INCLEAN November-December 2021 by The Intermedia Group

DELIVERING SUSTAINABLE HYGIENE INFORMATION

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November / December 2021

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EDITOR’S LETTER

INCLEAN is published by The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd on behalf of ISSA – The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association. 41 Bridge Road, Glebe NSW 2037 Australia MANAGING DIRECTOR: Simon Grover PUBLISHER: Simon Cooper MANAGING EDITOR Claire Hibbit Email: chibbit@intermedia.com.au Phone: 02 8586 6140 NATIONAL ADVERTISING MANAGER: Samantha Ewart Email: sewart@intermedia.com.au Phone: 02 8586 6106 PRODUCTION MANAGER: Jacqui Cooper PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: Natasha Jara GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Alyssa Coundouris Print Post Approved Publication No. PP: 255003/09765 AUSTRALIAN SUBSCRIPTION RATE 12 months (6 issues) - $66 (inc. GST) To subscribe call 1800 651 422 subscriptions@intermedia.com.au

INCLEAN is owned by ISSA ABN: 44 617 407 020 P: +61 2 9890 4951 A: Suite 1, Level 1, 52 O’Connell Street, Parramatta, NSW, 2150 W: www.issa.com DISCLAIMER: This publication is published by The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd (the Publisher). Materials in this publication have been created by a variety of different entities and, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher accepts no liability for materials created by others. All materials should be considered protected by Australian and international intellectual property laws. Unless you are authorised by law or the copyright owner to do so, you may not copy any of the materials. The mention of a product or service, person or company in this publication does not indicate the Publisherís endorsement. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Publisher, its agents, company officers or employees. Any use of the information contained in this publication is at the sole risk of the person using that information. The user should make independent enquiries as to the accuracy of the information before relying on that information. All express or implied terms, conditions, warranties, statements, assurances and representations in relation to the Publisher, its publications and its services are expressly excluded save for those conditions and warranties which must be implied under the laws of any State of Australia or the provisions of Division 2 of Part V of the Trade Practices Act 1974 and any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof. To the extent permitted by law, the Publisher will not be liable for any damages including special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages (including but not limited to economic loss or loss of profit or revenue or loss of opportunity) or indirect loss or damage of any kind arising in contract, tort or otherwise, even if advised of the possibility of such loss of profits or damages. While we use our best endeavours to ensure accuracy of the materials we create, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher excludes all liability for loss resulting from any inaccuracies or false or misleading statements that may appear in this publication. Copyright © 2021 - The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd.

Editor’s letter

ockdowns across the country have placed extreme pressures on businesses, with the cleaning industry also feeling the impact. In this issue, we look at how cleaning companies and suppliers are responding as education facilities, retail centres, and hospitality venues begin to reopen. School lockdowns have presented real challenges for students and their families since the outbreak of COVID-19 – and they have also seen cleaning companies go on a rollercoaster ride. Some companies have lamented contracts going on hold or being scaled back because of the absence of students. Others have benefited from the urgent need for deep cleans as a result of COVID-19 clusters. The pressure is now on cleaning companies to embrace new systems, processes, and technology that can keep classrooms hygienic and people safe. In our education feature, we look at how the industry is rising to this challenge as students begin to return. In our retail focus this issue, we examine how cleaning companies and suppliers are responding with greater product innovation and outstanding efforts from workers on the front line. And, in the hospitality sector, while venues themselves have played a key part, implementing robust cleaning and disinfecting practices, there’s still work to be done by industry. Read why there’s no room for complacency as the impact of the pandemic continues from page 40. Also in this issue, we look at another common challenge faced by businesses of all sizes and in all industries – finding and keeping talented workers. This challenge, which has been exacerbated following the pandemic, isn’t going away anytime soon, but there are ways to tilt the playing field in your favour by taking a slightly different approach to your recruiting and retention efforts. Read some strategies leadership can take during the hiring process to help find the right candidate on page 54. As a final note, on behalf of the team at INCLEAN, we would like to thank our readers and contributors for their support this year and wish you all a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season! Happy reading,

Claire Hibbit Managing Editor

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The Intermedia Group takes its corporate and social responsibilities seriously and is committed to reducing its impact on the environment. We continuously strive to improve our environmental performance and to initiate additional CSR based projects and activities. As part of our company policy we ensure that the products and services used in the manufacture of this magazine are sourced from environmentally responsible suppliers. This magazine has been printed on paper produced from sustainably sourced wood and pulp fibre and is accredited under PEFC chain of custody. PEFC certified wood and paper products come from environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of forests. The wrapping used in the delivery process of this magazine is 100 per cent biodegradable.

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MOTORSCRUBBER CONTINUES TO CLEAN UP With a worldwide reputation for quality cleaning products and innovative design thinking, MotorScrubber continue with their quest to drive forward new ideas and developments to help the world clean more effectively and efficiently. With the recent announcement to establish an Australian subsidiary - MotorScrubber Australia PTY LTD - they guarantee to provide the best possible service to existing customers and distributors by giving them access to the entire MotorScrubber range, including the latest Generation 3 products which include new features such as overall styling upgrades, an updated backpack format with universal belt system and a quick-change battery.

Dedicated to the advancements and innovation of cleaning technology the MotorScrubber design department are currently developing new revolutionary cleaning machines which are set for release in 2022. The new ground-breaking machines are set to change the way you clean forever and will be available worldwide alongside all the other MotorScrubber products including the JET3, M3, FORCE, STORM, BLADE and PROWASH. MotorScrubber are continuously looking to develop strong relationships with new distributors around the world to drive their innovations into all global markets. If you would like to become a distributor of their latest products please visit: www.motorscrubberclean. com/becomeadistributor

Motorscrubber has been winning global product awards for years, now Australia will have full access to all the high quality UK manufactured products. We are very excited to bring all Motorscrubbers existing and soon to be released innovations to the Australian market.

Lucas Paris Manging Director MotorScrubber Australia PTY LTD

Interested in how MotorScrubber Can transform your cleaning? contact us at: www.motorscrubberclean.com

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LNER CUSTOMERS TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCE THANKS TO MOTORSCRUBBER LNER have utilised a large number of the MotorScrubber devices throughout the pandemic to ensure staff and customers alike are kept safe. They have invested in the MotorScrubber STORM® to ensure they are able to sanitise their trains throughout the day...

