Facility Cleaning & Maintenance

SERVING THE FACILIT Y CLE ANING & MAINTENANCE INDUSTRY

NOVEMBER 2016

� 8 MUST-HAVE MOBILE APPS � DRONES: THE NEW MAINTENANCE FRONTIER � CLEANING CART TRENDS

FAMILY AFFAIR Impact Cleaning Services fosters strong relationships with clients, employees

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� CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2016

SPOTLIGHT

PHOTOS BY ROBYN RUSSELL

14 Sound the Bell

The toxic truth about school cleaning supplies

by Diana Stewart 18 School’s Out Cleaning priorities when students on break

by Robert Kravitz

TECHNOLOGY 22 A New Maintenance Frontier Drones give building inspectors eyes in sky

by David Proulx 24 Phone Smarts Top eight apps for janitorial, sanitation sector

by Geoff Hoppe 28 Pure Genius Engineered water systems transform H20 into eco-friendly cleaning agent

by Robert Kravitz

COVER STORY

30 Exposing the Unseen Test methods to measure surface cleanliness

by Christian Blyth

10 Blueprint for Success

Impact Cleaning Services committed to clients, quality and the environment

by Clare Tattersall

EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES

IN EVERY ISSUE

34 Trolley Trends New cleaning cart features break the mould

by Andres Lelarge

8 Editor’s Letter

One Exciting Night 32 Expert Q+A Time to Take the Gloves Off?

36 Micro Machines

Scaled-down floor scrubbers offer big benefits

by Bob Christensen

38 Clean Matters

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Online Exclusives

November 2016

Technological advances in cleaning audits

Few women at top level of the cleaning industry

Every year in Canada, more than 200,000 patients acquire infections when receiving healthcare, and 8,000 die as a result, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

These statistics show the importance of quality cleaning audits, as 80 per cent of common infections are spread by healthcare workers, patients and visitors.

More work needs to be done to propel women into executive roles within the cleaning business and retain their talents, says a budding organization called the ISSA Hygieia Network, an international community dedicated to the advancement and retention of women at all levels of the global cleaning industry.

Facilities slack in averting bird collisions Inside a small office in Toronto City Hall, team members of Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP) Canada, a non-profit organization that protects migratory birds in urban settings, are feeding a golden-crowned kinglet and that was injured after colliding into a building in the Greater Toronto Area.

All the Buzz

From the Green Bin

Expert Advice

Social Media

Schools face risk of cockroach infestation

Living walls cultivate air quality and wellbeing

Tips for communicating facility cleaning issues

Connect with us on

An expert explains how to prevent cockroach infestations within educational facilities.

Maintenance is a key component of any successful living wall and should be performed at least once a month

The cleanliness of a facility is often based on appearance.

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/ editor’s letter /

ONE EXCITING NIGHT Chicago has been flying high since September, when the Cubs clinched a playoff spot for a second straight season. Baseball fans are still riding the waves of euphoria ignited by the team’s epic World Series win Nov. 2, ending the Cubs’ 108-year championship drought.

Amidst the baseball frenzy that swept the Windy City, the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) was putting the final touches on its annual North American trade show and educational conference. Held this year at McCormick Place in Chicago, the must-attend event for the commercial cleaning industry kicked off Oct. 25 — the first game of the World Series. Though the Cubs went down to defeat that day, ISSA/INTERCLEAN North America 2016 was a success from the start, offering nonstop learning opportunities to more than 16,000 attendees over the course of four days. On the final night, ISSA presented its Innovation Awards to the companies behind the most cutting-edge products and services in five categories, based on votes received online by distributors, building service contractors and in-house service providers. We pay homage to this year’s recipients in our regular Clean Matters column.

Our cover story this issue features Impact Cleaning Services.

Owned and operated by the Boutsalis family, the Toronto-based company provides complete janitorial and facility services to a client list that spans multiple industries and the province of Ontario.

From here we turn to our sector spotlight: Education facilities.

First, we look at how school cleaning products can contribute to childhood asthma and other health issues, and what cleaning staff can do to minimize risk. Then we delve into how custodial crews can make the most of cleaning opportunities when students are on school break.

Rounding out this issue is our industry focuses: Technology and Equipment & Supplies. Topics covered include the use of drones in building maintenance; must-have mobile apps; engineered water systems; surface cleanliness testing instruments; cleaning cart trends; hand protection; and the rise of micro floor scrubbers.

If you would like to see a topic covered in the magazine or you are interested in participating in our Expert Q+A, please e-mail me. As well, your feedback is always welcome.

CLARE TATTERSALL claret@mediaedge.ca

Editor Clare Tattersall claret@mediaedge.ca

Digital Editor Rebecca Melnyk rebeccam@mediaedge.ca

Publisher Tristan Cater tristanc@mediaedge.ca

Senior Designer

Designer

Annette Carlucci Jennifer Carter

Production Manager Rachel Selbie rachels@mediaedge.ca

Contributing Writers

hristian Blyth C Bob Christensen Geoff Hoppe Robert Kravitz Andres Lelarge David Proulx Diana Stewart

Circulation Maria Siassina

circulation@mediaedge.ca

Facility Cleaning & Maintenance is published six times a year by:

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Melissa Valentini melissav@mediaedge.ca Copyright 2016 Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40063056 ISSN 1712-140X Circulation ext. 234 Subscription Rates: Canada: 1 year, $50*, 2 years, $80*, US $75 International $100, Single Copy Sales: Canada: $12* * Plus applicable taxes Requests for permission to reprint any portion of this magazine should be sent to Melissa Valentini

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/ cover story /

BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS Impact Cleaning Services committed to client satisfaction, providing quality offerings and reducing its environmental footprint

by Clare Tattersall

T

ouring Impact Cleaning Services’ newly renovated and expanded head office in the west end of Toronto, it’s hard not to be impressed with the 62-year-old cleaning company.

Besides it being pristine, the 6,500-squarefoot space features a modern eat-in kitchen fully stocked with tasty and healthy office snacks to keep staff energy levels high, on-site laundry facilities and a vibrant blue accent wall that mirrors the colourful personalities of two of the company’s youngest employees. Above all else, the passion and enthusiasm of the Boutsalis brothers — George, 26, and Yiannis, 24 — for the family business left a lasting impact.

The two began working for the janitorial and facility services contractor as day porters during their sophomore year in high school. They quickly rose through the ranks and moved into progressive management roles much like their father Chris did when he joined Impact Cleaning almost 40 years ago.

Chris is now president of the wellestablished cleaning business, which has roots dating back to the 1950s.

10 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / NOVEMBER 2016

THE BIG PICTURE

The story of Impact Cleaning begins in 1954, when a young man by the name of Ronald Young started cleaning storefront windows in Toronto for the cut-rate price of 75 cents. By 1960, Young had expanded the business into all facets of contract cleaning and officially adopted the name, Impact Cleaning Services. From there, the company grew to become a dominant force in the local cleaning market, providing professional, quality services for an exceptional value.

