HOW AUTONOMOUS SOLUTIONS CAN MITIGATE STAFF SHORTAGES

Labour shortages in the cleaning sector are well documented and worsening in the post-Brexit environment. Cleaning roles are o en poorly paid and have little prestige. Meanwhile, logistics and warehousing facilities are o en located in remote areas, which can put workers o . And given that cleaning is o en undertaken at unsociable times of the day, it becomes an even less attractive career choice.

However, a viable alternative now exists in the form of autonomous cleaning.

Autonomous cleaning solutions available from Nilfisk include a range of robotic floor cleaners and scrubbers which can between them cover all possible application requirements – whether retail, commercial or industrial.

Worries about sta availability are instantly removed. An autonomous, programmable machine from Nilfisk will always be available for action - 24 hours a day if needed - and will perform each task consistently, every time, using the optimum quantity of water and cleaning materials.

Routes can be mapped out ensuring coverage of up to 99.5% - more than even the most diligent human operative could expect to achieve. Once www.nilfisk.co.uk programmed, each robotic cleaner will retrace the same route over and over, ensuring optimal, consistent cleaning over extended periods.

Autonomous machines also gather data which can inform operational decisionmaking and continuous improvement, while ensuring each machine ‘learns’ quickly. Finance solutions from Nilfisk such as leasing and contract hire, as well as outright purchase, mean autonomous cleaning can become a reality in any business.

Some cleaners may see it as a threat to their jobs, but in fact, it frees them up from more mundane tasks, allowing them to focus on those that really need the human touch. One individual can operate several machines simultaneously, so sta are no longer ‘just’ cleaners; they are now robotics operators. Autonomous cleaning maximises productivity and performance, enhances operator safety and reliability, while reducing costs, meaning a rapid return on investment.

By Myles Johnson, Autonomous Specialist, Nilfisk

Be Certain On Safety With Certified Protective Wear From Snickers Workwear

Snickers Workwear’s Protective Wear range is the better-informed choice for professionals who demand quality, sustainable products that match protection standards for hazardous environments and foul weather.*

Snickers Workwear delivers a comprehensive selection of ergonomically designed Base-, Mid- and Top-layer working clothes and accessories that also include Work Gloves, Kneepads and specialist ProtecWork clothing.

They are all certified as appropriate for di erent risks at work to ensure the comfort, health and workforce-wellbeing all day, every day.

This extensive range also includes Hi-Vis clothing that provides protection against dangers such as Electric Arc, Heat and Flame, Chemicals and bad weather in high-risk environments.

So, whatever the hazard at work, Snickers Workwear’s Protective Wear collection - complimented by Solid Gear and Toe Guard safety footwear - can provide sustainable certified PPE solutions for maximum e ective protection whatever the risks on site.

* For full information on the Protection Standards for Snickers workwear, refer to https://www.snickersworkwear.com/list/protective-standards www.snickersworkwear.co.uk sales@hultaforsgroup.co.uk

Northwood Boosts Sustainable Momentum With Launch Of Green Loop

Northwood Hygiene Products Ltd has strengthened its commitment to sustainability with the introduction of its ‘Green Loop’ closed loop end of life plastic recycling solution across two of its best-known brands - Raphael and North Shore.

The move has seen Northwood team up with a specialist supplier to develop a unique insert for its cardboard cores, which is made from 100% recycled plastic and is 100% recyclable a er use.

Currently being rolled out across Raphael toilet rolls and roll towels and North Shore toilet rolls, the inserts can simply be removed from the cardboard core when the roll is finished and dropped into a dedicated recycling bin before being returned to Northwood. The plastic inserts are then recycled to make new raw material which can be used for future inserts.

Customers can become part of the Green Loop scheme by requesting a specially designed recycling bin, which is made out of cardboard, from Northwood. When the bin is full, Northwood will collect the inserts as part of its planned visits to the customer – no unnecessary trips will be made in order to minimise fuel consumption.

01484 854788

Cold Water Handwashing

www.northwood.co.uk

Tackle Energy Efficiency With Electricaldirect

With gas and electricity prices rising, it is more important than ever to optimise energy e iciency in the workplace where possible. Specialist online retailer ElectricalDirect has continued to add to its growing range of economical heating, lighting and hand dryers o ering facilities managers the latest products from leading brands that help make a di erence.

Waterblade has always been about washing and rinsing using less water. Now, with the support of Innovate UK funding, we are looking into reducing the need to heat the water used for handwashing. Given that managers are turning o the hot water all over Europe as a way to save energy, I think our timing is great. We have been trialling all sorts of designs, and are happy to say that at this halfway point in the project, we expect to have a product for sale on timetable in April (2023!).

Waterblade is WRAS approved and UK manufactured in premises with ISO 9001 and 14001. We believe it o ers the best low flow handwashing performance there is. Typically giving a payback period of under three months.

Carrie Earl, Category Manager at ElectricalDirect said: “We have a wide selection of energy e icient solutions for facilities managers to draw upon, with over 12,000 products in stock. We’ve got everything from sockets, switches and cable management, to hand dryers and panel heaters available, and are continuing to add to the ranges too so there is something to suit any budget – all available with flexible delivery options.

“Here at IronmongeryDirect we also understand the growing need for sustainable and economical products. Our wide range of LED lighting solutions utilise 85% less electricity and can increase savings by 87% when compared to incandescent and fluorescent lighting, meaning facilities managers can make cost savings without compromising on performance.” www.ElectricalDirect.co.uk

ElectricalDirect o ers free next day delivery on orders over £45 ex VAT, same day delivery to postcodes in selected areas of London and the East of England, as well as click and collect from 6,500 pick up points across the UK.