"This has been a welcome addition to our armoury in our fight against COVID-19." "The product is lightweight, well built and easy to use and we have received positive feedback from our customers when they have seen us using this device. It does exactly what is says on the tin and we plan on working with MotorScrubber on more innovation for rail."

VIRGIN ATLANTIC KEEPING STANDARDS HIGH IN THE SKY The health and safety of Virgin Atlantic customers and staff has always been their number one priority. As they start to return to their full flying schedule, the cleanliness and presentation of thier cabins remains their absolute focus. Virgin Atlantic is delighted to be using some of the latest technology, such as the MotorScrubber JET3 system, which ensures their cleaning teams deliver thorough deep cleaning to the highest of standards.

"Deep Cleaning to the highest of standards" Anthony Bryant, Manager Cabin Appearance & Cleaning at Virgin said: "We are excited to work with the MotorScrubber team to ensure a continued industry leading cleaning programme across our fleet."

What’s on 2021 ISSA Show North America 15-18 November 2021 ISSA Show North America will be held in-person in Las Vegas. www.issashow.com

2022

Wed 15 - Thu 16 September 2021

Clean NZ

Newmarket Room, Ellerslie Racecourse, Auckland, New Zealand

1-2 March 2022 Clean NZ is New Zealand’s only dedicated trade event for the cleaning industry. www.cleannzexpo.co.nz

ISSA Pavilion at China Clean Expo 29 March - 1 April 2022 Asia’s flagship cleaning industry event will be hosted in Shanghai. www.chinacleanexpo.com

ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo 16-17 March 2022 The cleaning industry’s premier event will be held at ICC Sydney. www.issacleaninghygieneexpo.com

Interclean Amsterdam 10 -13 May 2022 Europe’s leading exhibition for the professional cleaning industry. www.intercleanshow.com

MOST CLICKED www.incleanmag.com.au

Quayclean CEO calls for student visa changes

Essity invests in geothermal steam power

Quayclean boss urges temporary increase in student visa working hours from 20 to 40 hours per week.

Essity announces AU$15 million investment in the company’s Kawerau, New Zealand production facility.

Thank Your Cleaner Day expands into global event

Research reveals three dirtiest places in the office

World first initiative developed in New Zealand expands into global event.

Toilet seats are not among the germiest areas.

FWO recovers more than $148 million for workers

WorkWave to acquire TEAM Software

Fair Work Ombudsman announces contract cleaning as new priority area.

WorkWave expands service software across cleaning and security verticals.

ISSA Show Canada 8-9 June 2022 Canada’s leading trade show for facility managers and facility service providers. www.canadashow.issa.com

2023 CMS 19-22 September 2023 The international conference and trade show will take place in Berlin. www.cms-berlin.de 8 INCLEAN November / December 2021

ON THE COVER Read how Kärcher, a global leader in cleaning equipment, is continuing its commitment towards a more sustainable future with the release of new products and technologies on page 16.

IN THIS ISSUE NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

ISSUE #6 VOLUME 34

Regulars

05 Editor’s letter 14 Industry news 48 Management 56 Opinion 60 Products

10 Features

28 Consider the cleaning specialist model Use this simplified approach to workload your labour and meet your goals. 34 School’s in – now the real work starts for cleaners Cleaning companies are embracing new processes and technology to keep classrooms hygienic.

40 Food for thought as hospitality sector seeks clean start Why there is no room for cleaning complacency in the hospitality sector. 44 Going up – retail cleaning goes to the next level Innovative and efficient cleaning products are more important than ever in the retail space. 52 Fishing for workers in a depleted pond Questions every business leader should be asking themselves before they recruit.

30 34

www.incleanmag.com.au 9

SPONSORED

Collaborate to innovate: How Avidbots is driving innovation with leading service providers

10 INCLEAN November / December 2021

SPONSORED

vidbots continues to lead the charge on autonomous floor cleaning solutions. Founded by Faizan Sheikh and Pablo Molina in 2014, Avidbots launched its first fully autonomous commercial robot floor scrubber Neo in 2016. Now in its 8th generation, the Neo commercial floor cleaning robot is automating cleaning tasks and freeing cleaning staff around the world to focus on more value-added and higher margin services. Today, Avidbots provides robotics solutions to some of the world’s biggest companies across retail, airports, healthcare, education, manufacturing, warehousing and beyond.

NEXT LEVEL AUTOMATION “Since COVID, society has had a big lesson in the value of clean,” explains Faizan Sheikh, CEO and Co-Founder of Avidbots. One company embracing Avidbots’ market leading technology is Assetlink. Assetlink, a leading integrated facilities services provider with more than 1200 customers across Australia and New Zealand, manages the most optimised and successful fleet of Avidbots Neo in Australia. In 2019 Assetlink made a strategic decision to automate the floor cleaning process throughout their retail and airport portfolio aiming to deliver consistent and high-quality floor cleaning. After conducting an extensive research exercise reviewing the options on the market, Assetlink chose Neo as it delivers 100 per cent autonomous cleaning. With ongoing continuous improvement initiatives and a deep collaboration with Avidbots, Assetlink has developed the most optimised fleet of Avidbots Neos compared to all other Avidbots cleaning service provider customers globally. Through the month of October 2021, Assetlink’s fleet of Neos autonomously cleaned more than 4,000,000 square meters of flooring. The company is on track, via their rapidly growing fleet, for 6,000,000 square meters of flooring to be cleaned autonomously per month by the end of 2021. “We’re taking automation to a new level,” explains Giuliano Fonte, Innovation Manager of Assetlink. For Fonte, the sophistication of the machine’s AI on-board navigation has been the most impactful feature for the facilities services provider.