Chris was first introduced to Impact Cleaning in 1978, when the company he was working for at the time, Aggressive Building Maintenance, merged with the then 24-year-old cleaning business. His entry into the world of contract cleaning, however, occurred years earlier. In the mid ‘70s, while waiting tables at a Toronto restaurant, Chris seized an opportunity to earn some extra cash by offering cleaning services to the small office space next door.

“The first time I cleaned the building it took me 12 hours,” reminisces Chris about the 10,000-square-foot space. “By

/ cover story /

“When we give our cleaners new uniforms, we take back the old ones and have them turned into scraps, which are used as cleaning materials at industrial sites and during exterior grounds maintenance.” the end of the first week, I was able to clean it in just five hours overnight.”

Soon after, the young entrepreneur secured four more cleaning contracts.

But instead of building up his own operation, Chris joined Aggressive Building Maintenance — a move he is lauded for to this day.

“If he hadn’t pursued this opportunity, his life course might have been very different,” says Chris’s eldest son, George, who is now Impact Cleaning’s director of business relations. “The right opportunity presented itself and Chris had the foresight at 23 years old to take it.”

Chris’s ability to see the big picture and put aside short-term gains in favour of long-term goals has served him and the company well. As a salesman and then vice-president of sales and marketing, Chris helped increase Impact Cleaning’s financial and geographic growth year-over-year, steering it to a profitable future. In his role as vice-president of operations, Chris propelled the company to branch out and offer specialized services, including emergency restoration and total carpet care, which his brother John (a 30-year company veteran) oversees.

By the time Chris became president in 1998, he had already begun to lay the foundation for Impact Cleaning to become what it is today — a ‘green’ one-stop full-service cleaning company. Once he bought out the business’ remaining partners in 2003 to become the sole owner, he was finally able to turn his astute vision into a reality. Today, the company services 22 million square feet across Ontario daily. While

Impact Cleaning’s primary source of business comes from the office sector, its client list spans multiple industries, including multi-residential, education, health care, retail, hospitality, industrial and government properties.

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

Although Impact Cleaning has evolved since Chris took over the reins, with estimates that it has tripled in scope and size, the company has remained staunchly committed to providing exceptional service and value to customers. This is largely behind its pursuit of the CIMS (Cleaning Industry Management Standard) designation over the past five years.

“We have never strayed from our dedication to doing things the right way,” says George.

Administered by the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA), CIMS applies to an organization’s management practices, internal operations and delivery of service to customers. Conformance demonstrates a company is structured to provide consistent, high-level janitorial and maintenance services. To obtain the designation, a contractor must undergo a comprehensive assessment conducted by an accredited third party testing agent.

In 2011, Impact Cleaning achieved CIMS certification for its City of Toronto properties, as mandated by the municipal government in its request for proposals.

Two years later, when the City buildings were subject to reassessment to keep the designation in good standing, Impact Cleaning’s entire building portfolio was audited at the company’s request. To its delight, all 165 properties were certified with honours.

12 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / NOVEMBER 2016

“This was a huge accomplishment,” says George about obtaining the North American benchmark accreditation for cleaning companies. “Impact Cleaning was one of the earliest proponents of CIMS, and one of the first to introduce it to the commercial building sector.”

Impact Cleaning has also achieved CIMS-GB company-wide, again with honours. The ‘green building’ component of the standard establishes a contractor is capable of providing an environmentally preferable cleaning service and assisting clients in earning LEED EB:O&M (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance) points.

As part of its green cleaning program — aptly titled Team Green, as a collective effort is required to reduce environmental impacts at the company’s work sites as well as its corporate head office — Impact Cleaning only uses cleaning materials and products that are recyclable and ecofriendly, such as biodegradable garbage bags and containers, and cleaning solutions that carry the Green Seal or EcoLogo (also known as Environmental Choice) label. The company also consistently upgrades equipment to meet and exceed green standards.

“We realize the impact of a greener and cleaner tomorrow so we aim to reduce waste and divert pollution wherever and whenever we can,” says George.

With the goal of one day becoming carbon neutral, the forward-thinking company has rolled out a number of initiatives that illustrate it doesn’t just ‘talk the talk.’ Impact Cleaning now maintains an on-premises laundry facility, which allows for more control over the laundering process and, resultantly, a reduction in the amount of water and cleaning agents used; is in the process of replacing the vehicles in its fleet with hybrids; appoints supervisors that live close to the buildings it serves to conduct cleaning inspections in order to curtail harmful carbon emissions; and recycles unused uniforms to reduce waste going to landfills.

“When we give our cleaners new uniforms, we take back the old ones and have them turned into scraps, which are

�

YIANNIS BOUTSALIS, PROJECT MANAGER, WITH OLDER BROTHER GEORGE BOUTSALIS, DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS RELATIONS.

used as cleaning materials at industrial sites and during exterior grounds maintenance,” explains project manager Yiannis.

TECHNOLOGY IN TOUCH

Staying ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing industry has been essential to Impact Cleaning’s success. The company has been at the forefront of the green cleaning movement, is currently on the leading edge of the sustainable cleaning movement (or what it calls, “cleaning forward”) and is a tech trailblazer.

“We’re always working to implement new technology and innovative software to deliver cost-effective and high-quality services,” says Yiannis.

Six years ago, Impact Cleaning implemented barcode scanners at its shopping centres to monitor labour efficiencies.

In 2014, the company introduced bio-

metric time clocks and fingerprint readers at 20 per cent of its sites to manage its workforce and reduce payroll expenses, and has since rolled the technology out to half of its building portfolio. These systems automatically collect and track employee time and attendance, virtually eliminating the risk of human-generated payroll errors and the practice of “buddy punching” (when a worker clocks in and out for another), resulting in money loss. Recently, it switched from using CleanTelligent to Accelerator CC. The cloud-based commercial cleaning mobile software helps users profitably manage contracts, bids, operations, sales and staff, while providing advanced on-site inspection and quality assurance to their customers. As a SaaS (software as a service) platform,

it delivers an advanced level of automation, remote or field connectivity and built-in practices that specifically target the needs of commercial cleaning organizations and their customers.

“We made the transition to Accelerator six months ago because it has a lot more flexibility and customization, and provides real-time cleaning data and metrics,” explains Yiannis. “This allows us to see the big picture, which is critical to maintaining our competitive advantage.”

But it’s not the only contributing factor.

The company’s strong and positive corporate culture has been instrumental in achieving its competitive edge.

“We’re a family,” says Yiannis.

“We’re in this together — not just Chris, George, John and I — but the entire Impact Cleaning team.” / www.REMInetwork.com / 13

/ spotlight /

SOUND THE BELL The toxic truth about school cleaning supplies

by Diana Stewart

T

he jury is in: Many chemicals used in traditional cleaning products are a health hazard.

