INCLEAN January-February 2019

DELIVERING SUSTAINABLE HYGIENE INFORMATION

www.incleanmag.com.au

Volume 32 Issue 1 January/February 2019

Cleaning Technology · Municipal Technology

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Volume 32 Issue 1 January/February 2019

Contents 06

Industry

08

Contracting

20

Technology

22

Distribution

24

Carpet & Restoration

Events Calendar 2019 The Cleaning Show

p18

March 19-21 The Cleaning Show is the UK’s major event for the cleaning and hygiene sector. www.cleaningshow.co.uk

Australasian Restoration Industry Conference June 12-14 The RIA will hold its annual Australasian Restoration Industry Conference at Novotel Twin Waters, Sunshine Coast. www.restorationindustry.org

p22

CMS September 24-27 CMS is an international trade fair for cleaning systems,

CMS World Summit 2019 September 25 - 26 Taking place parallel to CMS Berlin 2019, the CMS World Summit will gather leading minds from the cleaning industry in Berlin. www.cms-berlin.de/en

ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo Australia October 23-24 The third ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo will be held in Melbourne. www.issacleaninghygieneexpo.com

Waste Expo October 23-24 The premier event for the waste and resource recovery industry will be co-located with the ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo. www.wasteexpoaustralia.com.au

p38

28

International

30

Management

40

Marketing

48

Products

ISSA North America November 18-21 Las Vegas is the host city for the 2019 ISSA North American ISSA convention. www.issa.com

www.incleanmag.com.au 3

EDITOR’S LETTER

As the first issue for 2019, the overarching theme of this edition is the future. Every industry is facing rapid change – whether in the form of new technology, changing social expectations or business practices – and the cleaning and hygiene industry is no different. Many articles in this edition look at what’s shaping the future of the sector – from multiple business perspectives including technology, safety and employment regulations – and what is still to come.

A significant change at the end of last year was the introduction of Australia’s first Modern Slavery Act. Under the new laws, large businesses operating in Australia with an annual turnover of more than $100 million will be required to report on the risks of modern slavery in their supply chains, both domestically and internationally.

While Australia may have fewer instances of modern slavery than developing countries, it is still a factor in our products and services. In this issue, GECA provides a snapshot of modern slavery and discusses why a certification for ‘modern slaveryfree’ in the future could help combat modern slaveery.

On the topic of technology, Freshops’ Mark Jones provides his digital tips for 2019, Rubbermaid’s Warren Burke shares his predictions of the future in the cleaning and environmental management sector, and Dr Denis Boulias looks at how drones may soon play a role in the future of cleaning safety. From a HR standpoint Workforce Guardian’s Charles Watson examines four workplace issues that should be addressed by your business in 2019, including casual worker conversion, family and domestic violence leave and flexibility entitlements.

This issue also features a wrap-up of OCS Australia and New Zealand’s inaugural trans-Tasman conference, which centred on the theme of ‘building for the future’.

Held in Nelson, at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, attendees were not only given insights into OCS’ 2019 business strategy, but also heard from a vast array of thought leaders and industry experts. Read some of key learnings and business takeaways from the three-day event on page 14.

Another highlight of this issue is the RapidClean Conference – where Australian and NZ members and suppliers were in attendance for the first time together. Read our coverage of the event, including this year’s member and supplier award winners, on page 22.

Happy reading!

Claire Hibbit Managing Editor

March/April INCLEAN 2019

NEXT ISSUE

Focus: Training Investing in people is crucial for business growth and success however the recruitment and retention of staff remains a huge challenge in the commercial cleaning industry. Keeping staff up to date with the latest industry practices and standards is vital, but so too is creating a culture of engagement and providing career pathways. In the March/April issue of INCLEAN we look at the issues surrounding recruitment and retention and what can be done to make the commercial cleaning and hygiene sector an industry of choice.

Published: 4 March, 2019 Editorial deadline: 11 January, 2019 Advertising booking deadline: 7 February, 2019 Advertising material deadline: 12 February, 2019

4 INCLEAN January/February 2019

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INDUSTRY

Asaleo Care sells tissue business to Solaris Paper for $180m Asaleo Care has sold its Australian consumer tissue business to Solaris Paper for $180 million.

The business includes Sorbent toilet and facial tissue, Handee Ultra paper towel, and Deeko serviettes and disposable tableware. The company will retain its consumer tissue business in New Zealand, including Purex toilet tissue, Sorbent toilet and facial tissue and Handee towel.

It will also retain its consumer tissue business in Fiji and Pacific Islands, which distributes the Orchid and Viti brands for toilet, towel and facial tissue, and serviettes.

Asaleo Care CEO and managing director, Sid Takla, said: “The objectives of the strategic review were firstly, to drive profitable growth through our brands by being more consumer and customer focused and second, to build a resilient business model that delivers sustainable, long-term growth. We believe this transaction delivers on both objectives. The core personal care and B2B brands and businesses offer higher margins, stronger sales growth and less volatile returns.”

Solaris Paper, ANZ CEO, Paul Tonkin said: “Solaris Paper’s advanced converting processes and deep vertical integration are an ideal match for the strong market position that Asaleo Care brands have built and maintained in Australia. We expect this deal will create considerable commercial synergies, allowing us to deliver quality products our customers have come to expect, with greater efficiency and reliability.”

Read the full story at www.incleanmag.com.au

6 INCLEAN January/February 2019

INCLEAN launches new and improved website and e-newsletter INCLEAN is proud to announce the launch of its new website. The redesigned platform boasts an improved, contemporary and responsive design across all devices, shortlist function and an enhanced search and related articles function.

The website also showcases the publication’s in-depth features and expanding stable of industry contributors.In addition to the revamped look, users will experience simplified navigation, as well as more interaction and multi-media capabilities for audio, video or photo galleries.

“We are pleased to announce the redesigned platform that vividly displays our journalism and commentary,” Simon Cooper, publisher of INCLEAN and managing director of Interpoint Events, a division of the Intermedia Group, said.

“The media landscape is constantly changing, therefore we at INCLEAN need to evolve to provide new advertising opportunities and keep engaged with the commercial cleaning community,” he said.

“The new website highlights the best ways to present product information, news and long form articles and analysis.”

Coinciding with the new website is INCLEAN’s redesigned digital newsletter, which will increase its frequency from fortnightly to weekly from Thursday 17 January 2019.

INCLEAN NZ has also been redesigned with its e-newsletter to increase from monthly to fortnightly from Thursday 17 January 2019.

FMA releases good practice guide on waste management The Facility Management Association (FMA) has released a Good Practice Guide on Waste Management, which the association says will provide key stakeholders with detailed, objective and independent advice on managing waste within buildings.

The guide was developed by the FMA with support from Knight Facilities Management Australia, Scentre Group, Veolia Environmental Solutions, Sustainability Victoria, the National Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) and the FMA Victoria Branch.

It has been designed to give facilities management professionals the tools to assess their current outcomes, develop and implement waste mitigation measures, and evaluate the costs and benefits of waste management initiatives.

FMA CEO Nicholas Burt believes the good practice guide will deliver wide-ranging benefits to facility managers and the wider community.

“Poorly managed waste has a huge impact on our health, economy, and local and global environments. This guide will help FM professionals improve their waste management practices, leading to more sustainable outcomes across the industry.”

Some of the specific benefits which the guide aims to deliver include: Reduced waste in landfill through improved processes for waste minimisation; segregation and collection; reduced levels of carbon emissions generated through waste and reduced costs for waste management through good practices and increased demand for sustainable services.

INDUSTRY

Senate passes Modern Slavery Act

John Johnston at the Adelaide Arcade store opening

Vale John Johnston, Godfreys 100-year-old owner John Johnston, the co-founder of Australian vacuum cleaner retailer Godfreys, passed away at the age of 100 on 29 November 2018.

Johnston turned 100 in July 2018, just weeks after he and his family completed the successful takeover of the then publiclylisted Godfreys, returning it to private ownership.

In October 2018, Johnston opened a new store in the Adelaide Arcade, just metres from where he opened the first Godfreys outlet in Adelaide in 1939.

Johnston also made the first sale at the new Adelaide Arcade store.

Godfreys chief executive officer, John Hardy, said it was a very sad day for the company, which currently has more than 220 stores across Australia and New Zealand and around 460 employees.

“Mr Johnston has been actively involved in Godfreys since he joined Godfrey Cohen, as a partner in 1936 when they had one store in Melbourne,” he said.

“Mr Johnston moved to Adelaide shortly afterwards and was the driving force behind the company’s growth into a national retail chain.

“He retained a close relationship with the company and this year led the action to buy back the company to ensure its longterm survival.”

Hardy said the ownership of Godfreys would remain with the family and the company would continue to operate as normal.

“Mr Johnston was an outstanding businessman with an incredible vision, unrelenting drive and with an eye for the future,” Hardy said.

“One of the reasons he bought back Godfreys this year was because he could see a great long-term future for the business under private ownership.”

Johnston was also a world-renowned big game fisherman. In 2002 he was inducted into the Florida-based International Game Fishing Association Hall of Fame. He remains the only man to have caught four different species of fish each weighing over 1000 pounds.

Johnston is survived by his daughter Jane.

Large companies with annual turnover of more than $100 million will be required to report on slavery risks in their supply chains after amendments to the Modern Slavery Act were passed by the Senate.

Under the new laws, large businesses operating in Australia will be required to report on the risks of modern slavery in their supply chains, both domestically and internationally.

The Bill is modelled on the UK Modern Slavery Act and will apply to all businesses with an annual turnover of more than $100 million.

The responsible minister will also have additional powers to request an explanation from entities that fail to report or comply, to ask for remedial action and to publish information about failed compliance.

There will also be an annual report to the parliament on the level of compliance with the Act, and the government has confirmed that a list will be created of the entities that need to report.

While the Bill has been welcomed by advocacy groups, there are still calls for the appointment of an independent anti-slavery commissioner and penalties for non-compliance.

Modern slavery practices include people trafficking, forced labour, debt bondage and forced marriage.

More than 40 million people worldwide are believed to be victims of modern slavery, including 4300 Australians. It is understood the legislation will affect around 3000 businesses.

The Bill will now be returned to the House of Representatives where it is expected to be passed into law shortly.

Read the full story at www.incleanmag.com.au

www.incleanmag.com.au 7

CONTRACTING

Industry veteran bows out on a high On a gala night in Brisbane, the best of the best in the Queensland cleaning industry has been recognised.

Cameron Cooper reports.

Cleaning industry veteran Lindsey Burgoyne stole the show at the 2018 BSCAA Queensland AustralianSuper Excellence Awards, winning special recognition for her services to the sector.

The founder and principal of Lindsey’s Cleaning Supplies, which has distributed cleaning chemicals, cleaning equipment and janitorial supplies for decades, has recently retired and sold her business. It started as a back-yard business and quickly found a strong market, later operating from Lindsey’s Bowen Hills premises in Brisbane.

“This industry’s in my blood and it probably always will be,” Burgoyne told a crowd of about 150 people in Brisbane at the Victoria Park Golf Club on a night when more than 53 nominees competed for industry recognition.

A long-time contributor to industry associations, Burgoyne also acknowledged her business partner, Ruth Allnutt, for her support and noted that they would now have a lot more free time for fun and travel.

“She’s been with me all the way through and we’ve remained best friends.” In terms of keys to the business’s success, Burgoyne says she simply “learnt what my customers were doing so I could be knowledgeable and help”.

The BSCAA awards set the standard for cleaning services in Queensland. With former AFL star Richard Champion, who has recently invested in a cleaning business, taking on the role as MC, the awards evening at Victoria Park underlined the gains the industry has made in recent years.

2018 BSCAA Queensland winners Photo credit: Annie Kuzovina

More members attended the event than ever before and the function was held in an impressive terrace ballroom, signalling the intention of the BSCAA to continually upgrade the event.

The awards acknowledge the outstanding contributions and achievements of employers and employees in contract cleaning and security.

BSCAA Queensland president Kim Puxty commented that the high number of award submissions was a reflection of the strength of cleaning industry participants in Queensland.

“It is evident that our staff are highly valued and that we all strive to make sure our businesses keep growing and continuing to be better and better every year,” she told attendees.