Avidbots’ AI software, the Avidbots AI Platform, enables the fully autonomous floor scrubbing robot to understand its operating environment and take actions to maximise cleaning productivity while minimising human intervention. Neo also provides facility managers with key metrics on their cleaning operation, including accurate productivity metrics, sector-level coverage maps, and other floor cleaning data. Floor cleaning data from Neo provides greater oversight into the cleaning operation, allowing facility managers to see exactly where the robot cleaned and when, and react appropriately if an area needs more attention. “Avidbots’ on-board AI navigation and back-end software provides data and transparency that I don’t think the Australian cleaning industry has had access to before. Using the data provided, clients have cleaning insights they have never been able to receive until now.” Fonte says Avidbots’ advanced dynamic path planning and proprietary AI powered navigation are also “huge differentiators in the market”. During a Neo deployment, the entire facility is mapped, and a fully customisable cleaning plan is generated. From that point forward, the built-in AI uses Neo’s onboard suite of sensors to examine the space at the beginning of each cleaning, comparing what it looks like in real-time versus the original cleaning plan. This enables Neo to take the best path and maximise cleaning productivity. Neo, which is deployed for night cleaning in major shopping centres and airports across the country by Assetlink, has also been welcomed by staff. “Our staff are really impressed by the technology of the machines and how it adds value to their jobs,” says Fonte. According to Fonte, other key features of the Avidbots AI Platform is its situational awareness and advanced decision-making capabilities, as well as Avidbots’ ongoing customer and service support. “A key benefit [for staff] has been the adjustability of the traditional cleaning features on-board – such as brush pressure or water usage – decisions that typically only a human can make, can actually be done by the robots,” he says. “The Assetlink team is highly engaged in technology. They go out of their way to seek advice on how to improve and maintain relevancy of their fleet.”

“

At Avidbots, we’re creating the future today, enabling our customers to focus on what they do best today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

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www.incleanmag.com.au 11

SPONSORED

THE NEXT GENERATION

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Through the month of October 2021, Assetlink’s fleet of Neos autonomously cleaned more than 4,000,000 square meters of flooring.

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12 INCLEAN November / December 2021

In September 2020, Avidbots announced the launch of Neo 2, its next-generation autonomous robot floor scrubber platform. Created to be the industry standard, Neo 2 has been engineered from the ground up to be a multiapplication robot, while leading the industry in quality, reliability, safety, and serviceability. Featuring best-in-class technology integration, Neo 2 features a market-leading 10 sensors, resulting in 360 degrees visibility and advanced obstacle avoidance delivered by the Avidbots AI Platform. “COVID-19 presented us with an opportunity to leverage a lot of requests from our clients to help them in addition to floor scrubbing and disinfection,” explains Sheikh. “We always have our ear to the ground and our finger on the pulse of what our customers are asking for, and what their ideas are. Many of our best ideas have come from our customers.” Coupled with advanced diagnostics and the proprietary Avidbots Command Center, Neo 2 operates with minimal human intervention, delivering maximum uptime and repeatability due to leading-edge automation. Moving at speeds up to 1.35m/4.43 ft per second, Neo 2 cleans and sanitises more effectively and efficiently than humans, allowing the cleaning team to focus on other areas while Neo 2 takes care of the floors.

INCREASED NEED FOR DISINFECTION IN THE ‘NEW NORMAL’ Avidbots recently launched its Disinfection Add-On, expanding the functionality of the Neo beyond floor care to surface disinfection.

Designed with add-ons in mind, the company’s Neo has been built from the ground-up as a multi-application robot. With the Disinfection Add-On, customers can now autonomously disinfect high-touch, 3-D surfaces with Neo 2, in addition to floor care, delivering an even more efficient, consistent, and measurable clean. The Disinfection Add-On leverages the latest electrostatic spraying technology and ensures uniform 3-D coverage of surfaces. This includes hidden and indirectly sprayed ones, for the most complete coverage. Additionally, the sprayer uses less chemical solution compared to traditional methods. This proven approach ensures disinfection chemicals do not dry out in the air before reaching the target, effectively covering and ensuring proper dwell time on high-touch surfaces. “At Avidbots, we’re creating the future today, enabling our customers to focus on what they do best today, tomorrow, and for years to come. “We’re proud to release the Disinfection Add-On, expanding our offerings, setting a more robust standard for cleaning and leveraging the significant value of robotics. The feedback we have received so far has been tremendous because our clients are now saving so much more time from their manual disinfection process,” says Sheikh. When it comes to finding the right robotics partner, Sheikh says to find a partner who is “aligned with the success of your project”. “At Avidbots, we only make autonomous solutions, so we live and die by the success of our customers’ robotic project rollouts. Choose a company that cares about the success of your robotics program as much as you do.” ■

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Thank Your Cleaner Day expands into global event A world first initiative developed in New Zealand, known as Thank Your Cleaner Day, has now become a global event, with the day now recognised in more than 30 countries. The initiative was first created in New Zealand by the Building Service Contractors Association of New Zealand (BSCNZ) in 2015. October 20 is Thank Your Cleaner Day – where cleaners are championed for the special role they play in keeping our workplaces clean, safe and hygienic. Sarah McBride, CEO of the BSCNZ, told INCLEAN NZ Thank Your Cleaner Day is even more important this year as cleaners remain on the frontline during the pandemic. “Thank Your Cleaner Day was a bit different for everyone this year, but also a timely reminder as to why the day is so important. “While we weren’t able to hold events like we have in the past, the day is still dedicated to celebrating cleaners and acknowledging the important work that they do and the contribution that they all make to New Zealand and society as a whole.”

Kim Puxty, national president of the Building Service Contractors Association of Australia (BSCAA), said the pandemic has highlighted cleaners are the “unsung frontline workers”. “Every day, tens of thousands of skilled, hardworking cleaning staff are onsite to ensure premises are clean, safe, and hygienic. Cleaners work day, night, and weekends to prevent the spread of infection, to keep your schools, daycares, hospitals, working and living environment safe. Thank Your Cleaner Day recognises the hard work cleaners do and lets them know they are valued and appreciated,” said Puxty. Hamish Matheson, region president – Oceania, Karcher, said the event is now celebrated in almost every region around the world. “If you think about the last 18 months, the role of the cleaning industry, and specifically cleaners, has never been more important. Cleaners are working tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure that we can go about our day-to-day business in a safe and healthy way.”

i-team ANZ hosts first i-partner live broadcast Coming from the i-team global headquarters in Eindhoven, Netherlands, and the i-team ANZ head office in Perth, i-team ANZ launched its first i-partner live broadcast. The initiative brought together i-partners throughout Australia and New Zealand for some fun, learning, and inspiration. Hosting the broadcast was Ben Van de Scheur, i-team managing director, with table guests Anna Huang, i-team project manager; and Ryan McClymonds, i-team technical director; as well as i-team ANZ directors, Steve Bagshaw and Tim Pugh. The broadcast kicked-off with a virtual tour of the i-team inspiration center in Eindhoven. The i-partners were also introduced to the latest i-mop upgrades as well as the i-air, a revolutionary patented high-capacity portable air purification system. “The goal of i-team is to simplify the entire cleaning process and to bring back the fun in cleaning with products that aim to be faster, cleaner, greener, safer, and better,” the company said.

