Cleaning & Maintenance - March 2021

The Official Partner of the Cleaning Show

M ARCH 2021

PLUS: • Industry news • People • Contracts • Products

Washroom Hygiene

WCEC Comment

Not long ago the main challenge facing washroom providers was the need to avoid run-outs in high-traffic areas. With the advent of COVID-19 all that has changed.

This feature considers the main issues facing washroom providers today, and looks at new products and technologies developed to ensure facilities and users are kept clean and safe.

John Shonfeld, Master of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners, looks forward to 2021 and the opportunity to regroup and even flourish during the year ahead. >>> page 12

>>> page 22

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EDITOR’S LETTER C&M

APPG: a route to recognition and support

A significant milestone in the evolving journey of the UK’s cleaning and hygiene sector was reached on 2 February 2021 when the industry’s first All Party Parliamentary Group was inaugurated. I have watched with interest as this group has taken shape and gained strength. It is a credit to the hard work of the current British Cleaning Council board, plus its supporters, that such a successful inauguration took place. This high level of representation has been sadly lacking in our sector for years, and I congratulate everyone involved in delivering the APPG - long may it prosper and represent our industry within the walls of Westminster.

Speaking at the inauguration, Paul Thrupp said: “This is a historic day for our industry. The establishment of the APPG is a major development for the cleaning and hygiene sector. I’m delighted that we have achieved this. The APPG will help ensure policy-makers are aware of the vital work we do and ensure the sector’s voice is heard in decisions that affect it. An industry of such large scale and huge importance as ours needs to have this kind of representation in Parliament. I’m particularly pleased that so many MPs have agreed to give the group their backing. Such widespread backing will ensure it is highlycredible and influential.”

It was very encouraging to note that over 50 MPs and members of the House of Lords pledged their support at the inauguration – backing that makes it one of the largest and most credible APPGs operating during this parliament. Support came from across six political parties with others expected to pledge commitment in the weeks and months ahead.

Looking ahead, all APPGs are dissolved when a general election is called, requiring them to reform once a new government is elected. Building the strength of the APPG for the cleaning and hygiene sector during this current parliament will make continuation long into the future more of a formality than a challenge. It is important, therefore, that individual members of our sector lobby their local MPs to ensure that this APPG becomes the biggest, most widely supported – a position it richly deserves given the size and critical importance of the cleaning and hygiene sector, now and in the future.

Buoyed by the raised profile and critical service played by cleaning operatives during the current pandemic, we should not under-estimate the huge effort this APPG achievement required, and the personal dedication of individual members of the BCC board and its supporters. Paul Thrupp as chairman of the BCC and Jim Melvin as deputy chair, alongside former MP for Stirling, Stephen Kerr, should all take a bow – as should everyone else that played a part in delivering the APPG. The meeting elected Nigel Mills, MP for Amber Valley, and Baroness Greengross as co-chairs of the APPG. It also elected two vice chairs, as well as agreeing on the make-up of the committee running the group.

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

Neil Nixon, Editor Cleaning & Maintenance Magazine

@cleaningmag

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

Cleaning&Maintenance

MARCH 2021 3

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CONTENTS C&M

22 Feature: Washroom Hygiene Not long ago the main challenge facing washroom providers was the need to avoid run-outs in hightraffic areas. With the advent of COVID-19 all that has changed. This feature considers the main issues facing washroom providers today, and looks at new products and technologies developed to ensure facilities and users are kept clean and safe.

MARCH 2021

06 10 11 12 14 36

Industry News.

In the news this month… APPG for the cleaning and hygiene industry inaugurated, Robert Scott reveals cleaning trends for businesses in 2021, Cromwell Polythene strengthens manufacturing and recycling operations, BICSc adds healthcare skills to the Cleaning Professional’s Skills Suite.

Contracts.

We take a look at all the latest contracts awarded across the industry.

People.

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

Special Report: Looking forward, leaving 2020 behind, and rebuilding in 2021.

John Shonfeld, Master of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners, reports.

34

Special Report: COVID-19 Update. C&M provides a round-up of the cleaning industry’s continuing role in meeting the challenges posed by COVID-19. This month, Astley Shields, air care specialist at phs Group, looks at why reducing the airborne risk of COVID-19 is critical, and Graeme Kelly, assistant director for decontamination services at the NHS Deep Cleaning and Advisory Service, gives advice on keeping your cleaning staff safe.

Special Report: ERP - supporting multichannel sales and improving profits.

Nick Davies, head of software development at OGL Computer, reports.

New Products.

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

03 Editor’s Comment

13 BICSc Comment

A look at the cleaning sector this month.

When is a touchpoint not a touchpoint?

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

14 BCC Comment Reflections on cleaning in a pandemic: a local authority perspective.

The ABCD’s Pat Wherton reports.

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

Lee Andrews reports.

MARCH 2021 5

C&M INDUSTRY NEWS

APPG for the cleaning and hygiene industry inaugurated THE much-discussed All-Party Parliamentary

Jim Melvin said: “This groundswell of support

Group (APPG) for the cleaning and hygiene sector

shows that there is growing recognition of the

was inaugurated last month. Over 50 MPs and

industry’s contribution and the vital work of

three members of the House of Lords pledged

its personnel, particularly in the fight against

their support at the inauguration, making it one

COVID-19. Though there are many important

of the bigger and most credible APPGs.

issues for the APPG to discuss, we’d like it to focus on the status of the sector’s operatives as

Members of six parties will take part - the Conservative, Labour, Scottish National Party, Democratic Unionist Party, Plaid Cymru,

Jim Melvin (left) and Paul Thrupp

key and essential workers, and their need for COVID-19 vaccination as an immediate priority.”

The BCC has been working alongside former

and Liberal Democrats - and participants

The BCC wants the APPG to put the status

will include some of the most prominent

of the sector’s operatives as key and essential

MP for Stirling, Stephen Kerr, to support

Parliamentarians in the country, such as the

workers at the top of its agenda in recognition

the establishment of the APPG, as well as

former director of Age Concern, The Baroness

of their role fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

encouraging member organisations and

Greengross, former Chancellor, the Rt Hon The

Paul Thrupp said: “This is a historic day for

Lord Lamont of Lerwick, and the former CEO of

our industry. The establishment of the APPG

Mitie, The Baroness McGregor-Smith.

is a major development for the cleaning and

cleaning and hygiene companies to lobby their MPs to join.

As editor of C&M, I have watched with

hygiene sector. I’m delighted that we have

interest as this group has taken shape and

Valley, and The Baroness Greengross as co-

achieved this. The APPG will help ensure policy-

gained strength. It is a credit to the hard

chairs, two vice chairs, as well as agreeing on the

makers are aware of the vital work we do and

work of the current British Cleaning Council

make-up of the committee running the group.

ensure the sector’s voice is heard in decisions

board, plus its supporters, that such a

The meeting elected Nigel Mills, MP for Amber

The British Cleaning Council is sponsoring

that affect it. An industry of such large scale

successful inauguration took place. This type

the APPG. Chairman Paul Thrupp and deputy

and huge importance as ours needs to have

of representation has been lacking for some

chairman Jim Melvin addressed the group at

this kind of representation in Parliament. I’m

time, and everyone involved in delivering the

the inauguration. The APPG will represent the

particularly pleased that so many MPs have

APPG should be congratulated. Long may it

interests of the cleaning and hygiene sector in

agreed to give the group their backing. Such

prosper and represent our industry within the

Parliament and influence MPs, ministers

widespread backing will ensure it is highly-

walls of Westminster.

and government.

credible and influential.”

WWW.BRITISHCLEANINGCOUNCIL.ORG

Robert Scott reveals cleaning trends for businesses in 2021 CLEANING manufacturer and distributor Robert

Last year saw a marked increase in demand for

Scott has identified three major trends emerging

disposable cleaning products and chemical-based

cleaning serves two purposes. Firstly, it is vitally

for 2021 based on its latest customer research. The

cleaners, reversing a trend towards sustainable

important in the fight against the spread of

three key trends cover infection control, visibility and

alternatives which had been observed over the

COVID-19, particularly in areas with high footfall.

frequency of cleaning, and increased sustainability

years preceding 2020. In fact, 68% of customers

But it also plays a reassurance role. We all

and are predicted to govern the cleaning practices

we surveyed had noticed an increase in orders for

want to see evidence of cleaning taking place

used by businesses as they continue to manage the

disposable cleaning products. However, we expect

wherever we go, to put our minds at ease and

impact of the pandemic.

to see sustainability return to the fore in 2021,

encourage us to feel safe in that environment.

driven by consumer demand for better practices

Businesses will need to find a way to balance

and products that reduce environmental impact.”

more regular, visible cleans while not impacting

With COVID-19 amplifying the need for impeccable cleaning processes and systems, the issue of hygiene remains high on the agenda.

The need to control the transmission of COVID-19

Alastair Scott continued: “Higher frequency

their workforces. This will become imperative

Protocols that were developed and established

- as well as the other usual infection control

as vaccines are rolled out and restrictions are

early on in the pandemic and have played a

subjects - will continue to be a high priority in 2021.

eventually eased, allowing more people to return

valuable part in reducing transmission, bringing

Protocols have been tightened across the board,

to workplaces.”

the importance of professional and thorough

with over 85% of Robert Scott customers surveyed

cleaning practices to the fore.

saying that their businesses had been required to

extensive range of cleaning products available

improve cleaning practices.

from reusable microfibre cloths and mop pads

Alastair Scott, sales director at Robert Scott, said: “It has never been more important to ensure

Meanwhile, consumers are demanding higher

Robert Scott will continue to innovate with an

to its Toucan Eco range, which uses nothing

excellent infection control measures and there

frequency of cleans and highly visible schedules,

more than tap water, salt and electricity and has

are no signs of this abating in 2021. What was

as public awareness of cleaning processes has

received EN certifications 14476 and 16777 proving

once an out-of-hours job is now highly visible

heightened. 46% of survey respondents said

its virucidal efficacy against coronaviruses. All are

and highly valued, with more of us required to

that COVID-19 had made it more important to

ideal solutions for businesses seeking to improve

undertake regular cleaning tasks to keep areas

have more visibility of cleaning staff, while 58%

their sustainability credentials, while delivering an

at home or at work as clean as possible. The

said there was a demand for more people to be

effective and thorough clean.

trend for increased sustainability returns in 2021.

cleaning every day.

WWW.ROBERT-SCOTT.CO.UK

6 MARCH 2021

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

INDUSTRY NEWS

C&M

Cromwell Polythene strengthens manufacturing and recycling operations CROMWELL Polythene continues to strengthen its UK recycling and manufacturing operations to help businesses protect themselves and the environment during the pandemic. The familyrun company, which has been in operation for 38 years, has seen increased demand for its range of essential products to help prevent the spread of infection. These include disposable gloves, aprons, and other PPE, as well as its range of sacks to capture clinical waste, including dressings and COVID-19 testing kits.

Investment has been made in new machinery and upgrades to existing machines

obligations, as well as increasing capacity for

products is designed to prompt responsible

at its UK manufacturing and recycling site,

film extrusion and bag making, in recycled

waste disposable and recycling behaviour,

CPR Manufacturing. This has improved

and virgin polythene.

whilst helping to keep people safe and

processes and increased energy efficiency to help meet the Climate Change Agreement

James Lee, managing director of Cromwell Polythene, said: “Our comprehensive range of

minimise infection risk.”

