticidal activity.

Salveco recently announced it has obtained the first European Marketing Authorisation (MA) issued by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) for biocidal products based on lactic acid. The company makes its technology available to all B2B and B2C businesses in the sector. www.salveco.fr

Remove bacteria Everything Hand Dryers, part of the Velair Group, has developed the Pebble+ which it claims removes 99.9 per cent of bacteria and viruses. The new model combines UV-C light disinfection, ION particle generation and an intelligent H13 media filter which notifies the user when a replacement is required - encased within an ION pure antimicrobial cover. The Pebble+ dryer also incorporates the company’s patented Plug & Play. Sitting on a Terra4 docking station, it can be installed, upgraded, or replaced within seconds, by anyone. www.everythinghanddryers.com

All applications

technology, while the integrated drip system reduces waste. And it automatically shuts off when the cover is opened. www.jvd.fr

Foam soap

Hand hygiene products for use in industry, healthcare, hospitality and the food preparation sector are all on offer from Tork manufacturer Essity. Designed for manufacturing environments is heavy-duty Tork Oil & Grease Liquid Soap. This contains fat-dissolving ingredients that enable it to remove dirt, oil and grease from the hands in a gentle action. Suitable for frequent hand washing in the healthcare sector is Tork Extra Mild Foam soap which has been certified as allergy-friendly by ECARF. Also suitable for medical staff is dermatologically-tested Tork Sensitive Moisturising Hand Lotion and Hand Cream which can be applied before and after shifts and as needed throughout the day. A soft hand towel such as the Tork Matic Soft Hand Towel Roll should be used in healthcare to thoroughly dry the hands since this will minimise any irritation to the skin. www.tork.co.uk

Stay connected

Rubbermaid Commercial Products’(RCP) 500 ml AutoFoam soap, sanitiser and toilet seat cleaner dispenser has been designed with small spaces in mind. This unit is 25 cm tall and boasts 1,250 doses per refill. Hygienically sealed refills also help prevent cross-contamination says RCP. Aesthetically designed, the dispensers come with a lifetime warranty. rubbermaidcommercial.eu

Purer air The new generation of hand dryers from Mediclinics feature latest air purification technology, says the company. HEPA filters, for example, reduce the allergens found in the air of public washrooms. In conjunction with those filters Mediclinics uses ionisers for optimum air filtration, particularly in closed and poorly ventilated rooms. www.mediclinics.com

Hygiene station

The Yaliss Connected smart hand sanitising station from JVD collects and analyses hand hygiene data - for example on the amount of consumable stock available. This means managers can be better organised, reduce logistics costs and optimise maintenance staff’s tasks while ensuring supplies of hygiene gel never run out. The dispenser also incorporates automatic hand detection

NoSoapCompany’s HYiGO hand hygiene station consists of an upright disinfectant dispenser for use in all types of public area. Using IoT technology, the units offer access to real-time data to allow managers to monitor battery levels, sanitiser volumes and user levels remotely. www.nosoapcompany.com

• La mousse de désinfection des mains Osanis, de la société Salveco, nettoie et désinfecte en ne recourant qu’à des ingrédients provenant de sources renouvelables. • Pebble+ est un sèche-mains à air chaud, proposé par Everything Hand Dryers, utilisant la technologie Plug&-Play. • Il existe des produits d’hygiène des mains Tork pour l’industrie, l’hôtellerie, la santé et la préparation alimentaire. • Sous la désignation Yaliss Connected, JVD propose un poste de désinfection des mains qui recueille et analyse également des données. • Le distributeur de savon, de désinfectant et de nettoyant pour siège de toilette AutoFoam 500-ml de RCP a été conçu pour les petits espaces. • La nouvelle génération de sèchemains Mediclinics incorpore la dernière technologie de la purification. • No Soap Company produit une gamme de postes de distribution de désinfectants des mains pour zones à forte circulation.

• Der Händedesinfektionsschaum Osanis von Salveco reinigt und desinfiziert und wird ausschließlich aus Inhaltsstoffen aus nachwachsenden Rohstoffen hergestellt. • Pebble+ ist ein WarmluftHändetrockner mit Plug-&-PlayTechnologie von Everything Hand Dryers. • Es gibt Tork Handhygieneprodukte speziell für den Einsatz in der Industrie, im Gesundheitswesen, im Gastgewerbe und in der Speisenzubereitung. • Bei Yaliss Connected handelt es sich um die Händedesinfektionsstation von JVD, die auch Daten sammelt und analysiert. • Der 500-ml-AutoFoamSeifen-, Desinfektions- und Toilettensitzreinigerspender von RCP wurde für kleine Räume entwickelt. • Die jüngste Generation Händetrockner von Mediclinics beinhaltet die neuesten Luftreinigungtechnologien. • Im Angebot von No Soap Company ist eine Produktfamilie mit Spenderstationen für Händedesinfektionsmittel zum Einsatz in stark frequentierten Bereichen. • L’igienizzante per mani in schiuma Osanis della Salveco lava e disinfetta utilizzando soltanto ingredienti provenienti da fonti rinnovabili. • Pebble+, prodotto dalla Everything Hand Dryers, è un asciugamani ad aria calda dotato di tecnologia Plug & Play. • La Tork offre prodotti per l’igiene delle mani adatti per l’industria, il settore sanitario, la ristorazione e il settore della preparazione alimentare. • Yaliss Connected è la stazione per igienizzare la mani della JVD che inoltre colleziona e analizza i dati. • Il dispenser di sapone AutoFoam da 500 ml di RCP, disinfettante e detergente per sedili WC è stato progettato pensando ai piccoli spazi. • La nuova generazione di asciugamani prodotti dalla Mediclinics incorpora le tecnologie più recenti per la purificazione dell’aria. • La No Soap Company offre una linea di stazioni per l’erogazione del disinfettante per mani adatto per aree ad alto traffico.

November 2022 | ECJ | 25

PRODUCTS: HAND HYGIENE

• L’appareil XLERATORsync d’Excel Dryer forme un ensemble comportant un distributeur de savon, un robinet et un sèche-mains. • Diversey a étendu sa gamme de distributeurs IntelliCare pour l’hygiène des mains en y ajoutant une nouvelle version chromée. • La société B-Sure a lancé les planches hygiéniques B-Spoke qui réunissent savon pour les mains, désinfectant, lingettes, gants, humectant et serviettes, le tout assorti d’instructions claires. • Der XLERATORsync von Excel Dryer ist ein Multifunktionssystem mit Seifenspender, Wasserhahn und Händetrockner. • Diversey hat die Produktfamilie der IntelliCare Handhygienespender um eine neue Chrome-Ausführung erweitert. • B-Sure hat B-Spoke Hygiene Boards vorgestellt, die Handseife, Händedesinfektionsmittel, Desinfektionstücher, Handschuhe, Feuchtigkeitscreme und Handtücher – mit klaren Anweisungen – umfassen. • XLERATORsync, prodotto dalla Excel Dryer, è un sistema “tutto in uno” che include dispenser di sapone, rubinetto e asciugamani ad aria. • La Diversey ha ampliato la sua linea di dispenser per l’igiene delle mani IntelliCare con l’aggiunta di una nuova versione Chrome. • La B-Sure ha lanciato B-Spoke Hygiene Boards che include sapone per le mani, disinfettante, salviettine, guanti, crema idratante e asciugamani, il tutto con chiare istruzioni.

