FCM Winter 2023

SERVING THE FACILIT Y CLE ANING & MAINTENANCE INDUSTRY

WINTER 2024

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF ISSA CANADA

THE FUTURE OF SMART RESTROOM SOLUTIONS USING INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY AS A PREVENTATIVE TOOL COMMERCIAL CLEANERS HELP BUSINESSES REACH THEIR ESG GOALS

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CONTENTS WINTER 2024

HEALTH AND SAFETY 6 Pest-free properties Keep pests out of your facility this season

by Alice Sinia 8 Navigating the new norm A look at the evolution of disinfection in today’s world

by Jim Flieler

SUSTAINABILITY 10 Making a difference How commercial cleaners can help customers achieve their ESG goals

by Peter J. Sheldon Sr.

TECHNOLOGY 20 Getting smart What’s on the horizon for smart restroom solutions?

by John Strom

COVER STORY 16 Housekeeping with heart

How a talented team keeps the ROM looking its best

22 Going digital with diagnostics Using infrared thermography as a preventative maintenance tool

MAINTENANCE IN EVERY ISSUE 4

Editor’s Letter The future is bright

14 Expert Q&A Celebrating ISSA’s contribution to the industry over the last century 30 Clean Matters

ISSA’s 2023 year-in-review and 2024 preview

by Tanja Nowotny

26 Safety first Mitigating the risk of spring slips, trips, and falls on your property

BEST PRACTICES 28 Great expectations Improving your practices for sustainability and satisfaction

by Rachel Olsavicky

“In today’s interconnected world, the responsibility for maintaining a safe and clean environment belongs to all of us.”

/ editor’s letter /

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT

A

s we embark on the first quarter of 2024, it’s a time to embrace change and continue to move forward, enjoying the progress and evolution we’ve seen in commercial cleaning and maintenance through the last few years.

Our Winter 2024 issue starts the year off with an optimistic look at today’s landscape, tackling seasonal issues to exceed customer standards with more efficiency and better service.

In our cover story, we shine a light on the hardworking team that keeps the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) looking its best, as they incorporate customer relations, troubleshooting, and beyond into their daily duties. The team is led with passion and compassion as they take good care of one of Ontario’s favourite attractions.

For our expert Q&A, we chat with Jonathan Adkins, ISSA’s Executive Vice President, as the association marks its one-hundredth anniversary. Applauding this milestone, we share stories, celebrate successes, take a peek at what the future holds for ISSA. We get specific on last year’s accomplishments with a 2023 year-in-review, and we look ahead with a 2024 preview in our Clean Matters section.

As more and more companies embrace technology, using today’s tools to boost efficiency, increase their efforts, and reach their goals, what’s on the horizon for smart washrooms? We take a look at top tech and the value it brings to business owners, maintenance managers, and cleaning companies. As part of a proactive approach, planning for the warmer months can help businesses avoid costly surprises and threats to the business. To that end, we focus on infrared thermography as a diagnostic tool that can help maintenance managers get a bigger picture of what’s happening in their buildings, identify areas of concern, and better budget for future expenditures.

In today’s landscape, commercial cleaners play an important role in helping businesses reach their ESG goals by prioritizing sustainability, creating healthier and more hygienic work environments, and boosting the brand. We examine what that looks like and how cleaning companies can help businesses streamline processes and save money with greener initiatives that benefit all businesses involved.

As winter progresses, we focus on the benefits of taking a practical approach to spring maintenance. The freeze-thaw cycle can add an element of risk to cleaning and maintenance, and we consider ways to avoid spring slip-and-fall accidents on your property. With these temperature changes comes the risk of pests in your building, so we offer some practical advice to safeguard your facility and protect your business.

This issue highlights some seasonal challenges for the cleaning and maintenance industry, offering insight and guidance as we head slowly towards spring and the warmer months.

Can’t wait for you to read this issue!

Editor Jessica Brill jessicab@mediaedge.ca Art Director Graphic Designer Production Coordinator

Annette Carlucci Thuy Huynh-Guinane Ines Louis Inesl@mediaedge.ca

Sales Sean Foley seanf@mediaedge.ca Contributing Writers

Circulation

Jim Flieler Tanja Nowotny Rachel Olsavicky Peter J. Sheldon Sr. Alice Sinia John Strom circulation@mediaedge.ca

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/ health and safety/

PEST-FREE PROPERTIES Keep pests out of your facility this season

by Alice Sinia

A

s winter progresses, facility managers face the challenges of maintaining their properties, along with combatting the intrusion of cold weather pests. Dips in temperatures often drive pests indoors, seeking warmth, food, water, and shelter. Knowing what strategies to implement will keep your office space, warehouse, and building free from these unwanted visitors during the colder months.

What are the most common types of winter pests?

1. Rodents: Rats and mice are known to wreak havoc during the winter months, notorious for seeking warmth and food indoors as outdoor resources become scarce due to colder temperatures. They can enter through any gaps as small as .5” wide. It’s important to monitor these pests because they can affect your business, cause property damage, contaminate areas in your facility, and pose health risks to employees by transmitting diseases.

2. Insects: While some insects become less active during the winter months, some remain an issue as they find ways into your building. Cockroaches, spiders, and ants gain easy access through overlooked seals and cracks in your foundation and structure.

6 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / WINTER 2024

3. Pests: Pests such as stink bugs, cluster flies, ladybugs, and boxelder bugs survive the winter by going into a state of dormancy — also known as overwintering — in the warmer parts of your building.

Although generally harmless, on warm, sunny winter days they become active, and their presence can be a nuisance by affecting employees and visitors to your building.

4. Wildlife: Pests such as birds, raccoons, squirrels, and bats may also run for cover in your facility to keep warm. Similar to other rodents, these animals can cause structural damage and carry diseases if they gain access to your business.

Identify potential entry points. Inspect your facility thoroughly for potential entry points for pests, including any openings or holes. Be sure to seal any gaps in walls, windows, doors, and around utility pipes in the wall. Ensure weather stripping or door sweeps are not damaged, and that they fit tightly. Also, make sure vents are screened appropriately.

Implement pest control practices. Partner with a pest control company that can develop and execute an IPM program which will include conducting routine inspections, monitoring, and giving tips on how to implement preventative measures. A pest control provider can help create a customized pest control program and provide in-house guidance on using other products such as traps, baits, and environmentally conscious treatments to help target specific pests.

