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APRI L 2 021
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Healthcare & Hospital Hygiene Cleanliness and the prevention of cross-contamination are crucial issues in all healthcare environments, from hospitals to specialist surgeries. It is therefore essential to adopt effective procedures and use appropriate equipment to guarantee maximum hygiene. This feature looks at some of the solutions available, as well as the ever-increasing role played by technology.
Face to Face Neil Nixon speaks with Erum Ahmed, director of sales at BioHygiene. >>> page 20
COVID-19 Update C&M provides a round-up of the cleaning industry’s continuing role in meeting the challenges posed by COVID-19. >>> page 16
>>> page 22
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EDITOR’S LETTER C&M
Back to work – but what does that mean?
At time of writing the government’s ‘road map’ to the end of COVID-19 restrictions appears to be largely on track. Building owners across the hospitality, retail, leisure, and office sectors are preparing to welcome back their customers, clients and occupants. Looking to the office sector in particular – a sector that is the bread and butter to many contract cleaning businesses – questions surrounding the future use and density of use loom large. On a positive note, senior execs from many of the large banking groups – Goldman Sachs and Barclays included – have suggested a return to the office remains their objective. But will this be reflected in the wider world? Will office workers return full-time, part-time or not at all? And how will this affect cleaning businesses? Lee Andrews, CEO of DOC Cleaning, told me: “In terms of how this will all affect cleaning, the consensus seems to be around adopting the so-called ‘hybrid’ model of office usage, which of course covers a multitude of working arrangements. I suspect and hope that the changes will be positive for our industry. Whilst there may be slightly less floor space occupied on a permanent basis, any new style of working where the same number of people are using a smaller area, albeit not all simultaneously, must surely demand more intensive cleaning. Increased hot desking - not just where desks are used by a different person each day, but by many people within a day - will increase the focus on regular hygienic cleaning, as will more frequent team changeovers in call centre or other shift-style environments.” I suspect Lee is right. A mix of full time and part-time/hybrid usage of office space might well be the adopted model, at least during the first period of returning to pre-COVID
working practices. Beyond that, who knows? People and corporations are reluctant to forget practices that have served them well for decades, so a slow return to full-time office working is not beyond the bounds of imagination. But a hybrid model that makes better use of space and employee hours looks far more likely. The opportunities for cleaning contractors in the post-COVID office environment remain strong and, arguably, more critical than ever. But the requirement, and methods of delivery, will almost certainly have changed. There’s no doubt our professional sector will rise to the challenge and out-perform expectations, just as it has during the past year of the pandemic. Lee Andrews concludes on a high note: “So it’s not all gloom and doom for contractors who rely mainly on daily office cleaning for their revenue. As the world adapts to a new rhythm of life where COVID is something we learn to live with, and where city centres that were once the preserve of office workers reinvent themselves as multi-faceted communities, it can only be good news for an industry whose job it is to ensure they remain as safe and hygienic places to study, work and play.” I wish you a clean, tidy and healthy month ahead.
Neil Nixon, Editor Cleaning & Maintenance Magazine
@cleaningmag
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
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CONTENTS C&M
16 Special Report: COVID-19 Update. C&M provides a round-up of the cleaning industry’s continuing role in meeting the challenges posed by COVID-19. This month, Kimberly-Clark Professional’s Steve Jones suggests that ‘not all germ spreaders wear masks’ and asks ‘how do you dry your hands?; and Richard Little, MD at Jenton International, asks why UV air disinfection is not being used in the fight against COVID-19, especially when there is a convincing argument.
APRIL 2021
06
11 12 20 32
Industry News. In the news this month… All frontline support staff deserve key worker status – BCC, BICSc confirms dates for annual awards, GBAC STAR service accreditation now available for cleaning service providers, 13 million steps for a children’s charity, UK hand sanitiser market ‘has become a wild west’, Loo of the Year Awards, Sodexo launches 2021 ‘social impact pledge’
People. Personnel news and new appointments from across the cleaning and FM sectors.
22
Contracts. We take a look at all the latest contracts awarded across the industry.
Feature: Healthcare & Hospital Hygiene. Cleanliness and the prevention of cross-contamination are crucial issues in all healthcare environments, from hospitals to specialist surgeries. It is therefore essential to adopt effective procedures and use appropriate equipment to guarantee maximum hygiene. This feature looks at some of the solutions available, as well as the ever-increasing role played by technology.
Face to Face Neil Nixon speaks with Erum Ahmed, director of sales at BioHygiene.
New Products. An overview of some of the new products available on the market this month.
03 Editor’s Comment
13 BICSc Comment
A look at the cleaning sector this month.
Key worker or essential worker?
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
14 BCC Comment Hospitality heroes show dedication and resilience during the pandemic. Liz Smith-Mills reports.
15 A job worth doing – a contractor’s blog. Lee Andrews reports.
APRIL 2021 5
C&M INDUSTRY NEWS
All frontline support staff deserve key worker status – BCC THE British Cleaning Council (BCC) has
engineers, personal hygiene services,
expanded on its major initiative to achieve ‘key
washroom and hygiene services, specialist
and essential worker’ status for employees in
services supplying disinfection services
the cleaning and hygiene sector.
that involves specialist equipment, and our colleagues who deal with the safe and hygienic
BCC chairman, Paul Thrupp, said: “As
disposal of waste.
everyone is now aware, the BCC has been
“The personnel involved are vital in the
very keen to get government recognition of the significant contribution that the cleaning
supply of fundamental services which are
and hygiene sector makes to the current fight
required throughout the cleaning process and so should also be given key and essential
against COVID-19 and for cleaning operatives to be recognised as key and essential workers.
important in ensuring that people who also
workers status. The members of our teams
By definition, cleaning and hygiene operatives
work on the frontline have high standards of
involved and their businesses in these areas are
are consistently at the sharp end of ensuring
health and safety during the current pandemic
all represented by member groups of the BCC
buildings are clean and safe.
and are also fully deserving of key and essential
and should be recognised as key and essential
worker status. For example, this includes drivers
workers, which has always been implicit in our
sectors of the industry represented by the
who deliver janitorial supplies of cleaning and
campaign so far.”
BCC that are absolutely essential and equally
hygiene products, machinery maintenance
WWW.BRITISHCLEANINGCOUNCIL.ORG
“However, in addition, there are many other
BICSc confirms dates for annual awards THE British Institute of Cleaning Science has
Taking a new approach, this year’s event
announced that its annual awards are planned
is planned to commence at midday, where
to return on Thursday 30 September at the
Team BICSc will welcome guests to enjoy a
Forest of Arden Hotel and Spa in Birmingham.
champagne drinks reception followed by a
This event has long celebrated industry
three course ‘best of British’ lunch and awards
excellence, and rewards those who strive to
ceremony. As always, the chairman’s charity
uphold BICSc standards. After the pandemic
prize draw offers guests the opportunity to win,
forced the 2020 event to be cancelled, BICSc
with all donations going to Dementia UK.
is hopeful that, with the recent government
“We are keeping everything crossed that we
be able to support our member, BICSc, and its awards by sponsoring the historic Eric Hill
‘roadmap’ announcement, it will be able to
will be able to host the awards this year,” said
Medal for the third time. After what has been
go ahead and host a live event, with plans
Michelle Iland, marketing and events manager,
a tough time for many cleaning and hygiene
to go virtual should the situation change.
BICSc. “Now more than ever it’s crucial that we
personnel, it is great to be able to look forward
Tickets for the event will be available closer
recognise and reward trained individuals and
to the return of this fantastic celebration of the
to the date.
organisations who incorporate the BICSc ethos
expertise of our sector.”
BICSc members can now apply within six
into their training programmes - they all play
The BICSc Annual Awards are sponsored
categories - including Outstanding Corporate
their part in raising standards for the sector.”
by Rubbermaid Commercial Products, British
Member, Excellence in Training and Assessment, and Candidate of the Year.
Jim Melvin, deputy chairman of the British Cleaning Council, said: “We are delighted to
Cleaning Council, Vinci Facilities, and Citation. WWW.BICS.ORG.UK/AWARDS
GBAC STAR service accreditation now available for cleaning service providers THE Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a
prevention of facilities during the pandemic,
division of ISSA, has launched the GBAC STAR
and many are looking for ways to promote their
Service Accreditation Programme for building
expertise,” said GBAC executive director, Patricia
or working alongside established custodial
service contractors and other outsourced
Olinger. “Expanding GBAC STAR accreditation to
teams in facilities like schools, stadiums,
cleaning service providers. The newest member
these service providers enables them to expand
convention centres, and more. Now, building
of the GBAC STAR portfolio, GBAC STAR Service
their knowledge of cleaning, disinfection and
service contractors can pursue GBAC STAR
accreditation provides third-party validation
infection prevention, and to demonstrate to
Service accreditation to further enhance their
of a cleaning service provider’s cleaning,
customers and prospects that they can manage
service offerings and complement the GBAC
disinfection and infection prevention protocols
risks today and in the future.”
STAR Facility accreditation to which more than
and procedures. “Building service contractors are on the frontlines of cleaning, disinfecting and infection 6 APRIL 2021
ISSA executive director, John Barrett,
4000 facilities around the world are committed
said: “Cleaning service providers are often
to achieving.”
responsible for managing cleaning programmes
WWW.GBAC.ORG WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
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C&M INDUSTRY NEWS
13 million steps for a children’s charity A team of 40 working for Samsic UK and
Rainbow Trust, which supports seriously
subsidiary JPC Cleaning has raised over £5000
ill children and their families. King continued:
for children’s charity, Rainbow Trust, by walking
“We chose the Rainbow Trust as our corporate
over 13 million steps in a month.
charity partner for this year because it provides essential support and care for families in acute
Employees including Anderson Ferreira, assistant cleaning manager, and Messalina
need, enabling them to make the most of
Manita, cleaning operative, from JPC by Samsic’s
precious time together.” To help fund more hours of care for the Trust
Here East team (pictured) stepped up to the
during 2021, Samsic and JPC employees are
plate at the start of February and went on to beat
participating in events ranging from skydiving
the target of 10 million steps by 3.5 million. business, from the CEO and board members
and bungie-jumping to running double
over 300,000 steps to the tally. He said: “We’re
all the way through to cleaning and security
marathons and swimming for two miles across
absolutely astounded by the incredible effort
operatives, and from every region we operate
London’s chilly Serpentine.
of our people, and want to say a massive thank
in, from the south coast right up to Fife.”
Samsic UK CEO, Jonathan King, contributed
you to everyone who took part and everyone who donated. We had people right across our
This challenge is just the start of a year of fund-raising by Samsic for charity partner,
To donate please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/samsic WWW.SAMSIC.UK
Loo of the Year Awards 2021 THE cleanliness, maintenance and management
the annual Loo of the Year Awards is a way
of washrooms has never been more important
of receiving an independent assessment and
unique and integral part of Loo of the Year Awards
than now during the COVID-19 epidemic. When
recognition of the standards achieved based on
but relate specifically to the cleaning staff that
customers and staff need to use the loo they
‘the washroom standard’ for the UK.
look after facilities, rather than the washrooms
need to know the washrooms they use meet
Mike Bone, awards managing director, said:
The Washroom Cleaner of the Year Awards are a
themselves. All attendants and/or cleaning staff
their needs, and importantly they should not use
“Companies and institutions of all sizes and in
employed by the entrant and working at the
washroom facilities in premises that do not.
all market sectors throughout the UK use their
entry location will automatically be entered for a
annual entries in the Loo of the Year Awards
Washroom Cleaner of the Year Award.