Children are particularly vulnerable to the adverse health effects of cleaning chemicals because they typically have a higher intake of air in relation to their body weight.

Since their bodies are still developing, they may also be unable to process and remove certain toxins.

Increasing evidence links exposure to common, traditional cleaning products with asthma. A study by the Environmen-

tal Working Group (EWG), an American non-profit environmental research organization, found 53 per cent of cleaning products contain lung-harming ingredients, while approximately 22 per cent contain chemicals reported to cause asthma in otherwise healthy individuals. Further, an evaluation of 21 common school cleaning products determined six (or 29 per cent) emitted at least one of three common asthmagens into the air when used as directed: formaldehyde, methyl methacrylate and styrene. Formaldehyde is used in a wide

14 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / NOVEMBER 2016

range of products as a preservative, including furniture polishes and air fresheners. Methyl methacrylate is used in the manufacture of resins and plastics, and is found in perfumes, rubbing alcohol, surface coatings, adhesives and sealants.

Styrene is found in floor waxes, polishes and metal cleaners.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports asthma is a leading chronic illness among children, affecting one in every 11 children. It is also one of the leading causes of school

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/ spotlight /

A study by the Environmental Working Group found 53 per cent of cleaning products contain lung-harming ingredients.

absenteeism. In 2008, asthma caused 10.5 million missed days of school.

While there are many types of chemicals that can cause asthma, those of greatest concern in cleaning agents include quaternary ammonium compounds, ethanolamines, sodium hypochlorite and ammonium hydroxide. Quaternary ammonium compounds, or quats, are added to antibacterial cleaning supplies and disinfecting air fresheners as germ killers. Ethanolamines (mono-, di- and triethanolamine) are used to control product acidity (pH) and act as detergents in many classes of cleaning products. Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and ammonium hydroxide (ammonia) are possibly the most widely recognized cleaning ingredients in the world. Sodium hypochlorite is used as a cleaning agent by itself or added to cleaning products for disinfecting, deodorizing and stain removal. Ammonium hydroxide is used as a cleaning agent by itself as well. It can also be found in general cleaning products, all-purpose cleaners, window cleaners and disinfectants.

Cleaning products also pose the risk of unintentional poisoning, if digested. They rank the second most common cause of child poisonings in the U.S., according to the National Capital Poison Center.

While it’s unlikely a child would get their hands on hazardous cleaning supplies since they’re under lock and key, there is still the potential for toxic chemical exposure.

Children play on the floor or ground so they may ingest chemicals through handto-mouth touch, or they may lick a surface, such as a desktop.

in absenteeism and improved test scores. A study at Charles Young Elementary School in Washington, D.C., for example, found attendance rates increased to 93 per cent from 89 per cent; math scores (at basic or above) increased to 76 per cent from 51 per cent; and reading scores (at basic or above) increased to 75 per cent from 59 per cent, after the introduction of a green cleaning program.

But what does such a program entail?

Essentially five steps, according to the Healthy Schools Campaign, a U.S. nonprofit organization that advocates for policies and practices that allow for all students, teachers and staff to learn and work in a healthy school environment.

Step 1 involves assessing a school’s current cleaning program and creating a green team of stakeholders that can provide the needed input and support to move the program forward. The green team should include representatives from the following groups to ensure optimal success: administrators, facility operators, custodians, union representatives, health officers and/or school nurses, school board representatives, contract service providers, vendors and distributors, teachers, parents and students.

Step 2 entails selecting and introducing green cleaning products. Recognized third party certifications like Green Seal and EcoLogo can help purchasers navigate the marketplace and weed out products that simply claim to be green from those that actually are green.

Equipment and supplies selection is a huge part of a green cleaning program, which brings us to Step 3. With advances

in technology, there are tools that can reduce chemical use, increase productivity, diminish exposure to dust and decrease environmental waste. For example, vacuum cleaners equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters capture 99.97 per cent of debris, down to and including 0.3 microns, that can harm health or damage sensitive equipment. Microfibre mops and cloths trap moisture, dirt and debris, and are environmentally friendly due to their long lifespan compared to traditional mops and cloths. While such tools may be pricier than more traditional options, money may be recouped in the long-run.

The University of California Davis Medical Center compared the cost benefits of using microfibre mops to traditional mops and found significant financial savings in the usage of microfibre technology: a 95 per cent reduction in chemical and water costs associated with mopping tasks; 60 per cent lifetime cost savings for mops; and 20 per cent labour savings per day.

Step 4 calls for the adoption of green cleaning training and procedures. Purchasing all the latest green products and technologies on the market won’t matter if staff isn’t trained on their use and proper procedures aren’t followed to reduce general health risks as well as environmental impact. Procedures should include ways to minimize the overuse of chemicals, paper and plastic. The best green cleaning practices can even help reduce inefficiencies in the cleaning process. For instance, the adoption of an integrated pest management program can nearly eliminate the usage of poisonous pesticides, and transitioning away from school-wide disinfection, which is often futile, can greatly reduce chemical usage. Instead, focus on high-touch points.

The final step involves promoting environmental stewardship across the school community. Everyone plays a role in maintaining a healthy environment; it’s not just the sole responsibility of the custodial team. /

GREEN MARK ASSESSMENT

Over the past decade, numerous studies have been conducted to prove low toxicity cleaning protects the health of students and school staff. Other tangible benefits have also been validated, including a reduction

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SCHOOL’S OUT Making the most of cleaning opportunities when students on break

by Robert Kravitz

W

inter break is a time for students to rest their brains and spend time with family and friends. But while on vacation, it’s business as usual for the cleaning crew.

School closings are an opportune time for janitorial staff to tend to bigger cleaning jobs that have been delayed or put off due to lack of time, potential disruption to school activities or insufficient manpower. This typically includes dusting everything from top to bottom, replacing conventional light bulbs with energy-efficient ones, detailed cleaning of bathrooms, and carpet and hard floor care.

GAME PLAN

School facility managers and custodial workers need to plan ahead to make the most of a break. At least three months before the scheduled holiday, there should be discussion about which cleaning tasks need to be completed and those they would like accomplished, if possible. This helps ensure all necessary equipment, cleaning solutions and personnel are available during this timeframe.

Retired housekeeping services manager Hugh Hargett says inspection teams are key to prioritizing cleaning activities.

18 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / NOVEMBER 2016

“(They) go around and identify projects that need to be done immediately … or by the end of the break,” says the former Duke University employee about the teams, which are typically composed of cleaning supervisors, custodial workers and a school administrator.

Inspections should be conducted approximately two months before a school closes and a week or two before it reopens, depending on the length of the break, to ensure all necessary cleaning tasks have been completed and to identify any work that still needs to be performed.