Educate staff. Train your staff on the importance of pest prevention, how to recognize signs of pests, and the crucial role they play in helping keep pests out. Make sure they’re comfortable reporting any sightings of pests, documenting hot spots, or letting you know about any potentially exposed entry points that need repair. Establish cleanliness protocols and instruct your teams on proper sanitation practices. Your pest control provider may offer complimentary staff IPM training programs for a more cost-effective way to have a stronger line of defence against pests.

To stay protected against these unwelcome intruders, implementing effective winter pest control prevention strategies is key.

With a proactive approach and some practical tips, you can help safeguard your facility from the invasion of these unwanted guests during the winter season:

Prevention is a must when keeping pests out of your business during the winter.

A consistent effort following these tips throughout the season will help protect your staff and visitors from health risks, and your business from costly pest infestations and damage. /

Alice Sinia, Ph.D., is the Quality Assurance Manager of Regulatory/Lab Services for Orkin Canada, focusing on government regulations pertaining to the pest control industry. For more information, email Alice Sinia at asinia@orkincanada. com or visit orkincanada.ca.

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/ health and safety/

NAVIGATING THE NEW NORM A look at the evolution of disinfection in today’s world

by Jim Flieler assurance, and facility performance. This allows cleaners to better allocate labour and resources where they are needed to get the job done.

Along with smart systems, cloud-based software also exists, providing a management system that allows facility teams to plan, conduct, track, and report site assessments regarding cleaning quality, surface cleaning validation, environmental monitoring, and auditing. With the evidence-based feedback gathered, managers can design and implement proactive and preventative cleaning protocols and processes.

I

n the wake of recent global events, the importance of disinfection has remained centre stage in our daily lives.

The world has witnessed a paradigm shift, and with it, the way we approach cleanliness and hygiene has evolved.

As the industry continues to move forward, let’s explore the latest trends and advancements in disinfection, shedding light on why it’s more critical than ever.

How has disinfection evolved and what does the future look like?

THE RISE OF ANTIMICROBIAL TECHNOLOGIES

In our continuing quest for heightened safety, traditional disinfection methods are being complemented by cuttingedge technologies. Antimicrobial coatings, for instance, are gaining popularity for their ability to inhibit the growth of microorganisms on surfaces. From door handles to smartphones, these coatings act as an additional line of defence against the invisible threats we encounter on a daily basis.

UV-C LIGHT: A GAME-CHANGER IN DISINFECTION

One of the breakthroughs in the field of disinfection is the use of ultraviolet (UV) 8 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / WINTER 2024

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY IN A SHARED SPACE

light, specifically UV-C light. Known for its ability to kill bacteria and viruses, UV-C light has found relevant applications in various settings, from hospitals to public transportation. Portable UV-C devices are now available, too, providing a convenient way to disinfect personal items and high-touch surfaces.

SMART DISINFECTION SYSTEMS

The integration of technology doesn’t stop at UV-C light. Smart disinfection systems, equipped with sensors and artificial intelligence, are being deployed in public spaces.

These systems can detect high-traffic areas and automatically initiate disinfection processes, ensuring a continuous and proactive approach to hygiene with less labour required.

Smart systems also include surface imaging technology that allows facility managers and cleaning teams to assess surfaces for contamination, visually detect any risks, and finetune their cleaning practices for improved environmental monitoring, health and safety

In today’s interconnected world, the responsibility for maintaining a safe and clean environment belongs to all of us.

From workplaces to public spaces, individuals play a crucial role in adhering to hygiene practices. Simple habits such as regular handwashing, sanitizing personal items, and respecting distancing measures contribute significantly to the collective effort to curb the spread of infectious agents.

NAVIGATING THE FUTURE

In the last few years, disinfection has become a cornerstone of our daily routines, and staying informed about the latest advancements is key to navigating the new norm. As we embrace innovative technologies and eco-friendly solutions, the collective goal remains the same: creating a safer and healthier world for all.

In a world where cleanliness is paramount, staying updated on the latest in disinfection is not just a choice — it’s a necessity. /

James Flieler is the VP of Sales North America for Charlotte Products Ltd. He is an industry expert coupled with a high level of enthusiasm, integrity, and common sense. These traits have made him a renowned speaker and trainer for local businesses, key regional players, and national corporations across North America.

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/ sustainability /

MAKING A DIFFERENCE How commercial cleaners can help customers achieve their ESG goals

by Peter J. Sheldon Sr.

C

ompanies are increasingly focused on achieving their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals in today’s business landscape. Commercial cleaning services can be pivotal in helping organizations meet these objectives by implementing sustainable practices that minimize environmental impact, enhance employee well-being, elevate brand reputation, and optimize supply chains.

THE IMPORTANCE OF REDUCING INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Commercial cleaning services can significantly contribute to reducing a business’s environmental impact. Companies can minimize their carbon footprint and help protect the environment with eco-friendly cleaning products and practices. These products are often biodegradable, non-toxic, and free from harsh chemicals, reducing the release

10 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / WINTER 2024

of harmful substances into the ecosystem.

Commercial cleaning services can also utilize energy-efficient cleaning methods and equipment, reducing energy consumption and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Commercial cleaning services can also help businesses by minimizing their water usage with optimized cleaning processes and water-efficient technologies. This conservation effort reduces the strain on water

/ sustainability /

resources and lowers the associated costs for businesses.

Moreover, implementing effective waste management strategies can substantially reduce landfill waste, promoting a circular economy and diverting valuable materials from becoming harmful pollutants. By embracing these sustainable practices, commercial cleaning services empower businesses to operate in an environmentally responsible manner, aligning with their ESG goals, and contributing to a healthier planet.

IMPROVED HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF COMMUNITIES, EMPLOYEES, AND CUSTOMERS

Commercial cleaning services can help businesses improve the overall health and well-being of their customers, employees, and community by reducing exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants, improving indoor air quality, enhancing hygiene practices, and reducing the risk of illness and infection. By using eco-friendly cleaning products and practices, commercial cleaning services minimize the use of harsh chemicals that can cause damaging irritation to the human body.

Proper ventilation and air circulation improve indoor air quality and overall health.

Additionally, commercial cleaning services prioritize maintaining a clean and hygienic environment by regularly disinfecting surfaces, equipment, and common areas, reducing the spread of germs and bacteria. This proactive approach helps create a healthier workplace, reducing illness-related absences and fostering a more productive and energized workforce.

ENHANCED BRAND REPUTATION IN A WORLD THAT VALUES SUSTAINABILITY

Commercial cleaning services can help businesses enhance their brand reputation by demonstrating a commitment to ESG practices. This can lead to positive publicity and recognition for green initiatives, attracting environmentally conscious customers, employees, and investors. Building trust and loyalty among stakeholders is another benefit of having a strong ESG profile.