26 | November 2022 | ECJ

Integrated sink Excel Dryers has developed an integrated sink system featuring its XLERATORsync hand dryer. Set on a custom natural acrylic stone wash basin, the built-in dryer is positioned alongside a motion-activated tap and soap dispenser. This compact layout, says the company, allows users to wash and dry their hands in a single location without having to touch anything. The XLERATORsync is also designed to reverse and fan out the high-speed airflow to blow away from the user and towards the bottom of the sink, which has the appropriate depth and angles to keep the air and water

in the sink. Excel says the dryer’s HEPA filtration system eliminates 99.999 per cent of viruses and 99.97 per cent of potentially present bacteria at 0.3 microns. www.exceldryer.com

Now in chrome

Diversey has launched a Chrome edition of its IntelliCare hand hygiene dispenser. This robust, closed system boasts modern, stylish design with a dark tinted window. Hybrid functionality means that if the battery runs out, it can still be used as a manual dispenser. www.diversey.com

Hygiene boards

B-Sure Installations has launched B-Spoke Hygiene Boards service, which it says meets all hand hygiene needs in one. Each board is installed onsite by the company’s engineers into workplace and public areas to provide prominent hygiene stations with clear instructions. Both wall-mounted and mobile units are available. Each board creates a hygiene station and can include soap, sanitiser, wipes, gloves, moisturiser and hand towels, along with instructions. Long vertical boards protect walls and each board covers the whole station area. They can be placed in high traffic areas such as shopping centres, arenas and schools. bsureinstallations.com

SekureDose Safe, secure chemical storage and dispensing

ProMax

Wipe the floor with infection From filling spray bottles, mop buckets and floor scrubbers to safe storage of chemicals, SEKO has a comprehensive range of solutions for impeccable surface cleaning

Perfect proportioning at the push of a button

ProTwin Professional spray and foam cleaning

Precise dilution for consistent results < Robust impact-resistant housings < Reduce chemical consumption < No more inaccurate, unsafe manual dosing < Customizable systems <

www.seko.com

TECHNOLOGY

Digitising Make Ready Make Ready is a UK system that ensures ambulances are prepared by a dedicated team of specialists who clean, restock and check the equipment before the beginning and at the end of every shift. Currently Make Ready methods vary across the country – this is why James Bradley at services provider Churchill believes they should be digitalised.

IN SEPTEMBER 2018 Lord Carter published a report into operational productivity and performance in English NHS Ambulance Trusts. The report identified unwarranted variation in the delivery of ambulance services, as well as the potential savings of £500 million that could be made in efficiencies by 2020/21. Lord Carter submitted nine recommendations to improve patient care, efficiency and support for frontline staff who had responded to a significant rise in demand for ambulance services in recent years. Then the pandemic hit. Ambulance Trusts that were already under strain faced unprecedented demand, while the importance of hygiene - already critical in healthcare settings - increased further. Even as we exit the worst of the pandemic, NHS Ambulance Trusts are dealing with the need to increase efficiencies, cut costs, protect staff and safeguard patient safety. One solution that addresses all of these needs is digitising the Make Ready process.

Make Ready Make Ready is a system which sees ambulances prepared by a dedicated team of specialists who clean, restock and check the equipment on ambulances before the beginning and at the end of every

28 | November 2022 | ECJ

shift. Currently Make Ready methods vary across the Trusts, including specialist centralised centres with workshops or adapted ambulance stations. The Carter Report identified that a Make Ready programme can affect positive change, create significant financial savings and is referred to as a key enabler. However, the adoption of traditional Make Ready process alone will not be enough for many Trusts to reach their objectives. It will certainly deliver efficiencies for those Trusts that have not already adopted a Make Ready Programme, but digitising the process will take productivity, best practice, transparency and resilience to the next level. We are the UK’s largest provider of Make Ready services and were the first private company to collaborate with England’s NHS Ambulance Trusts in delivering a Make Ready solution. Churchill has been delivering Make Ready services for over 10 years; this knowledge and experience has enabled us to invest in developing a digital platform that enables a more efficient, cost effective, data driven solution that ensures governance.

The case for digitising Make Ready In 2017 the total expenditure for ambulance services was £2.3 billion. It was forecast that demand was expected to increase by 38 per cent by 2027 – and that was before taking the pandemic into account. At the same time, a study by the National Audit Office (NAO) in 2017 revealed the NHS had to deliver efficiencies of between two and three per cent per year by 2021, effectively placing a 10-15 per cent real terms cost reduction target on Trusts. The NAO also reported in 2017 that 500,000 ambulance hours were lost due to delayed transfers of care at hospitals in 2015-16. This is impacted by ambulance change over time, ambulance and crew location. All of these stats paint a picture of ambulance trusts in need of support. Digitising Make Ready is a powerful solution that

can impact everything from ambulance turnaround time to staff retention.

13 benefits of digitising Make Ready There are numerous benefits to digitising the Make Ready process, including: 1. Saving a minimum of 15 minutes per Make Ready. 2. Immediate location and recall of equipment via RFID tagging. 3. Immediate location and recall of all medicine pouches. 4. Complete control of all consumables usage through a fully integrated tagging and stock control system. 5. Removal of record pads currently used in a manual Make Ready system. 6. Designated managers have immediate access to any Make Ready job over several years, instantly viewing what was checked, what was missing, damage, issues relayed to oncoming crews, and more. 7. Make Ready Operatives (MRO) are guided around the vehicle in the most efficient and effective way, ensuring consistency in training, and allowing more than one MRO to process the same job, by dividing the job into sub-activities. 8. Complete control over MI and KPI reports; agreed reports can be generated daily/weekly and managers can access dynamic data, by region, site, operative. 9. Integration with existing NHS Trust IT systems. 10. MROs can locate all tagged items in a matter of seconds, removing the need to individually check items. 11. Oncoming crews are notified of the vehicle allocated to their shift, along with any specific issues they should be aware of. 12. All vehicle or equipment damage is instantly reported to the relevant Trust department, along with photos for clarity. 13. If a key asset is moved from one vehicle to another – or just removed from vehicle – the Trust will immediately get an alert, showing that the equipment has moved and showing which vehicle it is now on. This allows Trusts to quickly

TECHNOLOGY

recover missing items, potentially saving thousands of pounds. Our work with the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) NHS Trust is a great example of the impact from digitising Make Ready. Noticeable results include an 11.11 per cent productivity time saving per Make Ready, an increase in vehicle availability, enhanced asset management and improved patient safety.

How the digital Make Ready process works One key feature is RFID tagging. By adding a scannable codes to all stocks, medicines and equipment in an ambulance, MROs can carry out a stock check with a single scan as the RFID gun scans every single code in one go. In traditional Make Ready processes there can be up to 67 manual checks, so this is an immediate time saver. This enables teams to check, remedy

Make Ready est un système britannique pour garantir que les ambulances soient préparées par une équipe spécialisée se chargeant de nettoyer, de réaprovisionner et de vérifier le véhicule et son équipement au début et à la fin de chaque période de travail. À l’heure actuelle, les procédés Make Ready varient d’un pays à l’autre, raison pour laquelle James Bradley, de la société Churchill, estime qu’il convient de les numériser.

and log all supplies, internal and external damage, lights and sirens, cleanliness and more to ensure the vehicle is fit leave the site. The process also acts as an audit as all data is stored and can be accessed whenever needed. RFID tagging is also a great tool for managing medicine recalls, perhaps in the case of expired stock or a national recall. The amount of time saved by scanning versus manual checks cannot be overstated. Make Ready can also be improved for cleaning and hygiene purposes. At SECAmb, 100 per cent of vehicles are deep cleaned every six to 12 weeks across 17 Make Ready Centres. This involves the vehicles being stripped down of all equipment and furniture and cleaned. The percentage outside the Make Ready system is 75 per cent. This has led to improved infection control

rates, which in turn supports increasing patient safety.

Make Ready ist ein im Vereinigten Königreich eingesetztes System, mit dem sichergestellt wird, dass Krankenwagen von einem zweckbestimmten Team von Spezialisten vorbereitet werden, d. h. die Ausrüstung wird vor dem Beginn und am Ende jeder Schicht gereinigt, aufgefüllt und überprüft. Gegenwärtig variieren die Make Ready-Methoden landesweit – aus diesem Grund vertritt James Bradley vom Dienstleister Churchill die Meinung, dass dieses System digitalisiert werden sollte.

Make Ready è un sistema britannico che accerta che le ambulanze siano preparate da un team dedicato di specialisti che puliscono, riforniscono e controllano le attrezzature prima dell’inizio di ogni turno e alla fine dello stesso. Attualmente i metodi di Make Ready variano in tutto il paese e questo è il motivo per cui James Bradley della fornitrice di servizi Churchill crede che suddetti metodi dovrebbero essere digitalizzati.

Let paramedics focus on the job NHS Trusts that don’t have a solid Make Ready plan often rely on their paramedics to support the process. This takes them away from their core role, increases stress and makes it harder to retain staff. Even in traditional Make Ready processes, the difficulty in easily tracking down an audit or having to manually check stocks is time-consuming and not a good use of a paramedic’s time. With a digital process, paramedics spend less time on Make Ready and have increased confidence that their ambulance is fully stocked and ready for use. The pandemic will only have made the recommendations from the Carter Report more pressing, and challenging, so the case for digitalising to improve performance might be stronger than ever.