“I would like to congratulate each and every one of these finalists because you have achieved something remarkable

Congratulations to the winners Outstanding Individual Employee – South East Queensland: Sujan Thappa (Bayton Property Services)

Recognition of an Outstanding Innovator: Ian Gardiner (CMBM Facility Services CQ)

Supplier Award – Recognition of an Outstanding Industry Supplier: Agar Cleaning Supplies

Outstanding Individual Employee –Regional: Tina Draney (Town and Country Cleaning)

Environmental Sustainability Awards – Excellence Award – Company: City Property Services

Company Awards – Outstanding Owner/ Operator in the Cleaning Industry 0-10 employees: Janz Services

Outstanding Support Personnel in the Industry – 0-50 Employees: Clara Reyes (James Commercial Services)

Environmental Sustainability Awards – Excellence Award – Individual: Carl Paix (Abelia)

Company Awards – Outstanding Company in the Cleaning Industry – Queensland: Sharman Property Services

Outstanding Support Personnel – 51+ Employees: Savannah Murphy (CMBM Facility Services, CQ)

Most Valuable Cleaning Team – South East Queensland: St Benedicts College and Harcourts Team (James Commercial Services); Chintaka Malinga; Janith ChaturangaRupasinghe; Yashara Gunawardana; Shalini Dewage

Long Service Award – Recognition of Service – Outstanding Individual Contribution to the Industry: Milica Lukic (Bayton Property Services)

Leading Hand/Supervisor Award: Robyn Knewstuff-Brown (Bayton Property Services) Operations Manager Award: Cam Johnson (CMBM Facility Services CQ) Manager Award: Amanda Kratzke (Pickwick Group) 8 INCLEAN January/February 2019

Most Valuable Cleaning Team – Cleaning Industry Regional Queensland: Mayall Medical Practice Team (Town and Country Cleaning Team); Catherine DeVries; BeBe Antoza; Sandra Radke

Long Service Award – Special Commendation: Shane Brooks (CMBM Facility Services CQ) and Christine Phillips (Town and Country Cleaning)

CONTRACTING

and we are all here tonight to acknowledge you and recognise that achievement.”

Nominees had to achieve outstanding success in a professional capacity, show leadership and management excellence in the industry, their professional development and outline details about their outstanding commitment to work.

For company nominations, the emphasis is on training culture and best practices for their employees, best environmental practices and innovative ideas that improved results in the workplace.

Puxty also praised the BSCAA board members for their commitment to the industry during the past 12 months, including brain-storming new ideas, creating effective solutions for key industry issues and improving on the delivery of services for members.

John Simpson, account/stakeholder manager from AustralianSuper Queensland, was one of the judges and presented awards on the night. He praised the sector for its culture of care for staff, a trait that became clear as he sifted through the nominations.

This year, a new award category was added to the list for the Most Valuable Cleaning Team, with the focus being on how the team is valued, either by its co-workers, employer or client.

All winners receive a framed certificate of their award and an USB with an email footer showing their award won. Individual winners also receive a $50 gift voucher. www.bscaa.com/qld/

Most Valuable Cleaning Team – SE Queensland: St Benedicts College and Harcourts Team (James Commercial Services) Photo credit: Annie Kuzovina

Most Valuable Cleaning Team –Regional: Mayall Medical Practice Team (Town and Country Cleaning Team) Photo credit: Annie Kuzovina

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CONTRACTING

BSCAA NSW Excellence Award winners named The 2018 BSCAA NSW AustralianSuper Excellence Awards were held on Friday 16 November at Dockside Darling Harbour, Sydney.

The awards, attended by 140 people from BSCAA members, suppliers, sponsors and nominees, are designed to acknowledge the contribution and achievements of employers and employees in contract cleaning and security and showcase individuals and employee focused companies. “We had a high number of entries and the standard of the nominees was higher than in previous years,� BSCAA NSW president Debbie Delimitros said.

Australian television personality and star of the Ajax Sprayn-Wipe TV commercials, Paula Duncan returned to the awards ceremony this year as MC. Among the highlights, VDG Services took out Company of the Year, sponsored by Agar Cleaning Systems, for the second consecutive year and Abdullah Mamun from Solutions Property Service was awarded the Hako Young Manager of the Year Award, winning a trip to Interclean Amsterdam 2020.

Event sponsors included AustralianSuper, Agar Cleaning Systems, Hako Australia, CRM Brokers, iCare and Nova Employment.

BSCAA NSW Excellence Award winners and finalists

Congratulations to the award winners: Individual Awards Excellence in Maintenance of a Commercial Site: Arjun Khadka, (Quad Services) Excellence in Maintenance of a Retail Site: Marcia Kinnias (Solutions Property Service) Excellence in Maintenance of an Educational Facility: Neerat Samrongruk (Eternal Cleaning Services) Excellence in Maintenance of an Industrial Site: Daniela Petrovska (Quad Services)

BSCAA NSW Excellence Award winners and finalists

Supervisor Awards Excellence in Maintenance of a Commercial Site: Paul Scott (Quad Services) Excellence in Maintenance of a Retail Site: Rick Grima (Assetlink) Excellence in Maintenance of an Educational Facility: Dipesh Karmacharya (GJK Facility Services) Excellence in Maintenance of an Industrial Site: Vesna Panovska (Quad Services)

Winners and finalists from Quad Services

Sponsor Awards icare Health, Safety & Wellbeing Award: Gopal Shrestha (Eternal Cleaning Services) CRM Brokers Client Services Manager Award: Amir Beshai (VDG Services) Agar Company of the Year Award: VDG Services Hako Young Manager of the Year Award: Abdullah Mamun (Solutions Property Service) www.bscaa.com/nsw/ Excellence in maintenance of a commercial site finalists

10 INCLEAN January/February 2019

CONTRACTING

BSCAA Victoria hosts end of the year celebration BSCAA Victoria celebrated the end of 2018 with colleagues, customers, and suppliers at a networking event at All Smiles Dockland.

Presenters during the event included BSCAA Victoria president Joe Kaplan, BSCAA national president George Stamas, AustralianSuper’s Stephen Collins and former AFL player Jake King. Attendees also heard from 2017 Young Manager of the Year Tamara Taylor from The Bendigo Cleaning Company.

Suppliers in attendance included AustralianSuper, Agar Cleaning Systems, Kaplan Group, and Aussie Road Trippers.

As the formal part of the evening wrapped up, attendees enjoyed networking drinks, with hampers also presented to Agar Cleaning Systems, Aussie Road Trippers, and Kaplan Group. www.bscaa.com/vic/

From left: Shannon Smith and Peter Unicomb

From left: Tim Scherer and Marissa Goss From left: Joe Kaplan, Noel Josiane and Steve Agar From left: Vito Amore and Rahim Zulfiqar

From left: Stephen Collins, George Stamas and Darren Hawthorne

12 INCLEAN January/February 2019

n

as and Joe Kapla

s, George Stam

hen Collin From left: Step

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CONTRACTING Branch of the Year: Northland

r – NZ Central Region

Business Unit of the Yea

Building for the future The spotlight was on staff, service and sustainability at the inaugural OCS ANZ conference, which brought together team members and suppliers from Australia and New Zealand for the first time. Claire Hibbit reports.

The inaugural OCS ANZ conference marked the first time the event hosted both Australian and New Zealand delegates following the integration of the two businesses last year.

Held in Nelson at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, the conference ran over two and a half days, and included addresses from leaders and representatives from the business in Australia and New Zealand, as well as attendees from Asia and the United Kingdom.

A number of keynote speakers also took to the podium, including former New Zealand prime minister Sir Bill English, influential New Zealand businessman and previous Air New Zealand CEO Rob Fyfe, and motivational speaker Catherine DeVrye.

The event, which centred on the theme ‘Building for the Future’, provided team members and suppliers extensive business insights and valuable networking opportunities.

“This year has been a challenge but it has also been an important year for the 5,200+ people across Australia and New Zealand,” said Gareth Marriott, who was appointed to the newly created role of managing director for Australia and New Zealand in January 2018, told attendees.

In New Zealand, OCS is the largest hygiene, facilities management and cleaning company, employing more than 4200 staff. OCS NZ has more than 1200 clients across 3300 sites, with its key sectors including aviation, government, healthcare, aged care, education, retail and commercial.

In Australia the company has more than 1000 staff working across Sydney, Queensland, Victoria and WA at more than 200 offices, shops, warehouses and airports.

Supplier of the Year – Support: Realtech

14 INCLEAN January/February 2019

There were a number of recurring key themes across the three days, including simple strategy, storytelling and strong relationships, but for Marriott the overwhelming message from the conference was one focused on people.

“The strengths of our business are our people, branch network, our sense of community and our desire to be successful,” Marriott said, adding recruitment and retention of frontline employees is a top priority for the facilities services company.

OCS’s general manager HR Maria Steel stressed the importance of creating a culture of engagement and providing career pathways.

“Engagement is about making sure our people are committed to their work and that they are achieving what they need to,” Steel said.

“A challenge for us is that we are providing challenging and rewarding career paths for our people so that they do want to remain with us for the long haul.”

Sir Bill English said being an attractive employer is vital in today’s business world.

“The biggest challenge in New Zealand and Australia is the fact that we’re in such a tight employment market, [so] becoming an attractive and favourite employer is absolutely vital in this day and age.”

From a technology perspective, Hamish Matheson, region president – Oceania, Kärcher Australia, said the development of automated technology will aid and upskill frontline staff.

“What we see happening is not the ‘robot’ taking the jobs of [frontline staff] but working alongside the existing workforce.

This will enable our labour force to be more productive and be upskilled to do other jobs,” Matheson said.

“The most important thing I have learnt as a leader throughout my career is that leadership is not about knowing all the answers. Leadership is knowing the right questions to ask.

“You’re surrounded by the answers. Your frontline team members are the people that know what is really going on out there. They’re the ones making the difference. Your challenge as a leader is to ask the questions, draw out those insights and then figure out how to harness those insights and perspectives to improve your business and create a far superior service.

“Ultimately, it is all about creating deep and meaningful relationships with your customers. To do that you need to understand your customers better than your competitors do, and that will always be the key to your success.”

Motivational speaker and former Australian Businesswoman

CONTRACTING

of the Year Catherine DeVrye spoke of taking a holistic approach to service.

“Service is not about Year – ANZ Support Person of the Hudson, being subservient, it’s Finance Team and Deb Manager, NZ about being useful. We Capability & Compliance ners) Central Region (joint win can all be of service to our customers, our team, community and country. People will forget the price but remember the service.

“Price might be a factor to the initial negotiations but price is not the only factor. Research shows if you give great service you can charge 9 to 10 per cent more for the same service, you grow faster than your competition and you gain up to 6 per cent market share.”

On the topic of sustainability – a key theme of the event – Sustainable Business Council executive director Abbie Reynolds said sustainable decision making requires forward thinking.

“Sustainability conceptually is easy to agree with; it’s making it real on the ground that can be challenging. It requires people to think about making decisions in different ways and often requires courage.”

From a global standpoint, OCS Asia Pacific CEO Gilles Mahe said the group’s main objective is to have sustainable growth across all aspects of the business.

“Sustainability has to be in everything we do. In solutions, the management of our people, new customers – it’s about being sustainable.

“We are a family-owned company so it means we are agile and can act very quickly. In today’s world it is very important to be fast. Also, being a family-owned company, we’re good at listening to our customers and building relationships with our customers.

Those two strengths will help us grow in the coming year.”

The conference concluded with OCS’ annual gala awards night, where team members and suppliers were recognised.

“I’m so proud of this team and what has been achieved in 2018. I am really excited for what 2019 is going to look like,” Marriott said.

“Without our team members, 4200 in New Zealand and 1000 in Australia, we would not be the company that we are.”

The highly coveted OCS’er of the Year was awarded to Wellingtonbased operations manager Emma Wildon.

Supplier awards included Supplier of the Year – Operational, won

by Proquip, and Supplier of the Year – Support, given to software provider Realtech.

Congratulations to all the winners: • Support Person of the Year – ANZ Finance Team and Deb Hudson, Capability & Compliance Manager, NZ Central Region (joint winners) • Operations Person of the Year and OCS’er of the Year – Emma Wildon, Operations Manager, Wellington • Revenue Growth Award: Individual – Rosie Pratarelli, Midcity • Health & Safety Branch of the Year – Waikato • Branch of the Year – Northland • Business Unit of the Year – NZ Central Region • Supplier of the Year – Operational – Proquip • Supplier of the Year – Support – Realtech INCLEAN attended the 2018 OCS ANZ Conference as a guest of OCS Australia and New Zealand

Supplier of th

e Year – Opera tional: Proquip

Revenue Growth Award: Individual – Rosie Pratarelli, Midcity

Networking event at Founders Park, Nelson

From left: Gareth Marriot and Emma Wildon (OCS’er Operations Person of the Year)

“The strengths of our business are our people, branch network, our sense of community and our desire to be successful.”

Health & Safety Branch of the Year – Waikato

www.ocs.com/nz/ www.incleanmag.com.au 15

CONTRACTING

New business division for Zippy Cleaning South Australia-based Zippy Cleaning & Maintenance Services has launched a new business division, Zippy Indigenous Facilities Services (ZIFS) in partnership with the David Liddiard Group.

