The Official Partner of the Cleaning Show
NOVEMBER 2019
PLUS: • Industry news • People • Contracts • Products
Hand Hygiene An overview of new techniques and products designed to improve hand hygiene on the back of research into WHO guidelines which suggests that other techniques may be quicker, easier and more effective. >>> page 20
Innovations in Software
Protecting Window Cleaners
Reports on advances in workforce management software and the increasing role of IoT technologies within the cleaning and FM sectors.
Paul Thrupp, BCC chairman, reports on a new study into the use of water-fed poles. >>> page 32
>>> page 28
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EDITOR’S LETTER C&M
Innovation Showcase to highlight pioneers in cleaning Just as this issue was going to press, the CSSA announced
CSSA’s CEO, John Findlater, said: “The 2018 Innovation
the return of its Innovation Showcase for 2020. The event –
Showcase was a big success, so we are delighted to be
launched in 2018 - celebrates the cleaning industry’s most
running it again. It is at the heart of our determination to foster
innovative products, services and initiatives, and judges them
innovation in the industry. The Showcase celebrates innovation
in a Dragon’s Den-style format ahead of a final public vote to
in the widest sense, whether it is a new method, idea, approach,
crown the overall champion.
or product. We’ll be judging the innovations in terms of their impact and in our experience even something small can have a
Businesses and organisations operating right across the
very big impact.”
cleaning industry are being invited to enter their products, services and initiatives. Entries will be judged by a panel of
I strongly advise all businesses operating in the UK cleaning
industry experts and representatives – including yours truly
market to put forward one or more entries – please visit:
– who will review the innovative nature of products, systems
www.cssa-uk.co.uk for further details. The Showcase provides
and services before interviewing the entrants. This process
an excellent opportunity to highlight particular benefits of a
will result in a list of finalists who will move forward to the
product or service, and the unique style of judging makes it a
Innovation Showcase itself which will take place on Thursday 19
very enjoyable process for all concerned. I look forward to being
March 2020 in central London. The final winner will be selected
part of the team that grills the candidates during the week of
by a ballot of the delegates attending the Innovation Showcase
20 January next year!
and announced on the day. Wishing you a happy, clean, tidy and healthy month ahead. Now to the nitty gritty - to be eligible for entry the product, service or initiative must have been launched later than 1 January 2018 – the date of the previous competition. Entries can be applicable to any area of the cleaning industry. The Dragon’s Den panel, which will also include representatives from the CSSA and CHSA – sponsor of the event, will take place during the week commencing 20 January 2020. The deadline
Neil Nixon, Editor
for entries is 20 December 2019 and entries are free.
Cleaning & Maintenance Magazine
@cleaningmag
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
Cleaning&Maintenance
NOVEMBER 2019 3
The ERA PRO is the first dry vacuum cleaner to take on the topic Industry 4.0. With the slogan “The new ERA of Cleaning”, the ERA PRO from SPRiNTUS sets new standards for the professional cleaning industry through first-time digitalisation of industrial vacuum cleaners. Via the SPRiNTUS app, the intelligent, interactive touch display can be customised in a matter of a few seconds with any logo of the customer or property. In this way, new customers can be acquired, and the corporate design can be adapted and underscored. A multilingual language selection (EN, FR, DE, IT) can be made. In the event of a fault of the machine, solution suggestions are shown on the display. In combination with the integrated Bluetooth interface, important device data such as operating hours, daily run time, location data can be transferred into the cloud-based fleet management and connected to
commonly used ERP systems. Run times can be checked with the touch of a button, and property calculations can be adapted. In the display, additional data can be stored, e.g. property and dealer information as well as customer data. The user can order spare parts and accessories at any time and call up technical data and operating instructions. The date and time are displayed by the RTC chip.
product video
Reizenwiesen 1 · 73642 Welzheim / Germany · Tel.: +49 / 7182 / 80 404-0 Fax: +49 / 7182 / 80 404-99 · kontakt@sprintus.eu · www.sprintus.eu
CONTENTS C&M
20 Feature: Hand Hygiene An overview of new techniques and products designed to improve hand hygiene on the back of research into WHO guidelines which suggests that other techniques may be quicker, easier and more effective.
NOVEMBER 2019
06 13 15 16 28 30 34
Industry News In the news this month… BICSc Annual Awards celebrate excellence in training and accreditation, Announcing the CSSA’s 2020 Innovation Showcase. People Personnel news and new appointments from across the cleaning and FM sectors. Contracts A report from Fairfield Care who, in June 2019, enlisted Robert Scott to complete a cleaning product audit and offer recommendations for a group of residential care homes that specialise in the care of dementia patients. Christmas Waste: Grundon Waste Management’s Kirsti Santer says planning ahead and understanding what you can and can’t recycle will put you in Father Christmas’s good books, both at home and at work.
32 Special Report: Protecting the safety and health of window cleaners. Paul Thrupp, BCC chairman, reports on a new study into the use of water-fed poles.
Feature: Innovations in Software Reports on advances in workforce management software and the increasing role of IoT technologies within the cleaning and FM sectors. Special Report: A modern career in cleaning. Paul Ashton, CEO at Birkin, reports. New Products An overview of some of the new products available on the market this month.
03 Editor’s Comment Looking back at the past month in the cleaning sector.
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
14 BICSc Comment Measure twice, cut once
18 BCC Comment Operating within the ‘gig economy’. Stephen Munton, director and founder of the Domestic Cleaning Alliance, reports.
19 A job worth doing – a contractor’s blog. Lee Andrews reports.
NOVEMBER 2019 5
C&M INDUSTRY NEWS
BICSc Annual Awards celebrate excellence in training and accreditation
Announcing the CSSA’s 2020 Innovation Showcase THE Cleaning Support Services Association’s 2020 Innovation Showcase celebrates the cleaning industry’s most innovative products, services and initiatives. Taking place every two years, the Innovation Showcase is again backed by the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA), which is sponsoring the event. Businesses and organisations operating throughout the cleaning industry are invited to enter their innovative products, services and initiatives. A ‘Dragon’s Den’ panel of industry experts and representatives will review and interview the entrants and select those to be exhibited at the Innovation Showcase itself, taking place on Thursday 19 March 2020. The final winner will be selected by a ballot of the delegates attending the Innovation Showcase and announced on the day.
THE British Institute of Cleaning Science
on year. What’s even more important than
(BICSc) announced its award winners on
the qualities of the finalists and winners
Thursday 26 September at Whittlebury Hall
are the examples they set for others. By
must have been launched since the 1 January
Hotel and Spa, Northamptonshire.
demonstrating the benefits and practicalities
2018 (ie, since the inaugural Innovation
To be eligible the product, service or initiative
of BICSc standards and training, these
Showcase) and may be applicable to any area of
in the morning, including a series of keynotes
organisations and individuals simply inspire
the cleaning industry. The deadline for entries is
and a look back through the decades of BICSc.
others to aim higher within their own
20 December 2019 and entries are free.
200 guests then entered the Brooklands Suite
companies, driving improvement throughout
for the awards ceremony which was hosted by
the industry.”
The showcase and exhibition commenced
representatives from the CSSA, CHSA and C&M Magazine, will take place in the week
journalist and writer, Louise Hulland. This year’s chairman’s charity of choice was
The Dragon’s Den Panel, which will include
The 2019 BICSc Annual Awards Winners
commencing 20 January 2020.
once again Clarity & Co, a social enterprise which
• The Chairman’s Award - Bob Vincent FBICSc.
CSSA CEO, John Findlater, said: “The 2018
employs those with disabilities. The event raised
• The Eric Hill Medal - Lorraine Larman FBICSc.
Innovation Showcase was a big success, so we
over £1200 for this social enterprise.
• The Colin Hasson International Award -
are delighted to be running it again. It is at the
Amongst the award winners were Robinson Services, presented with the John Edwards Award. Robinson Services is a corporate
Dr. Talal Al Harigi, Facilities and Hospitality
heart of our determination to foster innovation
Management.
in the industry. The Showcase celebrates
• Commitment to BICSc Training within
innovation in the widest sense, whether it is a
member of BICSc and was chosen by the
Healthcare - The Queen Elizabeth Hospital,
new method, idea, approach, or product. We’ll
judges for ‘demonstrating extraordinary
Kings Lynn.
be judging the innovations in terms of their
commitment to improving cleaning standards from within its organisation’. The Institute’s most prestigious accolade - ‘The Chairman’s Award’ - was presented to Bob Vincent for his outstanding contribution to the Institute and the cleaning industry. The Colin Hasson International Award went to Dr. Talal Al Harigi of the Saudi-based organisation, Facilities and Hospitality Management. Michael Hirst of Huddersfield University collected the Outstanding Candidate of the Year Award.
• John Edwards Award (Outstanding Corporate Member) - Robinson Services. • Excellence in Training and Assessment (UK) County Square Shopping Centre. • Client Commitment to Training - One Housing with Chequers Contract Services. • Assessor of the Year - Wendy Hargreaves, Vinci Facilities. • Excellence in Training and Assessment (International) - Berkeley Services LLC. • Outstanding Candidate of the Year Michael Hirst, University of Huddersfield
impact and in our experience even something small can have a very big impact.” Stephen Harrison, chairman of the CHSA, said: “The CSSA’s Innovation Showcase is a superb way to celebrate some of the best ideas being generated in the industry and so we are delighted to back this initiative again. Our members continually innovate, helping their customers to address some of the big issues facing the sector, including environmental challenges, as evidenced by the number of our members amongst those who participated in 2018. We are looking forward to seeing the entries and putting them through
A spokesperson for the judging panel said:
The 2020 BICSc Annual Awards, Showcase
“This year we received the largest number of
and Exhibition will take place at Whittlebury
their paces at the Dragon’s Den!”
entries to date. The commitment to BICSc
Hall on Thursday 24 September.