Customers and large corporations increasingly demand that organizations they choose to conduct business with operate responsibly and sustainably. Commercial cleaning services can help companies meet

“In today’s competitive business environment, it is more important than ever for businesses to prioritize ESG goals.“ these demands by applying sustainable practices and demonstrating a commitment to ESG principles.

In addition, commercial cleaners can help businesses improve their relationships. By implementing sustainable practices, companies can reduce their environmental impact, leading to enhanced relationships with regulators and the community, benefiting businesses in several ways, such as reduced regulatory scrutiny and increased public support.

Commercial cleaning services can help businesses achieve ESG goals and improve their overall success. By implementing sustainable practices and demonstrating a commitment to ESG principles, companies can enhance their brand reputation, attract new customers and investors, improve their relationships, and minimize their environmental footprint.

ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAINS

Commercial cleaning services can help organizations achieve ESG goals by providing enterprise solutions for sustainable supply chains. This includes comprehensive waste management programs, energy-efficient cleaning equipment and practices, green cleaning products and techniques, supplier diversity programs, and fair labour practices.

For instance, comprehensive waste management programs can help businesses segregate, recycle, and compost waste, reducing landfill waste and the use of incinerators.

Energy-efficient cleaning equipment and practices can help companies reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. Green cleaning products and techniques can help them reduce their use of harmful chemicals and improve indoor air quality. Supplier diversity programs can help companies support small and diverse businesses. Fair labour practices can help enterprises guarantee workers are treated fairly and paid a living wage.

In addition to these direct environmental and social benefits, sustainable supply chain management can help businesses improve their financial performance. Companies can reduce operating costs by reducing waste, energy consumption, and the use of harmful chemicals. By supporting small and diverse companies, businesses can build stronger relationships with their suppliers and gain access to new markets. And, by ensuring that their workers are treated fairly, companies can improve employee morale and productivity.

In today’s competitive business environment, it is more important than ever for businesses to prioritize ESG goals. Commercial cleaning services can help companies achieve their ESG goals by providing enterprise solutions for sustainable supply chains.

By implementing these solutions, businesses can reduce environmental impact, improve social responsibility, and enhance financial performance.

CORPORATIONS DEMAND ESG ACCREDITATION DURING THE RFP PROCESS

Corporations increasingly demand that their suppliers and partners have strong ESG credentials as part of their procurement processes. This is driven by several factors, including growing mindfulness toward the importance of ESG issues among consumers and investors, increased regulatory pressure on companies to improve their ESG performance, and the need to mitigate the risks associated with climate change and other ESG issues.

By requiring their suppliers and partners to meet specific ESG standards, corporations can help to ensure that their operations are sustainable and responsible. This can lead to several benefits, including improved brand reputation, reduced costs, and increased access to capital.

In addition, demanding ESG accreditation during the RFP process can help corporations identify and partner with suppliwww.REMInetwork.com / 11

/ sustainability /

ers and associates that share their values and commitment to sustainability. This leads to deeper relationships and more successful, long-term collaborations.

Some specific examples of practices that businesses might be looking for in their ESG partners include: • Using green cleaning products and practices that reduce harmful chemicals and pollutants • Introducing water conservation measures to reduce water usage • Recycling and composting to reduce landfill waste • Using energy-efficient cleaning equipment to reduce energy consumption • Providing ongoing training and certification protocols to employees on sustainable cleaning practices

sible and trustworthy by consumers and investors.

ESG is essential for businesses in today’s landscape. Why? First, it can help them reduce costs. For example, by implementing energy-efficient cleaning practices, businesses can significantly decrease energy use and save money on utility expenses.

Second, ESG can help businesses improve their brand reputation. Consumers are increasingly interested in doing business with companies committed to sustainability, and a strong ESG performance can help businesses attract and retain customers and staff.

Third, ESG can help businesses mitigate risks. For example, with a robust environmental management program, companies

can reduce their risk of environmental accidents and liabilities.

In addition to the reputational and financial advantages, ESG can help businesses improve their performance. By creating a more sustainable workplace, companies can boost employee morale, professional pride, and productivity, while also reducing absenteeism and turnover. This can lead to increased profits and enhanced shareholder value.

Overall, ESG is an essential factor for smart businesses, and commercial cleaners can help make a difference. By prioritizing ESG, companies can improve their financial performance, reduce risks, enhance their brand reputation, and attract and retain top talent. /

Peter J. Sheldon Sr. is the Chief Strategy Officer at Anago Cleaning Systems and facilitator of the company’s system wide ESG implementation program. Anago Cleaning Systems was recently awarded an EcoVadis Silver Medal Sustainability Companies prioritizing ESG as a core pilRating, placing the brand in the top 25 per cent of companies within the facility lar within their value system are more likely services industry focused on ESG initiatives, based on a scoring system in envito attract and retain top talent, improve their ronmental practices, ethics, labour, human rights and sustainable procurement. overall success, and be considered respon23_007788_FCM_Winter_CN Mod: October 20, 2023 8:10 AM Print: 10/23/23 page 1 v2.5 SUSTAINABILITY IS PART OF AN INTELLIGENT BUSINESS STRATEGY

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/ expert Q+A /

LEADING THE CHARGE Celebrating ISSA’s contribution to the industry over the last century

by Jessica Brill

14 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / WINTER 2024

/ expert Q+A /

I

SSA, as the leading worldwide industry association, provides a source of information, education, and commercial opportunities for its members, offering a voice in the community and in government on behalf of the cleaning industry. Through its membership, advocacy, media outlets, charitable initiatives, and commitment to “changing the way the world views cleaning,” ISSA is an invaluable resource for members and the cleaning industry as a whole.

We chatted with Jonathan Adkins, ISSA Executive Vice President, about the association’s rich history and its focus on improving human health, the environment, and a better bottom line for businesses in the cleaning industry.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

HOW DID ISSA GET STARTED? JONATHAN ADKINS: Originally called the National Sanitary Sup-

plies Association (NSSA), the organization was founded in 1923 by a small group of cleaning industry distributors and suppliers who wanted to pool their resources and gather to discuss common issues.

They added the first tradeshow the following year, and the association expanded internationally to become ISSA in 1967. The association now represents the entire value chain, including manufacturers, distributors, building service contractors, in-house service providers, residential cleaning companies, and associates. Today’s membership includes 10,500 members from 130 countries.

