Cleaning & Maintenance - August 2022

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

Manual Cleaning Systems

In an industry where technology and automation are increasingly driving the agenda, it is important to remember that the quality of the outcome remains key - and sometimes this means adopting a manual cleaning system. This feature looks at some of the systems available, and the advantages they can provide.

Time to refresh disinfection strategy

The pandemic forced cleaning businesses to expand their range of services to fulfil a vital role in the fight against COVID-19, but is now a good time to step back and review disinfection procedures? Are we using the right disinfectants? Are they being applied correctly? And do we really need all those plastic bottles?

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Post-pandemic – time to review products and processes

Despite spikes in the number of COVID cases, the country is largely operating ‘post-pandemic’ and, with very few exceptions, life is returning to pre-pandemic normality. The cleaning sector played a huge role in getting the country to where it is today – a safe and hygienic place in which to travel, work and socialise –but some of the strategies and products used to cope with the emergency situation are now coming under review.

In his article on Page 18 - Time to refresh disinfection strategy - Adrian Gee-Turner, director of L’Eau Ltd, observes that the pandemic forced cleaning businesses to expand their range of services to fulfil a vital role. He says that many cleaning companies already offered disinfection, and when the pandemic hit the industry ramped up its services in response to overwhelming demand. Now that the pandemic has subsided, however, he asks whether this is a good time to step back and review our disinfection procedures. Are we using the right disinfectants? Are they being applied correctly? And do we really need all those plastic bottles? These decisions will need to be made by our industry as the Government struggles to manage the bigger issues during yet another change in leader. Adrian says: “We cannot wait for the government to change the way we operate - we owe it to our work colleagues, our customers, our children, and our planet to stop using hazardous chemicals and choose a clean, safe and effective alternative. The cleaning industry includes professional, dedicated, hard-working staff that perform a vital role in society. We are the people that understand the implications of cleaning and disinfection chemical choices, so we are the ones who will lead the way, showing others the best way forward - we simply must take this opportunity to ensure that our disinfection procedures and materials are as effective as possible.”

In other related news, BioHygiene has welcomed the expiration of a special derogation, put in place at the start of the pandemic, to help increase the availability of hand sanitiser. The derogation, put forward by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), issued critical situation permits that enabled alcohol-based hand gels to forego

the normal Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) requirements for product authorisation – allowing more hand sanitiser to reach end-users.

Carolyn Jones, technical director at BioHygiene, observes:

“Though perhaps necessary in the early days of the pandemic, the HSE has now gathered information from across the industry on the current availability of hand sanitisers and the figures show that the current demand can be met by products supplied under normal BPR requirements. Despite the derogation being in the best interest of end-users and the general public, the majority of products that entered the market through this derogation were alcohol-based hand gels. As many individuals have experienced, prolonged use of alcohol-based products can lead to dry and cracked skin.”

At the heart of both of these stories is concern for the environment, as well as concern for users and the public at large. As we are sweltering our way through a record-breaking heatwave we are reminded that we need to be mindful of the impact of every product and process we use. And it’s not just disinfectants and hand sanitisers. PPE, face masks, disposable workwear – all these things have an impact and the use of each hugely increased during the pandemic. Let’s make sure we challenge the ‘new normal’ and don’t allow the pandemic to remain a trigger for inappropriate and polluting practices and products.

I wish you a clean, tidy and healthy month ahead.

Neil Nixon, Editor Cleaning & Maintenance Magazine

INDUSTRY NEWS

In the news this month… Beyond Cleaning – DOC’s sustainability strategy – launched, BICSc Awards – finalists revealed, Making an impact at Mid Sussex Science Week, Special derogation for alcoholbased hand sanitisers set to expire, Sodexo among the first to achieve SBTi validation on net-zero target.

PEOPLE

Personnel news and new appointments from across the cleaning and FM sectors.

SPECIAL REPORT: TIME TO REFRESH DISINFECTION STRATEGY

The pandemic forced cleaning businesses to expand their range of services to fulfil a vital role in the fight against COVID-19, but is now a good time to step back and review disinfection procedures? Are we using the right disinfectants? Are they being applied correctly? And do we really need all those plastic bottles? Adrian Gee-Turner, director, L’Eau Ltd, reports.

SPECIAL REPORT: WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY – PROTECTING

OUR PLANET

Sam Greaves, MD and fourth generation owner of The Cleenol Group, a manufacturer and supplier of commercial and industrial cleaning and hygiene products, reports.

NEW PRODUCTS

An overview of some of the new products available on the market this month.

03 Editor’s Comment

A look at the cleaning sector this month.

13 BICSc Comment

The logic of logistics. Stan Atkins, CEO of BICSc, reports.

14 BCC Comment

Reflecting on 40 years in the cleaning industry. Peter Gurney, a founding member of the ABCD, reports.

15 Contractor’s blog Lee Andrews reports.

FEATURE: MANUAL CLEANING SYSTEMS

In an industry where technology and automation are increasingly driving the agenda, it is important to remember that the quality of the outcome remains key - and sometimes this means adopting a manual cleaning system. This feature looks at some of the systems available, and the advantages they can provide.

SPECIAL REPORT: THE UK GRAFFITI CRISISMORE MUST BE DONE, AND QUICKLY

There have been several reports over during the past year on the rise of anti-social graffiti in the UK and the long-term problems associated with it. These can often have damaging effects on local communities and cities as visitors and residents are blighted by the offensive paint. Dave Rudge, operations manager at REACT Specialist Cleaning, reports.

Beyond Cleaning – DOC’s sustainability strategy – launched

OVER 100 staff, customers, suppliers, and professional partners gathered at Fora in London’s Spitalfields Market to mark the launch of DOC Cleaning’s long term sustainability strategy - Beyond Cleaning.

The event was organised to showcase DOC’s work on sustainability to date and

to outline a variety of initiatives under the headline: ‘Our vision is to empower everyone we connect with to take positive action for the planet and society’. DOC has been working closely for the last two years with strategic partners JustOne Consultancy and Planet Mark to build a programme to achieve Net Zero and to put in motion a range of social value initiatives.

During his opening presentation Lee Andrews, CEO, said: “I’m delighted to be formally announcing our ESG strategy, which is pulling together a lot of different work streams, some of which have actually been going for years, but never brought together under a single banner like this.”

Hannah Dean-Wood, engagement manager for Planet Mark, introduced DOC’s carbon

BICSc Awards – finalists revealed

THE shortlist of finalists for the annual BICSc Awards 2022 has been announced. The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) Annual Awards celebrate the exceptional efforts of leading lights from the professional cleaning industry and will take place on Thursday 22 September 2022 at The Forest of Arden Hotel and Country Club. Former England international rugby player, Martin Bayfield, is the host for the awards (pictured).

Neil Spencer-Cook, chief operating officer at BICSc, said: “We have been delighted with

the exceptionally high standard of entries for this year’s awards, which recognise and reward industry excellence, shining a spotlight on inspirational individuals operating within the global cleaning community. We are thrilled to share the shortlist of finalists for our prestigious awards, with the next stage of judging getting underway shortly. We would like to congratulate all the finalists and thank everyone who has entered. We look forward to what will be an incredible awards ceremony where winners will be announced.”

The finalists are:

Outstanding Corporate MemberUniversity of Northampton; Top Mops Ltd.

Excellence in Training and Assessment UK - Vinci Facilities; University of Northampton.

Excellence in Training and Assessment

More than just a wipe

HARRISONS, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of high-quality wipes, has made a donation of Sontara premium products to Market Weighton Hedgehog Rescue to help support its mission. Market Weighton Hedgehog Rescue has been able to use these wipes to rehabilitate baby hedgehogs that have been rescued from the wild.

Stephen Harrison, managing director at Harrisons, said: “At Harrisons, we have always had a strong interest in giving back to the community and providing help wherever possible. When we found out about the Market Weighton Hedgehog Rescue requiring materials we saw it as an excellent opportunity to provide for animals in need.

reduction objectives, and Elise Craig, programme manager from the Living Wage Foundation, spoke about the importance to DOC staff and the many thousands of similar employees of being paid the Real Living Wage, especially in view of the current cost of living crisis.

WWW.DOCCLEANING.COM

(International) - Infracare Maintenance and Cleaning Services LLC; Berkeley Services UAE LLC; Cleanco Cleaning Services & Building Maintenance; Emrill Services LLC.

Assessor of the Year - Oliver Empson, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital; Caroline Johnson, University of Northampton; Tina Memory, London Borough of Hounslow.