WWW.CSSA-UK.CO.UK
standards continues to overwhelm us year
WWW.BICS.ORG.UK
WWW.CHSA.CO.UK
6 NOVEMBER 2019
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C&M INDUSTRY NEWS
Support, dedication and future leaders recognised at WCEC Military Awards THE Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC) hosted its annual Military Awards on 17 September. This year, the awards were held at Ironmongers Hall with over 150 guests in attendance. Military environmental health technicians and cadets consistently demonstrate high levels of skill, knowledge and dedication whatever challenges they face. These awards pay special recognition to the work of environmental health technicians (EHTs) from the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC), the RAF Environmental Health Cadre and the WCEC’s affiliated cadet units for their work at home and abroad. This year, the Master of the WCEC, Barrie Torbett, addressed the attendees and his speech focused on the long-standing relationship with the Royal Army Medical Corp. He specifically highlighted the RAMC’s outstanding achievements whether in service in the UK or overseas. He also commended the Cadet Corp for its outstanding achievements in
situations and post-conflict care. He expressed his
training and discipline.
appreciation of the connections with all the Livery
The Master ended by encouraging the WCEC
Companies, and praised the work of the cadet
to cultivate a close and solid relationship
corps, training officers and young people who
with the cadet corps and environmental staff,
benefit, in particular the support of the WCEC.
especially when they leave the services. He
The trophies, medals and purses awarded on
• Post Graduate Medical Officer General Practice Prize: Captain Adrian Hucks. • RAF Environmental Health Technician Prize: Sergeant Dean Crook. Best Sea Cadet Prize: Marine Cadet Corporal Ryan Aldred. Cadet Aldred was also presented
said that the cleaning industry is actively
the day include:
with a cheque for £2500, representing funds
looking for the leaders of tomorrow, and
• Junior NCO Award: Acting Sergeant
raised by WCEC members to help pay for his
that the military’s environmental staff have outstanding experience. The special guest at the event was Brigadier Tim Hodgetts CBE QHS OStJ. Highly regarded in the NHS and RAMC, Brigadier Hodgetts’ speech focused on the importance of the RAMC in conflict
James Hodges. • Senior NCO Award: Sergeant Steven Redding (currently serving in New Zealand). • Reserves EHT Award: Captain Steven Gorniak.
overseas exchange to Borneo for jungle training. • Best Army Cadet Prize: Cadet Staff Sergeant Chantae Bambury. • Best Air Cadet Prize: Cadet Flight Sergeant Diliana Porteros. WWW.WC-EC.COM
Northwood acquires the Sidcot Group NORTHWOOD Paper, Tissue and Hygiene
most suitable company able to acquire the
Enate, Spain, brings the important benefit of
has acquired the trade and assets of the
activities and with the resources needed
security of supply to Northwood’s vertically
whole Sidcot Group, comprising the recycled
to conclude the purchase of all the trade
integrated business model. The converting
tissue mill at Chesterfield and the converting
and assets of the Sidcot Group in a short
lines in Oldham complement the converting
operations of Matryx, Techcel and Negociar.
timeframe. We look forward to being able
plants in Telford, Penygroes, Bromsgrove,
This brings additional valued recycled tissue
to offer our new colleagues in Oldham and
Ilkeston, Lancaster, Birmingham, and Madrid.
production and converting capacity to the
Chesterfield a bright and secure future as
All personnel based in Oldham will transfer
Northwood production platform.
we further develop our vision of making
over to Northwood Hygiene Group and the
Northwood the supplier of choice to the
Chesterfield personnel and business will start
paper hygiene sector.”
operating as Northwood Tissue (Chesterfield)
Paul Fecher, Northwood’s chairman, said: “I have known Nigel Samuel for over 20 years, and I am pleased we’ve been
The integration of Chesterfield with the
Ltd. Naturally all day to day contacts will
able to assist with his desired exit from the
recycled tissue mills in Disley and Lancaster,
remain unchanged.
trade. Northwood was identified as the
as well as the recently acquired paper mill in
WWW.NORTHWOOD.CO.UK
8 NOVEMBER 2019
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
C&M
From Green to Pink in aid of charity A company with green credentials has changed
sending a photo of him modelling a becoming
paid the £1 to enter, as well as awarding a Duvet
its colour for the month of October, with a special
pink frock. ‘It looked great against his hairy beard’,
Day to staff who took part, giving them an extra
emphasis last Friday as staff at Bio Productions
remarked a colleague.”
day’s annual holiday.
arrived for work clad from tip to toe in pink to
his year the event has even greater
“I am immensely proud of everyone for
momentum as Breast Cancer * Bio-Prod-
embracing the occasion,” says Angela. “As well
Nettie_142.jpgNow joined forces with Breast
as having a really enjoyable day, we’ve helped to
workers at the Victoria Road firm threw themselves
Cancer Care to make it the biggest and best Wear
raise much-needed funds for a really worthwhile
behind the cause and raised more than £100 from
Pink Day so far. Every Breast Cancer Awareness
cause and one close to the hearts of many here at
their efforts.
Month, wear it pink brings together thousands
Bio-Productions as it is worldwide.”
mark breast cancer awareness. From the production team to the board room,
Even those working away from the headquarters weren’t going to miss out: “Nettie from the sales team was in Florida but
of people on one day, all with the same aim - to wear pink, raise money and help make life-saving
Tel: 01444 244000
breast cancer research happen.
Email: sales@bio-productions.com
still clad herself in pink and sent over images to
* Bio-Dogs_142.jpgStaff at the busy cleaning
prove it, as did colleague Lyn who is on the road
chemicals manufacturer indulged in a variety of
but sporting her pink bra,” explains managing
delicious home-made cakes, all in the name of
director Angela Gill. “And our company pets weren’t
charity. “Sara Gibb created mouth-watering cup
going to be outdone either, with springer spaniel
cakes and cookies, with colleague Becky in the
Miah and Delphi the pug joining in above the
accounts department making a moreishchocolate
strapline ‘remember to get your puppies checked’.
gateaux,” adds Angela.
“Even employees on a day-off didn’t want to miss the fun, with maintenance manager Harry
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
For more information contact Bio Productions
WWW.BIO-PRODUCTIONS.COM
Finance director Avonia Bridge judged the entries and awarded certificates to all who had
NOVEMBER 2019 9
C&M INDUSTRY NEWS
Floorbrite Group hits £20 million growth target one year early MANCHESTER-based cleaning and facilities
despite the challenging environment and
service provider the Floorbrite Group has
continued uncertainty. It’s fantastic to see
achieved its target of £20 million turnover one
our growth target achieved one year in
year early after securing several significant
advance, which is very much testament to
new contracts.
the hard work and commitment of our team. Whilst it’s a huge team effort, the sales team
Founded in Sale, Cheshire, in 1972, the Floorbrite Group is today headed up by second
is the cornerstone of our success - we pride
generation Wyers - managing directors Nik and
ourselves on supporting each other, and
Alex. The company has diversified over the
benefit from a high retention rate as a result.
years from cleaning into a full suite of facilities
With an experienced, consistent team we’re
management provisions, including waste
able to build strong, lasting relationships
management, security and pest control, with
with our clients, evidenced in the continued
more than 1500 staff across the UK.
Nik Wyers
growth of the business. We also continue to diversify, which has proven a successful growth
Turnover has increased by 30% in the past two years, and the firm forecasts further growth
City, plus TalkTalk and CBRE - together valued
strategy. New areas of focus include enhanced
of just under 20% for the next 12 months.
at more than £1 million - along with Adidas’s
environmental initiatives and CSR, and we
London headquarters.
look forward to developing those new services
Its new contracts include Drax, the largest power station in the UK, a large window cleaning contract in the north west, Media
Nik Wyers said: “We’ve seen an exceptional period of growth during the last 12 months,
further in the coming months.” WWW.FLOORBRITE.CO.UK
Beach litter declining – report
CROMWELL Polythene annually participates in beach cleaning and litter surveying activity on behalf of the Great British Beach Clean, and to mark Recycle Week at the end of September. A team of 10 volunteers from the company, which supplies products for the capture and containment of recyclables, took to its local beach at Filey on the North Yorkshire coast on
survey along the same beach radius). • 69 rubber items including bits of balloon and pieces of dog balls. • 24 paper/cardboard items including cigarette packets, tissues, labels, and a receipt. • 12 wood items including cork, lolly sticks and chip forks. • 48 metal items including metal bottle caps,
James Lee, managing director of Cromwell Polythene, said: “We were pleased to see that the scale of littering has reduced compared to previous years’ analyses. It’s very encouraging that people are showing concern for the environment and the impacts that our actions have. We all want to see the recovery, reuse and recycling of every type of packaging and it
14 September. The aim of the annual litter pick
an aluminium can, foil wrappers, a knife, and
is vital that we work together to find solutions
is to champion sustainability and community
fishing wire.
to protect our environment, combat climate
recycling best practice. In total, 346 items were collected using sustainable litter clearance hand tools from
• 12 pieces of cloth (nylon, wool, cotton and
change, keep products in use for as long as
canvas) including string, fishing netting, a
possible, and prevent leakage of valuable
sock, a glove, and the remains of a tent!
resources from the circular economy.” The data collected at the Great British Beach
Helping Hand Environmental. The litter, which
• 12 glass items.
had an approximate weight of 16kg, came
• 1 piece of pottery.
Clean events is shared with the International
from two beach sections of 500 metres each.
• 3 pieces of food waste.
Coastal Clean-up (ICC), contributing to a
These included the following levels and types
• 11 sanitary items including wet wipes.
worldwide report on litter levels. MCS also
of rubbish:
• 29 cigarette stubs (which contain tiny particles
analyses the data and uses the results to raise
• 125 plastic/polythene items including bottles, caps, straws and pieces of plastic bag (compared to 229 pieces during last year’s 10 NOVEMBER 2019
of plastic). Levels of litter were recorded across the same predefined items as last year’s survey.
awareness of pollution and tackle it at source in the UK. WWW.CROMWELLPOLYTHENE.CO.UK WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
INDUSTRY NEWS
C&M
Call for ‘Recycled Plastic Rating’ finds its voice CLEANING operators are being asked to support
enabling consumers to take back control of what
and allow them to vote with their pockets when
a new era in how products are packaged to give
plastic actually gets recycled.
it comes to purchasing behaviour.
immediate visibility of virgin plastic content in what people are buying.