WHAT MAKES ISSA UNIQUE? JONATHAN: Rather than a trade association that represents a single line of business, we are an industry association of cleaning professionals who work together to make an impact. Member benefits are unique for each class, including many opportunities for our members to interact and grow the industry’s influence.

needed to be. Next, our Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) division emerged in 2019, just ahead of the pandemic. This allowed us to create a global brand with GBAC STAR, an accreditation for facility cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease protocols which has gained traction worldwide and is still going strong.

HOW HAVE YOU CELEBRATED YOUR MONUMENTAL 100-YEAR MILESTONE? JONATHAN: Over the course of this last year, we started a campaign

in our media publications, along with a creating a dedicated landing page, featuring stories from many of our valued members who have left their mark on the industry and ISSA’s legacy. At November’s ISSA Show North America 2023 in Las Vegas, we had a kick-off celebration featuring some of the major milestones, featuring an industry timeline with key moments to recognize the many people and companies that have been instrumental to the association’s growth and longevity. We also hosted an anniversary party at Hakkasan Nightclub at the MGM Grand, which was a lot of fun!

WHAT IS ISSA’S VISION FOR THE FUTURE?

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF AS AN ORGANIZATION? JONATHAN: We’re focused on the next hundred years! We are alJONATHAN: Besides the association’s longevity, of course, we really

value the growth and the way that we’ve been able to build this from a core group of members into an international organization that has boots on the ground in a lot of different parts of the world. Although our headquarters are in Chicago, we have satellite offices in the United States, operations in Milan (Italy) and Sydney (Australia), offices in China and Korea, and a presence in Latin America. We are proud to engage members and rally them around key issues that are affecting the industry globally.

We really got to see this in action during the pandemic when the association gained appreciation as an important industry resource and connected with new industry stakeholders for the first time. For example, initially, cleaners in the U.S. were not deemed essential workers, and our advocacy team worked hard to ensure that cleaners gained essential worker status. The manufacturers, distributors, and supply chain stepped up to ensure that products were where they

ways evolving and adding useful, topical, relevant education and certification programs that allow us to continue to offer value and satisfy member needs on all levels. Our strategic planning for the next three to five years focuses on working to stay relevant to all of the members, stakeholders, and adjacent industries that we work with and that our members serve.

We are continuing to look for opportunities to deliver needed education, training, and certifications along with government affairs and advocacy initiatives. We also host several events all over the world, working with our partners to help reach more people and increase our presence and influence in the industry.

Finally, our ISSA media group continues to add value by providing thought leadership and relevant content that members and nonmembers benefit from consistently.

For more information on becoming an ISSA member, visit https:// www.issa.com/member-benefits/join-issa. / www.REMInetwork.com / 15

/ cover story /

HOUSEKEEPING WITH HEART How a talented team keeps the Royal Ontario Museum looking its best

by Jessica Brill

H

ousekeepers are often the unsung heroes, heading into unoccupied guest rooms, empty offices, large-scale venues, and everything in between to refresh and replenish, leaving spaces clean and tidy. But what happens when the spaces are public-facing, attracting regular crowds and daily attention?

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) first opened its doors in 1914 and features over 13 million works of art, cultural objects, and historic specimens among 40 gallery and exhibition spaces. The uniquely designed building occupies a large block at the corner of Queen’s Park and Bloor in Toronto, and as Canada’s largest museum, the ROM sees hundreds of visitors each day.

With so many spaces and so much traffic, the ROM requires a large housekeeping staff with a particular skillset to navigate its labyrinth-like, ever-changing layout. In fact, the team is made up of 38 full and part-time unionized housekeepers who work 12-hour day and night shifts, so there is always a team member available when needed.

“It’s certainly never a dull moment for the housekeepers,” says Housekeeping Manager, Jeanette Braund. Between the museum’s 16 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / WINTER 2024

design, ever-present traffic, and fluctuating layout, cleaning the ROM presents a unique set of challenges for the housekeeping team.

RISING TO THE CHALLENGES

Day and night-shift workers face different demands as they complete their regularly scheduled duties. For the daytime staff, much of the team is focused on cleaning the administrative space and labs located backof-house, spending their time deep cleaning and filling supplies.

However, the gallery space is also attended to, along with maintaining the washrooms used by visitors. The housekeeping responsibility doesn’t stop there, though.

Their day-to-day also means engaging with the public to answer questions, direct patrons to security guards and exhibits, and more. In many venues cleaners are unseen,

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROM©

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROM©

/ cover story /

coming in and out of spaces while everyone has gone home, but the housekeeping team at the ROM are constantly communicating with the public, adding customer service to their extensive list of talents.

Often considered the face of the museum, their uniforms need to be pristine during the day as they push clean carts and act as museum ambassadors. “Wayfinding is an important part of their day, interacting with guests to help them navigate through the museum and make the most of their visit,” says Braund.

Flexibility is the foundation of the housekeepers’ skillset. Physically, cleaning requires distinct movements like twisting, bending, and crawling into tricky spaces.

Mental flexibility is also a necessity as circumstances change on a daily basis. Exhibits come and go, and that means housekeepers need to clean the empty space once it’s been vacated, prepare it from top to bottom for the new exhibit, and clean up after the construction once the new exhibit has been created. Along with those tasks, the day shift can regularly be found setting up for eve-

ning events, often taking three to four hours to complete the set-up, using a stanchion system to section off areas where they are working. Deep cleaning happens throughout the museum on Mondays, when it is closed, as long as it isn’t a holiday Monday when visitors fill the halls and exhibit spaces.

When the night crew arrives, they take care of other duties around the museum until the event is over, and then they clean up after the party, continuing with their regular tasks to get the museum ready for visitors coming in the morning. The housekeeping team must focus on maximizing their time, keeping optimal routes and limitations in mind.

Each exhibit poses its own unique challenges, requiring a great deal of caution as teams navigate around set-ups, artifacts, art, and photographs to maintain heavily trafficked flooring, glass cases, stainless steel surfaces, and beyond. Staying mindful of factors like HVAC, temperature, and humidity controls is critical as these conditions need to be maintained even during the cleaning process. Something as simple as

opening multiple doors can alter these conditions, posing a risk to the gallery and its contents.

Using two-way radios, the housekeepers stay in contact, helping to alert security guards when they need to arm and disarm certain areas throughout the night as housekeepers do their job.

The museum is filled with many narrow spaces that can make cleaning more demanding, where equipment must be handled very carefully. Floor machines are something that challenges cleaners, as they don’t fit everywhere, and require mindful steering to protect the irreplaceable artifacts.