WWW.CROMWELLPOLYTHENE.CO.UK

The Golden Service Awards 2022 is seeking sponsors THE Kimberly-Clark Professional Golden

general manager UK and Ireland, Kimberly-

Service Awards 2022 is now open for sponsors,

Clark Professional. “We are very grateful to all

with packages to suit all budgets and the

previous sponsors who have supported the

opportunity to show your support to industry

Kimberly-Clark Professional Golden Service

colleagues who have achieved amazing results

Awards and who make this special industry

in very challenging times.

event possible. It is our flagship event in the UK and Ireland, and we look forward to

Sponsors benefit not just from extensive PR and social media coverage, excellent branding and

discovering how the cleaning and FM industry

top-level networking, they can put their company

has excelled in reaching new heights during a

name to what is arguably one of the most

challenging time.”

If you are interested in sponsorship or

important and critical industries in the world.

“Right now, we feel it is such an important time to sponsor a leading event in our

industry, and we welcome enquiries for any of

would like more information, please contact

the sponsorship packages,” said Steve Jones,

Suzanne Howe: GSA@SUZANNEHOWE.COM

BICSc adds healthcare skills to the Cleaning Professional’s Skills Suite BICSC, an organisation dedicated to raising

with both PAS 5748:2014 and reflect the

standards within the cleaning industry, has

draft ‘NHS National Standards of Healthcare

adapted and launched healthcare cleaning

Cleanliness 2020’ which is due to be adopted

skills to its Cleaning Professional’s Skills

formally by the NHS.

Suite. Trained operatives will be able to

The new NHS publication incidentally

apply their knowledge and skills across all

includes the recommended BICSc area

environments within the sector.

colour-coding, which has for more than 20

Version 3 of The BICSc Cleaning

years called for the use of yellow janitorial

Professional’s Skills Suite currently

equipment and hand protection within

skills. They can also become an accredited

contains over 40 skills - candidates learn

clinical areas.

training member, allowing them to train and

the principles of how to carry out cleaning-

Those who wish to explore and implement

assess their own staff and be audited by BICSc

related tasks effectively and safely. With this

this particular BICSc model can undertake the

on an annual basis.

in mind BICSc has adapted its skills to align

BICSc Licence to Practice and then gain further

WWW.BICS.ORG.UK

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

MARCH 2021 7

C&M INDUSTRY NEWS

BCC ‘proud’ to support the real Living Wage THE British Cleaning Council (BCC) has

Wage good for employees and their families,

do vital work, keeping key industries going and

renewed its commitment to being a Living Wage

but it is also good for businesses, bringing

protecting the health and well-being of others.

employer, encouraging member organisations

benefits such as improving morale and better

They deserve a fair day’s wage for a hard day’s

to support the payment of the real Living

staff retention.”

work and recognition of the skills and training

Wage. This commitment should apply equally

Deputy chairman of the BCC, Jim Melvin,

they have acquired.”

to directly employed staff and to third party

added: “Many organisations and businesses

The real Living Wage is higher than the

contracted staff.

in the cleaning and hygiene sector are also

government’s minimum, or National Living

real Living Wage employers and we want to

Wage, and is an independently calculated

BCC is proud to restate its commitment to

encourage more to make this commitment.

hourly rate of pay that is based on the actual

the real Living Wage campaign as we firmly

Cleaning and hygiene personnel are hard-

cost of living. It is currently £9.50 in the UK, with

believe a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s

working, skilled and dedicated people and

a higher rate of £10.85 for London, reflecting the

wage and that applies to all staff within our

many are on the frontline in the fight against

higher costs of living in the capital.

industry. Not only is paying the real Living

Coronavirus, often putting themselves at risk to

WWW.BRITHCLEANINGCOUNCIL.ORG

BCC chairman, Paul Thrupp, said: “The

Reckitt Global Hygiene Institute launches fellowship programme THE Reckitt Global Hygiene Institute was set up

doctoral researchers. By supporting early-career

as a catalyst for change and has now launched

post-doctoral researchers the RGHI aims to drive

its fellowship programme which intends to

significant evidence-based improvements in

create a new generation of scientific leaders

global hygiene by delivering impactful science.

SafeGroup sees Spotless opportunity for growth

Simon Sinclair, executive director, RGHI,

NATIONAL soft FM and waste management

said: “The legacy opportunity of COVID-19

specialist SafeGroup Services has expanded

specifically the role it can play in our health, into

is the triggering of a social movement that

its network with the acquisition of Dorchester-

sharp focus and further reinforced the fact that

sees hygiene raised up the health agenda -

based cleaning company, Spotless Cleaning

prevention is better than cure. However, despite

something that will benefit all global citizens.

Solutions. The deal gives SafeGroup an

hygiene being the preventive component of the

However, we cannot expect people to adopt

experienced and skilled team of cleaning

global fight against infectious diseases it has

practices or for governments to change or

professionals and a well-established set of

languished as a minority scientific and political

develop relevant policies if there is no solid

clients, along with a new base to expand

interest for decades. This was further reinforced

and reliable evidence to support those actions.

services in the south west.

by a recent Economist Intelligence Unit report

Through the development of the RGHI and,

which identified the ‘need for more diverse

specifically, our Fellowship Programme we hope

Cleaning Solutions in 2011, has been working

hygiene research across the globe’.

to deliver impactful scientific papers and create

with SafeGroup to ensure a seamless

a new generation of scientific leaders that will

handover. She now plans to focus on her work

programme, funded by a $25 million grant from

drive improvements in global hygiene.”

as a training consultant.

Reckitt Benckiser, will support up to 25 post-

WWW.RGHI.ORG

dedicated to the field of hygiene.

COVID-19 has brought hygiene, and more

The RGHI post-doctoral fellowship

Karcher reconfirms support for Team BRIT

Janet Nash, who established Spotless

SafeGroup managing director, Mike Drake, said: “We’re delighted to have acquired Spotless Cleaning Solutions, which is a well-established and well-run business with

KARCHER has confirmed its support of all-

equipment to keep its workshop in top shape,

an excellent workforce and reputation. We

disabled Team BRIT for the third consecutive

along with credit for products and consumables

have a clear and focused strategy to expand

year. The global brand partnered with Team BRIT

to help achieve its goals in 2021.

SafeGroup. Taking on Spotless Cleaning

for the first time in 2019. Team BRIT’s drivers are

James Gordon, marketing director at

Solutions fits it perfectly. It allows us to

disabled, and it aims to become the first ever

Kärcher GB and Ireland, said: “We are

extend our network, improving the efficiency

British all-disabled team to race in the Le Mans

delighted to continue our support for Team

and sustainability of service delivery in the

24 hour race. Through its racing academy, it

BRIT into a third year. All at team BRIT have

south west. This will benefit the customers

supports people with physical and psychological

an unwavering passion and determination

of both businesses and allow us to introduce

challenges in accessing motorsport.

to reach the very high bar they set for

our unrivalled portfolio of planned and

Team BRIT’s HQ and workshop is based at

themselves, and we at Kärcher are excited to

reactive specialist cleaning and waste

Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey, and is home to

help them achieve their ambition in any and

services to many new customers. I hope,

the team’s fleet of cars, which are fitted with its

every way that we can - starting with a clean

also, that it means we can create more jobs

racing hand controls which enable its drivers

workshop and sparkling cars.”

as the company’s expansion plans develop

to compete on a level playing field. Karcher

WWW.KARCHER.CO.UK

in the region.”

supplies the team with access to a range of

WWW.TEAMBRIT.CO.UK

WWW.THESAFEGROUP.CO.UK

8 MARCH 2021

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

INDUSTRY NEWS

C&M

Audit results show strong conformance to CHSA Accreditation Schemes THE coronavirus pandemic did not stop the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) auditing members, giving buyers of cleaning and hygiene products the certainty that ‘what’s on the box

Members consistently high

is what’s in the box’. During 2020,

levels of compliance proves their

a total of 146 audits took place,

commitment to maintaining

equalling the number of audits

standards in the industry, but we

conducted in 2019. Members

are never complacent. It’s why we

across all schemes achieved

worked so hard in the face of the

compliance of 93% or more.

pandemic to maintain the rigour

“Our rigorous process of

KILLS

99.99 % OF GERMS

of our auditing process. Not able

Alcohol Free Hand Sanitising Gel

independent inspection means

to go into every warehouse and on

buyers of cleaning and hygiene

to every shop floor, we increased

products can trust the CHSA

our sourcing of relevant product

• Ideal in educational, hospitality &

certification mark,” said Mike

on the open market to make sure

• Contains powerful antimicrobials

Stubbs, chairman of the CHSA’s

we covered all members and

• Food safe, ideal for food prep areas

Accreditation Schemes. “We are

product areas.”

incredibly proud of the schemes.

WWW.CHSA.CO.UK

SC Johnson increases charity donations

Advanced air-drying formulation quickly cleans & sanitises the hands leaving no sticky residue.

• BS EN 14476:2013 all public facilities • Waterless, no need for sinks or dryers

5L

AFHSG5-F

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SC Johnson is donating an

services, nutrition and education,”

additional €120,000 to help

said Alan VanderMolen, chief

Save the Children address urgent

communications officer at SC

local needs of vulnerable children

Johnson. “I am grateful for the

and families across Europe.

work Save the Children is doing

Donations supporting projects

and proud that SC Johnson can

in the UK, Germany, Spain and

support it.”

Switzerland build on SC Johnson’s

Caroline Whatley, chair of global

global partnership with the charity,

partnerships, Save the Children, said:

including a $1 million (€820,000)

“We’re proud to continue partnering

donation made earlier in 2020 to

with SC Johnson to support children

help educate and equip children

around the world who are most

worldwide with resources to cope

impacted by the pandemic. With

with the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 leaving more children out

“COVID-19 has had a devastating

of schools and in poverty, providing

impact on vulnerable families

support and resources is more

and children around the world,

important than ever.”

exacerbating poverty challenges

WWW.SCJOHNSON.COM.

including access to health

WWW.SAVETHECHILDREN.ORG.UK

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

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MARCH 2021 9

C&M CONTRACTS

Keeping vaccination and plasma centres clean and safe SAMSIC UK is supporting a growing

are working 16 hours a day, seven days a

number of COVID-19 NHS vaccination and

week providing services for centres in Arundel,

plasma donor centres operating across

Croydon, Chelmsford, as well as Bexleyheath,

southern England. The company’s teams

Stratford, Tottenham, Twickenham, and Great

are providing the Princess Royal Sports

Russell Street in the West End of London.

Jonathan King, CEO at Samsic UK, said:

Arena in Lincoln - one of the country’s first mass vaccination hubs - with daily

“We’re privileged to be a part of the mass

cleaning and hygiene services, eight hours

vaccination effort and committed to bringing

a day, seven days a week. Teams are also

Samsic UK is additionally providing cleaning

our usual high standards of quality, attitude and

helping to keep staff and patients safe

and hygiene services to eight NHS plasma donor

expertise to support the NHS and the public in

at the second centre at the EXO Centre

centres across London and outlying areas.

these challenging times for all.”

Lincolnshire Showground.