14 INCLEAN November / December 2021

INDUSTRY NEWS

MotorScrubber Australia embraced by local partners

Polivac International introduces fully featured Generation II burnisher machines A common challenge that operators face is manoeuvring large gas burnishers through small hallways and paths especially in facilities such as supermarkets and hotels. In response to this challenge Polivac has introduced the Gaz 16” Gen II and Gaz 20” Gen II Gas burnishers. These machines are built using lighter bodies and stronger engines which simplifies the process of buffing those narrow lanes with high foot traffic. Manufactured using innovative technology these machines can deliver power and performance like machines twice its size. Known for its streamlined design, these Gas burnishers operate smoothly giving glossy and shiny floors. These fully featured machines are built using ergonomic design suggestions hence reducing the risk of user error and exhaustion. The dust bag and vacuum system ensures complete removal of dust in a single pass. Safety is Polivac’s number one priority which is why its gas burnishers are equipped with Closed Loop Engine Emission technology, to provide a steady delivery of fuel to the engine. This ensures operator’s health and safety by reducing the risk of exposure to carbon monoxide (below workplace exposure standards determined by Safe Work Australia). “We have received great reviews and insights from industry experts on demo trials of the machines and we are happy to announce that these machines are available in the market now,” the company said. All Polivac machines are manufactured in its Melbourne facility.

MotorScrubber Australia has officially taken over the MotorScrubber portfolio from Freudenberg Household Products, with distributors already seeing the benefits of having a dedicated support base in Australia. MotorScrubber Australia has integrated all the existing machines and spares from Freudenberg. This, in conjunction with the large shipments from MotorScrubber UK, will ensure MotorScrubber Australia distributors are equipped to ensure their customers’ needs are met in a timely and efficient manner. Lucas Paris, managing director of MotorScrubber Australia, said the Derrimut, Melbourne location currently holds more than half a million dollars’ worth of MotorScrubber machines, spares, and accessories to ensure the long-term strategic growth of the brand and distribution network in the APAC region. “We would like to thank all our MotorScrubber partners for their support through the transition period,” said Paris. “It is challenging taking over an existing distribution chain, but our partners have been so accommodating and understanding of the complexities involved whilst most importantly seeing the overall benefit their businesses and customers will see once the integration was complete. “MotorScrubber has been winning innovation awards on a global scale for many years, 2022 will see a big step forward for the brand and product portfolio with several industry changing innovations that will revolutionise the way the commercial cleaning sector operates.”

www.accobrands.com.au www.incleanmag.com.au 15

COVER STORY

Kärcher continues commitment towards a more

SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

ärcher, the leading German engineered cleaning solutions provider, has released its 2025 sustainability strategy including the announcement of some notable achievements and aspirational goals. Trends in consumer behaviour have long indicated a shift in the mentality of shoppers, with increased importance being placed on the sustainable practices of a brand. Kärcher has been leading the way with sustainability in the cleaning space and it is deeply embedded into its global supply chain. Measures have been put in place that aim to achieve climate-neutral production, recycling of raw materials and a reduction in plastic packaging. Kärcher hit a milestone in 2021 as it was announced that its factories around the world have become climate-neutral with CO2-free global production. 16 INCLEAN November / December 2021

This has been attained through the use of green energy and compensations for emissions that are unavoidable using climate protection projects. The climate-neutral promise also extends to business travel with Kärcher vowing to reduce travel where possible, replacing in person conferences with virtual events and compensation being made for travel when it is unavoidable. Other notable items in the 2025 sustainability strategy include becoming a social hero, whereby Kärcher has promised to analyse and improve the social impact of its direct suppliers. This will be managed by putting sustainability practices as one of the most important factors in selecting new suppliers as well as assessing current ones. This will lead to more ethical supplier partnerships in the future. The Kärcher sustainability strategy is supported by the brand claim ‘be the difference’ as Kärcher aims to lead the way in the cleaning industry. ■

COVER STORY

WHAT’S NEW FROM KÄRCHER Kärcher welcomes the B 110 R Bc Scrubber, T 11/1 Classic HEPA dry vacuum cleaner and PS 4/7 BP Mister to its product range along with the AF 100 which marks their long awaited entry into the air purification space.

B 110 R Bc Scrubber: This new floor scrubber takes floor cleaning to the next level. Ideal for cleaning angled areas, it has a disc brush head with a 75cm working width and an aluminium die-cast squeegee for extra reliability. The comfort of the user has been taken into consideration through the height adjustable seat. The 110-litre freshwater tank can be filled with the auto fill function to save time. The speed-dependant dosing saves water and increases performance whilst ensuring a fast-drying time.

T 11/1 Classic HEPA Dry Vacuum Cleaner: This vacuum cleaner impresses with its high suction power, medical grade HEPA 14 filter, low weight and excellent priceperformance ratio. It is hygienic and economical, perfectly suited to hygienically sensitive areas such as doctor’s surgeries, hospitals, or places where food is consumed or prepared. Its compact size and low weight means that it can be easily transported between cleaning locations and fits nicely in cleaning closets.

PS 4/7 Bp Mister: A newly developed technology but essential in today’s landscape, the PS 4/7 Bp Mister facilitates the precise and even distribution of disinfectants over small and large surface areas. This machine reduces the time required to disinfect a surface and its battery operation means it can be used in any environment without hindrance. The PS 4/7 Bp Mister is ideal for use in offices, public transport, offices and shopping centres – anywhere fast and efficient disinfecting is required.

KÄRCHER INTRODUCES AIR PURIFIERS Kärcher has introduced the AF 100 to the air purification market. It can clean the air of up to 100m2 in just minutes and is one of the best ways of ensuring that workplaces and schools have cleaner, safer air for employees and students when indoors. The AF 100 is capable of removing dust, pollen, odours, and most importantly, up to 99.995 per cent of viruses from the air using medical grade HEPA filters. The AF 100 from Kärcher is an impressive first entry into the Australian air purification market and demonstrates that once again, Kärcher can offer customers a complete cleaning solution.