Equipment like auto scrubbers, swing machines, and floor machines must be handled carefully, using extreme caution to monitor speed and direction. “It’s a tricky job certainly, but at the end of the day, it’s doable with the right approach and the right training,” says Braund.

This much-loved venue attracts visitors from far and wide, hosting everything from special events to kids’ camps, each posing their own unique trials for the housekeep-

“It’s a tricky job, certainly... but it’s doable with the right approach and the right training.”

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/ cover story /

ers. The visitor experience is paramount, so washroom cleanliness and supply stocking remain top priorities, along with high-touch areas like exhibit doors, allowing guests to enjoy a clean and safe museum visit.

POST-PANDEMIC PRACTICES

PART OF THE TEAM

It takes dedication, flexibility, and teamwork to take care of the museum every day. The ROM’s housekeepers put in long shifts, working together to tackle their responsibilities, adjusting daily to accommodate for complications ranging from floods to accidents to missing setups, as they get pulled into many — often unexpected — directions.

With newcomers being trained by experienced staff, and passing on tricks of the trade, the ROM’s housekeepers are a unique group with a valuable skillset and a dedicated team mentality.

The culture created in the housekeeping department demonstrates that caring starts at the top. “My management team is fabulous, nurturing me so I can nurture my staff,” says Braund, who leads the team with passion and compassion. Explaining the vast housekeeping role succinctly, she says, “We are a vital part of the museum, and our good reputation as housekeepers should walk in before we do.” /

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROM©

As with most businesses, the museum adjusted its hours and followed mandated protocols during the pandemic, as they struggled to track down personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand sanitizer amid ongoing supply chain delays. With so many touch points and well-visited areas, it became a formidable — and vital — task to keep these areas clean and sanitized. Thankfully for the housekeeping team, their expertise remained essential during this time, as they cleaned when the museum was allowed to be open and maintained the space for staff continuing to work like contractors, security guards, and technicians feeding onsite wildlife. Though schedules were reduced to eight-hour shifts, all housekeeping staff remained employed during those trying days.

The hardworking housekeepers were recognized for their efforts through the pandemic, often working alone at the museum, risking their health, and taking responsibility for the safety of the public. “Our team was encouraged to work within their comfort zone, and they did their very best, coming in when needed and getting the job done,” says Braund.

With green cleaning, safe chemical use, and environmentally friendly products already being employed, the team developed strict hygiene and sanitization protocols that remain in practice today.

Paying extra attention to points of contact like door handles, swipe clocks, and control rooms is something that the team has included in their daily routine, heightening the cleaning and sanitization in those areas and across the whole museum. “We have not reduced those protocols, recognizing that they are still needed and beneficial as part of our day-to-day practices,” confirms Braund.

www.REMInetwork.com / 19

/ technology /

GETTING SMART What’s on the horizon for smart restroom solutions?

by John Strom

S

mart restroom technology is now well into its early adoption phase, and more and more facilities are leaning into the opportunity to leverage data to improve their customer experience and optimize their cleaning program. As each new customer ultimately achieves successful deployment, additional facilities in various segments are buying into the value proposition.

At the same time, based on how each facility and segment is using the technology and applying the data, equipment manufacturers and technology providers are gleaning important insights into key areas of restless discontent impacting facilities. Those insights are informing a number of innovations, business decisions, and trends that will

drive higher-stakes customer benefits in the coming three to five years. There are a few themes that are gaining traction in the marketplace: SMART WILL BECOME SMARTER

The greatest output of smart restroom technology is the sheer breadth and depth of data it generates. This data helps facilities pinpoint maintenance inefficiencies, recognize product waste, understand traffic patterns, mitigate product outages, and otherwise elevate and optimize cleaning and maintenance operations.

Generative AI’s greatest output is insight into data. In the case of smart restroom solutions, GenAI will make them even smarter by delivering more accurate,

20 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / WINTER 2024

robust, and actionable insights faster than any human or any existing technology ever could. In so doing, GenAI will help the next generation of smart buildings achieve unprecedented adaptability, predictiveness, and responsiveness.

According to research, the global AI market grew from $428 billion in 2022 to $515 billion in 2023. And it is expected to reach nearly $2 trillion by 2030. These numbers indicate that this is a transformative, disruptive technology that businesses of all shapes and sizes will need to leverage in the near future to remain competitive. For their part, smart restroom suppliers are already in deep learning mode, and customers will begin to reap the rewards of this learning in the nottoo-distant future.

/ technology /

SUPPLIERS WILL BUNDLE

There are dozens upon dozens of suppliers engaged in different aspects of the development, installation, and deployment of smart building and smart restroom solutions, from dispenser, sensor, and gateway manufacturers to network, internet, and software providers. Without a “one-stop-shop,” it can feel daunting to navigate the ecosystem, and this complexity is causing some customers to choose not to move forward with a smart solution at all.

Product and service bundling is a wellknown approach to reducing purchasing complexity and improving the customer journey. Cable companies add on internet and mobile plans, car repair shops offer service packages like tire rotation with an oil change, and even fast-food restaurants offer meal deals. Now, bundling is making its way into the smart restroom sector.

Already, several major technology innovators have forged formal partnerships with leading smart dispenser manufacturers. This preferred partner approach gives customers the option of bundling the three most vital components of a smart restroom solution — the network, the smart dispensers, and the software. This simplifies the purchasing process for facilities as well as the implementation, deployment, and day-today management of the solution.

Whether it’s through partnerships, consolidation, mergers, or acquisitions, bundling will become much more prevalent among smart building suppliers as they work to drive the adoption of their solutions.

“Technology has a way of being more complicated than it needs to be.”

Bundling and GenAI are part and parcel of simplifying smart restroom solutions and their adoption. Bundling, by bringing together preferred suppliers and solutions to make the technology easier to adopt and GenAI, by interpreting solution data and quickly identifying opportunities for improved customer ROI. The industry is also pursuing a number of additional paths to simplification. One avenue is optimizing inter-operability, which is what makes a solution compatible with and able to exchange data with other smart

building systems, like HVAC, lighting, and security. It’s the software equivalent of playing nice in the sandbox. Another is eliminating unnecessary, undervalued, and unused features so they don’t interfere with or delay access to more meaningful features. Yet another is assigning dedicated on-site customer success managers who will run interference and provide ongoing guidance and support from solution design well into deployment.

As technology continues to evolve, the future looks bright for smart restroom solutions. /

John Strom is Vice President and General Manager of Innovation at GP PRO, a division of Georgia-Pacific. In this position, John leads the team responsible for all aspects of the company’s KOLO™ Smart Monitoring System, an award-winning open platform smart restroom solution. To learn more about GP PRO and its smart restroom solutions, visit www.gppro.com.

