Cleaning & Maintenance - June 2019

JUNE 2019 APRIL

THE OFFICIAL PARTNER OF THE CLEANING SHOW

IN THIS ISSUE: Scrubber Dryers2019 – Official Review Cleaning Show

C&M takes at developments in compact, walkA review ofaalook phenomenal three days at the Cleaning behind andfrom ride-on drying machines.

Show 2019 thescrubber event’s Off icial Media Partner.

Window Cleaning Healthcare & Hospital Hygiene

With more glass being specified in building C&M more takes aand look at new products and processes projects, andhygiene systemsstandards to keep itin clean improvingtechniques cleaning and critical gain importance. locations.

Face to Face Cleaning up

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The Official Partner of the Cleaning Show

JUNE 2019

PLUS: • Industry news • People • Contracts • Products

Scrubber Dryers

Window Cleaning

Face to Face

C&M takes a look at developments in compact, walk-behind and ride-on scrubber drying machines.

With more and more glass being specified in building projects, techniques and systems to keep it clean gain importance.

With Dave Wheadon, CEO, National Carpet Cleaners Association.

>>> page 22

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EDITOR’S LETTER C&M

Community cleaning at the heart of civic pride This month I had the pleasure of joining the panel of judges

the country doing some wonderful things. That the judges

to review entries to Robert Scott’s second annual ‘Cleaning

are from such a knowledgeable and exacting panel makes us

up your Community’ competition. The competition provides

really proud. As well as physically helping with equipment, this

the opportunity for interested parties to nominate a worthy

recognition will provide a massive morale boost for our teams

community project in need of some cleaning TLC. The winning

of volunteers and is a much-needed reward, further validating

project then receives £500 worth of cleaning products and a

the great work they put in to improving our local community.”

day’s cleaning on behalf of Robert Scott, with four runners-up also receiving £250 worth of Robert Scott products. Projects

In judging these awards, it was excellent to see how many

entered range from local community groups or charities to

communities are using cleaning to promote positive change.

areas of public space or facilities used by the local community.

Groups – small and large – are coming together to improve

This could be a village hall that’s seen better days, a local beach

the areas in which they live and create a sense of pride and

front or park that’s become overrun with litter, or a charity HQ in

belonging amongst residents. This can be infectious, and often

need of a spruce up.

leads to wider community involvement. This year’s winner, Clean & Green, is a clear example of this. For them it’s about

This year’s deserving winner was Clean & Green, based in

more than just cleaning and to be able to elevate the fantastic

North Solihull. This project represents more than just a

work they do, giving them the recognition they deserve through

community clean-up group – it is working to improve the lives

a competition like this, is a real privilege.

of people in the area, using cleaning as a catalyst for change in the community, bringing local residents together for the

Wishing you a happy, clean, tidy and healthy month ahead.

greater good. The four runners-up were Turning Lives Around (Leeds), Lewes Litter Pickers, York Food Bank, and Grange Community Centre.

Paul Sultana, a member of Clean & Green, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen as winners,

Neil Nixon, Editor

especially knowing that there are so many groups up and down

Cleaning & Maintenance Magazine

@cleaningmag

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

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JUNE 2019 5

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CONTENTS C&M

22 Feature: Scrubber Dryers C&M takes a look at developments in compact, walk-behind and ride-on scrubber drying machines.

JUNE 2019

08 15 17 18 28 30 36

Industry News In the news this month… Robert Scott awards new community heroes, Cleanology research reveals real attitudes to rates of pay, Floorbrite Group celebrates record-breaking year with rebrand.

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.

Clear Impressions Sponsored feature from Grundon Waste Management.

34

Face to Face With Dave Wheadon, CEO, National Carpet Cleaners Association.

Special Report A marine maintenance assignment…with a difference

Feature: Window Cleaning.

With more and more glass being specified in building projects, techniques and systems to keep it clean gain importance.

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

05 Editor’s Comment

16 BICSc Comment

Looking back at the past month in the cleaning sector.

‘I am only a cleaner’

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

20 BCC Comment An inspector calls - how we ensure that ‘what’s on the box is what’s in the box’

21 A job worth doing – a contractor’s blog.

Lee Andrews reports.

JUNE 2019 7

C&M INDUSTRY NEWS

Robert Scott awards new community heroes ROBERT Scott has announced the winners

Groups – small and large – are coming together

of its second annual Cleaning up your

to improve the areas in which they live and

Community competition.

create a sense of pride and belonging amongst residents. This can be infectious, and often leads

Clean & Green, based in North Solihull, was chosen as the overall winner as the judges

to wider community involvement. This year’s

felt it embodied more than just a community

winner, Clean & Green, is a clear example of this.

clean-up group. They are working to improve

For them it’s about more than just cleaning and

the lives of people in the area using cleaning as

to be able to elevate the fantastic work they do, giving them the recognition they deserve through

a means to create change in the community, bringing local residents together for the greater

for our teams of volunteers and is a much-

good. They will receive £500 worth of cleaning

needed reward, further validating the great work

equipment, along with a day’s cleaning support

they put in to improving our local community.”

on behalf of Robert Scott. Four runners-up

Robert Scott’s distributors were asked to

a competition like this, is a real privilege.”

Stan Atkins, chairman of the British Cleaning Council, added: “The standard of entries was extremely high this year. Many worthy causes were

were also chosen by the judging panel which

nominate a local charity or project that they

represented and their initiatives around cleaning

comprised: Stan Atkins, chairman of the

felt deserved some cleaning TLC as part of the

truly help those in the community. Congratulations

British Cleaning Council; Neil Nixon, editor and

competition which was launched to mark the

to Clean & Green and all the runners-up.”

conference director, C&M and the Cleaning

Great British Spring Clean. The competition

Show; Gill Ireson, head of sales at Robert Scott;

received a wide range of national entries

“The calibre of entries we received from our

and the company’s sales director, Alastair Scott.

stretching the length and breadth of the country.

customers was truly outstanding. There are so

The runners-up were Turning Lives Around

many worthy projects, it made it a very difficult

Speaking on behalf of Clean & Green, Paul

Gill Ireson, head of sales at Robert Scott, said:

Sultana, said: “We are absolutely delighted

(Leeds), Lewes Litter Pickers, York Food Bank,

job for us on the day. It’s an absolute pleasure

to have been chosen as winners, especially

and Grange Community Centre - each will

to be in a position to help the winners with a

knowing that there are so many groups up and

receive £250 worth of cleaning products from

donation of our products and time that we hope

down the country doing some wonderful things.

Robert Scott.

will contribute to the positive work they carry out

That the judges are from such a knowledgeable

Neil Nixon, editor and conference director,

in their respective communities.”

For more information on this year’s Cleaning

and exacting panel makes us really proud. As

C&M and the Cleaning Show, said: “It was

well as physically helping with equipment, this

excellent to see how many communities are

up your Community competition, visit:

recognition will provide a massive morale boost

using cleaning as a catalyst for positive change.

WWW.ROBERT-SCOTT.CO.UK

Cleanology research reveals real attitudes to rates of pay ALMOST two-thirds of employees are

to perceptions around cleaning operatives pay.

concept of fair pay for cleaners, with nine in ten

concerned that cleaning operatives should be

It discovered a great deal of confusion around

saying they would lose respect for a company

paid fairly. According to research commissioned

the National Living Wage and Real Living Wage

that did not pay the Real Living Wage. While

by London-based contract cleaning firm

pay brackets, with a majority of respondents

work clearly needs to be done to clarify the

Cleanology, 63% of staff care greatly about the

under-estimating the level of the voluntary Real

differences between statutory rates of pay and

rate of pay for cleaning operatives. However,

Living Wage and just 33% correctly identifying

the voluntary Real Living Wage rates, which

only 39% have an accurate idea of the real

the statutory National Living Wage rate.

represent the realistic minimum needed to

Dominic Ponniah, CEO of Cleanology, said:

live, for FMs and other businesses contracting

“This data should give every FM firm and office

cleaners, the benefits of paying a realistic rate

Real Living Wage and initiated the research to

site manager food for thought. It shows that

are obvious. It not only sends the right message

explore the attitudes both to wage levels and

employees across all age brackets support the

to employees, but also positions the company

figures on cleaning pay.

Cleanology is a passionate advocate of the

as a modern, forward-thinking organisation with a strong sense of stewardship towards everyone that works within its buildings.”

The research, which was conducted by Sapio Research, showed that 93% of company employees cared to some extent about the level of pay afforded to cleaning operatives, while 45% would not work for a company that does not pay the Real Living Wage.

The research was conducted in January 2019 among 1056 respondents. 50% of respondents were male, 50% female.

WWW.CLEANOLOGY.COM 8 JUNE 2019

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C&M INDUSTRY NEWS

Floorbrite Group celebrates record-breaking year with rebrand MANCHESTER-based cleaning and facilities

Nina Wyers, marketing director at The Floorbrite

and we hope all staff feel it encompasses the

service provider, Floorbrite, is celebrating

Group, said: “We’ve been planning the rebrand

ethos of the company as it is now. There’s been a

after completing a full rebrand - the first in its

for a number of years but wanted to wait until

lot of change here in the 47 years since my dad,

47-year history. The family run firm will now

the time was right to execute it. This year we’ve

Martin, set up the company and we felt it was

be known as The Floorbrite Group and has

got additional plans to extend our premises and

time that we reflected that in the look and feel

invested around £100,000 into the rebrand

put a real focus on employee wellbeing, so it felt

of the branding. It’s been a really insightful and

which covers brand development, a website

like a great way to start the year. The new brand

educating process and we’ve already had amazing

redesign, new signage, a full suite of new

feels much more representative of the modern

feedback from many of our clients and suppliers.”

vehicle wraps, and an advertising campaign.

Floorbrite - it’s fresh, cutting edge, and engaging

WWW.FLOORBRITE.CO.UK

Founded in Sale, Cheshire in 1972, The Floorbrite Group is today headed up by second generation Wyers, managing directors Nik and Alex. The company has diversified over the years from cleaning into a full suite of facilities management provisions, including waste management, security, and pest control amongst many others.

Combined with a record-breaking turnover in 2018 of more than £18.5 million, The Floorbrite Group now employs more than 1500 people across the UK, including at bases in Leeds and Birmingham as well as Manchester.

From left: Nik, Linda, Alex, and Nina Wyers from The Floorbrite Group.

Cleaning team helps primary school shine bright KÄRCHER has joined forces with Keep Britain

Keep Britain Tidy’s ‘Great British Spring Clean’

Tidy, the national independent environment

competition. The competition, which ran across

Tidy Litter Hero and mum to seven-year-old Zoe

charity, to bring the ultimate spring clean to a

the Kärcher UK social channels, urged followers

and 13-year-old Sadie, nominated the walkway

local walkway near Gosford Primary School in

to nominate sites in their town which were in

leading to Gosford Primary School to receive a

Coventry. The team of leading cleaning experts

need of some TLC.