November 2022 | ECJ | 29

Line of trolleys with components made of certiﬁed recycled plastic PSV - Plastic Second Life

Pockety

INCREASED EFFICIENCY

1 HANDLE = 1 TROLLEY

POCKETY MAKES A CLEAN JOB FOR YOU

A Magic trolley conﬁgured to your speciﬁc needs allows a time saving of 19 to 36% compared to a standard trolley

Lampo eliminates the number of handles hindering operation of the trolley, allowing even the most compact trolley to be fully equipped

No spells or magic formulas are needed: attaching and releasing mops without bending or hand contact is ﬁnally a reality with Pockety

www.ttsystem.com TTS Cleaning S.R.L. (Soc. a Socio Unico) - Tel.: +39 049 9300710 - Fax: +39 049 9300720 - E-mail: info@ttsystem.com

TROLLEY SYSTEMS

Today’s trolley essentials A CLEANING TROLLEY is a workstation on wheels – basically a manual version of the mobile worker’s van. So there is no such thing as a typical trolley. It simply needs to be equipped with the right set of items and products required for carrying out the cleaner’s work, just as a van needs to accommodate the tools of an operator’s trade. Certain items such as detergents, cloths and mops will be commonly found on most trolleys. But the specific configuration will depend largely on the needs of the sector, according to TTS export sales manager Alessandro Costantini. “For example in a congested office with corridors, narrow passages and lots of furniture your trolley will need to be easy to manoeuvre and should take up as little space as possible,” he said. ”In a hotel on the other hand, the trolley should be discreet and unobtrusive and capable of facilitating room cleaning and linen collection. “And a hospital trolley should be configured to help prevent the risk of contamination between the washing, storage and waste collection areas.” The TTS Magic range includes closed trolleys for healthcare environments incorporating frames that separate the washing, storage, and waste collection modules.

Adaptable models The essential components of a typical cleaning trolley are the drawers, a lockable door, a facility bag, buckets and a handle holder for the mopping system according to Greenspeed’s digital trade marketer Eva Meerts. “There is increasing demand for trolleys that can be adapted to the working environment,” she said. “Today’s market is also seeking a high level of functionality along with customisable products. And if a trolley is modular, that’s also a plus because it means it can easily be adapted to suit the customer’s needs.” However, each environment has its specific requirements, she adds. “For example,

a hospital should be served by a flexible, closed trolley with multiple compartments and lockable doors for hygiene and safety reasons.” The Greenspeed C-shuttle 350 has three compartments and can carry up to 200 kg, allowing it to accommodate the heavy laundry requirements of a hospital. And its wheels are designed to prevent the accumulation of dirt and can also be disinfected between uses. Buckets, a wringer, trays and a bag holder are among a cleaning trolley’s most essential components according to IPC’s product manager for tools Elisa Marcon. “However, trolley requirements will depend on the area of application and the context in which it is used,” she said. “For example, the ideal hospital trolley configuration would incorporate a preimpregnation system for mops to ensure the correct disinfection process. And a hotel trolley will have specific storage requirements because it will need to be able to accommodate clean sheets.” Every trolley should offer waste collection, storage and wet mopping capabilities according to Filmop’s business development manager Paolo Scapinello. “These elements should be customised and accessorised according to specific needs,” he said. “And vertical frames are required to separate the waste collection compartment from the others to ensure the highest levels of hygiene.” A bag holder and bags are both essential in the waste collection area, he adds. “The storage compartment should be able to accommodate buckets, drawers and shelves depending on requirements and the cleaning compartment should house a traditional wet mopping system or a mop soaking system.” He says every environment should have equipment that is fit for purpose, and this particularly applies to the healthcare sector. “Cleaning here needs to meet the specific needs of the sector and provide the ability to reduce the spread of microorganisms while also preventing injuries,” he said.

What are the most important elements of a contemporary cleaner’s trolley? And how far are these requirements changing with the times? Ann Laffeaty asks manufacturers about the trolley essentials of the 2020s.

Trolleys in a hotel need to be well designed and aesthetically pleasing, he adds. “They also need to incorporate waste collection, dusting and wet mopping functions and be designed to help staff members prepare guest rooms quickly, easily and discreetly,” he said.

Segregated waste The Alpha Hotel and Emotion lines are available in a motorised version which is said to allow operators to easily handle loads of up to 150 kg. And these models can be used in corridors with a gradient of up to eight per cent. Hygiene requirements plus the type of flooring in the area to be cleaned both play a major role in determining the type of trolley required, says Crisp Clean’s sales manager Keara Page. “For example, kitchens and bathrooms need to have a mopping system on the trolley whereas offices and hotels – which tend to be carpeted – require a waste collection receptacle and a vacuum cleaner,” she said. “And here the trolley also needs to have larger wheels so that it can be easily moved across the carpet.” A healthcare trolley requires a segregated waste collection system, she says. “A hospital trolley needs to be equipped with a double bucket wringer system or a dosing system using a clean mop for every 10 to 20 square metres,” said Page. “And in public areas it is important trolleys don’t become an eyesore and that all harmful Continued page 32

November 2022 | ECJ | 31

TROLLEY SYSTEMS Today’s trolley essentials (continued)

chemicals are secured out of view.” Crisp Clean offers trolley systems that are both lockable and fully enclosed. Trolleys can be adapted to suit today’s changing needs simply by making them modular and fully flexible, she says. “Being able to accessorise a basic trolley layout gives the customer the ability to fine-tune their own configuration,” she said. “We use CAD-generated 3D images and computer models to allow customers to stay involved at every stage of the process from initial concept to prototype development.” Kärcher’s product manager for manual tools Beyza Gügercin agrees that the essential components of a trolley will depend on the task, the environment and the client in question. “The operator needs to be able to fulfil his or her cleaning operations using the appropriate method and in the most efficient way,” she said. For example, she claims a hotel trolley’s main requirements are that it should be robust and easy to push when fully loaded. “It should also have large wheels and flat shelves to accommodate linen and towels as well as trays for holding amenities items,” she said. “And a hotel trolley should Seaux, serpillères, pulvérisateurs, conteneurs de déchets - tels sont les articles les plus souvent montés sur un chariot de nettoyage. Mais quelle est l’évolution des besoins de ces chariots ? C’est ainsi qu’on parle de plus en plus de l’intérêt d’y intégrer des aspirateurs, gants jetables, équipements de désinfection, porte-tablette, entre autres articles.

32 November 2022 | ECJ

have a lateral bag support to contain rubbish or dirty laundry.” She says office trolleys need to accommodate surface cleaners and dusters as well as floor cleaning equipment such as pre-impregnated mops or a double bucket and wringer. And trolleys in hospitals should be easy to clean and disinfect.

Add or remove “These should have smooth, rounded surfaces and no gaps or crevices where dirt and bacteria could collect,” she said. “And all buckets and other elements should be colour-coded while touch-free components also work well here.” Kärcher’s compact Swift and larger Expert models allow operatives to easily switch from one task to another by adding or removing components, she claims. And the Flexo Box tray can be opened and closed via a foot operation for added safety in healthcare environments. So, how are trolleys being adapted to meet the needs of our changing times? Commentators agree that the two greatest drivers for change are technological innovation and today’s more stringent hygiene requirements. Eimer, Mopps, Hand-Sprühgeräte, Abfallbehälter – dies sind einige der gängigsten Gegenstände, die auf einem Reinigungswagen anzutreffen sind. Aber wie ändern sich die Anforderungen an Reinigungswagen? Möchten die Benutzer beispielsweise vermehrt über Staubsauger, Einweghandschuhe, Hygieneausstattung und Tablet-Halter verfügen?