There is confusion amongst operators and
The entrepreneur behind the RPR, Mark
consumers with over 28 different marks on
Jankovich, said: “There is more micro plastic in
what is and what is not recyclable. There is also
the ocean than stars believed to be in the galaxy!
their parents and businesses united on Friday 20
a breakdown in trust about what happens to
Eight million tons of plastic, a dump truck a
September, alongside Greta Thunberg’s ‘London
waste segregated at home for recycling.
minute, ends up in our oceans each year, and has
In a landmark move, ‘Generation Z’ children,
The move to launch the new RPR follows
Global Climate Strike’, to lobby industry and
a material impact on climate change through
consumers alongside the government to get
research that reveals that 79% of people support
waste processes and new production of single
behind the ‘Recycled Plastic Rating’ - a campaign
clearer labelling of plastic packaging to help
life plastic. We’ve got to stop this. Having a rating
which sees the launch of a new trust mark
them determine its impact on the environment
which shows the amount of recycled plastic content in the packaging we buy will instantly give caterers, retailers and consumers the power to vote with their wallets and chose packaging that is fundamentally diverting plastic from landfill. The RPR will enable everyone to see, at a glance, the exact plastic credentials of products they are purchasing”. Jankovich is the driving force behind the campaign alongside his eco-cleaning product company - Delphis Eco - which has pioneered the use of 100% recycled HDPE plastic packaging from single use plastic in 2017 across
Mark Jankovich
all its products. WWW.DELPHISECO.COM
The UK’s most diverse Stored Energy Stockist and Supplier... Since 1972 VI
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NOVEMBER 2019 11
C&M INDUSTRY NEWS
Mirius wins business excellence award COVENTRY-based Mirius has won the award for export sales at this year’s Coventry Business Excellence Awards. Recognised for its disruptive approach to industry marketing, product development and its continued growth in export sales, the judges were impressed with Mirius’s corporate strategy and most recently it’s rebrand from Coventry Chemicals to Mirius - Global Hygiene Solutions. Chris Richmond, head of marketing at Mirius, said: “Winning at the Coventry Business Excellence Awards is testament to the team’s continued hard work and dedication. With more than 55 years’ manufacturing experience, we’re hugely proud of our Coventry roots and consider it a real honour to be recognised by our peers.” Over the past 12 months, Mirius has Mirius believes that 2019 is on track to be
redesigned much of its product offering, moved
and this has been born out in our near 20%
into new markets and categories and further
sales increase in the last year. The momentum
another highly successful year for the business
expanded its product offerings.
of the group’s business improvement
with further improvements in profitability and
programme has gathered pace through 2018,
sustained growth across its three business
industry disruption and continued innovation
exemplified by the rebranding of the group’s
divisions - retail, professional and healthcare.
play a driving role in our commercial success
corporate identity.”
WWW.MIRIUS.COM
Richmond continued: “We believe that
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To find out more about SmartTask email: smarttask@skillweb.co.uk visit: www.smarttask.co.uk/cleaning tel: +44(0)1494 444044 12 NOVEMBER 2019
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
PEOPLE
C&M
Ramon Hygiene appoints new MD RAMON Hygiene Products has appointed
The role of company accountant has been
Gordon Peters as its new managing director,
assigned to David Parkin who joined Ramon in
replacing Simon Baldock who is stepping down
March of this year. Over the past three years Ramon Hygiene
after 36 years with the company. Gordon Peters has been with Ramon for 13
has undergone significant investment
years as finance director and has been working
to ensure it continues to meet customer
closely with Simon Baldock over the last six
demand and industry expectations - from the
months to ensure a smooth transition into his
implementation of a new ERP computer system,
new role. Peters brings a wealth of experience
to the construction of brand new 21,000sq ft
and, according to a company statement, is the
building and the introduction of a new
ideal choice to lead the business forward and
warehouse management system. All represent
efficiency and improve quality procedures in
develop new opportunities for the company as
a multi-million pound investment from the
line with its BRC accreditation.
a whole.
company to provide greater operational
WWW.RAMONHYGIENE.CO.UK
ABM UK names new MD ABM UK has announced that Nick Tanti has been
UK’s customers. Previously a divisional director at
appointed managing director of the company’s
the firm for over 10 years, Tanti has built a successful
journey as an HVAC electrically-biased
hard services arm, ABM Technical Solutions.
relationship with ABM UK’s varied customer base,
apprentice, I have seen the different roles that
which includes British Land, Hammerson, BNP
are key to success in our business. It’s important
Paribas, and the Museum of London.
to demonstrate to the next generation of
ABM Technical Solutions works with customers across the UK, providing a range of technical services including but not limited to energy,
“Nick has been an asset to the ABM family for
Nick Tanti said: “Having started my career
engineers that you can succeed to the highest
electrical and HVAC solutions as well as the
over a decade and having begun his career as
levels of leadership in our industry. I feel a real
projects team which oversees electric vehicle
an apprentice in 1987, he brings vast experience
affinity with everyone who works as part of
charge point installation. This part of the business
in the hard services industry,” said Scott
the ABM team. There have been many turning
also has invaluable involvement with ABM UK’s
Giacobbe, chief revenue officer at ABM. “Nick’s
points in recent years to create the ABM UK we
apprenticeship and J.E.E.P schemes, both working
story of working his way into leadership roles is
see today. This journey is one that each and
to close the engineering skills gap in the UK.
one that communicates the values of the ABM
every one of my colleagues has contributed
Group well. He will be responsible for driving
to and I am honoured to lead ABM Technical
business operations to the group’s 2020 vision,
growth by leveraging our breadth of services
Solutions at such an exciting time.”
delivering industry solutions and insights to ABM
throughout the UK.”
WWW.ABM.CO.UK
In his new role, Nick Tanti will continue to align
Manchester Fort ‘recycling champion’ WORKING together to develop innovative and
and improves the experience for our customers
sustainable waste and recycling processes across
and tenants. My team on-site has been crucially
the 325,000sq/ft Manchester Fort Shopping
important in ensuring the success of the sorting
Centre site, B&M Waste Services and the facilities
of waste on-site, and B&M Waste has ensured our
team have awarded Manchester Fort employee
recycling levels have increased and production of
Keith Johnson ‘recycling champion’ for his
single use items has started to decrease across the
pivotal role in aiding the implementation of a
site. Well done to Keith for all his hard work and
the facilities team to reduce single use plastics
successful recycling strategy.
becoming the first of many recycling champions
produced. Our next project for food waste
at Manchester Fort. We look forward to our next
minimisation will include on-site training of
as well as promoting the reduction across
project with B&M Waste in which we are looking to
tenants which will highlight the impact reducing
the site of single use plastic where possible.
reduce food waste produced on-site.”
food waste will have on the environment. Food
Food waste recycling has been a key element,
Steve Dale, key account manager from B&M
waste will be separated from other waste and sent
waste are all separated and sorted on-site with
Waste, said: “I am always happy to support Derek
directly to anaerobic digestion to generate power.
Johnson’s help. He is responsible for loading the
and the team with ongoing improvements to
As a carbon neutral company we always focus
baler and compactor on-site as well as moving
minimise waste production on-site and ensure
on sustainable waste management solutions for
waste around site on a carbon zero electric truck.
as much as possible of the waste produced
our customers. I’d like to congratulate Keith and
Cardboard, wood, metal, food, glass, and general
is recycled. The waste minimisation ideas are
entire Manchester Fort team for the significant
fantastic working with B&M Waste which has helped
ongoing, and the focus at the moment is to
improvements they’ve helped to achieve.”
develop a recycling process which suits our needs
work with the tenants and customers as well as
WWW.BAGNALLANDMORRIS.COM
Derek Askew, centre manager, said: “It’s been
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NOVEMBER 2019 13
C&M BICSc
Measure twice, cut once ‘Not a lot of people know this’ but I am not a great fan of DIY – in fact I refer to it as DYI (do yourself an injury). It is a classic example of people attempting a task possibly without any training and overreaching their capabilities… let alone overreaching on a step ladder! My father was a tradesman and could turn his hand to most DIY jobs. His phrase was ‘measure twice, cut once’ which in effect means ‘get it right first time’. Recently I had a short spell in hospital, although not as a result of a DIY misadventure. I am not uncomfortable when I go to hospital but I tend to focus on anything but the forthcoming operation/ surgical procedure. My recent visit to Daisy Ward filled me with foreboding, so I concentrated on the helpful information and statistics which were being displayed on the screen in the reception area. For example, 95% of all patients found their treatment to be good or exceptional. I am not sure what happened to the other 5%! I also read with interest the uniform policy. Dark blue uniform signifies the nurse in charge, grey uniform for occupational health and light blue uniform for the cleaner! Two slides further, there was staff allocation: one housekeeper am, one housekeeper pm. When I enquired of hospital staff
did this mean there were four cleaning operatives employed within the facility nobody knew! Now to the point of this column which is get it right first time. When the process is set and gives no flexibility for lateral thinking from the cleaning operative, the type of scenario which is about to unfold is inevitable. After waking up at 7.30am the day after my operation - not pushing up daisies but being on Daisy Ward - I got my first glimpse of the cleaner/housekeeper not wearing a light blue uniform, because in fact they were a contractor. I was the only patient (customer) in the four bedded bay and, in fact, the whole ward at that time. But the process had to be followed so every accessible piece of floor space was dust control mopped. Then random spot mopping occurred, after which I AM RELIABLY INFORMED THE SPANKEY was deployed. Unfortunately, the cleaning operative/ cleaner/housekeeper had for some unknown reason made a modification to the spankey and had tied their blue microfibre cloth to the end, thus allowing them to flick dust further and faster than needed. I do not blame the cleaning operative for any of this because the deployment of labour, the
process and methodology are all management/ supervision issues. It is easier to do what you always do when you have been taught by rote. The best example I can give of this was when I first joined the cleaning industry in the mid-70s. I worked with a colleague whose first job was a Saturday boy at Harrods in the knitwear department. Martin followed his training to the letter, by rote in fact. One day, an impressive-looking gentleman walked in and he greeted him with a slight bow of the head. ‘Good morning sir, how may I assist you?’ The gentleman concerned was interested in V-neck Cashmere sweaters (great commission opportunity thought Martin) and went on to purchase three of said sweaters. ‘Would you like them gift wrapped sir?’ ‘No, that will not be necessary as they are for myself,’ he replied. ‘Would you like them delivered?’ ‘Yes please,’ came the reply. ‘Could I have a name please sir?’ ‘King Constantine of Greece,’ he replied. ‘Could I have an address please sir?’ ‘The Ritz, Piccadilly, W1,’ he replied. So, Martin then said to him: ‘Can I have the room number please sir?’ King Constantine replied: ‘I think you will find there is only one King Constantine of Greece.’ This is probably the biggest issue of learning by rote as there is no room for free thinking! WWW.BICS.ORG.UK
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CONTRACTS C&M
Delivering value to care homes IN June 2019, Fairfield Care enlisted Robert Scott to complete a cleaning product audit and offer recommendations for a group of residential care homes that specialise in the care of dementia patients. The group, which manages three care homes across the south east of England, wanted to modernise its cleaning regime and consolidate its extensive list of cleaning equipment and products to make efficiencies for staff and improve surroundings for residents. Kelly Brierley, key account manager at Robert Scott, visited all three care homes to carry out an in-depth cleaning audit to provide product recommendations and demonstrations. Robert Scott also delivered training on implementing the new cleaning system to ensure the janitorial staff would get the best results from the products once installed. Brierley said: “Due to the needs of residents and staff within, we wanted to introduce a system that centred around microfibre. Microfibre is by far the most effective material for immediate cleaning of healthcare environments. Microfibre mops and cloths are designed to clean surfaces without the need for chemicals, which means that cleaners can improve sustainability and dramatically reduce costs while eliminating the need for certain chemicals and excessive amounts of water. A damp microfibre mop pad dries in approximately two minutes, whereas a traditional cotton mop could take upwards of
Moving on to the middle, Brierley focused
used throughout the homes. Kelly Brierley
10 minutes. From the offset, it was important
on all reachable surfaces such as tabletops
continued: “Since implementing the new
to reduce the amount of water that was being
and counters. For these areas, Duop Reach was
three-product regime, the homes have
used in the current cleaning regime to benefit
introduced due to its versatility and extendable
benefitted from cutting costs on equipment,
the residents in each home. People with
handle which features an ergonomic ball
a reduction in chemicals and water usage and
dementia often mistake wet, freshly cleaned
and socket joint, making cleaning easy and
happy staff who now have a set of ergonomic
surfaces for pools of water, which can be quite
strain-free for the user. It also reduces repetitive
tools at their disposal. The group also reaps
confusing for them. Additionally, a reduction in
injuries caused by bending, kneeling, wrist
the rewards from an easier ordering system,
excess water, particularly on floors, will lessen
flexing, twisting, and stretching.