The company’s hygiene specialist operatives

WWW.SAMSIC.UK

SoftBank Robotics signs strategic partnership with Bunzl SOFTBANK Robotics EMEA has signed a

and to helping them navigate these extremely

strategic partnership with Bunzl Cleaning &

challenging times. BCHS, being the UK’s leading

Hygiene Supplies (BCHS). Under the agreement,

cleaning and hygiene supplier, is exactly that

BCHS will now offer Whiz, an industrial cobotic

and we’re excited to be working with its talented

vacuum sweeper, to its FM and cleaning clients.

and experienced teams. We’re seeing a real surge in demand for Whiz amongst FM providers

David Cousins, managing director at BCHS, said: “We see huge potential for Whiz to make

and cleaning clients across the whole region as

a real difference to our clients by increasing

the pandemic continues to disrupt economies

cleaning performance and helping to meet

and businesses. Contractors and facility

heightened expectations around hygiene

large areas of flooring, and freeing up workers

management teams are facing huge pressure

as a result of COVID-19. Whiz will enable

to focus on high value tasks which make a

to deliver improved cleaning performance and

our customers to meet and exceed service

real difference to service delivery and client

consistency, to ensure buildings are safe and

level agreements, through greater levels of

satisfaction. Whiz can clean up to 500m² per

hygienic, and to encourage people back to work,

consistency and improvements in operational

hour and covers 1500m² on a single charge.

as and when lockdown restrictions are eased.

efficiency and agility.”

Nils J.van der Zijl, VP sales and marketing at

Whiz has a big part to play in this, freeing up

SoftBank Robotics EMEA, said: “We always look

cleaning staff to focus on high-traffic, high-touch

self-driving cleaning solution designed for

to work with forward-thinking cleaning solutions

areas, and picking up the slack when team

vacuuming. It works alongside cleaning teams,

providers that are committed to delivering

members are absent.”

taking over repetitive, heavy-duty vacuuming of

innovation and business value to their clients -

WWW.SOFTBANKROBOTICS.COM

Whiz is a simple to use and reliable

Brayborne awarded new campus cleaning contract BRAYBORNE Facilities Services has been

cleaning in the educational and commercial

CEO, Jim Melvin, said: “We are delighted to be

appointed to provide cleaning services to Further

sectors. Brayborne is providing daily cleaning

adding these two highly prestigious sites to our

Education Group, Orbital South Colleges. The

services, day janitorial and housekeeping

education portfolio. In addition to ingrained

appointment is the latest in a series of education

along with periodic cleaning to Orbital South

experience of the day-to-day needs of learning

cleaning contracts awarded to Brayborne

College’s two main campuses at John Ruskin

environments, service companies need to

covering over 20 sites across southern England.

College in South Croydon and East Surrey

be adaptive. Brayborne is proven in having

College in Redhill.

substantive sector experience and the flexibility

Part of The Exclusive Services Group, Brayborne manages over 1100 staff across 250 contracts specialising in daily and periodic

The contract term is three years with a

to accommodate change.”

two year extension. Exclusive Services Group

WWW.BRAYBORNE.CO.UK

Cleaning and security contract awarded by Grupo Antolin SAMSIC UK has been awarded the contract

patrolling, and contractor/visitor liaison to

our relationship with this valued client in

to provide cleaning and security services for

Grupo Antolin’s UK site at Leamington Spa,

the future. This is a great opportunity for

automotive component specialist, Grupo

Warwickshire.

the Samsic UK business and extends our

Antolin. The appointment includes the

Jonathan King, CEO at Samsic UK, said:

footprint in the automotive component

management of site access and egress control,

“We’re delighted to be representing Grupo

manufacturing sector.”

goods in and traffic management, searching,

Antolin and look forward to developing

WWW.SAMSIC.UK

10 MARCH 2021

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PEOPLE C&M

Ecocleen appoints COO ECOCLEEN has

as managing director in January 2012, and

skills, but most of all, I am excited to celebrate

appointed Francois

successfully grew the business from 4500

our successes as a team.”

Oosthuizen as chief

cleaning operatives to close to 10,000 by the

operations officer.

end of 2016.

Jean-Henri Beukes, CEO at Ecocleen, said: “We are delighted to be working with Francois, as we officially welcome him as our new chief

The former COO

Francois Oosthuizen said: “I am thrilled to be

at Servest Group

joining the Ecocleen team, and look forward to

operations officer. I am confident that Francois

joins the company

rapidly expanding through acquisitional and

can bring the required skill and experience this

with over 20 years

organic growth, and building on the exceptional

role needs and provide a great contribution

of experience in the FM sector. With expertise

leadership of Henry and Jean-Henri Beukes.

to our company vision as we navigate our

within the cleaning, maintenance, landscaping,

The company culture at Ecocleen flows from

ambitious growth plans. Francois shares the

and hygiene industries, Oosthuizen brings a

the top down and as we spend most of our lives

same values and aspirations as all of our team,

wealth of experience, skill and ambition to

at work, it is really important to be working with

which just reinforces the tremendous fit that he

Ecocleen. After holding numerous operational

such a cohesive team. I look forward to learning

has with our strong company principles.”

positions at the Servest Group, he took over

from everyone and sharing my knowledge and

WWW.ECOCLEEN.CO.UK

SHC builds new affiliate network SUZANNE Howe

created a network of trusted affiliate organisations

on the numbers has always been tough, and what

Communications

to give its B2B clients in the packaging, facilities

impact the coverage we secure is having. But

(SHC) is now offering

management, food and drink, and sustainable

now we can. I’m delighted to have joined forces

customers expanded

products sectors better reach on the continent.

with four affiliate partners in Europe. They will

coverage of products

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“With many global B2B customers, we have

help to give us the monitoring and tracking of PR

and services across

long been asked to reach out to the European

performance we need - and our customers the PR

Europe. The strategic

press, which we have continued to do for the last

results they deserve.”

PR specialist has

few years,” said Suzanne Howe. “Reporting back

WWW.SUZANNEHOWE.COM

MARCH 2021 11

C&M SPECIAL REPORT

Looking forward, leaving 2020 behind, and rebuilding in 2021 John Shonfeld, Master of the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners, reports.

IT’S a new year and there’s no doubt in

recovery armoury. We can still do this in the

anyone’s mind that we faced some serious

spirit of healthy competition, but this is where

challenges in 2020. We never really saw the

creative business planning will be pivotal. The

pandemic coming, and when it did, it was

best business development, accounting, legal,

transformative.

and sales minds in our industry will have to put their heads down and come up with some

On the upside, the cleaning industry has benefited from a long-awaited enhancement to

sustainable recovery solutions. Don’t forget,

its reputation. It took a crisis of such magnitude

we not only face the challenges of COVID-19 for

to really highlight the contribution that the

a while longer, until the vaccine rollout makes

cleaning industry makes to society. My only

an impact, but there are the Brexit effects to

regret is that it had to be such an extreme

consider as well.

Therefore, having left 2020 behind, let’s look

situation, filled with so much sadness, fear and loss, to allow our industry to be seen and

with optimism at future possibilities. I know it

acknowledged for what it does best - keeping

hasn’t been the best start, embarking on the

our built environment clean and safe for

New Year with a quarantine. But this too shall

everyone to use.

pass, and we need to start planning ahead as much as we can, because normality will

Speak to your peers and make those connections, partnerships and joint ventures that will help to keep our industry afloat. Share the lessons learned, the triumphs and the failures, so that others can benefit. This is a time for collaboration as we’ve had plenty of crisis, and things can only go upward from here.

their input, experience and expertise could be

return, and we must be ready. Keep channels

quantified and recognised in some way, like

of communication open in your online groups,

other professions do. Now we are on our way,

forums and institutions. Speak to your peers

and the skills that have previously been taken

and make those connections, partnerships

for granted, which make up the meat and bones

and joint ventures that will help to keep our

of the cleaning industry, will play a part in a

industry afloat. Share the lessons learned,

universal raising of the bar in our industry.

the triumphs and the failures, so that others

Apart from raising our reputation, I think

we’ve had plenty of crisis, and things can only

should pursue as an industry this year is to

go upward from here.

share intelligence and resources. While we

WWW.WC-EC.COM

have enjoyed some recognition by the wider public and government, let’s not deny that our

The words ‘cleanliness’ and ‘hygiene’ are

sector has taken a battering, like so many other

now synonymous with the COVID-19 pandemic.

businesses in the UK and around the world.

For us in the cleaning industry this is a very

Quarantines and restrictions have curtailed

significant prompt for us to continue to build

business in a way we haven’t seen for decades -

a fresher reputation for ourselves as skilled

not since the war. The economic climate will be

professionals. In common parlance, let’s take it

hostile in the coming months, without a doubt.

and run with it.

There will be business casualties, sadly never

From my position in the WCEC it makes our current initiative to establish a chartered

to recover.

However, if we are going to survive this and

practitioners’ status all the more timely

limit the damage, we will have to band together.

and vital. We have long wanted to set up a

Creative business planning, knowledge sharing

framework for cleaning professionals where

and diversification will be a major part of our

12 MARCH 2021

can benefit. This is a time for collaboration as

that the other very important aspect we

Therefore, having left 2020 behind, let’s look with optimism at future possibilities.

I know it hasn’t been the best start, embarking on the New Year with a quarantine. But this too shall pass, and we need to start planning ahead as much as we can, because normality will return, and we must be ready.

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

BICSc C&M

When is a touchpoint not a touchpoint?

THERE has been much talk

handles, push buttons or shopping trolleys - is dependent upon the

of increased cleaning

vehicle. The touchpoints for these areas require your personal care and attention.

frequencies on touchpoints

last time they were cleaned

There are no implements on a Scout’s

during this COVID-19

and whether a person carrying

penknife to clean touchpoints and I have not

pandemic but what exactly

the virus has spread it to these

removed any stones from horses’ hooves

surfaces. The COVID-19 virus

lately! So, the Scout’s motto to ‘always be

can live for hours to days on

prepared’ best translates into always having

surfaces like worktops and door

access to some disinfectant wipes within your

handles. How long it survives

personal space, making sure that the wipes

is meant by a touchpoint?

Probably, the most frequently touched surface is your face, therefore the importance of handwashing is paramount and

depends on the material the surface is made

are both effective and suitable for the areas to

hand hygiene is also one of the key defences

from. So, the sensible option is to thoroughly

be cleaned.

against the spread of infection. Unlike the

wash your hands after being in these types of

wearing of face masks in enclosed spaces,

environments and/or wear gloves.

also reduce the possibility of transmission

hand hygiene is not currently a mandatory

2. Private:

through the air. Until such time as most of the

requirement. In most premises, hand sanitisers

This is effectively where you enter a facility

population is fully vaccinated we will have to

are currently installed at the entrance and

that is controlled and you are obliged to use

continue to adhere to the relevant advice. If your

people entering the building are encouraged

hand sanitiser upon entry and cleaning teams/

social conscience has improved - I have noted

and, in some cases, obliged to sanitise their

facilities staff carry out increased cleaning of

the careless abandonment/disposal of both

hands before entry.

touchpoints such as door handles, balustrades,

gloves and face masks - the new norm should

lift buttons etc. And as was always the case,

see many of these practices being continued,

1. Public areas:

washrooms and food areas such as worktops,

including the wearing of face masks by those

As previously stated, there is no direct control

tables and chairs.

who have some type of infection.

of hand hygiene in public areas, nor control of

3. Personal space:

coughing or sneezing. The risk of contraction

Personal space is where you have control,

actions in relation to those around you.

through any particular vector – for example door

whether it be at work, at home or in your

WWW.BICS.ORG.UK

So, let us talk about the three ‘P’s of touchpoints:

Good ventilation and/or social distancing

I urge you all to stay safe and consider your

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C&M BCC COLUMN

Reflections on cleaning in a pandemic: a local authority perspective Pat Wherton, general secretary of the Association of Building Cleaning Direct Service Providers (ABCD), reports.