How does your company assess how clean
Entries are now being received for the 2021
and well maintained the washrooms that
as a proven, cost effective and independent
you are responsible for are? Do you have an
annual assessment of their standards. We
Loo of the Year Awards (closing date for entries
independent assessment based on up to 101
provide the assessment, recognition and
is 30 June). Unannounced inspections will be
criteria for those toilets you are responsible for?
promotion of their success in washroom
completed during July, August and September.
How do you benchmark your achievements
provision, cleaning and this vital element of
There are a range of national and overall winner
against your competitors? Does your company
facilities management. Leading cleaning and
awards and trophies which will be presented at
and its cleaning staff receive recognition for
FM companies compete for a range of national
an event to be held on Friday 3 December.
a job well done? Entering washrooms into
awards and UK/Ireland trophies.
WWW.LOO.CO.UK
UK hand sanitiser market ‘has become a wild west’ THE safety of children and vulnerable adults
Byotrol is urging the government to recognise
Dr Trevor Francis, chief technology officer
is under threat from a wave of unsafe, mis-
the need for higher standards and more
at Byotrol, said: “Hand sanitising is now
sold and under-regulated alcohol-based
rigorous enforcement, which could include
an essential part of everyday life but we’re
hand sanitisers, without any government
providing further resources to agencies such as
exposing the most at risk in our society
acknowledgment of the alternatives, according
the Health and Safety Executive and Medicines
to various dangers thanks to a wild west
to a UK manufacturer.
and Healthcare Products Regulation Agency
regulatory regime with loose standards and
(MHRA) that are currently overwhelmed by
even weaker enforcement. The government
other demands.
must take action to see that regulations
Chester-based Byotrol plc, which makes Invirtu alcohol-free hand sanitiser, is calling for an urgent review into controls on the market to
Despite the dangers of ingestion by children,
are fit for purpose and that the agencies
prevent unscrupulous suppliers from distributing
some hand sanitisers in the UK are being marketed
responsible for protecting the public have the
ineffective, misleading and potentially dangerous
with the scents and images of sweets. University
powers and resources to act. We would very
products to the public. The call comes as 10
of Oxford research found that the number of
much welcome the opportunity to contribute
cross-party MPs have written to Health Secretary,
poisoning incidents involving alcohol-based
constructively to that from a scientific and
Matt Hancock asking for an urgent review of the
products in the first nine months of 2020 was more
industry perspective.”
guidelines for hand sanitisers.
than double the number in 2019 (155 to 398).
WWW.INVIRTU.CO.UK
8 APRIL 2021
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
INDUSTRY NEWS
C&M
Sodexo launches 2021 ‘social impact pledge’
SODEXO UK and Ireland has
are focused on four social impact
publicly stated its commitment
pathways: people, planet, places,
to a series of pledges forming its
and partners.
KILLS
99.99 % OF GERMS
ethical manifesto for leading the
Sean Haley, Sodexo regional
way to improve quality of life for
chair, UK and Ireland, said: “It has
society and the planet. These
never been more important than
pledges include: gifting up to
it is right now to operate with
25% of its apprentice levy to SME
purpose and responsibility. Last
• Ideal in educational, hospitality &
suppliers, enabling them to create
year, despite the unprecedented
• Contains powerful antimicrobials
100 new apprenticeships; cutting
circumstances, we fulfilled our
• Food safe, ideal for food prep areas
food waste by 50% across all its
commitments laid out in our 2019
sites by 2030; and ensuring 40% of
ethical manifesto, meeting and
the company’s spend is with SME
even exceeding the ambitious
and VCSE suppliers - above the
targets we had set ourselves. You
government’s own target of £1 in
are, however, only as good as your
every £3.
last performance, so our challenge
This launch represents the
now is to continue to do even
fourth iteration of Sodexo’s Social
better. COVID-19 has touched every
Impact Pledge. First published
aspect of our work and personal
in 2015, the business has
lives, so this year our pledges
faithfully reported on its progress
reflect the impact the pandemic
against the pledges each year,
has had, and directly contributes
demonstrating with evidence and
to improving the communities we
examples the positive impact it
work within.”
is creating. This year, the pledges
WWW.SODEXO.COM
ECHA to return in Spring 2022
Alcohol Free Hand Sanitising Gel Advanced air-drying formulation quickly cleans & sanitises the hands leaving no sticky residue. • BS EN 14476:2013 all public facilities • Waterless, no need for sinks or dryers
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THE European Cleaning and
April 2022 at Le Plaza Hotel
Hygiene Awards will return in
in Brussels.
Spring 2022.
The awards will open for entries
Following the cancellation of the
in April 2021. Businesses and
2020 event due to the ongoing
individuals from across the continent
COVID-19 crisis, the organiser
are encouraged to share their stories
has now confirmed that the fifth
of success from 2020 and beyond.
awards event will take place on 28
WWW.ECHAWARDS.COM
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A PRIL 2021 9
C&M
INDUSTRY NEWS / PEOPLE
Essity teams up with the Global Handwashing Partnership hygiene companies and manufacturer of Tork soaps and hand towels, we feel uniquely placed to team up with GHP to promote hand hygiene.” Established in 2001, the Global Handwashing Partnership organises the annual Global Handwashing Day which takes place on 15 October. Local and national leaders use the occasion to demonstrate the value of clean hands, spreading the handwashing message and supporting communities with facilities such as sinks and tippy taps. The aim of the Global Handwashing Partnership’s Hand Hygiene for All initiative co-led by WHO and UNICEF - is to ensure that hand hygiene products and services are made available to everyone, particularly those in TORK manufacturer Essity has teamed up
“The Global Handwashing Partnership
with the Global Handwashing Partnership,
brings together the expertise, experience,
an organisation that aims to bring hand
ideas, resources, and reach of both the
normalised and habitual, thus achieving
hygiene within everyone’s reach. Essity
public and private sectors all over the world
the vision of hand hygiene for all by 2030,”
has become a strategic partner of the GHP,
to promote handwashing with soap,” said
said the Global Handwashing Partnership’s
whose steering committee members include
Magnus Groth, Essity’s CEO and president.
secretariat director, Ron Clemmer. “Essity
UNICEF and the London School of Hygiene
“Hand hygiene is essential for our well-
is an important partner with us in this
and Tropical Medicine. Essity has been a
being - and in the midst of an ongoing
initiative, sharing the company’s thought
member of the GHP since 2017 and is one
pandemic we need to do more to increase
leadership to support hand hygiene in
of a select few organisations to have been
our hygiene practices both now and in
schools and work environments.”
offered a strategic partnership.
the future. As one of the world’s leading
WWW.TORK.CO.UK
disadvantaged countries. “We want hand hygiene to become
New head of sales at SafeGroup SAFEGROUP has appointed Mark McGowan
and ambition throughout the business so I am
as its new head of sales as the business looks
looking forward to what 2021 and the years
to build on rapid growth achieved in 2020.
ahead will bring.” SafeGroup’s growth in 2020 has been driven
McGowan was previously head of strategy and implementation at recycling and waste
by demand for specialist cleaning and hygiene
specialist Viridor and has more than 15 years of
support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
experience in sales in the waste and recycling
SafeGroup now delivers COVID-19 electrostatic
industry. He has been given responsibility to
spray disinfection and ozone decontamination
develop and manage SafeGroup’s sales team
for a wide range of clients, including Transport
across all service streams - cleaning, waste and
for London, the NHS, manufacturers, schools,
pest solutions - reporting to managing director,
and leading retailers. McGowan continued: “The pandemic
Mike Drake. Mike Drake said: “Mark brings proven
Mark McGowan said: “SafeGroup is a
has dramatically changed the cleaning and
experience in developing and implementing
remarkably agile and entrepreneurial business,
hygiene landscape, I think for good. High
successful national sales strategies and building
with an impressive service portfolio and exciting
standards of cleaning and wellbeing in the
sales teams that deliver them. We’re delighted
opportunities for growth, especially in the
workplace are now inextricably linked. Even
to welcome him to SafeGroup. The business
cleaning and waste sectors. It also has a strong
when the pandemic is beaten, as we hope it
has grown by over 43% in 2020. We’re looking
reputation for delivery among key clients. My
will be with the vaccine programme, there will
to maintain that momentum in 2021. We’re
objective is to work with colleagues to scale up
be a need for new types of specialist hygiene
building a strong and talented team that
our sales and business development capability
services, and we believe SafeGroup is well
can drive that, and Mark’s appointment is a
while developing further an already strong
placed to deliver them.”
reflection of our ambition.”
brand. This is a team effort, and there is talent
WWW.THESAFEGROUP.CO.UK
10 APRIL 2021
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
PEOPLE C&M
Ecobat’s Sheppard retires AFTER more than 20 years with Ecobat Battery
distributes in excess of 1.6 million batteries
Technologies, managing director, Steve
annually. Operating with the challenges of the
Sheppard, has stepped down from his position,
COVID-19 pandemic during my last year with
six years after his Parkinson’s diagnosis.
the company will naturally stay with me. I have
Sheppard joined the business - which was
obviously been less involved as the transition
then Manbat - in 1999, as the company’s sales
to the new management has taken place, but
director, overseeing the opening of the Bristol
I have watched the employees pull together in
branch and going on to help Roger and Mike
a fantastic manner to ensure that the company
Pemberton to transform the business from a
continues to provide a high level of service
regional distributor into a major player in the
and performance, whilst having to adapt to
battery distribution sector.
new working practices in order to keep each other safe. The Manbat/Ecobat community
In 2009, the business was sold to industrial lead giant, Ecobat Technologies, and Steve
has always been a close one, and I will be
Sheppard was appointed MD of Ecobat
recollecting experiences and smiling to myself
Battery Technologies UK and Ireland, the
for many years to come.” Divisional managing director, Russell
name of the Ecobat Group’s new battery distribution division. Over the last decade, Sheppard has been at the helm as the company has grown, both organically and through several acquisitions,
business has grown from four to 14 branches,
McBurnie, who takes over as MD, said:
including specialist industrial sites and a main
“Steve knows everyone within our business
UK distribution hub, based in Shrewsbury.
and will afford time to anyone who needs
“My greatest achievement,” said Sheppard,
it. A great people person, he has formed
and expanded into other complementary
“has been to install a belief in the people, at
strong and lasting relationships, engaging
battery sectors, but always pursuing the original
all levels of the business, we could become
staff, customers and suppliers alike. Steve’s
Manbat ethos of providing expert knowledge
a major player, so they have shared in the
contribution and dedication to Ecobat has
and work with its customers to grow their
ownership of the vision. This is what has made
made it what it is today.”
