JUNE 2020
THE OFFICIAL PARTNER OF THE CLEANING SHOW
IN THIS ISSUE: COVID-19 Update
Neil Nixon provides a round-up of the cleaning industry’s evolving role in meeting the challenge posed by COVID-19.
Window Cleaning
The FWC calls for the nation’s window cleaners to be employed in a nationwide rolling programme of sanitisation to fight the Coronavirus…plus other news from the sector.
Scrubber Dryers
A look at the range of scrubber dryers currently available, and the pros and cons of each – including robotics.
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PLUS: • Industry news • People • Contracts • Products
COVID-19 Update
Window Cleaning
Scrubber Dryers
Neil Nixon provides a roundup of the cleaning industry’s evolving role in meeting the challenge posed by COVID-19.
The FWC calls for the nation’s window cleaners to be employed in a nationwide rolling programme of sanitisation to fight the Coronavirus…plus other news from the sector.
A look at the range of scrubber dryers currently available, and the pros and cons of each – including robotics.
>>> page 18
>>> page 29
>>> page 26
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EDITOR’S LETTER C&M
It’s good to talk
C&M hosted the first in a series of webinars recently and drew an unprecedented level of interest and engagement from the cleaning sector. Called ‘Reopening for business - the critical role the cleaning industry will play in getting the UK back to work’, the webinar featured a panel of the UK cleaning sector’s leading experts: Paul Thrupp, chairman of the British Cleaning Council and director of retail destinations at OCS; Stan Atkins, CEO of BICSc; Peter Smith, CEO of Principle Cleaning Services; Kim Phillips, head of catering and facilities services at Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council; Dominic Ponniah, CEO of Cleanology; and Paul Ashton, director of the Cleaning and Support Services Association and CEO of Birkin Cleaning Services. I moderated the session – which lasted almost 90 minutes – during which we took questions from the audience.
It was a pleasure to host the six industry experts in what was a most engaging discussion. As this pandemic has developed and evolved, I have become increasingly proud of the way our sector has responded to the challenge of keeping buildings and transport systems open, and to keeping the public safe. Our sector – usually largely ignored by business, the media and the public – has gained recognition in parliament and through ministerial speeches, and its profile has been hugely enhanced generally. Once this is all over, I hope cleaning operatives remain the key workers that the country sees them as today. Don’t forget to visit www.cleaningmag.com where you can watch the webinar ‘on demand’ and where you can find out details of forthcoming online events from C&M. Wishing you a happy, clean, tidy and healthy month ahead.
Discussion centred around the main theme: as the UK prepares to return to work in an almost post-COVID-19 world, what are the critical elements of service required from the cleaning sector to ensure that this can be done safely and efficiently, and how important is the role of the cleaning sector in getting the country operating again? The discussion considered numerous other aspects of cleaning and hygiene related to COVID-19, and drew much comment from the 400 or so people tuned-in for the live event.
Neil Nixon, Editor Cleaning & Maintenance Magazine
@cleaningmag
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
Cleaning&Maintenance
JUNE 2020 5
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CONTENTS C&M
18 Special Report: COVID-19 Update. Neil Nixon provides a round-up of the cleaning industry’s evolving role in meeting the challenge posed by COVID-19.
JUNE 2020
08 13 14 24 29 32
Industry News In the news this month… CHSA calls for priority testing for cleaning product suppliers, FM leaders call for strategic partnerships and performance-based contracts to drive innovation, Robert Scott supports local charities with bio-cleaning solution, Northwood to close Penygroes People Personnel news and new appointments from across the cleaning and FM sectors. Contracts We take a look at all the latest contracts awarded across the industry.
26
Special Report: Using apprenticeship resources where it matters most - for preparedness and to build a healthier future. As Barrie Torbett passes the torch to John Shonfeld, the new Master of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners, he’s laid out his final thoughts on what the industry should focus on in the future.
Feature: Window Cleaning. The FWC calls for the nation’s window cleaners to be employed in a nationwide rolling programme of sanitisation to fight the Coronavirus…plus other news from the sector.
Feature: Scrubber Dryers: A look at the range of scrubber dryers currently available, and the pros and cons of each – including robotics. New Products An overview of some of the new products available on the market this month.
05 Editor’s Comment
15 BICSc Comment
Looking back at the past month in the cleaning sector.
99% of the time it will kill 99% of ‘known’ germs.
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
16 BCC Comment The bin cleaning industry and COVID-19. Daniel Coulon, director of the National Association of Wheeled Bin Washers, reports.
17 A job worth doing – a contractor’s blog. Lee Andrews reports.
JUNE 2020 7
C&M INDUSTRY NEWS
CHSA calls for priority testing for cleaning product suppliers THE Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association
individuals produce, pack and distribute the
(CHSA) has written to the Health Secretary,
products being used by cleaning operatives
concluded: “We are
Matt Hancock MP, asking that employees of
working in hospitals, care homes, schools
delighted cleaning has
manufacturers and distributors of cleaning and
and other essential locations, including
been acknowledged
hygiene products be eligible for priority testing
offices being prepared to get the economy
as an essential service
for the Coronavirus
moving again. The products include
and those who work in
Anyone over the age of five who exhibits
essential items such as clinical waste sacks,
the industry - cleaners,
symptoms of COVID-19 is now able to secure
gowns, aprons, gloves, masks, hard surface
and the distributors
a test for Coronavirus. Essential workers in
sanitisers and hand sanitisers, non-woven
and manufacturers of
England, Scotland and Northern Ireland
wipes, tissue, and other related products.
the products they use - are starting to get the
can apply for priority testing through the
Without priority testing, manufacturers and
recognition they deserve. We ask you to build
government’s website. These tests are
distributors may be affected by employees
on this recognition and specify employees of
prioritised over those made available to the
unknowingly infecting colleagues. The
manufacturers and distributors of cleaning and
wider public through the NHS.
consequence could be an impact on the
hygiene products as eligible for priority testing
ability of the companies to manufacture and
for the coronavirus.”
distribute the essential products.”
WWW.CHSA.CO.UK
In his letter to Matt Hancock, Lorcan Mekitarian, chair of the CHSA, said: “These
Mekitarian
FM leaders call for strategic partnerships and performance-based contracts to drive innovation successful innovation programmes, there is a certain amount of scepticism and uncertainty when it comes to technology adoption. FM leaders need to ensure they get the advice and support they need, working collaboratively alongside trusted partners to develop the right innovation strategies.” The research shows that FM leaders are enthusiastic about the introduction of cobotics into commercial cleaning. Cobots THE majority of FM leaders across the EMEA
The majority of FM leaders believe that future
are collaborative robots which work alongside
region believe that technology suppliers should
innovation strategies need to be more holistic
cleaning teams and undertake repetitive and
offer performance-based contracts in order to
in their approach, with 76% stating that it is as
time-consuming tasks such as vacuuming, freeing
improve the success rate of innovation projects
important to evolve their business model as it is
up staff to focus on other tasks such as the deep
within FM and commercial cleaning.
to innovate with technology.
cleaning and sanitisation of hard surfaces which is critical in the fight against COVID-19.
New research from SoftBank Robotics
According to the survey, FM leaders want
EMEA reveals that 89% of supply side and
suppliers to offer procurement models which
78% of demand side FM leaders think that
make new technologies more accessible and
innovation depends on a lot more than simply
performance-based contracts are positive for
affordable, and minimise their financial risk.
having access to the very latest and most
the cleaning industry. More than half (57%)
70% of FM leaders state that a leasing model
impactful technologies - it’s about developing
of FM leaders would like to see performance-
that reduces their financial risk would make the
the business models, processes, skills, and
based fees, 46% would like gain-share models
adoption of new cleaning technologies more
understanding within the organisation to
and 44% would like some level of commercial
attractive. This figure rises to 73% within supply
integrate new technologies in an effective and
and operational risk-sharing when entering into
side organisations.
sustainable way. It’s crucial that FM leaders,
a contract with a cleaning technology provider.
Nils van der Zijl, VP sales and marketing,
Van der Zijl concluded: “Successful
whether on the demand or supply side, find
SoftBank Robotics EMEA, said: “There is clearly
strategic technology partners that can help
paper, The Cobotic Evolution in Cleaning. It
a real appetite for partnership models within
them to implement the wider operational and
highlights the need for a new approach to
FM and cleaning, where technology providers
cultural changes that are so critical to delivering
innovation within commercial cleaning, with
work closely with facility management service
innovation and real commercial impact.”
81% of FM leaders reporting that their innovation
providers and businesses to deliver innovation,
projects have failed to deliver on expected
with shared goals, risks and rewards. It’s
white paper, The Cobotic Evolution in Cleaning,
outcomes over the past two years. 66% state that
understandable that in an industry that has
available from the SoftBank Robotics website.
innovation in cleaning is long overdue.
experienced significant challenges in delivering
WWW.MEETWHIZ.COM
The research is presented in a new white
8 JUNE 2020
The full research findings can be found in the
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
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Specification subject to change without prior notice. ©Numatic International Limited 2020.
C&M INDUSTRY NEWS
Robert Scott supports local charities with bio-cleaning solution
Northwood to close Penygroes
ROBERT Scott is supporting local charities
important to our values. The donation has given
AS part of a strategic review of business
with donations of a chemical-free cleaning
us peace of mind when we need it most.”
operations, given the rapidly changing
solution to keep their premises clean in
The Toucan Eco solution is a multi-surface
landscape and market conditions, the
the fight against the spread of Coronavirus.
disinfectant cleaner made from just water,
directors of Northwood Hygiene Products Ltd
The comapny, which is headquartered in
salt and electricity that kills 99.999% of
have announced the proposed closure
Greenfield, made contact with several local
microorganisms, including viruses. It’s safe and
of the Penygroes manufacturing facility,
charities with the offer of providing a supply
environmentally friendly, and replaces 80% of
located in North Wales. This proposal affects
of sanitising solution made using its on-site
chemical cleaners and the single use plastic
94 employees.