Filmop’s Paolo Scapinello confirms this. “Covid-19 has required manufacturers to adopt new approaches and take stricter hygiene measures, so our Alpha and Alpha Hotel trolleys can be customised to incorporate hand sanitiser and gloves holders,” he said. “And operators are increasingly demanding new tools to help them manage and organise their work as technology gains ground in the professional cleaning sector.” Filmop’s Alpha and Emotion trolleys can be accessorised with a tablet holder while the motor-powered versions of the trolleys have an integrated USB socket for recharging tablets and mobile phones. IPC’s Elisa Marcon agrees today’s trolleys increasingly need to integrate tabletholders and sanitation accessories, while Greenspeed’s Eva Meerts says she too has noticed a growing reliance on technology along with an increasing desire to be able to carry larger cleaning equipment on a trolley “We are responding to these trends by providing trolleys with an mop holder and by ensuring scrubber dryers can easily be mounted on our C-shuttle 150 and 250 trolleys,” she said. TTS’ Magic multipurpose trolleys can be equipped with an adjustable tablet holder with a flexible arm, says Alessandro Costantini. “Our customers are increasingly demanding these accessories,” he said. “The Covid-19 pandemic has also heightened people’s focus on hand hygiene and many of today’s customers now want direct access to hand sanitiser and disposable gloves on their trolleys to prevent the risk of contagion.” And Kärcher’s Beyza Gügercin adds that demands for enhanced productivity is a major driver for change. “It is becoming increasingly important for users to be able to save time and boost productivity by transporting multiple machines on their trolleys,” she said. “For example, they might need to incorporate vacuum cleaners, scrubber dryers or battery-operated window washers on their trolleys to cut down on unnecessary journeys to the cleaning storage room. This machine-integration concept is in fact one of the key features of Kärcher trolleys.” Secchi, mop, flaconi spray, pattumiere – questi sono fra gli oggetti che si trovano più comunemente su un carrello di pulizia. Ma come cambiano le esigenze di un carrello? Gli utenti sono sempre più alla ricerca di aggiungerci aspirapolveri, guanti monouso, attrezzature per igienizzare e supporti per tablet per esempio?

PRODUCTS: TROLLEY SYSTEMS

Tailor-made The Magic range of trolleys from TTS can be completely customised according to washing, storage and waste collection needs thanks to its modular design. Equipping Magic with Lampo allows the user to have one handle per trolley, for time savings. Thanks to the immediate hooking and unhooking system, operators can quickly switch from one tool to another always using the same handle.

lecting tray for liquids in the base plate and dirt ingress is generally prevented thanks to this being a closed system. www.karcher.com

Enclosed design

rial action of plastic components is guaranteed for the entire life of the trolley. Filmop’s antibacterial trolleys are also partially made of plastic components certified PSV - Plastic Second Life. And thanks to the Carbon Footprint Systematic Approach it is possible to quantify the environmental impact of each trolley, expressed in CO2 emitted at each stage of the life cycle of the product. www.filmop.com

Handle boost

Magic can also be combined with Pockety, a touch-free system of mop release that allows mops to be disposed of without coming into contact with dirt and frees the operator from bending down to pick the mops up. The net bag in the bucket collects the used ones, speeding up emptying. www.ttsystem.com

Process focus The new Flexomate cleaning trolley platform from Kärcher is based on a modular and ergonomic concept, with the design being process-oriented. Modules for different cleaning tasks can be added or removed on the move - for example a cleaner may be moving around a building with a large trolley and they can dock the small element required and take it with them to work in restricted spaces. The system is accessible from all sides and more than five machines, such as vacuums, can be carried. Handles and tip boxes are height-adjustable and all surfaces are easy to clean. There is a col-

Vermop’s range of Equipe enclosed trolleys boasts more than a million options - from small to large models and for all types of applications. The smooth surfaces, the closed bucket and castors minimise the spread of germs. And the new food pedal on the disposal unit makes touch-free cleaning even easier. Users of all heights can operate the trolley comfortably thanks to the ergonomic design and very little effort is required to move it, even when fully loaded. All spare parts have a five-year availability guarantee. Equipe is now also available in Digital-Silver - this boasts a premium appearance along with Vermop’s Eggstacy software solution. This option is also 100 per cent carbon neutral. www.vermop.com

Best for hygiene

For optimum standards of hygiene, Filmop trolleys are made of high-density polypropylene, making all components easy to clean - from wheels and handles to doors, walls and drawers. Its Alpha A-B Plus trolley line is also treated with zinc pyrithione to inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi and mould. This antibacte-

The ErgoBoost handle is an accessory that can be fitted to all TWT’s Opera trolleys which instantly enables the operator to adjust the working height. The handle is easily and quickly adjustable in five different positions - the height can be set between 90 and 115 cm. www.twt-tools.com

Residue free Motion trolleys from Rekola support Residue Free Cleaning (RFC) so their layout is adapted to that process. This means they are either more compact - so as not to waste unnecessary space - or have extra space that can be used for added value functions. RFC cleaning is based on pre-impregnated Reflex Mopcloths made of UMF that are stored in boxes. Because (almost) no chemicals are involved, all textiles are impregnated with water or upgraded water. This limits the number of boxes without wasted space for a bucket/press. A compact scrubber dryer can be attached to the trolley without any lifting. www.rekola.com

• TTS propose la gamme Magic de chariots personnalisables construits à partir d’une plateforme modulaire. • La plateforme des chariots de nettoyage Flexomate de Kärcher repose sur un concept modulaire et un agencement axé sur les processus de travail. • Disponibles sous des dimensions très variées, les chariots Equipe de Vermop sont réalisés dans un but d’ergonomie et d’hygiène optimales. • Pour une hygiène maximale, Filmop traite ses chariots Alpha A-B Plus au pyrithione de zinc pour y inhiber la croissance de bactéries. • Sous la désignation ErgoBoost, TWT a doté sa gamme de chariots Opera d’un nouveau guidon ergonomique et réglable. • Les chariots de nettoyage Rekola comprennent des tissus imprégnés Reflex et peuvent abriter une autolaveuse.

• Bei Magic von TTS handelt es sich um eine vollständig anpassbare Produktfamilie mit Reinigungswagen, die auf einer modularen Plattform basieren. • Die Flexomate Reinigungswagenplattform von Kärcher basiert auf einem modularen Konzept und verfahrensorientiertem Design. • Der Reinigungswagen Equipe von Vermop ist in einer Vielzahl von Größen erhältlich und wurde im Hinblick auf optimale Ergonomie und Hygiene konzipiert. • Zur Erreichung maximaler Hygiene behandelt Filmop die Reinigungswagen der Produktfamilie Alpha A-B Plus mit Zink-Pyrithion, um Bakterienwachstum zu verhindern. • Bei ErgoBoost handelt es sich um den neuen einstellbaren, ergonomischen Griff von TWT für die Produktfamilie der Opera Reinigungswagen. • Die Rekola Reinigungswagensysteme beherbergen vorimprägnierte Reflex Mopptücher und bieten die Möglichkeit, eine kompakte Scheuersaugmaschine hinzuzufügen.

• Magic della TTS è una linea di carrelli completamente personalizzabili costruiti intorno a una piattaforma modulare. • La piattaforma di carrelli di pulizia Flexomate della Kärcher si basa su un concetto modulare e un design orientato ai processi di lavoro. • I carrelli Equipe della Vermop sono disponibili in una ampia gamma di misure per la massima ergonomia e igiene. • Per la massima igiene, la Filmop tratta la sua linea di carrelli Alpha A-B Plus con piritione di zinco per inibire la proliferazione dei batteri. • ErgoBoost è il nuovo maniglione ergonomico e regolabile per la linea di carrelli Opera della TWT. • I sistemi di carrelli della Rekola alloggiano i panni pre-imbevuti Reflex Mopcloths e hanno la possibilità di collegare una lavasciuga pavimenti compatta.

November 2022 | ECJ | 33

Numatic Quick, designed and tested for commercial use bringing all the benefits of powerful, convenient cordless cleaning to professional users. A new high-efficiency Pod system delivers dust-free, hygienic emptying.

Find out more at

numatic.com/quick

SWEEPERS

An easy ride A SWEEPER IS BASICALLY an industrial broom. And that means it has just the one, relatively simple function. Sweepers needs to be able to remove the dirt, mess and debris from a floor as quickly and efficiently as possible - whether this is in an indoor or outdoor setting. Most operators will claim their products are easy to use. But a cleaner who has spent the majority of his or her working life using nothing more complicated than a mop or a manual broom may well disagree and find these large, unwieldy machines somewhat daunting. Features such as lifting flaps, high dumps, hydraulic hoppers, retractable side brushes – while all are designed to be highly helpful, could also easily appear intimidating and overly-technical to the untrained operator. And if the end-user finds a sweeper too difficult or cumbersome to use, then the cleaning operation will be a non-starter and productivity will suffer. Similarly it will be counter-productive if a ride-on sweeper were to be uncomfortable for a cleaner to operate. This will make him or her less willing to employ the machine and also potentially more reluctant to return promptly to work after breaks. And a complex machine that requires extensive training will prove costly for employers while also reducing the amount of actual sweeping that can be carried out on site.