battery business. Under his direction, the
Ecobat into a £70 million plus business that
WWW.UK.ECOBAT.TECH
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
APRIL 2021 11
C&M CONTRACTS
Welsh Water cleaning contract awarded A&R Cleaning and Security Services has been
to be working with a company that is both
awarded a multi-year contract to provide
responsible and sustainable.” The contract incorporates cleaning, janitorial
commercial cleaning services to 52 Welsh Water offices, water treatment facilities and visitor
and hygiene services along with vital proactive
centre sites across Wales and Herefordshire.
and reactive COVID-19 hotspot cleaning. A&R
Rayner Davies, managing director of A&R,
will use its bio-misting technology to provide additional infection and viral control during the
said: “This is a major milestone for our business. Securing Welsh Water is a huge achievement during a global pandemic, and we are delighted
Rayner Davies, MD (left) and Ashely Davies, FD, co-founders of A&R Cleaning and Security Services.
pandemic to help protect Welsh Water’s 3500 staff. WWW.ARCS-CLEANING.CO.UK
Brayborne re-awarded Southampton campus cleaning contract BRAYBORNE Facilities Services is to
Appointed to City College’s sites in 2018,
provide cleaning services to City College
Brayborne has subsequently resolved staffing
Southampton for a further two-year term
issues, revised scheduling and introduced
without re-tender. City College is a general
efficiencies to reduce cost. The 25-strong
further education facility providing career-
cleaning staff provide vertical and horizontal
led courses, apprenticeships and education
day-to-day cleaning together with periodic
particularly supportive during lockdown. We
for young people and adults. Located in
deep cleans.
benefit from a friendly and effective team whose
Southampton city centre, the campus has
“Brayborne have been brilliant,” said City
improved morale is reflected in standards and
undergone a huge investment in new facilities
College estates and procurement manager,
willingness to help. We had no cause to re-
and equipment, allowing students to learn
Jackie Nicholas. “They have improved our
tender for this contract and offered the two-year
and work in real life working environments
cleaning process, readily offer flexibility that
extension to Brayborne.”
using industry standard equipment.
meets our changing needs, and have been
WWW.BRAYBORNE.CO.UK
NFU Mutual contract renewal for ISS Restoration ISS Restoration and its Rainbow International
Key account manager at ISS Restoration, Nick
James Oram, claims supplier specialist at
brand is celebrating the successful renewal of its
Griffiths, said: “This is excellent news for ISS
NFU Mutual, said: “NFU Mutual and Rainbow
contract with NFU Mutual Insurance for disaster
Restoration and Rainbow International, and it is
International have very similar values and
recovery and restoration services on behalf of
testament to the great work our technicians do
ethos and that is why we continue to work
its household and commercial policyholders for
out in the field, and our outstanding customer
so well together. We have been in business
a further three years. Rainbow International’s
service delivered by our head office function. It
with each other now for 11 years and knowing
partnership with NFU Mutual began in 2010.
is the world class service that we aim to provide
our customers are in extremely safe hands
From that start, Rainbow has supported over
at every touch point that has enabled us to
with Rainbow International is of the utmost
40,000 of NFU Mutual’s members in their time
continue with our contractual partnership with
importance to us.”
of need.
NFU Mutual.”
WWW.RAINBOW-INT.CO.UK
Samsic appointed by Northern Ballet SAMSIC UK has been appointed to provide
centre outside London. Built in 2010, the
office in close proximity to the Northern Ballet
cleaning services to the Northern Ballet and
purpose-built, six-storey facility on Quarry Hill
estate, commences with accelerated learning
Phoenix Dance Theatre, the UK’s largest dance
in central Leeds is a premier dance facility with
provision elevating existing staff to Samsic skill
seven studios, including one of the largest in
standards, induction, contract and equipment
Europe. The building also incorporates a 230-
knowledge, and task-based training followed by
seat studio theatre, a health suite, wardrobe
on-site training, e-learning and mentoring for the
facilities, office space and meeting rooms, and a
duration of the three-year contract. The contractor
public exhibition space.
is also implementing its ISO 14001-accredited
Samsic has been contracted to provide
Image © Northern Ballet/Cloud 9 photography.
12 APRIL 2021
‘total green solutions’ methodology to support
horizontal and vertical cleaning to Quarry Hill and
client sustainability objectives and reduce
the company’s technical support site at Bramley.
environmental impact across the contract.
The contract, managed by Samsic’s Leeds
WWW.SAMSIC.UK WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
BICSc C&M
Key worker or essential worker? THERE has been a lot of
between essential workers and key
did not include people working in any area of facility services and therefore did not include cleaning
discussion during the COVID-19
workers. Essential workers keep the
pandemic about ‘key workers’
country running and key workers
operatives. A day after publication, questions were
and ‘essential workers’. The
protect or treat people who have
asked in parliament and the government replied
cleaning operative has not
contracted the virus.
that the list was not exhaustive. People working
This may appear to be
been recognised as either
in security and cleaning operatives were also
by government and the use
semantics but obviously those
considered to hold a crucial occupation - with the
of two different terms is also
workers who are key are more
schools closed they could bring their children to
at risk of being in contact with
daycare or provisional opening of primary schools.
not helpful.
On 25 June 2020, the Dutch government ruled
In business, you can insure against the
infected individuals. It is clear for all to see that
incapacity or loss of key workers or essential
the cleaning operative is a key worker. If they do
that all frontline care and healthcare workers
workers. To examine this matter further we
not turn up for work at facilities where they are
would receive a one-off bonus of €1000 net. This
can look back to the effects of the Spanish Flu
at the frontline of containment or prevention of
also applied to all cleaning operatives working in
pandemic in 1918, where the death toll globally
this disease, sooner or later the facility ceases
that area. For the second lockdown in December
was in the region of 50 to 100 million people. The
to function. This is obviously true of healthcare
2020, a list was published by the government of
number is difficult to establish accurately (not due
workers as well, but cleaning operatives are not
crucial occupations, this time explicitly including
to spreadsheet problems, but due to inaccurate
considered as key workers which I believe is a
cleaning operatives.
reporting of worldwide deaths). The issue here is
major oversight.
that essential workers - police officers, postmen,
As you can see from the above illustration,
If we look at the recognition of cleaning
the Netherlands not only recognised cleaning
utility workers etc - were affected to such a degree
operatives by the Dutch government, a totally
operatives but moved away from the terms ‘key
that, for example, in London, the Metropolitan
different approach has evolved. In the Netherlands,
workers’ and ‘essential workers’ and adopted the
Police force was unable to perform its role in
three occasions mark the recognition of cleaning
term ‘crucial occupations’. Perhaps it is time for
keeping law and order on several occasions due
operatives as a crucial occupation in times of
us to reconsider John Bull’s call to action: ‘Wake
to depleted numbers of officers who were sick or
COVID-19. At the start of the first lockdown in March
up England’.
absent from duty. My view is there is a difference
2020, a list was published that was quite limited and
WWW.BICS.ORG.UK
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APRIL 2021 13
C&M BCC COLUMN
Hospitality heroes show dedication and resilience during the pandemic Liz Smith-Mills FIH, FBICSc, deputy chair of UKHA Yorkshire and North East Region, and ambassador for Hospitality Action, reports. OVER the past 12 months, the hospitality industry has experienced turbulence and unpredictability. From forced closures to everchanging government guidance, the COVID-19 crisis has had a severe impact on businesses and customer confidence. Some hotels, such as the Athenaeum Hotel in London, remained open throughout lockdown to care for their elderly, permanent residents and accommodate other guests who were stranded. Other hotels accommodated key workers while some establishments took on the responsibility of ensuring safety and compliance with new norms and regulations. When hotels have remained open, instilling confidence and reassurance that their establishment has been cleaned to the highest standard has fallen on the shoulders of the often unsung heroes in housekeeping. Housekeepers have faced real challenges but have also achieved much during the pandemic. For example, a family who were flooded out of their home stayed at the Salutation Hotel in Perth and were moved to tears when housekeeping put a Christmas tree in their room. A consultant physician staying the Athenaeum Hotel was too scared to see his family for weeks and weeks but was able to reunite with his wife and daughters after being reassured about the stringent cleaning regimes in place and lack of COVID-19 cases. The Milestone Hotel in London adjusted to a totally new way of working but still retained
a five-star Forbes listing as well as being certified COVID-19 confident by the AA. The Principal Hotel, York, brought in thorough and efficient processes to ensure the safety of guests involving lengthier cleaning times, despite the challenges of busy periods and increased guest expectations. In all properties, my colleagues got used to following new procedures to prevent infection, such as using certified chemicals to ensure effective disinfection and sanitising. We initially followed NHS guidelines then ISSA GBAC Star accreditation was introduced. The UKHA COVID tool kit was also an invaluable tool. Housekeeping teams have also had to take on new duties and multi-task. At the Yew Lodge, a skeleton housekeeping staff wore different hats daily to help in varied roles ranging from serving breakfasts, cooking pizzas for guests, working on reception, and even painting corridors and rooms. During this time of fear and anxiety, uncertainty and powerlessness, we used messages, group chats and Zoom calls to keep furloughed colleagues engaged and motivated. Working colleagues had to balance family life and home schooling whilst often being at work more than at home. Those travelling to work on public transport had to overcome their fears or turn to taxis, with staff feeling a sense of relief once the journey was completed.
Elsewhere, there has been the tough job of making redundancies - a heartbreaking process causing many sleepless nights. Despite all these challenges, housekeepers at these hotels continued to deliver the best standards possible, helping create exceptional and memorable experiences, resulting in great comments on social media and the raising of TripAdvisor scores. Throughout this difficult period, housekeeping has been recognised as a positive influence in maintaining business as usual and providing customer confidence. We’ve learnt to communicate by smiling with our eyes while wearing masks. We are now preparing for hotels to fully re-open from 17 May, when hygiene and safety procedures within the industry will be under the microscope. Thorough and frequent cleaning will be paramount to ensure both guests and team members feel safe in your establishment. So now is an excellent time to applaud these housekeeping and hospitality heroes and thank them for their amazing dedication and resilience in looking after both colleagues and guests and preventing the spread of COVID-19, with many still finding time to support worthy causes including Cancer Research and Hospitality Action. The UKHA is a member of the British Cleaning Council. The views of Council members are their own.