Outstanding Client Commitment by a Cleaning Operative - Donna Harris, University of Northampton; Simon Rooney, BICSc Training & Services Ltd.

Outstanding Candidate of the Year - Diana Johnson, University of Northampton; Rhys Goodard, Vinci Facilities.

For tickets to attend the awards event please visit:

WWW.BICS.ORG.UK/AWARDS-TICKET-FORM/

We were delighted to be able to assist in the rescue with our Sontara wipes which are now being used to care for the baby hedgehogs. I can’t wait to see the hedgehogs grow and flourish. Hopefully, we can continue to contribute to local charities and provide assistance where needed.”

WWW.HARRISONWIPES.CO.UK

Not all eco’s are equal.

If nature had a choice, it would probably choose our products. Our high-performing biotechnology harnesses the power of microbes and enzymes to clean deeply and protect our environment:

/ Renewable, sustainable ingredients reduces carbon emissions by up to 85%

/ High-performing technology and PCR packaging reduces single-use plas c waste by up to 85%

/ Low-hazardous formulas create a healthier environment for people and our protects our aqua c eco-system

/ Responsibly sourced FSC packaging reduces environmental impact

/ Local supply chain and distribu on network reduces transport

That's the BioHygiene way.

Be cleaner, leaner and greener. Scan here to see how.

If nature had a choice...

Making an impact at Mid Sussex Science Week

BIO-PRODUCTIONS, based in Burgess Hill, met 140 pupils from five local primary schools recently when they converged to present science projects they had been working on all week. The pupils were partnered by local companies who assisted them with their projects during the week.

The goal of the event was to encourage science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) among 10-year-olds. Research shows that interest drops off after this age, particularly in girls. The aim was to showcase how interesting and engaging STEM can be.

Representatives from major employers in the town, including Bio-Productions, gave their time to work closely with teachers to set

a suitable project that could eventually be presented on the final day. Bio-Productions showcased biological - how bugs work in cleaning products and how they use the natural waste bi-product of orange peel in cleaner degreasers. Its aim was to demonstrate how

ingredients with less environmental impact can be used for professional cleaning - and encourage the students to think about less harmful ways to clean.

All 140 pupils had the opportunity to visit every exhibit and spent time explaining their own projects to the judges. After lunch, Mims Davies, MP for Mid-Sussex and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Employment, visited and explained the importance of encouraging STEM subjects among young people. She also presented the winning schools with their prizes. The event was also attended by Rebecca Hayter, Gemma Cox and Aiden Briffett from Bio-Productions. WWW.BIO-PRODUCTS.COM

Kingdom completes Colvin acquisition

KINGDOM Services Group has acquired The Colvin Cleaning Group - the Sussex-based professional cleaning services provider to the private and public sector. The company has now been rebranded as part of Kingdom Cleaning.

Colvin Cleaning Group business owner, Gerald Colvin, will remain as a consultant to support the full integration of the Colvin business, with his existing team all being retained. He said: “I am delighted with the acquisition and the integration of our two businesses. Kingdom Service Group, like The Colvin Group, has been established for over 30 years with an excellent reputation in our

industry. Kingdom’s nationwide coverage and portfolio of services will provide wider service support opportunities to our clients.”

Terry Barton, CEO of Kingdom Services Group, said: “2022 was always going to be a busy year for Kingdom. We have very exciting growth plans for all the companies within the group. Kingdom remains a family-owned business with family values and when I was introduced to Gerald there was an immediate culture match. I personally welcome the Colvin team into the Kingdom Group. Colvin provide a best-in-class local cleaning service. The acquisition will further strengthen

our ability to truly deliver a national and local best-in-class cleaning service. We can support the existing delivery with group-wide synergies and added value.”

WWW.KINGDOM.CO.UK

Special derogation for alcohol-based hand sanitisers set to expire

BIOHYGIENE has welcomed the expiration of a special derogation, put in place at the start of the pandemic, to help increase the availability of hand sanitiser. The derogation, put forward by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), issued critical situation permits that enabled alcohol-based hand gels to forego the normal Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) requirements for product authorisation – allowing more hand sanitiser to reach end-users.

“Though perhaps necessary in the early days of the pandemic, the HSE has now gathered information from across the

industry on the current availability of hand sanitisers and the figures show that the current demand can be met by products supplied under normal BPR requirements,” said Carolyn Jones, technical director at BioHygiene. “Despite the derogation being in the best interest of end-users and the general public, the majority of products that entered the market through this derogation were alcohol-based hand gels. As many individuals have experienced, prolonged use of alcoholbased products can lead to dry and cracked skin. Furthermore, we saw some particularly disturbing stories surrounding high

flammability issues. A further downside to the fast-tracking approach is that virgin, nonrecycled plastic is often used in the bottling process because it is easily accessible and cheaper. And, with such high volumes being used, the last thing we want is an increased demand for virgin plastics, whilst further contributing to plastic pollution.”

According to the HSE, the temporary derogation does not offer a grace period once ending, and therefore products must be removed from the market with immediate effect after the expiry date.

WWW.BIOHYGIENE.CO.UK

Terry Barton (left) and Gerald Colvin.

Cleanology goes national in major new expansion drive

CLEANOLOGY is bringing its sustainable and ethical approach from London to the rest of the country. After 20 years servicing the capital, and nearly 10 years in Manchester, Cleanology is forging ahead with new hubs across the Midlands, Scotland and the south-west. Now working in 14 cities across the UK, national clients include a well-known electric vehicle manufacturer and a number of leading national chains.

To mark the national launch, Cleanology has commissioned an HGV to be specially branded in its iconic green and blue flag logo. Speaking at the launch, CEO Dominic Ponniah said: “We are excited that this branded HGV will be travelling to every part of the country at the same time as we expand our business across the UK.

While our base has always been London, we’ve been delivering contracts in Manchester for almost 10 years and now have offices in Manchester and Leeds. The launch of our national service is a natural expansion which will make our future growth plans possible. This year, we have already grown by 50%. We aim to double our turnover in the next three years to £30 million - going national is part of that journey.”

In the past 12 months, Cleanology has expanded from its London and Manchester hubs to 12 additional towns and cities - Banbury, Bedford, Bicester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Reading, and Southampton. A further dozen locations will be launched over the next year.

WWW.CLEANOLOGY.COM

Sodexo supports the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter

SODEXO has been announced as a supporter of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, making it one of the scheme’s largest employers. The Charter’s goal is to raise employment standards throughout the city region and contribute to a thriving and productive economy.

As a major UK employer, with more than 10% of its 30,000-strong UK workforce operating in the city region, Sodexo have been working with the Charter for over 12 months in order to gain supporter status.

To achieve supporter status, Sodexo was able to evidence that the organisation fully supports the Charter’s seven characteristics of good employment, which set out what good

employment practices, effective employee engagement and good fair employment look like: secure work; flexible work; pay; engagement and voice; recruitment; people management; and health and wellbeing.

Such examples include Sodexo’s commitment to the Living Wage Foundation, multiple channels of communication with

Sodexo colleagues, ever-expanding health and wellbeing programmes for support, award winning apprenticeship programmes, a 24/7 virtual GP service, and an on-line learning platform available to all Sodexo colleagues.

Ian MacArthur, director at The Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to welcome a major regional employer like Sodexo to the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter. Good employment must be at the heart of any effort to level up our places, improve conditions for employees and create better working environments. I would like to welcome employers of all sizes and in all sectors to join Sodexo and get involved.”

WWW.SODEXO.COM

SC Johnson site receives sustainability award

SC JOHNSON Professional’s sustainability performance at its Denby site has been awarded a Gold Medal rating for 2022 by EcoVadis, an evidence-based corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability ratings framework designed to measure and report on these factors. The rating puts the professional skincare, cleaning and hygiene solutions provider in the top 5% of peer companies rated by EcoVadis across 160+ countries.

Katja von Raven, SC Johnson Professional CEO, said: “We are delighted to receive this EcoVadis Gold medal for sustainability, which

reflects our ongoing hard work and dedication to continuously driving for more sustainable activities, in our own world and beyond. The SC Johnson Professional team worked together to gather the evidence needed, which was required by EcoVadis as part of the very thorough and stringent measurement process to demonstrate our sustainable credentials. The outstanding achievement also allows us to enhance the link between CSR and sustainability, something we all have a responsibility to work hard to improve. As we continue to work towards a better world, the

Gold Medal EcoVadis rating helps show that SC Johnson Professional has a true long-term commitment to its people, the environment and the communities in which we operate.” WWW.SCJP.COM

Denis Rawlins launches contract hire service

DENIS Rawlins Ltd has launched a contract hire service to help businesses invest in the latest cleaning innovations, whilst protecting their bottom line. The service, which will enable customers to hire equipment from leading hygiene brands including KaiVac and SpaceVac, will offer fixed term contracts, with no upfront costs and set monthly payments. The launch comes as the cleaning and hygiene sector faces severe staff shortages due to a combination of financial constraints,

furloughed staff leaving the sector and the impact of Brexit.