Zippy, which began operation in 1985, has more than 750 sites across South Australia and the Northern Territory. Zippy entered the Northern Territory nine years ago, which today makes up around 15 per cent of total business.

The family-owned commercial and industrial cleaning business recently won its largest ever contract with Council Solutions, a regional subsidiary that undertakes collaborative procurement, contract negotiation and management on behalf of its constituent councils: Adelaide City Council and the Cities of Charles Sturt, Marion, Onkaparinga, Mount Barker and Burnside.

ZIFS, officially launched in July 2018 alongside the release of Zippy’s Reflect RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan), is majority owned by David Liddiard.

Zippy and ZIFS general general manager David Johnson said the launch of ZIFS forms part of the company’s core values: Respect, Innovation, Community and Commitment.

“Three years ago we decided we needed to have a point of difference, so we started to focus on our environmental footprint and chemical-free cleaning.

During that time we became the first South Australian cleaning business to attain the GECA 37-2008 accreditation.

We have also been ISO9001 and ISO14001 accredited since 2008,” Johnson explained.

“However, 18 months ago we started to look at how we could broaden the community aspect of our core set of business values.

We work with SCOSA [Spastic Centres of South Australia] and other mainstream charities, but we hadn’t done much work with Indigenous communities and we wanted to try and improve that,” Johnson said.

“We also have quite a lot of sites in regional areas throughout SA and NT, where there are Indigenous communities so we wanted to provide opportunity for people living in those areas to gain employment.”

18 INCLEAN January/February 2019

Zippy employs all its own staff, with around 450 part time cleaners across South Australia and NT. In South Australia Zippy’s target markets include state, federal and local government retail, healthcare, aged care, private education and commercial offices, while in Darwin the focus is largely on state government.

According to Johnson, ZIFS will target the same sectors as its sister company.

“We see a lot of growth in the government sector in both state and federal.”

Zippy is also a member of Supply Nation, with ZIFS currently working towards certification, which Johnson anticipates will be attained in the next three months.

Zippy currently offers a range of cleaning services including window cleaning, carpet cleaning, hard floor surfaces and treatments, waste management and, hygiene services.

The company recently launched five vans in South Australia which Johnson describes as “fast response” vehicles for emergency cleaning. Looking ahead, Johnson says the next step for ZIFS is to secure its first contract, while for Zippy the focus is on its current clients.

“We don’t have any great ambition to expand interstate into New South Wales or Victoria. If the opportunity presented itself to go national we would consider it but we are very protective of our brand. We don’t want to forsake the brand purely for more money. If we did it, it would be done properly and in keeping in-line with our values.

“We have the foundations laid and now it’s really about taking ZIFS to the next level as well as keeping the clients we already have are professionally serviced.” www.zippyclean.com.au www.zippyifs.com.au

TECHNOLOGY

Managing customer expectations in 2019 FreshOps director Mark Jones shares his digital tips for the year ahead.

Compared to other industries things are looking relatively stable for the commercial cleaning sector in 2019, but there are still many challenges that await.

One of the biggest is customer expectations. When customer expectations are not met contracts are lost, hurting cash flow, and in some cases can even lead to businesses closing shop.

Let’s look at a few things you can do using technology to avoid these customer demands rolling over you and your team in 2019.

Play to your strengths Small to mid: Much of our industry is made up of businesses which have between five and 30 employees. If this is you, you need to stand out from the pack. Using digital tools will help your business market, quote and record the commitment you make with your clients.

Through the use of these digital tools you can communicate this commitment to your staff. The same tools also allow your team to report to you and for you to report to your client (and vice versa). This effectively closes the gap on any expectations set and possibly missed, before they become an issue.

20 INCLEAN January/February 2019

Enterprise: The ‘top-four concentration’ is a measure of how much revenue the top four companies in an industry hold. In some sectors it can be well over 50 per cent. In the commercial cleaning industry is it understood to be around 10 per cent. This means these large players are under constant threat from a myriad of midsized players.

At this level the focus is on locking customers into contracts and enhancing their tender win/loss rates and negotiation.

Digital tools that are fast and efficient are essential to provide premier service at the top of the sales funnel and prove you have capacity for great service on the biggest jobs.

Franchise: Franchise groups are understood to hold just under 9 per cent of total industry revenue. Given the business-ina-box advantage, franchisees should look to marketing as their advantage. Improving your digital marketing skills and managing every touchpoint with customers helps individual operators stand out and win more than your fair share of work.

Micro and solo operators: Low barriers to entry do not equal low barriers to success. While we see businesses start very readily, we also see many businesses fail just as readily too. With

TECHNOLOGY

there is no process or technology to monitor what is happening out in the field.

All business owners must look to use digital scheduling and monitoring tools to allocate and report work to as well as enhance communication with staff and customers.

This will get you close enough to the work on the ground and avoid any surprise cancellations (not to mention knowing when you might want the odd serial pest to go somewhere else too!).

Good staffing delivers a great business From sole operators to multi-nationals, staffing is a very large portion of your cost base and improvements here can have one of the greatest impacts on your bottom line.

Yet too often the staffing conversation is on how to save money. Of course, you can’t be wasting money, but as the saying goes, “if you think good staff cost a lot of money, wait until you have bad staff!”

The ability to coach, nurture and retain good staff efficiently is essential. However, so too is how to tactfully and fairly move on staff who don’t want to perform to reasonable standards.

Technology can play a large role in providing objective, instant feedback on which staff are performing well – allowing you to encourage and reward good behaviour and intervene quickly where performance is lacking.

Mobile workforce applications can support your staff better and reduce friction for potential employees. This will provide your business access to the greatest pool of talent available and retain those team members that deliver reliability for you and your clients.

Technology aides communication Time and again we hear poor communication leads to lost contracts. Everything from what work needs to be done and when, to issues in the field not getting back to management to allow problems to be rectified.

The information revolution of the past decade is all about improved communication. If you are still relying on phone calls, email or text communication you are making it hard for yourself.

Field management software, messaging apps and work verification programs are all now digital and the leading companies in 2019 will be those that adopt them.

an industry flooded with small operators, to grow you simply must find reliability through strong processes.

The ability to cover shifts for occurrences such as illness or leave and operate at capacity is challenging. Some industry reports state customer turnover for many operators will exceed 50 per cent of revenue in a given year – typically due to their dependence on one or two major contracts they cannot afford to lose. Digital tools that manage your processes and deadlines ensures you won’t drop the ball and can grow with confidence.

Customers are not disloyal, you are I find the reported customer turnover rate of 50 per cent astounding. It is incredible any business should work hard on winning business to only then lose it due to poor delivery.

Customers don’t want to change. The customers we help via FreshOps are very clear – it is a hassle looking for a new cleaning provider and only change when forced to.

They change when the work is not meeting the initial expectation set. When that is a surprise to management, it means

FreshOps (www.getfreshops.com) is an Australian-made, mobile workforce application and management portal built for commercial cleaners. Questions or feedback welcome to mark@ freshops.com.au.

“Managing every touchpoint with customers helps individual operators stand out and win more than their fair share of work.” www.incleanmag.com.au 21

DISTRIBUTION

Strength in numbers

One year on from its entry into New Zealand, Rapid’s rise is showing no signs of slowing. Claire Hibbit reports.

The Rapid Group has celebrated its most successful year to date at its annual conference in Auckland, New Zealand.

The co-operative achieved 18.5 per cent growth for the 2017 financial year – marking eight consecutive years of double-digit growth.

Now in its 24th year, for the first time more than 150 members and suppliers from Australia and New Zealand came together in Auckland for the three-day conference, which offered members and suppliers the chance to interact, network and hear best practice ideas and insights.

Attendees were treated to a range of activities including a tour of Waiheke Island, as well as evenings at iconic city locations including Sky Tower, Blue Water Black Magic and The Maritime Museum.

This year’s conference format encouraged interaction and participation, with keynote presenter, motivational speaker and business growth consultant David Staughton, also participating in supplier meetings and member forums for the duration of the conference.

Rapid Group chairman and director of RapidClean Newcastle Stephen Makins said Auckland was selected as the host city of this year’s conference for its symbolic significance following Rapid’s entry into the New Zealand market in 2017.

“RapidClean is no longer a small group of regional members trying to get together to fight the big guys. We are now a national and trans-Tasman selling group. We’re in every meaningful economic area, geographical area and we are becoming a serious distributor for most of our preferred suppliers,” Makins said.

“2018 was the best year the Rapid Group has ever had in growth and financial success. We have a vision, a structured plan and a zest for success.”

22 INCLEAN January/February 2019

Bruce Lees, general manager of the Rapid Group, told attendees the co-operative “has been able to thrive in a flat market for over eight years”.

“Rapid has eight consecutive years of double-digit growth which is a remarkable run of success…and shows no sign of abating.

“We’re very pleased and proud, but of course there are always challenges and competitors and we need to work hard to maintain our success. However, it’s important to recognise the amazing results that have been generated by the members here.”

Over the past 12 months the group has added 11 New Zealand-based members including Otago Cleaning Supplies, Christchurch Cleaning Supplies, Specialist Cleaning Supplies, VJ Distributors, Counties Cleaning Supplies, Commercial Cleaning Repair, Cleancare Supplies, Cleanlink, Waikato Cleaning Supplies, Pack Centre NZ and CleantechNZ. The New Zealand network is led by recently appointed country manager Craig Newton.

“Even in the short tenure of one year, the NZ members are already very committed to the brand. The focus for me is to bring the supply channel and membership together,” Newton said.

At last year’s conference in South Australia, Lees outlined Rapid’s five-year plan, with the main goal to more than double turnover and purchases from preferred suppliers by 2022. Lees told delegates the group is tracking ahead of schedule since the plan was adopted last year.

“After one year on the plan we’re well ahead of schedule but there’s still a long way to go. The five-year plan is a 40-page document with a lot of detail about what we want to achieve and how we plan to achieve it. However, the most important page is the one that states our vision and mission because that defines who we want to be.

DISTRIBUTION

“Our vision is to be Australia and New Zealand’s dominant supply group embracing innovation, product knowledge and customer service,” Lees said.

In Australia, the Rapid Group has more than 55 members, with its footprint a mixture of RapidClean branded sites and independentlybranded sites. New Australian members over the past 12 months include EP Cleaning Supplies (Port Lincoln, South Australia); Never 2 Clean (Seven Hills, NSW) RapidClean North West WA (Broome, WA); Southern Cross Hygiene (Lismore, NSW) and WrapRite (Orange, NSW).

Two members in Adelaide and Hobart have also opened second stores.

“There’s strength in numbers so we will continue to look out for opportunities and build our footprint and customer service capabilities.”

Other achievements in 2017 include the redesign of its private label and paper products and the launch of a guest amenities range. Rapid is also gearing to launch Rapid Green – a new website dedicated to environmentally friendly products.

The conference concluded with Rapid’s annual gala awards night.

This year for the first time, NZ members and suppliers were also recognised.

NZ Supplier of the Year was awarded to Cottonsoft, while the inaugural Member of the Year was won by Waikato Cleaning Supplies.

Australian Supplier of the Year was awarded to E.D Oates.

Accepting the award, national sales manager Matthew Collins said the win was “an honour and privilege”. “The team is really committed to Rapid members and to continuous improvement,” Collins said.

Melbourne Cleaning Supplies was awarded Member of the Year.

Dieter Edelmaier thanked his team and the Rapid Group:“Thank you to everyone in the RapidClean team. This organisation has grown rapidly with enormous strength and has a fantastic footprint in the Australian cleaning industry.”

The Rapid Group’s annual Sharon Lees Morning Tea raised more than $3800 split between the Cancer Society NZ and Cancer Council. During the gala awards ceremony six charity auction items were sold, totalling more than $9000. Since 2014 the group has raised more than $25,000 for cancer research.

The 2019 RapidClean conference will be held in Sydney.

From left: Matthew Collins and Bruce Lees

From left: Dieter Edelmaier, Bruce Lees, Paul Simms, Pasquale DiVirgilio, Don Townsend and Rodney Macnamara

www.rapidclean.com.au www.incleanmag.com.au 23

CARPET & RESTORATION

Restoration Industry Association’s Ross Riek examines the contentious topic of methamphetamine decontamination and cleaning in Australia.

Meth cleaning on the rise Are we in an epidemic, or are we just catching more criminals?

Methamphetamine has been used worldwide for many years.

First synthesised in Germany in 1887 and later used to treat depression, decongestion and hay fever in the 1920’s, meth has been a common choice of drugs due to its accessibility and more importantly for our industry, ease to make at home.

Meth can be made using commonly found chemicals and materials and can be produced cheaply and quite easily, with recipes easily accessible online. This has also led to an alarming increase of the number of manufacturers. From a business sense, this can be both a highly profitable proposition and for a user it provides a cheap option to make your drug of choice at home.