eliminating the need to physically shop for
the risk of slip and trip hazards.”
Finally, Brierley looked at the bottom of a
products as they were doing previously.
space including floors, skirting boards and
Fairfield Care and Robert Scott can now
uses a tried and tested top-middle-bottom
any low-down areas, such as under beds and
generate an order form which means products
analysis that ensures all areas are taken into
furniture in a resident’s room and in communal
will automatically be replaced before running
consideration when carrying out an audit.
areas. It was here that the biggest difference was
out, reducing admin time for busy staff.”
Starting at the top, Kelly Brierley focused on
seen when Robert Scott’s Pro-mist Mop System
high-reach areas, including windows, door
was installed. The tool features a removable
manager at Fairfield Care, added: “We knew we
panels and tops of wardrobes. Here, the Flexi
bottle and spray trigger and delivers a fine mist
could count on Robert Scott for an intelligent
Cleaning Tool, a handheld tool which bends
of solution directly to the cleaning surface,
solution to an age-old problem that many
into shape to clean hard to reach areas, was
removing the need for buckets or constant
businesses have. With no stone left unturned,
recommended. The microfibre sleeve attracts
wringing of traditional cotton mop heads.
Kelly not only considered the practical cleaning
Upon entering a space, Robert Scott
Theresa O’Neill, business development
The new system means that Robert
needs of the residential homes, but she gave
or damp for tougher cleaning tasks, while the
Scott has consolidated a cleaning trolley
thought to the needs of the cleaning staff and
bendable tool eliminates the need for steps or
full of products, tools and chemicals down
residents, finding a solution that fits all.”
ladders, making it a safer solution.
to just three core products that could be
WWW.ROBERT-SCOTT.CO.UK
and holds dust and can be used dry for dusting
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NOVEMBER 2019 15
C&M SPONSORED FEATURE
From Ho Ho Ho to No No No - top tips for managing Christmas waste With the festive season just around the corner, it won’t be long before Christmas cards start arriving, office decorations go up and the party season begins. Grundon Waste Management’s Kirsti Santer says planning ahead and understanding what you can and can’t recycle will put you in Father Christmas’s good books both at home and at work.
Over the Christmas period, our homes and businesses routinely create 25% more waste than usual. The online shopping frenzy that begins in earnest with November’s Black Friday deals is guaranteed to deliver an avalanche of cardboard packaging, while Christmas festivities promise a veritable feast of food, plastic and glass waste. By planning ahead and considering the need for additional collections and/or cancelling collections when company shutdowns take place, facilities managers and cleaning companies have an important role to play in making sure waste management and recycling runs as smoothly as possible. The flex factor Our advice is to talk to your customers, discuss any requirements for changes to collection days or times and give 16 NOVEMBER 2019
your waste management company as much notice as possible. A good waste management supplier will be flexible and able to make any necessary changes, for example, providing extra collections or supplying additional compactors or balers to cope with increased amounts of cardboard, and laying on extra food waste collections. Remember that cardboard alone is a high value recyclable item and, properly managed, it can earn the Christmas gift of a rebate on waste management costs. From a purely practical point of view, ensure your teams break down the cardboard boxes first in order to save space.
cutting back. If you have a role in festive food planning, then don’t over-order and let food go to waste. If possible, either ensure any leftover food is given to colleagues or guests to take home, or at the very least ensure it is segregated into separate food waste containers ready for collection and sending to anaerobic digestion facilities. And if your facilities management team has a part to play in organising an in-house event, then why not make a retro move and opt for china plates, cutlery and glasses that can go in the dishwasher, as opposed to disposable plastic plates and cutlery that can’t easily be recycled.
Party planning Whether eating in or going out for Christmas parties, the same messages apply - food waste rises dramatically as no-one wants to be seen as a Scrooge by
It’s a wrap One of the most common mistakes that people make when it comes to recycling at Christmas is to place their used wrapping paper WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
SPONSORED FEATURE C&M
into their recycling bin. Wrapping paper which is glossy, laminated or contains glitter or foils cannot be recycled and should be disposed of in your general waste bin. This is because the paper mills that recycle the paper fibres and turn them into new paper products find it virtually impossible to separate the metallic and plastic elements of this wrapping paper, with these materials acting as contaminants. Our advice is to reuse wrapping paper where possible, but if you’re purchasing paper this year opt for brown paper or use alternatives, such as reusable tote shopping bags or fabric wraps. Discard the card As well as wrapping paper, most Christmas cards also hit the ‘too difficult to recycle’ pile as they often feature glitter, foil and other sparkly decorations. They must go into a general waste bin and, if they are novelty cards with small lithium-ion batteries that play suitably corny tunes, then these are classed as hazardous waste and must be removed before disposal. All batteries must be disposed of separately and safely, and the easiest option in a business environment is to invest in a Grundon Haz-Box which can fit neatly into a cupboard or under a desk. It provides the perfect
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way to dispose of small quantities of hazardous wastes that should not be placed into other waste streams. Tips for trees and decorations Many homes and businesses will have a proud Christmas tree and whether you prefer real or fake, take time to consider the recycling implications. Real trees can be recycled and turned into chippings for parks. Some local authorities have special collections or organise drop-off points and local charities will often collect in return for a donation. Otherwise the trees can be taken to your household waste recycling centre. Please check with your local authority for more information. Fake trees can certainly last longer
but when their time has come, then they need to go into general waste and don’t forget that fairy lights are actually Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), another reason why a Haz-Box can come in handy. Tinsel and baubles cannot usually be recycled either, so they must go into general waste. Look forward to a greener 2020 By following the tips and advice above, we hope you, your customers and your families can move towards a greener 2020. If you would like more information and advice on waste management, please contact: info@grundon.com 01753 686 777 www.grundon.com
NOVEMBER 2019 17
C&M BCC COLUMN
Operating within the ‘gig economy’ Stephen Munton, director and founder of the Domestic Cleaning Alliance, reports. OVER the last decade, the term ‘gig
14 million people work in the UK gig economy. McKinsey says solutions
economy’ has become part of our
need to be found to the problem
everyday language, and the
sector. However, whilst demand for cleaning services remains high, it can be difficult for the providers of cleaning services to cope with the
process itself an established
of benefits, income security
peaks and troughs. For instance, in December
part of UK life. Broadly
and training, but even so its
many people want their homes deep cleaned
speaking, the gig economy
survey found the majority
before Christmas, but in the chaotic days which
is a working environment
of independent workers in
follow the celebrations, some clients may need
allowing people to benefit
all countries participated by
to cancel their regular appointments. Holiday homes and serviced accommodation
choice and were attracted by the
from flexible hours, with control
flexibility and autonomy.
over how much time they work as
This is certainly borne out by what
they juggle other priorities in their lives.
can also make it difficult to allocate cleaning operatives to jobs, as it can often be short-
many of our members have told us - often their
notice work within specific timeframes. Where
paid for the ‘gigs’ they do, instead of receiving
cleaning operatives are mums with small children,
self-employed workers are used, it can make
a regular wage. Typical jobs include couriers,
looking for local work fitting around school
the process easier to administer, since the
ride-hailing cab drivers, and video producers.
hours, and without too much commitment.
work can be irregular and the number of hours
Whilst the name may be new, the process
The potential benefits with the gig economy
offered each week variable.
Workers are usually self-employed and get
The self-employed model fits perfectly well
isn’t. The UK domestic cleaning industry has
are clear - employers only pay when the work is
long been staffed by people who have registered
available and have reduced responsibilities, while
with the gig economy, though the legal battles
as self-employed. Frequently, the work has
workers should be able to choose when to work.
have caused concern amongst our industry
been offered by cleaning ‘agencies’ which exist
Employers, however, have far less control than
sector since there no black and white guidelines
to match clients with cleaning operatives and
they would if they employed staff on a payroll
as to what makes someone a potential employee
then leave both parties to make their own
and, because workers are classed as independent
or genuinely self-employed. Currently, it would
arrangements as to when the cleaning is carried
contractors, it means they may have no
take a court to decide, and only then on a case-
out - although in recent times it seems more and
protection against unfair dismissal, and no right to
by-case basis.
more fully-managed cleaning companies are
redundancy payments or sickness pay. These aspects have proved contentious, and
using self-employed workers too.