James White, MD at Denis Rawlins, said: “The cleaning sector is currently facing staffing shortfalls and many businesses are preparing for a turbulent few months, as the economy looks set to fall into recession. When a business faces a challenging period, they need to do all they can to protect their bottom line - purchasing larger assets like cleaning equipment often gets put on hold. We wanted to find a way to provide

access to the very best cleaning innovations, whilst remaining sensitive to the challenges currently facing our customers. We believe that our new contract hire service will not only help customers protect their finances, by removing upfront costs and setting fixed monthly payments, but it will also help them overcome any staffing issues, by using equipment that delivers the highest standards of hygiene, in significantly less time than traditional cleaning methods.”

WWW.RAWLINS.CO.UK

Sodexo among the first to achieve SBTi validation on net-zero target

SODEXO’S near and long-term sciencebased emissions reduction targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), as the business prioritises decarbonisation to reach net-zero emissions and reduce its impact on climate change.

SBTi validated its net-zero science-based target by 2045 and long-term science-based target to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 90% across all scopes 1, 2 and 3 by 2045. This long-term sciencebased target, set against a baseline of 2017, incorporates emissions created throughout Sodexo’s value chain, including its supply chain and client sites, and not just those produced by its direct operations (often known as scope 1 and 2).

In the last six months, Sodexo has made considerable progress with its net-zero targets by achieving the following: deploying a carbon

trajectory tool to identify measurable steps to achieve its near and long-term science-based targets; progressing its 2022 commitment to procure 100% renewable electricity; conducting detailed energy efficiency audits across 98% of its direct operations; deploying Sodexo’s food waste prevention programme, WasteWatch, to more Sodexo client sites. The programme now covers 46% of raw material spent within its UK&I business; launching a

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100% electric vehicle and hybrid company car policy in the UK; increasing plant-based menu options across its food service and catering operations; and engaging key supply chain partners on net-zero and conducting a survey to understand its GHG emission reduction targets and commitments.

Claire Atkins-Morris, director of corporate responsibility, Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “Not all net-zero commitments are created equal. We are incredibly proud to be one of such a small number of organisations to have our targets validated by the SBTi’s rigorous process. We recognise that the only way to keep 1.5°C in sight is one that prioritises emissions reductions, both in the near and longterm. SBTi’s careful and high-quality analysis of our emissions goals will support us in delivering Sodexo’s ambitious net-zero commitments."

WWW.SODEXO.COM

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K-C P appoints general manager, UK and Ireland

KIMBERLY-Clark Professional has appointed Craig Bowman as general manager for the UK and Ireland - 14 years after he started at the company as an intern on an industrial placement from university.

Craig Bowman has held roles in sales and marketing for Kimberly-Clark Professional in the UK as well as Dubai, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in the last 14 years. He returned to the UK in February for the first time since the start of the pandemic after a two-year stint as general manager in Israel.

“The core values of Kimberly-Clark Professional and its main purpose to provide

better care for a better world still inspires and motivates me everyday,” said Craig. “We operate with this purpose in every business unit around the world. When I first met the team, I realised immediately that it was like a family with common values and goals. We all work as a unit with people who you really respect. Working in four countries over 10 years has given me a cultural understanding and functional knowledge of how the company operates. I am grateful for the opportunities that have brought a raft of experiences that has shaped me as a person and given me a much more rounded understanding of the world outside of the UK. I feel now that I have a duty to give back opportunities to others within the organisation as well as our customers and partners.”

Robert Scott appoints head of procurement

ROBERT Scott has appointed Darren Williamson as its new head of procurement.

Darren joins the business from safety supplier Arco, where he was product and procurement manager, for its cleaning and hygiene and workplace safety categories. He brings more than 30 years’ procurement experience to his new role and will oversee the ongoing purchasing of all the business’s requirements, leading on expanding its range of sustainably sourced and manufactured cleaning products and

equipment to support businesses in reducing their environmental impact.

Darren Williamson said: “I’ve always admired Robert Scott - it’s a great family business that I wanted to be part of. With almost a decade of experience in cleaning and hygiene procurement, my plan is to continue the great work the team is doing and build on its extensive range of products, as well as looking to add new, innovative products with a particular focus on sustainability and environmental credentials. I’m very much looking forward to helping to take the business forward.”

Alastair Scott, sales director at Robert Scott, added: “Darren joins the business

Denis Rawlins expands team

DENIS Rawlins Ltd has strengthened its team with the appointment of a new business development manager, Jenny Barrett. Jenny brings over a decade of industry experience with her, having worked for

leading cleaning and hygiene firms, including PHS, Bunzl and SaveMoneyCutCarbon.

Jenny Barrett said: “Denis Rawlins has an excellent reputation in the cleaning and hygiene sector for delivering the most innovative and effective solutions. I am proud to be part of a company that is driven by science, bringing only the very best products and services to market. I very much look forward to getting to know our existing clients, and bringing in some new ones along the way, as Rawlins continues to grow at pace.”

Olena Neznal, vice-president of KimberlyClark Professional Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “Craig is a fantastic leader, and I am delighted he is leading our KimberlyClark Professional UK and Ireland business. His career progression at Kimberly-Clark is a great example of how we are committed to developing talent and invested in creating the next generation of leaders in the industry. It is an exciting time to lead the UK and Ireland business - we have a talented team and great innovation like our new RightCycle Programme service to help close the loop for used hand towels and dispensers. I am confident in Craig’s leadership and believe we will build and enjoy a bright future in this industry, together with our customers and end-users.”

WWW.KCPROFESSIONAL.CO.UK

at an exciting time. We’re investing considerably in innovation to bring new products to market that will help businesses clean efficiently and effectively in ways that are better for the environment. Introducing more reusable and recyclable items is a key area that we’re currently looking into, and we want to ensure the ways in which we source and manufacture these products have positive sustainability gains too. Darren’s extensive experience and knowledge of procurement for the cleaning and hygiene sector will be a fantastic asset for the business to lead the team as we look to expand our ranges to support customers.”

WWW.ROBERT-SCOTT.CO.UK

James White, managing director at Denis Rawlins, added: “As we continue to expand our team, we are delighted to welcome Jenny to Rawlins. With an impressive track record of growing businesses and attracting new customers, Jenny is a fantastic addition to the company. She will work closely with our sales team to bring our existing and new customers innovative product solutions, backed up by the highest standards of service.”

WWW.RAWLINS.CO.UK

Stan Atkins, Group CEO, BICSc, reports

The logic of logistics

WHAT I thought was logistics is also now referred to as e-commerce. Probably the largest logistics company is Amazon which keeps getting bigger, unlike the Amazon Rainforest which keeps getting smaller.

Logistics is usually the detailed administration and implementation of a complex operation. In a general business sense, logistics is the management of the flow of things between the point of origin and the point of consumption to meet the requests of customers or organisations. Whether you prefer to refer to this as e-commerce or logistics, one thing is certain - large organisations have very little knowledge of the products or services they are selling. This makes it difficult for niche companies and retailers to compete on a level playing field.

Product knowledge from vendors is shrinking by the day. For example, I recently went instore to a large office supplies company and enquired about a leather office chair as I was working from home. I asked if the seat at the back of the chair was leather, the sales assistant referred this question to the manager who referred me to the company’s website for an answer.

I have, for more years than I have been writing this column, used Laithwaites as my preferred drinks supplier

once the supermarkets had effectively culled many wine merchants and off-licences (remember them?). From personal experience, Laithwaites customer service is exemplary in my opinion and, generally speaking, its staff know the product. So, the problem with logistics companies is effectively that they create a market that is usually accessible and deliverable with three clicks.

A French Appeal Court recently upheld a local judge’s earlier ruling which prohibited Amazon from performing any delivery of non-essential items amid the COVID pandemic. Under that extraction the company ships only essential products such as food, medicine, hygiene products, and electronics to French customers. This ruling during the pandemic assured the survival of many independent bookstores in Paris as books were not considered to be an essential item (this, of course, is a matter of opinion). Independent booksellers in Paris who had no online presence quickly instigated a click and collect/postal service.