Contact Kärcher on 1800 675 714 for a free site survey today. www.incleanmag.com.au 17

INDUSTRY NEWS

Why batteries are important to the floor cleaning industry

Tennant Company launches first industrial robotic floor scrubber for large spaces Tennant Company is launching its newest and largest autonomous floor cleaning machine, the T16AMR Robotic Floor Scrubber. This industrial-grade autonomous scrubber is ideal for larger facilities. Featuring a wider scrub path and higher tank capacity, it allows for consistent, efficient cleaning while reducing total cost of ownership. This is the third AMR in Tennant’s line-up and the industry’s first AMR built on an industrial scrubber platform. The T16AMR robotic cleaning machine is the latest in Tennant’s AMR line. “Tennant Company appreciates the additional pressures our customers have in ensuring consistent cleaning with fewer resources,” said David Strohsack, VP of marketing, Tennant Company. “This is particularly problematic for those with large facilities. That’s why we’ve introduced the T16AMR, our largest autonomous machine to date. It will help customers increase their cleaning efficiency and maximize employee resources.’ The T16AMR also reduces the total cost of ownership with an industrial-strength platform and design, cleaning varying floor surfaces a single pass with the ability to run multiple routes, back-to-back, without assistance. Its twin cylindrical brushes easily clean and pick up small debris to prevent streaking and to reduce the need for pre-sweeping. Additionally, the T16AMR reduces or eliminates chemical usage with eco-H2O NanoClean technology that allows for detergent-free cleaning. Onboard cameras, sensors and alarms help maintain the safety of employees working around the machine. Unique to the Tennant AMRs, longer-range LIDAR accommodates larger, open spaces; and onboard diagnostics make maintenance troubleshooting a breeze. “We’ve made the T16AMR easy to use and maintain. With its intuitive controls, touch screens and onboard learning center, the T16AMR is simple to train,” said Bill Ruhr, senior product manager, Tennant Company. “After that, all the labour you’ll need to clean your floor is enough time to press the start button. Just show the machine where you want to clean and let the robot do the cleaning for you.” Tennant launched its first autonomous solution in 2018, with the introduction of the T7AMR Scrubber. In 2020, it followed with the T380AMR. The T16AMR, T380AMR, and original T7AMR are all powered by BrainOS, an advanced artificial intelligence and robotic technology platform, from Tennant partner, Brain Corp. “We’re excited to see Tennant bring its third BrainOS-powered AMR to market. Together, we continue to push the boundaries of robotic cleaning innovation by combining best-in-class software technology with proven, world-class equipment,” said Dr. Eugene Izhikevich, CEO at Brain Corp. “Cleaning robots are clearly becoming the new commercial standard. With the new T16AMR, Tennant now offers autonomous solutions that can accommodate a diverse range of spaces, from large industrial settings to smaller retail footprints.”

18 INCLEAN November / December 2021

Battery life is directly related to increased amounts of floor space cleaned in less time. Continued advancements in floor care equipment batteries allow businesses to focus on creating the cleanest environment possible and healthier working environments for their cleaning staff. This makes it even more important to understand how to keep floor cleaning machine batteries running optimally and cleaning schedules on time. Essentially, having the right battery for floor scrubbers and sweepers in addition to proper maintenance and care, directly affect ROI. The right battery choice can reduce downtime, keeping employees more productive and schedules to time, not to mention it is a direct link to sustainable battery life—the better the battery the higher the productivity. In addition, choosing the right battery, can directly affect increased productivity and efficiency—cleaning staff can get more done in less time by not having to spend time on battery maintenance or wait for replacement batteries due to improper care. This means cleaning quality for large areas with shorter cleaning access times will never be compromised. There is a lot to consider when it comes to understanding batteries for industrial floor cleaning equipment. Rolls Battery Engineering batteries are internationally recognised for their dependability, especially critical and high-risk environments. Featuring a sealed construction and superior corrosion resistance, Rolls batteries are maintenance free, spill-proof/leak-proof, a low self-discharge rate at 3 per cent/month and have a faster recharging time. They also make use of a thick plate design and micro porous glass mat separator to deliver a high deep cycle rate and longer life. It is robust and stands up to any cleaning equipment routine. Federal Batteries is the Australian distributor for ROLLS Battery Engineering Batteries.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Northfork cements good service hygiene portfolio Northfork Chemicals has strengthened its commercial kitchen cleaning range following the launch of its new ready-to-use, 750ml food surface sanitiser. Formulated for effective sanitation in food service operations, Food Surface Sanitiser is effective against a broad range of bacteria in a short amount of time. The formula does not require rinsing when used according to the directions. The ready-to-use nature of the product makes it an ideal sanitation option for benchtops and tables, when used in conjunction with a complete cleaning schedule. Manufactured in NSW, the Northfork Chemicals portfolio is ideal for use in commercial kitchen, table service, bar, and club

Diversey finalises acquisition of Tasman Chemicals Diversey ANZ has finalised its acquisition of Tasman Chemicals. Tasman Chemicals is an Australian manufacturer of professional cleaning and hygiene solutions to the institutional and F&B sectors. Tasman has served the Australian market for more than 55 years with a strong reputation for technical innovation and product performance coupled with manufacturing facilities in both Melbourne and Perth. Wayne Hill, managing director, Diversey ANZ, said the acquisition will enhance Diversey’s position in the Australian and New Zealand markets. “The addition of Tasman’s manufacturing infrastructure, in particular, provides exciting opportunities to integrate our business and expand our product offering.” “Tasman has been a highly respected manufacturer of professional cleaning and hygiene solutions to the institutional and F&B sectors for over 55 years. With this acquisition, we look forward to adding strength via Tasman’s manufacturing infrastructure.”