THE cleaning industry, with its turnover of over

Testing (LFT) is helping with this.

Rochdale is proud of the fact that

£54 billion and workforce of 1.63 million people,

no staff were furloughed, and

Now that these are available

is without doubt a vital part of the UK economy.

indeed new cleaning contracts

we can have some degree

Anyone who had to be convinced of that must

have been secured as they and

of confidence, within 30

surely now be converted as the UK has faced the

many other councils have been

minutes, that any of the staff

COVID-19 pandemic with effective cleaning at the

able to show their abilities to

forefront of fighting back against the virus.

deal with the crisis and to gain the

on duty are COVID negative, and even this has brought a new issue for cleaning teams to

confidence of customers.

For local authorities across the UK there have

deal with.

Perhaps the biggest challenge shared

been real challenges as services already stretched

Where LFT centres are set up, the very

by years of austerity were called upon to respond

by many was the reopening of schools, and the

quickly to each new phase of the national

special arrangements needed to ensure that they

equipment required brings its own risks.

restrictions. Council cleaning teams were delivering

were able to support the government’s aim to

Decisions have had to be made, and actions

food parcels to the clinically vulnerable at the

keep them open. As we know, that couldn’t be

taken, to dispose of the PPE and the used kits

height of the first lockdown, helping with staff in

sustained, and now we have schools still open,

and swabs in all of the locations.

care homes as the virus took its toll, and had to

but only for vulnerable pupils and the children of

carry letters from employers, certifying their status

essential workers.

Meanwhile, the cleaning continues, and this

as essential workers, as police spot checks were

Cleaning teams are needed to move in at the end of the LFT centre’s day, usually after 9pm, and to have everything cleaned and ready to reopen

instigated. Often these checks were in the early

time with the challenge of staff needing to cover for

first thing the following morning. Whatever activity

hours of the morning when most other people

sick, isolating or positive-tested staff. The logistics

we start, it always ends with the cleaning teams.

were asleep. Cleaning operatives couldn’t work

of finding cleaning operatives still at work, able

from home, and unless they had health conditions

and willing to go to multiple sites is one of many

Keeping roads open and other support services

that forced isolation, they continued to provide an

managerial challenges.

running added to the strains of COVID-19. Some

Head teachers were rightly concerned that

essential service in public buildings.

Winter also brought an additional challenge.

ABCD member authorities have had socially

Cam Adamson of North Yorkshire Council has

everyone involved in keeping the schools open

distanced events to acknowledge the efforts of the

described the shortages of materials experienced

had to take all the necessary precautions and

cleaning teams.

by local authorities, the resilience in service

this includes the cleaning staff. Cleaning teams

delivery needed as gloves, spray bottles and some

in Rotherham report arranging shifts to start at

the background, holding it all together, and

chemicals were difficult to source, and councils

3am so that schools can be confident that all

often invisible.

having to become much more flexible in their

possible steps are taken to make the premises

WWW.ABCDSP.ORG.UK

approach to these changes in the traditional ways

‘COVID secure’ and that families can send their

The ABCD is a member of the British Cleaning

of working.

children to a place of relative safety. Lateral Flow

Council. The views of Council members are their own.

Cleaning continues as it always has done - in

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14 MARCH 2021

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

Congratulations are in order Lee Andrews, CEO of DOC Cleaning, reports.

WHAT great news that the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the cleaning and hygiene industry has been inaugurated at Westminster, with a hefty total of 53 MPs signing up to support it, alongside three members of the House of Lords, which include former Mitie CEO, Baroness McGregor-Smith.

Congratulations to Paul Thrupp and the BCC who have led this initiative. It really does herald a brighter future for industry representation at the highest levels. I for one am looking forward to the potential benefits it could bring, including key worker status for cleaning operatives, funding for specific industry training, progress on the payment of the Real Living Wage, and a focus on labour supply post-Brexit.

Having not been party to the discussions, I don’t know to what extent our industry’s response to COVID-19 assisted in the establishment of the APPG. What’s clear, however, is that the vital role cleaning will play in protecting the nation’s health going forward should demand key worker status for our front-line operatives, recognising the contribution they have made, and reflecting the significant body of evidence that shows staff in exposed occupations are more at risk. Scientific opinion, meanwhile, is leaning towards the conclusion that we will not be able to stamp out the virus and that it will become

a feature of everyday life we must learn to live with.

Part of this process will be the introduction of health and safety protocols for staff working in buildings and on transport systems, something that is already having a knock-on effect on cleaning operatives.

At DOC, for example, we have one significant client who is insisting on, and paying for, regular testing for our staff and it is not inconceivable that other organisations will follow suit. They might see things differently, of course, if a combination of vaccinations and mass testing brings infection under control. Nevertheless, whatever the new status quo looks like, it is essential for the benefit of our workers’ safety and peace of mind, not to mention continuity of service, that the facility for regular testing and vaccination when needed is made available at no cost to our teams.

I am also particularly heartened by the news that the APPG will look into the ‘creation of a recognised and universal training accreditation for cleaning and hygiene within the UK’. A sizeable number of cleaning contractors now pay many thousands of pounds a year to the Apprenticeship Levy without being able to reclaim any of their investment in the form of training, simply because there is no cleaning-specific government apprenticeship available for operatives or managers. As such, the

Levy represents little more than an additional tax on our revenue. Yet there is a vast array of valuable industry-specific training available from BICSc, ISSA and a range of ‘in-industry’ private providers such as UhUb, all of which are capable of supporting both day-to-day operative training requirements, as well as longer term individual development needs. Infuriatingly, in the absence of a recognised apprenticeship, none of this training can be redeemed by contractors against the Levy. This is particularly frustrating, as so much of the training is delivered online - a now essential requirement of training in the COVID-constrained world. If the government is serious about its commitment to workers in our industry, it should make a priority of reviewing the funding structure of training, ensuring that the organisations who are already geared up to provide cleaning industry training are able to do so through an official government framework of some sort.

Not too much for the APPG to work on then! In the meantime, let’s encourage our local MPs to support it and do whatever we can to add power to its elbow.

WWW.DOCCLEANING.COM

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Make it happen | Make it Hako 13/11/2020 09:17 MARCH 2021 15

C&M

SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19

COVID-19: Encouraging signs but cleaning remains critical Neil Nixon reports.

Following on from the features in the previous 10 issues of C&M looking at the frontline role the cleaning sector is playing in bringing the COVID-19 pandemic under control, I am continuing to post news, new product information or video interviews/webinars online to allow for the more immediate dissemination of any updates. Please take a look at www.cleaningmag.com – content is changing on a daily basis.

As previously, I will continue to use the pages of C&M to focus on the importance of cleaning and hygiene during the pandemic in detail and, as with this month’s column, to seek advice on best practice from recognised industry experts, and to learn from the experience of others.

REDUCING THE AIRBORNE RISK OF COVID-19 IS CRITICAL Astley Shields, air care specialist at phs Group, reports.

Over the course of the last 12 months, life as

and workplaces, is a significant concern. In new

droplets which are expelled from an infected

we know it has completely changed. Nobody

research, phs discovered more than two thirds of

person, but we’re not all as familiar with the

could have predicted a global pandemic of

consumers (68%) are concerned about catching

airborne risk from the smaller infected aerosols

a scale that would lead to the mass closure

COVID-19 in indoor environments. Despite

which are breathed out and remain in the air.

of businesses and strict limitations on

the infection control measures put in place by

Worryingly, as Professor Linden clearly outlines,

interactions. Yet here we stand in the midst of

businesses, a quarter of people (26%) say they

these aerosols are not contained by masks and

yet another lockdown, battling against the risk

don’t trust the measures in place are enough

can linger around a room for hours at a time,

of COVID-19 and assessing how businesses can

to protect them. And nearly half (46%) feel that

creating a significant risk of infection for others -

reopen safely once restrictions start to ease.

the closing down of businesses made them feel

even after an infected person has left.

Returning to spending time in indoor settings, from restaurants and pubs to shops

they were not COVID-safe environments - which

through the air, we can start to understand

been forced to close their doors entirely or move

that we need to be even more robust when it

towards a new home working culture.

comes to infection control. Improving indoor

When it comes to infection control measures

air quality is a critical component in the fight

for businesses, most of us feel fairly certain about

against coronavirus and the solution lies in

what this involves - regular hand washing and

ventilation - ensuring a good supply of fresh

sanitisation, wearing masks and social distancing

air and increasing the number of air changes

- summarised by the UK government message of

within a room. Opening doors and windows

‘Hands, Face, Space’. But despite these measures

certainly helps but this is not always possible,

being implemented across the board, the second

particularly during the cold winter months. And

wave hit the nation hard. And some suggest it’s

this is where air purification comes to the fore.

because we’re missing a vital element when it comes to infection control - the air we breathe.

Researchers, scientists and medics

16 MARCH 2021

Once we consider how COVID-19 can travel

is hardly reassuring for those who have either

Air purifiers physically remove impurities such as viruses and germs from the air, emitting cleaner and fresher air back into the indoor

worldwide are calling for the airborne risk of

environment. They can change the air within

COVID-19 transmission to be taken far more

a room up to five times per hour, that’s once

seriously and the evidence to support this is

every 12 minutes. This is an absolute game

growing exponentially. In the latest phs Index

changer for organisations across all sectors.

report, our air-care specialists partnered with

While it’s too soon for research to guarantee

Cambridge University’s Professor Paul Linden,

air purifiers eliminate COVID-19, the evidence

an expert in fluid mechanics, to reveal how

so far is very promising. For instance, phs

COVID-19 can be spread through the air in

Aeramax air purifiers are proven to be effective

indoor environments. We’ve all heard about

on viruses from flu and colds to the norovirus

the risk of infection by physical touch and

and also capture particles of TB, measles, WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19

C&M

against the risks of coronavirus. And, positively, air purifiers remove other particulates from the air including pollutants, allergens such as dust and pollen, VOCs, as well as odours, reducing exposure to indoor air pollution and having a positive impact of the health and wellbeing of building users over the long term.

We firmly believe that as part of a comprehensive infection control strategy, air purification has an important part to play in the safe reopening of the economy. What’s more, it will demonstrate a commitment to creating a safe setting which will boost confidence as organisations look to reopen and welcome people back into their buildings.

Prior to the pandemic, awareness was growing for the virtue of air purifiers in enhancing indoor air quality. Now, the role of air purifiers is set to be cemented as pivotal in creating cleaner, healthier and fresher environments both now and for the future.

