Cleaning & Maintenance - June 2020

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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J U NE 2020

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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www.numatic.co.uk

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

PROFESSIONAL

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JUNE 2020 13

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25/03/2020 12:46

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.

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JUNE 2020 17

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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

100% recycled material

Sustainable

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CHSA compliant

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

Your perfect partners in hygiene Where hygiene is essential our cleaning solutions give you the right tools for the job. From cleaning chemicals tested to EN14476 such as Microsan® and Clensan®, through to machines designed to give you efficient and powerful performance such as Fivestar and Steempro Powermax.

Get in touch to discover more about our professional cleaning solutions.

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Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.

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sales@prochem.co.uk

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

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0800 389 3869

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

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

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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SOFTWARE / TECHNOLOGY

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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

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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