Usability crucial So the cleaner’s reaction to a sweeper – and its ease of use – are all-important to the end result. How do manufacturers facilitate the use of sweepers and make their operation more attractive for the end-user? Usability is crucial when it comes to sweepers, confirms Dawsongroup’s director of sales Paul Beddows. “Ensuring that the equipment is easy to operate is vital,” he said. “Customers need to look for a model that is capable of cleaning a variety of surfaces including smooth concrete floors,

finished flooring or carpet. They should also opt for a machine that offers a good level of manoeuvrability. And battery power is another key consideration because a good battery will ensure a seamless operation coupled with minimal downtime for the cleaner.” Dawsongroup is a group of companies specialising in the supply of commercial assets. It offers a range of sweepers that can be operated via one button and that incorporate easy-to-identify yellow maintenance touch points. “These help to make pre-inspections and routine maintenance both quick and easy because a sweeper with a complex control function can be daunting for the untrained user,” he said. The company offers training for all levels from product familiarisation to full certification. “This ensures that the sweepers are used in the most efficient manner, saving both time and money,” said Beddows. Latest Dawsongroup products include the Tennant S20 ride-on sweeper which is offers an adjustable seat, spacious operator compartment and good side brush visibility. The Tennant S10 walk-behind sweeper has a compact design, variable forward and reverse functions and easy manoeuvrability in any direction. Ease of use is a key requirement for a sweeper, agrees Kärcher’s product manager for sweepers Marciliano Schneider. “An easy-to-understand operating concept coupled with controls highlighted by colour will reduce the learning time required for cleaners - and this is particularly important if the sweeper is going to be used by more than one person,” he said. “A user-friendly machine leads to greater productivity at work and fewer machine breakdowns while also resulting in significant cost and time savings. And it is important the sweeper should be used according to the instructions because incorrect operation can be costly.” A major advantage of sweepers in general is the fact they require only a short amount of training, he says. “The

How important is it that a sweeper should be easy to operate for the cleaner? Ann Laffeaty finds out whether ergonomics and an easy ride are must-have features on a sweeper – and asks companies how they can make sure that their machines are user-friendly for the operator.

number of functions offered on a sweeper will be limited and are not as extensive as, for example, on a scrubber dryer,” he said. “The basic operations such as putting the sweeper into sweeping mode and emptying the container are simple and can be learned in just a few hours.

Technical details “However, the amount of training involved will partly depend on whether the model has front-wheel or rear-wheel steering. Front-wheel steering requires less training because most people will already be familiar with it from driving a car.” The operation of a sweeping machine should be as simple and intuitive as possible, he says. “Colour coding is very helpful to make the controls easier to understand, and a small turning circle and large wheels are also advantageous when sweeping. Acquainting the operator with the technical spec of the machine beforehand is also helpful, he says. “Users are interested in the technical details, and this will increase their driving and operating comfort, he said, adding that physical comfort is also crucial. “There should be adequate foot and leg room in the cabin because this will contribute greatly to driving comfort,” he says. “If larger waste containers cannot be dumped hydraulically they must also Continued page 38

November 2022 | ECJ | 37

SWEEPERS An easy ride (continued) be easy to remove. And elements such as the main brush, side brushes and filters should be able to be replaced as quickly as possible and with minimum effort.” He says all units of a sweeper should also be easily accessible via the hood to ensure ease of maintenance and repairs. Kärcher’s KM 100/120 R sweeper is designed to offer a high level of driving comfort. The seat position is adjustable and the cabin offers a clear view of the control elements, side brush and vehicle contour. And the sweeper roller, filter and other components can be replaced without the use of tools, says Schneider. Sweepers come in two basic versions: walk-behind machines and ride-on models. But which of these is easiest to operate? The bigger the sweeper, the more complex its operation is likely to be, Comment se présentent la maniabilité et l’aisance d’utilisation de balayeuses autoportées ? Cellesci requièrent-elles une formation poussée, ou la résolution de problèmes de sécurité ? Et comment se comparent-elles avec des versions accompagnées en ce qui concerne l’aisance d’utilisation et l’ergonomie? ECJ observe la manière dont les fabricants rendent leurs modèles plus conviviaux.

38 | November 2022 | ECJ

according to Schneider. “The number of functions increases with a larger machine because it is likely to offer traction drive or a hydraulic high dump, for example,” he said. “Training will therefore be required, and some learning will also be necessary when using a larger walk-behind sweeper. But no instruction will be needed when using a small, basic walk-behind sweeper.”

Agile and compact The chosen machine should be selected according to the size of the area to be cleaned, he said. “Walk-behind sweepers do an excellent job in smaller, congested areas whereas ride-on sweepers enable large floor areas to be cleaned in a short time without incurring any operator fatigue,” he said. Wie einfach ist die Bedienung einer AufsitzKehrmaschine? Erfordern sie viel Schulung, und gibt es irgendwelche Sicherheitsprobleme? Und wie schneiden sie im Vergleich zu handgeführten Modellen im Hinblick auf Benutzerfreundlichkeit und Ergonomie ab? Das ECJ erfährt, wie Hersteller die Benutzerfreundlichkeit ihrer Modelle verbessern.

Ease of use will heavily depend on the model in question, says Dawsongroup’s Paul Beddows. “The two types of machines – walk-behind and ride-on - have different purposes but both can be simple to operate,” he said. “A walk-behind machine is more agile and compact, enabling it to be manoeuvred into tighter areas for the optimum cleaning of smaller spaces. But a ride-on sweeper can cover a larger surface area in a short time-frame and can also handle small and large debris types. “However regardless of the task at hand, both walk-behind and ride-on sweepers can be easy to operate along as they are supplied with the right training.”

Remember to register for the free ECJ newsletter at the ECJ website

Con che facilità si usano le spazzatrici con operatore a bordo? Richiedono molto addestramento e ci sono problemi di sicurezza legati al loro uso? E come si paragonano ai modelli con operatore a terra in termini di utilizzo ed ergonomia? ECJ indaga su come i produttori stanno rendendo i loro modelli più facili da utilizzare.

INTRODUCING AUTONOMOUS CLEANING The 7 steps for successful implementation of autonomous floor cleaning as an extra workforce Unemployment is extremely low, the number of vacancies historically high. In Europe we are also facing increasingly tight labour markets. Cobotics is a necessary solution to the labour shortage and ensures efficient and consistent work processes. For floor cleaning too, cobots are able to free up people for higher-value-added work. What is a cobot? A cobot is a collaborative robot. Cobots like Cobi 18, are designed to collaborate with and empower cleaning professionals to get the job done more efficiently. It can assist staff by focusing on the mundane and repetitive work of floor cleaning, while staff are freed to focus on other tasks that require human skills and knowledge. It helps to ease frustration and stress that employees and employers feel related to labor shortages and can help boost employee morale.

Success lies in proper preparation. Here you can read about 7 key steps that will determine the successful implementation of cobotics: 1. Prepare your team for autonomous solutions Innovation is nothing without acceptance. One of the key points in this review is preparing your employees. Cobotics is often seen as a threat to jobs. However, explaining to employees that autonomous solutions such as cobots are there to support the workforce can address this concern. Cobots are designed to collaborate with workers in their daily work. Cobots take over repetitive tasks so that workers can focus on higher-value work. Positioning and implementing cobots is a strategy for improving productivity and opening up new job opportunities. 2. Provide knowledge and training on cobots and autonomous solutions Training employees not only makes them feel more comfortable with cobots, but also gives them a chance to learn a new skill. In addition, monitoring and deploying cobots is a great way to give employees a greater sense of ownership and responsibility, something many employees want from a job. 3. Prepare the physical environment for automation The technology used in autonomous solutions is constantly evolving and most autonomous cleaning cobots have very sophisticated navigation systems. ICE Cobotics’ autonomous scrubber Cobi 18, for example, uses VSLAM technology, like Tesla uses in its self-driving cars. Cobi 18 can even safely navigate around mirrors, through bright lights and in the dark. The layout of your business is important for cobots to be used effectively.