The government has promised to bring in new legislation to classify workers in the
there have been several court cases against
new economy, but this could be years away.
themselves, or has a combination of their own
employers such as Pimlico Plumbing and Uber,
In the meantime, we advise our members to
clients as well as taking work from one or
which found that the companies had to grant
read the guidelines on Gov.uk and decide for
more companies or agencies - there are
sick and holiday pay to their casual workers.
themselves how best to engage their workers.
Sometimes the worker sources work for
Our own research indicates that since the end
several possibilities.
The Domestic Cleaning Alliance is a member of
So, how big is the gig economy? The 2016
of World War II there has been an apparent lack
the British Cleaning Council. The views of council
McKinsey Global Institute report says that some
of people coming into the UK domestic cleaning
members are their own.
The Professional Independent Registered Trade Association for
Window Cleaning Membership offers numerous quality benefits IOSH Accredited Safety Training Safety Accredited Member (SAM) Procurement Scheme Secure online store at: https://www.windowcleaning.org.uk/ Federation of Window Cleaners Tel: 0161 432 8754 - Email: info@f-w-c.co.uk – Web: www.f-w-c.co.uk
18 NOVEMBER 2019
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A JOB WORTH DOING - A CONTRACTOR’S BLOG C&M
How do you spread best practice in commercial cleaning? Lee Andrews, CEO of DOC Cleaning, reports. I was recently invited to contribute to a
whole string of generic accreditations,
publication called The Parliamentary
such as ISO9001, 14001 and 45001,
Review on the subject of best practice
Safecontractor and so on. A quick
in commercial cleaning. It gave me the
look at the footer of an established
opportunity to talk about the work we
contractor’s letterhead or website is
are doing at DOC, but it also made me
testament to the lengths they go to
stop and think. How do we actually
reassure clients of their reliability.
spread best practice in our industry? The fact is cleaning is
Biological Stain & Odour Eradicator
for life’s little accidents
As anyone who reads my column knows, I feel strongly that we need a single standard that covers
a highly fragmented
both front line training
industry, where it is easy for a new
and the management
company to compete
of cleaning companies
Micro Clean
with much larger
as a whole. It has been
Biological Stain & Odour Eradicator
existing outfits without
tried with CIMS (Cleaning Industry Management
risking too much in financial terms. There’s
Standard) from ISSA. CIMS is
nothing wrong with that, as any
promoted as a cleaning-specific, whole
industry needs challenger companies
company management accreditation
coming in and shaking things up with
that saves contractors having to bend
a fresh approach. However, ease of
generic accreditations to our industry’s
market entry also means companies
requirements. It’s not clear why it hasn’t
can launch themselves into the
taken off in the UK, as it is an auditable
market without fully understanding
standard with similar costs to ISO9001.
the challenges of cleaning and, if this
Perhaps our own associations could
leads to service problems, it can easily
develop something similar?
reinforce scepticism on the client side
Either way, a hands-on industry
about the ability of our industry to
accreditation that can become an
regulate itself properly.
auditable symbol of quality, recognised
Which brings me to my point.
both within the industry and by clients
I’ve always been concerned that,
is something I believe our industry
as hard as our UK trade bodies and
needs. If it means ‘educating’ the
professional associations work given
client community to understand its
their limited resources, without their
value, then that is a challenge which
own management accreditation it is
can be met by enlisting the help of
difficult for them to permeate best
the wider FM family, with a concerted
practice as well or as forcefully as
public relations campaign targeted at
they might do. BICSc, of course, offers
explaining the benefits of appointing a
comprehensive training for front-line
contractor with the standard. But what
operatives, albeit at a cost. Both BICSc
an incentive for contractors to sign up
and the CSSA promote a general code
to it, if it could be shown that client
of conduct to which members must
organisations genuinely valued it, or
adhere. However, membership of
better still required it.
our professional associations does
Anything that spreads good practice
not in any auditable sense confer
and helps raise the bar in our industry
competent status on members or
has got to be good for the industry
enforce adherence to standards. Which
as a whole. As is often the case in our
means that to boost credibility with
industry, however, it’s not as simple as
potential clients, contractors must
it sounds.
additionally acquire and adapt a
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NOVEMBER 2019 19
C&M
HAND HYGIENE
Hand hygiene - outside the hospital We all know that hand hygiene is crucial in the healthcare sector. But how important is it in other environments such as the office, restaurant kitchen and takeaway, asks Essity’s Jeremy Bennett? HAND hygiene is often described as the single most important element in preventing the spread of healthcare-associated infections in hospitals. According to NICE, around 300,000 NHS patients a year in England alone acquire a healthcare-associated infection at a cost to the NHS of more than £1 billion annually. As a result, healthcare staff are frequently the target of campaigns aimed at persuading them to improve their hand hygiene practices. These include surveillance systems, badges that light up when hand-washing has taken place, posters, stickers, and training courses highlighting the importance of hand washing. Good hand hygiene is crucial in healthcare where vulnerable patients are already immunocompromised and where staff are constantly checking patients’ wounds before going on to tend to others. But how important is it in other environments? For example, when we buy a sandwich from a corner café or a loaf from the
rating, the same is not true of England, and
companies have mooted the high-five or fist-
bakery, how do we know how clean the vendor’s
Scotland has its own scheme. So an English
bump as alternative forms of greeting, and in fact
hands are? And should we ask? Similarly when
business with a poor hygiene rating could well
research has shown that a handshake transfers
dining in a restaurant, how can we be sure that
continue to operate under the radar.
significantly more bacteria on to the recipient’s
the beautifully-crafted dish on the table in front
The wearing of gloves is not compulsory for
hands than either of these methods of greeting
of us has been hand-finished by a chef who
food handlers - and in any case not everyone
due to the difference in the surface area with
operates within good hygiene protocols?
is convinced of the hygiene benefits they offer.
which the hand comes into contact. However,
Evidence suggests that people who prepare
senior executives might find it inappropriate to
we also need to pay close attention to hand
and serve food while wearing gloves tend
give fist-bumps or high-fives to their customers
hygiene. For example in offices and exhibition
to wash their hands less often than others -
and colleagues. And in any case, these salutes
centres, people are constantly meeting co-
and this could be a real issue if those gloves
are not ideal since they lead to the transfer of a
workers and customers who traditionally greet
happen to become punctured and the food
certain amount of bacteria themselves.
each other with a handshake. But how clean
worker’s germs are able to escape through
Office washrooms should therefore provide
will that co-worker’s hands be?
any small holes to permeate the foodstuffs.
plenty of user-friendly hand washing facilities in
There is also no clear recommendation on
the form of foam or liquid soap and disposable
the food service industry and all businesses
how frequently gloves should be changed. So
hand towels. The Tork PeakServe Continuous
receive a hygiene rating from the Food
a food service worker could be wearing the
Hand Towel is becoming increasingly popular
Standards Agency. This applies to every outlet
same gloves to perform several tasks including
in workplace washrooms which are typically
from top-class restaurants to takeaways, cafes
handling raw meat, making sandwiches and
serviced only once a day. The dispenser serves
and smaller bakeries where home-made
giving customers their change.
more than 1000 guests between refills which
There are other environments in which
Hand hygiene is particularly important in
sandwiches are offered as a sideline. Inspectors
In office environments it is becoming
means a continuous supply of towels will be assured throughout the working day.
consider the overall cleanliness of the facilities
increasingly common to ‘hot-desk’ and also to
and assess how hygienically the food is
have lunch at one’s temporary workstation. So
handled, prepared, cooked, and re-heated.
anyone suffering from a cold or other illness
Tork Alcohol Foam Hand Sanitiser is becoming
However, this is rather a vague remit and one
might be transferring their germs on to a
increasingly common in office settings to allow
that relies heavily on trust, since the inspector
shared desk where another worker might pick
people to discreetly sanitise their hands when
will have to assume that standards will continue
them up and ingest them with their lunchtime
they feel the need. The Tork Hygiene Stand
to be maintained after their visit.
sandwich or wrap.
works well in an office or conference centre
In any case, while it is compulsory in Wales and Northern Ireland to display one’s hygiene 20 NOVEMBER 2019
Hand-shaking is still widely carried out between colleagues in the workplace. Some
The provision of alcohol gels such as the
since the free-standing unit accommodates a Continued on Page 22. WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
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C&M
HAND HYGIENE
Keeping hands clean…and green Mark Jankovich, CEO at Delphis Eco, discusses the use of eco-friendly hand hygiene products, born ‘out of an urgent need to reconsider the consumable products we’ve all come to depend on’. ONE of the key challenges for operators
to market several years ahead of competitors.
is ensuring effective supply of hand wash
Additionally, the labels for all its bottles are
products for the washroom and ensuring
printed with vegetable ink and boxes are made
they are clearly displayed, easily accessible
from 100% recycled cardboard (even the liner
and kept topped up and clean, with effective
is recycled). Here at Delphis Eco we offer a full collection
hand dryers situated in close proximity to
of hand hygiene products including anti-
the sink.
bacterial hand soap, hand soap and hand
The stats are widely known - most people only wash their hands for six seconds and
sanitiser foam. For ease of use, we also offer
around 33% of people don’t use soap
operators refill bottles for many of our products,
when washing their hands. Up to 80% of
and a foaming trigger head. The extensive range is phosphate free and
communicable diseases are transferred by
contains no or very little VOCs, which are some of
touch. Perhaps what is less well known is that
the most damaging contents historically found
damp hands are 1000x more likely to spread bacteria than dry hands.
are made from all natural products (ie, non-
in hand hygiene chemicals. All the company’s
toxic green cleaning chemicals) and are made
products are plant based, ecological and readily
things in the prevention and control of many
here in Britain. Not only are they sustainable
biodegradable, yet proved in tests to remain 98%
illnesses. Good hand hygiene will reduce the
in their use (no caustic abrasives) but the
more effective than their competitors.
risk of illnesses like flu, food poisoning and
sustainability piece has moved a step further
healthcare associated infections being passed
on with technological advancement playing
be ‘clean AND green’. And, let’s dispel the myth
from person to person.
a major role. All Delphis Eco products are
that green products aren’t able to provide heavy
packaged using 100% HDPE recycled plastic,
duty solutions - they can!
which is believed to be a ‘UK first’ and brought
WWW.DELPHISECO.COM
Hand hygiene is one of the most important
Delphis Eco’s hand hygiene products are not only effective, affordable and sustainable - they
We always say to our customers that you can
Continued from Page 20. bottle of Tork sanitiser as well as a box of Tork Facial Tissues. It therefore provides staff and visitors with easy access to hygiene facilities in a prominently-placed display which can be positioned in reception areas, meeting rooms and other shared office spaces. Hand santiser gel may be offered in food outlets, too, but this should never be a substitute for thorough hand washing and drying. Plentiful sinks should therefore be made available and mild soaps and soft towels should
spotlight should be focused most strongly
drying a comfortable and painless experience
on the healthcare industry where thorough
for staff. Tork Extra Mild Foam Soap and Tork
washing and drying is crucial. However, anyone
Extra Mild Liquid Soap work well here because
who works closely with the public or who serves
they help to protect frequently-washed hands
food should pay close attention to their hand
from chapping and soreness. Tork Extra Mild
hygiene and abide by a strict regime. Posters,
Liquid Soap is also available in a mini dispenser
training schemes and strategically-placed signs
for smaller premises such as cafes and bakeries.
that remind staff to wash their hands before
An extra soft towel such as the Tork Xpress
22 NOVEMBER 2019
It is understandable that the hand hygiene
be supplied to make frequent washing and
returning to work are all helpful, but washroom
Extra Soft Multifold Hand Towel will provide
hygiene companies can play their part too by
a gentle hand-dry and minimise the risk of
providing user-friendly products that prevent
chapping and soreness. This is also available in
hand hygiene from becoming a chore.
a mini version for smaller premises.