‘Kärcher Clean’ after spending years organising

visited the site with Kärcher HD/HDS hot and

The competition was launched after Kärcher’s

Emma Aspinall, who is a Coventry Keep Britain

litter picks in the area. The walkway is used

cold pressure washers, as part of a bid to restore

research revealed that the cleanliness of a

by hundreds of school children, students and

community pride.

community has a significant impact on the

workers every day and the clean will have a big

emotional wellbeing of its local residents. Kärcher

impact on the local community.

The Gosford Primary School was selected for the ‘Kärcher Clean’ after local campaigner

found that 95% of people said that living in a clean

Emma Aspinall put forward the area as part of

area made them feel proud of their community.

Jack Sweeney, marketing director at Kärcher UK, said: “We were really impressed by Emma’s application and are delighted to be in Coventry helping to restore pride in this incredible community. We know that the cleanliness of an environment has a significant impact on the emotional wellbeing of residents, and the walkway to Gosford Primary school is a significant part of the area because it is the route so many school children take on a daily basis.

We hope that having a clean route to school will have a positive impact on their day and we have really enjoyed working with all the volunteers to give the space a real ‘Kärcher Clean’.”

Emma Aspinall said: “I was thrilled to win the ‘Kärcher Clean’ competition and the results have been brilliant. You really can see the difference the team have made and it’s going to make a huge difference to our walk to school each day.”

WWW.KARCHER.CO.UK

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C&M INDUSTRY NEWS

Essity proves its sustainability credentials at Tissue World Milan

Charity climb supports Scotty’s Little Soldiers COLLEAGUES from Incentive FM overcame aching limbs and painful blisters to complete the Twin Peaks Challenge recently. The determined walkers raised £7000 for charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers during the 24-hour challenge.

The team - comprising Bruce McDonnell, Mark Stevens, Glenn Wilson, Claire Rumsey, Steve Alderson, Susan Louwerse, Sheryl Inman, Andy Robbins, Adam Cross, Annie Karastoyanova, and Ben Punter – climbed 3220ft to reach the summit of Scarfell Pike in Cumbria, before driving to Fort William to scale Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK at 4412ft.

THE sustainability credentials of Tork

the lunch break’ campaign. The aim of the

manufacturer Essity were recognised with an

campaign is to highlight the importance of the

to supporting children and young people who

award at Tissue World Milan. The company won

lunch break in terms of enhancing employee

have lost a parent whilst serving in the British

the award for the Most Energy Aware Mill for its

well-being and improving morale while also

Armed Forces.

facility in Lucca, Italy, at the event.

boosting productivity.

“We received this accolade for the extensive

“The Tork brand pledges to be there for our

Scotty’s Little Soldiers is a charity dedicated

Bruce McDonnell, managing director at Incentive FM, said: “Huge congratulations to

energy-saving programmes we have in place

customers and help them think ahead as they

our energetic team who battled cold conditions

at Lucca, and for our strategic commitment to

focus on their businesses,” said Kevin Starr. “The

to climb these two mountains either side of a

long-term CO2 reductions,” said Essity’s country

‘Take back the lunch break’ campaign aims

long 25-hour drive to the Scottish Highlands. We

manager, Kevin Starr. “We were also recognised

to provide important insights into two of our

have raised a substantial amount of money for a

for our determination to reach the highest

customer segments - offices and restaurants - in

fantastic and worthwhile cause, which will make

certifications and accreditations for sustainability.”

a bid to improve workplace productivity and

a huge difference to those who have lost parents

increase traffic in local restaurants.”

in tragic circumstances.”

WWW.TORK.CO.UK

WWW.INCENTIVE-FMGROUP.COM

Essity also won the Best Tissue Marketing Strategy award for its US-based ‘Take back

Cromwell campaign indicates a reduction in littering RESULTS from a voluntary clean-up by

August by Selby District Council. Funded by

British Spring Clean activity. We believe this

Cromwell Polythene in its local area to

the Waste and Resources Action Programme

campaign, together with the Clean Driver

support the Great British Spring Clean 2019

(WRAP), it encourages lorry drivers visiting the

Scheme, has led to a substantial reduction

indicate that levels of rubbish have decreased

district to dispose of their rubbish responsibly.

in local littering, by encouraging recycling

significantly compared to last year.

Businesses signing up to the scheme receive

and responsible behaviour. There is,

an in-cab tidy package that gives drivers litter

however, still room for improvement across

a range of polythene products to aid

bags for their rubbish, reusable coffee cups,

not just our estate, but all public places. It’s

recycling, annually supports the Keep

and pocket ashtrays to encourage responsible

important that we all continue to take more

Britain Tidy environmental campaign to

rubbish disposal.

care for our environment, to make a real

The family-run business, which supplies

eliminate litter and end waste. Last year,

In addition, to further support the

difference in our local communities.”

UK wide results from the Great British Spring

Cromwell Polythene collected 67.3kgs of

Clean Driver Scheme, Cromwell Polythene

litter over a three-hour period from the

and neighbouring company, Cranswick

Clean 2019, which took place from 22 March

Sherburn Industrial Estate where it is

Gourmet Bacon (part of Cranswick plc), have

to 23 April, indicate that 17,097 clean-ups

based. Its 2019 action in the same area

both funded brand new litter bins on the

were held and 957,377 bags of litter collected

led to a collection of 11kg in 1.5 hours - an

industrial estate.

- that’s 239,344 wheelie bins full of rubbish or

impressive 68% reduction!

James Lee, managing director of Cromwell

4308 tonnes worth. Keep Britain Tidy reports

Polythene, said: “It’s great to see that

that around 61% of the litter collected was

companies based on the Sherburn Industrial

levels of discarded rubbish have decreased

‘general waste’ and approximately 39% has

Estate also support the Clean Driver Scheme.

significantly across the same area compared

been recycled.

This innovative project was launched last

to results from our previous year’s Great

WWW.CROMWELLPOLYTHENE.CO.UK

Cromwell Polythene and a number of other

12 JUNE 2019

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

INDUSTRY NEWS C&M

Principle to support children’s hospice as this year’s charity PRINCIPLE Cleaning Services has chosen Richard

which Principle Cleaning Services is raising,

by the atmosphere, the facilities and the

House Children’s Hospice as its nominated charity

are vital to ensuring that we can continue to

dedication of their staff. The values and goals

for 2019. The company is aiming to raise £30,000,

provide our services. We are thrilled to have

of Richard House align with Principle’s family-

through various fundraising events, in recognition

been selected as Principle’s charity partner and

orientated culture and we are looking forward

of its 30th anniversary this year.

look forward to working closely with the whole

to hosting a number of fundraising events both

team to reach the fantastic fundraising goal that

in-house and at our clients’ sites.”

Richard House, which is based in East London, provides palliative care to children with lifelimiting and life-threatening conditions. The

Principle has also set up a Just Giving page

has been set.”

Douglas Cooke, executive chairman of

for anyone wishing to donate and support its

charity opened in 2000 and now supports more

Principle Cleaning Services, said: “I personally

charity fundraising.

than 300 families from all over London delivering

visited the hospice and was extremely impressed

WWW.PRINCIPLECLEANING.COM

specialist care for babies, children and young adults, whilst supporting their families through counselling, therapy, bereavement support, and more. The charity also offers a range of activities for all the family to enjoy.

Richard House’s services are completely free of charge and as a local charity, over 70% of its funding is via local people, companies and groups. Chris Baker, chief executive at Richard House Children’s Hospice, said: “We are delighted that Principle Cleaning Services has chosen to support us in its 30th anniversary year. Only £1 in every £4 we spend is government funded and therefore the funds,

From left: Helena Burley, head of corporate engagements and partnerships at Richard House; Douglas Cooke, executive chairman, Principle Cleaning Services; and Owen Davies, junior project manager, Principle Cleaning Services.

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C&M INDUSTRY NEWS

Washare puts a new spin on laundry WASHARE is a new company describing itself

bringing these two groups together so that each

as ‘the Uber of Washing’, creating a home-based

can be of benefit to the other.”

army of 18,000 entrepreneurs who will provide an

Those being signed up to provide this service

SEBO collaborates with the Pink Ribbon Foundation

essential local laundry service at a competitive

in the company’s initial drive are described

price. Washare considers itself as an agent of

as Cashares. Based around the Cashare app,

SEBO (UK) Ltd has launched a new floral design

social change at the forefront of the shared

the new service provides Cashares with the

vacuum cleaner, The Felix Rose, in support

economy revolution.

opportunity to be a key part of a 24-7 local

of the breast cancer charity The Pink Ribbon

laundry service. Once they have downloaded the

Foundation. SEBO will donate 25% of all profits

a familiar and under-used asset - the washing

app and signed up, the app puts them in touch

from the sale of each Felix Rose directly to the

machine. Washare contends that by simply

with potential customers.

charity. This has already been supported by TV

undertaking some extra loads of washing

WWW.WASHARE.COM

stars and charity ambassadors Gabby Allen,

Washare is delivering an innovation based on

each day, its laundry entrepreneurs can target

Callum Best, Lizzy Cundy and the original ‘queen

earnings of over £1000 every month working

of clean’, Anthea Turner.

from home.

Matthew Howells, spokesperson for Washare,

Featuring a design of pastel pinks and white roses, blossoming around the body of the

describes the inspiration behind this innovatory

machine, the Felix Rose design was created to

service: “Washare is the ‘Uber of Washing.’ We

reflect the charity’s vibrant pink personality.

identified that many people have a washing

The Pink Ribbon Foundation is a grant-making

machine, spare time and a need for more

trust with a mission to relieve the needs of

money. While there are many others who have

people who are suffering from, or have been

no washing machine and no time, but plenty of

affected by, breast cancer. The foundation aims

spare cash. Using your own resources in the new

to advance the understanding of breast cancer

shared economy is the way forward. One can

and its early detection and treatment.

make money…one can save money. Washare is

WWW.SEBO.CO.UK

14 JUNE 2019

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PEOPLE C&M

County appointment for Star Tissue MD THE Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Lord Shuttleworth KG KCVO, has announced the appointment of Khalid Saifullah as Deputy

Hillbrush MD appointed to ABMA board

Lieutenant of Lancashire. He will join the existing team of deputies who help and support the

CHARLIE Coward, managing director of

Lord-Lieutenant in his duties as the Queen’s

Hillbrush, manufacturer of brushes and

representative in Lancashire.

specialist hygienic cleaning tools, has been voted on to the board of directors

Khalid Saifullah, managing director of Star Tissue UK Ltd, said: “I am both greatly honoured

of the American Brush Manufacturers

and humbled to have been selected to serve

Association (ABMA) at its recent annual

my home county of Lancashire as a Deputy

convention. Charlie Coward is the first

Lieutenant. I will continue to work hard to

European to be voted onto ABMA’s board. He

represent all that is great about Lancashire. I look

has also been voted to chair ABMA’s safety

forward to supporting Lord Shuttleworth and his

and standards committee.