20 INCLEAN November / December 2021

areas. The range offers kitchen essentials such as dishwashing detergent, surface spray disinfectant hospital-grade spray on wipe off, cream cleanser, oven and grill cleaner and a fragrance-free liquid hand wash. The range also extends to product offers designed for commercial kitchens such as machine glass washing liquid, auto feed dish washing liquid and machine dishwashing powder. With the impending re-opening of hospitality venues across NSW, ensuring a clean and hygienic kitchen operation will be paramount to service residents eager to escape pandemic lockdowns. Northfork Chemicals are made in Australia and are part of the ACCO Brands Australia portfolio.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Hygieia-San launches eco-friendly, Covid-killing products in AU/NZ market In November, Hygieia-San’s unique Huwa-San range of hydrogen peroxide products will enter the Australian and New Zealand markets. Globally respected, Huwa-San is widely regarded as offering the most advanced, highly developed and accredited, silver stabilised product on the market. Due to its efficacy on water, surface and air, Huwa-San products work across a broad spectrum of industries. The launch into the Australian and New Zealand market will focus on bars and hospitality, retail, breweries, equine, livestock, and the pool, spa and wellness sectors. The disinfectant is kind to the environment, replacing use of toxic chemicals with a 100 per cent biodegradable solution that breaks down to water and oxygen. Leaving no environmental impact during or after disinfection, Huwa-San is safe for use around humans and animals making it an incredibly dynamic product in any industry. “Huwa-San’s technology puts it leagues ahead of its competitors because it delivers a product that can be used on any surface safely without staining, bleaching or corrosion, and without harming the environment,” said Christopher Shermer, managing director of Hygieia-San Australia & NZ. Huwa-San’s versatility partly derives from its multiple applications, which has never been more important in a postpandemic world. Hand-held disinfectant sprays for smaller spaces,

and vaporisation via fogging devices for large areas (like indoor & outdoor events venues, hospitality, equine or breweries) allow Huwa-San to be applied at scale. “In the wake of Covid-19, we’ve seen Hygieia-San across the UK, skyrocket in the hospitality and brewery space, not just because it avoids caustic ingredients that cause things like dry hands and inflamed skin but because it can be applied at scale to kill the right pathogens,” said Shermer. Hygieia-San is now seeking distributors in the Australian and NZ markets that want to capitalise on the opportunity to distribute Huwa-San products.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

ISSA, Informa Markets & ISSA Pulire Network launch global show portfolio ISSA, Informa Markets, and ISSA Pulire Network have launched a global show portfolio, which now covers five continents around the world. “We’re excited to expand our events across five continents to serve more global communities and change the way the world views cleaning,” said Lindsay Roberts, group director, Informa Markets US. “By leveraging the strength of both partners, Informa Markets and ISSA, we are well positioned to scale events, experiences, and member benefits internationally.” The Global Show Portfolio includes 10 events branded as ISSA shows, conferences, or pavilions. Through Informa Markets, the portfolio has added ISSA Pavilions in Mexico and China, and ISSA Conferences in India and Southeast Asia, in addition to the flagship show in the United States. Through ISSA, the portfolio has added tradeshows in Canada and Australia, and through the ISSA Pulire Network, the portfolio has added shows in Italy, Russia, and West Africa. “Access to educational and networking events enables organisations and their employees to expand their skillsets, create new business opportunities, and discover effective solutions that support commercial cleaning and 22 INCLEAN November / December 2021

facility management,” said Toni D’Andrea, CEO, ISSA Pulire Network. “We look forward to these upcoming events and to developing additional shows for other markets in the future.” The 2021-2022 Global Show Portfolio schedule includes ISSA Pavilion at Abastur and ExpoMed, Clean Expo Pulire, ISSA Show North America, ISSA Pulire Clean Africa, ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo, ISSA Pavilion at China Clean Expo, and ISSA Show Canada. “ISSA and Informa Markets are proud to have created a deeper relationship to serve members in China and work in tandem to deliver ISSA member benefits,” said ISSA executive director, John Barrett. “We are committed to providing the highest quality platforms to industry professionals in this rapidly growing market so they can uphold cleanliness in key environments.” In addition to the 10 global shows, the partners have created an international sales network which will draw in exhibitors and sponsors from additional regions such as Korea, Japan, Turkey, and Taiwan. Both the Global Show Portfolio and international sales network will continue to grow, with new regions being added in late 2022 and beyond.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Quayclean CEO says cleaning industry needs student visa hours parity COVID will continue to pose a significant health and welfare threat to business operators, schools, public venues, and major sites unless the cleaning industry is granted a temporary increase in student visa working hours from 20 to 40 hours per week, says Quayclean CEO Mark Piwkowski. Last May, the Federal Government approved student visa working hours to increase from 20 to 40 hours per week in tourism, hospitality, aged care, disability, and other health related industries. Piwkowski said he remains mystified why the cleaning industry was not granted a temporary relaxation of working hours for student visa holders. “At a time where the Delta variant is infecting thousands of Australian each day, we believe the cleaning industry, particularly hygiene cleaning, is critical to the health and welfare of Australian communities and to Australia’s economic recovery from the pandemic,” said Piwkowski. “We have written to Alex Hawke, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs requesting the government extends student visa working hours from 20 to 40 hours per week in line with other industries. “Student visa holders comprise at least 30 per cent of cleaning workers – a rate which is even higher in regional areas,” he said. “At Quayclean, where our 2200 workforce are fully employed under the modern award and are not sub-contracted or labour hire staff, 60 per cent of our employees are student visa holders. “But following changes to increase student working hours, almost 200 of our employees have resigned and accepted work in industries where they can work up to 40 hours per week. “In basic terms, the government’s temporary relaxation of student visa hours is robbing Peter (the cleaning industry) of staff to pay Paul (the tourism, hospitality, aged care, disability, and other health related sectors),” added Piwkowski. 24 INCLEAN November / December 2021

With single and double dose vaccinations climbing to higher rates, governments are now preparing for life living with COVID in the months ahead. “Apart from double vaccinations, the other best way to prevent the future spread of COVID is by ensuring that high traffic workplaces, retail centres, restaurants, bars, hotels, schools, public transport, and other business sites are regularly and thoroughly disinfected and decontaminated by trained cleaners,” said Piwkowski. “If these sites cannot be thoroughly disinfected and decontaminated because of labour shortages, government runs the high risk of further COVID outbreaks, forcing businesses to close once again and crippling the economic recovery. “There will be little need to have student visa holders temporarily working in tourism, hospitality, aged care, disability, and other health related industries if these working venues are not professionally cleaned and free of the virus in the first instance,” he added. With the vaccination rate climbing, more major events such as sport, festivals and tourism sites will allow patrons to return to these public locations. However, Piwkowski said it is essential there is an adequate supply of cleaning staff to ensure these major public venues can be safely attended by the community. “We believe the lack of parity for the cleaning industry regarding the temporary relaxation of students working visa hours poses a significant risk to the health of communities across Australia and to the economic recovery of the nation,” said Piwkowski. “We fear that once visa working hours returns to 20 hours per week for all industry and business sectors that it may prove difficult to entice student visa holders to return to the cleaning industry,” he added.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Essity invests in geothermal steam power Essity is investing in enhanced efficiency in the company´s site in Kawerau, New Zealand, including the world’s first tissue machine running a fully geothermal steam drying process. Together with a reduction in pulp consumption, reduced waste and elimination of the burning of natural gas on the machine, the improvements will contribute to a reduction of carbon emissions by 23 percent from the Kawerau site. The Kawerau site has served New Zealand’s businesses through its Tork products and New Zealand households with brands such as Purex, Sorbent and Handee for more than 65 years. Essity has 326 employees in New Zealand, including more than 200 in Kawerau.