EVERYTHING WILL BE SIMPLIFIED

Technology has a way of being more complicated than it needs to be, often compromising being user-friendly in its quest to offer the most choice or the most features and functions. As an example, a 2019 article on this topic made mention of a cell phone with 16 cameras.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise, then, that smart restroom solutions aren’t immune from this over-complication. As already noted, the ecosystem itself can feel overwhelming. But the design and installation process, too, can seem overly elaborate, the number of needed components can look excessive, and many solutions offer what could be viewed as undervalued feature sets. There’s ample room and a clear need for simplification. www.REMInetwork.com / 21

/ technology /

GOING DIGITAL WITH DIAGNOSTICS Using infrared thermography as a preventative maintenance tool

PHOTOS COURTESY OF INFRARED IMAGING SOLUTIONS INC.

by Jessica Brill

22 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / WINTER 2024

/ technology /

T

echnology is constantly evolving and while infrared thermography is not a brand-new tool, maintenance and facility managers may be unaware of its full potential for cutting costs and lowering the risks to your building and business. The infrared thermography industry is expected to grow 9.5 per cent per year until 2027, with more and more maintenance and property managers using this technology to manage their properties better.

What is infrared thermography? This type of technology works by identifying and capturing temperature differential in a photo, demonstrating potential issues in your building. Thermography exposes concerns in your roof and walls, and within your electrical system that are not visible to the naked eye. This technology helps to identify issues before they become critical, allowing you to correct potential failures before larger problems occur.

YOUR ROOF

Infrared thermography serves as a non-destructive diagnostic tool, identifying moisture in your roof system by highlighting areas of potentially wet insulation that hold the heat during the day. For the most accurate results, roof scans should be completed when it is 15˚ C or warmer during the day (without rain) and when an 8˚ C difference exists between the daytime high and the time of the scan.

This temperature differential exists most commonly from late spring to early fall.

What’s involved in a thermal roof scan? A certified thermographer will take thermographs at night, note the areas that appear wet within your roofing system, and re-visit during the daytime to verify that those areas are in fact wet, using a moisture probe. All roofs with exposed membranes can be scanned, making this an effective investigative tool for most roofing systems.

Infrared thermography can help you identify areas on your roof that need attention and help you budget accordingly, but it’s a tool that can cut costs in other ways, too.

Often when issues start occurring with older roofs, the assumption is that a major repair or replacement is imminent, however, a roof scan can help you avoid unnecessary spending by identifying small areas that need repair. “Even with an old roof, if you can determine that only four per cent of that roof is wet, why replace 96 per cent of dry roof before you need to?” asks Brian Jastrow, Principal at InfraRed Imaging Solutions Inc.

These scans are completed in two phases. The first phase occurs when the building is under negative pressure and demonstrates conductive heat loss. The second phase takes place when the building is under positive pressure, demonstrating where air leakage exists.

YOUR WALLS

As part of your building envelope, certain issues in your walls can also be identified with an infrared scan. A wall scan is the process of testing the physical separator between the interior and exterior of a building to determine if there are any air, water, or thermal leaks within the structure.

1-800-375-0571 sales@noskidding.com 266 Wildcat Road, Toronto, ON M3J 2N5

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/ technology /

Wall scans are best conducted in the winter when the building’s temperature is higher than the temperature outside. When the technician returns to verify areas of air and heat loss, they can locate the source of the leak, identify the cause, and recommend steps for repair. Issues could include anything from missing caulking to a hole in the wall, insufficient insulation, thermal air bridging, and beyond. Many of these issues are simple, often inexpensive repairs, saving you money and increasing your building’s efficiency over the long term.

YOUR ELECTRICAL PANELS

Infrared thermography works similarly on electrical panels, identifying problematic areas within the electrical system, even while the system is still in service.

Electrical scans are conducted to identify whether any electrical connections are overheating, energy efficiency is down, or a safety hazard exists, helping you avoid a potential fire by preventing an electrical failure. These can be dangerous, possibly fatal, and often expensive concerns for building owners.

These types of scans consist of three phases (a, b, and c) identifying issues like loose lug connections, bad fuses, and more.

These potentially dangerous issues create resistance and heat, easily identified by the infrared camera.

Unlike roof scans, electrical panels can be photographed any time of year, and all types of panels can be scanned. Jastrow recommends an annual scan to determine benchmarks and stay on top of developing hazards, explaining that some managers like to alternate between summer when the chillers are

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/ technology /

so look for experts who will be available when you need them most.

running and winter to evaluate the heating system as a whole. Similarly, mechanical motors including any equipment up to 74 horsepower, ranging from elevator machine motors to chillers can also be scanned.

Infrared thermography serves as a predictive diagnostic tool saving facility and maintenance managers money, headaches, and income lost to unexpected shutdowns or costly repair or replacement.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

If you are new to the infrared realm, there are some things to take into consideration before settling on a technician. Here are some questions to ask when looking at investing in an infrared scan: • What are the qualifications of the technician? Thermographers are qualified in three levels (levels one, two, and three). Use these levels to determine the best fit for your needs.

• What are their specialities? Along with the thermography certification, you want someone who can properly interpret the results, so roofing, building envelope, and electrical experience

should be a requirement as part of your elimination process.

• What is the quality of the equipment they use? Higher quality equipment means clearer images and a more specific look at any troublesome areas in your building. Requesting to see previous reports can help you get an idea of the quality of the images you will receive.

• How available is your technician? Issues with your building don’t always happen during the workday, of course,

Think your building is “too new” to benefit from this type of technology? Even new equipment and roofs should be scanned.

“Infrared thermography is a preventative tool to save you from expensive repairs, replacement or worse,” says Jastrow, explaining there may be a tendency to skip a scan due to a system that seems to be working well. However, as he points out, “You can drive your car every day and nothing happens to you, until one day, something goes wrong.” This same philosophy applies to maintenance management and taking advantage of technology like infrared thermography to practice a proactive approach for your building.

Infrared thermography is a tool to help maintenance and facility managers understand more about their buildings.

Scans can be an annual line in your budget, allowing you to benchmark and plan for the deterioration of these assets, avoid costly surprises, and protect the people and property in your building. /

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/ maintenance /

SAFETY FIRST Mitigating the risk of spring slips, trips, and falls on your property

by Jessica Brill

W

inter weather poses a risk of slips, trips, and falls at your facility, but what happens when spring arrives? Early spring conditions mean messy weather and fluctuating temperatures, causing ice and snow to melt and re-freeze dangerously. With this freeze-thaw cycle and the increased precipitation, safety plays a crucial role in your indoor and outdoor spring maintenance plan.