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C&M
HAND HYGIENE
New approaches to hand hygiene Research into WHO guidelines suggests other techniques may be quicker, easier and more effective.
THE importance of hand hygiene has been
when followed correctly. However, following
after touching patients; and after touching
understood and accepted for a long time. The
all six steps correctly in the real world can
patient surroundings.
majority of infections - around 80% according
sometimes be difficult. Researchers wanted to
to studies - are passed by hand to hand contact
test if alternative, simpler techniques could be
between 20 and 40% of healthcare associated
or by touching a contaminated surface. This is
just as effective.
infections arise when a healthcare worker
But despite progress, studies suggest
passes pathogens from one patient to the
why hand hygiene and surface disinfection are
One study compared the WHO’s current
critical to infection prevention in hospitals, care
six-step hand rub method with a three-step
next. The latest thinking is for a more targeted
homes and other settings.
method that involved covering the entire
approach that encompasses hand hygiene and
One would imagine that hand hygiene
hand with alcohol rub and then focusing on
surface disinfection.
would be the easiest of everyday activities to
the fingertips and thumbs. The results were
get right. We all learn at an early age to wash
significant and, to many, surprising. The three-
disinfected daily, as before, but additional
our hands before eating and after going to the
step method was more effective at reducing
attention is paid to frequent touch and high-risk
toilet. But studies have shown that relatively
the levels of bacteria on the subjects’ hands.
surfaces. In practice, this has been distilled into
large numbers of people forget - or refuse - to
A separate study focused on the fingertips
five critical points: before placing food/drink
do this. Even in settings such as hospitals,
because these are generally accepted to be
on over-bed tables; after procedures involving
where poor hand hygiene can have serious
the most contaminated part of the hand - this
faeces or respiratory secretions within the
consequences, studies suggest that processes
intuitively makes sense because it is quite
patient bed-space; before/after any aseptic
can be improved, compliance rates increased
possible to touch and hold all manner of
practice; after patient bathing (within bed-
and infection rates reduced.
surfaces and objects with the fingers alone.
space); after any object used by/on a patient
Trials of a fingertip-first method of hand
touches the floor.
Despite established and robust infection
All areas in care settings are cleaned and
prevention procedures, studies show that
hygiene demonstrated a greater reduction in
For its part, the cleaning and hygiene
infection rates in hospitals run at around
the number of bacteria than the existing six-
industry continues to develop innovations
10% of all patients. While this is far lower
step methodology.
that help to make processes simpler, safer
than in the past, many facilities have found
Alongside new and improved hand hygiene
and more sustainable while improving
it difficult to reduce the rate further. This
techniques like these, attention has turned to
performance and infection rates. Diversey
is why current thinking is towards more
when health workers should clean their hands.
offers a wide range of hand hygiene and
effective hand hygiene processes and
The World Health Organisation’s ‘Five Moments
surface disinfection products for healthcare
focusing on critical tasks.
of Hand Hygiene’ initiative has helped reduce
and other settings. As a leading supplier with
The recommended procedure for using hand
infection rates in healthcare settings. These
years of experience, the company can advise
rubs, for example, proscribes six separate steps.
recommend healthcare workers wash their
on the right combination of products for every
This is a tried and tested technique that is
hands before touching patients; before clean/
setting and situation.
known to be effective at reducing infection rates
aseptic procedures; after body fluid exposure;
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24 NOVEMBER 2019
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HAND HYGIENE
Does money make the germs go round?
C&M
Lemon Floor Gel
Lemon scented hard surface cleaner
When you consider the multitude of germs that can be present on our coins and notes, we may be in danger of getting more than we bargained for when making purchases or sales. Chris Wakefield, vice president, European marketing and product development at GOJO Industries – Europe, reports. OVER the past few years, the
infections can spread so quickly and
rise in technology and the
easily at the point of purchase.
your smartphone has prompted
A helping hand to prevent infection
a decline in paying for goods with
One of the simplest ways to prevent
physical money. However, despite
the transmission of germs is to practice
this, there were still 13.1 billion
good hand hygiene. Many studies
cash payments made in the UK
published over the last 20 years have
in 2017 [1]. That’s a lot of coins
proved that it can break the chain of
and notes in circulation that are
infection, helping to prevent the spread
being passed between customers
of germs and boost health, well-being
and vendors, as well as between
and productivity.
contactless, credit card or even
friends and family. Have you ever stopped to think
At GOJO, we believe in making hand hygiene second nature
about the multitude of germs that
to everyone. This requires a
are present on our money? While
combination approach, from
catering businesses generally
providing access to effective
ensure that cash is not held by the
and easy to use dispensers
same hand, or hands, that prepare
and technologically advanced
food, the rest of us are probably
formulations, to influencing hygienic
not so careful - with potentially
behaviour through eye-catching
detrimental impacts to our health.
notices and posters.
A recent study undertaken by London Metropolitan University [2]
put cash under the microscope
As well as ensuring there are hand washing and sanitising facilities in washrooms, businesses
to find out just how dirty money
should also consider installing
is. The results were shocking - the
hand sanitiser dispensers at the
research discovered 19 different
point of purchase. We’ve become
types of bacteria, two life-threatening
used to seeing hand sanitising
superbugs including MRSA on coins
products in healthcare settings, and
and notes, as well as listeria on 20p,
in high traffic areas such as airport
50p and £1 coins.
washrooms. So, given the potential
When you also consider that up
sense that they should become a
by touching the same object after
more commonplace sight at point
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impacts on our health, it makes
to 14 people can be contaminated another [3], it is easy to see how
Lemon Scented Hard Surface Cleaner Fast removal of daily grease & grime.
convenience of paying by
Continued on Page 27. NOVEMBER 2019 25
C&M
HAND HYGIENE
Touch-free technology could transform our washrooms Jamie Woodhall, technical and innovations manager at Initial Washroom Hygiene, reports. WHETHER it’s walking into a room and the
each visitor to wash and dry their hands before
lights come on automatically or a personal
returning to their workstation. People rarely
assistant on our mobile phone making calls and
wash their hands for long enough (20-30
appointments for us, hands-free technology
seconds is recommended) and do not always
is everywhere, and is helping us through our
dry their hands properly, which is important
lives without us necessarily realising it. The
as damp hands spread up to 1000 times more
convenience-led benefits of this technology
bacteria than dry hands. Automatic taps and dryers, as well as
stretch from enabling us to add food to our shopping list without needing to find a pen and
no-touch soap, paper towel and sanitiser
paper, walk through doors without having to
dispensers, mean the user does not have to
push or pull a handle, or even have the toilet
make direct contact with the unit in order to
flush automatically as we leave the cubicle.
operate them. Using technology like this will not only help to modernise your washroom,
Perhaps one of the most significant benefits
it should greatly reduce the risk of cross
that many will fail to realise is that hands-free technology is also helping to improve our
Jamie Woodhall
hygiene by limiting the amount of shared
contamination and therefore the spread of illness throughout the office.
touch points we encounter. When you consider
particularly vulnerable to harbouring and
that approximately 80% of all infections and
spreading pathogens as they are passed from
It’s a sanitary issue
most bacteria are transmissible by touch, this
person to person through indirect contact
The impact of touch-free technology in the
technology could go a long way in preventing
with shared items such as door handles,
washroom doesn’t end with soap dispensers
the spread of illnesses, especially when a typical
printers, keyboards, computer mice, or
and hand dryers. According to our research,
office worker’s hands encounter 10 million
kitchen items.
54% of women in the UK have experienced a
bacteria per day.
A little extra care in hand hygiene will go a
situation where the washroom did not have
long way in helping to reduce this risk. In its
a personal female hygiene unit. Even if your
Removing the washroom worry
simplest form, hand washing is a three-step
washroom lacks space, every female user
Did you know that one in four office workers
process: wash, dry and sanitise. Equipping
should have access to a sanitary bin within
admit to not washing their hands after visiting
washrooms with enough sinks, soap dispensers
each cubicle to ensure a discreet and hygienic
the washroom? This means offices could be
and hand drying options will help to encourage
washroom experience. To reduce the risk of bacteria and germs being spread, or the potential blockages caused by women flushing menstrual hygiene products down the toilet, why not consider a no-touch sanitary bin within your washroom cubicles? This will greatly improve surface hygiene and reduce the transfer of bacteria during the disposal of used sanitary items.
Final thoughts Upholding a fresh and clean washroom environment is vital. But there is also a responsibility in ensuring the services within a washroom - from soap dispensers to sanitary bins - are functional, contemporary and effective. Opting for no-touch options when choosing these products is a great way to guarantee a hassle-free, hygienic washroom experience for everyone. WWW.INITIAL.CO.UK 26 NOVEMBER 2019
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HAND HYGIENE
C&M
Versatile solutions
Hygienic Hand Rub for the ultimate in germ-
This doesn’t have to involve large disruption
killing effectiveness. It provides dependable
of sale areas too. This not only protects
or cost. There are solutions on the market,
performance, is simple to use and has a
customers’ and workers’ well-being, but
such as the Purell ES Everywhere System,
small footprint, making it ideal for any point
also has business benefits. After all, with
which are designed to bridge the gap
of sale environment.
a healthier workforce, businesses will lose
between dispensers and bottles. This
fewer days to sickness, and will benefit from
innovative system combines premium
people are to adapt their behaviour, they need
increased productivity.
aesthetics with the trusted Purell Advanced
to be educated on the reasons why this practice
Continued from Page 25.