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A JOB WORTH DOING - A CONTRACTOR’S BLOG C&M
How will working from home affect our industry? Lee Andrews, CEO of DOC Cleaning, reports. I was interested last month to read a fairly blunt quote from David Solomon, CEO of Goldman Sachs. He said: ‘Working from home is an aberration that we are going to correct as soon as possible’. Okay, so his company might be one that drives its staff pretty hard, but I’ve also heard that Barclays in Canary Wharf is recalling all staff to the office in July for an unspecified period, prior to a review of how best to move forward. I’ve also seen research that suggests the majority of office-based staff want to work at least three days in the office when things are back to normal - related, maybe, to the job security worries of those who think that ‘out of sight is out of mind’ when it comes to career development. On the other hand, many commentators have been saying that the pandemic merely accelerated a process that had already begun - how to structure office work more flexibly to meet people’s wider needs, whilst maintaining productivity. What’s interesting, however, is that not only has this process now taken place more rapidly than was expected, it has taken place on a massive scale, meaning that the results of the experiment will now be known much earlier than might ever have been expected and with much more
confidence. Just how well did companies succeed in monitoring, managing and motivating their staff to achieve results without the social interaction, debate and informal communication that make so many companies tick? HR and management magazines will soon be brimming with insights into how corporate Britain responded to the ‘stay at home’ message of the last 12 months. In terms of how this will all affect cleaning, the consensus seems to be around adopting the so-called ‘hybrid’ model of office usage, which of course covers a multitude of working arrangements. I suspect and hope that the changes will be positive for our industry. Whilst there may be slightly less floor space occupied on a permanent basis, any new style of working where the same number of people are using a smaller area, albeit not all simultaneously, must surely demand more intensive cleaning. Increased hot desking - not just where desks are used by a different person each day, but by many people within a day - will increase the focus on regular hygienic cleaning, as will more frequent team changeovers in call centre or other shiftstyle environments.
Even more intriguing are the emerging new ‘lifestyle’ or ‘live-work’ locations, of which a few are already being developed in London. Here, buildings that might previously have been used purely as offices are being replaced by mixed-use blocks, or even mini building campuses containing a mix, under single property management, of traditional office, co-working space, residential, leisure, retail and hospitality facilities. As contractors, we may soon be looking at a new challenge of providing cleaning services to multiple environments in one location. So it’s not all gloom and doom for contractors who rely mainly on daily office cleaning for their revenue. As the world adapts to a new rhythm of life where COVID is something we learn to live with, and where city centres that were once the preserve of office workers reinvent themselves as multi-faceted communities, it can only be good news for an industry whose job it is to ensure they remain as safe and hygienic places to study, work and play. WWW.DOCCLEANING.COM
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www.prochem.co.uk APRIL 2021 15
C&M
SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19
COVID-19: Small steps forwards Neil Nixon reports. Following on from the features in previous issues of C&M looking at the frontline role the cleaning sector is now playing in helping the country along the ‘road map’ towards an end to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, I am continuing to post news, new product information or video interviews/webinars online to allow for the more immediate dissemination of any updates. Please take a look at www.cleaningmag.com – content is changing on a daily basis. As previously, I will continue to use the pages of C&M to focus on the importance of cleaning and hygiene during and post-pandemic in detail and, as with this month’s column, to seek advice on best practice from recognised industry experts, and to learn from the experience of others.
NOT ALL GERM SPREADERS WEAR MASKS The COVID-19 pandemic has increased consumer awareness around the importance of hand hygiene and the risks posed by the spread of germs. Nearly 95% of adults do not wash long enough to thoroughly clean the bacteria and viruses from their hands, so germs can remain on hands after washing [1]. While there has been a focus on regular and adequate hand washing, Steve Jones, general manager UK and Ireland, Kimberly-Clark Professional is asking: ‘How do you dry your hands?’ Science proves that paper towels are the
people are fully-informed of the hygiene risks
linger in the air for up to 15 minutes. In fact, the
most hygienic option for hand drying, but
presented by jet-air dryers and are aware of the
science shows that jet-air dryers can increase
the dangers presented by alternative drying
science of hygiene before they use or purchase
levels of bacteria on fingers by up to 42% [3].
methods raise concerns. Jet-air dryers can
an air dryer.
Therefore, it is no surprise that paper towels are
spread germs and unhealthy bacteria if they are
the recommended hand-drying method of the
present on wet hands. In these unprecedented
What’s flying under the radar?
World Health Organisation ‘Guidelines on Hand
times, tackling every germ hotspot is critical
A jet-air dryer blows water droplets that can
Hygiene in Health Care’.
for providing a safer and more hygienic
contain germs from the hands into the air as far
environment. We believe it is important that
as 2 metres [2]. Those aerosolised bacteria can
16 APRIL 2021
“
“
Using Scott Hand Towels will leave your hands and washroom cleaner than air dryers,
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19
C&M
even with the use of HEPA filters and diligent
approximately the height of a small child’s
bacteria on surfaces and inside dryers. This
cleaning of air dryers. In fact, using a jet air
face [6]. Drying with paper towels reduces
could lead to cross contamination if users reach
dryer can disperse 1300 times more germ
bacteria on fingers by up to 77% [7].
inside and touch the surface of the unit or that
particles than drying with paper towels . [4]
Research shows even after 15 minutes, 100
Research shows that the inner surfaces of
times more particles remain in the air when
bacteria than the average toilet seat [8]. Findings
using jet-air dryers versus single-use paper
from a University of Westminster study found
towels [5], which alarmingly could end up at
high-speed and warm air-dryers can harbour
TOOLS Line
bacteria could be carried in the airstream and deposited on wet hands [9].
jet air dryers can have up to 48 times more
Paper towels are critical to proper hand hygiene, as they offer the best solution when Continued on Page 19.
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For crowded spaces, one hand is enough. WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
APRIL 2021 17
C&M
SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19
WHY ISN’T UV DISINFECTION BEING USED MORE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19? Richard Little, managing director at Jenton International, asks why UV air disinfection is not being used in the fight against COVID-19, especially when there is a convincing argument - backed by sound evidence - for using it to improve air quality in a range of buildings and work environments, as well as HVAC applications. A McGill University paper published in The
Jenton International has been promoting UV air disinfection against bacteria and viruses
Lancet demonstrated, in 2003, that UVC on
for many years. UV itself has been used for
its own in ducting in HVAC equipped offices
disinfection applications for over 100 years and
could reduce sickness in buildings due to colds
there is a massive body of evidence supporting
and flu by a useful 40% [3]. This was without all
its efficacy. It is main stream for air disinfection
the handwashing and mask wearing required
in HVAC in the USA, Asia and the Middle East
during the pandemic, so it is logical that
with many installations in schools, hospitals,
combinations will be synergistic. In addition,
offices, and homes.
a 2020 paper from Signify demonstrates what
In the past, we were always astonished at
was achieved in tests using UVC disinfection
how unresponsive the European market was in
of SARS-CoV-2 at Boston University [4]. This
accepting the concept of simple wall units for
backs up previously calculated effects based
NHS doctor’s waiting rooms, schools etc. The
on UVC’s performance against SARS-CoV-1 and
proven proposition was to stop people catching colds, flu and TB from each other - with regular
surrogates which proved to be correct. Fresh air is important for diluting SARS-CoV-2
It is evident that SARS-CoV-2 can be easily
coverage on the BBC as a ‘new concept’ and
and reducing the risk of getting COVID-19.
disinfected with UV. Jenton’s products supply
papers published in The Lancet and other
The HSE website clearly recommends that
more than enough UVC to disinfect any SARS-
publications to support this.
recirculating air conditioning is turned off [1].
CoV-2 passing through to 99.99% and also
This is further supported by a new government-
many other viruses and bacteria. Jenton has
issued film .
also developed modelling software to allow
However, this is nothing to how surprised we are this year, especially now that airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has been
[2]
There is no doubt that fresh air through an
prediction of performance in different situations.
highlighted, with how reluctant UK state
open window is best. Our proposition has been
agencies are to use our simple and effective
that where fresh air isn’t available, or practical,
but an expert in the development of high
UV units in waiting rooms, schools and offices.
in a food factory for example, UV disinfection is
performance UV disinfection systems, with
Plus, we have much bigger UV disinfection
the next best thing as you effectively ‘make your
patents, products and partnerships with
systems for HVAC and food processing plants.
own fresh air’.
companies like Heraeus and Philips. Clearly UV
Jenton is not a start-up taking advantage
disinfection can’t do everything but it can make an effective contribution. WWW.UVDISINFECTION.ORG.UK References [1] www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/equipmentand-machinery/air-conditioning-andventilation.htm [2] www.gov.uk/government/news/new-filmshows-importance-of-ventilation-to-reducespread-of-covid-19 [3] www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/ PIIS0140-6736(03)14897-0/references [4] www.researchsquare.com/article/rs65742/v1 18 APRIL 2021
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SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19
C&M
things you touch - from car steering wheels to lift
of the Potential for Virus Dispersal During Hand
buttons. Ask not just how many times you have
Drying: A comparison of Three Methods’, Journal
it comes to both hand and overall washroom
washed and dried your hands - but how have you
of Applied Macrobiology 120 (2016).
hygiene. Compared to jet-air dryers and
washed and dried your hands and for how long?
[3] [8] Eurofins-Inlab study (2012).
other hand drying options, single-use paper
The science is clear - and the official guidelines
[6] E.L. Best, K. Redway, ‘Comparison of Different
towels are recommended by the World Health
from WHO are clear: ‘dry hands thoroughly with a
Hand-Drying Methods: The Potential for Airborne
Organisation (WHO) and the Mayo Clinic
single-use towel; use the towel to turn off the tap;
Microbe Dispersal and Contamination’, Journal
Proceedings as the best hand drying method for
your hands are now safe’ [13].
of Hospital Infection 89 (2015).
good hand hygiene [10].
WWW.HOME.KCPROFESSIONAL.COM
[7] [9] University of Westminster, ‘Changes in
Continued from Page 17.
the number of different types of bacteria on
Our position on jet-air dryers is informed by these and other facts supported by some of the
References
the hands before and after drying using paper
world’s leading public health organisations.
[1] Borchgrevink, C.P., Cha, J. and Kim, S., 2013.
towel, continuous cloth roller towel, warm air
The facts speak for themselves. Interestingly,
Hand washing practices in a college town
dryer and jet air dryer’ (2010).
despite the increase of jet air dryers across the
environment. Journal of environmental health,
[10] Huang C, Ma W, Stack S, ‘The Hygienic
world, a recent observational study found that
75(8), p.18.; Hand Washing Practices in a College
Efficacy of Different Hand-Drying Methods: A
90% of people using washrooms prefer paper
Town Environment, Journal of Environmental
Review of the Evidence’, Mayo Clinic Proceedings,
towels when given the choice between single-
Health; Boyce JM, Pittet D, Centers for Disease
2012; 87(8): 791-798. And World Health
use paper towels and jet air dryers [11]. Indeed,
Control Guideline for hand hygiene in health-
Organisation ‘Global Hand Washing Guidelines’.
a recent study showed that paper towels
care settings. Recommendations of the
[11] ETS Observational Study, ISSA/Interclean
consistently out-performed all other drying
healthcare infection control practices advisory
Amsterdam (May 2016).
techniques, especially with regard to bacteria
committee and the HICPAC/SHEA/APIC/IDSA
[12] Snelling AM, Saville T, Stevens D, Beggs CB,
left on the palms and fingertips [12].
hand hygiene task force. Society for Healthcare
‘Comparative evaluation of the hygienic efficacy
epidemiology of America/Association for
of an ultra-rapid hand dryer vs conventional
hand hygiene, we think it is critical to share the
professionals in infection control/infectious
warm air hand dryers’, Journal of Applied
facts, based on scientific studies, so customers
diseases Society of America. MMWR Recomm
Microbiology 2010; 110: 19-26.
can make informed decisions. Consider your
Rep. 2002;51 (RR–16):1–48.