For more information on the risk of airborne transmission as well as on the impact of mumps, whooping cough, and chicken pox.

in partnership with hygiene measures including

COVID-19 on organisations, download the free

Meanwhile, genetic similarities have been

regular handwashing, sanitisation, cleaning,

phs Index white paper.

found by researchers between COVID-19 and

and social distancing, air cleaning creates

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the SARS virus, which Aeramax captures. Used

another robust line of defence as we battle

Images courtesy of phs Group

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MARCH 2021 17

C&M

SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19

HOW TO KEEP YOUR CLEANING STAFF SAFE It’s fair to say that organisations the length

However, if your risk assessment indicates there

2. Do my cleaners have any concerns about the

and breadth of the country have upped their

is a higher risk, staff may require additional PPE.

products they use? This could be anything

cleaning game over the past year in response

For a more robust and environmentally friendly

from skin allergies to experiencing headaches

to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the standard

option, the NHS Deep Cleaning and Advisory

when cleaning.

of cleanliness is one of the top priorities for

Service provides reusable PPE solutions

many premises, it’s important to also consider

suitable for a wide variety of professions.

prevent exposure? Input from your cleaning

cleaning. Graeme Kelly, assistant director for

Consider changing your cleaning solutions

If you find yourself identifying any risks in

decontamination services at the NHS Deep

When it comes to cleaning solutions there’s a

answer to these questions, then your answer to

Cleaning and Advisory Service, reports. [Intro]

wide array of products to choose from, although

my third question is simple: make the switch to

many of these are considered to be hazardous

a safer cleaning product.

team could be helpful here!

the safety of staff undertaking the actual

First thing’s first, before your staff even start

3. Are there any measures I can implement to

What many people don’t realise is that this

cleaning, have you checked whether they are

substances. While the efficacy of your cleaning

wearing the correct PPE? Regardless of how

product is important, it’s also essential you

change doesn’t have to result in additional

safe the cleaning solution is, staff must always

consider the potential health risks for staff when

costs. Take Hypochlorous acid, for example.

wear PPE. This is because PPE protects them

using products like bleach and ammonia.

Electrostatically Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is pH

from risks associated with the environment they

To help keep your cleaning staff safe from the

neutral, environmentally friendly and proven

are cleaning, as well as protecting them from

solutions they are using, you must ask yourself

to kill 99.99% of tested pathogens. While it is a

the cleaning products themselves.

three questions:

much safer alternative to many products on the

1. Are there any risks associated with my

market, it is considerably cheaper than many

Following a risk assessment of your premises, you need to determine which items of PPE

chosen cleaning solution? For example, your

your staff require. The bare minimum should

products might be corrosive and pose a risk

be gloves, a mask and a disposable apron.

of skin burns or irritation to eyes.

18 MARCH 2021

solutions out there too.

Just remember that if you do decide to make the change to a different product, then

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19

C&M

communication with your cleaning team is key. Not only do they need to understand what products they are using, but they also need to learn how to use them.

Have your staff received appropriate training?

Do your staff know how to remove and dispose of their PPE correctly? Do they know how to prevent the transference of pathogens from one surface to another? And do they know what the figure of eight method is?

It’s important that cleaning teams the length and breadth of the country are working towards the same standard of cleaning. That’s why the NHS Deep Cleaning and Advisory Service delivers a unique training programme which teaches staff to clean ‘the NHS way’ and covers all bases including health and safety, the bio decontamination process, the correct cleaning Finally, don’t forget to review your cleaning

equipment, and the benefits of using innovative

organisations invest in the education of their

cleaning solutions and technologies.

cleaning staff. People should not only know

team’s work. Regular audits carried out by

Rebecca Denton-Smith, lead nurse for

how, but why infection control measures

a trained decontamination professional will

infection prevention and control at North

like ‘Hands, Face, Space’ and correct PPE

assure you that standards are being upheld and

Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust,

disposal are put in place, as this will make

will help you to identify areas for improvement

said: “When it comes to infection control,

them much more likely to follow these

going forward.

knowledge is key and it is important that

procedures in the future.”

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MARCH 2021 19

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WASHROOM HYGIENE

New washroom challenges Not so long ago, the main challenge facing washroom providers was the need to avoid run-outs in high-traffic venues. But with many public facilities now closed due to the global pandemic, what are the chief issues facing washroom companies today? Essity’s Stuart Hands reports.

IT is hard to believe that little more than a year ago, one of the main problems facing washroom providers was the difficulty involved in catering for large crowds. Venues such as stadiums and festival halls were particular sticking points because these were places where everyone would descend on the washrooms at once, either during the interval or before or after the event. This would lead to long queues, frustrated guests and the perennial issue of soap and paper running out during peak periods.

Similar problems would occur in the toilets of airport and ferry terminals - particularly during the holiday season. Washroom hygiene manufacturers addressed these issues by coming up with systems designed to ensure a long-lasting supply of soap and paper to reduce the risk of runouts.

The need to limit the consumption of disposable products in the washroom was another key issue for providers before the

Meanwhile, freestanding skin cream dispensers

sufficient number of towels to cater for more

COVID-19 pandemic. Environmental activist

and attractive baskets containing textile towels

than 1000 washroom visitors - 600 more than

Greta Thunberg and groups such as Extinction

have been removed as potential contamination

most other dispensers. The Tork SmartOne

Rebellion brought the topic of sustainability

risks and replaced instead with disposable

Toilet Paper system will also reduce the risk of

very much to the fore, and there was a growing

products in hygienic dispensers. And the

run-outs between maintenance checks because

appetite for systems that would naturally limit

muted pastel walls are now covered with stark

the dispenser is designed to give out only one

the use of toilet tissue and hand towels to

reminders to hand-wash and to adhere to one-

sheet of paper at a time, cutting consumption

prevent over-consumption.

way systems.

by up to 40%.

A third important consideration was the

While the issue of crowds may not currently

Social distancing in a washroom could also

need to ensure public facility washrooms

be relevant, it has become more important than

be compromised if cleaning operatives have

were aesthetically-pleasing. However, issues

ever to manage queues and avoid logjams.

to make repeated visits to check on cleaning

such as attractiveness, reducing waste and

Besides being inconvenient and frustrating,

needs and dispenser refill requirements. High

catering for large crowds have all been

queues can also compromise social-distancing

capacity dispensers will again reduce the need

eclipsed by today’s much more pressing

- and in the workplace they could have a

for maintenance checks, as will a software

concern - the need to keep the public safe.

negative impact on productivity. Toilet visits will

system such as Tork EasyCube. This allows

And this has led to major changes in the

automatically be sped up if every cubicle and

the cleaning operative to carry out remote

nature of our washroom challenges.

sink is kept well stocked with essential soap

checks on refill and cleaning needs via a

and paper products. While fewer people might

smartphone or tablet, enabling staff to keep on

to the public, many others such as hospitals,

be using the facilities, valuable time will still be

top of any issues that may arise without having

airports, supermarkets, and workplaces have

wasted if each visitor is forced to check multiple

to physically enter the premises. Targeted

been forced to remain open. And the issues of

dispensers in search of products.

maintenance visits can then be made when

While large numbers of facilities have closed

hygiene and safety have become more crucial

High-capacity dispensers will help to ensure

heavy washroom use has been detected or

a continual supply of washroom consumables.

when the cleaner learns via their smartphone

For example, the Tork Foam Soap Dispenser

that a particular dispenser is running out of

abandoned as wash hand basins and urinals

contains 2500 shots of soap to ensure a

soap or paper.

are crudely taped off to the public to prevent

long-lasting supply, while the Tork PeakServe

people from standing too close to one another.

Continuous Hand Towel Dispenser holds a

in these environments than ever before.

Aesthetics have been more or less

22 MARCH 2021

Despite the global pandemic, sustainability should never be compromised and the need WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

WASHROOM HYGIENE

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to reduce waste remains extremely important.

And 87% believe it is critical to public safety to

However, safety is paramount during the

maintain high hygiene standards in the public

current climate and the use of disposable

washroom. People need to feel confident in

products in the form of masks, gloves and

the washrooms they visit. Posters bearing dire

single-use paper products has been critical in

warnings about COVID-19 will only enhance

the fight against cross-infection.

their anxiety - what they need instead are clear

The use of paper hand towels has also

indications that the facilities are being well

become much more widespread during the

managed and safely run. Reassuring signs

COVID-19 crisis. According to a study carried

offering details about cleaning frequencies can

out by United Minds on behalf of Essity in 2020,

be helpful - particularly if these include contact

29% of people claim to have an increased

numbers that allow visitors to report any run-

preference for paper hand towels than they

outs or other hygiene issues.

did before the pandemic because these dry

A mini hand towel dispenser located by the

the hands more quickly than air dryers and

exit is also a good idea, since this will encourage

are also often perceived to be more hygienic.

visitors to use a towel as a shield when touching

An increasing number of people also now

the handle. And a hand sanitiser placed outside

use hand towels as a barrier when exiting the

the washroom will offer an extra safeguard

washroom to avoid having to touch the door or

upon leaving the premises.

handle. And this increased preference for hand

The global picture in terms of crowded

towels serves to highlight one of the greatest

stadiums, airports and concert halls may

challenges facing washroom providers today:

have changed dramatically since the

the need to ensure that washroom visitors feel

pandemic began but the basics ultimately

safe when using the facilities.

remain the same - it is still just as crucial as

According to the United Minds study,

ever to ensure that public washrooms are

nearly eight out of 10 people feel more unsafe

clean, hygienic and efficiently-run spaces that

when visiting a facility with unhygienic public

people can use with confidence.

washrooms than they did prior to COVID-19.

WWW.TORK.CO.UK/SAFEATWORK

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MARCH 2021 23

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WASHROOM HYGIENE

Washroom hygiene in the COVID-19 era

THE latest lockdown once again heightened the

Washrooms are considered an important

focus on hygiene and the critical importance of

reflection of hygiene, but four out of five people

visible and efficient cleaning. A recent survey by

expressed dissatisfaction with the condition of

Harris Interactive shows that hygiene measures

washrooms out of the home [1]. Only 35% said

360˚ Hygiene & Protection programme

taken by different businesses are inconsistent.

they would feel safe in a public washroom,

Kimberly-Clark Professional has introduced the

At the time of the survey, three quarters of

while only 45% were happy with the level

360˚ Hygiene & Protection programme which offers

people in the UK did not feel safe going back

of hygiene practices [1]. Meanwhile 76% of

specific site support through considering need

to the workplace , while 86% said they would

respondents said that seeing the washroom is

areas, and tools to assess a facility and identify

avoid a location if they didn’t think it was

clean was the top factor when considering if a

hotspots. The next step is implementing cleaning

COVID-secure [1].

public washroom was safe to return to, and 74%

and disinfecting protocols and introducing the

said that seeing employees actively cleaning

correct hand hygiene and surface wiping solutions.

was an important factor .

Finally, Kimberly-Clark Professional promotes

[1]

While many premises and venues remain closed, public washrooms remain open.

[1]

washrooms, 73% wanted touchless taps, and 69% wanted touchless automatic doors [1].

hygienic workplace practices by providing

Demonstrating that a great deal needs to be done to improve facilities, the survey showed

Cleaning and disinfecting hotspots

communication tools to help create awareness,

that confidence with the levels of cleanliness

Throughout premises, identifying and tackling

which is a vital part of making people feel safe.

and hygiene in public washrooms in general

germ hotspots is a top priority, and the

was very low, at only 7% [1].

guidance from the World Health Organisation

is available to book via: https://home.

is to use a two-step ‘clean and disinfect

kcprofessional.com/UK_PR_TTNS_0920

The survey looked at various sectors

A free, no obligation virtual hygiene walk

including offices, airports, hotels, education

process’, to routinely clean and disinfect all

locations, and dine-in restaurants. Across

frequently touched surfaces such as door

References

all sectors, the most important confidence

handles and sink fittings [2].

[1]

factors highlighted were cleaning and

With safety and hot spots in mind, the

How has COVID-19 affected perceptions of

cleanliness and hygiene? Harris Interactive on

hygiene related, with 62% saying that seeing

survey asked which facilities people would

behalf of Kimberly-Clark; July 2020. UK n=1,097.

cleaning in action is important , and 58%

prefer to see in washrooms. In every sector,

[2]

wanting cleaning and disinfecting procedures

hand sanitiser and anti-bacterial soap were

and-disinfection-of-environmental-surfaces-

communicated clearly

among the highest priorities, while in public

inthe-context-of-covid-19.