So those of you who work for large organisations who have a preferred supplier list that restricts individual managers from making purchasing decisions, I offer this example. On mobilising a contract that was due to start on a Monday evening we ordered, from a national supplier,

what I would refer to as consumable items - mops, buckets, cloths, and chemicals. This particular contract had a day janitor and five part-time evening cleaning operatives. So, on the mid-morning at the start of the contract, the delivery arrived the day janitor and me put the products into the main cleaning store and the three cleaning cupboards. I was dismayed to find that the 10 mop heads of each colour that we had ordered had arrived with no mop handles (on checking the delivery note, I could see that they were on back-order). Mop heads without mop handles are of little or no use so I spoke to the company concerned who informed me it was probable that coloured handles would be available on my next delivery on Monday the following week. Monday, apparently, was the day that they delivered to the town where we were operating. I suggested that, as a stopgap, they deliver six plain, non-coloured handles and they informed me they thought this was a good idea and that they would deliver them the next Monday! I informed them they should put them in a taxi and deliver them to me that afternoon and we would sort out the cost of the logistics later.

For further information, please visit: WWW.BICS.ORG.UK and the BICSc Virtual Training Suite at: WWW.BBS-VIRTUAL-TRAINING.THINKIFIC.COM

Reflecting on 40 years in the cleaning industry

IN September 1980 I applied for a job at Rochdale Council as a cleaning operative and, 41 years later, I am now looking forward to retirement, leaving as head of the cleaning/catering service. To say the cleaning industry has changed dramatically over the 40 years is an understatement, and a recent visit to the Cleaning Show in Manchester summed this up when watching computer programmed, battery operated cleaning machines doing the work that I used to do with a mop and bucket.

In 1980 I was sent to a school as a relief cleaner with no training, no PPE and no experience. I was shown the cleaning cupboard which contained a galvanised mop bucket, a pretty filthy mop, a cloth, a fivelitre bottle of bleach, and a bottle of neutral detergent. The caretaker on site was clear with his instructions: ‘Just wash and wipe everything’. In simple terms I used the same mop for all the floors (there were no carpets in schools in those days) including the toilets and was then told to wipe the desktops with the same mop. I don’t think the term ‘cross contamination’ had been heard of. Cleaning toilets was easy - just get a cloth, put some bleach on it and wipe everything down - sinks, urinals, toilets, walls, all using the same cloth because ‘bleach kills everything’.

As the years went on the industry progressed and new cleaning machinery was made available. ‘Buffing machines’ were all the rage. Being able to use a 200rpm or 400rpm machine for cleaning moved the industry forward, but training some staff to use a machine was a challenge and I personally had to untangle two staff members who tied themselves up when the buffer went AWOL.

The old ultra-high-speed machines were also an improvement but staff keeping the machines running when ‘having a chat’ did result in a number of claims for new floor coverings!

Training for cleaning staff became the norm, working to a specification, along with having pride in the work that cleaning staff were doing. Logoed PPE/ID badges being worn and support from the British Cleaning Council, the ABCD and other organisations showed that the cleaning industry was vital for all companies and having a professional image within any organisation would only be of benefit.

It has not all been good news. As the industry grew and machinery became the norm, managers realised the service could be speeded up and the areas covered by cleaning staff were enlarged, resulting in major job losses. Schools being given delegated budgets allowed them to take the cleaning ‘in house’ or use an external provider which had a major impact on local

authorities. The introduction of academies has further weakened the cleaning industry within local authorities and this is likely to worsen with the news that all schools must be in a multi academy trust by 2030.

In recent years the pandemic has had one of the greatest impacts on the cleaning industry. I believe that the pandemic has shown the critical role the cleaning industry has in all aspects of life, from hospitals, to schools, council buildings and even in your own home.

It is evident that without a cleaning industry the impact of COVID would have been worse. Seeing millions of people disinfecting surfaces and seeing empty shelves in supermarkets where cleaning products were held just highlighted people’s concerns. The cleaning industry should be proud of its efforts during this time.

I will leave you with a quote from a headteacher: ‘My school can operate without teachers, but without cleaners I would close down in 24 hours’. All cleaning staff should hold their heads up high and be proud to say ‘I am a cleaner’.

WWW.ABCDSP.ORG.UK

The ABCD is a member of the British Cleaning Council. The views of Council members are their own.

Peter Gurney, a founding member of the Association of Building Cleaning Direct Service Providers (ABCD), reports.

Squeeze, incoming?

THESE are interesting, if apprehensive times for the cleaning industry. The current set of circumstancesinflation, a chronic labour shortage, economic gloom, and concerns about social value and environmental sustainability - is exerting pressure on margins and creating uncertainty as to the direction of travel.

How? Well first, the evidence. A well-known research body reported recently that net profit margins in commercial cleaning averaged only 2% last year. That in itself is very worrying. It might be an after-effect of the pandemic, despite many contractors performing reasonably well as a result of the additional work generated by that particular crisis. What’s more concerning, however, is that the effects of inflation had not really taken hold last year, raising the question as to where that 2% is going to go once the rising costs of labour and supplies works its way through to this year’s P&L account.

The most serious challenge we face, of course, is the labour shortage and the upward pressure this is putting on pay rates. On the positive side, it is good to see cleaning operative wages rising and, under normal circumstances, that would filter through into increases in contract charges and the maintenance of percentage

margin, especially where there is some sort of indexation tied to headline inflation or legislated pay rate increases.

These are not normal circumstances, however, and because inflation is eating into corporate profits, I am hearing through the grapevine that some clients, particularly those whose agreements are not indexed, are effectively saying that they will fund legislated frontline pay increases, but not corresponding increases to overheads. That presents its own peculiar problem, since rapid growth in front line pay rates has a knock-on effect up the chain as the differentials between job grades are eroded. You might well say that management are just going to have to live with smaller increases, but has anybody tried recruiting or replacing a manager lately? You will know that the job market for management at the moment is as tight as it is for front line staff and we know what happens when supply is short.

You could say the problem will resolve itself naturally. Historically, high inflation leads to unemployment as firms go bust. But we are at an unprecedented moment where the labour supply is highly constrained and the traditional economic relationship may not kick in for some time, if at all. More likely, firms will just eat into their reserves, if they are lucky enough to have them.

Sustainable cleaning with Toucan Eco

Toucan Eco is a revolutionary way to make a disinfectant cleaner from just water, salt and electricity that kills 99.99% of germs. It replaces 80% of chemical cleaners and the single use plastic bottles they are supplied in.

Something’s got to give, but what? Which brings me to my final point. Like many other contractors in the industry, we have been working hard to embrace sustainability, both in environmental terms with our net zero programme, and with other initiatives to create an enjoyable working environment where our staff can thrive. I’ve mentioned in previous columns how this meets two objectives: firstly, it helps to attract and retain staff, and secondly it meets the ever-growing expectations of clients who insist on sustainability credentials as a prerequisite to working with them. To develop the company in this way is fantastically rewarding and satisfying, but of course it comes with associated business overheads. My concern is that as the economy flounders, clients may begin to view such activities less as must-have and increasingly as nice-tohave, and will gradually reduce the weighting they give to such activities in supplier selection. Meanwhile, we have built all these costs into our business, and whilst we have no intention of pulling back from them, it would be a massive shame if our industry is pushed back towards the race-to-the-bottom mentality that, thankfully, we seemed to be slowly exiting.

WWW.DOCCLEANING.COM

Lee Andrews, CEO of DOC Cleaning, reports.

Welcome to eco-friendly cleaning from Robert Scott.

Time to refresh disinfection strategy

Adrian Gee-Turner, director, L’Eau Ltd, reports.

The pandemic forced cleaning businesses to expand their range of services to fulfil a vital role in the fight against COVID-19. Many cleaning companies already offered disinfection, and when the pandemic hit, the industry ramped up its services in response to overwhelming demand. However, now that the pandemic has subsided, this is a good time to step back and review our disinfection procedures. Are we using the right disinfectants? Are they being applied correctly? And do we really need all those plastic bottles?

Disinfectant resistance

An issue that is starting to emerge is the microbial development of resistance to disinfectants, which may arise for a number of reasons. Microorganisms may reside in dirt, in difficult to access places and in biofilms, where disinfectants cannot easily reach. Here, at the margins of the disinfected area, microorganisms are exposed to lower disinfectant concentrations enabling less susceptible strains to survive. Cleaning operations should therefore take place before disinfection. Equally, if disinfectants are not applied properly, spray droplets that are not fully covering a surface for example, the margins with low concentrations are dramatically increased. Also, some disinfectants are persistent in the environment, presenting microbes with ineffective concentrations that encourage resistance. The ideal disinfectant is therefore one which is highly effective at the point of application, is applied correctly and quickly loses all of its efficacy in the environment, before reaching sewers, drains and surface waters.