The annual ABMA event, now in its

team in their forthcoming duties.”

102nd year, sees global leaders in the brush

WWW.STARTISSUEUK.CO.UK

manufacturing industry gather to discuss

Ecocleen targets growth with new appointments

ideas, share industry knowledge, develop

ECOCLEEN has expanded its business

in the facilities management, maintenance

supporter of ABMA, following in the footsteps

development team to support the continued

and building industries. In his last role, he was

of his father Philip Coward attending

growth of the company within the UK. Vince

business development manager for HVAC

the ABMA annual convention since 2009.

Reddick and Jack Lowe have been appointed

service and maintenance business MFM Ltd,

Hillbrush Inc. is based in Baltimore and

as business development managers to take

having previously worked for both Integral UK

distributes Hillbrush’s UK-manufactured

advantage of sales opportunities in London,

Ltd and Beale & Cole. Moving forward, he will

hygiene brushes for food processing and

East Anglia and the South West on behalf of

be responsible for generating sales growth in

food handling, including anti-microbial,

Ecocleen’s network of regional franchisees.

Dorset, Wiltshire, the South West, and South

metal detectable and resin set brushes and

Wales, using his knowledge working with local

cleaning equipment.

new and existing relationships, and celebrate everything the brush manufacturing industry has to offer.

Charlie Coward has been a long-standing

“As one of the fast-growing franchised cleaning companies in the UK we are

authorities, schools, universities, and commercial

Charlie Coward said: “I am delighted to

targeting robust expansion and enhanced

businesses such as leisure, shopping centres and

have been appointed to the ABMA board and

geographic reach,” said Jean-Henri Beukes,

manufacturing companies.

to chair the safety and standards committee.

managing director of Ecocleen. “These latest

Jack Lowe joins from International Workplace,

Involvement of ABMA at the highest levels will

appointments will strengthen our sales

an eLearning and training business with expertise

enable Hillbrush to share our quality health

capabilities within key regions and help secure

within health and safety, sustainability, facilities

and safety standards - something which we

new cleaning contracts with a growing range of

management, human resources, and leadership.

take extremely seriously - as well as giving us

private and public sector organisations.”

During five years with the company he held a

the opportunity to learn best practice from

number of positions including account manager,

industry colleagues that can be adopted at

marketing manager and, most recently, business

home and abroad.”

development director, when he was tasked with

WWW.HILLBRUSH.COM

Vince Reddick will draw upon almost 30 years of sales experience, with the past 12 spent

developing the strategy to drive the business forward. In his new role, he will handle all business development activity in north London, Essex, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire.

“Ecocleen already services 11 million sq ft of office, retail, healthcare, and industrial space for our valued customers,” continued Jean-Henri Beukes. “Vince and Jack will help us build on this impressive client base, using their proven expertise to liaise with new business prospects and develop tailored cleaning solutions that create a clean, healthy and sustainable workplace.”

Vince Reddick WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

Jack Lowe

WWW.ECOCLEEN.CO.UK JUNE 2019 15

C&M BICSc

‘I am only a cleaner’ FOLLOWING on from ‘Making the

report was produced, it referred to cleaning operatives.

Invisible Visible’, how many times

The inability of the industry to

have we heard: ‘I am only a cleaner’? Cleaning operatives

recognise its key component is

often under-rate the impact

Where does the name cleaner come from? First references I can find to cleaning techniques are in instructions laid out by monks on the processes to clean floors, pews etc.

surprising. I have actually been

So, from the very beginning, cleaning was not

they have on the quality of the

at an awards ceremony that

seen as an individual skill. It was effectively lumped

built environment. Part of the

recognised the ‘Cleaner of the

into other tasks. Then, as previously stated, cleaning

problem - in the UK at least - is

Year’, and it was felt necessary

became part of domestic duties for servants. With

by the organisers to take a

the advent of the industrial revolution, factories

that service is often equated to subservience. It is sometimes referred to as the

vote on whether the title should be changed to

required cleaning, but this was not seen as a specific

‘Upstairs Downstairs’ syndrome.

‘cleaning operative’ because ‘we all know what a

skill set. Probably the earliest example of specialist

cleaner is don’t we?’

cleaning was chimney sweeps. In fact, for many

Approximately two years ago the Equality and

I am delighted to say that by a large majority the

years in London, Ramoneur was one of the oldest

on the cleaning industry called the ‘Invisible

vote was for ‘cleaning operative’. I am even prouder

cleaning companies. Not only was this the earliest

Workforce’. The British Institute of Cleaning

to say that all the winners and runners up voted for

form of industrial cleaning, it is also the first area of

Science had a permanent representative on one

‘cleaning operative’.

the cleaning industry to be affected by HR legislation

Human Rights Commission published a report

The propensity to use ‘cleaner’ by both

when, in 1875, Parliament passed an act banning

every time this working group referred to a cleaner

operatives and the industry does not help to

the use of children climbing up chimneys to clean

that our representative corrected this to cleaning

improve the image of our industry. For example,

them. From these humble beginnings, the cleaning

operative - until such a time when some dignity

it would be like the British Institute of Cleaning

industry was formed. Although it is a major factor in

is given to the position of the cleaning operative,

Science calling a vacuum suction cleaner

public health, and the environment, it is still totally

we will continue in the Victorian era. A cleaner

(vacuum cleaner) a Hoover. It is not only incorrect,

underrated in relation to its positive effects on the UK

is a liquid or other compound used to clean a

it is also inaccurate as well. I am particularly

economy and public health in general.

particular surface. I am delighted to say that when

concerned that the correct terminology is not

WWW.BICS.ORG.UK

the Equality and Human Rights Commission

being used when available.

#Creating a Career in Cleaning

of the working groups. It was a requirement that

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16 JUNE 2019

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

CONTRACTS C&M

London’s City Hall contract retained FOLLOWING a tender process, ABM UK has

Southwark and also its demised space within the

been awarded a further five-year contract with

London Fire Brigade’s HQ.

the Greater London Authority (GLA) to provide

John McPherson, ABM UK’s managing

City Hall with office and public area cleaning

director, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have

and porterage services. The win follows several

retained this contract and to be paying the

recent contract awards for prestigious local

London Living Wage as a minimum to each

government and commercial office, banking

member of the team. We look forward to

and finance environments.

working closely with the GLA to provide an

ABM will deliver daily housekeeping, cleaning,

adaptable, customer-focused service which

porterage, hygiene, and laundry services as part

ensures that its staff and visitors experience a

of the contract for the GLA’s headquarters in

safe, clean and well-run environment.”

WWW.ABM.CO.UK

Churchill lands Millennium Point CHURCHILL has won a three-year cleaning

An iconic landmark in the heart of Eastside,

expectations, and also demonstrated where

contract with Millennium Point in Birmingham

Millennium Point is a unique venue destination in

we could offer something different. Millennium

City Centre. The agreement, which is worth

Birmingham City Centre. It is home to Thinktank,

Point is a fantastic landmark building to add

£170,000 per annum, will cover general

Birmingham’s science museum, and Birmingham

to Churchill’s growing regional portfolio. We

cleaning across the site, as well as window and

City University. Owned by Millennium Point

look forward to working alongside its excellent

washroom maintenance.

Charitable Trust, the building also holds a 350-seat

in-house team.”

auditorium, flexible workspaces, meeting rooms

Ashley Hales, facilities manager at Millennium

and offices. It was opened in 2001 to help promote

point, added: “We were impressed with

STEM projects, organisations and initiatives across

Churchill’s cleaning technology, management

the West Midlands area.

structure and approach to contract delivery

Louisa Clarke, Churchill’s operations director

throughout the bid process. The Millennium

for Midlands, North East and Scotland, said:

Point team is excited to work alongside its

“This is a great win for the West Midlands team.

new service partner to help deliver a clean and

We listened closely during the bid process to

positive environment for all building users.”

ensure that our service would exceed client

WWW.CHURCHILLSERVICES.COM

Go-Ahead Group praises sustainability approach

Warehouse contract at Westfield awarded

CORDANT Cleaning has been recognised by

Go-Ahead since 2001, and the two organisations

Go-Ahead Group after receiving a Sustainable

continue to work in collaboration to ensure a

THE Cleaning Company has secured the

Supplier Award from the transport operator.

sustainable transport service at every level.

contract for Warehouse’s retail outlet in Westfield

Cordant, which became a Social Business

Guy Pakenham, managing director of

Shopping Centre, Stratford City. The Stratford

in 2017, earned praise for its structured staff

Cordant Cleaning, said: “The Cordant Group has

City store is one of four stand-alone Warehouse

initiatives that concentrate on creating rewarding

been committed to developing supply chain

stores in London supported by multiple

roles offering personal growth and mentorship.

practices that go above expected standards - to

concessions in major department stores. This

blend the sustainable needs of the environment

adds another retailer to the Cleaning Company’s

commitment to sustainability within its supply

with those of our people. Receiving this

growing portfolio within major shopping centres.

chain and come after the business launched an

recognition from Go-Ahead is an honour - we

industry-first sustainable procurement charter

are committed to continually improving supply

Cleaning Company, said: “Warehouse is an

in the UK. Cordant Group has provided bus

chain practices and are thankful to work with a

incredible retail brand and we’re delighted to

cleaning, shunting and refuelling services for

business that shares these priorities.”

be working with them. They have a reputation

The awards build on Go-Ahead’s

Go-Ahead’s interim chief financial officer,

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

Chan Mehta, managing director of the

for providing excellent service and fashionable

Elodie Brian, said: “Go-Ahead and Cordant have

products for busy, professional women. We

been partners for more than a decade, building

are delighted to be able to come on board and

a strong relationship based on mutual values

enable the Warehouse retail team to focus on

of delivering for the community. Aligning our

providing this service, selling the clothes and

own sustainable goals with the companies

boosting profits, leaving us to use our expertise

throughout our supply chain enables us to lead

to help ensure the customer’s experience within

the industry in holistic sustainable action.”

the store is comfortable and enjoyable.”