[13] World Health Organisation, Global Hand
hand hygiene throughout the day and how many
[2] [4] [5] P.T. Kimmitt & K.F. Redway, ‘Evaluation
Washing Guidelines.
With the current focus on the importance of
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APRIL 2021 19
C&M FACE TO FACE
Face to Face Neil Nixon speaks with Erum Ahmed, director of sales at BioHygiene Following a move to BioHygiene in late 2019, Erum Ahmed’s first full year in charge of sales at green cleaning company BioHygiene coincided with the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic an exceptionally busy time for sales and the industry in general. What was your background before joining
either - it was all about volume and availability.
BioHygiene?
Thankfully, as things have settled down we
My career started in wastewater and effluent
have seen a refocus to environmental values,
treatment which, as an industry, incorporated
with customers once again asking questions
biotechnology as a final solution treatment
about manufacturing processes, CO2 emissions
process. So, from early on, biotech, enzymes and
and the impact of products on the wider
microbiology were more than just an interest.
environment. In fact, due to issues surrounding
Following a spell running my own business,
some products, I would go as far to say that
I began working in sales, spending eight
customers have educated themselves further
years at a well-known cleaning brand. This
than before the pandemic. We’re certainly
taught me a great deal and gave me a good
seeing more people asking us questions around
foundation in terms of cleaning principles,
concerns, and environmental impact from
raw materials and supply chain - which can only
account management and what the end user
manufacturing processes. This is the first time I
be a good thing for the industry as a whole.
wanted at the time. At that time, customers
saw traditional procurement behaviour - which
were asking about environmental solutions,
focussed almost entirely on pricing and efficacy
and due to panic buying, something that
but being at a larger company, they were
- move to questioning environmental factors.
wasn’t so good for the industry was the influx of
fairly slow to move. It was clear from then
We had a growing number of end users asking
un-tested products and unrealistic, dangerous
there was a real desire developing among end
questions about plastic, CO2, carbon footprints,
claims. Following the WHO derogation that a
users to move in that direction.
and manufacturing. Quite quickly, companies
hand sanitiser needed 70% ethanol to work,
started to have CO2 plans and targets to hit on
there were people with no experience in the
environmental output.
industry turning up at breweries and making
In order to have a more rounded understanding of the market, I moved to a leading distributor. This furthered my
In my opinion, this completely changed
Unfortunately, at the start of the pandemic
hand sanitiser.
understanding of what customers wanted, and
the way the industry works. A few years ago, a
vastly increased my knowledge of cleaning
corporate social responsibility (CSR) post would
unsubstantiated claims about residual protection
products in the market, as I was distributing
have been non-existent, or only found in the
from sanitisers. I saw companies claiming residual
multiple products and brands rather than just
most progressive of companies - now it is a
protection from three days to a full year - there is
one. It was here that questions from customers
fundamental part of business operations. It isn’t
no EN testing criteria for this! And we have already
regarding the environment really started, with
unusual now for the CSR or health and safety
begun to see the fallout of some of these claims.
enquiries about products, paper, waste, and
executive to have the final say on a product,
more. Eventually, this led me to join BioHygiene
rather than the procurement or cleaning
What was your reaction when seeing so
towards the end of 2019.
operations teams. This is a huge change.
many manufacturers making so many bold
How have you seen the cleaning and hygiene
Has the market seen a change in buying
the pandemic?
market change during this time?
behaviour due to COVID-19?
Well, it’s never good to hear things like this
As mentioned, whilst I was working at the
The short answer is yes, the market and buying
- and it can be frustrating. But these claims
distributor I saw behaviours begin to change,
behaviours definitely altered. At the start of
inevitably get found out. As a manufacturer,
and then the ‘David Attenborough effect’
the pandemic, buyers were in sheer panic!
all we could do was to get everything we claim
surfaced. His series of documentaries, often
The environmental and efficacy arguments
independently tested and approved and stick to
demonstrating the damage we are doing to the
for purchasing products that I previously
our core values of manufacturing products that
environment, made buyers start to think further
mentioned went out the window, and people
have the best cleaning and sanitising efficacy -
about single use plastics, raw materials, safety
didn’t seem particularly bothered on price
giving people confidence.
The other danger was massively
claims about their products at the start of
20 APRIL 2021
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FACE TO FACE
C&M
of questions about the best way to use our products to combat this. Following a rather tumultuous year, what are your long-term objectives at BioHygiene? And do you envisage changing customer needs in a post-COVID world? Our long-term objectives haven’t changed. Ultimately, we are still aiming to make How has BioHygiene adapted during
environmental alternative to traditional
environmental cleaning solutions that work
the COVID-19 pandemic to remain at the
sanitising technology and continue to educate
for the market, and in doing so, change the
forefront of the market?
our users of the benefits. For example, the
landscape of the cleaning industry to drive
At the start it was all about fulfilling demand!
manufacturing process for a typical quat based
these products and make sure they are
Our distribution network increased tenfold
surface sanitiser releases 313kgs of carbon per
available to everybody in the marketplace -
and, being a UK based manufacturer that uses
tonne. When manufacturing our All-Purpose
not just those who actively seek to use them.
renewable, alternative technology we had a
Sanitiser, 42Kg of carbon is taken from the
huge advantage over our competitors.
atmosphere per tonne.
To do this, we must continue to evolve our technology and look at areas where we can improve. People throughout the industry are
Whereas traditional sanitisers generally
Another important change we had to
revolve around QUATs, ethanol, chlorine, and
make was to how the sales team worked.
looking to predict how the industry might
hydrogen peroxide, ours do not. This meant
Rather than focusing on purely selling,
change post-COVID but for us we are just looking
there were lots of manufacturers pulling
we adapted their roles to consultants -
to carry on our work and continue to deliver high
from the same pool of raw materials, causing
providing the end user with additional
efficacy, environmentally responsible products,
shortages. Due to our technology, we had an
support. Obviously, this had to be done
adapting our supporting proposition to deal
abundance of raw materials, backed by a robust
remotely, which meant lots of phone and
with external factors. But ultimately, we want to
UK supply chain.
video calls. We felt this was essential at
continue our mission to help operations become
a time when end users were concerned
cleaner, leaner and greener.
about the spread of the virus and had lots
WWW.BIOHYGIENE.CO.UK
We have delivered a number of innovations to the market in order to provide a true
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
APRIL 2021 21
C&M
HEALTHCARE & HOSPITAL HYGIENE
High-tech healthcare Liam Mynes from Tork manufacturer Essity looks at the various ways in which technology is being used to reduce cross-contamination and improve hand hygiene in hospitals during the COVID-19 crisis. HOSPITALS tend to be hectic, crowded places - and this is particularly the case during a global pandemic. Doctors spend their time rushing from one ward to the next, delivering diagnoses and checking on their patients. Nurses, meanwhile, are responsible for a range of tasks from taking routine tests to changing dressings and generally providing a reassuring presence. Catering staff members appear on the wards at regular intervals bearing trollies of food and refreshments for patients. And the hospital porters, technicians, paramedics, and cleaning teams are also ever-present while armies of delivery people are constantly bringing in essential supplies from outside. The fact that many of these people will be interacting with unwell patients means the potential for cross-contamination is immense.
interaction. For example, a floor-cleaning robot
or not healthcare staff are washing their hands.
And the risks are even greater during the current
named Ella that can tell jokes and sing songs
Many of these solutions involve a badge or
COVID-19 crisis when we are all expected to be
is being trialled on a children’s ward in Kent.
bracelet worn by staff members that light
practising social distancing.
The aim is to put a smile on the young patients’
up green when the wearer has washed their
faces while freeing up cleaning operatives for
hands and vibrates or flashes red when they
other important tasks.
have failed to do so. Data concerning the
Inventors around the world, however, have been coming up with ingenious new ways of
So technology is proving invaluable
employee’s compliance is then uploaded to
And this they have been doing with the aid of
during the current crisis. But the presence
the Internet. During the COVID-19 pandemic
technology. For example, a remote-controlled
of people is also essential for attending to
such systems have also been used to carry out
robot that can test patients for COVID-19 is being
those all-important details and delivering
contact tracing. Sensors embedded in these
trialled in Egypt. Cira-03 can also draw blood and
compassionate care. The touch of a nurse will
staff badges allow managers to create a virtual
perform EKGs and X-rays, with the results being
provide reassurance to a distressed patient
‘historical’ map of where staff members have
displayed on the robot’s chest-screen.
delivering healthcare services more safely.
in pain, while the cleaning operative who
been. And if someone then receives a COVID-19
Meanwhile, engineers in Taiwan have
thoughtfully moves a glass of water within the
diagnosis, administrators can better identify
developed a robotic arm that can perform
patient’s reach is worth any number of robot
their recent contacts. This occurred at the
nasal swab tests autonomously. And a robot
floor cleaners - no matter how good their jokes
Edward-Elmhurst Health Facility in Illinois, USA,
dog named Spot that can take a patient’s pulse
might be. And cleaning operatives are also vital
where 75 employees were obliged to self-isolate
and temperature is currently being deployed
for sanitising the frequently-touched surfaces of
for 72 hours after the system detected that they
in the US. A tablet mounted on Spot’s ‘face’
a hospital ward, which is something machines
had come into contact with an infected patient.
allows doctors to speak with their patients from
would find it difficult to achieve.
a distance so that those who need immediate
In fact the human hand plays a vital role in
Of course, in order to carry out good hand hygiene, staff need to have an in-depth
care can be quickly triaged. Besides carrying
healthcare and may be used for everything
understanding of why they should do so and
out essential medical tasks, technology can also
from examining wounds and changing
when it is strictly necessary. At Essity we have
have other healthcare uses. For example, a robot
dressings to taking pulses, administering
launched a virtual reality app designed to
called Moxi is being used in Texan hospitals to
medication and delivering meals. It is
teach good hand hygiene habits and clarify to
deliver PPE, COVID-19 tests and lab samples.
therefore clear that good hand hygiene is
healthcare staff when hand washing is vital. The
crucial in healthcare in order to avoid cross-
Tork VR Clean Hands Training and Education
‘bedside manner’ associated with medical
contamination. And again, technology is
app is free to download and provides realistic
personnel. However, scientists understand the
helping to improve hand hygiene compliance.
scenarios where hand washing needs to be
Some may consider robots to lack the
value of a reassuring staff presence and are now working on machines that can simulate human 22 APRIL 2021
There are now any number of electronic systems that use sensors to determine whether
carried out. Continued on Page 24. WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
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C&M
HEALTHCARE & HOSPITAL HYGIENE
Cleaning robots to the rescue IT’S safe to say the last year has been bleak
water-saving technology, they are claimed to
for everyone, never mind people who have
use up to 70% less water than other robots
been in hospital, both COVID-19 and non-
whilst still achieving the same high cleaning
COVID-19 related. The rising number of patients
standards. With active dry-tec, they also leave
in hospitals has become a scary statistic so
the floors dry. After a demonstration at Tunbridge Wells
hospitals and their cleaning operatives are under more pressure than ever to ensure high
Hospital in Kent, it was clear that Ella was
standards of cleanliness.
a firm favourite with the patients as well as leaving areas clean and safe. As a result of this
Enter Ella, a wisecracking cleaning robot that has been used in hospital wards to not only
success, the paediatric wards in Maidstone and
assist in the fight against the current pandemic
Tunbridge Wells Trust have shown interest. Ella
but to put a smile on patients’ faces. Ella is an
will be loved by all the children (and adults)
autonomous cleaning robot built by LionsBot,
as she tells jokes, sings songs and talks to
a Singapore-based company that creates
passers-by - a great way of lightening the mood.
cleaning robots as a service for commercial,
operator is free from constant maintenance
These robots are injected with personality
industrial and public spaces. Dylan Ng, the CEO
concerns as the cloud infrastructure allows
to humanise them, and they won the 2020
and founder, said: “Driven by innovation and
the robot to be operated from any location, at
Innovation Award at Interclean.
the desire to advance lives, all our LeoBots are
any time. The app allows real time updates, a
purposefully designed, built with cutting edge
compiled report of the robot’s tasks and 24/7
different variants - a scrubber dryer, a vacuum
technology and brilliant expertise to enhance
service support.
cleaner, a mop, and a robot that is able to
our quality of life.”