In order to ensure that a disinfectant is highly effective, we recommend that it should be certified to deliver a Log-4 kill of viruses. This highlights the importance of choosing the right disinfectant.

Bleach is effective at killing bacteria, fungus and viruses, but as an irritant to skin it can cause burns and serious damage to eyes. Inhalation of its fumes can harm the respiratory tract, and the correct

concentration of bleach must be used to achieve effective disinfection. Most bleach manufacturers claim 99.9% kill (Log-3) of harmful micro-organisms, so a Log-6 disinfectant is one thousand times more effective. This means that bleach could be expected (in the right conditions) to reduce 1 million colony forming bacterial units (CFUs) to 1000 CFUs whereas a Log-6 disinfectant would be expected to reduce the same size colony down to just one single CFU. Bleach is therefore mainly suitable for the lowcost disinfection of non-porous, unpainted surfaces such as floors and toilets.

The expression ‘99.9% kill’ is used by many disinfectant manufacturers but, as highlighted above, whilst this might sound highly effective, it isn’t. Unfortunately, this situation is further complicated by the microbe to which the Log number relates. This is because some microbes are easier to kill than others, so beware of manufacturers that only offer 99.9% (Log-3) for bacteria. For comparison, the highly effective Nemesis eH2O (HOCl) delivers Log-6 effectivity against bacteria, Log-4 against viruses and Log-3 against spore-forming bacteria.

A further advantage of HOCl (and of bleach, incidentally) is that it rapidly degrades to salt and water after application, so it is not persistent in the environment.

Plastic bottles

We are major users of single-use plastics. As a consequence, our industry is a major contributor to this ongoing global catastrophe, so we have to ask ourselves if we are happy for this to continue? The use of plastic bottles should be minimised, and they should be returned to manufacturers for re-use.

Better disinfection strategy required in healthcare

The threat from hospital acquired infections (HAIs) remains, and of course this now includes COVID. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), out of every 100 patients in acute-care hospitals, seven patients in high-income countries and 15 patients in low- and middle-income

countries will acquire at least one HAI during their hospital stay, and on average, 1 in every 10 affected patients will die from their HAI.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the extent to which healthcare settings can contribute to the spread of infections - harming patients, health workers and visitors if insufficient attention is paid to infection prevention and control (IPC). In a recent report[1], the WHO showed that where good IPC practices are followed, 70% of those infections can be prevented.

Why are we still using Quats?

In the past, Quats were popular because they provided an opportunity to formulate disinfectants to target specific pathogens in specific applications, especially where detergent action is also required. However, as outlined above, cleaning operations should take place prior to disinfection.

The continued use of Quats within the cleaning industry raises significant concerns. Their activity, for example, can be adversely affected by water hardness (during dilution), fat-containing substances and anionic surfactants. In addition, cotton and gauze may absorb the active ingredients of Quat-based products and significantly reduce their effectiveness. Many cleaning and disinfection products containing Quats are potentially hazardous to health, and product labels contain warnings against ingestion or exposure to skin, eyes and the respiratory system. These products are frequently supplied in concentrated form, which presents a greater hazard and provides opportunities for mixing errors which may affect efficacy.

The health effects of Quats include a range of problems from mild skin and respiratory irritation up to severe caustic burns on skin and the gastrointestinal wall (depending on concentration). Quats have also been associated with allergies and occupational asthma, and with fertility and birth defects in laboratory mice.

Given the potential health effects of Quats, the group most at risk are those of us that work with cleaning chemicals every day. A paper published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine[2], involving 6235 participants over 20 years, concluded: ‘Women cleaning at home or working as occupational cleaners had accelerated decline in lung function, suggesting that exposures related to cleaning activities may constitute a risk to long-term respiratory health.’

The Quat disinfectants that contain hazardous substances also represent a threat to the environment and used containers should be incinerated or disposed of in an acceptable permitted waste disposal facility.

Quats entered the market in the early 20th century before the US EPA began regulating the manufacture and sale of potentially harmful chemicals under the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act. As a result, Quats counted as existing chemicals on the market could continue being included in consumer products without being evaluated for safety. However, these compounds have since been extensively tested and their precautionary statements are available under the sections on Environmental Hazards, and Danger to Human Health within their registration documents on the US EPA website.

Post-pandemic, there will inevitably be a greater demand for improved disinfection procedures and most cleaning companies now include this in their services. However, if going back to normal means using these hazardous chemicals, maybe we should take this opportunity to reassess the health and environmental impacts of the products that we use?

Health and safety regulations

Under the Workplace (Health Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, employers have a legal duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of employees. Furthermore, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations

1999 require employers to assess and control risks to protect their employees. A key element of this is the requirement to comply with the COSHH Regulations. The COSSH Regulations include dust, mist, vapour, fumes, and chemicals. In addition to their health and environmental risks, hazardous cleaning and disinfection chemicals therefore also incur an additional administrative burden.

In many countries, employers are duty bound to consider the health and safety of their staff during the journey to work. Whilst this is not the case in the UK, responsible organisations should consider doings so.

The way forward

Potential problems occur when facility managers dictate cleaning schedules and products without the requisite training and experience. It is vitally important therefore that the trained professionals in the cleaning industry are involved in these important decisions because of the health implications for staff, visitors and cleaning staff. We do not tell electricians how to carry out their work, because we know that they must adhere to regulations. The cleaning industry should be the same - without appropriate standards, how can anyone produce a reliable risk assessment?

The solution lies in the use of environmentally friendly products that are not hazardous to human health. However, it is vitally important that these products are as effective, or better, than the hazardous chemicals that they replace. For these reasons, hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and catholyte have become increasingly popular in the healthcare, education and facilities management sectors.

Hypochlorous acid is produced naturally by our white cells to fight infections, and it is now available as a commercial product in a stable form. With a Log-6 reduction, HOCl has been shown to be one of the most effective products available, and it

poses no danger to humans, pets and the environment, with no PPE required.

Conscious of the need to ensure effective coverage during disinfection, L’Eau Ltd has been working with the cleaning company Twotwenty2 Ltd to develop a UK-designed electrostatic sprayer, and in doing so we sought the most effective HOCl product. Following extensive research and evaluation, we chose Nemesis eH2O (500 ppm), because not all HOCL products are as effective and as stable when stored.

Electrostatic sprayers should form part of all cleaning companies’ tool kits because they dramatically improve the coverage of disinfection and improve the treatment of difficult-to-access areas. All cleaning should be followed by sanitising with electrostatic sprayers because this method maximises coverage and leaves viruses and other pathogens with no place to hide. By implementing standard procedures that ensure dwell times and coverage of all surfaces, we can create a safe environment. We cannot wait for the government to change the way we operate - we owe it to our work colleagues, our customers, our children, and our planet to stop using hazardous chemicals and choose a clean, safe and effective alternative. The cleaning industry includes professional, dedicated, hard-working staff that perform a vital role in society. We are the people that understand the implications of cleaning and disinfection chemical choices, so we are the ones who will lead the way, showing others the best way forward - we simply must take this opportunity to ensure that our disinfection procedures and materials are as effective as possible.

References

[1] WHO launches first ever global report on infection prevention and control. www.who. int/news/item/06-05-2022-who-launchesfirst-ever-global-report-on-infectionprevention-and-control

[2] Cleaning at Home and at Work in Relation to Lung Function Decline and Airway Obstruction. www.atsjournals.org/ doi/full/10.1164/rccm.201706-1311OC

[3] Do we know enough about the safety of quat disinfectants? Chemical & Engineering News. www.cen.acs.org/safety/consumersafety/know-enough-safety-quatdisinfectants/98/i30

WWW.LEAU-LTD.CO.UK

Top of the mops – new innovations in manual cleaning systems

The mop - one of the most utilised products in the cleaning industry, thanks to its simplicity, versatility, and convenience as a daily cleaning tool. It’s a product that has withstood the test of time. Robert Scott has been making mops since 1925 and is the largest mop manufacturer in the UK – producing, on average, half a million mops per week. Here Alastair Scott, sales director at Robert Scott, discusses the advantages of manual mopping systems, new innovations and the importance of choosing the right mop for the task at hand.