Studies show that slips and falls account for over one million emergency room visits per year, making up 12 per cent of the falls that happen - and 67 per cent of those falls are a result of slipping.

A safety-first approach helps maintenance managers protect employees and visitors while protecting their business.

“As the weather changes, ask yourself what you can do throughout your property to reduce the risks and keep people safe,” advises Jordan Bloomberg, President of No Skidding Products Inc. Bloomberg recommends assessing your building inside and out weekly as a way to stay on top of all possible risks, increasing the frequency as weather dictates. Along with monitoring the conditions and hazards throughout your property, take a proactive approach with preventative maintenance to keep visitors and staff safe when they visit your facility.

OUTSIDE YOUR BUILDING

There are several areas to pay attention to when looking for potential slip-andfall sites on your property. When the snow melts and the ground is exposed, cracks and uneven surfaces created during the winter months in the parking lot, on walkways, and on sidewalks can be areas of concern. Identify these areas to

be repaired when the weather permits and install signage to warn traffic of potential tripping hazards.

Also, the melting snow can add a significant amount of water to the lot, so if your drains are not working properly or are blocked, there is a risk of standing water that could re-freeze overnight. Assess your drains to confirm that they are clear and in working order throughout the season.

While the weather is unpredictable and temperatures fluctuate in the early days of spring, keep your shovel and ice melt close by, as you may still need to address the occasional snowfall and slippery walkways.

Staying mindful of outdoor areas that need attention, being vigilant with appropriate signage, and providing as much lighting as possible will help you keep these areas dry, safe, and maintained through late winter and into the spring.

INSIDE YOUR BUILDING

As rain mixes with snow, slushy slippery surfaces are created, getting tracked through the building and causing a slipping hazard on concrete, hardwood, and tile flooring. Pay special attention to the front entrance, as it is a high-traffic area with a constant flow of people bringing in the elements. Mitigate the risks with proper matting to keep the entrances dry and clean, and minimize the water and dirt travelling through your whole building. Maintain these mats, replacing them as soon as they begin to ripple, fray or curl, as tripping can become a danger.

For areas not matted, an anti-slip treatment might provide a solution for the front door. In this case, a clear, odourless chemical treatment is applied to the floor for enhanced grip and traction. These treatments

26 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / WINTER 2024

mean less maintenance, lasting up to three years, and help mitigate risks by increasing the coefficient of friction and slip resistance when the surface gets wet.

Stairs and stairwells are also a concern, as they can become out-of-sight, out-ofmind, staying wet and posing a risk to stair traffic. To keep these areas dry and safe, decide on the best course of action for your space. Consider whether adding a strip of safety tape would make it slipresistant enough. Or, you may need to add an anti-slip coating with grip to create a high-profile surface. A more permanent solution might mean installing fibreglass stair treads or covers over your existing stairs or on the nosing. For carpeted stairs, monitor the condition to ensure that any frayed, ripped, or loose carpet is repaired or replaced, free from wet areas, and clear of any obstacles.

Ramps or changes in elevation (inside or outside), including accessibility ramps, parking garages, loading docks, and more, can become a hazard as the elevation changes. “When evaluating these areas for risk assessment, consider the fact that these ramps are commonly being used by people with mobility issues, so they do require an extra degree of care,” says Bloomberg. Pay special attention to these areas, ensuring they remain in good condition, are maintained regularly, and stay obstacle-free.

Spring brings additional rainfall, freeze-thaw cycling, and uneven surfaces created during the winter, heightening the risk of slips, trips, and falls on your property. Perform regular assessments, choose solutions that work for your building, and keep heightened areas of concern at the forefront for a safety-first approach to maintenance this spring. /

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/ best practices /

GREAT EXPECTATIONS Improving your cleaning practices to boost sustainability and employee satisfaction

by Rachel Olsavicky water, and a disposable cloth prior to disinfection. This way, parts of bacteria and viruses can be mechanically cleaned first. Then, to properly disinfect, use an approved disinfectant and a disposable cloth. If using an alcohol-based product, use one with a minimum of 70 per cent alcohol like ethanol or isopropyl alcohol for best results.

DON’T FORGET TO WEAR GLOVES!

Wearing gloves is an important part of cleaning procedures to keep surfaces clean and sanitized. Gloves should be discarded after each use to avoid cross-contamination and the growth of bacteria. If using reusable gloves, they should be dedicated to cleaning and disinfecting surfaces of certain zones in the working area. Finally, be sure to wash your hands immediately after gloves have been removed before touching any surfaces with your hands.

W

ith increased attention from Canadians towards green initiatives, organizations are looking to become more sustainable to appeal to consumers, investors, and employees alike.

To do this, they must look at every level of their operations to find opportunities for efficiencies and improvements to their practices. A facility’s cleaning practices can be a great place to start, as they not only have the ability to further sustainability goals but can also help to improve employee satisfaction.

According to recent research, there is a clear link between clean, well-functioning workplaces and employee satisfaction. We found that 86 per cent of office employees

regard cleanliness as the most important aspect of a good work environment. 85 per cent of employees think that the level of restroom cleanliness reflects how clean the building is overall and 67 per cent of employees say that they are more likely to complain about a restroom than any other aspect of their office1.

With cleanliness and hygiene being top priorities, here are a few tips to ensure your facility is held to the highest standard.

CLEAN, THEN DISINFECT

For most dirty surfaces, wiping down with a disinfectant will not be enough to ensure true cleanliness. These surfaces must be cleaned first with a detergent or soap,

1. June 2022 Behaviorally - Qualitative and quantitative office segment research with 600+ respondents in North America and Europe 2. Margas E. et al, J Applied Microbiol, 2013 3. 2021 Survey conducted by United Minds in cooperation with CINT in March 2021 4. https://www.tork.ca/en/torkcampaigns/safer-choice-to-airdryers 5. Tork Eco Office Survey US, 2022 Survey conducted by Tork 28 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / WINTER 2024

DRY YOUR HANDS THOROUGHLY WITH A SINGLE-USE PAPER TOWEL

Did you know that paper towels are more hygienic than hand air dryers?