Not only are these robots designed to help
The Lionsbot’s LeoBot range has four
pull 450kg of waste. All are available in the UK
the cleaning force, they are designed to be eco-
from Killis.
with the LionsClean app meaning that the
friendly and safe for the environment. Utilising
WWW.KILLIS.CO.UK
Continued from Page 22.
can then tap into refill data remotely via their
Each robot is LionsOS operated which works
Technology can also be used to ensure that hand hygiene products are available at all
The cleaning operative’s job is particularly
smartphone or tablet, removing the need to
crucial during the COVID-19 crisis because
physically check each washroom for run-outs.
everyone’s safety depends on the ability of the
There are many other ways in which
staff to sanitise every surface. At Essity we now
times wherever they are needed. Good hand
technology can be used to enhance safety in
provide online training for operatives to help
washing and drying practices depend on the
healthcare. For example, automatic cleaning
them keep on top of the tasks in their remit.
ongoing provision of soap, sanitiser and hand
machines that sanitise floors using UV light are
Tork Interactive Clean Hospital Training takes
towels and these vital supplies should never
being introduced in hospitals around the world.
operatives through various real-world scenarios,
be allowed to run out. Tork EasyCube helps
These help to free up human cleaning operatives
methodically detailing each step of the process
to ensure an ongoing supply of consumables
so that they can carry out more important tasks
from picking up debris to emptying the bins,
via sensors placed in each dispenser. Cleaners
such as sanitising frequent touchpoints.
wiping down refuse containers and carrying out other ward-cleaning tasks. The module is available in more than 15 languages including Spanish, Arabic and Somali. People are vital in healthcare, and factors such as human compassion and reassurance provide a huge boost to patients. But during a global pandemic when cross-contamination is a real issue and social distancing is a necessity, technology has a vital role to play in supporting the work of medical staff, improving hand hygiene, carrying out general cleaning tasks - and freeing up more time for healthcare workers to spend with patients. The Tork VR Clean Hands Training and Education tool is free to download via App Store and Google Play. WWW.TORK.CO.UK/CLEANCAREHEALTHCARE
24 APRIL 2021
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HEALTHCARE & HOSPITAL HYGIENE
C&M
Perceptions of clean in healthcare environments CLEANING teams in hospitals and care homes put a huge amount of effort into their housekeeping operations. The aim is to create and maintain safe facilities that provide a pleasant environment and protect patients, guests, staff, and visitors against infections. But doing the work is only part of the equation - people also need to ‘feel’ safe and that often comes down to ‘perceptions’. Healthcare facilities have long understood the relationship between hand hygiene and surface disinfection and how these can break potential chains of infection. The choice of products on offer is large and facilities have developed - with support from suppliers like Diversey - robust and efficient routines to meet their objectives. Rates of hospital associated infections have fallen steadily in recent years.
Cleaning teams may have confidence in
accessible. Dispensers mounted on walls or
This success is excellent news but why
their processes and products, but perceptions
floor-stands in key locations are an ideal long-
are perceptions important? We know from
are still important. One way to improve them
term solution, but additional portable pump
studies in hospitality that guests appreciate
is to clean more visibly and explain why. Many
dispensers or personal bottles can maximise
cleanliness above almost any other factor
facilities have for reasons of practical necessity
accessibility and compliance in the short-term.
when making decisions about where to stay,
adopted processes such as daytime cleaning
the recommendations they make and the
that are carried out when people are present.
a positive impression. Modern trolley systems,
reviews they leave. There are, perhaps, fewer
The latest infection prevention ‘best practice’
for example, allow cleaning team members to
commercial considerations in the UK healthcare
goes further by ensuring that hand hygiene and
carry all their products, tools and equipment
sector although similar factors are likely to be
surface disinfection are carried out with high
neatly and tidily around a facility while also
important when patients, guests, visitors, or
frequency and targeted at critical touch points
being highly visible. The modular Taski Trolley
staff form and share their opinions. Very few
and tasks. Concepts such as the Five Moments of
system allows almost infinite configurations so
similar studies have explored patients’ reactions
Hand Hygiene and the Five Targeted Moments of
that teams can create the ideal workstation for
to cleanliness. One that did a few years ago
Environmental Disinfection (5 TMED) are simple
ergonomic, efficient and productive working.
concluded - mirroring hospitality studies - that
and effective and easy to understand. They are
patients formed perceptions of cleanliness
also easy to explain to patients and visitors and,
or backpack vacuum cleaners are ideal for
using evidence largely based on sight, sound
as they are often carried out when a patient is
busy and confined spaces because they are
and smell.
present, can be a highly effective way to reinforce
unobtrusive. They can be used when people are
positive perceptions.
present with less disruption. Cordless battery
The first, and perhaps most significant factor in perceptions is appearance. People
Hand hygiene plays a central role because
Choice of cleaning equipment can also make
Equipment such as compact scrubber dryers
powered models remove the need for a trailing
will understandably be more likely to believe
person-to-person contact or touching
mains cable which aids mobility and removes
a facility is clean if it looks clean. The study
contaminated surfaces are two of the main
a potential trip hazard from the working area.
mentioned above suggested that people
ways most infections spread. Regular hand
Larger scrubber dryers, especially the ride-
always expect a hospital’s floors, walls,
disinfection has been critical in healthcare
on models used in corridors and open areas,
ceilings, doors, and toilets to be clean. There
facilities since this link was understood but
also offer an opportunity to highlight cleaning
is however plenty of evidence to show that
has been reinforced even more during the
processes. In themselves these advanced
pathogens can linger on surfaces that appear
COVID-19 pandemic. Washing hands with soap
machines demonstrate a professional approach.
to be clean. This is why it is important to have
and water is effective but in healthcare settings
Many hospitals have added special branding and
a consistent cleaning regime that includes
disinfectant hand rubs that meet relevant
messaging to their machines to make them more
regular surface disinfection - especially of
standards such as EN14476 can offer additional
user friendly, explain what they are doing or to
frequent or multi-person touch points - even if
protection and reassurance. Disinfection
encourage people to ‘wash your hands’.
there is no apparent soiling.
points need to be readily available and easily
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Continued on Page 27. APRIL 2021 25
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HEALTHCARE & HOSPITAL HYGIENE
The best defence against cross-contamination CROSS-contamination is a crucial issue
soak mops with the correct amount of cleaning
in all healthcare contexts, from hospitals
solution since it can be adjusted from 50 to
to specialist surgeries: in these delicate
350ml, guaranteeing optimum moisture levels
environments, it is essential to adopt effective
specific to the mop in use and the surface area
procedures and use appropriate equipment to
to be cleaned. In all traditional cleaning systems, the
guarantee maximum hygiene. Correct management of flat mops is the
chemical solution is added to buckets or
basis for reducing the proliferation of germs,
mops many minutes or hours in advance,
as well as cross-contamination. This is why,
which dramatically decreases its efficiency,
particularly in the hospital environment, clean
increasing at the same time the risk of cross
mops and cloths are used for every single
contamination. Soaking mops just before
room and they are prepared according to the
their use keeps the active ingredients of
highest standards. Since the transport and
the chemical more effective, ensuring the
storage of wet mops creates an environment
highest level of hygiene. Dosely prolongs the
favourable to the proliferation of germs, it is
chemical’s active properties and principles since the cleaning solution is kept in a
recommended to use dry mops, soaking them shortly before actual use. Pre-soaking has always been one of the
reason, years of research have led to the creation of Dosely, a totally mechanical soaking station
hermetic tank. It is recommended to use Dosely with
main systems to prevent cross contamination,
that’s easy to use, taking only seconds to prepare
microfibre from the extensive range of TTS
although it requires demanding procedures and
a fresh mop for every new area to be cleaned and
flat mops, cloths and disposables to ensure
management of pre-soaked mops, which have
eliminating the need to transport wet mops.
deep cleaning. The mechanical action that
to be washed and pre-soaked again if not used.
The TTS soaking station simplifies and
characterises their very thin fibres effectively
Moreover, all mops are pre-soaked with the
speeds up the procedure for soaking individual
removes dirt and up to 95% of bacteria from
same quantity of cleaning solution that may not
mops - it allows the mops to be prepared on
the surface, reducing the amount of chemical
to be suitable for all conditions.
demand and directly on the trolley, raising
needed to ensure optimum hygiene and thus
hygiene standards with ease. Additionally, it
minimising the risk of creating disinfectant-
TTS as it believes it is the most effective system
ensures the greatest flexibility and control of
resistant bacteria.
in the fight against cross-contamination. For this
chemical. With Dosely, it is finally possible to
WWW.TTSYSTEM.COM
Soaking on demand has always been a goal for
Floorcare solutions for healthcare hygiene ROTOWASH knows that high cleaning
entrance matting, or escalator steps and is equally
standards in healthcare environments are
effective for scrubbing and buffing flat surfaces
essential and it has an important part to play.
such as vinyl, terrazzo and wood. On carpets, the
With 650rpm and up to 36kg of brush pressure,
versatile brushes extract the dirt, lift the pile and
a Rotowash machine ensures that hygiene
leave the carpet clean, well-groomed and dry
standards within healthcare establishments can
within minutes.
be maintained at optimum levels. The Rotowash industrial floor cleaning machine
The company offers free training to all operatives for the lifetime of the machine.
has been designed to tackle all types of flooring,
This means that any new user can be properly
which traditionally rotary cleaning machines often
trained to both use and maintain machines,
struggle with. The patented brush system can
which effectively safeguards them and protects
reach deep down into the irregularities of profiled
the longevity of the machines.
floors such as grouted tiles, studded rubber,
WWW.ROTOWASH.COM
26 APRIL 2021
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HEALTHCARE & HOSPITAL HYGIENE
C&M
Continued from Page 25. The use of floorcare machinery leads to another factor in perceptions: sound. Everyone is familiar with, for example, the sound a vacuum cleaner makes and hearing one will reassure that an area is being cleaned. But excessive sound can be unpleasant and unwelcome. The latest generation vacuum cleaners and floorcare machines are more powerful yet far quieter than previous-generation models which makes them better suited to busy areas. for example, contain patented Accelerated
switches, or other surfaces can easily give the
smells that will affect perceptions. Even odours
Hydrogen Peroxide, which offers advantages
wrong impression. A typical cause is using a
with pleasant associations - such as food - can
over traditional disinfectants. These include
product incorrectly or at the wrong concentration.
be overpowering if they are too strong. Modern
broad spectrum efficacy against a wide range of
This is easily remedied by choosing the right
cleaning products contain ingredients that can
pathogens, suitability for more surfaces and no
products and using them properly.
eliminate or neutralise bad odours and their
unpleasant or overpowering odours.