www.icecobotics.com

4. Determine where autonomous solutions can have the most impact Evaluating the work done in your business and determining which tasks should be performed by your staff is crucial to the successful deployment of cobots. For example, deploying Cobi 18, an autonomous scrubber, can free up staff to focus on customers and other daily tasks while the floors are cleaned by the cobot. 5. Be an “early adapter” of innovation Embracing autonomous solutions and innovation is crucial for successful implementation: - It highlights innovation as a company-wide initiative - It shows that automation is important to the overall success of the business - Makes it easier to implement autonomous solutions across the company 6. Know your budget and new funding opportunities Until recently, investing in autonomous solutions was costly. It is important to evaluate your budget in advance to determine where cobots will be most effective and where they can offset labour costs. ICE Cobotics’ new financing options, offer their autonomous solutions through an all-inclusive subscription. This provides many cost savings, because if a cobot needs maintenance, it is covered by the subscription. Financing autonomous machine can have a negative impact on working capital. With the ICE Cobotics subscription, you know exactly and without surprises what your costs per month will be. It includes the fleet management software i-SYNERGY, while many equipment vendors charge extra for this costly technology. ICE Cobotics has made it affordable and easy for companies to switch to autonomous cleaning solutions. 7. Willingness to improve cleaning processes One of the advantages of using cobots is data-driven cleaning. The patented fleet management system, i-SYNERGY, captures all operational data from the cobot. This data helps managers streamline processes and develop better work processes together with employees. For a positive impact, it is important to be prepared to evaluate this data and make changes. Preparing staff for this in advance and working with them can make business processes smoother and more efficient, and make the transition to using cobots easy. For more information visit www.icecobotics.com or contact the specialists at ICE Cobotics. They are happy to help you!

Meet Cobi 18

Subscribe to Smarter Cleaning

BUSINESS: DIGITAL DECADE

The path to digital transformation

Europe is quickening its step in a bid to catch up in the global race towards a digital future. Hartley Milner reports on the swathe of actions that could see the region take the lead in the transition while boosting trade opportunities at home and across international markets. THE PATH TO THE DIGITAL DECADE is a programme of ambitious targets and support initiatives devised by the European Union to make sure every member state is ready for the “challenges of an evolving and inter-connected world” by 2030. How the EU aims to get there is set out as a ‘digital compass’, each of its four points indicating a core strategy – promotion of digital skills, rollout of secure and sustainable digital infrastructures, the digital transformation of businesses and digitalisation of the public sector. The Union pledges to work towards these objectives without compromise on “transparency, security or fundamental digital rights and principles”. Additionally, each country will have to come up with a strategic roadmap of its own, showing how it will go about achieving the transition, including measures backed up by regulation and investment. “The Digital Decade is about making

42 | November 2022 | ECJ

digital technology work for people and businesses,” said Margrethe Vestager, European Commission executive vicepresident for a Europe fit for the digital age. “It is about enabling everyone to have the skills to participate in the digital society. To be empowered. It is about empowering businesses. It is about the infrastructure that keeps us connected. It is about bringing government services closer to citizens. Europe’s digital transformation will give opportunities to everyone.” So what’s in it for businesses? “Immeasurable new opportunities to prosper,” according to the Commission. Manufacturers will have access to high quality industrial data, enabling them to optimise production, become more competitive and save money. Changes to how business is done online will set out clear rules for access to the single market and “strengthen the responsibility” of online platforms. New competition rules are planned to ensure fairness for digital enterprises, big and small, as well as traditional industries. Investing in people and infrastructure will tackle the digital skills gap constraining business growth and provide funding for advanced connectivity and secure European data clouds. SMEs are seen as pivotal to the

success of the Digital Decade project, not only because they comprise the bulk of companies but because they are a critical source of innovation. “A truly functioning single market should create favourable conditions for digital takeup, disruptive innovation, rapid-growth and scale-up,” the Commission says. To these ends, it has pledged to strengthen innovative and fast-growing start-ups and SMEs, set up specialised digital innovation hubs promoting the uptake of artificial intelligence (AI) and improve access to finance.

Ability to adopt new tech But the digital transformation of businesses will depend on their ability to adopt new technologies rapidly and across the board, including in the industrial and service sectors that are currently lagging behind. The Commission says the switch to new technologies will enable more efficient use of resources, boost productivity and reduce vulnerability to supply shocks. By 2030, the Commission expects to see: • 75 per cent of European enterprises using cloud computing services, big data and AI compared to 26, 14 and 25 per cent for each of these technologies at present • More than 90 per cent of SMEs to have

BUSINESS: DIGITAL DECADE

achieved at least a basic level of ‘digital intensity’ against 60 per cent now • The number of European unicorns – start-up companies valued at more than $1bn – doubled from 112 to 224 • Adults with basic digital skills up from 56 per cent to 80 per cent • 20 million information and communications technology (ICT) specialists in employment compared to 8.46 million now • Gigabit network coverage up from 59 per cent to 100 per cent • 5G coverage up from 14 per cent to 100 per cent • EU production of semiconductors, including processors, up from 10 per cent to 20 per cent of world production in value. There are 10,000 edge nodes in the EU (computers that act as an end-user portal for communication in cluster computing to provide better, secure and more sustainable data processing). By 2025, the Commission says the bloc’s first computer with quantum acceleration will be “paving the way to providing cuttingedge quantum capabilities”.

Quantum capabilities All EU citizens and businesses will have online access to key public services in areas relating to careers, studying, family life, day-to-day business operations and moving home, as well as digital access to health records. Plus it is expected that 80 per cent of citizens will be using a digital ID. Also in the pipeline is a programme of multi-country projects, largescale initiatives to deliver the digital transformation of Europe and its industrial recovery. The projects will pool EU, national and private resources to bring about change in critical areas that no member state could achieve on its own. These include common data infrastructure and services, blockchain (transactions made in bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies), low-power processors, pan-European deployment of 5G corridors and highperformance computing. Commissioner for the internal market Thierry Breton said: “Unlocking the potentials of the digital transformation, specifically by setting up and implementing

L’Europe presse le pas pour ne pas prendre du retard dans la course à l’avenir numérique. Hartley Milner, correspondant d’ECJ, fait rapport sur les nombreuses initiatives que la région pourrait prendre pour assurer sa place dans cette course tout en multipliant les opportunités commerciales sur le continent et à l’international.

multi-country projects, will pave the way for a competitive and sovereign Europe. We have to swiftly embark on the Path to the Digital Decade to make sure Europe is ready for the challenges in an evolving and inter-connected world.” Other support will promote the rollout of digital information hubs, high-tech partnerships to promote digital skills, quantum infrastructure and a network of cybersecurity centres powered by AI to predict, detect and respond to cyber attacks at national and EU level. A new agency, the European Digital Infrastructure Consortium, will assist with the implementation of these multicountry projects and make it easier for countries to take part when they invest in digital infrastructures. For the first time, a common set of rules on “intermediaries’ obligations and accountability” across the single market will open up new opportunities to provide digital services across borders, while ensuring a high level of protection for all users. A new digital services act will clamp down on illegal content and protect users’ fundamental rights online, including the freedom of speech. It will also create a stronger public oversight of online platforms, in particular those that reach more than 10 per cent of the EU’s population. Europe’s digital switchover needs to go hand-in-hand with its green transition, as “neither can succeed without the other”, the Commission says. “However, we need to ensure that digital technologies do not consume more energy than they save,” it stresses. “At present, digital technologies account for between 8-10 per cent of our energy consumption and 2-4 per cent of our greenhouse gas emissions – small percentages but big numbers.” The Commission reckons switching from 4G to 5G networks alone could reduce energy consumption by up to 90 per cent and says it will update existing laws and introduce new measures to ensure the move to digital has only positive impacts across all areas.

Global partnerships vital But Europe is not proposing to pursue its goals in isolation. Global partnerships are seen as crucial in terms of regulatory co-

In Europa werden die Schritte beschleunigt, um im weltweiten Rennen zu einer digitalen Zukunft aufzuholen. ECJ-Korrespondent Hartley Milner berichtet über die zahlreichen Maßnahmen, durch die die Region die Führungsposition beim Übergang einnehmen könnte, während gleichzeitig Händelsmöglichkeiten im Inland und auf internationalen Märkten verbessert werden.

operation, skills development, investment and research. The digital economy will be shaped through initiatives that bring together the EU, its member states, private companies, like-minded countries and international financial institutions. One route to improving connectivity with EU partners could be through a digital connectivity fund.