/ spotlight /

In some cases, even though the school is technically closed, activities may be scheduled during winter break, which could interfere with cleaning projects unless arrangements are made ahead of time.

School administrators can provide this information and assist with creating the cleaning schedule to ensure goals are met.

BATHROOM BREAK

When tackling school bathrooms, focus should be on areas that are not cleaned or only marginally cleaned during the course of the school year. Those that require special attention are ceilings and tile grout.

Restroom ceilings are often damp. With dampness comes the growth of bacteria and mildew, and, subsequently, malodours.

While cleaning staff may be inclined to mop the ceiling as they would the floor, this is typically a very slow process and physically stressful. Further, as the water becomes dirty, the cleaning solution starts to lose its effectiveness. By that point, workers are essentially spreading soils, making the job more difficult.

Instead of mopping, an indoor pressure washer like a spray-and-vac should be used, says cleaning expert Paul South.

“Cleaning solutions are applied to the ceiling using the machine,” explains the manager of a 30-year-old janitorial supply house in Ohio. “The area is then pressure washed, following which liquids and soils are vacuumed up by the machine.”

Even though this is the most effective way to clean bathroom ceilings, it can be “messy” like all ceiling cleaning methods. For this reason, cleaning staff should wear goggles, gloves and water repellant protective clothing.

Another common location of moisture buildup is in grout on walls and floors.

Grout is porous, which means it will absorb any liquid that comes its way, like water. It also retains moisture for a long period of time. Excessive moisture causes

mould and mildew to grow, resulting in discoloured grout and noxious smells.

Grout can be difficult to clean, especially when not regularly maintained. An effective yet time-consuming option is to use a brush specially designed for this challenge.

“Using a properly diluted cleaning solution, the brush reaches deep into the grout, removing soils and stains and leaving the grout looking much cleaner. (But) this is a slow project,” says South. “Some grout brushes are little more than industrial toothbrushes. Can you imagine how much time it would take to use a toothbrush to clean the grout in a typical school restroom?”.

Alternatively, South recommends using either a cylindrical brush floor, dispenseand-vac or spray-and-vac cleaning system.

A cylindrical brush floor cleaning machine lays down cleaning solution and then scrubs the floor with counter-rotating brushes. The short bristles on the brushes allow them to reach deep into grout to remove soils. On the downside, this machine can’t be used on tiled walls.

A dispense-and-vac system is less costly than a cylindrical brush floor cleaning machine yet just as effective. Cleaning solution is applied to the floor by opening the dispenser bucket spigot. The cleaner gently spreads the solution across the floor and then uses the brush on the one-piece vac wand to loosen soil in grout lines. Once complete, the soils and liquid are vacuumed up using the squeegee tool on the same wand, leaving the floor clean and dry. Again, like the cylindrical brush floor machine, this system is only suitable for floor use.

The spray-and-vac is the only cleaning system that can be used on both horizontal and vertical surfaces making it the most versatile of the three options. As well,

studies published by the worldwide cleaning industry association, ISSA, indicate that this system potentially reduces cleaning times by 33 per cent or more.

HIT THE FLOOR

Floor care is the biggest of all school break cleaning projects. It typically involves extracting and vacuuming carpet, and stripping, buffing and finishing hard floors. This process is not only time-consuming but pricey and therefore, according to South, requires a rethink.

“It’s simply no longer sustainable,” he says.

“It costs too much, takes too much time — and time away from other projects — and can have negative impacts on the environment.”

While South does not recommend administrators take floor care off the school break cleaning list, he does suggest they adopt an interim floor care cleaning program. In the case of hard flooring, this involves regular cleaning and scrubbing of the floor surface using an auto scrubber or autovac.

Auto scrubbers, as the name implies, are designed to automatically dispense cleaning solution on the floor, scrub it and then vacuum up the moisture and soils.

An autovac essentially does the same thing and has proven to rival the performance of an auto scrubber. The main difference between the two machines is the autovac has a microfibre pad that evenly spreads cleaning solution and provides the agitation necessary to loosen floor soils. It is also less costly.

Regardless of the system used, interim floor care may be performed weekly, monthly or even daily in some heavily used or problem floor areas. If executed properly, it will shorten the length of the school break cleaning routine and stretch refinishing cycles, saving time and money. /

Robert Kravitz is a frequent writer for the professional cleaning and building industries.

www.REMInetwork.com / 19

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A NEW MAINTENANCE FRONTIER Drones make building envelope, rooftop inspections safer, more cost-efficient PHOTO COURTESY INDUSTRIAL SKYWORKS

by David Proulx

22 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / NOVEMBER 2016

/ technology /

T

he traditional method of performing a roof inspection employs hand-held thermal imaging equipment or, when required, equipment mounted on manned aircraft.

Irrespective of the method of data acquisition, the basic science of failure and detection can be described as follows.

The substrate insulation on a roof can be prone to degrade, which allows moisture to penetrate the roof in certain areas. Areas with substantial moisture penetration lose the ability to insulate (the ‘R-value’ essentially becomes zero) and causes energy (heat) to dissipate into the environment.

During the day, the roof is heated by the sun (solar loading). At night, the areas with dry insulation cool more quickly than those with wet insulation. The result is a visibly different thermal signature in the infrared spectrum, which enables inspectors to identify areas in need of repair.

A regular, accurate maintenance program minimizes heating and repair costs of the structure.

governments have introduced legislation mandating periodic inspection. In Quebec, for example, Bill 122 mandates buildings be inspected every five years if they are more than five years old and over five-storeys.

Since the areas of energy loss tend to be small and hard to reach, an unmanned aerial system (UAS), commonly known as a drone, is the more safe and economical mean of acquiring the necessary data.

Moreover, the resolution of the data is critical. Chipped bricks captured in a narrow field of view electro-optical (visible light) image may be indicative of water ingress, and the precise overlay of a thermal image can help an inspector assess cause and effect. As with roof inspection, UAS can capture thermal imagery at 90 degrees to the facade, versus the oblique angles of handheld detectors on fixed position lifts or harnesses. In this way, UAS technology ensures the highest accuracy thermal readings possible.

THE INTELLIGENCE OF MACHINES

INSPECTOR GADGET

Buildings consume energy. It is estimated that as much as 30 per cent of all energy produced goes to commercial, industrial or multi-residential buildings. Of this 30 per cent, as much as 40 per cent can be lost immediately. Ninety per cent of this loss occurs within only one per cent of the envelope. Put differently, a tiny fraction of the exterior of a building, generally at connection points between roofs and walls, is responsible for the vast majority of energy loss. As a result, identifying and addressing these areas is critical.