Hospitals and care homes are often full of
causes to help create a pleasant environment.
Cleaning and hygiene are critical aspects
Many hospitals and care homes have
of any healthcare facility’s daily routine. The
While the chlorinous smell of disinfectant
reduced or eliminated their reliance on
main requirement is always to create a safe
might suggest a clean environment, it can be
cleaning products altogether. Microfibre
environment for patients, guests, visitors, and
rather unpleasant and, in the worst extremes,
cloths and mops, for example, can clean hard
staff. Configuring processes properly and choosing
overpowering. Many facilities continue to use
surfaces effectively when used with water
the right combination of products is critical. This
chlorine-based products and strong odours
alone. Scrubber dryer pads impregnated with
will help cleaning teams to meet their objectives
should not be a problem when they are used
microscopic diamonds offer a chemical-free
consistently to meet and maintain the highest
correctly for the appropriate task. However,
alternative for cleaning hard floors.
possible standards. And that will always improve
there are times when alternatives might be suitable. Products in Diversey’s Oxivir range,
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
Touch can also be a factor on perceptions. Sticky table tops, bed rails, door handles, light
reputation and perceptions. WWW.DIVERSEY.COM
APRIL 2021 27
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HEALTHCARE & HOSPITAL HYGIENE
How the pandemic has changed hand hygiene in healthcare Chris Wakefield, managing director UK and Ireland, GOJO Industries-Europe Ltd, reflects on how hand hygiene in healthcare has changed over the past year and what to consider when purchasing products. TO avoid overwhelming the NHS, the focus
dermatitis due to an increased use of personal
in healthcare hygiene over the past year has
protective equipment (PPE) and frequent
had to be on solutions that combat COVID-19.
hand washing [1]. The same study revealed
Infection prevention measures have always
that 18% required time off work as a result of
been of the utmost importance in healthcare
occupational skin problems.
settings, but had to be stepped up. As a result,
As well as being painful, damaged skin poses
we have seen the frequency of cleaning and
a significant infection risk. The sufferer is both
levels of hand hygiene compliance increase.
more at risk of catching infectious diseases, and
This has had a direct impact on the cleaning
more likely to transfer these to surfaces and
industry, driving a huge surge in demand
other people, as it becomes harder to remove
for antimicrobial surface and hand hygiene
germs from all the cracks and flakes in the skin.
products. This has, in turn, prompted an influx of companies manufacturing hygiene products,
Product selection is key
some of which may not be fit for purpose.
It is clear then that choosing the right products
effective against the virus [3], according to EN
Indeed, in recent months, several products
is critical in healthcare settings, but the huge
14476 standard. Moreover, they passed with a
have been pulled from French markets due to
array of choice currently available is confusing.
contact time of just 30 seconds, which is vital in
compliance and safety issues. In the UK, the
So what should healthcare managers look for in
a busy healthcare setting.
CHSA has been campaigning on this issue.
order to sort the wheat from the chaff?
The risks of choosing incorrectly can be high,
Firstly, consider the formulation from a skin
The combination of high-quality products that both care for and protect skin, together
resulting in insufficient efficiency levels, poor
health perspective. Opt for products that are
with enhanced hand hygiene behaviour that
user adherence, or dry, damaged skin. In fact,
enriched with nourishing agents to care for
has become standard practice over the past
skin irritation is an increasingly common barrier
hands - because if they dry out or irritate skin,
year, can only spell good news for infection
to hand hygiene. Although repeated washing
adherence is likely to decline and infection rise.
control teams in the future. After all, these
or sanitising hands has always been routine
Perfect for when hands are not visibly soiled,
protocols prevent the spread of not only the
in healthcare, the virus has caused a dramatic
santising gel can actually be a kinder choice to
coronavirus, but other harmful healthcare
uplift in compliance. Unfortunately, this has also
skin than soap and water. Studies have shown
associated infections, like MRSA and c.difficile,
had a knock-on effect on skin health.
that when nurses used an alcohol-based hand
too. However, they are only effective as long as
rub with moisturising effect for two weeks, skin
people continue to practise them, so we must
workers seen in occupational skin disease
irritation and dryness decreased [2]. Following
work hard to ensure people don’t become
clinics, set up during the COVID-19 pandemic,
two further weeks of the nurses using medicinal
complacent and slip back into bad habits.
were found to be affected by irritant contact
soap and water instead, it was concluded that
WWW.GOJO.COM
Reports have shown that 59% of healthcare
modern moisturising hand sanitising rub causes less skin discomfort. The second - and most important - factor
[1] ‘Occupational dermatoses during the
is to look for products that have proven
COVID-19 pandemic: a multicentre audit in
antimicrobial efficacy. Choose products whose
the UK and Ireland’. I. Narang,1 H. O’Neill,1
efficacy against germs has been proven and
D.A. Buckley,2 T.A. Phillips,3 C. Bertram,4 G.A.
conform to key hospital norms EN 1500, EN
Johnston,5 D. Thompson,6 T. Bleiker,1 N.
14476, and EN 12791. This provides assurance
Stone,7 J.E. Sansom,8 S. Abdul Ghaffar,9 M.M.U.
that they are safe for use in healthcare settings.
Chowdhury,10 L. Kiely,11 S.M. Cooper12 and P.
Some trusted brands have even had
28 APRIL 2021
References
Banerjee13
their products tested against Coronavirus
[2] www.purell.eu/en/blog-en/hand-
specifically, such as Purell Advanced Hygienic
disinfectants-moisturising-ingredients-make-
Hand Rub and Purell Surface Sanitising Spray
the-difference.html
and Wipes. Last year, they were proven to be
[3] Surrogate virus BCoV WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
HEALTHCARE & HOSPITAL HYGIENE
C&M
Probiotic surface cleanser to reduce HAIs A study into a major cause of hospital
by creating synthetic dry biofilms similar to
acquired infections (HAI) has begun. The
those found in hospitals. Researchers will then
work is exploring how contagion bacteria
examine how effective probiotic cleaners, like
survive even deep cleans with chemical
those created by Genesis, prevent dry biofilms
products and is evaluating a novel approach
from forming onto a surface and whether the
to reducing HAIs through the use of probiotic
probiotic cleaners can decrease both biofilm
hard surface cleaners.
coverage and pathogen surface loads.
The collaboration between Genesis
Genesis Biosciences has invested millions
Biosciences and the University of Huddersfield
of pounds and years of research to develop
has received funding from the National Biofilms
products that contain natural beneficial
Innovation Centre (NBIC) and will examine
microbes which can reach deep into surfaces,
build an active biofilm of beneficial bacteria on
infection-causing dry biofilms and assess the
potentially eliminating harmful bacteria and
the application surface - therefore preventing
efficacy of preventative probiotic cleansers.
offering long lasting cleaning results. In recent
the re-establishment of harmful organisms and
hospital trials carried out using Bacillus-
prolonging cleaning efficacy. This study is very
witnessed a significant increase over the
based probiotics in Italy, a simple swap out of
exciting and once we confirm the effectiveness
past year due to COVID-19 and represent an
traditional chemical cleaners with probiotic
of the probiotic solutions over their corrosive
unrelenting and urgent threat to the NHS.
variants reduced the numbers of organisms
and toxic chemical counterparts, this new way
Despite regular and thorough cleaning,
detected on surfaces, resulting in a 52%
of cleaning can be rolled out across healthcare
potentially infectious organisms can survive
reduction in HAIs and a 75% reduction in costs
facilities across the country, minimising hospital
on hard surfaces within healthcare facilities by
associated with the prescribing of antibiotics.
acquired infections and potentially saving lives.”
Although historically high, HAIs have
forming a dry biofilm which acts as a barrier
Genesis Biosciences general manager, Emma
The joint project ultimately aims to extend
between infectious microorganisms and
Saunders, said: “Microbial pathogens that
the knowledge base and understanding of dry
sanitising agents, as well as forming a reservoir
cause HAIs can survive on surfaces for long
biofilm structures and the genetic aspects of
for surface reinfection.
periods of time which obviously increases the
their existence whilst providing a robust test
risk of cross-contamination through indirect
method for surface cleanser developers to
Cardiff-based Genesis Biosciences and
contact with the patient. There is evidence that
better assess the viability of their products in
the University of Huddersfield’s Microbial
probiotic cleansers can reduce both surface
this demanding area.
Therapeutics and Infection Control Centre will
bound pathogens and antimicrobial resistance
WWW.EVOGENPROFESSIONAL.COM/
investigate the form and function of biofilms
(AMR) genes in the environment, and help to
PROBIOTIC-CLEANING-PRODUCTS.
The concerted research project between
Vacuum cleaners for healthcare - power with responsibility THE XP range of upright vacuum cleaners
that the pushing force required to manoeuvre
that it is retained in the vacuum cleaner and
from SEBO is ideal for use in healthcare
it is close to zero, helping to make it light and
not released back into the air. The Health and
environments, featuring independently proven
easy to use for extended periods, but also giving
Safety Executive recommends that one never
filtration, hygienic dirt disposal using sealable
deep cleaning performance. The integrated
assumes that any dust is safe and that all
bags and quiet and light operation.
wand and hose mean that cleaning above the
uncontrolled dusts are potentially hazardous.
floor and reaching into awkward places is easy.