Compared to paper hand towels, jet air dryers spread 10 times more bacteria through airborne droplets2, increasing the risk of bacteria spread. Research shows that 62 per cent3, of users stop drying their hands before they are completely dry as air dryers take too long, increasing the risk of the spread of bacteria4. In fact, when asked, 67 per cent of people agreed that they wished more facilities offered paper towels as an alternative to air dryers4. Compared to hand air dryers, paper towels also offer

/ best practices / more versatility. From drying hands to blowing your nose or touching up makeup, as well as using them to avoid touching other surfaces in restrooms such as the door or to turn off faucets, employees and guests appreciate having access to paper towels.

BE DILIGENT WITH HIGH-TOUCH SURFACES

There are several high-touch surfaces that may be overlooked in a facility and are prone to facilitating the spread of bacteria. The following surfaces should be disinfected at least once a day: • • • • • • • • • • •

Tables, seating, and benches Doorknobs, handles, and locker doors Light switches Toilets, faucets, and sinks Machine controls and equipment panels Workstations, desks, and chairs Keyboards and computer mice Printers and telephones Vending machines Elevator buttons Shared tools or equipment

products have the endorsement of trusted third-party certifications. When you see product certifications like FSC®, Green SealTM, ECOLOGO, or supplier ratings like Ecovadis, you know the product or supplier meets high environmental standards throughout its supply chain.

Product dispensers are also evolving to keep sustainability at the forefront.

Recently launched carbon-neutral certified dispensers not only increase hygiene but also reduce our impact on our planet by using durable materials and enabling consumption reduction of up to 50 per cent. As well, these certified carbon-neutral dispensers use certified renewable energy and offset carbon emissions through investments in verified credits from climate projects.

When considering the cleaning products you buy for your facility, also consider

the after-use and circularity. Circularity has a key role to play in the push towards zero waste. The linear process that ends in landfills or incineration has defined so much of our economic activity. A more circular economy opens the door for more reuse and to leverage waste as a resource.

Circularity needs to be considered, along with new strategies providing after-use solutions such as commercial composting or take-back systems.

It is clear that every decision counts for facilities looking to become more sustainable, and the products you buy to support your organization, from office equipment to cleaning supplies, are important inputs to your environmental impact. Making simple changes like these to your cleaning practices can be a great place to start for facility managers to both increase sustainability and improve employee satisfaction. /

Rachel Olsavicky serves as the Regional Marketing Manager for Commercial and Public Interest at Essity Professional Hygiene. For the last four years, Rachel has dedicated her expertise to the Tork brand by bringing a comprehensive understanding of the market dynamics in these sectors.

TURNING CLEANING PRACTICES INTO SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES

Now that we’ve ensured that our cleaning practices are thorough, we must consider how to make them more sustainable.

We know that sustainability is growing quickly as a priority for employees.

Our research has found that as people return to the office, they have higher expectations of sustainability, with 75 per cent of respondents wanting to see a more environmentally friendly office, and 56 per cent thinking their employer could be doing more to turn the office into an eco-friendly place5. When it comes to integrating more sustainable practices, a few small adjustments can make a big impact.

For example, facility managers should consider responsible sourcing. In recent years, businesses have made considerable improvements to their traceability in supply chains. Many companies have integrated environmental and social requirements into their supplier standards and sourcing programs. However, the complexity of the supply chain can make it hard for companies to know exactly where goods have come from. Simplify responsible sourcing with suppliers whose

S U B S C R I B E

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/ clean matters /

PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE ISSA’s 2023 year-in-review and 2024 preview

by Tanja Nowotny

T

he Rethink What Clean Means campaign may have been launched in late 2022, but the sentiment of re-evaluating true cleanliness and emphasizing the importance of cleaning for health continued to spill over well into 2023.

Since the pandemic, the industry in Canada continued to witness a great deal of change; some may even call it evolution! For some companies, the renewed focus on cleaning and disinfection resulted in business growth and profit wins. But for others, the shift to work-at-home business models and resulting vacant commercial spaces coupled with closures and acquisitions, posed challenges that were simply too much to bear.

For ISSA Canada, 2023’s focus was to support all members: those who were succeeding and those who were struggling. It was a year to reconnect and learn from the hard-working and dedicated individuals who keep the wheels of this industry rolling.

Perhaps one of the hardest-hit sectors over the years has been wholesale distribution. Faced with an ever-shrinking marketplace coupled with challenging supply chain anomalies, ISSA Canada had a mission to focus on the importance of this sector to the overall health of the cleaning industry in Canada.

Based on the success of its Building Service Contractor Council in creating a focus on the end-user and opening a solid channel of communication between the association and the sector, ISSA Canada felt the creation of a Canadian Distributor Council could achieve the same success.

Chaired by Tom Fournier, owner of Shade’s Mills Group Ltd., the new council brought together eight representatives from a cross-section of national and regional Canadian wholesale distributors to provide ISSA Canada with valuable insight into the pain points felt by the sector.

Having met three times since May 2023 — and aiming to meet quarterly moving forward — the mission of the council is to increase the presence and overall perception of the value distribution brings to the sanitary supply industry, and help ISSA Canada strengthen its role within that sector. To facilitate the council’s mission, a new landing page was created on the ISSA Canada website to provide resources to further support the members who formed the solid foundation on which the association is built.

When it comes to supporting female leaders in the industry, ISSA Canada continued to promote the ISSA Hygieia Network, a signature ISSA charity. Formed last spring, we were excited to see the ISSA Hygieia Network Canada Region online LinkedIn community blossom from 120 members in its infancy to the hardy 205-plus members it boasts today. Additionally, the ISSA Hygieia Network Breakfast and Panel Discussion, which kicked off ISSA Show Canada on June 14, continued to attract large numbers, interested to hear how some of our lady leaders and male allies have overcome the challenges and succeeded within the industry.

Recognition of those members who dedicate themselves to the mission of protecting people and the planet through green and sustainable initiatives was also a tradition ISSA Canada continued in 2023. In fact, ISSA Canada was pleased to present two Environmental Stewardship Awards to Bouygues Energies & Services and Charlotte Products Ltd. for their dedication to environmental practices and commitment to the value of clean.

Never one to rest on its laurels, ISSA Canada is looking forward to continuing to support its membership in 2024. With a heavy focus on providing tools and resources to succeed, ISSA Canada is looking forward to rolling out a robust calendar of educational programs across the country. Additionally, the association is extremely excited to be hosting an ISSA Hygieia Networking & Leadership Conference at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel Mississauga Meadowvale, in Mississauga, ON, on April 25. And, if that’s not enough, mark your calendars for Tuesday, November 19, when Canada Night makes its return to ISSA Show North America 2024, taking place November 18 to 21 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV.

30 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / WINTER 2024

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