Toucan Eco bio-cleaning system.
bottles they are supplied in. Alastair Scott, sales
A spokesperson for the company said:
director at Robert Scott, added: “Everyone is
“As part of the review, various alternative
The Booth Centre welcomed the donations at a
pulling together in these challenging times and
options were considered, but the contraction
time when cleaning is of the utmost importance
we want to help those in need working on the
in market demand as a consequence of
for their residents and staff. Pete Johnson from
frontline in our local community. While we can
COVID-19, and the subsequent significant fall
L’Arche has been collecting the solution for both
only supply the solution for a limited weekly
in current and forecasted sales volumes has
charities from Robert Scott and distributing to
no-contact collection, we’re happy to be able to
led to this very difficult decision being made.
both sites.
help provide a small relief to local organisations
The company is fully committed to following
at a time when it’s needed to help with their
a consultation process with all employees
at L’Arche Manchester, saidd: “We are a small
own cleaning requirements.”
and trade union representatives and will
charity providing supported living for people
WWW.ROBERT-SCOTT.CO.UK
commence a collective consultation
Team members from L’Arche Manchester and
Nem Tomlinson, acting community leader
with learning disabilities. Some of the people
process which will last for a minimum of
we support are quite medically fragile and so
30 days. The proposed closure will not
ensuring their houses are clean and sanitised,
have a negative impact on the service we
whilst remaining homely, is of huge importance
provide to our customer base. Production
to us. The product has been easy to use and has
will be absorbed, and customers will be
helped people feel reassured that our houses
serviced from other Northwood sites in
are really clean, which is so important in the
Telford, Oldham, Birmingham, Lancaster,
current circumstances. We’re also really happy
and Bromsgrove.”
to be using a product that’s eco-friendly as that’s
WWW.NORTHWOOD.CO.UK
Samsic calls for greater user engagement in post-COVID-19 workspace management AS part of a strategy to help businesses
The facilities services provider’s six-
and their workspace, and digital technology is
begin to navigate through the changed
point plan to returning businesses to their
going to play a major part,” said company CEO,
landscape of post-COVID-19 workspaces,
workplaces post-Coronavirus extends beyond
Jonathan King.
Samsic UK has rolled out a programme
‘deep clean’ to imbue a broader ethos of
enabling users to participate in real-time
hygiene engagement and maintenance using
opportunities for users to self-audit
environment hygiene control.
digital technologies aimed at enabling the
the condition of their sites using smart
better mindfulness of site users.
device QR scanners and bar code readers
‘Workspace Hygiene’ takes in a substantial
and thereby report back their cleaning
portfolio of cross-contamination prevention,
requirements in real-time. As we move
access and social distance control solutions, as
through lockdown towards a return to
well as fever scanning, indoor air sanitisation
business as usual, our strategic approach
and control deployed by a growing resource of
to workspace hygiene is increasingly about
innovative technologies from the company’s
how that process is managed holistically.
systems portfolio.
We’re looking far beyond the base process of
In a notable cultural step-change, Samsic’s
cleaning itself, aggregating digital solutions
programme urges the emerging role of site users
with human requirements to give the peace
in self-managing a bacteria-reduced environment.
of mind that our clients and their employees
“The future is going to be one of minimising risk and greater engagement between users 10 JUNE 2020
“We’re creating participatory
want and need more than ever.” WWW.SAMSIC.UK WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
INDUSTRY NEWS
C&M
Ezitracker announces strategic partnership with uComply WORKFORCE management technology solutions provider, Ezitracker (part of HAS Technology Group), has partnered with uComply, a specialist solution provider for training, process and technology for ‘right to work’ checks in the UK. uComply has a number of products that help to simplify the
of a new starter. This time lag can
compliance process for right to
mean employees are unlawfully
work checks via a mobile app using
working without contracts or
NFC technology. Ezitracker will be
having been provided with
taking the on-boarding product and
the correct training/induction
branding it as ‘EziOnboard+’ which
documentation or appropriate
will sit within the EziHub platform of
company liability insurance
workforce management solutions.
cover. EziOnboard+ will ensure
The onboarding solution will
employees have the statutory
remove the need for endless
right to work, with all necessary
paperwork and instil greater GDPR
documentation completed and in
compliance. All documentation
place from the very beginning.”
is stored centrally in the cloud for
Kim-Marie Freeston, managing
easy access which means recruiting
director, uComply, said: “We
managers have everything in place
are delighted to be partnering
prior to committing to DBS checks
with Ezitracker to add value to
and HR enrolment.
their product portfolio and look
Christian Berenger, managing
forward to a long-sustained
director - workforce management,
relationship. We believe our
Ezitracker, said: “This is an
solution will complement an
exciting partnership that will
already well-established workforce
enhance our field-based on-
management tool by over-
boarding tool. It will empower
layering a comprehensive set of
recruiters to capture employee-
compliance controls to help all
centric data for recruitment.
employers with their onboarding
There can often be a time lag from
and right to work processes.”
onsite recruitment to head office
WWW.EZITRACKER.COM
processing and acknowledgement
WWW.UCOMPLY.CO.UK
European Cleaning and Hygiene Awards 2020 event postponed
As the UK’s largest independent battery sales and service supplier, the success of ECOBAT Industrial has come as a result of listening to the needs of its customers and offering them effective and efficient solutions that provide the answers they require. Distributing prominent brands such as Sonnenschein, US Battery, TAB and Lucas and chargers from SPE and Fronius across the industrial sector, the company has also built its reputation by providing its customers with a level of service that reaches far beyond just battery sales. Through this process, which is applied across all aspects of its business, ECOBAT Industrial is able deliver on its sales, support and innovation ethos.
WWW.ECOBATINDUSTRIAL.TECH
THE organiser of the European
Le Plaza Hotel in Brussels. However,
Cleaning and Hygiene Awards has
as COVID-19 continues to affect
announced that this year’s event
people and businesses across the
in Brussels will be postponed until
globe, the event has now been
2021, due to the ongoing COVID-19
cancelled, returning to the same
crisis. The fifth annual event was
venue on 4 November 2021.
due to take place on 5 November at
WWW.ECHAWARDS.COM
Worlds largest producer of lead (840,000 tonnes/p.a.) Over 3,500 skilled employees QM system certified to quality standard ISO9001 ISO18001
JUNE 2020 11
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM 20190513_C&M-265x87_SSI-Support (1).indd 1
07/04/2020 15:45:19
C&M INDUSTRY NEWS
Ecocleen targets franchise network expansion ECOCLEEN is creating a host of new franchise
The Midlands; Oxfordshire; Bedfordshire,
opportunities within the UK following a record
Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire; North
year in 2019, which saw the company grow by
London; and South London.
over a third. As a result, Ecocleen has created
“Our aim is to attract quality franchisees,
seven new franchise territories across England
from the UK and internationally, who are high
and Wales, each with an established client base
performing individuals with a business-minded
and operational infrastructure.
attitude,” continued Beukes. “We are not necessarily looking for people from the cleaning
“Last year, we implemented a strategy to buildup our client base in areas without an existing
or facilities management sector, but want
franchisee, taking advantage of a rising number of
people that have an appetite to learn, grow and work in an industry that offers growth potential
business enquiries due to our growing brand and reputation,” said Jean-Henri Beukes, managing
Ecocleen has created substantial turn-key
and uncapped earning opportunity. In the
director of Ecocleen. “On the back of £2.5 million
regions for incoming franchisees that are
current state of lockdown, there will no doubt
worth of new business across the network and
designed to maximise growth potential
be aspiring and budding entrepreneurs taking
the acquisition of Regency Cleaning Company, we
and provide the opportunity to develop
time to re-evaluate where they are and what
now have a number of territories with a sizeable
significant and robust client portfolios.
they want to achieve in the future, so it is these
turnover that are ready for an entrepreneurial
The available areas currently include
ambitious individuals we want to engage with.”
franchisee to step in and expand.”
Bristol, Bath and South Wales; Tees Valley;
WWW.ECOCLEEN.CO.UK
Polyteck launches new deep cleaning division
BigChange honoured with Queen’s Award BIGCHANGE, the mobile workforce management technology company, has been awarded a Queen’s Award for Enterprise.
POLYTECK Group has launched a new deep
BigChange was recognised in the 2020
cleaning and sanitation division aimed at servicing
Innovation category for developing JobWatch,
award. This recognises the efforts of our people
the residential and commercial sectors it operates
a mobile workforce management system that
who have worked so hard to develop and
in. The move aims to tackle the increasing need
connects back office staff, mobile workers and
deliver JobWatch, as well as the customers
for enhanced cleaning and hygiene services
customers, enabling users to automate manual
that inspire and use it everyday to grow and
during and post the COVID-19 crisis.
processes, reduce paper usage and facilitate
transform their own industries. We have global
collaboration on the go.
ambitions for BigChange and this honour will
specialist cleaning equipment such as fogging
open doors for us around the world.”
machines to ensure the safety and cleanliness of
WWW.BIGCHANGE.COM
buildings and circulation spaces for occupants
Martin Port, founder and CEO of BigChange, said: “We are delighted to win such a prestigious
The bespoke service will be delivered using
and visitors. The company will also be offering
Spotta recognised at ‘changing ideas’ awards
COVID-19 sampling to clients and customers as part of the service. Polyteck will be using its existing and experienced team of qualified cleaners and technical staff, as well as new recruits brought on board to deliver the new services.
UK-BASED technology company Spotta has
development in the fields of AI, low-power
earned an honourable mention in the Fast
technologies, sensors, and entomology.
Company 2020 World Changing Ideas Awards
“This recognition reinforces our company’s
Guy Goodall, director, Polyteck, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold around us, and we are learning something new every
- AI and Data category. The annual awards
mission which is to help the pest control
day. While the science regarding how the
honour the businesses, policies, projects,
industry and accommodation providers use
virus impacts the body changes daily, we do
and concepts that are actively engaged in
technology to be proactive in tackling bed
know that regularly cleaning and disinfecting
helping solve global challenges including the
bugs,” said Robert Fryers, co-founder and
high touch surfaces has been considered
climate crisis, health and social wellbeing or
CEO of Spotta. “We designed the Bed Pod
an important precaution to lower the risk
economic inequality.
to help hoteliers tackle one of the costliest
of infection from the beginning. Our new
Designed to aid the hospitality and leisure
pests and protect their guests, reducing the
dedicated cleaning division offers our clients
industry in tackling the increasing challenge
need for staff to conduct manual checks for
the reassurance that this vital function is carried
of bed bug infestations, Spotta’s Bed Pod
bed bugs.”
out well and often.”
was developed after years of research and
WWW.SPOTTA.CO
WWW.POLYTECK.CO.UK
12 JUNE 2020
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
PEOPLE
C&M
New Master for WCEC THE chairman of a business which
Barrie Torbett as Master of the WCEC
has been re-pivoted to make
for 2020-21. There have also been
hospital gowns for the NHS during
several other new appointments
the Coronavirus pandemic has
for the year, with Barrie Torbett
been appointed as the new Master
becoming Deputy Master, Gary
of the Worshipful Company of
Fage becoming Senior Warden, Jim
Environmental Cleaners (WCEC).