Along with effective hand hygiene systems, if
at the point of sale is so important. Good skin health and hygiene companies will be able to help with information campaigns. Although technology is advancing and more of us are moving towards using contactless payment methods, it’s still hard to imagine cash going away anytime soon. Practicing good hand hygiene and supporting others to do the same to help prevent the spread of infection is key. Taking action at point of sale locations could make a huge difference to our health. WWW.GOJO.COM [1] www.money.co.uk/guides/revealed-the-lifethreatening-bacteria-on-your-cash.htm [2] www.money.co.uk/guides/revealed-the-lifethreatening-bacteria-on-your-cash.htm [3] Barker J, Vipond IB, Bloomfield SF. J Hosp Infect 2004, 58:42-49
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C&M
INNOVATIONS IN SOFTWARE
Workforce management: how to make the most out of your greatest but costliest asset Rick Stoor, MD of Templa, reports. IN both FM and contract cleaning, the UK’s
The scheduling of work, absence cover and
wage budgets and variances, with workflow
most labour-intensive industry, there is no more
holidays is planned using drag and drop
automating exception approval.
crucial task than the efficient and cost-effective
functionality. Timesheets for all sites affected
• Award interpretation: for our Australian and
management of your front-line operatives. Why?
going forward are updated automatically to
European clients we embed legislative or
Because in today’s ultra-competitive market,
reflect changes.
union-agreed rules, such as overtime terms,
delivering the specification to your clients’
• Time and attendance: shift details keyed into
which are automatically incorporated into pay rates when triggered.
requirements means squeezing every last
TemplaCMS integrate seamlessly with the
ounce of productivity from your labour force.
T&A system at your client premises - which
That means having the right people in the right
could be landline, RFID card, mobile app,
timesheets available to both payroll and
place at the right time and ensuring that staff
or biometric. Non-attendance alerts allow
operations staff, full continuity is built in to
on all contracts complete their rostered shifts in
prompt response to absence and help manage
the system when dealing with operatives’
full and are paid correctly.
lone worker safety. Operations managers see
pay. There is no need to re-key hours from
in real time who is checked in. Short hours
paper timesheets to payroll software, wasting
can be deducted automatically, whilst excess
time and risking data errors. With time and
hours and payments can be avoided.
attendance verifying actual worked hours,
Welcome to the world of workforce management It sounds easy, but as anyone in cleaning/
• Real-time online timesheets: operations
• Payroll administration: with real-time
your commitment to delivering the contract
FM knows, there are several operational and
managers can maintain centralised timesheets
is transparent which promotes improved
administrative hurdles that must be overcome
24/7, with real-time updating of new, varied
client relations. With actual versus budget
to ensure that cleaners work their contracted
or terminated contracts, as well as new
wage costs visible in real-time, any variance is
hours, wages budgets are not overspent, clients
starters and leavers or changes to their terms.
are satisfied, and profit margins remain intact.
Real-time financial control helps you manage
known before the payroll is released. • Budgets, analytics and dashboards: you
Yes, you can plug in an app here and an app there, but they won’t be connected and they may well cause yet more data duplication in your business.
How does TemplaCMS workforce management work? Workforce management can be summed up as using a combination of contract management software and tightly integrated mobile apps to manage your staff-related processes. Using the TemplaCMS workforce management system, the diagram shows how you control this vital element of your company’s day-to-day operation. • Onboarding: new starter details are captured and authorised to an electronic form on our mobile app, along with RTW paperwork and photos, before being synchronised with head office, authorised by HR and saved to the database, creating employee records and contract assignments. • Roster management: once loaded to the system, staff rosters are viewed and managed by operations managers on line. 28 NOVEMBER 2019
WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM
INNOVATIONS IN SOFTWARE
C&M
and signatures are fully integrated. No one-off work can be carried out without labour being allocated and the client invoice being created, ensuring that you never fail to invoice clients for work done over and above the routine contract. Customers view invoices and much more via a secure portal.
Why TemplaCMS? To fully embrace digital technology and the benefits it brings, you will manage all these processes with our single, integrated contract management system that uses a central database of contract data to drive each business process. This integrates dynamically with payroll and manage payroll performance against
holiday and change of details. You can also
accounts. There’s no duplication of data
budget and send up-to-date summary
send messages either to individuals or the
entry and no exporting of data between
data on attendance, RTW compliance and
whole company, allowing you to engage
unconnected systems to make it all work.
financial performance to a dashboard seen
promptly with staff on important issues.
With TemplaCMS, workforce management
• Work bills, customer billing and portal:
by your managers every time they log in to TemplaCMS.
is effectively a subset of the wider software
periodic and one-off work assignments
system you use to control your business.
undertaken internally are communicated to
This is what reduces the time you spend
operatives use their smartphones, at a time
your mobile workforce via the mobile app.
on administration, controls your overhead,
convenient to themselves, to view payslips,
Whether work is assigned to site-based staff
protects your margin, and gives you full
holiday and absence data, along with personal
or special works teams on the road, full work
visibility of how the business is performing.
details held on the system. They can request
instructions, wages capture, photographs,
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NOVEMBER 2019 29
C&M
SPECIAL REPORT
A modern career in cleaning Paul Ashton, CEO at Birkin, reports. ‘When I grow up, I want to work in cleaning.’
floor cleaning machines or online training
How many people grew up saying that?
solutions or employee engagement apps, it is
for every level to provide structured paths
When we reflect on the importance of
an incredibly exciting time.
for everyone and encourage internal
cleaning as a critical daily function of
Here at Birkin we understand that,
• Training and development: bespoke plans
promotion.
business, education and healthcare, why is
regardless of how advanced the technology
this the case?
becomes, the human interface remains
company, our investment in our employees
the critical factor. We therefore place
combined with continued growth creates
excitement, security and, for the ambitious,
great emphasis on training each and every
opportunity for an exciting career in all
an amazing career path. Whether you want
person in all roles to provide them with the
aspects of our business.
a rewarding flexible part-time job to provide
knowledge and support to succeed.
The cleaning industry offers opportunity,
a stable income or work in a head office finance, legal, marketing, or IT, there’s a role
How does Birkin attract and retain talent?
for you.
• Engaged management team: genuinely
function such as operations, sales, HR,
As technology increasingly integrates into commercial cleaning, whether you are front line or back of house, it is changing faster than ever before. The relentless demand
positive, enthusiastic and helpful people who take great pride in supporting our sitebased teams. • Birkin Star Employee reward scheme
for management information software
we proactively catch our teams going
solutions to provide paperless auditing and
above and beyond so we can recognise
tracking of hours, implementation of robotic
great work.
30 NOVEMBER 2019
• Career progression: as an ambitious
What are the benefits of working in our industry? • Job security: long term, critical function of any building in every sector for the foreseeable future. • Increasing use of technology is generating new roles such as ‘business analysts’ and ‘digital marketing executives’ that simply didn’t exist historically. • Accelerated progression opportunities: if you work hard, show commitment and the
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SPECIAL REPORT
role is there, there are endless opportunities
real insight for our customers, supply chain
to develop - cleaner > supervisor > contract
and employees.
manager > area manager > regional director > board level director. • 80% of cleaning shifts are completed before
C&M
Birkin welcomes the implementation of robotic cleaning in the right environment. Where we have introduced robotics, we’ve
premises open or after they close, meaning the
directly engaged with our site-based teams
ability to work around family commitments
to provide powerful support and maximise
with overtime is readily available.
productivity. For example, robotic floor cleaning has created additional time for
How do we communicate the many aspects of our industry to the younger generation?
the team to complete alternative tasks to improve standards in all aspects.
Birkin shares its day to day achievements
Paul Ashton
and aspects of the company via the powers
Birkin success stories
of social media, a realistic and honest insight
Most companies state that they have a
teams of staff in demanding environments
into working at Birkin.
fantastic team, so industry award and
proved to be a recipe for success. Terry is a
recognition is one way of proving your
great example of a Birkin star who lives and
Embracing technology to drive the cleaning industry forwards
credentials. Birkin is committed to the
breathes our values on a daily basis.
The Birkin App Suite is our bespoke
that you don’t have to be from within the
members of its operational team confirmed
collection of technology platforms that
industry to succeed. Work ethic is key, and
finalists in the BICSc Annual Awards
have allowed our business to be at the
Birkin has successfully found the retail and
‘manager of the year’ category and two more
forefront of the cleaning industry.
hospitality sectors to be great places to
in the European Cleaning Awards 2019 being
Effective systems that make life easier
recruit from.
held in Central London.
require significant investment and
Birkin is extremely proud to have
cleaning industry and acknowledges
Award winner Terry Havens joined Birkin
If a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.
commitment but two years on the results
in January 2016 with a background in retail
Birkin believes that the cleaning industry is
speak for themselves. The speed of data
management where his customer service
an awesome place to do just that!
collection, analysis and reporting provide
mindset and experience of leading diverse
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NOVEMBER 2019 31
C&M
SPECIAL REPORT
Protecting the safety and health of window cleaners Paul Thrupp, BCC chairman, reports on a new study into the use of water-fed poles THE British Cleaning Council (BCC) has
course few could argue that the use of water-fed
welcomed the publication of ground-breaking
or other telescopic poles meant that in a lot
advice for window cleaners on how to reduce
of cases we could genuinely avoid working at
the risk of injury when using telescopic water-
height, as the pole systems were mainly used
fed poles. The leaflet, entitled ‘Window cleaning
with both feet safely on the ground. Soon the
poles: how to do it and look after your body’, is
use of ladders for window cleaning had reduced
the result of a revolutionary research initiative
substantially and the use of water-fed poles
and could greatly improve the safety and
became prevalent all around the UK. Many of us in the industry realised,
wellbeing of workers who use water-fed poles
however, that whilst we were addressing the
when cleaning high windows. Earlier this year, the BCC awarded BCC
work at height issues, our risk assessments
member the Federation of Window Cleaners
showed that we had now introduced some
(FWC) a £2000 grant to allow it to take part in
manual handling challenges and, of course,
an industry-wide partnership also involving
we all introduced control measures and
the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), Principle
operating procedures to ensure that that our
Cleaning, Specialist Window Cleaning Ltd, and
window cleaners operated to a safe system
NJC. The partners worked with ergonomic
of work. Most of our control measures were
specialist dorsaVi to produce a guide explaining
based on experience and advice, and this new project provided the opportunity to really
best practice techniques when using waterfed poles in order to decrease the risk of
cleaner overreached. Whilst a ladder used
analyse the effect of using such equipment
musculoskeletal disorders.
correctly was very safe, the human factor could
on the body.