WWW.CORDANTGROUP.COM

WWW.THE-CLEANING-COMPANY.COM JUNE 2019 17

C&M SPONSORED FEATURE

Lifting the lid on plastics recycling If it’s plastic and comes with the little recycling logo, then it goes into the recycling bin - right? Yes, is the answer, but (of course) it’s not quite that simple. Tania Hitchcock, resource and recovery product quality manager at Grundon Waste Management, lifts the lid on plastic recycling and provides some useful tips on how to spot your PET from your HDPE. Working at a materials recycling facility (MRF) it won’t surprise you to hear that we see all sorts of material which has been deposited into recycling bins.

Some waste arrives already sorted into plastics, paper, cardboard etc., at other times it is deposited co-mingled (ie, mixed together).

One of our essential roles is to sort out the different waste streams received into our MRFs as the purer the content and the less contamination,

18 JUNE 2019

the higher the quality that can be attained and therefore more easily recycled into new products. Our line pickers do a great job in identifying and sorting items which can’t be recycled, while our Redwave technology uses infrared light beams to determine the difference between different types of recyclables, before they are sent on their way for reprocessing.

However, not all plastic is equal some plastics are much harder (or even

impossible) to recycle than others, and often the only route is to dispose of it in general waste.

To help identify the different types of plastic, in 1988 the Society of the Plastics Industry created a coding system which ranged from 1-7 (see table). The idea was that if people knew more about the type of plastic an item was made from, it would improve recycling rates.

If you look carefully, many products have a recycling logo formed by three arrows making a never-ending triangle - inside this will be a number that corresponds to the type of plastic the item is made from.

The seven main types of plastic resins are polyethylene terephthalate (PETE/PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS). The seventh category is WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

SPONSORED FEATURE C&M

designated as ‘other’, which can include polycarbonate resins, acrylic, polyactic fibres, nylon, fibreglass, and others. 30 years on from the introduction of these codes, I think it’s probably safe to say that not many consumers could tell the difference between them without doing their homework. All of which makes it much harder for people like yourselves who, as cleaning experts and facilities managers, have to decide which item goes where.

We’re not suggesting that every building or customer has room for half a dozen different recycling bins for different types of plastic, but what we do ask is that (where possible) a quick check is made to decide if an item can go into recycling or if it should be sent for general waste.

For example: • PET (number 1) – items made from PET are typically fizzy drink and water bottles, which can usually be easily recycled. Unless they have a shrink-wrapped polymer sleeve, which makes them harder to recycle because the sleeve has to be removed first.

• HDPE (number 2) – these are mainly milk bottles and cosmetic/ hair product containers and are generally opaque in colour.

• Polypropylene (number 5) – is often used for butter/margarine/yoghurt pots and the thin bag which stores your cereal inside its cardboard box.

Although technically the material can be recycled, not all outlets accept it.

• Polystyrene (number 6) – including items such as takeaway food boxes, plastic cutlery, protective packaging etc. These cannot be recycled and should go into general waste.

Just to make it harder, not all items carry the recycling information you need to make an informed decision.

Or, if they do, it’s still not simple.

Takeaway sandwich boxes will often be marked recyclable and while the cardboard element should be, the

the Grundon guide

to plastic recycling grades Commonly recycled

Requires specialist recovery

at Materials Recovery Facilities

1 Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE)

2 High density polyethylene (HDPE)

5 Polypropylene (PP)

Properties: Clarity, barrier to gas and moisture, heat resistant, toughness.

Examples: Water bottles, food jars, fizzy drink bottles.

Could be recycled into: Fibres, drinks bottles.

Properties: Toughness, resistance to moisture and chemicals, ease of processing.

Examples: Milk containers, juice bottles, cosmetic/hair product containers.

Could be recycled into: Recycling bins, pallets.

Properties: Strength, toughness, versatility, barrier to moisture.

Examples: Condiment bottles, medicine bottles, butter/margarine/yoghurt pots, Tuppaware.

3 Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

4 Low density polyethylene (LDPE)

6 Polystyrene (PS)

Properties: Versatility, toughness, resistance to grease, oil and chemicals.

Examples: Plumbing pipes, cleaning product bottles, medical products.

Could be recycled into: Pipes, packaging.

Properties: Toughness, flexibility, ease of sealing, barrier to moisture.

Examples: Usually thin and pliable eg. shopping bags, food containers, gloves.

Could be recycled into: Plastic bags, dispensing bottles.

Properties: Versatility, insulation, clarity, easily formed.

Examples: Disposable cups, plastic cutlery, takeaway food boxes, protective packaging.

Could be recycled into: Pots, tubs, trays.

Could be recycled into: Auto parts, industrial fibres, pots.

7 Miscellaneous

Properties: Other plastics. Properties dependant on chemical make up.

Examples: Baby bottles, CDs, storage containers, number plates.

Could be recycled into: Car parts, pallets.

plastic film on the front which allows you to choose your dish of the day, usually isn’t. The little sauce packets which come with takeaways are made from mixed plastic materials and need to go into a general waste bin.

Even familiar spray cleaning bottles are difficult to recycle because of a safety feature on the non-recyclable trigger. In other words, if you want to recycle the bottle, it’s best to unscrew the top and put that into general waste first.

These are just some examples which we know you will come across every day and by sharing our

knowledge of the do’s and don’ts of plastic recycling, we hope you and your teams will find it a helpful addition to your recycling armoury.

For information and advice on how Grundon can help solve your plastic recycling questions and enhance your working relationship with your customers, please contact info@grundon.com or call 01753 686 777.

Waste collection and recycling rules may vary depending on location.

Please always check with your waste management supplier or local council.

As a quick guide for you and your team, Grundon has put together a single page guide about plastics recycling which can be downloaded and used for an instant check. To receive your free copy, please email: info@grundon.com.

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

JUNE 2019 19

C&M BCC COLUMN

An inspector calls - how we ensure that ‘what’s on the box is what’s in the box’ Mike Stubbs, chairman of the CHSA Accreditation Scheme Panels, reports.

LAST December I used this column to

he wishes and checks label compliance. Every

highlight how the YPO, the public

label must be traceable to manufacturer

sector purchasing organisation, had

and batch. It must include the relevant

to the CHSA’s governing council. Each year the inspector audits almost 5000 products across all four of the CHSA’s Accreditation Schemes and

joined our Accreditation Scheme for

Accreditation Scheme logo and

anyone who fails to comply is formally warned, the

Distributors. We went on to explain

indicate the product dimensions and

ultimate sanction for continued non-conformance

how, by deciding to join the scheme,

count. Where required, an indicator

being expulsion.

the YPO had made a commitment to

of fitness for purpose must also be

purchasing only product that is stamped

provided. The inspector also takes samples

with a CHSA Accreditation Scheme marque

from the warehouse for offsite testing. In the

Compliance across all four schemes in 2018 was excellent. The results for the Accreditation Scheme for Distributors showed an average of 97.5% of

or conforms to the specifications laid out in the

case of manufacturing members, a few samples are

relevant products across all accredited distributors

standard. Or, in other words, ensure ‘what’s on the

also taken from the production line.

were from CHSA accredited manufacturers.

box is what’s in the box’.

Back at his testing laboratory, the inspector

This time around we wanted to explain how

Label compliance in 2018 for the Accreditation

assesses each product against the specified scheme

Scheme for Manufacturers of Plastic Refuse Sacks is

we ensure the scheme is robust, and gives us the

standard. The length and width of soft tissue

98.8%. Plastic refuse sacks are tested to see if they are

consistency and confidence in the process which

products are measured and the sheets counted.

fit for purpose using the British Standards Institute

industry partners like the YPO demand.

The dimensions of refuse sacks are measured and

drop test. Performance is assessed by combining the

the number counted before a sample is subjected

drop test results with the count and dimensions of

schemes is our independent inspector, Martin Yates.

to a British Standards drop test. The number of

the sacks. Compliance in 2018 was over 91%.

An experienced quality assurance professional,

cotton mops in each box is counted and their

Martin has worked with the British Standards

weight recorded. Following the addition of system

Manufacturers of Soft Tissue also showed high levels

Institute and the European Standards Committee,

mops to socket and Kentucky mops in the scheme

of conformance. Label compliance was 89% or 95.9%

and has been auditing CHSA Accreditation Scheme

standard, the length and/or circumference of the

excluding minor infringements, and dimensional

members since 2014.

mop is also recorded.

compliance is 92.4% excluding minor infringements.

At the heart of our auditing process for our four

The auditing process begins with a submission

The results of the Accreditation Scheme for

Accredited Distributors are audited annually and

Members of the Accreditation Scheme for

by the member or prospective member (passing the

must sell only CHSA accredited product or product

Manufacturers of Industrial Cotton Mops achieved

initial audit is a condition of membership) of a full

that conforms to the specified standard. Therefore,

near perfect conformance on label and product

product list. A site visit is then arranged. It starts with

only non-CHSA accredited product is taken off site

performance.

a review of the quality assurance procedures before

for testing.

WWW.CHSA.CO.UK

an inspection of the warehouse and manufacturer’s

The schemes are monitored by an elected panel

facilities as required. The inspector selects product as

of scheme members which reports via its chairman

The CHSA is a member of the British Cleaning Council.

The views of Council members are their own.

The Professional Independent Registered Trade Association for

Window Cleaning Membership offers numerous quality benefits IOSH Accredited Safety Training Safety Accredited Member (SAM) Procurement Scheme Secure online store at: https://www.windowcleaning.org.uk/ Federation of Window Cleaners Tel: 0161 432 8754 / 0161 432 9280 Email: info@f-w-c.co.uk – Web: www.f-w-c.co.uk fwc_third horiz.indd 1

20 JUNE 2019

08/10/2018 09:45

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

A JOB WORTH DOING - A CONTRACTOR’S BLOG C&M

The value of a good HR strategy Lee Andrews, CEO of DOC Cleaning, reports.

IT has never been easy to retain

happening in the company. Then

good staff in cleaning. For reasons

there are little things like printing

we know only too well, cleaning

‘happy birthday’ on someone’s

is not the job of choice for many

payslip, or just organising a night

people, often being perceived as

out. At a strategic level, there’s the

an occupation of last resort. The

importance of delivering training,

larger your cleaning company

and on a softer level showing a bit

becomes, so does the problem

of understanding when someone

of recruiting and retaining staff,

can’t make their shift, rather than

meaning that sooner or

‘marking their card’, so to speak.

later you need a plan to

Of course, these

manage the issue.

initiatives don’t just

An awful lot is said about creating

happen by themselves and I’m well aware

a culture that makes

that not every cleaning

people want to

contractor has the

stay, but in cleaning that’s much easier said

resource to fund an HR person, even on a part-time

than done. Not least because

basis. That being the case, the job

whatever initiatives you decide

of generating and implementing

upon, it means pushing them

such ideas will inevitably fall to a

right the way down to potentially

combination of operations staff and

hundreds of frontline staff who

your admin team, both of whom

work remotely and often alone.

are hard pressed enough doing

So what is the ‘silver bullet’ activity that creates a retention

their day jobs.