Building blocks The Path to the Digital Decade will have a €7.6bn budget managed by the Digital Europe Programme along with funding from other EU programmes, including the Horizon Europe fund for research and innovation, the Connecting Europe Facility for digital infrastructure and the Recovery and Resilience Facility. Progress along the path will be measured with key performance indicators (KPIs) and evaluated in an annual report presented to the European Parliament and Council. The Digital Decade transition programme has the agreement of the European Parliament and Council and was due to receive formal approval by the two co-legislators by the end of the year. Britain, meanwhile, is strides ahead of its former EU partners in the race to a digital future, according to the UK government. In the preamble to its digital policy paper Chris Philp, minister for tech and the digital economy, says: “The UK starts with many advantages. Critical building blocks of the digital economy, from superfast internet access across the UK to cyber security capabilities, are already in place or being built. UK universities lead the world in fundamental and applied science. We saw more private capital flow into UK tech last year than any other European country, £27.4bn – around double the level of second-placed Germany and more than triple the level of France in third place.” To further enhance its place in a digital world, the government has set an agenda for the UK to be a “recognised science and tech superpower” at the forefront of global regulation on technology, cyber, digital and data. It also has ambitions to set the pace in AI, one of seven technologies included in its innovation strategy, along with semiconductor development and advanced telecom systems.

L’Europa sta accelerando il passo nel tentativo di mettersi al passo con la gara globale verso un futuro digitale. Hartley Milner di ECJ fa una relazione sulla fascia di azioni che potrebbero vedere la regione assumere la guida nella transizione mentre incrementa le opportunità commerciali sia sul mercato interno che in tutti i mercati internazionali.

November 2022 | ECJ | 43

HIGH-PRESSURE CLEANERS

Universal solution The high-pressure cleaner is the central drive element for many different accessories being used for various applications. For example, it can be a sandblaster to remove graffiti, with telescopic lances for façade or roof cleaning or with injectors and foam lances for foam disinfection. Dirk Niesen, director sales and innovation at R+M de Wit, takes a look at the possibilities.

WATER UNDER HIGH PRESSURE is still the optimal and most universal solution for removing dirt from surfaces quickly, gently and efficiently. The cleaning effect is significantly influenced by the five parameters of pressure or water speed, water quantity, water temperature, added cleaning agents and the nozzles or accessories used. The parameters water volume and water speed bring the dynamic component into the overall cleaning result. Depending on the cleaning application, typical professional high-pressure cleaning devices work with working pressures from 120 bar. Higher pressures also increase the ability to loosen dirt and debris or increase cleaning speed. Depending on the application, the amount of water used varies between 10 and over 40 litres per minute. Larger amounts of water produce greater cleaning effects due to ideally larger individual droplets. In addition, a larger amount of water also has a significantly improved rinsing effect, so that dirt is quickly transported away from the surface to be cleaned. Both flow rate and pressure are therefore important parameters for effective cleaning. Cold water high-pressure cleaners can be used very successfully in many differ-

44 | November 2022 | ECJ

ent applications. Generally, cold water is used in applications such as heavy construction equipment cleaning, marine life removal, general maintenance and commercial cleaning, and other areas where grease and oil are not a concern. When it comes to cleaning applications where you need to disinfect or degrease an area, hot-water pressure washers are ideal. They clean there much faster and more thoroughly than their cold-water counterparts. The reason for this is that the hot water can dissolve the fat instead of just shifting it like cold water does. This results in a much cleaner surface. The hot water is also ideal for areas that require hot water or steam for disinfection - for example food processing plants, pharmaceutical plants and other governmentcontrolled areas.

Counteract bacterial growth With their integrated heaters, hot water high-pressure cleaners can heat the water from approximately. 12°C to up to 150°C. This enables a reduction in the working pressure, the time required and the amount of cleaning agent to be used. Cleaning with hot water offers a wide range of options for optimising the cleaning process and convincing advantages. With hot-water high-pressure cleaners, the required impulse energy can be significantly reduced for the same cleaning time, which protects the surface to be cleaned. Surfaces cleaned with hot water dry out faster due to the heat and are therefore available more quickly for further processing or further use. New bacterial growth is only effectively counteracted when all surfaces are completely dry after cleaning. After cleaning with hot water, a significant reduction in germs is detectable. This germ reduction achieved without disinfectants is completely sufficient for many hygiene requirements. In order to get by with as little energy as possible in the form of water, pressure and temperature, cleaning agents are often used to loosen the dirt. The general rule here is that the longer a

cleaning agent in the optimal dosage is in contact with the dirt without drying up, the greater the benefit of the cleaning agent. As a result, in the last three to five years, foam cleaning applications have almost completely replaced the classic pre-spraying of cleaning agents. Foam is a substance formed by trapping air in liquids forming a sphere. The outer area is a thin film of liquid substance (water/ detergent/chemical) that expands to the point where it ruptures. The bubble film carries the cleaning agent and holds it in place for a period of time to act on the contact surface. The advantages of the foam are obvious. The visibility on the surface to be cleaned prevents repeated application of chemicals by the user. This saves costs, time and reduces the consumption of cleaning agents to the bare minimum. Due to its larger volume, foam can also be applied more easily to the surface uniformly and, especially in the case of large areas, much more quickly than pure liquid. Gels are also usually not very visible. The biggest advantage of foam is the long contact time on the surface. The foam keeps the active cleaning chemicals on the surface. Slow gliding on vertical surfaces and the successive collapse of the foam bubbles support optimal distribution of the cleaning agent. In addition, detergents bound in foam pollute the ambient air less. As a result, particularly aggressive cleaning chemicals can be applied much more safely.

New business opportunities The possible applications are wiseranging. In addition to applications in vehicle washing or the food industry that have been established for decades, the development of environmentally friendly cleaning agents is also creating more and more new application options that open up new business areas for service providers. Applications such as cleaning the coated inner walls of road tunnels mean double safety, for example. On the one

HIGH-PRESSURE CLEANERS

hand when carrying out the cleaning work, which can be done from inside the vehicle with the help of specially equipped road service vehicles during operation, and also during subsequent operation, where the walls, which are now brightly reflecting again and freed from dust and traffic film, ensure greater safety through brightness. Another example is the professional cleaning of house façades and roofs. There are a variety of cleaning options for cleaning roof panels, tiles, stones, shingles or other covering materials, both from the floor and from the roof or scaffolding. The cleaning of thatched roofs is particularly special in this area of application.

Environmentally responsible A thatched roof has an average lifespan of around 30 years. But the thatched roofs are susceptible to fungi, such as the white rot fungus, moss, algae and other substances. Over time, a layer of algae and moss develops on the thatched roofs, which first makes the reed roof unsightly and ultimately destroys it. To remove moss and clean thatched roofs, work without pressure washing the roof and with a fully biological, environ-

mentally friendly agent. The foaming agent is applied to the roof from the garden surrounding the house using an injector on the high-pressure cleaner and a long-cast foam lance on the high-pressure gun. The agent is both a cleaner and a green film remover and is harmless to humans and animals. It acts on the thatched roof in connection with solar radiation. After the agent has been applied to the thatched roof, it starts to work immediately. Mosses, fungi and algae die, the reed roof brightens and the more sun, the faster it goes. The process is completed after between one and three weeks. It is not necessary to rinse off the cleaning agent, as this gradually rains down. The last and probably most important parameter for efficient and effective cleaning is the optimal nozzle technology and the accessories suitable for the cleaning task. Here it is crucial to find the nozzle size that is precisely matched to the performance of the high-pressure cleaner, as well as the spray angle that is suitable for the application. It should be noted that, in general, smaller spray angles transmit greater impact energy to the surface to be

cleaned due to better efficiency and larger droplets than wide spray angles, which can wet a larger surface with the same spray distance. In daily practice, many highpressure cleaning devices often have nozzles that are not properly designed and, above all, have been washed out as a result of intensive use. As a result, up to 50 per cent of the possible cleaning performance is often wasted. This means that with an optimally designed, highquality and not worn-out nozzle, you could theoretically work with a device that is only half as powerful to achieve the same cleaning effect.