Unfortunately this has devastating effects on our properties and it is most likely that the informed drug maker or ‘home’ meth cooker won’t be cooking in their own facility. The standard process is to rent a facility, cook until it becomes inhabitable (or they detect the risk of getting caught) then move to the next rented facility.

If you are a property investor, the possibility of spending thousands of dollars (as insurers generally do not cover meth lab losses) to strip the entire facility and rebuild, plus pay for the services of a cleaner or restorer to decontaminate the facility, is a scary possibility. For cleaners and restorers, it presents an opportunity to increase their business offerings to include meth cleaning and decontamination services.

The decontamination and cleaning process can be quite extensive as it may include stripping the facility of porous materials, ventilating the space and cleaning or fogging the

24 INCLEAN January/February 2019

facility with an Alkaline Detergent Solution (ADS). The most common cleaning chemical used is a sugar soap solution trisodium phosphate detergents.

The RIA has a number of local businesses take the opportunity to become professional meth lab cleaners, as it can be a profitable business avenue due to the nature of the cleaning, experience and training needed. However at times it can be a risky job. Booby traps are common around meth lab homes and although by the time we get the job, police investigators have already swept the areas, they sometimes miss these disguised homemade traps.

In one instance in Sydney, a purchaser came to the home unaware of the cleaning process in progress and found fully PPE suited up cleaners in the home with gas masks and white overalls. They panicked and found a hidden slug gun (undetected by police) and shot one of the cleaners in the leg!

One of the contentious areas of meth decontamination is the determination of when the by-products of these meth homes become dangerous to humans, and when we need to decontaminate the home.

There have been many changes over the years with testing guidelines, and now many countries have sophisticated guidelines and studies to determine when a home needs to be decontaminated.

In Australia, the remediation guidelines are expressed in terms of mass of target analyte (meth), per area of surface, .5 micrograms per one hundred square centimetres of surface.

At this stage there are no exposure limits for meth in the air, however, VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) will always be

CARPET & RESTORATION

an extreme risk due to the chemicals being used to cook, therefore ventilation needs to be a large part of the clean-up program.

As a professional cleaner, we do have testing guidelines for determining when and to what extent we need to go to in order to decontaminate the home and can alter the extent of our works to reflect the levels found.

“One of the contentious areas of meth decontamination is the determination of when the by-products of these meth homes become dangerous to humans.”

New Zealand insights New Zealand has been leading the way with meth lab cleaning, testing and decontamination processes due to the country’s high level of use. New Zealand is considered a world leader with its studies and testing programs, NZ-based RIA member Melissa Teesdale from Property Services Unlimited has provided the insight below into meth testing in NZ: “In NZ the legal standard around methamphetamine testing standards have been hotly debated. In May 2018, Housing NZ implemented the lower threshold having reportedly spent $100 million fixing meth-hit state homes in the last fours.

Following the report from Prime Minister chief science advisor Sir Peter Gluckman, NZS 8510 was set as the standard for testing and decontamination as good practice, however, as noted throughout the industry the inconsistency of what a safe level of contamination and procedures for testing and decontamination, has left a smear on the industry. According to Simon Fleming, a leading meth tester in NZ, the Residential Tenancy Amendment Bill will be broken down into two sections; NZQA Certified Sampler: This level of qualification means they can only conduct screening assessments. A higher IANZ qualification is required for detailed site investigations.

IANZ Accredited Sampling technicians: They will provide IANZ accredited laboratory, independent analysis of Samples. The IANZ accredited inspection body is able to provide a detailed assessment report for decontamination companies.”

As Fleming points out, this new standard, provides a lawful and legally enforceable way for landlords to protect their assets from methamphetamine contamination and damage. As they will have the power to enter their property in order to conduct

contamination testing. Insurance companies have been deeply troubled by the increasing number of claims.

Decontamination procedures Each meth decontamination works carried out are directly linked to the quality of the tester’s report, along with the client’s direct requests. Decontamination companies have a duty to carry out work against the current standards.

As a result of the increase in meth lab cleaning and decontamination requirements in Australia there has been an increase in companies integrating this form of cleaning into their business models. We are seeing more and more meth labs being uncovered by police in Australia and it’s our view this is only going to get worse.

Meth decontamination will be included at the 2019 RIA Australasian Restoration Conference held at the Novotel Twin Waters Resort on the Sunshine Coast on 12 to 14 June, 2019.

For more information visit: riaevents.com.au/

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www.incleanmag.com.au 25

CARPET & RESTORATION

Meth contamination: Responding to the risk Decon Systems Australia director Isaac Southwell explains how to manage risk associated with meth contamination.

When you hear stories about methamphetamine the focus is generally on the user and the impact this drug has on the human body and behaviours.

Over the past year we have seen a different perspective become more prominent through Australian media channels focusing on contaminated homes as a result of meth manufacture and smoke, and the impact it may have on occupants, landlords, property managers and insurers to name a few.

When meth is manufactured and smoked, vapours that are released into the atmosphere permeate porous surfaces and crystallise, creating a residue. The human body absorbs these residues if contact is made with the contaminated surface.

Dr Jackie Wright from Flinders University who has been involved in (and continues to do) exceptional research in this area states in her thesis: “Smoking methamphetamine is not the burning of methamphetamine, rather it is the heating of methamphetamine until it becomes an inhalable aerosol. The aerosols/residues that are produced and deposited during smoking of methamphetamine are considered to be the same as those produced during the manufacture of methamphetamine.”

26 INCLEAN January/February 2019

What this confirms is that in the event of meth use (through smoking) or manufacture within a property, there is a high likelihood of pure methamphetamine residue remaining on any surrounding surface, including carpets, sofas, walls and in ventilation systems.

The Australian Clandestine Drug Laboratory Remediation Guidelines states that “the presence of methamphetamine on inside surfaces at a level of greater than 0.5 micrograms per 100 square centimetres is considered unacceptable”.

Laboratories analysing samples collected throughout the country are regularly reporting levels over the accepted 0.5 micrograms per 100 square centimetres. One testing company recently stated that of the 342 homes they had tested over a six month period in South Australia, 54 per cent returned a positive reading. This statistic is not surprising given Australians are the biggest meth users per capita in the western world.

There is an absence of an Australian guideline specific to user sites and further direction (including a national standard) is required by the appropriate authorities to clarify how these are to be managed.

If, however residue from smoking is considered the same as residue from manufacturing, an addition to the current guidelines must

CARPET & RESTORATION

be considered at the earliest to ensure greater clarity for those impacted e.g. landlords, tenants, property managers, insurers and industry service providers.

So how do we manage risk associated with meth contamination?

Personally, I’m a big believer of the 4T’s of hazard risk response (ISO 31000) in terms of simplicity and application to every day risks: Tolerate, Treat, Transfer, Terminate.

Let’s have a look at a couple scenarios to which you could apply these.

1. A property manager is responsible for managing and protecting the property assets of their clients. In doing so they will complete a due diligence process for any prospective tenants and once leased conduct routine inspections to ensure adequate upkeep and maintenance of the property. Although background checks can be an effective preventative control, they will not always wean out undesirable tenants leaving property managers to tolerate the associated risks. In this case it is important that detective controls are put in place to identify undesirable events after the fact. With regards to meth contamination, such controls would include a meth testing regime to:

a. Determine a baseline at the start of each tenancy for comparison and

b. I dentify use and/or manufacture of the drug during a tenancy.

Both will act as a driver to terminate the tenancy, and the risk of increased contamination levels. Testing reports may also potentially be used to hold the tenant to account in the event of a tribunal.

In terms of financial impact of a meth contaminated home, it is the property owner who will bear the brunt. In most instances a prudent landlord will transfer this risk to an adequate insurance provider who will in turn demand directive controls are followed to reduce the likelihood of a claim. Again, regular meth testing would be considered such a control ensuring that potential contamination is identified early enough to treat and prevent

“A fundamental principle of effective risk management is ensuring that risk response is proportionate to the level of risk exposure.”

extensive remediation costs for the insurer. This control may also act as a deterrent as tenants will be aware that regular testing is enforced as part of their tenancy agreement.

A fundamental principle of effective risk management is ensuring that risk response is proportionate to the level of risk exposure. For example, let’s say staff were taking office pencils home. The only way you could effectively prevent this would be to hire a security guard to check bags when exiting the building. Given the guards’ wages are probably higher than the value at risk (cost of the pencils) most companies would tolerate the risk.

Let’s look at the cost of meth testing as a risk response to determine whether it is proportionate to exposure.

The median rental price in Australia is approximately $440 ($22,880 annually). The cost of an instant meth test would start at $150 (0.66 per cent of rental income), or for a laboratory screening test at approximately $300 (1.32 per cent).

The cost of decontamination is generally between $5000 to $50,000. Risk appetite and tolerance differs for every landlord so as to whether this response is proportionate, I’ll leave that decision to them. www.deconsystems.com.au

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www.incleanmag.com.au 27

INTERNATIONAL

EU approves ban on singleuse plastics The European Parliament has voted for a complete ban on a range of single-use plastic products, including straws, plates and cutlery from the EU market in a bid to stop ocean pollution.

Under draft plans approved by the Environment and Public Health Committee, single-use plastic items such as plates, cutlery, cotton bud sticks, straws and beverage stirrers (all of which make up more than 70 per cent of marine litter) are to be banned from the EU market from 2021.

Members of the European Parliament (MEP) also added lightweight plastic bags, products made of oxo-degradable plastics and fast-food containers made of expanded polystyrene to the list of items to be banned.

Belgian politician and MEP responsible for the bill, Frédérique Ries said Europe can and show be a key player in the fight against climate change.

“Europe is only responsible for a small part of the plastic polluting our oceans,” she said. “It can and should, however, be a key player in finding a solution, leading at a global level, as it has done in the past in the fight against climate change.

“Prohibit, reduce, tax, but also replace, warn; the member states have many options to choose from. It is up to them to choose wisely and up to us to keep pushing for more.”

28 INCLEAN January/February 2019

Walmart to roll out robotic cleaning machines in-store US retail giant Walmart is set to roll out more than 300 robotic floor scrubbers across its store network.

The roll out is in partnership with San Diego-based software technology Brain Corp.

Brain Corp’s BrainOS platform currently automates more than 100 of Walmart’s fleet of commercial floor scrubbers across the US. BrainOS provides the machines with autonomous navigation and data collection capabilities, all tied into a cloud-based reporting system.

Walmart expects to have 360 robots powered by BrainOS in stores by the end of its fiscal year, 31 January, 2019.

Walmart’s BrainOS-powered floor scrubbers allow store associates to quickly map a route during an initial training ride and then activate autonomous floor cleaning with the press of a single button.

The robot uses multiple sensors to scan its surroundings for people and obstacles, providing the industry’s highest level of safety and performance.

“We’re excited to work with Brain Corp in supporting our retail operations and providing our associates with a safe and reliable technology,” said John Crecelius, Walmart’s VP of central operations.

Dr Eugene Izhikevich, CEO of Brain Corp said the company was thrilled to partner with Walmart to enhance customer experience at its retail locations.”

“BrainOS technology allows robots to effectively and safely function in complex, crowded environments, ensuring increased productivity and efficiency across applications. We look forward to continuing to work alongside Walmart to help build intelligent, connected stores.”

Greg Whiteley joins CIRI Science Advisory Council Whiteley Corporation chairman Dr Greg Whiteley has joined the Cleaning Industry Research Institute’s (CIRI) Science Advisory Council (SAC).

“We targeted Greg to be a member because of his extensive experience in doing published research, including rapid ATP testing, and his unique position as both a businessman and an academic,” CIRI executive director John Downey told INCLEAN. Whiteley, a specialist in cleaning science, hygiene, disinfection, and mitigating healthcare associated infections (HAI), is an Adjunct Fellow in the School of Medicine at Western Sydney University in Australia.

He is also the collaboration partner study director for an iMCRC grant with the School of Medicine at Sydney University, which is investigating novel solutions for biofilm mediated infections and other forms of biofilm contamination and remediation.

Whiteley is joined on the council by Dr Eugene Cole, Dr Richard Shaughnessy, Dr Ralph Richter and Dr Steven Spivak.

INTERNATIONAL

3M sets sustainability goal for new products 3M has pledged to build sustainability into all new products from 2019.

Announced at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP24), from next year all new products will include a sustainability value commitment.

“Sustainability is at the core of 3M – but we’re looking to do more,” said John Banovetz, chief technology officer, 3M. 3M launches around 1000 new products each year, with roughly one-third of its revenue generated from products released in the past five years.

According to 3M beyond its own operations, a primary reason for the goal is to help customers achieve their sustainability goals.