[1]

24 MARCH 2021

[1]

.

www.who.int/publications/i/item/cleaning-

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The importance of washroom cleaning in a post-COVID world Daniel Took, head of professional product marketing at Kärcher UK, explains best-practice cleaning methods for washrooms and sanitary areas.

WASHROOM facilities require very particular

require aggressive cleaning agents that can

cleaning. With health and hygiene at stake,

potentially damage surfaces. It is possible

as well as the appearance and image of your

to maintain high standards of cleanliness

business, it is important to observe the relevant

without causing damage if the acidic

rules and regulations, especially in our new

content of the cleaning agent is considered.

post-COVID world.

Always read the safety data sheet as the acids will vary.

Changing rooms and sanitary areas are used

Deep cleaning the washroom must include

by many people, potentially spreading germs and infection. Moisture and heat in niches can

floors, wall tiles, sinks and mirrors, shower

harbour microorganisms, which will multiply if

areas, toilets, and urinals, as well as the

left unchecked, and organic substances such

associated fittings. Different reactions to

as dirt or flakes of skin and hair can form a

cleaning agents should be expected with

breeding ground for this.

multiple materials and because of the optimal living conditions for microorganisms (bacteria

Washrooms can also be subject to

or fungi) described at the beginning.

special contamination from limescale, soap

Continued on Page 26.

scum, rust, urine, and excrement, which

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C&M

WASHROOM HYGIENE

thoroughly. Calcified aerators on water outlet

disinfectant is delivered by a spray gun, under

valves should be unscrewed and placed in an

pressure, so that consistent, uninterrupted

appropriate acidic solution overnight.

coverage is achieved.

cement grouting must be thoroughly pre-

Floors

recommended that you select a cleaning agent

wetted to prevent damage. Wall tiles must be

In general, highly textured or rough fine stone

with both a fungicidal and an antibacterial

cleaned with an acidic deep cleaner in sections

tiles are used with high slip resistance (R 12)

effect to keep the number of microorganisms as

and subsequently rinsed with plenty of clean

in shower and toilet areas. These can only be

low as possible for the long term.

water. During the indicated contact time,

efficiently and economically scrubbed with a

the surface should be scrubbed with a green

roller scrubber with the addition of the acidic

General

manual pad to assist the removal of dirt and

deep cleaner RM 751 (pH value 0.7, dosage

Toilet lids and seats must be treated with an

oils. After rinsing, the tiles should be carefully

5-25%) in the two-step method and then

all-purpose or alcohol-based cleaner as acids

wiped with a rubber squeegee to finish.

carefully rinsed with clear water. After deep

can dissolve dye pigments and cause stains.

cleaning, surfaces must be disinfected to inhibit

Doors, door frames and separating walls should

the growth of bacteria.

be cleaned with all-purpose or alcohol-based

Continued from Page 25.

Tiles and grout

For maintenance cleaning, it is

Before applying an acidic cleaning agent,

Black mould in crevices can only be removed with hydrogen peroxide. After treatment, it is essential to rinse with plenty

A disinfectant should be applied to the

cleaner using scratch-free pad sponges.

Any furniture in the changing area, such as

of clear water and, in stubborn cases, the joint

cleaned, rinsed and dried surface. Spray

material will need replacing.

misting machines, such as the Kärcher PS

seating and coat racks, should be manually

4/7 Bp, are ideal for large surface areas like

scrubbed using a light alkaline cleaning agent

with foam device is economical. However, it

this, even reaching inaccessible nooks where

or everyday cleaner, then rinsed and dried with

must only be used in cold operation. Stubborn

disinfection is hard to achieve with wiping. The

a yellow cleaning cloth.

For large surfaces, a high-pressure cleaner

lime deposits should be treated with products containing phosphoric acid.

In conclusion The cleaning measures detailed here will ensure

Fittings

that changing rooms, showers, wellness areas,

In maintenance cleaning, limescale-

and saunas or fitness facilities remain clean and

dissolving cleaning agents, usually including

hygienic, ensuring the wellbeing of visitors and

amidosulphuric acid and/or citric acid, are

the positive reputation of your facility.

used to avoid damage to fittings, such as

Important note: sanitary cleaners must

shower heads, mixing valves and taps. To avoid

be used as directed and in accordance with

long-term damage, apply acidic deep cleaner

accident prevention guidelines. This means

to a cleaning cloth or pad sponge rather than

wearing protective gloves and eye protection

spraying directly onto fittings and only use

if necessary. Never mix cleaning agents, pay

non-abrasive pad sponges (white pad) to avoid

attention to the prescribed dosage, do not use

scratches. This also applies to mirror surfaces.

warm or very hot water and rinse well with

To prevent permanent damage to fittings,

clear water.

the acidic cleaning agent must be rinsed

WWW.KARCHER.CO.UK

26 MARCH 2021

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The future of commercial cleaning is responsive INCENTIVE QAS has historically credited

and housekeeping teams will receive alerts

innovation for a positive change in its business

via their smartphone to inform them when

and as it prepares to emerge from the lockdown

each washroom is required to be serviced. Our

it has added a new system to strengthen

teams can therefore utilise their time more

operations. Incentive QAS has recently invested

productively rather than attend every hour/few

in the mpro5 platform, a smart system that,

hours, as per a rigid input specification.”

among other functions, can communicate with

By installing the smart systems, Incentive

cleaning staff as and when washrooms require

QAS can gather ‘big data’ in relation to how the

cleaning. Major clients have already started

buildings it is operating in are being used, how

utilising the new software and the system will

busy they are and when they are utilised the

be rolled out across the whole business in the

most. This data allows for improved resource

early months of 2021.

management and valuable analysis for its teams and clients. The company has signalled

Incentive QAS is currently working with the supplier of mpro5, Crimson Tide, to introduce a cloud-based contract management system across the business that will provide a range of: time and attendance monitoring, clocking

“We are always looking for innovative solutions for our clients, enabling us to continuously improve our service delivery.”

that by moving away from static task schedules and towards making business operations fully reactive, clients are beginning to see the benefits of the mpro5 module that sends out

in and out activity; proof of presence through

monitoring, instead enabling more cost-

jobs and workflow via the mpro5 app, as a

NFC technology; bespoke service auditing and

effective work schedules. As well as time-

result of sensor readings.

KPI scoring; custom reporting through live,

saving benefits, the software also reduces the

Jamie Wright continued: “We are always

interactive dashboards; and communicating

usage of unnecessary cleans, which is better

looking for innovative solutions for our clients,

essential documents to all staff whilst reducing

for the environment.

enabling us to continuously improve our

paper copies.

Jamie Wright, managing director of

service delivery. With this in mind we aim to

Incentive QAS, said: “Mpro5 is a great system

plan attendance to the washrooms and other

to link workflow with the Internet of Things

for us, our clients and the end users that

heavily used areas based on footfall. We expect

(IoT), which will enable the system to take

will improve productivity and customer

footfall to be varied per location and this in

readings from strategically located sensors to

satisfaction. After a set number of washrooms

turn will enable us to plan which washrooms

unlock productivity gains and potential cost

visits we establish how many times a

require a higher frequency of attendance

savings. IoT minimises the need for manual

washroom should be used before we need to

throughout the day.”

checks where sensors can provide constant

complete a housekeeping check. Our cleaning

WWW.INCENTIVE-QAS.COM

In addition to this, mpro5 has the capability

Restoring consumer confidence in the washroom THE Coronavirus pandemic has turned

Mark Wintle, aales and marketing manager

hygiene standards, but there’s something even

everyone’s attention towards health and

at P-Wave, said: “P-Wave understands that

more important at this unprecedented time.

hygiene, with a particular focus on safety in the

cleanliness and hygiene are the most important

According to The World Health Organisation

washroom. To feel safe, consumers need to see

aspects of managing any washroom. With the

(WHO), Coronavirus can spread in an infected

- and smell - that the washroom is immaculately

heightened awareness created by COVID-19,

person’s urine. Called ‘viral shedding’, if traces

clean. Poor maintenance, or inadequate

everything possible must be done to ensure

of contaminated urine become aerosolised and

cleaning, can lead to unpleasant odours, but in

safety and reassure employees and visitors.

inhaled while using a urinal, the disease can

urinals it is the actual minute-by-minute usage

Randomly splashed urine causes a headache

infect others in the washroom. That’s why

that can cause the biggest problem.

for cleaners, plus a bad smell and a reduction in

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

Continued on Page 28.

MARCH 2021 27

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WASHROOM HYGIENE

Keeping washroom floors clean and safe Harry Robinson, dealer manager and i-team UK brand ambassador, Killis, reports.

THE current pandemic has highlighted that

Cleaning a 300m2 space would take around 55

solution and excess water in its path, leaving the

standard mop cleaning is just not cutting it

minutes with a conventional mop, but only 10

floors safe and dry in seconds. This can again be

anymore. Mops can do more harm than good

minutes with an i-mop.

proven using the i-know kit’s slip tester.

in some cases - often you are increasing the

The twin counter rotating brushes on the

The addition of HACCP colour coding tanks

spread of bacteria and debris around the floor.

i-mop allow for a deep scrub resulting in 90%

and brushes means there will be no cross

Using an excess of chemicals can also dry and

cleaner surfaces compared to regular mopping.

contamination between different areas in a

entrap bacteria onto the floor.

This has been proven time and time again using

facility. This means you will never need to use

ATP testing - something i-team UK uses at all

the same tank and/or brushes in the kitchen

demonstrations of the i-mop. The team uses the

area as you would in the washrooms.

i-know kit which contains a plethora of tools to

It is generally recommended that using just

prove the i-mop’s capabilities and effectiveness.

water is sufficient to clean with the i-mop.

To put this into perspective, when using

However, when a deeper clean is needed,

ATP tests on flooring the results are deemed

i-team global has introduced a new range

safe when a reading of less than 60RLU is

of cleaning chemicals in a pod system,

returned. Conventional mopping would

the i-dose. This innovative product further

average an ATP reading of 400RLU. When

improves sanitising floors with accurate dosing

using an i-mop we would expect to see an

of chemicals into the water tank. The pink

average reading of 40RLU.

sanitising floor chemical dramatically reduces

Furthermore, comparing again to the

any chance of bacteria on the floors being left

conventional mop and bucket, the i-mop

behind. The green degreasing floor chemical

eliminates any dirty water left behind and

and the blue general floor cleaner are also part

wet mopping and 30% faster than a

reduces slippery floors. The i-mop’s strong

of the i-dose pod system range.

conventional auto-scrubbing machine.

suction vacuum extracts all the cleaning

WWW.KILLIS.CO.UK

The i-mop is 70% faster than conventional

Continued from Page 27.

P-Wave has delivered a new angle on splash

Available in six popular fragrances and featuring a higher ratio of fragrance load to

prevention, coupled with a major step forward

plastic than most other screens, Slant6’s

in urinal deodorising technology with the

‘anyway-up’ design ensures correct installation

launch of our Slant6 urinal screen.”

every time, while its unique angled bristle design keeps walls, floors and trousers dry.

Minimising the risk of contamination Door furniture is among the ‘most-touched’ of all hot-spots, and is one of the fastest ways for infections and viruses to spread. A typical handle in a public toilet is home to up to 40,000 germs per square inch, and standard handles are among the largest carrier of healthcare associated infections.