Melvin installed as the new Junior
John Shonfeld founded laundry and garment manufacturing
Warden, and Past Master Philip Morrish as the new Clerk.
and rental business, Tibard Ltd,
John Shonfeld said: “Staff and
with his wife Sue in 1979, from a
colleagues at Tibard have rallied
bedroom in their family home. The
to the national cause to keep the
company now has a turnover of
NHS supplied during the pandemic.
£18.5 million annually, employs 150
In the space of just a few weeks,
people and exports to the Middle
we have found new suppliers and
East, Asia, Europe, China, the
changed our product lines and we
Mediterranean, and a fast-growing
are now working 12 hours a day to
market in the Caribbean. In the
meet demand. I am delighted and
past six weeks, Tibard has switched
honoured to become Master of
from producing chefs’ wear and
the WCEC and looking forward to
uniforms to making up to 10,000
performing the role over the next year
gowns a week - along with some
but, for the immediate future, we are
shrouds - for use by medical staff in
firmly focused on doing our bit to
the UK and South Africa.
help the fight against Coronavirus.”
John Shonfeld has replaced
WWW.WC-EC.COM
CERTIFIED TO ■ EN13697 ■ EN1276 ■ EN13727
Miele appoints product category manager CLARE Humphrey has been
marketing team, joining at a really
appointed to the professional division
exciting time with a number of
of Miele as category manager where
new products on the horizon.
she will lead the new product releases
Her wealth of sales experience
Miele GB has planned this year.
makes Clare very adept at putting
In her new role, Humphrey will
the customer at the heart of our
manage product launches by
offerings when bringing new
working closely with the product
products to the GB market.”
team at Miele’s Germany HQ and
OUR POWERFUL
Clare Humphrey said: “What
ensuring optimum product ranging
attracted me to this position was
for the UK market, right through
the scope of the role. I’ll have full
to installation into customers’
exposure to everything regarding
premises. She will work with the
the products manufactured by
rest of the marketing team to
Miele’s professional division, from
develop the best way to promote
sales, to training, to merchandising.
new products - including washing
I’m particularly excited about
machines, tumble dryers, laboratory
getting our new products out there
glasswashers, medical and
and into the premises of customers,
dental technology, ironers, and
especially those in key sectors such
dishwashers - to target businesses in
as care that will benefit from the
sectors such as care and hospitality.
infection prevention elements of
Melissa Kershaw, senior
our products, something that is
marketing manager at Miele
crucial now more than ever.”
Professional, said: “I’m delighted
WWW.MIELE.CO.UK/
Clare is now part of the professional
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JUNE 2020 13
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C&M
CONTRACTS
Deep clean for nursery signals start of partnership A disinfection and sterilisation system used in
created by Beverly Hills company TOMI. The
sectors such as healthcare and food production
unique approach means that offices and other
is being launched on a wider scale by a new
workplaces can be deep cleaned and sterilised
business partnership, creating an initial 25 jobs.
without any equipment being damaged, with no need for a wipe down afterward as no
Sutton Coldfield-based Nexus has teamed
residue is left.
up with BioDecon, based in York, offering deep
Jot Engelbrecht, managing director at
cleaning and sterilisation throughout the UK, utilising their mobile teams ready for when office staff currently working from home return to their regular routine, as well as attending
From left, technician Harry McMillan, with Jot Engelbrecht (Nexus) and Andy McMillan (BioDecon).
Nexus, said: “The highest level of sterilisation and decontamination is clearly going to be at the forefront of business leader’s thinking
workplaces staffed by essential workers who
whose children are being looked after at the
going forward. We are proud to be launching
have to remain at their posts during the crisis.
site. This is one of many free-of-charge deep
this service with a number of selected
The effects of this deep clean, using
cleans being arranged to maximise training
complimentary deep cleans to organisations
patented technology, include complete
opportunities and as part of the company’s
that contribute to their community and are
inactivation of MERS and SARS-like viruses
commitment towards improving social value
close to our heart. On a wider scale, staff are
including the COVID-19.
within the community.
going to want to feel safe when they return to
Nexus is owned by Willenhall-based Fortel,
New staff recruitment is underway,
work and this is one contribution in achieving
who chose its neighbour, nursery Tiny Talents,
with training being given in deep cleaning
that. The quick turnaround and lack of intrusion
as the first to receive a complimentary deep
techniques. The cleaning is then carried out
will be key factors for a lot of companies.”
clean in a bid to assist staff and key workers
using patented TOMI | SteraMist technology
WWW.GONEXUS.CO.UK
Comets over Ipswich IPSWICH Borough Council’s housing division
areas and an 18 person caretaking team that
has taken delivery of the first three of a
carries out routine maintenance, decorating
proposed 10-strong procurement of Prochem
and specialised cleaning.
Comet walk-behind cleaning extractors. The machines, supplied by Ajax Domestic
“The Comets are replacing another range of machines that have reached the end of their
Spares to the council’s maintenance and
useful working lives and are proving ideal to
contracts department, are being used to clean
task for our caretaking team,” said council
15 sheltered housing schemes located across
stores manager, James Tonner. “We’ve been
the town.
using Prochem solutions for over 20 years and
The schemes, constituting mostly flats in
switching to the company’s technology has
blocks, each have an appointed cleaner or
motivated us to convert fully now to the brand.”
cleaning contractor who maintains communal
WWW.PROCHEM.CO.UK
‘A breath of fresh care’ for etc.venues AS part of its comprehensive preparations and
(formally known as the European Safety
requirements. As we get back to business and
new operating procedures for the reopening
Bureau) - who will audit venues to the new
reopen our venues, our clients, team members
of venues, etc.venues has developed a
COVID Controlled Certification scheme.
and suppliers need to be confident that our
etc.venues ‘A breath of fresh care’ initiative,
venues offer the highest standards of safety.”
disinfection in its venues. The company will
will apply Cleanology’s scientific approach to
Cleanology’s CEO, Dominic Ponniah, said:
collaborate with Cleanology and with Navitas
cleaning practices that build upon the current
“COVID-19 brings significant new challenges to
high standards where hospital grade products
the cleaning of venues, but with our 15 years’
are already in use. The initiative, believed to be
experience of working with etc.venues we will
the first of its kind for UK venues, demonstrates
be bringing in elevated processes and enhanced
a focus on cleanliness that will reassure both
team training and PPE to help delegates enjoy
event planners and delegates throughout the
an even cleaner and safer visit. By using the
etc.venues portfolio.
most effective products and technology on the
new programme to deliver cleanliness and
etc.venues director of operations, Guy Booth,
14 JUNE 2020
market, we are able to ensure that etc.venues is
said: “As a leading venue brand, we felt it
maintained to the highest possible standards of
important to set a new standard and to respond
hygiene and cleanliness.”
to the need for enhanced health and safety
WWW.CLEANOLOGY.COM WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
BICSc
C&M
99% of the time it will kill 99% of ‘known’ germs THERE is a brand of bleach that
cause illness in humans. The word ‘germ’
beds. There are bacteria that live in water, soil, in
claims to kill 99% of all known
comes from the Latin word ‘germen’,
your carpets and, of course, inside your body - just
germs (what about the other
meaning seed or sprout, because
how many types there are nobody knows for sure.
1%?). There is, of course, a
early scientists studying germs
There are billions of species worldwide and most
difference between germs,
thought of them as little seeds. It is
bacteria are harmless - in fact, many bacteria
also believed that the spread of
are beneficial to us and help with our body’s
organisms from person to person
metabolism. Some bacteria, however, definitely
dates back to ancient Greece.
do cause diseases.
bacteria, viruses and funguses. The first time I became aware that I needed to use a
Before the germ theory
handkerchief is after I sneezed
Harmful or pathogenic bacteria enter your
as a child and my mother said I was ‘spreading
became widely accepted in the 19th century, it
body in a variety of ways - open wounds, airborne
my germs everywhere’. We all now know that
was believed that germs that were around in the
transmission, through the digestive system,
sneezing is one way to swiftly spread diseases.
Middle Ages like the Bubonic Plague (Black Death)
and via touchpoints such as door handles and
were visible illnesses, and that anything that
handrails where bacteria remain live on the
touched you could make you sick.
surface for some time.
‘Coughs and sneezes spread diseases’ is a phrase that is believed to have been thought up by the Americans between 1918-1920 during an influenza
In the late 1800s the germ theory became
Fortunately, many of these bacteria can be
pandemic, and it reappeared again in 1946 when
widely accepted thanks mainly to the experiments
treated with antibiotics which do only work on
the NHS used it in an advertorial campaign.
of Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch. In modern
bacteria - that’s the reason they are not prescribed
Perhaps some of us are more used to seeing the
times the term ‘germ’ isn’t widely used in formal
for influenza or the common cold. Both of these
‘Catch it, Kill it, Bin it’ slogan that was launched
science, instead disease causing objects are
are caused by viruses.
when H1N1 (Swine Flu) appeared in the mid-2000s.
referred to by what type they are - viruses and
Germ is a generic term that is currently used to describe bacteria viruses, and is a catchall for a specific subgroup - so what are germs? The word ‘germen’ is an incorporative phrase to describe any microscopic particle that can
Whilst hygiene and excellent cleaning
bacteria are types of germs as are certain types
regimes are proven to reduce the spread of viruses
of fungi.
and infections, now it appears to be at the top of
Bacteria are microscopic single celled
everyone’s priority list, which is where it needs
organisms that live pretty much anywhere and
to stay.
everywhere from the tops of mountains to ocean
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JUNE 2020 15
C&M BCC COLUMN
The bin cleaning industry and COVID-19 Daniel Coulon, director of the National Association of Wheeled Bin Washers, reports. IT is unlikely that anyone is going to
to work if you could not work from home but what if, like most
be forgetting the Spring of 2020
process the spraying of industry strength germ-killing chemicals. As we manage the peak of this virus, we as
cleaning services, your
in a hurry. Coronavirus has infiltrated every part of both
business is mobile? It was
an association are confident that we made the
our personal and working
clearer for industries such
right decision. Demand for our services - both
lives. This has certainly
as construction which were
residential wheelie bins largely for vulnerable
been felt no less by the
told no working inside
and elderly customers as well as care homes,
owners and staff of the bin
people’s properties but
schools and hospitals - have increased. This
what if you offer a service
is largely thanks to local councils and waste
cleaning industry.
cleaning outside properties? Our
Government guidelines have
members want to do the right thing
been grey, to say the least. ‘Stay at
contractors advising residents and businesses to clean lids and handles of their bins to help
Home’ is the message relayed to us daily and
during these difficult times but at the same
protect waste collection operatives who come
our members trying to do the right thing have
time wanted to have a business to go back to
into contact with over 2000 bins a day.
been confused, to say the least. As an industry,
when this was all over.