The investment of around AU$15 million is partly funded through the Government Investment in Decarbonizing Industry (GIDI) Fund, administered by EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority). The production of tissue from geothermal steam is part of Essity’s work to use less energy and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Magnus Groth, president and CEO, Essity, said the company is setting new industry standards when it comes to sustainable tissue production. “Investing in the world’s first tissue machine running a fully geothermal steam process is groundbreaking. By reducing our carbon emissions, we can offer our customers and consumers more climate friendly products.”

Aussie Pumps’ Heatwave proves the power of steam cleaning Australian Pump Industries has found some of its standard products, developed initially to provide local government with the ability to achieve cosmetic cleans to the city or townscape, are now helping in the fight against COVID-19. “When the World Health Organisation announced that water, applied at temperatures above 60°C could kill the virus, it enabled doing away with chemical cleansing substances and huge amounts of manual labour,” stated Aussie Pumps. According to Aussie Pumps, the Heatwave, originally launched as a tool for contractors wanting to steam clean earthmoving or mining gear, has only come into its own in recent times as councils and contractors have come to understand how versatile the mobile 4,000 psi trolley mounted steam cleaner is. The steam capacity of the machine, operating at up to 130°C, also has a devastating effect on graffiti. It simply peels off when hit with that temperature at 4,000 psi. “Councils that use the Heatwave love its versatility,” says Aussie Pumps chief engineer, John Hales. “As a cold water 4,000 psi pressure cleaner it does a great job. “As a 4,000 psi steam cleaner that can go anywhere, except indoors, it’s a real winner for versatility of cleaning public amenities, disinfecting them and also can double for plant washdown where required.” A wide range of optional extras including flat surface cleaners, telewands for long reach applications and turbos for cold and hot water, (but not steam) is also available. The turbo will almost double the impact of the 4,000 psi, allowing the operator to complete cleaning in a fraction of the time.

With 130 degrees steam at 4,000 psi, the Aussie Heatwave can be trolley or ute mounted for mobile steam cleaning

www.incleanmag.com.au 25

A new generation of scrubbing machines C85 Bright Ride-on Scrubber The C85 Bright is a ride-on scrubbing machine packed with innovative technology designed to improve the user experience. Features such as a dual vacuum motor for perfect drying, resource-saving Eco Mode capabilities and a touch screen display with a streamlined working program selector all work to increase the machine’s efficiency. This model is battery-operated with industry-leading runtimes (in Eco Mode) for maximum performance and operational flexibility.

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VISPA XL Walk-behind Scrubber A powerful, cutting-edge walk-behind machine that still maintains extreme manoeuvrability. This model is designed with a focus on safety and professionalism, with innovative features such as a sturdy yet lightweight aluminium frame, a resource-saving Eco Mode function and industry-leading battery runtimes for increased performance and flexibility.

VERSA 65 Walk-behind Scrubber A walk-behind scrubbing machine providing working autonomy and excellent cleaning performance. It features sturdy, die-cast aluminium construction, self-levelling splash guards for cleaning on uneven floors and battery operation with industry-leading runtimes (in Eco Mode).

VEGA 85 Walk-behind Scrubber A sturdy walk-behind scrubbing machine designed for functionality and ease of use, even in the dirtiest conditions. It features cutting-edge connectivity and safety systems, user-friendly controls and self-levelling splash guards. This battery-operated machine offers industry-leading runtimes (in Eco Mode).

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CONTRACTING

Consider the cleaning specialist model Use this simplified approach to workload your labour and meet your goals.

Words Tim Poskin

eeping a facility clean and healthy is no small feat. Assigning cleaning work that aligns with the desired outcomes and level of service across all areas of your building can be a daunting task. With so many assets to be cleaned in a facility, from restrooms to numerous types of flooring to upholstery, it often takes a lot of people to get the job done. The question is, how do you manage the workload?

CREATE A TEAM OF CLEANING SPECIALISTS The age-old workloading question is whether you should assign cleaning staff work as specialists or generalists. In other words, do you set up your team to perform less tasks over a larger area (specialist), 28 INCLEAN November / December 2021

or deploy your workers to perform all the cleaning tasks required in a smaller area (generalist)? Setting up your cleaning team to be cleaning specialists is a simpler and more effective way to assign work. When you workload this way, you get a team that is highly skilled in that particular area – whether it’s vacuuming, floor scrubbing, or restroom cleaning. Think of this comparison: You don’t go to your primary care physician or a general practitioner if you have a heart condition. You see a cardiologist who specialises in dealing with heart-related issues. Cleaning companies are in the business of creating healthy environments for us to live, work, and play in. Cleaning specialists become experts in areas that can have lifesaving consequences in cleaning for health and infection prevention. Think of specialists as the cardiologists of cleaning.

BUNDLE YOUR CLEANING TASKS The cleaning specialist model consolidates, or “bundles,” two or more small tasks into a single action group in which the value, size, and performance require a single effort applied to all the tasks. The goal is to make similar and related tasks more manageable and executable. As a rule, bundled or consolidated tasks are performed with a lower level of complexity than the total of their individual efforts. An employee assigned to a bundle of cleaning tasks regards this bundle as a single project or goal for accomplishment. For example, let’s look at fixtures as one task area we can bundle for a restroom cleaning specialist. In this method, a single cleaning time can be used to calculate the total time it takes to perform all cleaning tasks in a restroom. The cleaning time can be calculated as the number of fixtures to be cleaned, multiplied by the production rate in minutes to be cleaned. The amount of time it takes to clean a restroom based on the per-fixture method is available in the newly revised Official ISSA Cleaning Times resource in the Specialist Section under restroom cleaning (RCL-7, see chart below). The cleaning specialist model bundles tasks to provide a simplified cleaning time solution based on industry-accepted and benchmarked production rates. Although generalist workloading calculates every task a cleaning job requires – specified by area, frequency, and even floor type (i.e., carpet, waxable

tile) – specialist workloading utilises a simple tool to quickly and accurately crunch the numbers. Therefore, numerous complex calculations of every individual cleaning task is unnecessary.