The broader economic and environmental issues stemming from building energy loss are significant, and range from the carbon footprint from generation of ‘wasted’ energy to the impact on landfills of unsalvageable building materials that need to be replaced in the event of damage. Accordingly,

The building envelope inspection industry encompasses data capture of both roofs and facades (exterior walls). Both operations involve thermographic and electro-optical (daylight) imagery, with the thermography generally undertaken at night to ensure accurate data.

As well, reducing the time and resources needed for the inspections is a priority. For example, a roof with an area of 1 million square feet (equivalent to roughly four big box stores) takes a standard two-person crew performing a nighttime inspection five to seven days under optimal conditions.

Precipitation or inclement weather may force the project to be rescheduled to ensure consistent data collection across the roof.

UAS technology presents clear and repeatable return on investment for the building maintenance industry. Using a drone reduces the need for inspectors to walk the roof at night, eliminating the risk of injury, decreases the time required for inspection (by as much as 95 per cent) and lowers the cost of inspections, allowing for them to occur more frequently. Data capture is also more accurate, which allows energy/heat loss, corrosion, mould and other symptoms of sick building syndrome to be identified sooner, resulting in prompt response and repairs.

EYES IN THE SKY

Aviation authorities around the world are integrating unmanned aircraft into civilian airspace, and each jurisdiction has its own rules and regulations. Depending on the industry and intended use of the system, different rules will apply. Restrictions may include locations, time of day, and other operating and safety parameters.

Canadian regulations require UAS operators to obtain a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC). An operator must be at least 18 years old, have $100,000 liability insurance, at a minimum, and follow strict safety conditions. These include (but are not limited to) operating the drone within visual line of sight; at or below 300-feet above ground level, and at least nine kilometres from an airport, heliport, aerodrome or built-up area; and in clear weather during daylight hours. Failure to follow the rules may result in a fine of up to $25,000.

Organizations that are compliant may be granted greater geographical flexibility (including Canada-wide) and longer SFOC validity periods (up to 3 years), resulting in fewer applications and reduced administrative burden. /

David Proulx is vice-president of marketing and product management at Aeryon Labs Inc. Based in Waterloo, Ont., the company manufactures small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS).

www.REMInetwork.com / 23

/ technology /

PHONE SMARTS Top eight apps for janitorial, sanitation sector

by Geoff Hoppe

T

here seems to be an app for everything these days. This sounds like a good thing but more isn’t always better. With over 1 million apps available in the iTunes Apple Store alone, it can make finding the perfect one a challenge.

To help narrow down the field, here are the top eight mobile apps for cleaning industry professionals, all of which are available on iPhone and Android devices.

lows users to take pictures of problem areas with their smartphone and then add annotations to the images to clarify what they represent. The module can also track issues by location, turning problem spots into resolvable challenges.

Cost: $500 US for ‘advanced’ and $1,000 US for ‘pro’ package initial setup. Monthly access fees range from $3 to $35 US per employee, and are dependent on module.

Client users are free.

CLEANTELLIGENT

ORANGEQC

CleanTelligent provides a range of modules that track many aspects of a service business. Some are standard for field management software, like its work orders and job scheduling modules. Both are great examples of how business software can cut messy, time-consuming procedures from the workday. For instance, instead of writing and then manually inputting paper work orders into a computer, CleanTelligent software allows users to submit and manage work orders directly from their mobile device.

CleanTelligent offers janitorial and sanitation-specific apps too, like its inspections module. Gone are the days of writing down descriptions of on-site issues. The app al-

OrangeQC’s client list includes well-respected enterprise brands like McDonald’s, Harvard Medical School and Service Management Systems (SMS). The company owes its success to its quality control janitorial inspection software, which makes it easy to maintain information on who cleaned what, where and when, and allows users to customize forms to fit their exact needs.

Through the app, users can perform and manage inspections on their mobile device, attach photos, submit work orders and track corrective actions in real-time.

Clients can also check inspection forms and log requests.

Cost: No setup fee. 30-day free trial.

24 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / NOVEMBER 2016

Pricing starts at $100 US per month for two inspectors and runs as high as $500 US per month for 25-plus inspectors. Client users are free.

AMERICO

Americo’s app takes the guesswork out of floor pad and mat selection. The floor pad selector guide helps users zero in on which pad is most appropriate for the job based on floor type, finish, condition, equipment and more. The mat selector guide offers recommendations based on such factors as placement, mat type and foot traffic.

The app also has a resources and education feature that provides expert advice, as well as information on sustainable cleaning solutions.

Cost: Free CLEANBID

Drawing up a proposal for a cleaning job shouldn’t be hard and CleanGuru makes sure of that. The company’s CleanBid app is pre-loaded with industry specific times, tasks and pricing calculations to make submitting a bid a breeze. Simply enter the potential client’s information, building type

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CleanBid also offers customizable templates. Users can easily add, delete or change the frequency of a task to tailormake their proposal.

And because the app is cloud-based, users can draw up a bid on their smartphone as they survey the site with the potential client.

Cost: Plans start at $29 US per user per month and run up to $69 US, based on the number of modules.

PRO’S CHOICE STAIN GUIDE

Created specifically for professional carpet cleaners, the app provides step-by-step instructions for the removal of many stains and contains tips for cleaning even the dirtiest carpets. Users simply select from a list of stains and choose the type of cleaning solution (synthetic, organic or petroleum-based) to obtain the recommended cleaning method.

Cost: Free STAPLES BUSINESS ADVANTAGE

•

•

•

For companies that buy their janitorial and sanitation supplies from Staples, the company’s Business Advantage app (formerly Staples Advantage) puts its products at purchasers’ fingertips.

Users can scan products for restocking, and place and confirm orders on the go. Inventory management is made easier with the ability to track an order’s delivery time or request pick-up in store in as little as an hour.

Cost: Free W.W. GRAINGER

Ideal for frequent W.W. Grainger shoppers, this app allows users to quickly narrow down product searches, check item availability and manage, track and control costs with the company’s KeepStock inventory management solution. This module also lets users manage the movement of inventory as it is received, issued and transferred into and throughout their business. Users can even check on a previous order that was placed over the last 18 months.

Cost: Free RAZORSYNC

RazorSync is a broad field management software program, not a janitorial and sanitation-specific solution; however, it offers some of the same useful features as other cleaning apps like invoice forms, scheduling and even location tracking. Also known as telematics, location tracking is particularly helpful as field workers can be pinpointed on a map based on smartphone signals.

The result?

Workers closer to a job can be dispatched to save time and money on fuel spend.

Cost: $19.95 US per user per month, with a three user minimum.

30-day free trial. / Geoff Hoppe writes content for Capterra, a web service that helps millions of people find the best business software.