Examples of 3M’s sustainability value commitment for new products include reusability, recyclability, energy, waste, water savings, responsible sourcing, and/or renewable materials appropriate to the specific product, from the beginning to the end of each product’s lifecycle.

This commitment also includes products with a core purpose of helping to solve an environmental or social challenge, such as improving air quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and

improving worker and patient safety in healthcare and industrial settings.

The company will measure progress and impact of this commitment and report on it annually. 3M invests around 6 per cent of revenue into research and development, much of it for creating new products.

The new requirement will take effect in 2019 and will apply to all five of 3M’s business groups: Health Care, Consumer, Electronics & Energy, Industrial and Safety & Graphics.

Gayle Schueller, vice president and chief sustainability officer, said the new product goal is an example of the aggressive targets 3M will be setting in coming months as part its strategic focus.

“As a large and diverse global science company with customers spanning many industries and global markets, we have the opportunity to make an even greater impact in Sustainability,” said Schueller.

“We’ve made such significant progress on the 2025 sustainability goals we set in 2015 that we’re raising the bar.

The new product goal is an example of the aggressive targets we’ll be setting in coming months as part our strategic focus on empowering science for circular, climate and community.”

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www.incleanmag.com.au 29

MANAGEMENT

The future of cleaning Warren Burke* outlines some of the emerging trends set to become more significant in the future for the cleaning and environmental management sector.

Predicting the trends and technologies of the future is very difficult. Anyone remember Michael J Fox flying around on the famous hover board in the 1980s ‘Back to the Future’ movie trilogy?

In 1907, the US National Association of Teachers believed “students today depend too much upon ink. They don’t know how to use a penknife to sharpen a pencil. Pen and ink will never replace the pencil.”

Then in 1950, US Federal Teachers warned that ballpoint pens would be the ruin of education.

“Students use these devices and just throw them away. The values of thrift and frugality were being discarded. Businesses and banks will never allow such expensive luxuries.” (Father Stanley Bezuska Windows on the Future, 2001, Jukes and McCain).

Over the past three or four decades, few people could have predicted the pace and scope of change across the globe. Could anyone guess we would rely so completely on the internet, email, smartphones, and other wireless devices any better than teachers could have predicted the future of pencils and ballpoint pens?

When it comes to imagining the way we might work, move or use technology in the future, anything is possible!

Every industry is facing rapid change, and the cleaning and hygiene industry is no different. Embracing change, whether in the form of new technology, changing social expectations or business practices, is a challenge in itself, but a necessary part of the industry’s evolution.

While predictions are never precise, there are several emerging trends that will become more significant in the future for the cleaning and environmental management sector.

30 INCLEAN January/February 2019

Technology and digitisation For a sector largely reliant on manual labour and physical tasks, automation technology will be a disrupter, paving the way for greater productivity and workforce management. The use of smart tablets (such as iPads) will be a key feature in the future cleaning operations.

Housekeeping staff will use devices to track and optimise productivity as they clean. In a hospital or residential aged care facility, environmental service teams will rely on devices that show real-time tracking of patient room cleaning and completion. This will be invaluable in infection control management, staff workflow and resourcing and will give residents and patients more peace-of-mind and confidence during their stay.

Safety and user comfort Cleaning is physically-demanding work and injuries can be severe and costly. Our aging population means workforces are aging too, especially the cleaning and hygiene industry.

Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) regulation and practices demand continuous improvement in work practices. New product innovations will bring solutions to market designed so employees can safely perform tasks such as cleaning floors for a full shift without sustaining a repetitive or acute injury. Technology advancements such as wring-free microfibre mops and ultra-absorbent spill pad mops are disrupting the traditional wet mop processes.

Safety and usability will place the employee at the centre of innovation and new product design. When it comes to commercial cleaning technologies, it is crucial to understand a human body’s biomechanics and range of movement to create products that

MANAGEMENT

respond naturally and ergonomically to various users’ height, build and strength. Commercial cleaning products will be more focused on connecting the way people move, think and work.

New products will be intuitively matched to the user’s cognitive abilities, physical abilities, to meet their present and future needs.

As a result we will see a shift to more ergonomic, less physicallydemanding cleaning technology and practices so the sector continues to be provide opportunities for older workers.

Sustainability – Balancing environmental and financial costs The challenge for the industry will continue to strike the right balance between environmental and financial costs. Many businesses find it difficult to support environmental initiatives if the costs are prohibitive.

Cost-saving options are often preferred. The best commercial cleaning and waste management solutions will address all of these concerns – by providing solutions that address economic, social and environmental sustainability issues.

Businesses will make the connections between reducing chemical and water use with lower operating costs, not just less environmental impact. Reducing waste through recycling and reuse will be prioritised. The social impact of reducing chemicals and water use will also be better understood and long-term health and safety benefits will be realised.

“Every industry is facing rapid change, and the cleaning and hygiene industry is no different. Embracing change, whether in the form of new technology, changing social expectations or business practices, is a challenge in itself, but a necessary part of the industry’s evolution.”

Governments may look to provide business with incentives to ensure their sustainability agenda is offset in some way to encourage decision-makers to prioritise environmental and social performance in the same way they look at financial ROI. The Australian government may follow the US, and make it a mandatory practice for all commercial businesses to have a recycling solution or face fines. * Warren Burke is regional sales manager at Rubbermaid Commercial Products Australia www.rubbermaidcommercial.com.au

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MANAGEMENT

A snapshot of modern slavery Organisations can – and should – start taking steps to remove modern slavery from their supply chains, writes Good Environmental Choice Australia’s Yanyan Xiao and Kendall Benton-Collins.

Slavery has never ended. In modern times, it continues to persist in the form of servitude, forced labour, debt bondage, human trafficking, child slavery, and forced marriage. The 2016 Global Slavery Index showed that there are more than 45.8 million people across 167 countries in some form of modern slavery.

India, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Uzbekistan are the countries with the highest absolute numbers of people suffering from modern slavery, while the more economically developed countries, Luxembourg, Ireland, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, Belgium, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are showing less prevalence of modern slavery.

It’s not surprising then, that modern slavery can feel like an issue that’s far away from the lives of most Australians. Having said that, it’s important to note that while Australia may have fewer instances of modern slavery than developing countries, it is still very much a factor in our products and services and we are certainly not excluded from risk here on our shores.

Developed countries are importing large numbers of goods and services from developing countries, and modern slavery can exist along the complicated global supply chains. In this regard, modern slavery is related to everyone’s daily life through global supply chains.

You might own a diamond ring that was exploited by forced labour in Africa; you might wear a T-shirt that was made by bonded labour in Bangladesh; you might work on a computer that was assembled by exploited workers in Malaysia; you might use a phone battery that contains minerals mined by child slaves in the Congo; you might even eat prawns that were fished and processed by trafficked workers in Thailand.

Modern slavery has increasingly attracted attention from governments, non-government organisations (NGOs), business communities and civil society worldwide. In 2003, the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons,Especially Women and Children entered into force in the US, and until 2016, 124 countries ratified this protocol.

Regarding the specific legislation in modern slavery, the UK was the first country in the world to publish the Modern Slavery Act 2015. This Act requires the companies with the total turnover threshold at £36 million in the UK to make a Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement with modern slavery information on their supply chains, policies, and mitigation steps.

In 2017, Australia proposed to build a comprehensive suite of new laws for combatting modern slavery, which also includes establishing a Modern Slavery Act. The crimes of slavery, forced labour, and human trafficking would then fall under a single law.

The Australian anti-modern slavery model would be improved based on the UK one. It would have specific requirements in modern slavery in supply chain reporting, such as making the voluntary criteria of reporting modern slavery in supply chain mandatory and setting a lower threshold for including more business companies to take the responsibility of reporting modern slavery.

In line with government leadership in anti-modern slavery, many NGOs are playing a significant role in this field through research, policy development, professional practice, technology provision, data analysis, and education.

32 INCLEAN January/February 2019

NGOs are making a concerted effort to raise the awareness of businesses on the need to be proactive when it comes to modern slavery, making them realise that anti-modern slavery actions are not only an obligation but is also a good thing to do for their businesses.

Currently, NGOs are cooperating with companies to help them identify and remedy modern slavery hotspots in their supply chains. This is part of a trend to move the businesses toward proactive checking.

The agriculture, construction, manufacturing, mining, utilities and domestic services sectors, appear to be modern slavery hotspots. Thus, if the big companies in these sectors or the companies that have close interactions with these sectors take initiatives in combatting modern slavery, it would be demonstrating leadership and may have a bigger impact on civil society.

In theory, we are all connected to modern slavery through complicated supply chains. As consumers, we could also become active participants in anti-modern slavery campaigns.

We have the ability to use our purchasing power. If we know that certain goods and services are free of modern slavery, while others are not, we can choose the ones without modern slavery to support the manufactures or providers to sustain economic prosperity.

Everyone’s purchasing power is tiny, but collectively, this power can never be underestimated. We still have a long way to go, however, before we’re at the stage of knowing whether every individual consumer product is indeed modern slavery-free.

The good news is there are already a variety of independent environmental certifications available that help customers to make good choices when purchasing goods and services.

Robustness, credibility, and impartiality are what build the reputations of good ecolabels so that suppliers and consumers can come to trust them.

GECA’s standards, for example, consider the social impacts of the products it certifies, including safer and more ethical working conditions, not only for employees, but also those involved along the entire supply chain.

With so many certified products available, there has never been a better time for organisations and businesses to start their positive procurement journey.

While it doesn’t currently exist, a certification for ‘modern slavery-free’ in the future could give transparent and reliable information to customers and make good use of this purchasing power to combat modern slavery. At the same time, this type of certification would increase the customers’ satisfaction by letting them feel the sense of participation in these campaigns.

Thankfully, organisations can – and should – start taking steps to remove modern slavery from their supply chains today. The key is to start looking! GECA’s Positive Procurement Pledge, for instance, is asking organisations to identify the hotspots across their supply chain, create a framework for monitoring and evaluating these risk areas and implementing a procurement policy that is good for people and planet. www.geca.eco

“While Australia may have fewer instances of modern slavery than developing countries, it is still very much a factor in our products and services and we are certainly not excluded from risk here on our shores.�

www.incleanmag.com.au 33

MANAGEMENT

Four workplace issues to address for a compliant 2019 Workforce Guardian’s Charles Watson* examines four workplace issues that should be addressed by your business in 2019.

Casual worker conversion From 1 October 2018 national system award covered regular casual workers became entitled to request conversion to full-time or part-time permanent employment.

Employers have until 1 January 2019 to provide their existing casual workers with a copy of the new award provisions for consideration. For casual workers engaged after this date, the employer must ensure all casuals, whether regular or not, receive a copy of the relevant award provisions within the first six to 12 months of their first engagement.

Under the new provisions, casual workers are not obliged to convert to permanent employment, nor is conversion to permanent employment an automatic process, however, employers must not unreasonably refuse such requests. Casual employees are not limited to a once off occasion to request conversion.

When a conversion request is made, the employer should ensure that: • The request is in writing • Consultation with the employee should occur (remember to advise the employee they will lose their current 25 per cent casual loading) 34 INCLEAN January/February 2019

• After consultation, any refusal so should be detailed in writing to the casual worker within 21 days of the request.

If the request is approved, the casual worker should be issued with a new employment agreement, or a variation to their current agreement. Employers should seek advice about their casual arrangements and the first port of call may be to thoroughly vet your casual arrangements.

Family and domestic violence leave All federal system awards now contain a term providing national system award covered workers with access to five days unpaid leave per year. Workers can take the leave if they need to deal with the impact of family and domestic violence and it’s impractical to do so outside their ordinary hours of work.

Although award-free workers are not covered by such terms, employers should remain sensitive to this issue whether they are covered or not. Businesses should consider how to manage this issue if it arises in the workplace and not take any adverse action against a worker as a result.

A further development on this issue is a Bill before federal parliament seeking to extend the award entitlement so as to

MANAGEMENT

grant five days unpaid leave to all other workers covered by the Fair Work Act. At the time of writing this item the Bill was before the parliament but had received support and recommendation from the relevant Senate Committee.

If you don’t already have a related workplace policy and appropriate procedures in the workplace, it is strongly recommend to get on the front foot and implementing them. It’s the best method for ensuring management understanding, consistency in application and overall good practice within your business internally and when tendering for contracts.

Flexibility entitlements The Fair Work Act 2009 provides that workers, who are parents or have responsibility for the care of a child of school age, or under the age of 18 with a disability, with a right to request flexible working arrangements.

Examples include changes in hours of work, patterns of work and work location. An employer may only refuse such a request on reasonable business grounds such as cost or negative effects on productivity.

Applicable from 1 December 2018, modern awards now contain a specific clause detailing how an employer must deal with such worker requests. Of particular importance is employers must discuss the request with the worker, ‘genuinely try to reach an agreement’, and respond to the request in writing

within 21 days. This means employers now have additional obligations in relation to such requests.