The leaflet advises cleaning operatives on how to set up their workspaces, clean windows
not be overlooked. Water-fed poles were introduced and these
Prevention is better than cure and this revolutionary initiative has produced, for the
and pack up afterwards. It includes detailed
at first were slow to take off as most window
first time, evidence-based advice to protect the
information on how to position the body when
cleaning professionals would rather get their
safety and health of colleagues using long-
using long or telescopic poles, recommending
hands to the glass and clean with either an
reach equipment. I urge colleagues to read this
using two main techniques - the ‘whole body’
applicator and squeegee or even an old-
very helpful leaflet and think seriously about
and the ‘walk in and away from the wall’ moves.
fashioned leather and scrim, which since the
adopting the practices it recommends.
There has long been concern in the industry
year 2000 or so has now been complemented
This is a great example of the kind of project
that colleagues using this kind of equipment
by the use of microfibre cloths. The introduction
that the BCC supports - schemes that benefit
incorrectly could be exposed to injury which,
of the Work at Height Regulations, however,
the cleaning sector.
in turn, could develop into debilitating long-
meant that we all had a duty to ‘avoid work
term problems.
at height’ where practically possible, and of
Historically, the common way to access lower
DorsaVi uses its unique ViSafe wearable body sensors and software to help identify, prioritise and control injury risk by measuring
level external glass for cleaning was with the
movement profiles and muscle activity in real
use of ladders which were used extensively
work environments. Data generated allowed
throughout the industry and across the UK. It
partners to better understand the impact of
was normal for double and treble extension
using long water-fed poles on the user’s back,
ladders to be used to access the outside of third
shoulders and neck. The study allowed the
or even fourth floor windows.
partnership to identify, validate and establish
The use of ladders presented many health
best practice techniques to minimise the risk
and safety challenges. Most ladders used at
of musculoskeletal disorders. Evidence-based
that time were wooden and these were very
guidance is also being produced for optimal
heavy, and whilst the weight improved stability,
equipment training, including content and data
of course it also introduced manual handling
to integrate into in-house training courses.
issues. But above all the greatest risk was a fall
Customers/users will soon be able to
from height when using ladders which could
download the leaflet in PDF from:
happen if the ladder slipped, or if the window
WWW.F-W-C.CO.UK
32 NOVEMBER 2019
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Products & Services Directory
to advertise call 01737 855086 C and M product services.pdf 1 28/03/2019 13:33:39
COMPUTER SOFTWARE
SOFTWARE / TECHNOLOGY
FULLY INTEGRATED SOFTWARE
C
FOR CLEANING/FM CONTRACTORS
M
Business Software for Janitorial Distributors
Y
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MY
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| +44 (0)1732 832888 | businessteam@templa.com | www.templacms.co.uk
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www.bluerocksystems.co.uk
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PRODUCT NEWS
COMBINING speed with operator comfort and sweeping performance, Kärcher’s latest addition to the municipal range features a spacious two person cab, all-wheel steering
Kärcher closes the gap in sweeper portfolio
system for easy manoeuvrability and large waste container to keep users on the road for longer. These features are complemented by the environmentally-friendly lowemission EURO Stage 6 or Stage V engines. The development of the new MC 250 sweeper closes a gap in the Kärcher portfolio, with machines now available in all classes between 0.5 to 6 cubic metres. For this new sweeper, fine dust and sand particles pose no more of a problem than coarse dirt. The MC 250 delivers good cleaning results as a result of its optimised
air-flow. The sweeper’s individually controlled brush system means dirt in different areas can be easily reached, while the use of the weed brush delivers a more precise cleaning result. A water recirculation system and a separate tank for the dirtied water are also integrated. Everyday machine maintenance is made simple with all service components easy to reach via access points, with the engine also directly accessible thanks to the fold-out water tank. The MC 250 features many comfort upgrades including: LED lighting in the cab, a USB charging facility as well as a spacious storage area for the driver and passenger. The central display and ergonomic operating panel have been selected after rigorous testing and the hydro-pneumatic suspension on both axles, plus single-wheel suspension on the front axle, means any bumps or uneven ground are comfortably driven over. WWW.KARCHER.CO.UK
WITH the UK currently suffering a record plague of moths, it would be easy to blame these winged warriors for the random holes that mysteriously appear in our clothes. However, white goods manufacturer Miele says it is often the choice of washing machine to blame. We’ve probably all experienced it. Buy a new top and next thing you know a little round hole appears in it. The first thought people have is that their house has a moth infestation, and the holes are a result of the moths’ larva feasting on the material. But in many cases, it’s actually their washing machine having a nibble.
Miele reveals the moth myth
Clare Long, business account manager at the Professional division of Miele, explained: “In most washing machine brands, the spin cycle forces small parts of the clothing through the drainage holes on the inner drum, where they catch on the outer drum, creating holes. Also, when washing machine drums are manufactured, sharp edges are often left on them due to low quality control. When clothes, bed linen and towels are washed and reach the side of the drum, items get snagged, again creating holes. The truth is that if your washing machine is made by a brand that doesn’t do enough to avoid snagging, the machine is just as likely to be the culprit. And given that moth larva only feeds on cashmere, silk and wool, holes in clothing made by any other material, such as cotton, is more likely to be a result of the washing machine drum.” People can avoid clothes getting snagged by washing machine drums if they choose a brand that takes precautions against clothing damage in the machine’s design. For example, Miele has a patented honeycomb drum, which means that items getting washed are pushed away from the sides drum, reducing contact with the holes. Not only that, the drums are double checked for metal snags in the factory by rubbing a silk stocking on the inside - so even when clothes do touch the edge of the drum, there’s no chance of snagging. WWW.MIELE.CO.UK
34 NOVEMBER 2019
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PRODUCT NEWS
C&M
CLEANING teams continue to face pressure to deliver excellent results while introducing innovations, adding value, improving productivity, and promoting sustainability without adding
Complete cleaning solutions
to costs. That can be a difficult set of criteria to achieve but Diversey offers support with its ability to provide a complete set of products, tools, machines, and services for every aspect of a customer’s cleaning operation from a single source. The company works with customers to devise, configure and implement fully-integrated solutions that are fine-tuned to business and operational requirements and deliver enhanced
performance and value. The concept of a total solution from a single vendor is not new but it does require that suppliers adapt to business and regulatory pressures and take advantage of new technologies. Recent innovations from Diversey include: the latest-generation Taski swingobot 2000 robotic
EDITOR
Neil Nixon neilnixon@quartzltd.com 07957 713316 SALES DIRECTOR
Vanessa Van Santen-Smith Vanessavss@quartzltd.com 01737 855041 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Taski floorcare machines and water alone; the IntelliCare hand care system with unique wall-
Michelle Andrews michelleandrews@quartzltd.com 01737 855086
mounted dispenser; Moonbeam3 UV-C disinfection for healthcare settings; and the Taski aero tub
PRODUCTION MANAGER
floor cleaning machine; Twister by Diversey diamond-impregnated floorcare pads for use with
Carol Baird carolbaird@quartzltd.com 01923 437619
and backpack vacuum cleaners. Diversey has also added new Internet of Clean services such as IntelliLinen for laundries and IntelliDish for
MANAGING DIRECTOR
mechanical warewashing to build on its already
Steve Diprose
extensive capabilities in this growing area. Cloud-
CEO
connected services like these are increasingly
Paul Michael
being used to introduce new levels of insight,
PAID SUBSCRIPTIONS & CIRCULATION ENQUIRIES
management and control to deliver improved
Elizabeth Barford subscriptions@quartzltd.com 01737 855028
performance and reduced costs. WWW.DIVERSEY.COM
NELSON’S new Café Plus dishwasher is designed for the demanding requirements of busy cafés and delis. Calibrated to provide the optimum results across cups, mugs, plates, glasses, and cutlery, Café Plus has seven programmes and can wash up to 60 baskets per hour. Also, it protects delicate items with a soft-start option which gently builds in pressure and prevents chipping, cracking or even breaking.
Warewasher for cafÉs and delis
Thermo-acoustic insulation to the door and wash chamber not only prevents heat from escaping but contributes to the almost silent running of the machine so it’s suitable for front of house siting. Café Plus features a shallow wash tank that uses the minimum quantities of water and energy necessary to ensure a perfect wash. In fact, the machine draws just 2.5 litres of rinse water per cycle which is then used in the subsequent wash. Using less water means that filtration becomes more critical and Café Plus is fitted with a 3-part filtration system that maintains water quality by trapping the smallest food particles and dumping them with the
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coolest, dirtiest wash water at the end of each cycle. A lower volume of water means that less chemicals are required and the peristaltic pump dosing system for detergent and rinse-aid releases the optimum amount per wash cycle. WWW.NELSONWASH.CO.UK
ISSN: 1473 723X © Quartz Business Media, 2019 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, without prior permission of the copyright owner. Printed by Pensord Press Ltd, Cardiff, UK
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NOVEMBER 2019 35
Simplification and recognisability are the two keywords at the root of this rebranding. A font with simple lines was used together with a yellow element – a lightning bolt – symbolising strength and speed, two qualities that reflect Lavorwash’s current objective: to become stronger and more innovative in the world of domestic and professional cleaning. The launch of this rebranding represents a further milestone in our growth and business development.
Cal Crutchlow Lavor major sponsor - LCR Honda Team
Lavor GB, Unit 18, Park Court, Sullivans Way, St.Helens WA9 5GZ Tel: 01744 738 079 Email: sales@lavorpro.co.uk Website: www.lavorpro.co.uk
Discover the full range at www.lavorpro.co.uk