To confirm our decision we were honoured
In times like these businesses turn to
we spend most days removing harmful
recently to be invited to start conversations with
germs and bacteria from customers’ bins but
their industry associations for advice. The
the NHS which is putting a contingency plan
questions have arisen from our members
National Association of Wheeled Bin Washers
together to provide onsite clinical waste bin
including: ‘Is cleaning bins a service more
decided as most of its members are lone
cleaning at hospital sites across the UK in case
important now than ever, doing our bit to help
workers, working outside who already wear
there is a huge surge of clinical waste as the
prevent the spread of the virus or inadvertently
the correct PPE, they were able to continue
virus spikes and their current systems in place
are we contributing to the spread of the virus
trading as long as they adapted their
can’t cope with demand.
whilst putting ourselves and staff at risk?’;
procedures and cleaning practices to fall
‘Are we essential, are we key workers, should
in line with social distancing. This includes
companies and other deep cleaning services
we furlough our staff?’; and ‘As directors of
the immediate suspension of all doorstep
who continue to make our streets cleaner and
small limited companies will we be able to
contact, encouraging online payment instead
safer for the rest of us.
claim anything like the self-employed if we do
of collecting cash, and the suspension of
decide to close?’
using cloths and mops to help prevent
A special well done to all bin cleaning
Stay safe!
cross-contamination. Operators are also
The National Association of Wheeled Bin
to work if we were essential, but who decides
being encouraged to work alone or to stagger
Washers is a member of the British Cleaning
who is essential? To confuse things further
start and finishing times. On top of this most
Council. The views of council members are
this was rapidly updated to you could travel
companies have added to their cleaning
their own.
The Government told us we could continue
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WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM 01/06/2020 13:12
A JOB WORTH DOING - A CONTRACTOR’S BLOG C&M
Cleaning after COVID-19 how will it change? Lee Andrews, CEO of DOC Cleaning, reports. AS we continue to work our way through COVID-19, contract cleaning is set to enter a new phase of existence - on many different levels. On the one hand, our profile has risen to the point where we are mentioned in the news and social media as a professional service, with our staff being held up as key workers with an enhanced status. On the other, it is clear that the way cleaning is organised is going to change. Whilst in the last three months we have moved on significantly in terms of techniques employed and the way we manage and motivate our armies of brave staff, we are now facing a new and complex challenge of how to adapt to cleaning in a COVID-19 constrained world. Thinking purely about how we organise work and prioritise objectives, several thoughts spring to mind. Cleaning will be thought of less in terms of visual and more in terms of hygienic outcomes. Deep/ sanitisation cleans will become more important. Increased cleaning will be needed during the day when our customers’ staff, students and visitors are present. Touchpoints will need regular attention, possibly with building users being encouraged to observe stricter hygiene protocols. Cleaning methodology may change, with thought given to social distancing of our own staff. Robotic cleaning will surely evolve. A wideranging review of the products, tools and materials that form part of the sanitisation and disinfecting process will be required. And of course we will reassess how to effectively procure and deploy PPE. I see positives and negatives associated with the new order. On the positive side, I sincerely hope the new sense of cleaning as a service critical to health will not evaporate as buildings regain occupation. I also hope that respect for our industry will
translate into better pay rates. One thing’s for sure, the focus on employee wellbeing, both physical and mental, will need to be maintained and bring with it greater attention to training and employee communication. And of course, it will be a real bonus if the overall demand for cleaning increases, although the economics of post COVID-19 Britain will surely lead to downward pressure on FM budgets in all sectors. On the less positive side, I have concerns about how our supply chains for products, equipment and PPE will react to increased levels of demand. I also sense there may be some difficult discussions with customers over the timing of cleaning shifts, in so far as patterns of occupation in customer buildings are changed to manage social distancing and working from home. Cleaning will always remain a people-based occupation where staff have clearly-defined rights as regards working hours and contracts of employment. My feeling is that kneejerk reactions should be avoided and contracts should be resumed in the same format as they were before buildings closed. At that point, we then need to have the all-important discussions about how contracts might adapt to new demands. That familiar acronym, CSR, is going to feature in discussions more regularly. For many years, contractors have been asked to demonstrate how they deal fairly with their stakeholders - staff, suppliers and customers - and how they promote sustainable practice. The result is that our industry has upped its game beyond recognition by introducing systems, training and workplace cultures to meet the brief. From our new-found position as the guarantors of building hygiene in a post COVID-19 world, we must reinforce our commitment to this cause, but at the same time ensure that we are recognised for doing so. WWW.DOCCLEANING.COM
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25/03/2020 13:46
C&M
SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19
A frontline response to combatting the spread of COVID-19 Neil Nixon provides a round-up of the cleaning industry’s professional and coordinated response to the challenge posed by COVID-19. Following on from last month’s feature looking
with latest advice, techniques, products and
faced by the sector in getting the country back
at the essential role the cleaning sector is
processes. This month, C&M also hosted a
to school, back to work, and back to normal
playing in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic,
webinar entitled: ‘Reopening for business
safely. If you missed it you can view it ‘on
this month’s overview highlights some of
- the critical role the cleaning industry will
demand’ by visiting www.cleaningmag.com.
the initiatives being taken by the sector’s
play in getting the UK back to work’. Joining
As mentioned many times previously, my
leading businesses. The landscape relating
me as moderator, the panel comprised: Paul
association with the cleaning sector spans over
to the pandemic changes almost daily, and
Thrupp, chairman of the British Cleaning
two decades in one capacity or another. I have
the impact on our lives, our finances and,
Council and director of retail destinations at
always understood the critical and outstanding
most importantly, our health and the health
OCS; Stan Atkins, CEO of BICSc; Peter Smith,
role cleaning operatives play in keeping the
of loved-ones are extreme. And now we are
chief executive of Principle Cleaning Services;
public safe although recognition for this service
having to come to terms with what a relaxation
Kim Phillips, head of catering and facilities
has largely been ignored by the media and
of lockdown rules might look like, and how
services at Rotherham Metropolitan Borough
public at large. This, I sincerely hope, will no
the country can begin to return to ‘normal’ as
Council; Dominic Ponniah, CEO of Cleanology;
longer be the case and the one positive we
quickly and safely as possible. Needless to say,
and Paul Ashton, director of the Cleaning and
will take from this dreadful pandemic might
the cleaning sector’s role in getting the UK back
Support Services Association and CEO of Birkin
– once the dust has settled – be a greater
to work is paramount.
Cleaning Services. Over 600 cleaning industry
appreciation of cleaning operatives and
professionals registered to join the webinar and
cleaning businesses. I congratulate everyone
I am updating the Cleaning and Maintenance
a fascinating and engaging debate followed,
involved for a performance that is, without
website – www.cleaningmag.com – daily
discussing a number of the key challenges
exaggeration, heroic.
In addition to this monthly overview,
CHURCHILL’S MO:DUS LAUNCHES SYMPTOM TRACKER colleagues and organisations better
Churchill Group has launched a COVID-19
According to the World Health Organisation,
symptom tracker app via Mo:dus, the soft
the natural R value of coronavirus so far falls
service provider’s digital platform, to monitor
between 2 to 2.5. This means that every infected
signs and curb the spread of the Coronavirus
person may pass the virus on to between 2 and
strain that is behind the current pandemic.
2.5 other people. The worldwide ambition is to
which follows public health guidelines and
Employees are encouraged to submit
bring the R value down as far as possible, to less
is GDPR compliant, complements the NHS
any symptoms on a daily basis via a simple
than 1, to prevent a second wave. This mission
app already in circulation. Unlike the NHS
step-by-step process. The app will then share
underpinned the development of the Mo:dus
platform, however, Churchill’s version enables
self-isolation Government guidance. This will
symptom tracker. The app includes an array of
data reporting via an organisational-friendly
ensure that those showing symptoms related to
features, such as:
interface that has been specifically designed
COVID-19 either stay at home or seek medical
• daily scheduled in-app push notifications for
to help employers not only protect and
support, which is an essential step in reducing the risk of transmission in the workplace and therefore a localised outbreak. The Mo:dus symptom tracker app has been designed as a way to protect a work community by reducing the average number of people that one infected person can expect to pass the coronavirus on to, known as the R value. 18 JUNE 2020
daily symptoms response • automated isolation prompts where applicable symptoms are logged • real-time alerts for COVID-19 cases and escalations • ability to submit key worker COVID-19 test results • in-app isolation update tracking to help
understand labour availability • t rended reporting is also available on desktop. The Mo:dus COVID-19 symptom tracker,
reassure the workforce but also manage labour availability. This app is now available to external organisations. Antony Law, managing director of Churchill, said: “Through our Mo:dus technology platform, we have invested significantly in our communications to frontline staff to ensure that they self-isolate if they come under risk of WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19
C&M
In addition to the symptom tracker,
contracting the virus. Our coronavirus symptom
have developed a new app, part of Mo:dus. The
tracker app will allow our staff to self-report
ethos of Mo:dus is to create transparency and
Churchill’s COVID taskforce has launched
should they have symptoms or not. This not
aid our working lives, and this new COVID-19
a matrix of solutions designed to offer
only prevents the spread of the virus between
symptom tracker app will help everyone to
peace of mind that work environments are
our teams and clients’ but it also offers people
protect the wellbeing of colleagues, family and
safe to the very highest standards. This
reassurance that we are doing everything in our
friends, and support organisations’ back to
includes enhanced a swab testing service
power to protect one another.”
work plans. Now is the time to offer employees
and hygiene regimes that will, in addition to
reassurance that employers are doing everything
professional swabbing, proactively reduce
Group, said: “As part of Churchill’s ongoing
they can to protect their teams. The app allows
the risk of spreading the virus when the time
investment in using digital tools to enhance
organisations to harness valuable data to inform
comes to return to the office.
our clients and our colleagues’ work lives, we
the right behaviours for the good of everyone.”