When we talk to customers about ‘traditional’ mops, we generally mean socket mops made with cotton-rich yarn. With traditional mops you have a convenient choice between disposable, semi-disposable and reusable mops - depending on the fabric type. Wherever possible we recommend reusable products to help reduce environmental impact. Disposable mops will also drive costs up as they require the constant replenishment of mop heads. However, they are still required in certain situations where what’s being cleaned needs to be disposed of immediately.

Most manual mops are light, easier to use and simpler to move than machines so they’re ideal for quick response cleaning such as spills and accidents. When you add obstacles such as stairs and furniture into the equation, manual mops make even more sense and there’s a range of different solutions available for cleaning from small spaces to large floor areas.

Thanks to advances in mop technology, reusable mop systems are much longer lasting and better for capturing dirt and germs. For example, the washable Hygiemix mop is a cost-effective solution that’s made using cotton, viscose and polyester to create a robust mop that can be washed and reused time and again.

The introduction of microfibre mops and flat mop pads mean that these mops can lift 99% of germs without using any cleaning agent - they also have a static electric charge to capture dust. Microfibre is a fantastic fabric for mop systems as it’s even more absorbent than cotton and can hold up to seven times its weight in water. It’s also fast drying so is ideal

for using with spot cleaning or quick response tasks.

Mop fabrics are also now available with antibacterial additives such as the Biofresh mop that inhibits the growth of bacteria and odours within the mop. A similar but more powerful option is the microfibre Nano-Ag flat mop - which includes a silver additive that works in the same way. Both products are designed to be washed and reused many times without any loss of performance.

When it comes to advances in sustainability, most of Robert Scott’s mops are now made from 100% recycled fabric sourced from waste textiles that we

manufacture into CHSA accredited mops in the north west of England. We’ve also developed a patented Refill mop comprising a reusable plastic socket and clip, along with a replaceable mop refill. When the mop reaches end-of-life, the user can recycle the fabric refill and reuse the plastic socket.

To make the most of a manual cleaning system, it’s critical for businesses to carry out a cleaning audit of their environment and the needs of their team to ensure suppliers can provide the solution that will deliver cost-effective, superior cleaning results while also saving time for end users.

WWW.ROBERT-SCOTT.CO.UK

Taking good care of floorcare

When it comes to floorcare, if you think a brush is a brush then think again. Adrian Peck, business development manager at Hillbrush, looks at the importance of choosing the right brush for the job, floor type and the correct techniques to save time and money.

For most people, a brush is simply a tool to do a job - but don’t underestimate its capability or importance. This is particularly true when it comes to cleaning protocols for high-risk areas such as food manufacturing sites. Choosing, using and maintaining cleaning equipment and systems is essential for minimising the risk of microbial, allergen and foreign body cross-contamination and, in turn, compliance to a range of regulatory requirements, food safety hazard management systems such as HACCP, as well as external accreditations such as BRC and individual customer audits.

For contract cleaners working in these environments using the right brushes for the job is essential. Plastic, food approved

cleaning tools have to be used to minimise the risk of cross contamination and comply with food regulations. Floorcare often requires cleaning over large surface areas with cleaning equipment collecting and spreading pathogen contamination. Not only is it essential to ensure that the correct equipment is selected but that it is used, cleaned, stored, and maintained correctly.

So, what type of brush to use for cleaning hard floors? It should not be a question of picking any brush but careful consideration of the selection of tools suitable for the task. Stiffness and length of filaments, brush materials and the type of soils to be removed should be considered. Investing in a cleaning audit from a brush supplier can help with selecting brushes and training can

help with ensuring that it is used correctly.

There are many different types of brush fibre which have varying cleaning qualities, as well as ranging from stiff to soft. The type of brush to choose depends on the job that the cleaner is undertaking. A stiff brush, for example, should be used to agitate and remove. A tough brush fibre can be used to remove residues such as wet flour that has been trodden into the floor. Use of a stiff brush with the correct chemicals and manual labour, rather than a jet wash cleaner, will minimise the risk of debris spreading to a wider area.

In contrast, a soft brush should be used to ‘sweep and gather’ on a less smooth surface and is ideal once a stiff brush has been

Continued on Page 23.

Great for carpets, great for the environment.

By using PCR (post-consumer recycled) plastic containers for our Natural range of cleaning solutions we – and you – are doing our bit for the environment. PCR reuses recovered plastics such as singleuse items found discarded on our beaches and in our countryside.

Our carefully formulated range of Natural cleaning solutions gives you the best cleaning results so you won’t be sacrificing effectiveness; in fact your customers will love you for your dedication to cleaner carpets and a cleaner planet.

020 8974 1515 sales@

Manual Dexterity

We live in a world that is seeing ever-greater levels of automation and robotic technology. Driverless cars are a regular feature in the news and, in agriculture, automated harvesting techniques have been relatively common for some time. Cleaning, however, is a different kettle of fish - we are still, at our core, a very human industry. So why is manual cleaning still so prevalent, and is this a good thing?

Considering the column inches given over to fresh developments and automated technology, you might be forgiven for thinking the cleaning sector was driven by robotic vacuum cleaners. However, the vast majority of contract cleaning is still performed manually. Daytime cleaning, like the emptying of bins or cleaning of washrooms and desks, is all performed by hand, and most pieces of specialist equipment require an operator.

This operator-led technology can be beneficial, and often bring environmental benefits. Today’s rotary buffing machines, for example, are typically battery-operated, cordless models which use less water and chemicals than their predecessors. Completely automated machinery is already a feature in some settings, such as large school halls and airports, but the intricacy of manoeuvring around toilets or climbing up and down stairs still requires human skills.

This is not to say that robotic solutions will never be capable of managing all the tasks that human staff perform. We are seeing trials of robot cleaners in washrooms, and robots may be suitable for basic tasks such as collecting cups from desks. However, price tags make robotic options uneconomical. With a basic floor scrubbing machine costing £20,000, we are a long way from the point where robotic options threaten to replace the majority of human employees.

As an employer, automation versus manual systems raises a number of other concerns. Where people management

brings challenges around performance and absence, automation raises questions about reliability and durability; will a robot do as good a job, and how long will it last?

Our industry is so heavily focused around people that new ways of working would bring a very different feel and energy. As managers, our work would have a greater emphasis on logistics and far less on nurturing and developing staff.

Since the advent of COVID, manual cleaning has taken on greater significance. Touchpoint cleaning, while not at the level as during the height of the pandemic, is still an important part of our daily routine. At some sites we have increased the number of cleaning hours to allow for thorough

touchpoint cleaning; at others, reduced footfall means less staff coming into the office, and we have introduced different shifts to work around the client. All staff are trained to perform detail cleaning, such as removing marks on furniture, cleaning of skirting boards and window ledges.

Whatever the task or system, manual or automated, it is important to remember that quality is the key. As part of Cleanology’s national expansion, we found that old fashioned quality cleaning still trumps everything else. Ultimately, whether man or machine is performing the task, it is good, old fashioned elbow grease that counts.

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Dominic Ponniah, CEO of Cleanology, explains why manual cleaning systems are here for the long-haul.

Orbitz scrubber dryers strip polish with just water – no stripper – and collect the slurry too.

Unrivalled cleaning performance from Timberline’s Orbitz machines.

Making manual cleaning easier

Every cleaning need requires equipment suitable for the task: using the right tool to clean surfaces ensures you get the best results in the shortest time with minimum effort.

TTS systems for dusting and washing offer high performance and high hygiene standards. The range allows cleaning of any type of surface, efficiently removing different degrees of dirt. In addition, it allows operators to perform their tasks quickly and without fatigue, cutting costs and reducing the risk of occupational injury.

Clean and dry in one single movement

According to TTS, Clean Glass revolutionises surface cleaning, making it simple and fast. The system cleans and dries at once, saving time and reducing traditional task costs.

Ideal for cleaning shiny surfaces such as mirrors, glass and stainless steel, the ultramicrofibre cloth removes smudges, dust and dirt and quickly dries surfaces leaving them clean and without streaks.

Lightweight, handy and easy to use, the hand frame offers a larger cleaning surface area than manual wiping and perfect contact to the surface being cleaned. In

addition, its ergonomic handle grip reduces operator fatigue. Clean Glass enables higher surfaces to be accessed with ease thanks to the frame and its ‘block system’ joint designed for vertical surface cleaning, combined with a telescopic handle with non-slip grip.

A solution for each cleaning need

Inadequate care of surfaces risks damaging them, so it is necessary to use only suitable equipment that can ensure deep and gentle cleaning at the same time. Touch manual cloths meet the needs of the different surfaces to be treated, ensuring maximum performance and minimum time and effort. The unique line offers high quality solutions for every surface, including the most delicate ones.