Further, if a worker disputes the outcome, they may enliven the dispute resolution clause within the relevant award. This may result in them referring the matter to the Fair Work Commission. We recommend businesses, and responsible managers, review this particular clause and understand its full implications, and develop an appropriate strategy for considering and responding to such requests.

Seven-day shift workers A particularly relevant award amendment to the Cleaning Services Award 2010 (clause 29.2), and effective from 17 September 2018, is the removal of time served qualifications for a shift worker to be entitled to the additional weeks annual leave. That qualification was seen as being inconsistent with the National Employment Standards and the progressive accrual of annual leave.

A shift worker is a worker who works a roster, and over the roster cycle, may be rostered to work ordinary shifts on any of the seven days of the week, and who is regularly rostered to work on Sundays and public holidays.

Seek advice, keep good records and I hope you have a successful 2019. * Charles Watson is general manager of Workforce Guardian www.workforceguardian.com.au

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MANAGEMENT

Broadlex Services national risk manager Dr Denis Boulais discusses the future of safety in the cleaning industry.

The future of safety With the overarching theme of this edition ‘future trends’ this caused me to think about the future of safety in the cleaning industry.

A total of 64.9 per cent of all serious musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) result from manual handling and the larger percentage of these serious MSD relate to the lower back.

Manual handling has always been an issue in the cleaning industry, where for the most part cleaners are using the same fundamental manual movements to clean today as they were 50 years ago. Prime examples are sweeping, mopping, and toilet cleaning.

What has emerged over the past 50 years, however, are risk management systems aimed at identifying assessing and controlling manual handling hazards.

We have seen equipment innovations such as better lifting equipment, including bin lifters and lighter vacuums, but manual handling is still involved.

I foresee the future as one where research shall continue to develop more effective systems and autonomous technologies may become involved with certain cleaning activities, such as robotic vacuums and window cleaners. These innovations should work towards taking the human body away from the manual cleaning process.

Many years ago I managed safety within a dairy processing plant where the majority of injuries were manual handling in nature.

It was identified that most of the injuries were musculoskeletal related and originating from one part of the plant – the distribution section.

In the distribution section square milk crates holding nine two-litre milk bottles would arrive stacked five high on a moving ground level conveyer belt. The dock hands would then connect their hand trolleys to the stack and wheel the crates off the dock and into a delivery truck. This activity was highly repetitious in order to keep up with the speed of the conveyer and the time at which deliveries needed to be made.

A decision was made to have engineers examine the distribution area dock and strengthen it, so it could take more weight. A forklift attachment was developed that could grapple three stacks of five full milk crates at a time.

36 INCLEAN January/February 2019

This allowed one person driving one forklift to load the trucks more productively and safely by taking manual handling and those doing the handling out of the process and into other more lower risk roles within the plant.

I believe robots in the cleaning industry may one day reduce manual handling to some degree in areas such as window cleaning and carpet cleaning.

Window cleaning and vacuuming About six months ago I was discussing the use of drones to clean high windows with one of our senior managers, noting pressure application to a window and privacy as two potential issues of deploying such technology.

After some online research I found a company that currently sells drones to clean windows – which of course takes humans away from manual handling and falls risk. The company claims the cleaning quality is brilliant, has aviation like safety features and is cost effective.

There are also other companies advertising similar technologies such as controlling window cleaning robots down the side of buildings from the rooftop. One particular website reviews robotic window cleaners and covers issues such as battery life, suction and connectivity, and remote controls.

My prediction is that as the technology advances and takes hold, high windows will be cleaned autonomously, reducing current day manual handling and fall hazards in addition to reducing costs.

In my 17 years in the cleaning industry there has always been a strong interest in maximising productivity through human performance and it is likely that 50 years ago this would have been similar.

Much of the advertising in the area of robotic vacuuming seems to point in the direction of home-based vacuums. While I am confident, they would have good use in the workplace my main concern is they would likely get “knocked off” therefore security would be very important. With robot

MANAGEMENT

vacuuming in a building timing would be important to avoid trip hazards, possibly resulting in the robot being used afterhours instead o during the day.

Robots would likely gain good access to hard to reach spots such as under tables and chairs. For me the obvious issues would be their security, charge times, small objects getting stuck in the vacuum and/or the vacuum getting stuck on a snag and of course the vacuums dust holding capacity.

I would however assume that some manual spot vacuuming would be required in areas the robot could not get to or wasn’t programmed.

My prediction is that as the technology advances and takes hold, many floors will be vacuumed by robots reducing current day manual handling involved with vacuuming.

In future, as technology advances then wider use will scale up production and the cost of robotic units will reduce. The largest cost reduction will be the reduction in human involvement and less manual handling related injuries.

I must note at this point that it is important that any move to robotic cleaning should be fully discussed among management where I advise a trial be completed prior to any full commitment. In the meantime, research into safety systems is very extensive and existing safety systems must be fully explored and utilised.

From a manual handling perspective such strategies may include competency-based training of cleaners with a focus upon correct lifting techniques, use of equipment, warm up techniques, fatigue and of course strategies to ensure the right cleaner is employed for the respective role.

Overall, it is best to align with a recognised safety standard and become certified to it via demonstrated compliance to its recommendations.

“Robots in the cleaning industry may one day reduce manual handling to some degree in areas such as window cleaning and carpet cleaning.”

Conclusions While the future of cleaning may become more automated it is important to note that robots in many situations will require human operators to safely work them and service them.

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MANAGEMENT

ABN reform: Essential for a strong, fair and successful cleaning industry BSCAA national president George Stamas shares the industry body’s view on ABN reform.

The clear feeling among many members of the BSCAA is that the current ABN system is broken, and it’s for good reason. One of the big frustrations has been the number of cleaning operators seeking to game or cheat the system when it comes to hiring and employment practices.

However, change for the better is happening. We believe the ABN system can be saved and improved, and the ABN reforms put forward by the government make excellent progress towards this.

There’s no doubt that change needs to happen. That’s why the BSCAA is actively working with the ABN change authority to make sure that a modern ABN system is put in place that dissuades those seeking to game the system, without unduly disrupting the majority of operators who seek to do the right thing by their employees and the industry as a whole.

What’s the problem?

The Commonwealth Government’s Black Economy Taskforce Report was an eye-opener and the evidence was startling. It really reflected badly on the industry with repeated references to the exploitation of cleaners and non-compliance when it comes to general employment practices.

As an association, we’ve long encouraged and advocated for compliance with staffing best practices, but the message just doesn’t seem to be getting through to some operators. Practices such as engaging cleaners on individual ABNs; as well the practices of phoenix operations and sham contracting persists despite our counseling and objections.

Equally frustrating is that the current ABN system allows these abuses to occur. That’s why these proposed changes to the system have our full backing. We have no doubt that these reforms will help raise the standard and standing of the cleaning industry as a whole.

What’s being proposed?

To help combat these abuses, the government is proposing four changes to the ABN system. In a nutshell, these changes include; changing the rules around applying for an ABN to make them more strict and/or increasing the checks required for an ABN to be granted; introducing conditions that could see the ABN cancelled if they are not met; requiring an ABN to be displayed 38 INCLEAN January/February 2019

or verified when a payment it being processed and other digital reforms; and requiring ABNs to be renewed and a new fee structure around that.

The BSCAA perspective Strengthening the ABN entitlement rules and the introduction of more stringent checks gets a big tick from us, particularly when it comes to the separation between what’s classified as employment and being an independent contractor. Improving the process of vetting ABN applications is also a welcome reform.

The reform enabling the cancellation of ABNs for noncompliance has the potential to become a useful deterrent against shady operators, and for that reason we certainly think it will be a valuable tool.

At the BSCAA, we believe that enabling a process of validation prior to payment will achieve a great deal when it comes to strengthening the ABN system and restricting or eliminating the black economy in the cleaning industry. A simple automated process of pre-payment validation will be an important step forward. The current system where ABNs are displayed on letterheads, websites, etc. is fine, though we think the system could be improved by clarifying exactly where and when an ABN has to be declared.

It might surprise you that the BSCAA is in favor of the introduction of ABN fees. The reason is that we believe the addition of a fee will increase the perceived value of holding an ABN. Likewise, it will be something of a deterrent to any potential operator in the industry that might seek to misuse the system. In addition, it’s another useful way of ensuring compliance on a regular basis, and in the end providing a better outcome for all ABN holders.

The proposal to introduce an update and renewal process for ABNs is another reform we applaud. One of the obvious issues with the current ABN system is that the information they hold tends be out of date because there’s no regular prompt to review them. This needs to happen. By pairing say an annual renewal process with the requirement to update the ABN information would go a big way towards dissuading abusers of the system.

You can find out more about ABN reform and the BSCAA’s submission at www.bscaa.com/advocacy

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MARKETING

Cleanstar expands marketing services Cleanstar has expanded its marketing services beyond the commercial cleaning industry to other business sectors under the newly launched company, Starred Marketing.

Starred Marketing is a separate entity from Cleanstar and caters to a broader spectrum of clientele and industries.

Coinciding with the launch of Starred Marketing is new corporate branding for the division including a three-dimensional logo, which reflects the business’ simple, clean and creative flair.

The company first launched its marketing division, initially for the commercial cleaning industry, earlier this year with Melbourne Cleaning Supplies, B&G Supplies, Adelaide Cleaning Supplies, and WA Cleaning & Equipment Repairs among its clients.

Cleanstar’s managing director and owner Lisa Michalson said the formation of Starred Marketing has been led by growing demand for marketing services outside of the commercial cleaning sector.

“We will continue to pride ourselves on being innovative in marketing strategies and concepts, and adaptable to suit a range of new target markets and clients,” said Michalson.

“Starred Marketing has a highly skilled and knowledgeable graphic design and marketing team behind it, who work closely with clients and strive to provide the best solutions for every business – whatever the industry.” www.cleanstar.com.au

Keiran O’Neill

Abco Products appoints head of sourcing and procurement Abco Products has appointed Keiran O’Neill as head of sourcing and procurement following the company’s expansion in the eastern states.

Over the past 12 months the company has expanded its market penetration in the eastern states, specifically Melbourne and Brisbane.

This growth has called for a more focused and strategic approach to the management of more than19,000 SKUs sourced from international and local manufacturers.

O’Neill joins Abco with a wealth of expertise, having previously worked with global mining giant BHP, and in senior roles with Landgate, ADG Global Supply. He also has consulting experience in sourcing and procurement on a global scale.

O’Neill, who will be responsible for sourcing and supply chain, said he was excited to join Abco.

“Abco has a very clear understanding of their customer profile and their respective needs, which is what attracted me to the role,” he said.

“From a procurement perspective, having the visibility of the customer’s needs ensures that our procurement strategies are relevant, which makes them sustainable.” www.abcopro.com.au

Conquest’s Onboarding program builds momentum Conquest’s Onboarding program is continuing to go from strength to strength, according to the company.

With a dedicated team of specialists now servicing the major capital cities along Australia’s east coast, Conquest customers are receiving comprehensive training and support following purchase of their new power sweeper or floor scrubbing machine.

Unique to Conquest, Onboarding is the business phase between order placement and ongoing post-purchase support, where dedicated specialists ensure that customers receive consistent and practical technical and customer support.

The process includes safe and timely delivery of new commercial cleaning equipment, easy-to-follow onsite operator training and developing communication channels to assist customers with integrating the new equipment into their cleaning processes.

The Onboarding process helps customers refine cleaning processes as well as help ensure the safest, most cost-efficient and effective cleaning practices are adopted by operators.

A seamless transition ensures machine servicing and technical support needs are well understood and allow for the opportunity to establish connections for ongoing support with consumables, spare parts and the services provided by experienced Conquest technicians.

40 INCLEAN January/February 2019

Thorough and personalised training also reduces the risk of machine misuse and potential damage, resulting in operator accountability and ultimately less machine downtime. www.conquestequipment.com.au

MARKETING

EvoClean wins 2018 ISSA Innovation of the Year Award EvoClean, a venturi-based waterpowered laundry chemical dispenser for on-premise laundry applications, has been awarded the highly coveted ISSA Innovation of the Year Award in Dallas.

Hydro Systems managing director Robert Ivers said being recognised for the EvoClean by the media, customers and peers in the industry is a wonderful achievement.

“We have been supplying the EvoClean to many customers in Australia and New Zealand over the past two years and have seen the substantial cost savings and operational efficiencies that this innovative technology brings the commercial laundry industry and chemical companies,” Ivers said.

EvoClean can be used for on-premise laundry applications requiring three to eight products and includes an integrated flush manifold for quick product delivery to the washers.