Mark Wintle continued: “P-Wave has

28 MARCH 2021

Salmonella and Norovirus, P-Wave Steri-Core

introduced door furniture which is antimicrobial

silver ion technology door furniture features

and anti-bacterial to the core, creating a

a high concentration of antimicrobial which

permanent solution, which is effective against

is blended with the polymer during the

bacteria and viruses and continues to protect

manufacturing process and forms part of its

in between standard cleaning intervals. Tested

molecular structure.”

and proven effective against MRSA, E-Coli,

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Investing in long term hand hygiene FREQUENT hand cleaning or disinfection is one

than necessary which can be expensive

of the most effective ways to stop the spread

because they must be replaced or refilled more

of the virus that causes COVID-19. Businesses

often. Perhaps more importantly, it increases

have adopted more stringent hand hygiene

the risk that other people will be unable to

processes during the pandemic, and many

disinfect their hands when they should. And

have placed extra hand hygiene stations in their

there is always the risk that portable bottles will

washrooms and elsewhere. These typically

go missing.

utilise pump-action bottles to dispense alcohol-

Professional wall or floor mounted

based disinfectant hand rub. This is quick and

dispensers and products offer many long-term

practical, but could longer term solutions be

cost and operational benefits. Generally, they

more effective and economic?

deliver better dosing accuracy and consistency.

In the long run that means lower costs and better predictability. This alone can often justify the investment.

Well-designed dispensers also help maximise

This risk is reduced because the equipment can

and maintain product availability so that as

alert staff members when its battery or product

many people as possible can disinfect their

levels get too low.

hands. Because they are generally fixed in

Diversey offers a complete range of soaps,

position, they will always be in the correct

sanitisers, and foams for use with IntelliCare.

location for convenient and appropriate use

These include formulations that meet the

and less likely to go astray. Features such as

all-important EN14476 virucidal standard

alerts or easy product level checks help ensure

against enveloped viruses, including SARS-

dispensers are refilled before they are empty.

CoV-2 that causes COVID-19. IntelliCare

Using larger containers should, all else being

supports complete product interchangeability

equal, extend the time between refills which

because all products are available in the same

also reduces the risk of non-availability.

size high-capacity containers. For example,

The latest-generation dispensers,

dispensers in washrooms can be used with

including Diversey’s IntelliCare system, offer

soaps while identical units in public areas are

Studies show that people dispense more

contactless operation. That is good for hand

used with disinfecting hand rubs. Businesses

product than needed if they are free to decide

hygiene because it reduces the risk of cross-

can install, relocate or reconfigure their

for themselves. Many of us take multiple shots

contamination between users. Uniquely, the

dispensers at any time.

from a dispenser ‘just to be sure’ when one is

dispenser switches automatically to manual

Another benefit of the system is dual-dosing

usually enough. Bottles are emptied quicker

operation if its batteries become discharged.

capability. This allows, for example, dispensers in restricted areas to be set at a lower dose for staff who have been trained to apply hand rubs or soaps correctly. Dispensers in public areas can be set to deliver a larger single dose for casual users who might be less aware of correct processes. This helps to control costs while maintaining the highest hygiene standards.

Hand hygiene is often the first line of defence against many infections. It is even more critical when one of these - like SARSCov-2 - is so deadly and spread so easily.

Suppliers such as Diversey can help customers choose the right dispensers and products to make hand hygiene and disinfection as simple and convenient as possible.

WWW.DIVERSEY.COM

30 MARCH 2021

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Hot air dryers vs paper towels – the debate continues Hand hygiene has played a major part in combating the spread of coronavirus. Alasdair Sharp, UK and Ireland sales manager at Satino by WEPA, looks at the benefits of paper towels versus hotair dryers for preventing the spread of bacteria, and how attitudes towards handwashing have changed over the past 12 months.

WE have consistently been reminded of the techniques for proper handwashing over the past 12 months, with hand hygiene being at the forefront of our minds. However, hand drying or rather the most effective form of hand drying to prevent the spread of germs - appears to have been overlooked.

While hot air dryers have long-been viewed as the quickest and most efficient way to dry your hands, several studies conducted in recent years on the effectiveness of paper towels versus hot air dryers have shown that paper towels provide a safer drying experience and a cleaner environment for commercial washrooms.

The science A study conducted in 2018 by the University of Connecticut and published by the European Tissue Symposium [1] found that hand dryers are more likely to increase the risk of transmission of bacteria and viruses.

Researchers sampled 36 washrooms on different floors across three buildings and found

washing - the abrasive action from rubbing the

in place. A good starting point is to consider

that the amount of air emitted from dryers

paper towel on skin removes bacteria, which

options that provide quality and value, and

allowed bacteria to circulate. In fact, the study

does not happen when hands are rubbed

to stock up on consumables including paper

found that there is a potential fivefold increase

together under an air dryer.

towels, toilet roll and cleaning rolls, preferably

in the spread of bacteria to the user, their clothing and nearby surfaces.

There are a variety of paper towel

made from recycled papers or fair fibres.

As well as the paper products themselves,

dispensers available, including touchfree dispensers that do not require

it is worth thinking about how they are going

safety issue, with water dripping onto the floor

contact, further reducing the risk of cross-

to be dispensed to minimise risk to the user.

or being blown around the room, spreading

contamination. Another positive is that they

Paper towel dispensers are not only cheaper

bacteria and resulting in more time spent

are the more hygienic option, being single-

to install than hot air dryers, but also easier

cleaning the washroom.

use sheets that are only touched by one user.

to maintain and repair. With a variety of

Better still, paper towels by Satino use pure

dispensers and paper towels available, there

Why paper towels?

pulp and recycled, fair fibres from responsible

are plenty of options to kit out your washroom,

If you are considering a move away from hot

sources, so you can do your bit for the planet

making it a clean, safe environment for staff

air dryers, there are myriad reasons to switch

while enabling employees and visitors to dry

and visitors alike.

to paper towels. One significant benefit is that

their hands safely.

WWW.SATINO-BY-WEPA.CO.UK

useful for drying hands, but also handy for

More reasons to choose paper

[1]

minimising contact with surfaces such as door

In this new era of heightened hygiene

of Connecticut, Deposition of Bacteria and

handles and taps. They are also more effective

awareness, it is important for businesses to

Bacterial Spores by Bathroom Hot Air Hand

for removing any bacteria or germs leftover after

have an effective cleaning and hygiene policy

Dryers (February 2018).

Hot air dryers can also present a health and

paper towels are multi-functional - not simply

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

European Tissue Symposium/University

MARCH 2021 31

C&M

WASHROOM HYGIENE

Air and surface sanitiser range launched

AIRDRI Group has launched a new range of air

cold, cough, influenza, chest/respiratory, and

operations at Airdri, said: “We’re extremely

and surface sanitiser units to assist businesses

gastrointestinal illnesses.

proud of the effectiveness of the product and

with infection control in the workplace. The

The new range of Airdri SteraSpace Air

we are also looking at how the technology

46-year-old company has pivoted during the

and Surface Sanitisers provide 24/7 infection

can be used in alternative ways for niche

pandemic to bring its new SteraSpace Air and

and odour control by sanitising surrounding

or more demanding spaces. Not only has

Surface Sanitiser range to market.

air and exposed surfaces. The units

SteraSpace been proven by independent

combine photo catalytic disinfection (PCD),

scientific tests to almost eliminate airborne

to protect staff against the transmission

germicidal irradiation and dual waveband UV

micro-organisms, but when used in a real-life

of viruses, the technology applied to the

technology to create an advanced virus and

setting it was shown to significantly reduce

SteraSpace units has been independently

bacteria control technology. This offers an

absenteeism in the workplace through a

tested by UK public health laboratories,

effective way to eliminate bacteria, mould,

reduction in the spread of disease from

including the facility at Porton Down. Initial

fungi, viruses, dust mites, allergens, and

person to person. Unlike other routes to

efficacy data has demonstrated extremely

harmful VOCs to result in clean, healthy air

infection control such as chemical fogging,

positive results in both the reduction of

and surfaces in the workplace.

SteraSpace can be used continuously in

Giving companies an affordable new way

harmful micro-organisms in the air and on

By combining these three advanced

the background creating cleaner, fresher

surfaces, as well as much lower levels of

technologies a continuous flow of

air throughout the day. Once installed it is

employee absence through sickness.

disinfecting plasma is released into the air

extremely affordable with very low energy

which eliminates 98.11% of airborne and

consumption. It really is one of the best ways

reported by one company which installed the

99.6% of surface micro-organisms and it

that businesses, both those continuing to

SteraSpace technology in its call centre. The

works in under 60 minutes. After the initial

operate throughout lockdown and those

organisation installed 10 of the SteraSpace

installation cost, the units cost in the region

looking to increase safety and assurance for

units in key locations across its workspace.

of £2 per month to run, with an annual outlay

the return of employees and customers, can

Results showed specific reduction in

of around £50 for a new bulb.

create safer workplaces for everyone.”

A 42% reduction in absenteeism was

absenteeism of employees with asthma, 32 MARCH 2021

Steve Whittall, group director of R&D and

WWW.AIRDRI.COM WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

WASHROOM HYGIENE

C&M

Improving washroom hygiene improves employee confidence Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, research studies have found that many employees are less confident about their health and safety at work and more aware of hygiene practices.

The washroom is often viewed as a reflection of a business’s overall hygiene standards. Paul Swift from washroom services company, Elis, outlines six questions business can ask themselves to help improve their washrooms and build employee confidence.

How clean and tidy does your

Are you providing good hand drying

no-touch electric hand dryers, paper roll

washroom look?

facilities?

dispensers and feminine hygiene bins.

Employees want to feel confident that the

Damp hands can spread more germs, so it’s

washroom is being cleaned regularly and

important to provide hand drying solutions that

Is your washroom always

properly. Consider improving your cleaning

work for employees. Elis electric hand dryer

well-stocked?

regime and its frequency and communicate

options include fast and quiet Dyson dryers,

Empty soap dispensers and cubicles with

these improvements to your employees. If you

with no-germ HEPA filter and antimicrobial

no toilet tissue are common frustrations for

have over-flowing bins and messy, dripping

coating, and Dyson taps that wash and dry.

employees. The right products can make it

soap dispensers, move to a larger bin, empty

Paper towels are available folded or in rolls,

quicker and easier to keep the washroom

more frequently or consider a sustainable

and cotton roller towel comes in a dispenser

clean and functioning. Long lasting soap

cotton roller towel or efficient electric hand

that keeps the used and fresh towel separate,

and sanitiser dispensers with easy to use

dryer. For a mess-free basin area, choose soap

with the roll re-used after going through

refill pouches, and toilet roll dispensers with

dispensers with anti-drip design.

Elis’s industrial laundry process, for a more

practical inspection windows and easy roll

sustainable alternative.

replacement are two examples.

Making sure your washroom passes the ‘nose

Are you maximising hygiene with

washroom service, with a wide range of

test’ is really important. Regular cleaning

no-touch equipment?

products and regular, scheduled servicing to

and waste disposal are important, but it’s

It’s important to minimise touch points in all

help businesses achieve high levels of hygiene

also easy to add effective air freshening or air

areas, and it’s easy to do this in the washroom.

for employees and visitors. Elis also supplies

purifying. Wall-mounted air freshening units

You can choose no-touch soap and sanitiser

and launders workwear, linen and mats for

will release fragrances into the air, or you

dispensers which automatically dispense when

businesses of all sizes throughout the UK.

can use a cost effective and maintenance-

hands are placed underneath, as well as

WWW.UK.ELIS.COM

How does your washroom smell?