WWW.CHURCHILLSERVICES.COM
James Bradley, director at the Churchill
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JUNE 2020 19
C&M
SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19
Deep cleaning and the return to work Dale Jones, head of technical development at Alcumus SafeContractor, advises that following the Government’s announcement of the easing of lockdown measures, organisations will need to consider their H&S cleaning obligations to make their workplace safe for staff to return to.
Since the release of the COVID-19 secure
businesses the workplace may have been
already demonstrated that they have
guidelines, we are beginning to see more
closed down for a number of weeks, so you will
the relevant H&S management systems
businesses come back online. The COVID-19
need to assess whether anyone has periodically
to undertake cleaning in commercial
secure guidelines specifically set an objective
gained access to the facility to undertake
and industrial environments safely.
to make sure that any site or location that has
maintenance or security related tasks; are you
To find out more about accessing our
been closed or partially closed to be clean
aware of any of your workforce coming down
approved contractor portal with over
and ready to start. Since these guidelines
with COVID-19 and had access to the facility
33,000 contractors, please contact:
were released, we have regularly been asked
during the lockdown period?; and, simply, when
sc.clientservices@alcumusgroup.com.
questions about the level of cleaning required
was the last time it was thoroughly cleaned?
and the specific need to undertake a deep clean
Some businesses are seeing it as best
For organisations currently working in accordance with government guidelines,
practice to deep clean their premises, to ensure
Alcumus Sypol has created free, downloadable
everything is as clean and safe as possible prior
COSHH risk assessments which provide
Welfare) Regulations there is legal duty to
to bringing back the team. It is also a very visual
important information about how to effectively
ensure that all premises and workplaces are
reminder to the workforce that as a business
control exposure to Coronavirus in high risk
kept sufficiently clean. Although there is no
you are taking safety seriously. If you are
working environments.
real legal definition of what constitutes a deep
looking to use your own workforce to undertake
clean, there is reference within HSE guidance
the cleaning process, ensure you follow the
soon and eager to learn more about safely
for the need for high standards of cleanliness
government guidance: COVID-19: cleaning in
reintroducing their people to work, Alcumus
for controlling exposure to substances
non-healthcare settings. The guidance covers
PSM has created a free ‘COVID-19 Return to
hazardous to health.
topics such as personal protective equipment,
Work Guidance Pack’ and two-part webinar
surfaces to focus on, what chemicals/
series covering the practical application of
to re-occupying your premises will depend
substances to use, and what to consider before
how to get your people back to work safely
on your risk assessment for your particular
placing used cleaning equipment in the waste.
and how to make your business as productive
site and/or the activities undertaken. There
Alcumus SafeContractor has over 1000
before reopening. Under the Workplace (Health, Safety and
The type and level of cleaning required prior
are a number of things to consider: for some 20 JUNE 2020
accredited cleaning contractors who have
For organisations hoping to return to work
as it can be. WWW.ALCUMUSGROUP.COM WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19
C&M
ABM helps prepare for facilities to reopen ABM UK has created a programme of services designed to help businesses reopen in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. The three-step programme is underpinned by ABM UK’s EnhancedClean service which will help organisations provide healthier spaces, while also utilising expertise from ABM UK’s full suite of services. It will give companies the support they need to prepare and execute a safe reopening. It also considers the new normal for safely maintaining public spaces moving forward. John McPherson, managing director at ABM UK, said: “Businesses across the globe will continue to face challenges they have never faced before as they look to reopen and recover from the impact of Coronavirus. It’s not a case of business as usual; we must all find new ways of working to keep built environments safe. From leisure facilities to office buildings, this programme includes three steps tailored to how each space is used. These will prepare sites for re-occupation and consider what facilities management operating models should look like and suggest ad-hoc procedures that can reduce the risks to people and business operation.” Available now, ABM UK’s new programme has been built using expertise from its full suite of capabilities. Using theEnhancedClean service as the lynchpin, it also considers security, electrical and lighting, energy solutions, facilities engineering, HVAC and mechanical, data centre cleaning, and landscaping. WWW.ABM.CO.UK
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www.prochem.co.uk JUNE 2020 21
C&M
SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19
Keeping the spread of infection at bay Jamie Woodhall, technical and innovations manager at Rentokil Specialist Hygiene, reports. The UK, like the rest of the world, has been
contracted Coronavirus, you react quickly to
turned upside down by Coronavirus. In
decontaminate the premises. According to government guidance, in most
these unprecedented circumstances, it’s more important than ever that businesses,
circumstances the amount of infectious virus
especially those preparing to re-open, take
on any contaminated surface is likely to have
the right measures to keep their facilities
significantly decreased after 72 hours. This is a key consideration to determine the type
clean and employees safe - particularly once lockdown measures begin to ease.
companies to create a bespoke service and
of specialist disinfection service that your
frequency that works for them. Professional deep
premises will need.
Regular cleaning is essential
cleaning is also especially important during a
Workplaces can be prone to cross
period of illness outbreak. These cleans should
suspected case of Coronavirus on the
contamination due to the large number of
be managed by a specialist cleaning company
premises and where the site needs to be
people, shared spaces and equipment onsite.
that is trained to tackle those hard-to-reach
up and running quickly, Rentokil Specialist
Customer hygiene expectations will likely be at
or rarely seen areas where potentially harmful
Hygiene can implement stringently risk
an all-time high so it is essential that businesses
micro-organisms might be hiding.
assessed infection control measures that
ensure their workplaces don’t serve as a hotbed
A deep clean should include a thorough
For businesses with a confirmed or
go beyond the minimum World Health Organisation guidance.
for viral infection. Kitchen, dining areas and
disinfection of high frequency touch points,
washrooms should be subject to vigilant daily
as well as moving all furniture or equipment
and weekly cleaning routines due to their high
away from the walls to make sure no areas are
wearing the appropriate personal protective
footfall. We advise that this regular clean is
missed from the standard cleaning routine.
equipment (PPE) and respiratory protective
scheduled and tracked, ensuring that it takes
One powerful tool in the deep cleaning arsenal
equipment (RPE). Then our team of trained
place consistently and on time.
is ultra-low volume (ULV) disinfection fogging.
technicians will meticulously, manually
This involves specialist technicians generating
disinfect rooms and areas that pose a threat
proper handwashing, something we have
a mist of disinfectant which settles on top
of causing cross contamination, using a high-
heard constantly on the news in recent weeks,
of, underneath and on the sides of objects,
level surface disinfectant on surfaces such as
will also help to prevent the spread of germs.
enabling technicians to disinfect a large area
floors, walls, ceilings, and any objects. ULV
Our hands are a natural breeding ground for
in a short period of time.
disinfection fogging may also be used.
It might sound simple but encouraging
germs and one of the principal carriers of
With regards to the Coronavirus outbreak,
Firstly, a service manager will survey the site
All waste generated by the disinfection
harmful pathogens - in fact, 80% of infections
businesses that remain operational would
process needs to be segregated onsite
are spread by hand. Ensuring your employees
be wise to review and update their cleaning
and then disposed of in a safe and legally
have access to the essential handwashing
regimes. They should also consider proactively
compliant manner, in line with guidance
tools - warm water, soap, drying facilities and,
preparing in case a deep clean is required,
set out by Public Health England, to help
ideally, hand sanitiser, as well as handwashing
such as in the event they have a suspected
eliminate cross contamination.
reminders - goes a long way towards
or confirmed Coronavirus diagnosis onsite.
encouraging good hand hygiene practices.
This would require a contingency survey of
Final words
the premises, typically offered by experts to
When it comes to cleaning regimes, proactivity
Proactive prevention
gather key information in advance including a
is essential to help prevent the spread of
On top of a regular cleaning regime, businesses
site-specific risk assessment, to enable a quick
disease, particularly during an illness outbreak
should be booking a minimum of two deep
response in the event of Coronavirus being
such as Coronavirus. While hand hygiene will
cleans per year. This may need to increase
reported on the site at a later date.
help stem cross contamination, specialist deep cleans should be considered as they
depending on the nature of the business and
If there are no confirmed or suspected cases
its hours of operation, so we recommend that
of Coronavirus on a site, an all-purpose specialist
offer that extra level of protection.
all businesses contact professional cleaning
disinfection may be appropriate to help protect
WWW.RENTOKIL-HYGIENE.CO.UK
against microbial infection, and to help maintain a high level of hygiene in a facility. Reacting quickly In addition to prevention, it’s also important that if a worker or visitor to your business does contract or is suspected to have 22 JUNE 2020
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19
C&M
CHSA WARNS BUYERS TO BEWARE PROFITEERS The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association
and hygiene industry and to maintain a high
increases are inevitable as the cost of raw
(CHSA) is warning all buyers of cleaning and
standard in the conduct of its business’.
materials rises but this is a long way from the
hygiene products to beware of unscrupulous
The CHSA Accreditation Scheme stamp
extraordinary profiteering we have seen. I
profiteers capitalising on the unprecedented
guarantees members of the Schemes for
am proud to say our members are trading
demand for these products.
Distributors and Manufacturers of Soft
ethically. Instead of grabbing contracts at
Tissue, Plastic Refuse Sacks and Industrial
extortionate prices from desperate buyers,
and sell on products like hand and surface
Cotton Mops make sure ‘what’s in the box is
they are working hard to take care of their
sanitisers, gloves, wipes, tissue, and aprons.
what’s on the box’. Compliance to the CHSA’s
existing customers, warning of forthcoming
Some are also buying up raw materials
Accreditation Schemes and Code of Practice
restrictions in the supply chain and rationing
and attempting to produce some products.
is guaranteed by a rigorous auditing process
where absolutely necessary.”