The system weighs up to 80 per cent less than other dispensers and takes up less space on walls. The dispenser has pre-wired power and signal cables, eliminating the need to run conduit or terminate wires inside the dispenser. www.hydrosystemsco.com

Decon Systems forms training partnership with Biodec Decon Systems Australia has partnered with New Zealand-based Biodec.

The Victoria-based registered training and consultancy firm, which specialises in meth contamination, has been in operation for 10 months in Australia, running meth testing and decontamination courses in all major cities, as well as awareness seminars for those in industries affected by meth contamination, such as real estate and insurance. Biodec is a family-owned and operated business in New Zealand has provided decontamination services to insurance companies and government agencies for more than seven years.

Decon Systems Australia director Isaac Southwell said a major benefit of the new partnership is the opportunity for Decon Systems’ delegates to train and learn under ‘live site’ conditions.

“This involves delegates learning and working under real job conditions,” said Southwell.

“Biodec will lead these training sessions, taking our delegates through the practical elements of completing a mould remediation or drug lab decontamination job from end to end.

“Real jobs that present varying conditions and challenges requiring trainees to think on their feet. Such experience is invaluable and will ensure delegates are confident in their ability to apply newly learned skills and techniques in the field.

“Over the coming three months there will be a collaborative effort to enhance both the meth decontamination and mould remediation courses to embed this practical element.

We are extremely excited about the opportunity to work with Biodec and what it brings to the industries we train.”

Southwell said Biodec managing director Jason Pickering and his team bring a wealth of experience in the areas of mould remediation, drug lab decontamination and pathogenic risk management which will enable Decon Systems Australia to deliver a robust and realistic practical element to its current suite of courses.

“Jason Pickering and his team have built a strong reputation of integrity and work to the highest standard of care within the industries they operate, making them a trusted service provider to insurance companies and government agencies,” he said.

“Our partnership represents another step towards Decon Systems’ ongoing goal of continuous development, ensuring we deliver quality tailored courses that fulfil the needs and expectations of our delegates.”

Decon Systems Australia also recently secured the services of Paul Pritchard to deliver the IICRC WRT, CCT and UFT courses throughout Australia, with the first scheduled in Launceston, Tasmania in conjunction with TC Spec for early February 2019.

Pritchard has experience at all levels within the specialist cleaning and restoration industry, and more than 10 years’ experience providing training as an approved IICRC instructor for WRT, CCT & UFT Certification.

“This is a key first step towards our longer-term strategy around training capability in Australia, so we’re absolutely elated with this development,” said Southwell. www.deconsystems.com.au www.incleanmag.com.au 41

MARKETING

New store for Melbourne Cleaning Supplies Melbourne Cleaning Supplies will open a new store in February 2019. Previously located in Hawthorn East, the business will move to Mount Waverley to cover more territory and better service customers.

Melbourne Cleaning Supplies director Pasquale Di Virgilio said the move to a larger warehouse in Mount Waverly will provide easy access from all directions as it is centrally located to a number of freeways. “Through hard work, quality service and more coverage, we will be able to better service our customers. We care about what we do and deliver on what we promise.�

The business, which has been in operation since 1992, specialises in the distribution of cleaning products and machinery along with service and repairs.

Current clients include cleaning businesses, commercial offices, healthcare and aged care facilities, sports facilities, as well as the medical, retail and industrial sectors. www.melbournecleaningsupplies.com.au

SEBO provides ergonomic and efficient vacuum cleaning solutions Back problems are responsible for one third of all Australian workplace injuries, according to the Chiropractors Association of Australia.

Back, neck and spinal problems are also big contributors to lost productivity in the workplace, and many cleaners suffer at work as a result of incorrect posture and poor ergonomics.

More often than not, the person in charge of purchasing cleaning equipment is not the one using it and the decision is based on short term cost saving rather than a long term financial gain, such as higher productivity, lower service costs and longer lifespan of flooring investment.

To provide an ergonomic and efficient vacuum cleaning solution for all industries, SEBO tailors its upright vacuum cleaners to the operator and their environment.

The upright vacuum allows the cleaner to maintain a good standing posture. The lightweight handle and adjustable handle height means the cleaner can maintain a natural wrist position reducing wrist, elbow and shoulder injuries.

Each SEBO vacuum cleaner also has a self-propelled mechanism which allows for one pass cleaning to reduce operator fatigue. www.sebo.com.au

Vileda Professional now available in Australia The acquisition of Australian brand Oates by global technology group Freudenberg in 2017 opened the door for the launch of the Vileda Professional brand in the country.

With a headquarters in Weinheim, Germany, and an overall presence in more than 50 countries, Vileda Professional is an international technology company, providing professional cleaners with cost-efficient and high-performance cleaning solutions, supported by intelligent, value-adding services, to make customers more efficient.

One example is MicronQuick, a next generation microfilament cloth that uses Freudenberg patented technology. Standard split microfibers are typically split into 16 segments; the new Freudenberg technology splits fibres twice as fine to create the finest split microfiber in the world (0.075 Dtex (200 times thinner than a human hair).

MicronQuick guarantees a lint free cleaning performance and low cost in use, being washable more than 400 times and being resistant to chemicals including chlorine, disinfectants and peroxides. Alongside MicronQuick is MicronSolo, a single use microfibre cloth designed to deliver superior hygiene and bacterial removal.

On the equipment side, Vileda Professional unveiled the modular, Origo 2 Trolley range in May 2017 at the ISSA exhibition in Amsterdam. Facilities like Brisbane Airport, Dubai Airport, J. Mello Hospital (Portugal) and Disneyland Paris will soon be equipped with the hygienic and safe modular range of trolleys, designed to work in combination with the digitalisation of cleaning processes to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

The new range of Vileda Professional products will be available in Australia from January 2019. www.oates.com.au

42 INCLEAN January/February 2019

MARKETING

Kärcher Australia supports Regis Aged Care fundraiser Two Kärcher Window Vac 2 Premiums and a K2 Plus highpressure cleaner were among the prizes won in a raffle organised by aged care provider Regis Aged Care to raise funds for Australian charity, Share the Dignity.

Regis Aged Care raised a total of $3241 for Share the Dignity, which brings dignity to homeless, at-risk and those experiencing domestic violence through the distribution of sanitary items and funding of funerals.

Regis Aged Care executive general manager corporate services Kirsty Nottle said Regis Aged Care appreciated Kärcher’s support of the fundraiser and as a valued supplier.

“Having Kärcher Australia’s items available to raffle off assisted with selling more tickets, which ultimately contributed to the overall fundraised amount,” said Nottle.

“The machines were very well received, with many comments from staff on the quality of the window washers. There were quite a few people who had their eyes on the Kärcher prizes. We really appreciated Kärcher’s support with both this fundraiser and as a valued supplier.”

The Kärcher Window Vac 2 Premium is designed to clean windows with one, simple motion. The vac is three times faster than traditional window cleaning methods, and can be used on windows, tiles, shower screens and mirrors. It is also ideal for clearing small liquid spills.

The Karcher 1400W 1600PSI K2 Plus high-pressure cleaner is suited for occasional use and for light soiling such as that on bicycles, garden tools or furniture. The equipment package includes a gun, a six-metre high-pressure hose, Vario Power spray pipe (VPS) with easy pressure adjustment, as well as a dirt blaster with rotating point jet for stubborn dirt.

It also has a water filter to protect the pump against the ingress of dirt particles and a detergent suction hose to utilise detergent when cleaning. www.kaercher.com/au/ The Karcher 1400W 1600PSI K2 Plus

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www.incleanmag.com.au 43 KenSwannell_QP_DJ19 INC.indd 1

30/11/2018 11:14 AM

MARKETING

BSCAA provides education pathway through online training The Building Services Contractors Association of Australia’s (BSCAA) online cleaning courses provide a comprehensive education pathway for those in the cleaning industry.

The online courses are an industry first, not just in Australia, but internationally, and are packed with valuable, industry relevant information to provide opportunities for cleaning and hospitality staff to develop new skills.

There are currently 14 online courses available, covering all basic aspects of cleaning operations and knowledge requirements for Certificates II and III in Cleaning Operations.

Note: To complete a Certificate II or III in Cleaning Operations candidates/students must also provide workplace evidence of their skills which is normally achieved through a recognition pathway or on the job observation assessment.

At the completion of each course section, the learner must

The right trolley for every requirement The Origo 2 Trolley from Vileda Professional is now available in Australia.

The modular trolley is hygienic and safe, designed to work in combination with digitalised cleaning processes to further improve efficiency and reduce costs.

The trolley’s hands-free lid opening ensures hygienic operation and clearly defined sections keep waste well away from clean and used materials.

Fully colour-coded elements also help cleaners keep organised.

Lockable doors and lids keep cleaning products and personal belongings secure, while soft-touch bumpers help protect clients’ walls and doorways.

Cleaners can personalise their trolley by choosing the positions that work for them, as buckets, boxes and waste can be rearranged very easily. The vertical mop storage for multiple tools and motorised e-drives provides fast, easy movement.

By using recycled materials and innovative logistics concepts to reduce the trolley’s carbon footprint, the trolley also meets international specifications and can help protect the planet.

For more information about the Origo 2 Trolley range, call Oates on 1300 669 686. www.oates.com.au 44 INCLEAN January/February 2019

complete multiple choice questions. Should any answers be incorrect the learner is informed of the incorrect answers and must repeat the questions again. The order of multiple choice answers is rotated each time a learner completes a section.

After completing a section of the course, the results are saved online. Users have 12 months to complete a course and the course can be accessed for 12 months after the date of enrolment.

WHS induction training provides documentary evidence of both training and assessment, protecting the employer WHS obligations and providing rigorous employee training.

At the completion of any course the learner is automatically sent a certificate.

The cost of each course is $29.70, with BSCAA members receiving a 15 per cent discount. www.bscaa.com/training

Mobile app for cleaners wins hackathon A mobile app developed for cleaners that simplifies the process of booking and billing clients has won a virtual developer hackathon run by Xero.

Developed by Custom D, a web development company with offices in Australia and New Zealand, Dirty Bach is a mobile app that makes the task of scheduling a job and creating and sending an invoice to clients simple, fast and easy.

Custom D developer Josh Smith told INCLEAN the idea for the app evolved from observing a cleaner organising her work.

“Our managing director Julie Ryan spoke to the cleaner, who explained that she cleaned all day and was stuck doing all the paper work at night. We wanted to create a solution that would streamline the tasks associated with the paperwork to make her processes more efficient,” Smith explained.

After attending a Xero developer conference in June, Smith discovered XDHax, Xero’s virtual developer hackathon run in partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS). The competition required developers to build an app that would benefit small businesses.

“We thought our idea to develop a mobile app for cleaners would be the perfect candidate for the competition,” he said.

While still an MVP (minimum viable product) – a product with just enough features to satisfy early customers and to provide feedback for future product development – Custom D won the competition with its Dirty Bach app, winning $5000 USD and the opportunity to showcase Dirty Bach at an entry-level exhibitor space at a future Xerocon. www.customd.com

MARKETING

Two new stores for RapidClean RapidClean has grown again, adding two new locations to its Australian network.

Following significant growth, RapidClean Tasmania and RapidClean Floormaster in South Australia have both opened up second stores in new locations in Cambridge, Hobart and Edwardstown, Adelaide.

RapidClean Tasmania founders David Thyne and Glenn Stubbs said the opening of a new store in Cambridge is to create more efficiencies and service their customers in southern Tasmania.

“We chose this location for our new store as it is easy to access, the right size, and very conveniently located,” said Thyne.

Since joining the Rapid Group in 2011, the business has grown significantly, now operating from two store locations and employing nine staff members.

“Being a part of the RapidClean empire, we are able to offer our customers the best service and experiences, due to our strong online presence and platforms. We would like to continue to

grow our business by offering our customers high levels of service, quality products with the latest technology.”

In South Australia, RapidClean Floormaster is set to open up at a new location in Edwardstown on 1 December.

Floormaster was founded by Don Taylor as a specialised hard floor cleaning business. In 1998, his son Jim Taylor bought the business and continued to source products from a wide variety of manufacturers, with the combined buying power from the Rapid Group. In July 2017, Jim’s daughter Amy Taylor purchased the business.

“The growth in the cleaning industry has caused higher demand to have a shop on this side of town (Edwardstown). I plan to open a third store if this takes off,” she said.

The Rapid Group reported record growth in 2017 of 18.5 per year on year – marking eight consecutive years of doubledigit growth. www.rapidclean.com.au

Your membership strengthens the Australian cleaning industry building service contractors association of australia limited

We are Australia’s peak industry employer organisation for Commercial Cleaning Companies.