TTS solutions range for surface cleaning has recently been enhanced with Allice Eco, an eco-friendly multi-purpose microfibre certified EU Ecolabel, ideal for any type of dirt and surface.

Allice Eco and Touch cloths can be used with BiLap Twist, the innovative duster that ensures the easy cleaning of hardto-reach surfaces. Thanks to the twisting plate you can use both sides of the frame while the convenient adjustment system allows you to incline it up to 270°. Finally, the Lampo handgrip can be quickly attached to the telescopic handle or pole equipped with Jack Lampo cone to reach higher surfaces.

Manual disposable cloths on a roll by TTS make surface sanitising simple and immediate, ensuring effective disinfection and maximum control of cross contamination. The distinctive pierced layer encourages effective dirt collection while the TNT composition is characterised by excellent absorbency and homogeneous release of the cleaning solution. The 90 tears roll can be used dry or soaked with cleaning or sanitising solution in the dedicated bucket with lid - the closable window facilitates the extraction of the individual tears while the hermetic closure of the lid preserves the active ingredients.

WWW.TTSYSTEM.COM

Continued from Page 19.

used to remove hardened debris. Brushes and brooms with flagged fibres should not be used in dry food production areas such as bakeries since loose fibres can pose a risk of foreign body contamination. Food processors should choose brushes with extra soft or crimped plastic filaments to ensure filament retention.

Selecting the right cleaning tool for floorcare is just the start. Using a brush correctly is essential to ensure the maximum amount of sweep. Holding the broom at the right angle with the right length handle for your stature will mean that all the fibres - five rows of fibre filaments in the case of Hillbrush brushes -are in contact with the floor. Cheaper cleaning tools do not have the same ‘sweepability’ and require much more time to get the job done. A good example is with a floor squeegee used for washing down at the end of a production shift. A washdown will result in listeria which requires careful cleaning with a squeegee and

correct chemicals. If the squeegee is well maintained and used correctly it should sit flush with the ground, with the water removed easily with a few bold sweeps.

Old or faulty cleaning tools, and incorrect cleaning and storage of tools, are

all key factors contributing to potential microbiological hazards. Floor cleaning should reduce the risk of bacteria, not contribute to the loading on equipment and the environment.

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Effective Simple Software that Gives Meaning to your Cleaning

TAL Clean is an affordable, easy to implement digitalised solution in order to meet the challenges facing contract cleaning services providers. Through the use of QR codes we are able to make cleaning visible, measurable and auditable to all stakeholders. Ensuring your clients satisfaction and confidence in using your companies services.

The UK graffiti crisis - more must be done, and quickly

There have been several reports over during the past year on the rise of anti-social graffiti in the UK and the long-term problems associated with it. These can often have damaging effects on local communities and cities as visitors and residents are blighted by the offensive paint.

The removal of all graffiti is a never ending task, with a high price tag associated with cleaning due to vandals targeting the same hotspots again and again. In the UK, it is estimated that £1 billion pounds is needed to remove the majority of graffiti painted across the nation, with £75 million required for the London Underground alone.

Graffiti can make local residents feel unsafe and it can have a lasting impact on the reputation of the cities that are vandalised - that’s why it’s imperative that we look to new ways to focus our efforts to end this defacing of public property.

The long-term impact of graffiti

There has been a significant rise in politically-incensed graffiti over the last 18 months as vandals have taken to vulnerable public places to spray paint their political views on the COVID-19 pandemic. Cities and towns with low vaccination rates such as Bolton and Enfield are some of the worst affected by this form of vandalismcontributing to local unrest. Vandalism like this can influence public opinion and both scare people and impact their behaviour with much broader consequences.

Safety is viewed as paramount by the public, and rightly so. They can often have high expectations when it comes to feeling safe and comfortable in public places such as at train stations. Therefore, when offensive graffiti appears under bridges, on pathways and scaled across public buildings, this can sometimes be enough to deter people away from those areas and from using particular services. What’s more, this can often have a knock-on effect on local businesses. Graffiti

is known to incite other forms of vandalism and crime by promoting unlawful behaviour, which will consequently turn business away due to a decrease in desirability.

This ongoing struggle between vandals and authorities creates a scenario where councils are forever having to pay the cost of clearing the graffiti - with no end in sight - to keep our streets completely graffiti-free.

The price we pay What is often forgotten is the price associated with cleaning graffiti, especially on the rail network infrastructure. As a public body, Network Rail has to prioritise its spending on safety critical matters and those affecting the operation of the railway. Therefore, graffiti is not its main priority and will take longer for it to be cleared. This can have an even bigger fall-out as the longer the paint remains on the surface, the more difficult it is to remove. For example, brick is an uneven surface which means graffiti will be absorbed into the porous materialthis makes it almost impossible to simply scrape or wipe it off. Graffiti has to be removed - typically within 24-48 hours, for the best chance of it being removed easily and without damage.

The cost of paint removal is only one inconvenience - graffiti also has a wider social cost to the running of everyday life. To remove graffiti on the transport network, operators may have to cancel or delay trains so that the cleans can be done safely by specialist teams - including under bridges or on tracks - which can cause disruptions. Similarly, with tunnels and bridges over motorways, it is sometimes necessary to have whole lanes closed which can cause traffic congestion. These are high-risk tasks and so must be done by highly trained operatives to ensure the graffiti is removed in the safest, most economical way. By undertaking either a full site visit or desktop assessment, you can plan the most effective methodology to remove the graffiti prior to arriving onsite.

Graffiti also has an environmental cost - the aerosol sprays used for spray painting emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which have been associated with contributing to rising ozone levels and, in some cases where experts aren’t involved, the cleaning agents used to remove the graffiti can also be toxic. These may work from the outside, but on the inside they are causing long-term damage to the surface and the environment.

Deterring graffiti

The top two ways of preventing graffiti are: Design, physical layout and protective measures: it’s important to consider the layout and physical design when thinking about graffiti prevention - secluded areas with limited traffic and large blank canvases obviously provide ample opportunity for vandals. One way of counteracting this is to install good lighting, motion-sensitive lights and CCTV in vulnerable spots. In addition, consider planting trees, foliage and ruffage near or around the surface which will make it harder for the vandals to access and deface.

Dave Rudge, operations manager at REACT Specialist Cleaning, reports.

Barrier coatings: protecting your surfaces is essential as it can be up to 80% more difficult to remove graffiti from unprotected areas. The most effective way to do this is by using a barrier coating such as fluro carbonates for interior and exterior surfaces. For outdoor furniture, signs and walls fiberglass or porcelain coatings will be most effective. For overall effectiveness, glazing vulnerable surfaces or objects with vandal-resistant plastic laminate will work just as well. While this will make the removal process easier, the laminate may permanently damage the surface they are coated on. For example, using a barrier coating on wood will prevent the wood from being able to breathe which can lead to early rotting.

What is being done

The graffiti crisis is not going unnoticed. During the pandemic, however, these issues were only accentuated and more needs to be done to address the rising cost of graffiti removal. In a letter to the rail industry in September 2020, the Transport Secretary

called for long-term plans to tackle the issue. The proposals built on the action already taken, including a review of the response times to graffiti vandalism, helping to prevent more serious crimes and helping passengers to feel safe. As a result, during the pandemic Highways England removed

Increased safety and stability at low level heights – New and safer distance requirements between platform levels

You know when you choose BoSS that you’re choosing the UK’s No.1 mobile tower system. EN 1004 standards have changed and with BoSS you can be assured that our towers meet all the requirements you need.

33% more graffiti compared with the same time the previous year. This will be particularly important in 2022 as workers are commuting again. Passengers will need to feel safe when returning to the railway.

WWW.REACTSC.CO.UK

World Environment Day –protecting our planet

On 5 June it was the UN’s World Environment Day. While this day is marked every year by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), this year marked a particular milestone as it is 50 years since the United Nations conference on the Human Environment was held in 1972, in Stockholm, Sweden.

World Environment Day has been held since 1974 and is the largest global environment platform, with over 150 countries participating. Its purpose is to engage individuals and organisations around the world to raise awareness of environmental issues and to celebrate actions taken to protect the environment. This year, to mark the 50-year anniversary, the event was once again hosted by Sweden.

This year’s ‘Only One Earth’ campaign called for ‘collective, transformative action on a global scale to celebrate, protect and restore our planet’. The UNEP called on individuals, organisations, celebrities, and businesses to get involved to raise awareness and spread the word.