Primarily selling online, their products carry
conducted by an independent inspector.
an exceptionally high mark-up and there is
To be certain they purchase from reputable
cleaning chemicals and clinical waste sacks,
no guarantee they meet industry standards.
companies in these turbulent times, buyers
and for personal protective equipment
There is also a marked increase in imported
of cleaning and hygiene products should look
including gloves and aprons, has soared. The
personal protective equipment (PPE) with
for the CHSA logo and CHSA Accreditation
diversion of available product to the NHS
fake or no CE marking, the certification mark
Scheme stamp.
created a sharp decline in product in the
New companies have been set up to buy
that indicates conformance with European
Lorcan Mekitarian, chair of the CHSA,
Demand for cleaning products like wipes,
standard supply chain, making it difficult for
Union directives regarding health and safety
said: “A 10-fold increase in demand for
care homes, schools, businesses, and other
or environmental protection.
essential products like hand sanitiser, wipes
organisations to get what they need. With
and gloves is common. Our manufacturing
these products central to creating a safe
certain you get what you pay for is to buy from a
members are working hard to meet demand
environment into which people can return to
CHSA member. All have signed the association’s
and keep product moving through the
work, demand will remain exceptional for the
rigorous Code of Practice, which requires
supply chain to our distributor members,
foreseeable future.
members to be ‘well established in the cleaning
but it is incredibly challenging. Some price
WWW.CHSA.CO.UK
The CHSA advises that the only way to be
AUTONOMOUS CLEANING THROUGH INNOVATION
CO-BOTICS
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enquiries@ice-clean.com JUNE 2020 23
C&M
SPECIAL REPORT
Using apprenticeship resources where it matters most - for preparedness and to build a healthier future As Barrie Torbett passes the torch to John Shonfeld, the new Master of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners, he’s laid out his final thoughts on what the industry should focus on in the future. NATIONAL Apprentice Week took place at
skills training/apprenticeship resources, as they
the beginning of the year, focusing on what
were not convinced that cleaning operatives
opportunities are available to employers
required off-the-job training, or any further skills
and employees alike. It also reflected how
development. This voiced loud and clear that
successfully previous apprenticeship schemes
our sector is so undervalued.
had benefited from the Apprenticeship Levy. Limited vision - now the horse has bolted
Unfortunately, it coincided with revelations in the trade and national press that an
The IOA did, however, recognise that infection
independent think tank had identified a
control formed the basis for an apprenticeship
developing trend that they branded as `fake
addressing cleaning and hygiene requirements -
apprenticeships’[1].
Barrie Torbett
but only for the healthcare sector. But, does this mean that cross contamination and infection
Allegedly over £1.2 billion has found its way
control are not relevant in all other sectors?
into the fake apprenticeship sector. Instead
I wondered how this was affecting the
of these funds being used to introduce new
cleaning and FM sectors, and so enquired
staff and providing them with the skills and
among my colleagues. I was surprised to
requiring the most extreme government directives
knowledge required to progress within their
discover that the Institute of Apprentices (IOA)
on public safety since the Second World War,
chosen sector, it has been used to upskill
rejected the proposals from the City and Guilds
affecting every sector of business and leisure, this
existing staff.
and industry associations to fund our sector for
has been proved spectacularly incorrect.
24 JUNE 2020
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic,
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
SPECIAL REPORT
C&M
However, I do wonder why our representative
The COVID-19 lesson: the right skills for the
operatives were once again pushed into the
specialised jobs
front line and made responsible for checking
bodies are not actively working together to
Increased specialised training in deep-cleaning
waste bins for suspicious packages.
build the professional recognition our industry deserves with an approved apprenticeship
and hygiene is a must - it is imperative to invest in training, based on the information
Refuting the stereotype
scheme. Such a scheme would benefit from
we have now, and learn from it. Future
As it was recently said by a commentator in the
government funding and encourage young
pandemic recurrences are likely, and people
press, ‘you can’t scare a virus’. If this health crisis
people into our industry, being able to offer
depend on the cleaning industry to keep our
highlights anything, it will be the importance of
them a definitive career path. This would ensure
built environment hygienically safe. Without
maintaining exemplary hygiene standards at
not only their future, but also the sustainability
support, the industry is working with one
different levels of thoroughness in our [global]
of the cleaning and support services sector.
hand tied behind its back to manage future
built environments. It’s not even a matter
We’ve already had the drama, and the crisis.
risks. As it stands, we have a limited amount of
of urgency for just the UK alone now, it is a
staff trained specifically in dealing with major
worldwide risk – no one escapes.
contamination issues. Removing a standard
The cleaning and hygiene sectors have had
It’s time cleaning staff gained the recognition that they deserve as an essential service throughout the built environment.
cleaner from office cleaning duty, having them
significant recruitment challenges for a long
Furthermore, they are expected to be multi-
wear a coverall and mask, and equipping them
while now. This is not helped by the stigma of
skilled and take responsibility for key hygiene
with a fogging machine does not make them
negative branding as an unskilled profession.
and security issues during times of crisis. This
a specialist. We must ensure that we have
The work we do is vital - the reluctance
only works if they are trained and ready to
accredited personnel and companies in place
of government and industry in general to
deliver in such situations.
to deal with acute situations as they arise.
recognise cleaning as a profession that offers
So, however we alter our approach - to
All too often the so called low skilled, low
a career path to those without extended
elevate our sector, prepare it for growth
paid cleaning operative is thrust into the front
qualifications required in other sectors, is
and the challenges to come - could change
line when the going gets tough. Suddenly they
blinkered thinking.
everything, and hopefully for the better. Otherwise, I fear we may be caught on the
are plunged into the position of safeguarding the public from critical hygiene risks, with
Being proactive supporters
back foot, and if in a similar situation as we are
inadequate training and pay.
of our own industry
experiencing now, our society and economy
The Business Services Association Cleaning
would be put at great risk.
have serious security issues. My background
Committee is endeavouring to establish
WWW.WC-EC.COM
was predominantly in the aviation sector where
an industry-supported baseline induction
cleaning operatives were seen as a necessary
scheme. It would demonstrate best practice
[1]
but non-profit making resource until there
requirements for the cleaning sector - a
jan/03/millions-spent-on-fake-apprenticeships-
was a terrorist threat. Suddenly the cleaning
commendable move forward.
says-report
The same course of action applies when we
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
www.theguardian.com/education/2020/
JUNE 2020 25
C&M
WINDOW CLEANING
Window cleaners and the fight against Coronavirus THE nation’s window cleaners should be
The FWC office has remained operative
employed in a nationwide rolling programme of
throughout the lockdown providing help,
sanitisation to fight the Coronavirus, according
advice and support to member companies
to the Federation of Window Cleaners (FWC).
by way of COVID-19 risk assessments and method statements for those who were able
Since day one of the UK COVID-19 pandemic the FWC has continued to support the window
to continue working in compliance with
cleaning industry through its many email and
best safety practices, including procedures
telephone enquiries about the restrictions
on social distancing relating to colleagues,
and steps employers should be taking to help
clients, customers, and members of the
protect the health and safety of staff and the
general public. The FWC website’s news page
general public during the pandemic. Following
has continually been updated with relevant information on the afore-mentioned and
the chancellor’s announcement in March regarding unlimited loans and guarantees being
Andrew Lee
many other queries relating to best practice measures for window cleaning businesses,
made available to support firms and help them manage cashflow through this period, the FWC
business’s ability to repay the unlimited
tradespeople working alone, support for the
wrote to Rishi Sunak on 20 March, representing
loans and guarantees initially offered by the
self-employed, small businesses, and the job
all UK window cleaning businesses facing
government whilst many had already lost work
retention scheme. It has also been active in
problems with their finances. One particular
and consequently were unable to earn during
lobbying the government for the benefit of the
question related to a window cleaning
this period.
industry via the British Cleaning Council as
PROFESSIONAL SPRAYERS FOR THE CONTROL OF VIRUSES & EPIDEMICS, PUBLIC HEALTH CLEANING & DISINFECTION A professional range of spraying equipment specially designed for cleaning and disinfection of areas and surfaces potentially infected by bacteria and viruses that cause infectious diseases such as COVID-19 Ebola, Cholera, SARS, Influenza, etc. Our sprayers are also used in other sectors such as Automotive & Car Wash, Carpet Cleaning, Hygiene and Janitorial, HVAC and Food Industry amongst others.
SOLO SPRAYERS Ltd. T.: 01 702 297 134
26 JUNE 2020
sales@solosprayers.co.uk www.solosprayers.co.uk
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
WINDOW CLEANING
represented by FWC executive member, Paul
streets and car parks, and at bus, tram and
Thrupp - the BCC chairman.
underground stops.
The COVID-19 virus can live on surfaces such
C&M
Surfaces to be sprayed could include
as door handles and street furniture for some
‘high rate touch points’ such as handrails,
time, meaning people can be at risk of catching
door handles, arm rests on outdoor seating,
it every time they touch something outside
shopping trolley and basket handles, and push
their home. FWC says that the thousands of
plates on doors. Window cleaners could also
colleagues who have van-mounted, backpack
consider offering a sanitising wipe service to
or trolley-mounted water-fed pole systems have
cash machine points.
the right kit needed to do the job - with a simple
Andrew Lee, chairman and safety officer at
modification such as fitting a converter to allow
the FWC and MD at J A Lee, said: “I think this is
a spray lance to be plugged in instead of a
a great idea and a great opportunity for FWC
water-fed pole connector.
members and the industry to contribute to the
this needs to be undertaken on a regular basis
country’s response to COVID -19. I know my own
as what we’re proposing can really make a
company has these resources.”
difference on the transmission of the virus.”
The FWC wants the government to fund councils to pay and coordinate local window cleaners to regularly spray disinfectant in
David Saville, operations director at Principle
Paul Thrupp, FWC executive member and
key public outside areas such as businesses
director for retail destinations at OCS, said: “A
Window Cleaning, said: “We could provide
which have remained open, hospitals, in high
national sanitisation programme employing
a sanitisation programme in preparation for
window cleaners could play a major role
reopening of sites. It would be great for seating
in defeating Coronavirus and saving lives.
areas, doors, balustrades, smoking areas - any
Other countries have launched sanitisation
open or public spaces.” Scott Smith, MD, Smiths Services, said: “I
programmes and we strongly believe that the UK should use this approach as well. The Army does
think this is good news and a good opportunity
not have the equipment to spray disinfectant
for window cleaners to play their part in helping
in the quantities needed and neither do local
beat this virus.” Michael Lamont, MD, Lamont’s Cleaning
councils, but thousands of the nation’s window cleaners do. With the country in such a crisis,
Services, said: “It would be great if we could
we have to think outside the box and use all the
supply an essential service like this to help
resources at our disposal to fight Coronavirus.
protect NHS and work towards a cleaner, safer
With the expected continued easing of the
working world.”
lockdown and more people being out in public,
WWW.F-W-C.CO.UK
Pulex confirms preferred UK distributor ROBERT Scott, one of the UK’s largest
Manufacturing, which began working with
manufacturers and suppliers of cleaning
Pulex in 2005. This year, Pulex underwent a
products to the janitorial sector, has been
rebrand to help secure its position as a leading
selected as the preferred UK distributor for
manufacturer of window cleaning equipment.