Impact energy benefits Rotor nozzles combine the impact energy benefits of a small spray angle with the area coverage of a flat fan nozzle. With a rotor nozzle, a rotating point jet runs at around 4,000 to 6,000 revolutions per minute. The spinning water jet hits the surface area from multiple angles, quickly breaking down caked-on dirt and grime. As a result, rotary nozzles can cut cleaning time by half or more. A few larger droplets create much higher impact in a certain Continued page 46

November 2022 | ECJ | 45

HIGH-PRESSURE CLEANERS Universal solution (continued) distance than many smaller droplets. This is mainly due to air resistance of the droplets and the breakup of the jet. Due to the shape of the jet former in the rotor, the inner shape of the nozzle and the spinning speed and spray angle, the breakup of the jet occurs comparably later than on usual nozzles. This means, that drops can “hide” in the slipstream of droplets flying ahead and thus lose less speed and impact.

Central drive unit However, the use of flat jet or rotary nozzles is only the initial possible use of the high-pressure cleaner. Due to the large number of available and constantly evolving accessories, the actual high-pressure cleaner will remain a central, universal drive unit in professional L’appareil de nettoyage haute pression constitue l’élément central de nombreux accessoires utilisés dans des applications diverses. Il peut s’agir, par exemple, d’une sableuse pour éliminer du graffiti, de lances télescopiques pour le nettoyage de façades et de toitures, ou d’injecteurs et de lances à mousse pour la désinfection à la mousse. ECJ se penche sur les possibilités.

46 | November 2022 | ECJ

cleaning technology. The high-pressure cleaner can be used as a drive for: • Wet sandblasters to remove graffiti or paint • Telescopic lances for façade or roof cleaning • Tank cleaning heads for cleaning the inside of IBCs, food containers, garbage cans, tank trucks or cisterns • Rotating floor cleaners for cleaning large areas like car parks, pedestrian areas or chewing-gum removal • Injectors and foam lances for profes-

The next edition of ECJ is February/March 2023

Der Hochdruckreiniger ist das zentrale Antriebselement für viele verschiedene Zubehörteile, die für unterschiedliche Zwecke eingesetzt werden. Zu den Möglichkeiten gehören ein Sandstrahlgebläse zum Entfernen von Graffiti, mit Teleskoplanzen zum Fassaden- oder Dachreinigen oder mit Injektoren und Schaumlanzen zur Schaumdesinfektion. Das ECJ betrachtet die Möglichkeiten genauer.

sional foam cleaning and disinfection • Hot water jet device for removing weeds without the use of biocides • Sewer hoses and jets for cleaning pipes and drains • Vehicle wash setups for cars, trucks, trains or air planes • Sludge pumps to empty ponds, pools or cellars • Cutting nozzles for tree debarking or digging in hydro excavating applications • Large scale fogging devices for disinfection, cooling or dust suppression. In all these applications, the focus is on economy, environmental compatibility, energy efficiency and ergonomics. This is achieved through the use of professional accessories. www.rm-suttner.com La idropulitrice è l’elemento centrale per operare numerosi accessori diversi utilizzati per svariati tipi di lavoro. Per esempio, può essere una sabbiatrice per rimuovere i graffiti, con le lance telescopiche può pulire facciate e tetti oppure con iniettori e lance erogatrici di schiuma serve per la disinfezione. ECJ prende in visione tutte le possibilità.

MATTING SYSTEMS

Proactive approach WEATHER EXPERTS are predicting that Europe’s upcoming winter season will be influenced by La Niña, where unusually low ocean temperatures expand across the Equatorial Pacific, creating an ocean-atmospheric feedback system that can impact temperatures and snowfall patterns. Locations across Portugal, Spain, southern France, Italy and the Balkans will potentially receive more frequent rain and wind-driven events than other parts of the continent, in addition to heavy rain. With 70 per cent of all dirt entering a building brought in by foot and wheeled traffic, and tracked-in moisture being the prime cause of accidental slips and falls on hard floor coverings, adequate floor maintenance and protection should be the starting point for all cleaning professionals’ winter maintenance plans. The level of dirt, dust and moisture entering and travelling around a building can be successfully reduced by installing a range of floor matting systems throughout key areas. As a minimum of five metres of continuous matting should be installed to effectively minimise the amount of debris and moisture, a threestage approach should be undertaken.

For busy entrances that experience high levels of traffic, fitted entrance systems that are constructed of 90 per cent recycled anodised aluminium should be considered. This is because they are considerably stronger than PVC, rubber and wired alternatives, ensuring the highest standards of both hygiene and longevity, as the rigid bases will perform for up to 40 years. The addition of replaceable, yet high performance, polypropylene, nylon, natural coir, or rubber infills that are supplied with a 10-year guarantee consistently removes foot-borne dirt and moisture, whilst simultaneously providing the highest standards of aesthetics. For applications where recessed entrance systems may not be suitable, the installation of solid rubber-backed mats provide an effective option, as the 100 per

As Europe enters winter Lee Fox, director of global business development and key accounts for Kleen-Tex, discusses how cleaning professionals can mitigate dirt and debris entering their premises by installing dedicated matting systems.

Laying the groundwork The first zone that should be addressed is the outdoor entrance, as this provides a primary level of defence against rough grit, dirt, grease and initial moisture. Cleaning management teams should install durable weather proof floor matting that is greater than 1.2 metres in length, so that visitors make contact with both feet when entering the building to remove the highest possible levels of dirt and moisture. For wheelchair traffic, the dimensions of the matting should be large enough for the wheels to turn twice before making contact with the flooring installed underneath. In the UK it’s also crucial to ensure the matting is compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and BS 8300: 2009+A1:2010, which includes having a slip-resistant surface and firm top layer. Continued page 48

November 2022 | ECJ | 47

MATTING SYSTEMS Proactive approach (continued)

cent polypropylene surface can hold up to 4.5 litres of water per square metre for the highest standards of performance and functionality.

An inside job Once the exterior entrance area has been addressed, cleaning professionals should then consider what floor matting solutions are required for the indoor entrance. This is particularly crucial for commercial buildings, which often feature hard flooring materials that are susceptible to scratches and staining. Smooth types of flooring materials, such as hardwood or tiles, also present potential slip and trip hazards if moisture is allowed into the building. It is therefore essential that the correct floor matting system is specified to successfully alleviate these risks, by removing dirt from shoes before occupants step inside. Due to the nature of internal matting, there are a wide range of options to choose from, with different constructions and materials providing greater moisture À l’approche de l’hiver européen, ECJ songe aux moyens pour les professionnels de réduire la pénétration de saletés et débris dans leurs établissements par l’installation de systèmes de paillassonnage spécialisés.

48 | November 2022 | ECJ

resistance or inherent quick drying properties, whilst others products may feature heavy duty fibres for optimum durability. Whilst suitable for exterior applications, aluminium fitted matting systems can also be installed inside the interior entrance of a building to deliver superior performance. If management teams are looking for replaceable floor matting options that don’t require fixed installation, they should consider mats that are constructed from high-twist nylon fibres and combined with a nitrile rubber backing for unrivalled slip resistance.

Other considerations In order to successfully mitigate the level of dirt and moisture entering the building, mats that feature pile heights of up to 9 mm, pile weights of 800 grams per square metre and dirt absorption of 950 grams per square metre should be considered. To support ongoing maintenance routines,users should choose mats that can be easily scraped or wiped and can be washed and tumble dried up to 60°C. Während in Europa der Winter anbricht, erörtert das ECJ, wie Reinigungspersonal mithilfe von zweckbestimmten Mattensystemen verhindern kann, dass Schmutz und Ablagerungen in Räumlichkeiten gelangen.

Whilst entrance matting may be the primary focus for professionals when creating winter maintenance plans, it is important to consider matting systems for additional areas of a building. By installing floor matting throughout the reception - in addition to communal spaces that present themselves as key transfer zones - such as lift lobbies, individuals can ensure that all areas of the building are adequately protected. Floor mats that have a high capacity for dirt capture, whilst also offering enhanced levels of aesthetics, are a suitable choice for a diverse range of interior applications. With 40 per cent of a commercial cleaning budget typically spent on floor maintenance, by installing a dedicated combination of interior and exterior systems throughout key areas of a building, management teams can successfully reduce cleaning maintenance requirements this winter, whilst simultaneously optimising safety and long-term flooring durability. www.kleen-tex.co.uk Mentre in Europa sta per arrivare l’inverno, ECJ valuta come i professionisti del cleaning possono limitare l’ingresso negli edifici di sporco e detriti installando dei sistemi di zerbini appositi.