Join us to receive: Government Lobbying Industrial Relations Advice Networking Events Online Resources Industry Excellence Awards Industry News Online Training www.bscaa.com Education 1800 312 970

national@bscaa.com

Contact your local branch: QLD bscaaqld@bscaa.com NSW bscaansw@bscaa.com VIC bscaavic@bscaa.com

SA bscaasa@bscaa.com WA

admin@cleaningcouncilwa.com.au

TAS bscaatas@bscaa.com

www.incleanmag.com.au 45

MARKETING

ISS Australia extends contract with PNSW ISS Australia has extended its contract with Property NSW (PNSW) to clean more than 1300 sites across the state, including schools, technical and further education institutions, police stations and government buildings.

PNSW awarded ISS Australia its ‘Whole-of-Government Facilities Management (Cleaning Services)’ contract for the north coast, south west and Sydney region in NSW. The contract commences in March 2019 and will run for five years.

Scott Davies, country manager of ISS Australia and New Zealand, said the retention of ISS’ contracts in the north coast and south west regions is a huge vote of confidence in the work of ISS employees.

“To add the Sydney region to our portfolio is exciting and we look forward to welcoming more than 1000 new employees to the ISS family in March 2019,” he said.

ISS Pacific currently manages a large portfolio of public sector contracts, including in education and healthcare.

ISS provides cleaning services to more than 1000 public schools across NSW and Victoria, at around 500 government facilities in NSW, and to the Supreme Law Courts of Victoria; non-clinical support services at 11 public hospitals in most Australian states; and Integrated Facility Services to the Foreign Commonwealth Office across the Pacific region.

Kennards Hire opens drive through branch Family-owned and operated equipment hire company, Kennards Hire, has opened a 2600sqm drive through branch in Toowoomba, bringing the network in the Sunshine State to 30 branches.

The 2600sqm site is built inside the iconic GrainCorp shed at the end of the 11 grain silos and will stock a vast range of equipment for all specialist industries.

Kennards Hire area manager Jamie Bach, said the company is excited to bring much-needed tools and speciality equipment to the company’s newest branch: the most westerly in Queensland.

“Our team is looking forward to supporting the locals with all their hire needs, assisting tradies, building crews and DIYers with essential equipment and being part of the community in Toowoomba.” www.kennards.com.au

www.au.issworld.com

Diversey publishes annual sustainability report Diversey has published its annual sustainability report as part of its strategy to addresses key environmental, social and technological opportunities, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, engage in ethical business practices and decrease its packaging footprint by 2025.

To create the new sustainability strategy, Diversey reviewed its current footprint and studied frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Daniel Daggett, executive director, sustainability and CSR, Diversey said the company has committed to 12 new sustainability goals as part of the report.

“As ‘Facilitators for Life’, we must identify ways to care for the environment as well as the people we employ, partner with and serve every day. We’ve committed to 12 new sustainability goals for Diversey and look forward to executing this strategy to drive progress in the coming years. The goals not only engage all Diversey employees but will stimulate collaboration with our suppliers and customers to improve environmental stewardship and social responsibility,” Daggett said.

The new “Facilitators for Life” strategy consists of these 2025 goals: Improve the Environment • Reduce energy intensity in operations by 10 per cent • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensity in operations by 10 per cent 46 INCLEAN January/February 2019

• Reduce waste to landfill in operations by 10 per cent • Reduce water use intensity in operations by 10 per cent Protect and Care for People • Eliminate recordable workplace injuries of Diversey employees • Ensure an ethical supply chain by engaging all suppliers with Diversey’s Supplier Code of Conduct • Ensure ethical business practices by training all employees on Diversey’s Code of Conduct • Improve the lives of people in the communities Diversey serves through Creating Shared Value (CSV) programs like Soap For Hope™ Innovate Sustainable Solution • Quantify the sustainability value associated with Diversey products and solutions • Integrate a sustainability scorecard into the innovation process for all new technologies • Reduce Diversey’s packaging footprint and increase the recyclability of plastic packaging • Improve the safety and environmental profile of products through absolute compliance with Diversey’s Responsible Chemistry Policy www.diversey.com

MARKETING

Hako makes SA acquisition Hako Australia has acquired Adelaide-based cleaning equipment supplier Rutt Industrial. Following the completion of the acquisition Rutt Industrial will be converted into a standalone Hako Australia branch in Stepney, Adelaide.

Hako Australia managing director Frank Cupido said the acquisition builds on Hako’s 2020 strategy for growth and demonstrates the company’s strengthening market position.

“This acquisition gives us a local branch with direct service support and local sales and admin support to fast track our local growth in Adelaide,” he said.

“This is an exciting time for Hako Australia as we continue to build our business. It is another step towards creating more opportunities as we progress into our future.”

Rutt Industrial has represented Hako in South Australia since 2008, building a solid foundation of local Hako customers including Adelaide City Council – Hako Industrial’s single largest customer in Australia.

Rutt Industrial founder Kevin Rutt said he was incredibly pleased for Hako to continue building on the foundation Rutt Industrial has forged over the last 10 years.

“After being in business for more than 37 years, I decided to retire at the end of 2017. It was important to me and the Rutt family that our efforts and business went to a company that understood our values,” he said.

“Hako Australia share those values and we are secure in the knowledge they will continue in the same vein to build a very successful local business presence in South Australia.”

Cupido told INCLEAN Rutt Industrial’s broad customer base was a perfect alignment with Hako’s business model.

“Rutt Industrial covered South Australia predominantly but also sold into the Northern Territory. The customer base is very broad across multiple industry segments, but its strength is in the industrial and municipal segment.

“I want to thank Kevin for his drive and passion of the cleaning equipment industry in South Australia. It has been unrivalled. I also want to acknowledge the outstanding legacy that he, along with Denise and Michael Rutt, has created in South Australia.

“They achieved amazing heights over the years as a quality cleaning equipment distributor in South Australia and specifically with Hako equipment in more recent times. We are truly excited to welcome the Rutt Industrial team to our organisation as we share many similar values and ambitions for the future in South Australia.”

Cupido told INCLEAN Hako Australia’s immediate goal is to continue adding to its support teams in service and customer service to take on the business’s growing client base. www.hakoaustralia.com.au

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Patented stain remover Encapsul8 Carpet Spotter is a patented stain remover that uses advanced polymer technology to encase soil on carpet fibres. It offers excellent stain and spot removal and is safe for use on most carpet, rug and upholstery fibres.

Encapsul8 Carpet Spotter is ready to use and conveniently packaged in a 750ml bottle.

Whiteley Corporation 1800 833 566 www.whiteley.com.au

Robust and durable industrial sweeper Hotel amenities collection The Serengeti Collection from Cleanstar is the company’s latest collection of hotel amenities. Inspired by the plains of Africa’s Serengeti, the collection includes a shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion and soap. Each product is available in 20ml and 30ml bottles and 15g and 20g soap sizes.

Cleanstar 03 9460 5655 www.cleanstar.com.au

Hospital grade disinfectant The Viraclean system provides optimum surface cleaning and disinfection results, supported by staff training. Viraclean passes TGA Option B and kills a broad range bacteria and viruses including VRE, MRSA, Hepatitis B Virus, Herpes Simplex Virus and the Influenza Virus. Viraclean can simplify complex cleaning and disinfection procedures in healthcare facilities.

Viraclean is a pink liquid with a mild lemon fragrance. It is conveniently packaged in 500ml squeeze and spray bottles and five litre containers.

Whiteley Corporation 1800 833 566 www.whiteley.com.au es Simplifi x le p com g in n a le c

48 INCLEAN January/February 2019

Compact carpet spotter with heater The Polivac Hotspot compact carpet spotter delivers efficiency and power in a deceptively small package with an in-tank heater capable of heating to 65°c. Its compact size and manoeuvrability make it ideal for spotting and quick cleaning of small carpeted areas, upholstery and auto interiors. Operators will appreciate the specially designed moulded-in spray bottles holders and trolley style transport handle.

Polivac International 03 8378 0000 www.polivac.com.au

The Powerboss Armadillo range of industrial vacuumised sweepers are built to provide years of consistently reliable service. Manufactured specifically for duty in heavy industrial applications, the 9XR is designed to work in conditions that demand the most robust of machines.

The fully hydraulic, high performance, industrial sweepers are perfect for use on large areas such as warehouse floors, factory floors, heavy industrial sites, outdoor sweeping applications like carparks, bicycle paths and municipal environments.

Hako Australia 1800 257 221 www.hakoaustralia.com.au

Efficient toilet bowl cleaner Superbowl has been specifically designed to clean toilet bowls, including the rim, bowl and seat. Superbowl can easily and quickly remove different soils and stains from toilets and urinals including: rust, scale, hard to remove toilet stains and algae growth. It is septic safe and safe to use on porcelain, stainless steel, tiles and most surfaces.

Superbowl is available in one and five litre bottles.

Whiteley Corporation 1800 833 566 www.whiteley.com.au

PRODUCTS

Low profile air mover

High performance chemical range The EarthSmart range offers high performance cleaning with the added comfort not harming the environment.

All products in the EarthSmart range are non-hazardous in accordance with the GHS. The EarthSmart range is a readily biodegradable, non-hazardous and non-toxic. It is chlorine and phosphate free, and is designed to be kind to the environment. To further minimise consumption and ecological footprint EarthSmart environmental cleaning products have been designed for use in 500ml refill-reuse bottles. Available in five litre bottle with 500ml spray bottles.

Whiteley Corporation 1800 833 566 www.whiteley.com.au

The XPower low profile air mover offers powerful ventilation in a compact size. The air mover has durable polypropylene housing with a carry handle. It weighs less than 9 kilograms and has an airflow of 1000 cubic feet of air per minute. It can be used vertically or horizontally and can be daisy chained with up to six additional units.

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All-in-one washroom cleaning solution e-Washroom X is an environmentally friendly multi-surface washroom cleaner consisting of a concentrated biotechnological formulation. Ideal for combating bad odours, surface cleaning and accelerating the breakdown, this plant-based cleaning solution can be used to clean floors, toilet, basins and mirrors. A safer and healthier cleaning solution alternative to strong chemicals, e-Washroom uses the power of natural positive enzymes to eat away bacteria present in bathrooms ensuring a deeper clean every time.

Abco Products 1800 177 399 www.enviroplusproducts.com.au

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www.incleanmag.com.au 49

PRODUCTS

Easy to use!

All-in-one cleaning work station The i-land is an all-in-one cleaning work station designed to simplify cleaning processes. The i-land includes a pretreatment bucket with integrated scaling, equipment slots for charging i-team products, a tablet bracket and is available in four sizes with either doors or drawers. Designed for use in large buildings and on-site projects for cleaners who require a work station that holds all of their equipment.

Abco Products 1800 177 399 www.i-teamaustralia.com.au

Heavy duty multipurpose cleaner Treble is a general purpose spray and wipe cleaner, degreaser and sanitiser all in one. It cuts through grease and soil to leave surfaces, including glass, sanitised and clean. The heavy-duty cleaner is lime scented for freshness and is a low foaming product, suited for use in hospitality venues including commercial kitchens and food service areas. Treble is available in a five litre pack size with 500ml spray bottles for the diluted product.

Whiteley Corporation 1800 833 566 www.whiteley.com.au

Environmentally friendly and anti-slip floor pads The Bonastre System Pro floor pads polish floors with water in three easy steps. No harsh chemicals, no scratching, just a combination of unique pads impregnated with diamond particles, and water – that’s the secret of Bonastre System Pro’s success in creating mirror finished floors. Easy to use with most floor machines, simply attached the graded coloured pads and follow the easy steps to rejuvenate worn floors to a sparkling gloss shine. Environmentally friendly and anti-slip when wet. Onsite demonstration and trials available.

Central Cleaning Supplies 1300 347 347 www.centralcleaning.com.au

Emission-free street sweeping

Helping Hand dispenser range Deb Helping Hand dispensers are a limited range of soap dispensers supporting Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). For every dispenser purchased, a $1 donation is made to BCNA. RapidClean is currently distributing the one litre Foam Wash, two litre Lotion Wash, four litre Heavy Duty and one litre Sanitise Deb dispensers. Each dispenser is designed to suit a number of contaminants and environments, including washrooms, workplaces and other facilities.

RapidClean 02 4721 1993 www.rapidclean.com.au

50 INCLEAN January/February 2019

The Conquest EcoSweep360 is a smart, effective and environmentally-friendly street sweeping solution. The world’s first battery powered street sweeper boasts eight hours of continuous sweeping, while the compact design and low-noise operation makes the sweeper ideal for a range of different environments. In car parks, corporate settings, parks or public spaces the Conquest EcoSweep360 can deliver a comprehensive clean without causing a disturbance. With customisable options available the Conquest EcoSweep360 can suit many individual requirements.

Conquest Equipment Technologies 1800 826 789 www.conquestequipment.com.au

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