At Cleenol, we’ve a long history of sustainability in business and have been ISO14001 accredited since 2010, meaning we manage our environmental responsibilities in a systematic manner that contributes to the environmental pillar of sustainability.

We also operate an environmental management system, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements relating to environmental aspects of our business activities, products and services.

In 2014, we launched our Envirological range, featuring only products that included no unnecessary raw materials, dyes, perfumes, or harmful additives, were phosphate-free, septic tank safe, and packaged in reusable or renewable containers.

We’re also committed to striking the right balance by ensuring that users of our products understand how to use them safely and avoid under-dilution, which can have harmful effects on the environment, or over-dilution, which wastes water. This is why we adhere to the principle we call ‘the Right Dose’. All of our products are carefully formulated to ensure

that when used correctly, at the right dilution with the right equipment, the environmental impact is kept to a minimum and remains safe for people. In addition, our Easidose range is super-concentrated, meaning it’s compact, uses minimal packaging and is easily transportable - all of which helps to drive a lower carbon footprint. And all of the packaging is recyclable and, where possible, reusable.

Going further to help protect the environment

Yet, as the effects of climate change and the human impact on the planet become ever more apparent, we can always do more. Concerns around sustainability and the environment are ever-increasing and businesses must continue to strive to do things better. That’s why we developed our new comprehensive environmentally friendly product range, edencleen. The range delivers the same performance as the rest of our product ranges, contributing to a cleaner, safer world, without compromise. The products in this new range have been developed around the following principles and ingredients: RSPO certified palm oil derivatives; no animal derived products/ cruelty free; no parabens, formaldehyde, CMI/MIT, triclosan, phosphates, chlorine bleaches, optical brighteners, or quaternary ammonium compounds; VOC free and phosphate, EDTA, NTA free; 100% biobased surfactant made by using bio-based ethylene oxide, manufactured from biomass ethanol; uses bioethanol, naturally derived acids, sugar-based surfactants, bio-based solvents and low impact preservatives; minimal petrochemical derived products; and recyclable/recycled packaging.

This new range range includes washroom cleaner, multi-surface degreaser, allpurpose sanitiser, toilet cleaner, laundry liquid detergent, fabric conditioner, washing up liquid, and window and glass cleaner.

Sam Greaves, MD and fourth generation owner of The Cleenol Group, a manufacturer and supplier of commercial and industrial cleaning and hygiene products, reports.

Cleenol launches edencleen range

CLEENOL Group has created edencleen. The range includes a washroom cleaner, toilet gel cleaner, urinal deodoriser, an all-purpose surface sanitiser, a degreaser, a washing up liquid, a no rinse floor degreaser, a window cleaner, a laundry detergent, and fabric softener.

edencleen products have been developed around a number of stringent principles and ingredients including RSPO (The Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified palm oil derivatives, no animal derived products, cruelty free, and minimal petrochemical derived products. The products are also VOC free with recyclable/recycled packaging, 100% bio-based surfactant - made by using bio-based ethylene oxide, which is manufactured from biomass ethanol, Bioethanol, naturally derived acids, sugar-based surfactants, bio-based solvents, and low impact preservatives.

Sam Greaves, MD and owner of Cleenol, said: “edencleen’s new range represents just the start to a fully refreshed solution to meet the most demanding of customer expectations. Over the course of our history, Cleenol has always produced products that offer a perfect balance between cleaning performance and efficiency with an attention to reducing the environmental impact that our products may carry. edencleen has been designed to reflect in part our vision for a cleaner, safer world that touches not only the environmental aspects of sustainability, but also has an aim and social ambition to leave the planet in the safe care of future generations.”

WWW.CLEENOL.COM

FLEXIBLE offices and hybrid working models have created new hygiene challenges - and today’s employees are becoming increasingly focused on health and wellbeing. It is against this background that Essity has created the Tork Office Hygiene Package, a tailor-made selection of products, services and support tools. The package aims to help facility managers create a clean, hygienic workspace to elevate staff wellbeing and ensure that employees feel safe to return to the office.

The Tork Office Hygiene Package helps facility managers support new hand hygiene and surface cleaning behaviours in shared spaces. It also looks at how data-driven cleaning can consistently improve performance and efficiency. And it allows FMs to be more sustainable without compromising on hygiene or safety.

“People no longer review their workplace on classic employee benefits and values alone,” said Essity’s marketing director commercial, Anna Königson Koopmans. “They also want to see how far their employers deliver on health and wellbeing in the workplace. As part of the Tork Office Hygiene Package we offer a professional hygiene consultation with our experienced hygiene advisors, either on site or virtually. Based on the findings our advisors then give clear recommendations and suggest solutions to meet customers’ needs and secure excellent hygiene standards.”

Technological solutions such as Tork Vision Cleaning can help offices meet these challenges. Tork Vision Cleaning uses real-time data from people-counters and connected dispensers to show facility managers and operatives where cleaning is likely to be needed most. “Tork Vision Cleaning can be used to determine cleaning frequencies and ensure that dispensers are stocked up 99% of the time,” continued Anna. “The insights gained help to improve all processes and the reporting tools demonstrate adherence to safety regulations and provide transparency of a job well done.”

WWW.TORK.CO.UK/OFFICEHYGIENE

Tork elevates workplace well-being

JANGRO has made further enhancements to its award-winning and CPD-accredited e-learning platform, the Jangro Learning Management Solution (LMS). Its newly refreshed health and safety training course is now live and available for operatives to complete at www.jangrolms.net.

The newly enhanced health and safety module takes 30 minutes to complete, during which users will learn to identify risks in cleaning, prevent accidents during cleaning, recognise their responsibilities regarding health and safety, and identify chemical and biological hazards in the workspace.

Jo Gilliard, CEO at Jangro, said: “Employers have a legal responsibility to make sure that their staff have a safe working environment. But, it is also important that employees contribute to the review and development of best working practices. It is vital that together they can both properly identify common workplace accident hotspots in order to prevent them before someone gets hurt. The newly refreshed health and safety course on the LMS enables them to do just that, quickly, easily and cost effectively.”

WWW.JANGROLMS.NET

CHRISTEYNS, manufacturer of detergents and disinfectants for industrial laundries in Europe and across the world, has launched EPIC, an innovative detergent system. EPIC - enzymatic process innovation by Christeyns - is based on enzyme technology that allows laundries to reduce their wastewater costs by 25%.

Alain Bostoen, CEO of Christeyns, said: "Industrial laundries are facing several water challenges: the cost and availability of water, the cost of discharging wastewater and ever-stricter environmental regulations concerning its discharge. With EPIC, we can help laundries meet discharge standards and reduce wastewater costs. Currently, the technology is already being used in more than 10 European laundries."

It is surfactants that give a detergent its cleaning properties. However, these components have a negative impact on wastewater quality. Thanks to the EPIC detergent system, these surfactants are reduced by 50% and supplemented by biological enzymes. This reduces the wastewater load by 20-30%, providing substantial savings for laundries.

Olivier Mareau, application manager and EPIC project manager, continued: "EPIC is a flexible detergent system in which the enzyme mixtures are created and dosed according to the stain. These unique mixtures are dosed in the washing process separately from the adapted, enzyme-compatible detergent. So, it is not a standard allin-one detergent. Because we target stains, only a low dose of the mixture is needed for the desired effect. In a standard laundry process for hotel linen, two to four grams of detergent are dosed per kilogram of linen. With EPIC, this quantity is reduced to less than 0.9 grams.”

WWW.CHRISTEYNS.COM

EDITOR

Neil Nixon neilnixon@quartzltd.com 07957 713316

SALES DIRECTOR

Paul Sweeney paulsweeney@quartzltd.com 01737 855041

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Michelle Andrews

michelleandrews@quartzltd.com 01737 855086

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Carol Baird carolbaird@quartzltd.com 020 3602 1186

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Tony Crinion

CEO

Steve Diprose

CO-CHAIRMAN

Paul Michael

DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES

Elizabeth Barford elizabethbarford@quartzltd.com 01737 855028

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Jangro enhances health and safety training module

Enzyme technology reduces wastewater costs

INFORMING, INSPIRING AND CONNECTING THE INDUSTRY

After a successful return to London in November 2021, the Cleaning Show will be back in 2023, taking place from 14–16 March at ExCeL, London.

Organised by the British Cleaning Council and Quartz Business Media, the Cleaning Show has become the ultimate destination for the cleaning and hygiene sector to connect, learn and discover new products, services and suppliers.

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