Italian window cleaning product manufacturer,
Later this year, the company will unveil its latest
cleaning solutions for customers. These have
range of eco products, Black Is The New Green,
proven to be a great success in recent months
Established in 1963, Pulex plays a leading
that contains up to 75% recycled plastic and are
and we will continue to expand these ranges in
role in the international production of glass
recyclable, reducing waste and saving resources.
the coming months.”
Pulex, which is a member of IPC.
cleaning equipment, products and accessories
Alastair Scott, sales director at Robert Scott,
Attilio Momi, product specialist at Pulex,
including window squeegees, washers, poles,
said: “The quality of window cleaning products
added: “Pulex has had a strong working
scrapers and blades, as well as floor and
that Pulex creates is outstanding, and we’ve
relationship with Robert Scott for over five
outdoor cleaning tools. The company is known
been proud to distribute their lines for the past
years. As a distributor, they are helpful, reliable
for the quality of its products, which are made
five years. We’re pleased to have been chosen
and are a key component of our operation in
in Italy, in particular the grade of its specialised
as the company’s preferred UK distributor and
the UK. Robert Scott’s sales team’s knowledge
rubber blades, offering an easy, streak-free
will continue to confidently recommend Pulex’s
of our products is second-to-none, so we’re
clean on glass surfaces.
products to our customers. Pulex’s new line of
confident in relying on them as our preferred
eco-friendly products sits well with our own
supplier in the UK.”
focus on increasing our range of sustainable
WWW.ROBERT-SCOTT.CO.UK
Robert Scott started working with Pulex in 2015 after its acquisition of Contico WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
JUNE 2020 27
C&M
WINDOW CLEANING
Transforming window cleaning Daniel Took, head of professional product at Kärcher Professional UK, reports. THE Introduction of handheld, battery
the advanced version comes with a second
powered window vacuums has revolutionised
battery with quick charger for continuous
WVP 10 suited to a variety of industries including
the cleaning sector over the last decade. The
cleaning time. The product is easy to operate,
retail, offices and hospitality. This versatile device
recent addition of innovative window and
with a soft-grip for comfortable use and a
has a range of optional accessories, such as
surface cleaners - multi-directional, cordless
manually adjustable distance holder ensures a
a small suction nozzle, a scraper, a telescopic
devices that enable effortless cleaning of any
perfect, streak-free finish.
extension pole, and different sized squeegee
Easy handling and practical benefits make the
blades, among others, to professionally clean
flat surface without restriction - has created
Key features of the WVP 10 include: robust
an increase in productivity and efficiency in
design for long life; spray bottle with microfibre
the sector. These cleverly designed devices
attachment; suction nozzle for multi-directional
introduce a new concept that will provide
cleaning; battery charge time of 60 minutes;
vac is an essential addition to the cleaning
businesses with fast, efficient, multi-application
lightweight; container capacity of 200ml;
industry. Our WVP 10 is an exciting
cleaning and drying, eliminating the need for
changeable battery for continuous work; and
introduction to the professional cleaning
a bucket of water and cloth, which quickly
hygienic for the operator as no direct contact
world as there is nothing quite like it already
become dirty.
with dirty water.
out there. It is a smart and efficient unit that
even the trickiest of surfaces. The innovation of the cordless window
Leading the charge is the Kärcher WVP 10, a
eliminates the need for buckets or soggy
lightweight and ergonomic handheld cleaning
cloths, making it much-better suited to a
device that can be used to clean any kind
professional environment, regardless of
of horizontal, vertical, or even overhead flat
industry sector. It really is a fresh approach to
surface, such as tiles, windows, tables, and
professional cleaning and we are proud to say
mirrors. The product features a large capacity
that it delivers exceptional results on all flat
dirty water collection tank, powerful suction
surfaces, especially windows.”
and a removable battery for extended use, plus
WWW.KAERCHER.COM/UK
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Untitled-5 1
28 JUNE 2020
29/05/2020 16:29
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SCRUBBER DRYERS
C&M
Co-Botics – autonomous cleaning through innovation ICE has introduced its Co-Botics line, which it
cleaning. Its credentials and investment span
describes as the industry’s first comprehensive
two decades of learning and understanding
range of autonomous cleaning machines, from
the market challenges and how to overcome
a small vacuum cleaner to a large sweeper and
them, the safety of people and environments,
scrubber dryer.
and the technical expertise and coverage to
Julie Kitchener, head of customer service and marketing at ICE, said: “We believe, based
support them. Julie Kitchener continued: “The navigation
on recent events, that cleaning will change
system in the ICE Co-Botics equipment is the
in the future - sanitising, infection control
closest to that of humans that exists, and the
and measurement will be key areas that we
machines are fitted with a raft of camera and
will all need clarity and comfort around to
sensor technology making it very safe and
ICE Co-Botics has been designed to
ensure clean and safe environments. Co-
reliable. It is extremely intelligent and can
integrate into cleaning teams, picking up
Botics is a very natural and progressive way
be fully operated, controlled, and managed
the manual and repetitive tasks, which will
of how we can help support and deliver these
by the teams on site. The equipment can be
then allow operators to focus on hygiene and
measures and improve wellbeing for hygienic
simply and easily incorporated into existing
sanitising activities to promote cleaner and
environments - to co-exist, to collaborate, and
or new cleaning operations in almost any
safer environments. It’s not about replacing
to work cohesively within the workplace to
kind of environment - commercial, transport,
people, it’s about embracing technology to
drive standards, efficiency and sterility.”
warehousing, manufacturing or distribution,
deliver higher cleaning standards, infection
healthcare, retail, hotels, hospitality, and
control and ‘proof of clean’.
many more.”
WWW.ICE-CLEAN.COM
ICE has a proven track record in being committed and invested in autonomous
Scrubber dryers – a buyer’s guide Daniel Took, head of professional product at Kärcher Professional UK, looks at the range of scrubber dryers currently available, and considers the pros and cons of each. ANYONE entering a building usually decides
with a mop and bucket, such a machine
Scrubber dryers quickly pay for themselves
spontaneously whether he or she feels
is often more thorough, faster and more
Generally speaking, about 85% of the expenses
comfortable in it. The factor that influences
economical. It performs three functions in a
incurred by service providers in cleaning
this first impression most is whether the
single operation:
buildings are wages and ancillary wage costs.
surroundings radiate a feeling of cleanliness or
• Uniform distribution of detergent.
For this reason, the purchase cost of a machine
neglect. This applies to public buildings such
• Mechanical removal of soil by means of disc or
which reduces cleaning times significantly is
as schools, town halls and swimming pools in general and to hospitals in particular. Regular wet cleaning of hard and resilient floors provides the necessary cleanliness. It traps
roller brushes. • Recovery of cleaning solution in the same pass. In daily maintenance cleaning, a mixture of
recouped within a relatively short period. At the same time the use of machines enhances the standing of the cleaning staff and allows an anatomically correct working posture. The
and removes not only dust, a potential carrier
water and 1-3% detergent is generally applied,
motivation associated with this aspect also
of germs, but is also indispensable because it
and the floor is then scrubbed with disc or
improves the cleaning results.
helps reduce maintenance costs in the long term.
roller brushes. The thorough mechanical action
Apart from operating theatres and other areas,
in this process easily removes even stubborn
as size is concerned:
which have to be protected against infections
soiling/dirt. Another advantage is the fact that
• Compact units are so highly manoeuvrable
with scrupulous hygiene measures, there are
the squeegee immediately collects the dirty
that they can be easily moved around
many areas in a hospital with a potential for
water and transports it into the dirty water tank.
obstacles. They are normally battery-
transmitting infections that hardly differ from
This means that the machine always uses clean,
powered but are also available in mains-
other public buildings - such as entrance halls,
clear water and the floor can be walked on
powered versions. These very compact
corridors, kitchens, WCs, and washrooms.
immediately, without any risk of slipping, which
machines are particularly suitable for smaller,
is particularly important in traffic areas open to
furnished areas.
A scrubber dryer can prove its worth in areas of this kind. Compared to manual cleaning WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
the public.
There are four basic types of machine as far
Continued on Page 30. JUNE 2020 29
C&M
SCRUBBER DRYERS
Continued from Page 29.
contact pressure and speed of the brushes have
• Walk-behind units feature a traction motor and
a considerable influence on the cleaning action.
are self-propelled. This makes it very easy for
At a comparable purchase price, roller brush
the operator to use and can cover larger areas,
technology is more versatile in its uses. The
maximising performance and productivity.
following applies as a general rule:
• Step-on units allow the operator to stand
A good finish can be achieved in
on a platform at the rear of the machine
maintenance cleaning with disc brushes on
rather than sitting on it or walking behind
smooth floors such as PVC and linoleum of
it. These machines combine the safety and
the kind often found in entrance halls and
manoeuvrability of a walk-behind machine,
corridors. Roller brushes have advantages on
whilst achieving the performance and
structured floors and where stubborn stains
productivity of a ride-on machine.
have to be tackled, since they have a smaller
• Ride-on machines are designed for effortless
footprint and a contact pressure of up to 200
cleaning of large areas. Certain models also
g/sq.cm which is up to seven times higher than
offer a ‘combination feature’ which combines
that of a disc brush.
sweeping and scrubbing in a single machine. The choice of a suitable machine depends
On machines with two contra-rotating roller brushes, the cleaning solution is not thrown
not only on the area of the floor to be cleaned,
outwards - it forms a continuous film. Less
but also on the layout of the rooms as well as
water is used in this way and the cleaning
for example, they have to work particularly
the quantity and type of dirt. Compact scrubber
agent has a longer reaction time. Moreover,
quietly on smooth floors in corridors, but also
dryers are more manoeuvrable and easier
roller brushes adapt to irregularities in the
reliably remove obstinate grease stains from
to transport, over sills, around corners and
floor, have a better deep cleaning action and
rough kitchen tiles.
obstacles as well as from one storey to another
reach up to edges and into corners so that
Modern machines offer a high degree of
in a building. Step-on machines are relatively
there is less finishing work to do. Operating
flexibility, including adjustments for varying
short and narrow, so they fit through doorways
at speeds of up to 1500rpm, they can also be
the suction power of the machine as well as
and into an elevator, if necessary. In addition,
used for stripping, polishing and crystallising.
the contact pressure and speed of the roller
they provide a good view of the area to be
One side benefit of the enormous centrifugal
brushes. For example, a scrub and dry setting
cleaned and the operator can quickly step off to
forces is a self-cleaning effect. And on machines
of 60% is usually completely adequate to clean
move obstacles out of the way.
with a pre-sweep attachment, the roller brushes
normally soiled floors. Stubborn encrusted
throw coarse and loose dirt into a bin in the
stains can be reliably removed with roller
where walk-behind machines are used. Models
scrubbing head. This saves time by eliminating
brushes running at a maximum speed of
which allow the push handle to be folded over
the need to sweep the surface beforehand.