However, two things

culture, the initiative that’s going to

are happening to make a

solve your retention problems? Well

comprehensive staff engagement

of course there’s no single activity,

strategy more easily achievable.

no ‘silver bullet’, but as the CEO of

One is the fact that just about all

an airline going through hard times

cleaning staff have a smartphone,

once said: ‘I can’t change one thing

whilst the second is the

by 1000%, but I can change 1000

emergence of employee portals

things by 1%’ - and I think that’s

that integrate with company

the approach we can realistically

management and payroll

take as cleaning contractors. It’s

software. This combination

the combination of things you do

is now making it possible to

that makes staff feel your company

communicate cost-effectively with

is one they’d like to stick with,

an entire workforce and make

rather than move to another job for

information available in a secure

£0.50p/hour more on their pay rate.

way that remote staff can access

The culture-building activities

in their own time. Again, it’s a

I most often hear about, some of

case of longstanding issues we

which work well for us at DOC,

have faced as an industry being

all focus around inclusiveness.

solved by simple technology. With

Typical examples are setting

or without HR, contractors can

up feedback forums for staff,

show staff they care about their

acknowledging and rewarding

welfare and we really can talk

good performance, handing out

seriously about that culture of

long service awards and letting

thoughtfulness and retention.

everyone know about good things

WWW.DOCCLEANING.CO.UK

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

Delivering tangible added value to customers is a core principle for ECOBAT Industrial and through its bespoke FULLlife® battery & charger care packages, it provides real-world benefits that enable them to forecast monthly expenditure and implement the most productive solution.

The company’s dedicated service support to its customer is recognised by many blue chip companies as ensuring the maximum vehicle utilisation, through both preventative and proactive service.

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. 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 Worlds largest producer of lead (840,000 tonnes/p.a.)

Over 3,500 skilled employees QM system certified to quality standard ISO9001 ISO18001

JUNE 2019 21 13/05/2019 08:48:50

C&M SCRUBBER DRYERS

Scrubber dryer evolution – plotting a course for the future John Brill, sales director at Nilfisk UK, discusses the evolution of the scrubber dryer market and how it plays a pivotal role in leading the industry forward.

IF you look back only 10 to 15 years our industry was very hardware focused, it was almost entirely defined by products and their performance. Now, however, we see a very clear split in the market between those requiring just a scrubber dryer and those who are looking for sophisticated, added value solutions. The latter requires us to build strong relationships with our customers, really understanding their needs and developing solutions to make their life easier.

I see the future, therefore, as increasingly collaborative, transcending simple equipment sales and focusing on delivering full cleaning

technology is here, integrating it into our

a bigger role than ever in our industry

solutions with the scrubber dryer product very

service organisations is only a process of

going forward. Sustainability is essentially

time and learning.

becoming a prerequisite rather than a

much at the centre.

Digital technologies have previously not

• Data driven products and services:

perk, because transparency is becoming

been heavily leveraged in our industry. The rise

there are already products and services

essential to business practices. Our

in digital options presents a huge opportunity

on the market adding real value to

discerning customer base will increasingly

to access our customers differently, providing

complex cleaning solutions. These include

demand efficiency improvements within

us with a privileged connection to them, their

the established Nilfisk TrackClean fleet

our cleaning solutions. Corporate social

world and their customer experience.

management system. There is simply

responsibility must be integrated across our

so much value to be generated from

businesses and value chains. Certifications,

the harvest and use of machine data.

material choice, manufacturing processes,

I see future improvements, however,

recyclability will all become very important

doubt that interest and growth in this

resulting from the use of data from other

and rightly so.

sector will continue, driven primarily by

sources - not just our own machines.

customers with large fleets requiring high

It really is about collaboration and

The way forward

levels of productivity. Labour availability

technology improvements enabling

We are also seeing a growing trend in the

is a significant driver here with operator

smarter performance. Future solutions,

equipment lease sector as opposed to

turnover rates high and continuing to rise.

however, need to be introduced into

purchase. Leasing, including the all-important

Filling positions and getting jobs done is

increasingly complex, connected facilities.

service and maintenance element, puts

a real issue. Autonomous scrubber dryers,

Our customers will expect them to adapt

the responsibility into the hands of the

however, require an unprecedented level

easily and once connected they must

supplier, providing greater flexibility for the

of support from the supplier, but the

interact correctly within their operational

customer. Connectivity also plays a part here,

environment. Security is also key,

as connected machines are easier to track,

particularly when it comes to attracting

diagnose and service, reducing down time and

customers whose in house facilities house

saving money.

The Nilfisk Group is focused very clearly on developing and maturing three major trends: • Autonomous cleaning: there is no

sensitive data. Intelligent buildings will become common, so these are the issues

solutions that are ever more efficient, effective

we are now addressing.

and intelligent. Nilfisk is well placed to answer

• Sustainability: the recent government

22 JUNE 2019

The future will be defined by the demand for

that demand, our combined global workforce

declaration of a climate change

has the motivation and commitment to exceed

emergency can only serve to increase the

the expectations of our customers and partners.

call for sustainability. Corporate social

The future is here.

responsibility can be expected to play

WWW.NILFISK.CO.UK WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

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C&M SCRUBBER DRYERS

Scrubber dryer choices SCRUBBER dryers are established as the

Choose batteries carefully and do not

workhorses of floorcare, whether managed

compromise on performance. Advances in

in-house or by contract cleaning teams. The

battery and charger technologies also mean

variety of machines on offer - and the accessories

that machines of all sizes will work harder and

and options available - can make the choice

longer between charges. That means more

daunting. With its range of Taski scrubber dryers,

time working and less time standing still while

Diversey offers one of the widest choices in the

being recharged, all of which adds to better

UK market, supported with technical, application

productivity and cost-effectiveness.

Manufacturers with a consistent design

and maintenance expertise.

approach are likely to incorporate common

One of the most important considerations is to match the size of machine to the proposed

features across their range. This can include

application. Too large and it will probably be

everything from user controls, routine service

under-utilised and unproductive, ultimately

points, control systems, and technology.

costing more to own and operate. Too small,

For users this means that one machine will

and it could be overused, inefficient and prone

look and work much the same as a larger

to more unscheduled outages.

or smaller alternative. This familiarity helps promote consistent use, reduces retraining

With the Taski range comprising 20 main

requirements and simplifies daily maintenance

models extending from compact uprights for

checks. For suppliers, it can simplify everything

confined areas to the large ride-on machines, Diversey offers a broad choice. This makes it

Manufacturers such as Diversey with a large

from manufacturing to service with resulting

easier to match the performance of a machine

installed base across multiple customers will be

reliability gains and cost savings.

to the application requirements with fewer

able to give a good prediction of whole life costs

restrictions. Moreover, offering a larger range

based on real customers’ actual experience.

helps ensure the needs of larger fleet operators

Choose a machine that can be used with

Scrubbers are an essential part of many cleaning operations, but they continue to evolve. The trend is towards greater use of on-

can be met from a single source which can

a wide range of cleaning products, pads

board technology and increased automation.

simplify pre- and post-sales support and enable

or brushes. This will ensure it can clean a

These two factors combine in the latest

greater deployment flexibility.

variety of flooring types and give the desired

generation of robotic scrubber driers, as

finish. Many operators are choosing to run

typified by Diversey’s Taski swingobot 2000.

whole life cost - should be another factor

their machines with advanced pads, such

By operating autonomously and with minimal

in the decision. A machine that has a lower

as the diamond-impregnated Twister by

supervision these advanced machines free

purchase or rental cost may be less energy

Diversey, that can be used on various types

operatives from laborious floor cleaning to

efficient, consume more water or products

of hard flooring with water alone for reduced

focus on value added duties instead. The

or be more prone to breakdowns than an

long-term costs and enhanced sustainability.

emergence of these robotic floorcare machines

alternative which initially appears more

Manufacturers offering a wide selection of

means that cleaning teams have even more

expensive. This combination of purchase price

pads and brushes will advise on the right ones

choice for this most vital of building care tasks.

and running costs is the total cost of ownership.

for any machine or flooring type.

WWW.DIVERSEY.COM

Total cost of ownership - sometimes called

Hiring the right machine for the job WITH the arrival of summer just around the

dryers is available in 11 different dimensions.

makes it easy to afford the right equipment

corner, now is an ideal time to give your

Regardless of size, scrubber dryers are

for the right job. Clean Sweep UK’s team

business space a spring clean. To ensure that

manoeuvrable and agile, user-friendly and

is on hand to help you determine which

your commercial and industrial floor cleaning

easy to use. Fitted with rotating roller brush

scrubber is right for you. In addition,

is of the highest standard, Clean Sweep UK

heads, the compact dryer is a great solution

full training and servicing will be

offers a range of scrubber dryers to meet your

for those hard-to-reach narrow spaces, whilst

provided onsite, ensuring all of your

business needs.

large ride on scrubber dryers are perfect for

questions are answered prior to your

covering large facilities.

rental period commencing.

From battery powered to the largest ride-on, Clean Sweep’s range of scrubber 24 JUNE 2019

Using its hire service, Clean Sweep UK

WWW.CLEANSWEEP.CO.UK WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

Simplification and recognisability are the two keywords at the root of this rebranding.

A font with simple lines was used together with a yellow element – a lightning bolt – symbolising strength and speed, two qualities that reflect Lavorwash’s current objective: to become stronger and more innovative in the world of domestic and professional cleaning.

The launch of this rebranding represents a further milestone in our growth and business development.

Cal Crutchlow Lavor major sponsor - LCR Honda Team

Lavor GB, Unit 18, Park Court, Sullivans Way, St.Helens WA9 5GZ Tel: 01744 738 079 Email: sales@lavorpro.co.uk Website: www.lavorpro.co.uk

Discover the full range at www.lavorpro.co.uk

C&M SCRUBBER DRYERS

Saving water through continuous cleaning Julie Kitchener, head of customer service and marketing at ICE, reports.