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/ technology /

PURE GENIUS

Engineered water systems transform H20 into eco-friendly cleaning agent

by Robert Kravitz

A

bout six years ago, a small group of cleaning experts were polled to find out what they thought about cleaning with just water. While one said it is never appropriate, indicating that cleaning solutions weaken the “sticky bond that holds oily soils to floors (and other surfaces),” the other four expressed pure tap water could be used in some situations and might even be the best way to clean some surfaces. For instance, one expert suggested a lightly soiled floor would benefit from cleaning with just water because it would help protect the floor’s finish and shine. Most of the others believed that as long as there were no organic soils on the floor, such as fats, grease or oil, pure tap water might very well do the job.

Fast forward to today, where there is great interest among industry professionals in cleaning with just water. Reasons for this ideological shift include the increased focus on environmental protection and pressure to reduce cleaning costs. There are also safety concerns. Many cleaningrelated injuries are the result of eye and skin contact with, and inhalation of, powerful cleaning chemicals. Using pure tap water also offers greater flexibility — cleaning can take place where and when needed

without making trips to the janitor’s closet or requiring special cleaning solutions or products.

While options may have been limited years ago, new cleaning technologies have been introduced that now make it possible to clean with just water. This typically refers to engineered water.

But what exactly is it?

Basically, engineered water is tap water that has been treated in some specific way to turn it into an effective chemical-free cleaning method.

A RE-ENGINEERED WAY TO CLEAN

There are different types of engineered water systems including, but not limited to, electrolyzed, steam/vapour and aqueous ozone.

Electrolyzed water is tap water that has been electronically converted to include a form of acid along with other oxidizing agents. When used with an auto scrubber, the acid and cleaning agents loosen and dissolve soils, which are then vacuumed up by the machine.

Steam/vapour cleaning is old technology that has received renewed attention in the cleaning industry because of its environmental benefits. With this technology, professional steam/vapour cleaning systems

28 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / NOVEMBER 2016

are used to heat water to 250 F, or more.

The heat essentially melts away soils and contaminants. Surfaces may need a final wipe with a microfibre cloth when using this technology.

Aqueous ozone is also old technology; however, its use in the professional cleaning industry is relatively new. Aqueous ozone is created mechanically. Oxygen molecules are electronically fused into ozone molecules using either ultraviolet light or through the corona discharge method. The ozone is then infused into water, making it a liquid that is near pH-neutral. The aqueous ozone is then poured into a sprayer or used directly from a portable caddy as a cleaning and sanitizing agent.

Matt Montag, national sales director for CleanCore Technologies, says each system has found its niche in professional cleaning and likely will find new uses over time.

“Several automatic scrubbers made by different manufacturers now embrace electrolyzed water technology, which has been met with considerable user satisfaction,” he says. “Vapour cleaning is often used for tile and grout cleaning, gum removal and to dissolve grease and oil.

Aqueous ozone is a bit different because it

/ technology /

can be used on a variety of surfaces and for various cleaning tasks.”

quire transport; and elimination of waste associated with traditional cleaning containers and packaging materials.

HIDDEN BENEFITS OF CHEMICAL-FREE

Because aqueous ozone can be used to clean a myriad of surfaces, including carpet, hard surface floors, counters, restroom fixtures, tile and grout, and more, it’s gaining popularity among cleaning industry professionals. Its ability to ‘multitask’ offers a number of other advantages, including reduced training requirements and significant cost savings.

Not to be forgotten are the environmental benefits. According to Stephen Ashkin, a leading advocate for sustainability in the professional cleaning industry, these are numerous. They include the elimination of traditional cleaning solutions, which are typically manufactured with petroleum byproducts and other non-renewable resources; elimination of packaging materials and containers necessary to transport cleaning chemicals from manufacturers to distributors and then to end-customers; reduction in fuel consumption and related greenhouse gas emissions since no cleaning solutions re-

THE RESULTS ARE IN: WATER WINS

All of these engineered water systems have been evaluated and found to satisfactorily address many cleaning needs and challenges. This means they work and, in most cases, are a healthier alternative to using cleaning solutions.

The technology that has received the most scrutiny in recent years is aqueous ozone.

Two recent studies (that in many ways have verified what older studies have reported) were completed in September 2015, by the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

They looked at whether aqueous ozone can actually clean and sanitize surfaces.

“What they found was that aqueous ozone proved very effective at reducing both E. coli and listeria from hard surfaces,” says CleanCore Technologies’ Montag. “(Reduction of these bacteria) was comparable to the effectiveness of the key ingredient found in many sanitizing solutions and much more effective than the use of all-purpose cleaning solutions.” /

WHERE’S

THE RESIDUE? Often when cleaning with chemicals, a residue is left on a surface. The problem with this is that it can cause rapid re-soiling.

With most engineered water cleaning systems, no chemical residue is left behind. For the most part, the solution essentially evaporates.

Robert Kravitz is a frequent writer for the professional cleaning and building industries. www.REMInetwork.com / 29

EXPOSING THE UNSEEN Test methods to measure surface cleanliness

by Christian Blyth

T

here are few things more satisfying than looking at a freshly cleaned space.

But just how clean is that spotless, odourfree room?

Potentially harmful bacteria, like E. coli and salmonella, can thrive in a visually clean environment, and flu germs can live on surfaces for long periods outside a human host.

Still, many people rely on the ‘white glove test’ (or in some cases, white cloth) to gauge the cleanliness of a facility. In this visual inspection, a white glove/cloth is used to wipe a ‘cleaned’ surface. If it’s residuefree, the space is deemed clean. However, if soiled or discoloured, it’s considered dirty. While there’s no denying this method

confirms the thoroughness of a cleaning job, it is not only unscientific but it fails to indicate whether a surface is completely free of contaminants.

GUIDING LIGHT

One of the most reliable methods of measuring cleanliness today involves using an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hygiene monitoring system. ATP, a molecule present in all organic matter, can be detected using a hand-held meter and testing swabs, allowing for real-time data about surface contaminants. The best places to check for ATP are touch points such as desktops, ledges, door knobs and tables.

A significant advantage of using this type of cleaning verification tool is that it

30 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / NOVEMBER 2016

can be easily incorporated into the cleaning process and requires minimal training.

The cleaner simply swabs a surface (wet or dry). The chemical reacts with the sample collected on the swab to produce light. The amount of light produced is proportional to the degree of potential contamination. To measure the light, the swab is inserted into a hand-held tester, called a luminometer.

The device reports whether ATP is present and, if so, how much. Generally, detection of large amounts of ATP indicate an unclean surface.

To begin, swab an uncleaned surface.

Although certainly contaminated, this provides a baseline to measure cleaning effectiveness. Then, using a new swab, check the same surface after cleaning is

/ technology /

the dirty room with a UV dye tool, which looks much like a pen. While invisible to the naked eye, it will glow under black light.

After cleaning is complete, darken the room and shine a UV light to see if the dye is detectable. If so, then the room receives a failing grade.

Another ‘pass or fail’ method used to measure cleaning effectiveness is the water break test. It is most commonly applied on freshly cleaned metal surfaces.