1400rpm. This power range can also be used for
Areas to be covered should not be too great
stripping, polishing and crystallising.
and operate in forward and reverse directions are very convenient for cleaning in narrow WCs
Flexibility ensures economical applications
and washrooms, for example. Furthermore, they
The perfect floor maintenance machine
freshwater tank if required or a system
can be stowed in a minimum of space.
would be one which instantaneously adapts
with automatic metering may be used. An
itself to the type of soiling, the floor and
environmentally friendly and economical
Roller or disc brush?
the specific requirements in the facility. In
metering system enables the operator to quickly
Choosing between roller brushes or disc
a hospital, after all, scrubber dryers have to
react to floors with different degrees of soiling
brushes is an important decision because the
accomplish a wide range of cleaning tasks –
by simply pressing a button during the cleaning
Cleaning agents can be added to the
process. The mechanical action of the brushes and the demand-oriented concentration noticeably reduce the consumption and cost of cleaning agents. A large number of specially formulated detergents are available for maintenance cleaning of normally soiled floors, for removing limescale and urine stone in WCs or stubborn encrustations in the kitchen, but also for disinfection. When using on-board dosing systems, the detergent container can be quickly changed over for cleaning of different areas, without having to drain and refill the machine. Furthermore, on-board dosing systems exclude the risk of undesirable bacterial growth in the tank. Continued on Page 32. 30 JUNE 2020
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FEMININE HYGIENE
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Brimaid Ltd, Valley Mills Valley Road, Bradford BD1 4RU Tel: 01274 728837 Fax: 01274 734351 www.brimaid.co.uk
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SOFTWARE / TECHNOLOGY
Business Software for Janitorial Distributors
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GUM REMOVAL
www.bluerocksystems.co.uk
GUM & GRAFFITI REMOVAL
SELF CONTAINED MOBILE VAN OR TRAILER Trafalgar Cleaning Equipment
01403 273 444
Products & Services directory START PLANNING YOUR ONLINE & IN PRINT ADVERTISING
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
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PRODUCT NEWS
easily accessible, and it should be possible to
and still easy to transport. Walk-behind
carry out maintenance work quickly and simply.
machines are recommended for areas of up to
of brush head that is fitted provide maximum
This can be achieved if the suction blades and
2500 sq.m, while preference should be given to
flexibility. Rather than having multiple
the brushes can be changed without tools. On
machines to clean different areas, a quick
modern machines the brushes can be unlocked
change of the brush head allows a single
by pressing a button or pedal. Another
where it is necessary to work around beds,
machine to be used in many different areas with
convenience feature is a removable and easily
trolleys and other obstacles in corridors.
many different applications.
cleaned water distribution duct, which may
Very compact machines are suitable for use
occasionally become blocked when feeding
in areas where space is restricted, eg in WCs
cleaning solution to the brush head.
and washrooms.
Continued from Page 30. Machines that can quickly change the type
Simple operation and maintenance are essential
To summarise, one can say that scrubber
step-on or ride-on machines for larger areas. • Manoeuvrability is particularly important
• In hospitals it is important that the machine
Intuitive operation of the scrubber dryer is an
dryers are suitable for wet cleaning most hard
operates as quietly as possible. This can
advantage in general terms and especially if
floors. They produce a more uniform finish,
be achieved by reducing brush speed and
the machine is used by different members of
are faster and more cost effective than manual
suction power.
the cleaning staff. All controls should be clearly
methods of cleaning. In many cases their
laid out and their use independent of language.
use is worthwhile on relatively small areas. A
the cleaning staff: are all controls clearly
Safety is ensured by an automatic system which
number of different factors have to be taken
laid out, intuitive to use and is the machine
stops the water supply as soon as the machine
into account when selecting the right machine
ergonomically designed?
comes to a standstill. Retractable wheels
for the job. The more versatile the machine, the
make the machine easier to transport between
more economical it is in operation. Tips on purchasing a scrubber dryer
In order to keep non-productive down time to a minimum, replacement parts should be
•E asy maintenance and servicing also contribute to low running costs. It is an advantage when all replacement parts are
cleaning sites and protect the brushes when they are in the park position.
•S imple operation relieves the workload on
• The scrubber dryer should be the right size, ie large enough for the surface area to be cleaned
within easy reach and the suction blades and brushes can be changed without tools. WWW.KAERCHER.COM/UK
WITH Coronavirus prevention measures seeing an increasing number of people working remotely from home, many
Jangro LMS expands with cyber security module
organisations are left vulnerable to online viruses, and now face IT, and particularly cyber security, challenges. Following reports that cyber-crime has increased due to the outbreak of COVID-19, Jangro has introduced its latest addition to the e-learning platform, Learning Management Solution (LMS). Developed by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC),
the module, entitled ’Stay Safe Online: Top Tips for Staff’, takes just 30 minutes to complete and discusses why cyber security is important and how attacks happen. The course addresses four key areas, including: defending yourself against phishing; using strong passwords; securing your devices; and reporting incidents (‘if in doubt, call it out’). WWW.JANGROLMS.NET
32 JUNE 2020
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
PRODUCT NEWS
C&M
AN accredited all-purpose sanitiser that
All-purpose sanitiser approved as effective against Coronavirus
is effective against Coronavirus has been developed by biotech innovator, BioHygiene. Comprising an allpurpose and washroom product, the sanitiser has been approved under
EDITOR
the requisite standards for use against enveloped viruses, this approval being valid for all coronaviruses and therefore
Neil Nixon neilnixon@quartzltd.com 07957 713316 SALES DIRECTOR
the strain behind the current pandemic. Containing naturally derived mild surfactants and a fermentation extract, the sanitiser’s eco-friendly focus is designed to provide an environmentally responsible and sustainable cleaner and disinfectant. WWW.BIOHYGIENE.CO.UK
Stuart Dacre stuartdacre@quartzltd.com 01737 855041 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
MAKITA has expanded its cleaning range with the launch of the new cordless DVC660Z 36V backpack vacuum cleaner. Powered by Makita’s powerful LXT battery platform, the DVC660Z offers operators increased freedom, as well as long run times and a range of additional benefits designed to improve on site productivity. Powered by Makita’s twin 18V battery technology, the DVC660Z is a powerful
Backpack vacuum cleaner range extended
machine with a suction power
Michelle Andrews michelleandrews@quartzltd.com 01737 855086 PRODUCTION MANAGER
Carol Baird carolbaird@quartzltd.com 01923 437619 MANAGING DIRECTOR
Tony Crinion CEO
of between 25W and 95W depending
Steve Diprose
on the power setting. The DVC660Z includes three
CO-CHAIRMAN
power settings and a memory mode function, which means the
Paul Michael
machine will start up in the same power setting as when it was
PAID SUBSCRIPTIONS & CIRCULATION ENQUIRIES
last switched off, making it easy for operators to pick up exactly where they left off. WWW.MAKITAUK.COM
Elizabeth Barford subscriptions@quartzltd.com 01737 855028
CHEMICAL-free floor cleaning has been introduced to the ‘innovations’ portfolio of facilities services provider, Samsic UK. Believed to be the first national contractor to adopt the Toucan solution-disinfectant agent
Samsic launches chemical-free floor care
for hard surface cleaning within its client portfolio, Samsic has now introduced technology to enable the solution’s use on carpets and hard floors. A fast-cleaning system using Toucan for both carpeted and hard flooring, the Oztek walk-behind machine wipes clean carpet fibres and floor surfaces from all angles, oscillating dirt and contaminants from fibres and surfaces, removing soil and restoring carpet pile. The
combined solutions form the nucleus of a portfolio of innovations being deployed by Samsic as part its environmental deep-clean service for removing Coronavirus from all types of surfaces in client sites. WWW.SAMSIC.UK GREYLAND has launched Spray & Wipe ULTRA, a full virucidal disinfectant cleaner tested to eliminate both Coronavirus and MRSA after one minute. Available in the new 40% UK recycled polymer containers in both 5 litre and 750ml trigger spray bottles, Spray & Wipe ULTRA is bactericidal, yeasticidal and virucidal, having been tested to EN 1276 (inc MRSA), EN 13697 (inc E. coli), EN 16615 (yeasts), and certified to EN 14476 (inc Norovirus, influenza, and Bovine Coronavirus (BCOV) as a surrogate for other members of the Coronavirus family including MERS-CoV. WWW.GREYLAND.CO.UK
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
Virucidal disinfectant cleaner launched
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JUNE 2020 33
How to handwash? Duration of the entire procedure: 40-60 seconds Steps 3 - 9 should be for a minimum of 15 seconds.
1
Wet your hands, add soap, work to a lather.
5
Rub with backs of fingers to opposing palms with fingers interlocked.
9
Rinse with clean water.
www.diversey.com Š 2020 Diversey, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 84646 en 05/20
2
Rub hands palm to palm.
6
Rub each thumb clasped in opposite hand using rotational movement.
10
Dry thoroughly.
3
Rub back of each hand with the palm of the other hand with fingers interlaced.
7
Rub tips of fingers in opposite palm in a circular motion.
Clean Control Care
4
Rub palm to palm with fingers interlaced.
8
Rub each wrist with opposite hand.
Diversey Customer Care Team Tel: 0800 525 525 www.diversey.com