Virtually all the dust and dirt which is picked up
is to clean. The XP range harnesses the power of
The computer can also advise when the bag
by an XP vacuum cleaner is safely trapped in
an on-board computer to measure performance
needs changing, or when there is a blockage,
the high filtration bag, which can be sealed and
on the floor and continuously adjust the
and the multiple access points and cassette
hygienically disposed of. The filtration of the XP
floor head to the optimum cleaning height,
style brush roller make the XP easy to maintain.
has been independently tested by the DMT Test
Clearly, a vacuum cleaner’s number one task
completely automatically. The powerful brush action pulls the vacuum cleaner forward so WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
Of course, once dirt is picked up, it is essential in hospital and healthcare scenarios
Institute in Germany to filter 99.97% of Continued on Page 30. APRIL 2021 29
C&M
HEALTHCARE & HOSPITAL HYGIENE
Maintaining supply for the healthcare sector WITH increased rates of cleaning and the need
fabric to reduce waste. It also comes with
for impeccable infection control processes
colour-coded sockets to aid the reduction of
amplified by the pandemic, maintaining
cross-contamination. At the end of 2019, we
excellent cleanliness and hygiene and the
sold about 175,000 of these a week. Now we
supply of quality products to healthcare
are averaging 322,000 each week. While these
settings is imperative.
mops can be used for single-use cleaning, they are also reusable if desired, so they bridge
While Brexit has caused some delays to supply chains of products manufactured
the gap between single-use and multi-use
internationally, choosing British makes sense
cleaning products.”
at this time. And choosing a reputable British
Infection control and maintaining rigid
manufacturer means you can be sure that the
cleaning processes are set to remain high on
products you choose are of the highest quality
the agenda for cleaning in 2021, and nowhere
and can be relied upon to meet the needs of the
more so than in the healthcare sector. Earlier
healthcare sector.
this year, Robert Scott announced the results of its latest customer research which showed
Gill Ireson, head of sales at Robert Scott, explained: “The healthcare sector is operating
that these two priorities would remain of
at an incredibly high demand at the moment,
vital importance this year, with increased
and some suppliers are struggling to keep up.
cleaning frequencies and use of new cleaning technologies remaining commonplace.
This may potentially cause frontline cleaners working in key industries not to have the stock
quickly to sudden increases in demand.”
Ireson added: “There is no doubt that there
Meanwhile, a trend towards disposable
is a lot of pressure on those operating cleaning
have long been proud to manufacture a number
cleaning products in response to tightened
businesses in healthcare settings. It will remain
of our core products in Britain to maintain a
infection control processes has boosted sales
incredibly important that cleaners adhere to the
good supply and to guarantee the quality of the
of single-use wipes and similar products. Gill
most rigid processes regarding infection control
end product for our customers. As we’ve seen
Ireson continued: “We have seen a change in
and cross-contamination, but also that they
the initial impact that Brexit is having on supply
approach to sustainable cleaning products
have timely access to the products they need to
chains from other countries in the context of a
over the last year, as orders of single-use
do their jobs properly. There will be no excuses
global pandemic, it’s vital that our customers
products shot up in contrast to previous years.
for breaching infection control processes, so
can access high quality products at short notice.
An example of this is the big white mop, which
cleaning managers must make sure their supply
As the UK’s largest manufacturer of mops,
is ideal for pandemic cleaning as a disposable
chains are strong and that they can source
Robert Scott can offer guaranteed supply to
product and is manufactured in a more
equipment without delays.”
these important sectors, and also respond very
sustainable way using offcuts of non-woven
WWW.ROBERT-SCOTT.CO.UK
Continued from Page 29.
which the human ear is sensitive. This has
of vital cleaning equipment they require. We
the result that with any form of background particles of 0.3 micron. Above this particle size,
noise, the sound from the XP virtually
the filtration level is very close to 100%.
disappears, making it suitable in many cases
Healthcare facilities generally operate 24/7.
for daytime cleaning.
It is not always possible to vacuum when no
Last, but not least, SEBO believes that
one is around and the health and wellbeing
vacuum cleaners should be built to last,
of the cleaning staff and inconvenience to the
and should be easily repairable. Its vacuum
public have to be considered. Although there
cleaners are built to be durable and reliable,
are regulations limiting the sound power
and to have a long service life using few
level that a vacuum cleaner can reach, the
replacement parts. Component parts are
quality of that sound can still be unpleasant,
identified with the material they are made
even where the vacuum cleaner meets the
from, so that they can be recycled more easily
regulations. SEBO sound engineers have
when their service life is over.
successfully muted the harsh frequencies to
WWW.SEBO.CO.UK
30 APRIL 2021
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
Products & Services Directory
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COMPUTER SOFTWARE
HYGIENE SUPPLIES
FULLY INTEGRATED SOFTWARE
FOR CLEANING/FM CONTRACTORS
| +44 (0)1732 832888 | businessteam@templa.com | www.templacms.co.uk
FEMININE HYGIENE
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SOFTWARE / TECHNOLOGY
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Business Software for Janitorial Distributors
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www.bluerocksystems.co.uk
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SELF CONTAINED MOBILE VAN OR TRAILER Trafalgar Cleaning Equipment
01403 273 444 HAND HYGIENE
Products & Services directory To reach your potential customers advertise in C&M’s new Products and Services Directory. Contact us today to discuss your requirements: Contact: Michelle Andrews on Tel: 01737 855086 • Email: michelleandrews@quartzltd.com
C&M PRODUCT NEWS BOTHONGO Hygiene Solutions UK has launched a new range of cleaning products formulated for the post-COVID era under its new
Post-COVID Zuppclean range launched
Zuppclean and Zuppclean Eco brands - a comprehensive range of over 60 products, suitable for all built environments. The range has been produced to ensure a full range is available for all built environments, including hospitality with an extensive kitchen range, housekeeping, education, offices, retail, and leisure. Some examples of the range include the Zuppclean Eco Multipurpose cleaner and oven cleaner, a bactericidal washroom cleaner and a range of dishwasher products. “The launch of Zuppclean and Zuppclean Eco is really exciting for us, as we now provide our valued distributors and their
customers with a range formulated for cleaning in a post-COVID world,” said Nick Winstone, CEO at Bothongo Hygiene Solutions. “As a team we bring all the lessons we’ve learnt visiting thousands of customer sites, where we’ve refined training and knowledge of what the end users of our customers need.” WWW.BOTHONGOHYGIENE.COM PROFESSIONAL cleaning companies can now further enhance their cleaning regimes to protect against the threat of COVID-19 with a new handheld electrostatic fogger. Hygiene and pest control products manufacturer Pelsis Group has launched the Hurricane ES, an electrostatic fogger that disperses disinfectant across potentially contaminated surfaces to provide widespread coverage. It uses electrostatic technology to charge tiny droplets of disinfectant solution to create an ultra-low volume fog. The
Handheld electrostatic fogger
electrostatically charged micro particles repel each other as they are dispersed into the atmosphere at high speeds, delivering consistent coverage and stronger contact with all surfaces for optimum cleaning. WWW.PELSIS.COM
JANGRO has made several enhancements to its innovative training platform, The Learning Management Solution (LMS). The site now features badges,
New features for Jangro LMS
enabling users to track their progress, as well as an update to the COSHH module to make it more user friendly. As well as receiving a CPD-accredited certification on completion of each course, badges are awarded to users as they progress through the training courses. Once three modules have been successfully finished, the user receives a bronze ‘medal’. For silver status, seven courses are required to have been achieved. Only once all 12 training modules have been accomplished is the gold badge awarded.
Joanne Gilliard, CEO at Jangro, said: “Customer expectations of cleanliness and hygiene are currently higher than ever. Ensuring that professional cleaning staff receive high quality and relevant training is essential. It not only helps uphold these standards, but also helps to keep them safe, whilst continuing to work with coronavirus in general circulation. We hope these new badges will help motivate users to complete training courses and share their successes as they progress through the programme, ultimately enabling them to stay safe and achieve a high quality clean every time.” WWW.JANGROLMS.NET
32 APRIL 2021
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
PRODUCT NEWS C&M
OXIVIR Wipes offer a fast and convenient way to clean and disinfect surfaces
Single wipe kills viruses ‘in just 30 seconds’
against a wide range of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and yeasts. The wipes
EDITOR
Neil Nixon neilnixon@quartzltd.com 07957 713316
contain Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide as the
active ingredient and meet the EN14476 virucidal standard. They are fully virucidal and effective in just 30 seconds against coronaviruses like the one that causes COVID-19. WWW.DIVERSEY.COM
SALES DIRECTOR
Stuart Dacre stuartdacre@quartzltd.com 01737 855041 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Michelle Andrews michelleandrews@quartzltd.com 01737 855086
Racksack helps workplaces stay clean and tidy
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Carol Baird carolbaird@quartzltd.com 01923 437619 MANAGING DIRECTOR
Tony Crinion CEO
Steve Diprose CO-CHAIRMAN
RAPID and effective collection and segregation of waste in distribution centres and warehouses is
Paul Michael
provided with the racksack, now available from Beaverswood. Manufactured from hard-wearing
DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES
woven polypropylene to withstand the rigours of the warehouse environment, the racksack hangs neatly off the ends of shelving and racking systems that are between 900mm to 1100mm wide locators simply hook into the holes of the side profile of the end frames and allow the sack to be
Elizabeth Barford elizabethbarford@quartzltd.com 01737 855028
quickly removed and emptied. Sacks, which measure 800mm high x 920mm wide x 400mm deep, are available in several design options. WWW.BEAVERSWOOD.CO.UK
GERMERASE, available via Denis Rawlins Ltd, is a new brand aimed
Germerase provides long-lasting protection
at protecting against COVID-19, infections and superbugs, and has launched its first product range, offering protection against pathogens for ‘up to a month’. Manufacturers claim that GermErase is the first and only multisurface protector proven to kill SARS-CoV-2 in under 30 seconds, and a broad
PUBLISHED BY
Quartz Business Media Quartz House 20 Clarendon Road Redhill, Surrey RH1 1QX 01737 855086 www.cleaningmag.com
range of other pathogens, with up to 99.9999% efficacy. Available as a multi-surface cleaning spray and hand spray with wipes, it provides a protective barrier against bacteria and viruses up to 48 hours. Bonding to any treated surface, it remains – according to the manufacturer effective at log-4 for 28 days. WWW.RAWLINS.CO.UK
ISSN: 1473 723X © Quartz Business Media, 2021 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, without prior permission of the copyright owner. Printed by Pensord Press Ltd, Cardiff, UK
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APRIL 2021 33
THE
CLEANING SHOW 2021 2-4 NOVEMBER • EXCEL • LONDON
BY THE INDUSTRY, FOR THE INDUSTRY Attracting more than 7,200 visitors, the London Cleaning Show is the UK’s largest cleaning and hygiene event. Organised by the British Cleaning Council and Quartz Business Media, the London Cleaning Show taking place on 2-4 November 2021 at Excel London, has become the ultimate destination for the cleaning and hygiene sector to connect, learn and discover new products, services and suppliers. At the Cleaning Show you can: • Save time by connecting with 100s of suppliers in just one day
• Test and source new and exciting products
• Create fantastic business relationships and strengthen existing ones
• Benefit and learn from a free to attend conference programme
• Discuss industry challenges and network with new and existing clients
WHAT'S ON 3-Day Exhibition
2-Day Conference
BCC Seminars
Organised by
REGISTER NOW CLEANINGSHOW.CO.UK/LONDON/REGISTER-NOW
Networking Events
Official Media Partner