WATER is the most common substance on

in the world is decreasing and is therefore a

products are designed to do just that. They

earth and covers 71% of the earth’s surface, but

limited and vulnerable resource that we need

contain an innovative system which recycles

97.5% of this is salty water. Of the remaining

to protect more than ever before. Thanks to

and filters water and means that the same

2.5% freshwater, only 1% is usable for human

the introduction of more and more innovative

water can be re-used multiple times, resulting in

activities, while the remaining is frozen water

technologies, we are able to look at new ways

water savings of up to 1000 litres per day.

locked up in glaciers and the polar ice caps.

of re-using water within the floor cleaning

Finding ways in which we can reduce water

process, whilst ensuring that the quality of

within the back of the scrubber dryer and

consumption is of huge importance in the

cleanliness is not impacted.

continuously recycles water while the machine

This water-saving filtration system is contained

cleaning industry, especially given the vast

For example, the water used to clean

is in use and means that the same water can

amount of water used during even simple

floors can be filtered and recycled within a

be used for up to a week (based on 3-4 hours

cleaning operations.

scrubber dryer whilst it is being used, therefore

use per day). This not only dramatically reduces

dramatically reducing the amount of water

water consumption, but also saves the cleaning

under our eyes without realising that although

needed in the cleaning process. Our recently

operator huge amounts of time as they don’t have

renewable, the amount of fresh water available

launched Aqua Smart (non-stop cleaning)

to keep emptying and re-filling the machine.

We see litres and litres of water flowing

26 JUNE 2019

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

SCRUBBER DRYERS C&M

An alternative option is to install a

refill the machine, it is possible to enhance

separate standalone filtration unit which

productivity and achieve labour savings of

can be used with any type of scrubber dryer

over 25%. Plus, this self-cleaning filtering

and is essentially a washing machine for

system can result in savings of up to 90% on

water. The dirty water from the scrubber

water costs associated with cleaning.

dryer is loaded directly into the unit and in

For even greater water savings and efficiency,

just 30 minutes it can clean up to 150 litres of

both the standalone unit and the cleaning

water. The dirt from the water is separated,

machine that contains the water-saving tank

collected in bags and dehydrated, making

can be used together. This is where the real

it easy to dispose of. Not only does this

impact lies as it results in a scrubber dryer that

type of system benefit the environment, it

can use the same water for a week, alongside a

also helps businesses to increase cleaning

treatment system that can clean the water for

productivity and reduce wasted time. As

re-use over and over again.

no stops are needed to empty, clean and

WWW.ICE-CLEAN.COM

Batteries – sales, support and innovation As the UK’s largest independent battery sales and service supplier, the success of Ecobat Battery Technologies (Ecobat Industrial) has come as a result of listening to the needs of its customers and offering them effective and efficient solutions. Through this process, which is applied across all aspects of its business, Ecobat Industrial is able deliver on its ‘sales, support and innovation’ ethos. Colin McCartney, the company’s national accounts manager, reports.

IRRESPECTIVE of its true suitability, there

responsibility unless, of course, it has been built

is little question that lithium-ion batteries

into the original purchase price. However, this

are not only grabbing the headlines but are,

is where Ecobat Industrial can again step in to

finally, growing in popularity among end

relieve the burden from end users and ensure

users. As a result, despite the misconceptions

the spent battery is disposed of correctly.

As is clear, accountability is at the heart of

that these products are free from the need for maintenance, we now offer lithium service

the FULLlife philosophy, which is why so many

packages to ensure that our customers enjoy

businesses rely on its ability to deliver multiple

the maximum benefit of their, often substantial,

solutions and how it fits so comfortably into

investment. These packages naturally major

the ‘sales, support and innovation’ mantra that

on the hardware, to make sure the battery’s

Ecobat Industrial so eagerly pursues.

WWW.ECOBATINDUSTRIAL.TECH

charging system is operating as it should do.

Although it is true to say that the battery

end user, and what we offer through our Ecobat

management system responsible for the lithium

Industrial FULLlife battery and charger care

battery and charger combination will effectively

packages. In addition to service and repair, this

maintain the condition of the battery, by taking

facility also incorporates a full charger integrity

account of its state of charge and providing it

check to establish the condition of the charger

with the optimum charging regime, the chargers

from the outset.

themselves do require maintenance to be able

Another aspect that must be considered

to continue to operate efficiently and prevent

when it comes to the use of lithium batteries

the risk of failure, which is a problem associated

is what happens to them at the end of their

with un-serviced chargers, particularly in

working life? Ultimately it is the responsibility

particle-heavy environments.

of the original importer to receive and recycle

They therefore require regular and ongoing

them, but that may not be entirely obvious

maintenance which, along with the upkeep of

and could come at some cost, which is why

accurate records, is the responsibility of the

businesses should assume it is their own

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

JUNE 2019 27

C&M FACE TO FACE

Face to Face Neil Nixon speaks with Dave Wheadon, CEO, National Carpet Cleaners Association.

Since your appointment as CEO, what changes have you overseen at the NCCA? When I joined the NCCA it had a poor perception, a bit of a clique. I wanted to create a more all-embracing community, encouraging people to join and progress their businesses with NCCA support. There was a lot of rigidity in the association, offering very little flexibility to encourage new members from businesses of different sizes. We began taking a more proactive approach to our membership, addressing and listening to existing complaints and concerns and more importantly changing. The result is that membership continues to grow, we support our members in every way we can. We have offered more flexibility around how members pay for services to try to make them more affordable and have restructured courses to meet their needs.

Before we talk about your role and vision for the NCCA, can you give us an overview of what the association stands for?

Training is at the heart of your offering – how has this changed in the last three years? am confident that, through the dedication of a

We continually review our training courses to

focused team at NCCA, we meet and exceed our

ensure that they meet the needs of our current

stated objectives.

membership. We monitor trends within our industry and update our training alongside adding new courses, ensuring our members

Cleaners Association (NCCA) is the only

What’s your background, and how did you find yourself running the NCCA?

nationally recognised trade association

My career path has been very varied,

of courses can be found on our website – www.

dedicated to the cleaning, restoration and

starting out as a laboratory technician in the

ncca.co.uk. Last year we increased our entry

protection of carpets, hard flooring and soft

quarrying industry, testing and designing

level course from 2 days to 3 days meeting the

furnishings. The association is sustained

construction materials. I became an asphalt

demand for more hands-on demonstrations

and supported by a number of member and

and concrete technologist and played a

and ensuring new members are well prepared

corporate member companies throughout

major role in the material supply for the

for the challenges ahead.

the UK and overseas. By means of our

construction of the Severn Crossing – for

comprehensive training programme, we are

which I received a World Achiever Award from

confident that we can uphold our promise

Lord Hanson. From there I enjoyed several

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the NCCA?

to customers that every one of our members

senior roles working in plant hire, haulage

I have several items on my wish list. I want our

holds a recognised qualification, is fully insured

and recycling before moving to Saudi Arabia

members to become more recognised for being

for their work and can provide the highest

to head up a construction business. Three

professionals, and I want to see closer links with

standards of service and professionalism within

years later I was back in the UK, working

other relevant industry associations, enabling us

the industry. Our mission statement reads: ‘The

for Chem-Dry as a regional manager and,

to work together for the betterment of numerous

establishment and maintenance of professional

ultimately, head of franchising. I joined

sectors. The NCCA members are not just about

standards within the carpet, soft furnishings,

the NCCA board as a volunteer and was

carpet cleaning – they include numerous types of

leather and hard floor cleaning industry, with

appointed CEO in December 2016, to both

upholstery, fine fabrics, curtains, plus many other

the dual aim of safeguarding the reputation

create a blueprint to ensure future growth

niche markets. Links with trade bodies in these

of the industry and protecting its customers’. I

and increase the profile of the association.

sectors will benefit us all.

Established in 1968, the National Carpet

28 JUNE 2019

have access to the latest information. A full list

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

FACE TO FACE C&M

Our members are traditionally owner/

I want NCCA members to be the ‘go to’ service

and offer good general business advice.

Overall, I want to make it clear – and for

operator businesses, but I would like to see us

providers for the public and commercial clients.

including and teaching contract cleaning and

This will help create price stability in the market,

all members to recognise – that we really

FM companies too. We have already developed

to eradicate the ‘untrained carpet cleaner’,

care about them, and that we are always

courses with this type of member in mind.

ensuring professional standards are raised for

available to help or support. Ultimately, I

our consumers.

don’t want to see any members fail – I want

Expansion and greater reach is also important. We acquired TACCA – The Approved

I would like to see the development of

to help create a professional, well-equipped,

Carpet Cleaners Alliance – last year which

an NCCA skills centre and an approved

well-supported environment in which they

has helped us introduce education to a wider

apprenticeship scheme, encouraging younger

can thrive by serving the market effectively

audience. This organisation was a catalyst for

people into the sector. The NCCA will continue to

and professionally.

change in the carpet cleaning sector, so it was

develop its marketing and social media training,

WWW.NCCA.CO.UK

crucial to have it allied with us.

Through all these initiatives, my main goal is to raise the profile and professional standards of our industry sector. I want our members to succeed by being more educated and informed before they start out. I also want them to be far better supported once they are in operation.

And looking to the longer term, what do you have planned for the continual development of the NCCA and the sector in general?

Through increased media activity and pilot schemes with organisations like Checkatrade,

Paul Pearce, NCCA’s technical director, running a training class.

The Official Partner of the Cleaning Show

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24/07/2018 12:05

JUNE 2019 29

C&M WINDOW CLEANING

Window cleaning a professional industry Paul Thrupp, executive council member, Federation of Window Cleaners, reports.

WINDOW cleaning was in the spotlight recently

operative’s body. It further revealed that more

with the inaugural Window Cleaning World

strain was felt when different types of cleaning

Cup hosted at the Cleaning Show at Excel

action or arm position was used, and that

in London. In case you missed it, or didn’t

small adjustments to the angle of the pole, the

catch any of the extensive media exposure it

distance from the building, or the length of the

received globally, the competition was won by

pole could make a significant difference to the

Jeremiah Hickey. In winning the title Jeremiah

level of potential harm.

- the USA’s reigning window cleaning speed

This research is of importance to the window

champion - beat Sweden’s fastest shiner Jimmy

cleaning industry and in particular the window

Strom and the Guinness world record holder,

cleaning contractors themselves. Years ago,

return than their other FM activities - although

Terry ‘Turbo’ Burrows. But away from all the

window cleaners had a great reliance on the use

they need to operate with caution as its easy to

film crews looking to capture the excitement

of ladders which presented many areas of risk

‘throw in’ the smaller revenue services in order

of competitive window cleaning, another

and particularly those associated with work at

to catch a bigger fish. This is a sure way to place

important aspect of our window cleaning work

height. Window cleaners have invested heavily

overall margins at pressure.

was also showcased at the Cleaning Show.

in water-fed pole systems which, for lower level

As some of you may recall, last May the Federation of Window Cleaners (FWC) was given

Of course, many hi-rise buildings still require

buildings, have reduced greatly the need to

cleaning through either specialised access

work at height.

systems, MEWPs or through abseiling methods

This change in operation has, however,

and the skill levels of the specialised cleaning

to take part in a study looking at the use of long-

resulted in less -skilled operators being able

staff employed on such works should not be

reach window washing equipment. Working

to purchase water-fed pole systems and set

understated. In order to maintain high levels

with ergonomic specialists - dorsaVi, HSE and

themselves up as window cleaners. This in

of safety, only specialised window cleaning

other partners - the project looked at how to

return has driven down charges in window

organisations should be used for such works,

minimise the risk of injury on the user’s back,

cleaning and reduced the number of specialised

and this maintains the professional image of

shoulders and neck when using long water-

window cleaners around the UK. Margin

the industry. There are strict controls in terms

fed poles. This was done via sophisticated

pressure has in fact taken its toll with a large

of access equipment and their maintenance

monitors and motion sensors attached to

number of contractors who have moved away

regime and testing requirements, along with

different operatives who used different cleaning

from window cleaning and decided instead to

high levels of competencies for window and

techniques in a range of scenarios.

outsource to a third party provider. This gives

specialist cleaning personnel. Customers

a grant by the British Cleaning Council (BCC)

the companies who provide window cleaning

must ensure that the organisation they use for

the study found that different pole materials

directly, a further opportunity to grow this area

specialist cleaning activities is competent and

made no real difference to the impact on the

of their business and provide a higher margin

takes health and safety seriously to protect

The results were announced at the show and

itself, its staff, its agents, and the public.