Basically, water is poured onto a surface and observed to determine whether hydrophobic contaminants are present. The metal is considered clean if the water sheets off evenly.

If the water beads in certain areas, it fails the cleanliness test. To ensure accurate results, the water used has to be contaminate-free and the surface being tested must allow for water to flow evenly.

STANDARD OF CARE The International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) has introduced a family of clean standards to help facilities assess the effectiveness of their cleaning processes using ATP (adenosine triphosphate) meters in conjunction with traditional audits. The standards provide achievable levels of cleanliness, recommended monitoring and inspection procedures to measure cleaning effectiveness, and information on how to use the measurement and inspection results to assess and improve cleaning processes and products.

The goal is to ensure that facilities are clean, healthy and safe for building occupants. complete. The data will confirm whether the surface is actually clean or just visually dirt-free.

The real benefit of ATP testing is the speed and reliability of the results. Quick detection and confirmation of contaminants allows for immediate corrective action to take place. Since the resulting numerical values are stored, surface cleanliness can be monitored to improve a facility’s sanitation program.

For all its benefits, there is one main limitation of this cleaning method. It relies on someone consistently testing the surface based on the maintenance schedule created for the facility.

When looking for an ATP monitoring system, keep in mind not all are alike.

Choose one with the most consistent and repeatable readings. The system should also

be able to detect low levels of contaminants.

This will allow for appropriate action to be taken, and avoid unnecessary chemical and labour costs.

A PASSING GRADE

Commonly used in hotel rooms, ultraviolet (UV) black light can detect biological matter, such as earwax, urine and perspiration. The easy-to-use inspection system illuminates these natural substances, indicating better cleaning is required. Where black light fails, though, is it doesn’t accurately indicate the presence of bacteria. However, because black light also illuminates dust particles, it can be used to effectively train and audit cleaning staff. Simply mark a surface in

ON THE RIGHT TRACK

Regardless of the system employed, it’s important to track the data collected. Existing software packages or something self-made like a database file can be used. Either way, it is important to track consistently and accurately. Not only does this allow for the early identification of issues, but it quantifies the work to demonstrate improvement. This builds confidence in the cleaning crew as workers are able to see they’ve done a job well, and allows management to make changes to the cleaning regime, if necessary. It also brings credibility to a facility by indicating it takes appropriate steps to ensure the safety of building occupants.

To start, a baseline audit should be completed, which outlines the expectations of cleanliness, locations, frequency and method of analysis, and who will conduct the inspections. Results should then be reviewed and adjustments made as needed. Where deemed necessary, the audit may be redone to meet particular needs.

A good approach is to identify levels of cleanliness and evaluate areas based on what is seen. For instance, a Level 1 would be awarded to a pristine area with gleaming tiles and no dust accumulation. Conversely, a Level 5 would be awarded to a space with scuffed carpeting and dust balls. /

Christian Blyth is a technical application development professional at 3M. www.REMInetwork.com / 31

/ equipment & supplies /

TIME TO TAKE THE GLOVES OFF? Q+A: The lowdown on hand protection

C

leaning professionals should wear protective gear when performing their duties. This includes gloves, particularly since hand injuries are the second most common work-related injury.

Here, Vicky Adams of Impact Products, a manufacturer and distributor of work gloves and other safety products for the professional cleaning industry, discusses the importance of hand protection, how to choose the right gloves for the job, and shares best practices for glove safety in the workplace.

Why should cleaning professionals wear gloves?

Wearing the proper gloves can help prevent lacerations to the skin (cuts, scratches and gashes), chemicals contacting or seeping through the skin, abrasions (serious cuts that can get infected) and exposure to hot surfaces that can burn the skin.

With so many available options, how do you select the right work gloves?

Distributors and manufacturers play an important role in glove selection. Ask your distributor to evaluate the work being performed and recommend gloves best suited for those tasks. Then, select gloves from manufacturers that focus on workplace safety products. Have workers wear them on the job and complete a survey about what they liked or did not like about them.

Evaluate the gloves after three to six months of use. The goal here is to see how well they are working and holding up. After all, selecting the right work gloves is not a onetime process.

How do you select the right chemical resistant glove for the task at hand?

It’s important to be cognizant of the types of chemicals and chemical ingredients you’re working with. Review the chemical’s safety data sheet to know what ingredients may be potentially harmful.

Chemical resistant gloves are generally made of latex, nitrile, neoprene and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Use a ‘chemical resistance chart’ (provided by some glove manufacturers) to determine which glove will work best with which chemical ingredients.

Consider the dexterity of the glove. This refers to how easy the glove is to work with.

Look for gloves that are puncture and snag resistant. A snag can catch on an object and cause the glove to tear.

Determine the needed length of the glove.

Long-sleeve gloves are designed to fit over the hand up to the elbow. They are often recommended when working with chemicals.

Become familiar with key terms when selecting chemical resistant gloves, such as permeation (the rate at which a chemical passes through the glove), breakthrough (the time from contact with a chemical to its detection inside the glove) and degradation (when the glove’s properties change due to chemical contact).

Test drive the glove to make sure it is as comfortable as it is protective. Some distributors and manufacturers will provide samples of their gloves, upon request.

What are the best practices for wearing gloves when cleaning?

One glove does not fit all cleaning situations. Some are designed for different

32 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / NOVEMBER 2016

purposes, such as protecting the wearer from chemicals, others from body fluids, heat, dust, and so on.

Wear the proper gloves when working with powerful cleaning solutions like degreasers, acids, caustics, alkalis, window cleaners or body fluids.

Consider wearing long-sleeve or elbow length gloves as they offer far greater skin protection.

Always wash hands before and after wearing gloves.

Put gloves on just prior to performing cleaning tasks. Change gloves between tasks or when moving from one area of a facility to another.

Do not use petroleum-based products, such as hand lotions, on your hands when wearing gloves. This may degrade some types of work gloves.

When removing gloves, avoid touching the contaminated side of the glove with unprotected hands. With your gloved hand, grab the cuff of the other glove, pull it forward from the wrist and pull it off your hand so that it is inside out. Then, with your ungloved hand, insert two fingers under the other glove and slide it down to your fingers, allowing the glove to fold over. Also leave it inside out.

Once successfully removed, deposit gloves in an appropriate trash receptacle. Never flick, shake, snap, or toss used gloves.

Avoid touching your face, mouth and nose when wearing gloves or after removal until hands are washed.

Gloves should never be washed, cleaned or disinfected with the intent to reuse them.

When not in use, keep gloves in a cool, dry location and in the original packaging. /

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TROLLEY TRENDS New cleaning cart features provide added security, maneuverability

by Andres Lelarge

A

cleaning cart is an essential component of any cleaning operation. The self-contained cleaning system on wheels can accommodate all the supplies and tools needed to efficiently clean a space, reducing trips to the janitor’s closet.