Elis provides a cost effective, nationwide

free air purifier to kill bacteria and viruses and eliminate odours, without the need for chemicals or fragrances.

Are you providing the best soap for your employees’ needs?

We are all washing our hands more frequently, but are you providing the most appropriate soap for your employees? There are many liquid and foam soaps designed to meet the needs of different businesses, such as certified sanitising soap for the food industry, heavy duty cleaning soap for the removal of oil and grease and gentle hand soap that also kills bacteria. It’s also important to provide hand sanitiser in washrooms and other key locations around the business. A free-standing hand sanitising station, with no-touch, anti-drip sanitiser dispenser can make it easier to position exactly where it’s needed.

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

MARCH 2021 33

C&M

SPECIAL REPORT

ERP: supporting multi-channel sales and improving profits Nick Davies, head of software development at OGL Computer, reports.

THE cleaning and maintenance industry has always been a competitive one, with research firms forecasting the global contract cleaning services market is poised to grow by £68.04 billion, posting a CAGR of almost 5% during the period 2020-2024. Following recent COVID-19 lockdowns, demand for cleaning and janitorial services and supplies has risen more sharply than predicted, with product suppliers witnessing a surge in orders, especially online and from new customers.

Selling cleaning and janitorial products through multiple sales channels has always been key to success, but during the pandemic it has become critical for competitive industries like the cleaning and janitorial sector. While many suppliers have already been selling via a combination of traditional (sales reps and trade counter) and online sources, a recent

It can help to maintain consistency across

step beyond this by accessing the data and

survey by OGL Computer found that interest in

multiple sales channels, which is often the

tools and extracting, reporting and analysing

e-commerce is growing significantly, and this

single biggest operational challenge. Using

all of the customer information to enhance the

has only been accelerated by COVID-19. 82% of

an ERP solution, the whole team can stay on

effectiveness of a campaign.

SMEs surveyed revealed that selling products

top of pricing and stock control levels to avoid

online easily was very important to them,

input errors, ensure orders are processed and

cleaning, hygiene and safety products to

but multi-channel selling is a more complex

deliveries are made on time.

schools and businesses, implemented an

System Hygiene, a supplier of next-day

ERP solution with fully integrated CRM from

proposition than it might first appear.

Increase sales through customer profiling

OGL Computer that centralised all customer

Centralise systems for success

Business purchases are becoming more

information. This allowed for full visibility of

With suppliers turning to online sales channels

considered due to the increasing choice

all customer information, from sales, accounts

at an unprecedented rate, e-commerce teams,

customers have, so research is often conducted

and marketing, in one place. By keeping track

like our own, have been kept busy supporting

before a commitment is made. This means

of all communications from direct mail to email

distributors and wholesalers by integrating

there is less loyalty over brands as customers

and phone calls to better understand their

online sales channels, including Amazon and

are happy to purchase from a variety of

marketing efforts and response to trends, better

eBay, and updating websites to help them

suppliers that meet their needs.

communication was enabled, making System

attract new business.

Implementing an ERP (enterprise resource

By capturing data about customers’

Hygiene even more responsive.

businesses through profiling their buying habits

planning) solution which collates and handles

using a CRM tool, suppliers can target specific

Unify pricing and manage stock

all of the necessary functions involved - such as

customer groups using that information and

82% of SMEs interviewed by OGL Computer stated

centralising business information, automating

segment the data for more efficient marketing.

that ERP systems gave them greater control of

manual business processes and taking control

By being more targeted in their messaging,

stock and many of those (76%) were already

of your stock movements - is recommended

focusing on key pain points or paying particular

experiencing the benefits of having integrated

here. Thanks to an ERP solution, suppliers

attention to specific buying habits of customers,

disparate systems into an ERP solution.

can seamlessly enable and, more importantly,

suppliers can improve the impact of their

manage the adoption of additional digital

marketing efforts to increase sales as a result.

every channel (online, telephone and via

channels relatively easily, and without any

However, by using an ERP system with an

a trade counter) is essential as customers

significant overhead.

34 MARCH 2021

integrated CRM module, businesses can go a

Ensuring that pricing is the same across

don’t want to be frustrated by a different WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

SPECIAL REPORT

C&M

Businesses will have different priorities

shopping experience if they are ordering

Next was improved accuracy of information

online compared to what they would get in-

(40%) and then improving efficiencies by

when considering multi-channel sales

store. An ERP software can help with this by

removing duplication of work across different

strategies, but selling online is a cost-

managing customer specific, retail and trade

departments (37%).

effective way to sell low profit margin

pricing automatically on an entire catalogue of products - across every channel.

Cleaning and janitorial supplies provider

items, while also providing an easy way

Avanti Hygiene uses OGL Software ERP solution

to showcase thousands of product lines

to streamline its business, by integrating

and help improve customer service with

Reduce the admin burden

information from disparate systems. By fully

online customer portals for easy reordering.

Using an ERP solution, suppliers can save

integrating with Avanti Hygiene’s eCommerce

Essentially, using an ERP system to manage

hours of admin time which would normally

website, CRM and stock management

your digital and physical sales channels,

have been spent logging into different

processes, OGL Software provides the

including your eCommerce website, will

systems to check for information, such as

company’s team members with a snapshot of

reduce order processing time for quicker

stock levels. OGL Computer’s research found

order history, helping them to record customer

delivery times, which is ideal in competitive

that 57% of the SMEs surveyed revealed that

orders, manage stock levels and analyse

industries like the cleaning and janitorial

reducing administration time was their main

seasonal trends and sales forecasts to compile

supplies sector nowadays.

reason for turning to a single ERP system.

purchase orders.

WWW.OGL.CO.UK

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

MARCH 2021 35

C&M PRODUCT NEWS

Hydro Systems introduces DM-500 dispenser

HYDRO Systems has introduced the DM-500, an economical, dual product warewash dispenser. The reliable and simple unit covers the full range of dishwashing products, including rinse aid and detergent.

“With food service traffic down and a heightened focus on cleanliness in the wake of the pandemic, it’s more important than ever to have dispensing equipment that is both cost-effective and accurate,” said John Goetz, global product manager, Hydro Systems.

“This helps ensure that dishware is properly washed and sanitised between uses and that harmful pathogens are not spread. The versatility

and simplicity of the DM-500 makes it perfect for a wide range of sites that may be experiencing lower traffic, but cannot operate without a dispenser for safety and compliance reasons.”

WWW.HYDROSYSTEMSCO.COM NOW is the time to introduce a long-term, sustainable plan to raise the base level of hygiene in public spaces to help protect against all viruses, including COVID-19, says Bromoco International, makers of Touch Antimicrobial coating.

There is a layer of defence that can protect against Coronavirus and most other bacterial and viral threats. Once applied, it works like a permenant disinfectant, 24 hours a day for up to 5 years, raising the base level of protection against contamination and strengthening the effectiveness of the hygiene measures already implemented.

Raising the base level of hygiene to protect against COVID-19

Developed in the UK in 2013, Touch Antimicrobial is a permanent, retrofit, hard film, crystal clear coating that provides protection against enveloped viruses and bacteria for all hard surfaces.

It is already being used effectively in many institutions and organisations throughout the UK, including high security government buildings, while businesses and factories are also applying the product to help protect their employees.

Tony Semple, technical director at Bromoco International, said: “Touch Antimicrobial coating is not the whole solution, but it is a major piece of the puzzle of ensuring schools and other public spaces and places of work have a solid, hygienically clean base level to support the existing cleaning regimes. Knowing that all surfaces in these buildings are working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to protect everyone from getting ill will make it much easier to keep the country open and moving forwards. We believe the application of this extra layer of hygiene and raising the base level of protection really is a no-brainer.”

WWW.TOUCHANTIMICROBIAL.COM TRAFALGAR Cleaning Equipment Ltd has launched a new pedestrian sweeper. The Eco City Sweeper 2 is

Trafalgar launches ECS2

manoeuvrable and much quieter than many other traditional urban machines, and is 100% battery powered.

The Eco City Sweeper 2 can be used both as a walk behind machine and a ride-on with the addition of a chariot seat. The ECS2 is also equipped with a wander suction hose for vacuuming bulky waste and reaching narrow spaces.

WWW.TRAFALGARCLEANINGEQUIPMENT.CO.UK

36 MARCH 2021

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

PRODUCT NEWS C&M

MAKITA UK has expanded its cleaning range with a new upright vacuum cleaner - the LXT brushless 36V

New cordless vac from Makita

(18Vx2) DVC560. This powerful new solution provides a genuine cordless alternative for commercial

EDITOR

Neil Nixon neilnixon@quartzltd.com 07957 713316

carpet and hard-floor vacuuming.

Powered by Makita’s 18V LXT battery system, the new cordless

SALES DIRECTOR

DVC560Z upright vacuum cleaner provides a maximum sealed suction of 12kPa and a minimum of 60 minutes of continuous runtime on the standard suction setting when utilising 2x 6.0Ah batteries. Powered by two 18V LXT lithium-ion batteries that deliver power to a 36V brushless motor, this robust, powerful and portable solution eliminates the need for extension cords or trailing cables, providing operators with the freedom to cover large areas without compromising on performance.

WWW.MAKITAUK.COM

Stuart Dacre stuartdacre@quartzltd.com 01737 855041 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Michelle Andrews michelleandrews@quartzltd.com 01737 855086 PRODUCTION MANAGER

Carol Baird carolbaird@quartzltd.com 01923 437619

HYDRACHEM, supplier of cleaning products to the NHS, has introduced Cert., a simple to use detergent combined with disinfectant cleaning product for use in business. Cert. works in just 60 seconds to kill 99.9% of all microorganisms and germs on surfaces including the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19.

Cert. is

Cert. – ‘the COVID-19 destroyer’

the same

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Tony Crinion CEO

Steve Diprose CO-CHAIRMAN

tablet used

Paul Michael

extensively

DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES

across the NHS ensuring hospital hygiene clean for all kinds of businesses. By using Cert.

Elizabeth Barford elizabethbarford@quartzltd.com 01737 855028

within their premises, businesses also receive a Cert. ‘Certified Hospital Hygiene’ certificate to display to customers and visitors, giving peace of mind and demonstrating a proactive approach to ensuring all COVID-19 safety measures are in place.

WWW.CERTCLEANING.COM NEW from Tork manufacturer Essity is an interactive training and

Training package for hospital cleaners and FMs

support package aimed at cleaners and facility managers in the healthcare sector. Launched in January, Tork Interactive Clean Hospital Training takes FMs and staff through various real world cleaning scenarios in an engaging way. The online package also

PUBLISHED BY

Quartz Business Media Quartz House 20 Clarendon Road Redhill, Surrey RH1 1QX 01737 855086 www.cleaningmag.com

incorporates a ‘train-the-trainer’ module to educate facility and contract cleaning managers on how to support their teams and demonstrate optimum cleaning techniques.

“In a healthcare system under pressure, the role of the facilities manager is

just as critical in providing care as that of any other healthcare professional,” said Essity’s professional hygiene marketing director for healthcare, Thomas Bergin.

“Ensuring that the healthcare environment remains a clean and safe place for patients needs to be a top priority.”

WWW.TORK.CO.UK

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

ISSN: 1473 723X © Quartz Business Media, 2021 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, without prior permission of the copyright owner.

Printed by Pensord Press Ltd, Cardiff, UK

MARCH 2021 37

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