Watch out as well for the latest technology as window cleaning suppliers look at the use of other ways of cleaning windows - robotics are firmly back on the agenda as specialised suppliers look at window cleaning systems that work autonomously. Drones are being trialled, and of course there is a plethora of window cleaning treatments that claim to keep your glass ‘shiny clean’.

Whatever happens, the window cleaning industry is still buoyant and presents many opportunities for both large and small companies, however it is specialised and must be treated as such if we are to maintain a safe operation.

WWW.F-W-C.CO.UK 30 JUNE 2019

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

WINDOW CLEANING C&M

A new concept in professional cleaning KÄRCHER has unveiled the WVP 10 professional

and a manually adjustable distance holder

window and surface cleaner, a multi-directional,

ensures a streak-free finish.

cordless device that enables cleaning of any flat

Key features of the WVP 10 include: robust

surface. The Kärcher device introduces a new

design for long life, spray bottle with microfibre

concept that, claims the company, will provide

attachment, suction nozzle for multi-directional

businesses with fast, efficient, multi-application

cleaning, fast charge battery (60 minutes),

cleaning and drying, eliminating the need for a

lightweight, large container capacity (200ml),

bucket of water and cloth.

changeable battery for continuous work, and

The WVP 10 is a lightweight and ergonomic handheld cleaning device that can be used to

hygienic for the operator as no direct contact with dirty water.

Easy handling and practical benefits make

clean any kind of horizontal, vertical, or even overhead flat surface, such as tiles, windows,

the WVP 10 ideally suited to a variety of

nothing quite like it already out there. It is a

tables, and mirrors. The product features a large

industries. This versatile device has a range of

smart and efficient unit that eliminates the need

capacity dirty water collection tank, powerful

optional accessories, such as a small suction

for buckets or soggy cloths making it much-

suction and a removable battery for extended

nozzle, a scraper, a telescopic extension pole,

better suited to a professional environment,

use. In addition, the advanced version comes

and different sized squeegee blades.

regardless of industry sector. It really is a fresh

Nicola Clare, product manager at Kärcher UK,

with a second battery with quick charger for

approach to professional cleaning and we are

continuous cleaning time. The product is easy

said: “Our WVP 10 is an exciting introduction

proud to say that it delivers exceptional results.”

to operate, with a soft-grip for comfortable use

to the professional cleaning world as there is

WWW.KARCHER.CO.UK/CLEAR-RESULTS

with any or

scan to shop now

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

waterfed pole

The PROTECTOR™ is the only waterfed pole handle in the world to conform to the internationally respected British Standard BS:8020, for hand tools that may come into contact with electricity. Protect yourself and get a free PROTECTOR™ handle when you buy any Grafter™, Glyder™, Swift™ or Vertigo™ Waterfed pole.

(This is in addition to the standard pole handle.)

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*Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer *Available while stocks last

JUNE 2019 31

C&M WINDOW CLEANING

Stingray family expands UNGER has now further developed its Stingray

handling. According to Unger, this makes glass

indoor cleaning system with the addition of

cleaning 25% faster while using almost 40%

Stingray QuikPads, disposable pads that can be

less cleaning agent. Even cleaners without

changed at speed to ensure hygienic cleanliness.

experience quickly achieve perfect cleaning

The Unger Stingray stands for fast,

results. No more need to move furniture out of

flexible, ergonomic, and ultimately simple

the way, no more climbing ladders, no more

cleaning of indoor glass, even in between

cloths and spray bottles.

regularly scheduled cleans. An advantage of the Stingray system is the simple, intuitive

The triangular TriPads make it easy to clean corners and hard-to-reach areas. Even heights of up to five metres can be reached comfortably with the Easy-Click poles. The integrated, battery-powered spray pump with activation buttons on both the handset and each EasyClick pole makes working comfortable and eliminates the need for manual spraying - all designed to eliminate the need of ladders and keep operators safely on the ground.

The Unger Stingray is particularly suitable for cleaning interior glass and mirror surfaces,

changed in a flash, and they effectively remove

glass doors, tables and furniture with smooth

fingerprints, grease, etc. from all smooth

surfaces. The new QuikPads are 3-layer

surfaces. One QuikPad is sufficient for cleaning

disposable pads with cleaning layer, absorbent

about 15m².

core, and attachment layer. QuikPads can be

WWW.UNGERGLOBAL.COM

Ultra-pure water available at ‘filling stations’ SPOTLESS Water offers a self-service, ultra-

account key fob(s). Key fobs are what make

location of transaction, and the key fob used

pure water distribution network for the

the process so simple. Company accounts

to dispense the water). This is great for larger

window cleaning industry, providing high

will have an amount of credit loaded onto

companies as each van in the fleet can have

quality pure water via multiple self-service

them and every time a key fob is swiped to

its own key fob - there is no limit on how

filling stations located throughout the UK.

dispense water the filling station will deduct

many key fobs one account can have - and

the payment from the customer’s credit

they can all link to the main account.

Spotless Water filling stations are based

Once the key fob has been received,

at a number of easy access locations, often

balance. The transaction is added to the

partnered with cleaning and maintenance

customer’s account history, and all relevant

Spotless Water customers can drive to a filling

supply shops. The filling stations are open

information logged (including date, time,

station, swipe the key fob, and dispense the

24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, and

desired amount of water (so long as there is

Spotless Water is rolling out over 350 stations

sufficient credit on the account). The invoice

throughout the UK, meaning large companies

will then be added to the account and the

with multiple vans in different areas can top

ultra-pure water is ready to use.

up their tanks wherever they are that day, and

The ultra-pure water is produced using

with almost 40 stations already open, water is

advanced technology to ensure the water is

already accessible for many customers.

always measuring 0TDS in order to produce

The process is extremely simple with no contracts, commitments or monthly

the best possible results.

Spotless Water already has in excess of

payments to worry about. When customers

7000 customers with over 8500 key fobs

sign up for a Spotless Water account (FOC)

on board, ranging from smaller sole trader

a welcome pack is sent and includes

companies, to larger corporate companies.

information on local filling stations and the

WWW.SPOTLESSWATER.CO.UK

32 JUNE 2019

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

C&M

Safety as Standard Craig Mawlam, Chairman, Ionic System SINCE launching the Reach & Wash® system in 1997, but actually since long before then, I seem to have always been banging on about safety in window cleaning. I honestly thought that working from the safety of the ground using waterfed poles would transform the industry, moving it away from being notoriously dangerous.

Whilst it’s true that fatalities and serious injuries associated with ladder accidents

Waterfed poles have revolutionised window

Handle as an optional extra for its carbon fibre pole offering.

has reduced, they have not been eradicated.

cleaning eliminating the risk of falls from height

Ladder mounted window cleaners are a dying

worldwide. Sadly however, electrocution of

breed its true. However, it never ceases to

window cleaners has become the new danger,

Window Cleaner’s loss of life by electrocution,

amaze me how window cleaners find new

several have lost their lives, many others have

Ionic has decided to supply, free of charge,

and interesting ways to put their lives at risk.

suffered terrible burns and have life changing

Protector™ pole handles with every carbon

In 2003 my company responded to the very

nerve damage.

fibre pole it sells.

clear danger posed by poorly installed water

Whilst some waterfed pole suppliers

Recently, following the sad news of another

For the safety of window cleaners

tanks in vans by crash testing our van mounted

added aluminium handles to their carbon

everywhere it is my sincere hope that Ionic

systems to the safety standard FMVSS-208. To

fibre waterfed poles, Ionic Systems has added

has set the safety standard that others will

date and despite several serious RTA’s and at

insulated glass fibre handle sections that

seek to achieve.

least one fatality, Ionic Systems remains the

conform to BS:8020 (carbon fibre conducts

only waterfed pole company to provide a safety

electricity).

certificate to customers issued by the testing facility (Thatcham) to FMVSS-208.

Electrocution and falls from height have

BS:8020 is the internationally recognised

should come as standard and once again my

safety standard for Tools and Equipment that

company, Ionic Systems is leading the way for

may come into contact with Electricity. Our

safety in window cleaning.

several things in common;

Protector™ Pole handle is tested to ensure

1) Once electrocution or a fall has occurs,

that no current can be transmitted to the user

serious injury or death is certain to follow.

For me the thought of what electrocution entails is too awful to contemplate. Safety

For more information contact Ionic Systems

when 10,000 volts is applied to the pole. Ionic’s

Tel: 01793 871 386

in-house testing provides a 10-1 safety factor

Email: info@ionicsystems.com

are devastating to families, colleagues and

over the BS:8020 standard that calls for tools

WWW.IONICSYSTEMS.COM

those who witness them.

to be protected up to 1,000 V ac or 1,500 V dc.

2) Such needless and avoidable accidents

3) Legal and financial costs are extremely high.

The Protector™ handle adds 400 grams to the

4) Window cleaners still seem willing to take

weight of a pole and for this reason, for the past

risks and suppliers are complicit.

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

2 years Ionic has offered the Protector™ Safety

JUNE 2019 33

C&M SPECIAL REPORT

A marine maintenance assignment…with a difference When it comes to cleaning and maintaining a popular visitor attraction, minimising disruption is essential. Berenice Northcott, managing director of Access North Structures, explores how creative behind-the-scenes planning and rope access techniques enabled the team of height experts to carry out an extensive revitalisation programme at Hull’s iconic aquarium - The Deep without ruining the family fun.