As with all cleaning equipment, cleaning carts are evolving to keep pace with consumer demands. Modern, ergonomic and practical, the multi-tasking trolleys of today have broken the mould.

Here are five new cart features that are sure to satisfy cleaners’ needs.

1 First adopted in the health care sector as a mandatory requirement, lockable compartments have found their way on to general building cleaning carts. Today’s trolleys allow most sections to be locked, providing safe storage for harmful cleaning chemicals, if ingested, and preventing theft. With supplies out of sight, carts are also more visually pleasing.

Adding to their aesthetic appeal is the placement of these lockable compartments. They are now located in the middle shelf instead of on top of the cart, which was universally disliked by cleaners as they blocked views and posed a safety hazard.

2 In the quest to make carts ‘drive’ and ‘handle’ like a car, non-marking 360-degree swivel casters have been added to the front and back. These wheels allow cleaners to push and pull the cart in any direction, without restraint, and make it easier to park the unit in tight spaces. They also provide greater control — a trolley with fixed wheels on the back requires wider turns, for example — and allow for easy stoppage of the cart.

3 As the number of supplies needed to get the job done right has increased, manufacturers have gotten creative with providing extra storage space. Grommets hold mop handles in place, hooks are ideal for hanging dusters and signs, and foldup platforms maximize storage without increasing the size of the cart.

4 Customization has taken on new meaning with modular carts. Beyond adding accessories to accommodate different products and tools, these units can be reconfigured to suit different environments and cleaning needs, which is ideal for long-term use. Parts can be

easily interchanged and combined with all necessary accessories, saving cleaners time, money and improving efficiency and productivity.

5 Loaded up with tools and supplies for on the go cleaning, the amount of force required to push a cart can put a strain on even the fittest cleaner. In an effort to be friendlier to workers’ backs, knees and shoulders, and help reduce job-related injuries, manufacturers have rolled out ergonomically-designed carts. These trolleys are not only lightweight but they also come with adjustable handles to limit unnecessary bending and can be reconfigured to provide ease of access to tools and supplies, reducing physical stress caused by frequent reaching and twisting. Many also come equipped with premoistened flat mops. Because they don’t require wringing like traditional string mops, these pre-prepared mops reduce shoulder and back muscle strain by as much as 30 and 20 per cent, respectively, according to a study by the University of Helsinki. /

Andres Lelarge is the marketing manager, North America, for Vileda Professional, a leading international manufacturer of brand cleaning products, including VoleoPro and Origo. He can be reached at 905-669-9949 or andres.lelarge@fhp-ww.com.

34 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / NOVEMBER 2016

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MICRO MACHINES Scaled-down floor scrubbers offer big benefits

by Bob Christensen

T

he saying, “Good things come in small packages,” rings true for micro scrubbers, which are increasingly becoming the go-to equipment for floor cleaning jobs less than 10,000 square feet. These machines are especially ideal for tight spaces and hard-to-reach areas otherwise handled by mops. They are also faster, safer and perform better than the traditional mop and bucket.

A micro scrubber can clean up to six times more areas than a mop per hour and doesn’t spread dirty water around or leave a wet f loor behind, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and slip-and-fall accidents.

STRIKING A ‘CORD’

Micro scrubbers come in variety of shapes and sizes. They typically hold one to four gallons of cleaning solution, have a 12 to 16-inch cleaning path and are equipped with disc or cylindrical scrubbing heads.

Corded and battery-powered models are available for both.

Battery-operated micro scrubbers are limited by their battery size. Smaller machines have smaller batteries, offering less power and run time.

Corded electric units don’t have the same limitations; however, they are less convenient to operate, the cord poses a tripping hazard and productivity is affected by having to continuously unplug the unit and move to another electrical outlet. Most floor care equipment manufacturers recommend only using the supplied power cord, and not an extra extension cord, which also limits its use. As well, the supplied cord may become damaged with mistreatment.

There are some machines on the market today that are equipped with lithium-ion batteries, or offer this option. Lithium batteries provide a powerful energy source with a long lifespan that can be charged any time. In some cases, the batteries will outlast the micro scrubber itself.

SIZE MATTERS

Micro scrubbers are simply a smaller version of their traditional walk-behind and rideon counterparts. The automated machines remove dirt and water in a single pass, leaving floors clean and dry, with the added benefits of being less costly, ideal to store when space

is limited due to their compact design, easier to maneuver and control, and lighter weight, requiring significantly less physical labour.

Micro scrubbers also require little training to operate, daily maintenance is minimal, if at all necessary, and they can clean in places that are out of reach for large machines.

Despite all their perks, these micro machines have fewer features than large scrubbers. For instance, they don’t have quiet mode or on-board chemical metering systems. As well, large scrubbers typically have higher down pressure and therefore offer more agitation.

However, as the trend toward using micro scrubbers continues to grow, manufacturers will continue to improve on the technology while remaining focused on its ease of use. For example, in the last seven to 10 years, the cleaning industry has seen the introduction of micro scrubbers that look and operate like an upright vacuum. This familiar design makes using the machines even simpler, reducing training costs, improving productivity and in some cases increasing employee retention. /

Bob Christensen is a senior sales training specialist at Karcher North America.

36 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / NOVEMBER 2016

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/ clean matters /

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INNOVATION

OF THE YEAR

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BEST OF INNOVATION The janitorial and sanitation sector was abuzz Oct. 28, when the worldwide cleaning industry association, ISSA, announced the winners of this year’s Innovation Awards.

Brain Corp. was honoured twice during the awards ceremony, held on the fourth and final day of ISSA/INTERCLEAN North America. The software technology company took home top prize in the Services & Technology category for Autonomy, which was then named the overall winner, receiving the 2016 Innovation of the Year Award. Autonomy is a monthly cloud-based software service that automates Brain-enabled equipment. The artificial intelligence system powers industrial floor care machines, transforming them into self-driving vehicles able to navigate in complex, real-world environments.

This year’s awards program featured more than 50 products and services from cleaning manufacturers and service providers. Participants were entered into one of five categories — Cleaning Agents, Dispensers, Equipment, Services & Technology, and Supplies & Accessories — and then voted on by cleaning industry distributors, building service contractors and inhouse service providers. The overall winner was picked by a panel of judges. Nominations were evaluated on impact, practicality, sustainability, profitability/cost savings and originality.

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Services & Technology. Autonomy. Brain Corp.

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Cleaning Agents. NanoSeptic Self-Cleaning Surfaces. NanoTouch Materials.

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Equipment. Doodle Scrub EBG-9. Square Scrub.

4

Dispensers. Tork Image Design Line featuring Tork EasyCube Intelligent Restroom System. SCA.

5

Supplies & Accessories. Stingray. Unger Enterprises LLC.

38 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / NOVEMBER 2016

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