WITHIN the leisure and tourism sector,

Structures to ensure the project was conducted

the adjoining rendered upper surfaces and

summer holidays are often the busiest time for

as safely and efficiently as possible.

cap claddings above the front entrance. This entailed a comprehensive visual and tactile

visitor attractions - especially those aimed at children and families. So, it would be easy to

A phased approach

inspection of these structural elements, as

assume that it is best to conduct a large-scale

Indeed, preparation is a vital part of any

well as all associated fixings. Following this

maintenance programme, at any period except

maintenance assignment, especially one

assessment, a detailed written report was

those six weeks over July and August.

of this scale and when the site is required

compiled, covering all defects and the current

to remain operational throughout. But this

condition of the surfaces. This initial section

the premise of glorious weather, certain

one was particularly challenging, as the rope

concluded with the full repainting of all upper

improvement projects - especially those

access specialists weren’t only tasked with

rendered surfaces.

involving external painting - are similarly

working around visitors to complete the

reliant on good conditions. Where closing

project, but also aquatic life. For instance, the

responsible for renewing the exterior nose cone

isn’t an option, the focus instead shifts to how

technicians’ preparatory and painting duties

of the building - a steel and glazed structure

disruption can be mitigated, and enjoyment

had to begin after 8am so as not to disturb the

- along with the beam over the holding tank

remain undisturbed.

resident creatures.

area. This involved the preparation and full

Yet just as days out tend to depend on

So, when The Deep in Hull needed essential

To keep timescales on track, Access North

For the secondary stage, the technicians were

repainting of steelwork, in accordance with the

structural maintenance and repainting carrying

Structures split its 12-week maintenance

paint manufacturer’s specifications - entailing a

out over the summer months, a team of three

programme into two phases, accounting for

painstaking five-product procedure.

from rope access specialist Access North

variable weather conditions and other potential

Structures was brought in to deliver the works

disruptions. Luckily, the summer heatwave

Speed, safety and subtlety

discreetly and efficiently.

meant minimal rain and no delay to the project.

The versatile nature of rope access assignments

The first phase saw the team tackling the

Structural complexities

glazed upper building façade, along with

means that multi-skilled technicians are in high demand within the industry. Access North

Located at Sammy’s Point in Hull - a former shipyard - The Deep was constructed in 2001 and opened its doors to the public in 2002. The aquarium’s striking architecture was designed to resemble a geological rock formation, meaning the structure is anything but simple.

Built upon a steel framework, the exterior comprises five different types of cladding including over 1,000m² of glazing and almost 1,500m² of aluminium panelling. Internally resides a 2.5 million litre aquarium tank featuring a viewing tunnel at a depth of 10m and an underwater lift, whilst outside there is a vantage point leading from the 3rd floor café and extending out over the Humber estuary.

Having been enlisted to carry out necessary maintenance works on the expansive upper parts of this complex façade, careful planning was therefore needed from Access North 34 JUNE 2019

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SPECIAL REPORT C&M

discreetly and safely than would have been possible with an alternative solution, such as scaffolding or powered access platforms.

With the aquarium remaining open and fully operational throughout the maintenance assignment, all 3500 creatures housed in the enclosures also remained in situ throughout.

This meant one brave rope access technician was even tasked with abseiling above the shark tank in order to complete the clean and repaint of the overhead steelwork!

Safety considerations are always the number one priority for any project. With essential works required directly above the open-top 2.5 million litre tank, an innovative solution in the form of a floating pontoon was therefore devised by the team to aid the second phase. This clever installation facilitated the technicians’ secure access to the overhead steelwork, along with the containment of potential contaminants.

Standard procedures to minimise the risk of falling tools in the vicinity of visitors and Structures’ team for this expansive scope of

to conduct the required inspections and

aquarium staff were also taken, ensuring a

works was therefore assembled with individual

maintenance works, this technique enabled the

smooth and successful project delivery.

expertise in mind. Using two access points

works to be successfully completed far more

WWW.ACCESSNORTH.CO.UK

EDITORIAL FEATURES Each issue of C&M includes all the latest industry news stories, product announcements, plus regular columns from the British Cleaning Council, British Institute of Cleaning Science and guest contributors.

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

Chemicals/Chemical-Free & Dosing Systems

Vacuum Cleaners

Street Cleaning

Manual Cleaning Systems

Graffiti Removal

Odour Control & Air Fresheners

Pressure Washers

Laundry & Dishwashing

CONTACT: Neil Nixon . Editor . neilnixon@quartzltd.com . 07957 713316 Vanessa Van Santen-Smith . Sales Director . Vanessavss@quartzltd.com . 01737 855041 Michelle Andrews . Business Development Manager . michelleandrews@quartzltd.com . 01737 855086 features_list-july_to_sept 2019.indd 1

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31/05/2019 13:00

JUNE 2019 35

C&M

PRODUCT NEWS

BBL Batteries offers expertise and service

BBL Batteries is a diverse stored energy stockist and supplier, supplying not only premium quality batteries and other associated products (over 5000 lines) with over 47 years’ industry experience.

The latest product introduced to the market by BBL Batteries is the LiFOS lithium battery, an advanced battery using the new premium in lithium battery chemistries - lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4).

LiFOS delivers reliable and safe power in virtually all conditions,

and is perfect for voltage sensitive and high cycling applications including street cleaning, window cleaning and off-grid renewable energy installations. LiFOS also boasts a 5-year warranty and its integral battery management system (BMS) ensures that LiFOS batteries give no less than 2750 charge and discharge cycles at 90% depth of discharge.

WWW.BBLBATTERIES.CO.UK CLARITY & Co has brought the outdoors indoors by giving its popular Soap Co. Citrus range a breath of fresh air. The new citrus scent - from The Soap Co. Original Collection - has ‘refreshing notes of zesty lemon and fresh grapefruit’ and is available both as a hand wash and hand lotion.

“Clarity & Co is always looking to develop new products and improve its fragrances for business washrooms,” said Clem Hinchliffe, business development manager. “Citrus is a very popular scent with our customers, so we felt it was time to

Citrus fragrance added to 2019 line-up

zing it up a bit! Our luxury The Soap Co. range is perfect for environments where you want to make a real statement. It’s designed for good - with 100% of the revenue from sales being reinvested into employing people with disabilities. Our soap empowers our customers to have a positive impact through their procurement choices.”

WWW.CLARITY.ORG.UK

Little Accident Box helps teachers cope with classroom incidents

HEALTH and well-being specialist Aroma Care Solutions has produced a Little Accident Box to help teachers deal with toilet accidents in the classroom. It comes as a councillor in the West Midlands revealed that a primary school has hired a nappy changer because some of its pupils are not toilet-trained. The revelation is the latest in a series of warnings about the state of unreadiness for school of some children and the strain it places on teachers.

Aroma Care Solutions has a handy clean-up kit that includes

everything to make life easier for a teacher - or other adult - to deal with a toilet accident with as little fuss and bother as possible.

The Little Accident Box includes three disposable protective aprons, three pairs of nitrile gloves, three charcoal masks, three yellow bio-hazard sealed bags, three disposable cloths, six anti-bacterial wipes, three sachets of ‘absorbent aromatic granules’ and ‘textile cleansing and hygiene formula’.

WWW.AROMACARESOLUTIONS.CO.UK

36 JUNE 2019

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PRODUCT NEWS

C&M

MEWA, a leader in textile management, has launched a simple and easy way for customers to access the company’s reusable industrial wipes and mats online.

The addition of the e-shop gives the company’s UK customers

Reusable industrial wipes now available online

additional flexibility and accessibility to choose the best MEWA industrial wipes for each application.

The new e-shop includes a simple analyser tool (named ‘the cloth finder’) that guides users through a set of questions to determine which type of industrial wipe is suitable for them.

This is based on the type of waste to be removed, the level and degree of cleaning and the presence of other contaminants. The customer is then presented with the ideal wipes for their needs, as well as the recommended monthly volume of wipes required - this is calculated as a

EDITOR

Neil Nixon neilnixon@quartzltd.com 07957 713316 SALES DIRECTOR

Vanessa Van Santen-Smith Vanessavss@quartzltd.com 01737 855041 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

selection of secure payment options.

Michelle Andrews michelleandrews@quartzltd.com 01737 855086

WWW.MEWA.CO.UK

PRODUCTION MANAGER

regular monthly rental cost. Customers simply add this to their basket and make payment via a

Carol Baird carolbaird@quartzltd.com 01923 437619

FOLLOWING its acquisition of

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Laboratoires Prodene Klint

LPK toilet cleaning system added to range

Steve Diprose

(LPK) in 2014, Gojo

CEO

Industries-Europe now

Paul Michael

offers LPK Toilet Seat

PAID SUBSCRIPTIONS & CIRCULATION ENQUIRIES

Disinfecting Wipes and Foam, with coordinating dispensers.

Chris Wakefield, vice president, European marketing and

Elizabeth Barford subscriptions@quartzltd.com 01737 855028

product development, Gojo Industries-Europe Ltd, said: “One of the strategic benefits of purchasing LPK was acquiring its research and development capabilities, which has provided many opportunities for learning, exploration and production of new formulations and products. The LPK Toilet Seat Disinfecting Wipes and Foam are an ideal way to demonstrate a facility’s commitment to cleanliness, enhancing the user experience and leaving them with a positive impression of your facility.”

WWW.GOJO.COM

DBS Leoch has launched new range of Superior Lead Carbon AGM (SLCA) batteries to provide a long-life and super-fast charging power solution, ideal for markets such as cleaning and maintenance, solar and renewables, motorhome and caravan, marine, golf carts, and materials handling.

The new SLCA range can charge up to 90% in just three hours. It is designed for deep cycle performance with a positive

PUBLISHED BY

Maintenancefree, durable and long shelf-life battery range

plate formula to minimise water consumption and provide a longer service life at

Quartz Business Media Quartz House 20 Clarendon Road Redhill, Surrey RH1 1QX 01737 855086 www.cleaningmag.com Annual Subscriptions 12 copies per year (10 print & 12 digital) UK: 1 yr £125; 2 yrs: £224 Rest of the world: 1 yr: £174; 2 yrs: £310

1500 cycles at 50% DoD (depth of discharge). A unique mixture of carbon and other key additives found in negative material allow the SLCA range to perform in partial state of charge (PSoC). This increases charge acceptance, optimises fast charging capability and reduces sulphation (a key reason for premature failure).

WWW.DBSLEOCH.CO.UK

ISSN: 1473 723X © Quartz Business Media, 2019 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, without prior permission of the copyright owner.

Printed by Pensord Press Ltd, Cardiff, UK

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JUNE 2019 37

We know what REAL clean means Instead of only providing products, we deliver complete solutions throughout the whole spectrum of cleaning.

By continually collecting customer feedback and exploring the latest technology, we are able to provide our customers with innovations that make a huge difference to the way any company cleans.

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