SIMPLIFY FOR FLEXIBILITY AND EFFICIENCY Specialist workloading allows managers the flexibility to revise, reset, and quickly pivot facility cleaning. Creating route cards that work both for the manager and the cleaning worker can be overwhelming and time consuming. The specialist’s standard list of bundled tasks simplifies the route cards. Tasks can be listed on one page or two, instead of a 40-page spreadsheet that overwhelms even the most experienced cleaning worker. Even though using the cleaning specialist approach is the first step toward reducing the complexity of assigning cleaning tasks, getting started may feel overwhelming at times. It did for me. So, take a moment to identify your reasons for seeking simplicity right from the start. This clarity of intention will keep you going when the complexity of getting to simplicity feels like too much. I prefer simple workloading using cleaning specialists because I want more time for what’s really important, and to experience more ease and less stress. With tight labour markets, the need to be more efficient within available cleaning hours is a high priority. The cleaning specialist model gives you a valuable and specific picture of the cleaning time needed by task, by area, and of course, by building. ■

RCL-7 TASK Empty trash; clean and disinfect fixtures, mirrors, and partitions; replace supplies; dust; sweep; and wet mop floor

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Source: Official ISSA Cleaning Times www.incleanmag.com.au 29

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30 INCLEAN November / December 2021

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SAFEPLUS BRINGS THE PLUS IN FUNCTIONALITY The SafePlus Dispenser is the safest and most innovative dispenser system from Vileda Professional. The rolls of wipes are sealed in polybags and fit perfectly into the dispensers, providing additional security during preparation, use and storage. The cleaning personal easily adds any detergent or disinfectant of choice.

SAFEPLUS BRINGS THE PLUS IN SAFETY The innovative closing system provides extra safety and functionality. Its antibacterial self-closing flexible lid guarantees that the dispensers will be never left open again. Certified antibacterial properties on the flexible lid ensure that the flexible lid remains antibacterial even after 80x autoclave cycle. For more information, please contact us at: csvic@fhp-ww.com or 1300 669 686 www.vileda-professional.com.au ■ 32 INCLEAN November / December 2021

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The new SafePlus cleaning solution dispenses single use microfibre wipes in their safest way. The dispenser Maxi is the first with an antibacterial self-closing lid.

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EDUCATION

SCHOOL’S IN – now the real work starts for cleaners

As schools and other education facilities begin to reopen in the wake of the pandemic, the pressure will be on cleaning companies to embrace new systems, processes, and technology that can keep classrooms hygienic and people safe.

Words Cameron Cooper

chool lockdowns have presented real challenges for students and their families since the outbreak of COVID-19 – and they have also seen cleaning companies go on a rollercoaster ride. Some companies have lamented contracts going on hold or being scaled back because of the absence of students in education facilities. Others have benefited from the urgent need for deep cleans as a result of COVID-19 clusters at schools. Lucas Paris, manager director of MotorScrubber Australia, is one of many cleaning industry executives who have been experiencing the journey. His young son has attended school for only about six months out of the past 18 months because of the repeated closure of Victorian schools. At the same time, he has come on board to ramp up MotorScrubber’s presence in the Australian market and roll out their innovative cleaning products that can help in the fight against the pandemic. Amid all the fallout, Paris is confident that the lessons learnt from the pandemic will ultimately prove beneficial for the cleaning sector and its clients in the education sector. “It’s caused people to really deep dive into an assessment of their cleaning regimes, their processes and the tools they’re using,” he says. “We’ve spent a lot of time working out what’s really important in school cleaning.” This has seen the emphasis switch to cleaning of high-touch areas in schools and the increased use of spray equipment than can quickly target large, risky zones such as bathrooms. Paris says it is clear that the pandemic has brought more analysis of and rigour around cleaning systems. “There’s a lot more structure around products and how they’re being used,” he says. “And there’s more data around why you use a certain disinfectant and in what way it can give you the most effective coverage, whether it’s in a hospital, an aged-care facility or a school.” 34 INCLEAN November / December 2021

EDUCATION

www.incleanmag.com.au 35

EDUCATION

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Don’t always look at the cost of the products you purchase – look at the risk of not buying the right product.

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36 INCLEAN November / December 2021

RAISING THE BAR As the NSW and Victorian governments move towards reopening schools, the pressure is on to ensure they are safe and clean. A NSW review is focusing on ventilation in classrooms and increasing the filter servicing or air-conditioners. The Victorian Government has flagged installing more than 50,000 air purification devices in classrooms and high-risk school settings. Dr Gavin Macgregor-Skinner, senior director of the Global Biorisk Advisory Council, a division of the ISSA in the United States, has more than 30 years of technical experience in responding to infectious disease outbreaks and emergency management. He believes greater education around ventilation and indoor air quality is essential at a time when many people think changing HEPA filters from a rating of MERV 7 to MERV 14 “will save the world”. “This is another training opportunity,” he says. “All the scientists talk at a very high level, but the public doesn’t understand anything they say.” Dr Macgregor-Skinner believes it is crucial to have more advocates who can take the science and make it digestible for people who work in schools, hotel lobbies, convention centres and the like. “At the moment, no one knows what to do because we’ve made it too hard, and when it’s too hard the first response is that changes will be too costly and then no one does anything.”

Dr Macgregor-Skinner also emphasises the importance of fostering a better understanding of cleaning products and processes and ensuring that cleaners understand what works and what does not work. He wants training to become the priority within the cleaning industry as society goes back to science-based, evidence-based approaches. “We have good products, tools and equipment,” he says. “We’ve got good chemistry in our products. But understanding how those products work and the chemistry within those products is what we have lacked in the past.” At a very basic level on the front line of cleaning, Dr Macgregor-Skinner says processes can break down. For instance, cleaners and facility managers are urged to read the label on disinfectants, but they cannot because the font size is too small. Or they try to read the manufacturer’s instructions and feel as if they need a PhD to understand them. As a result, mistakes can be made. “It’s too complicated, it’s too hard,” he says. “So, we’ve needed to train and educate people and operationalise the labels, the safety data sheets, the way to use equipment. We know from our manufacturers’ relationships with GBAC that they’re selling a lot of stuff, but then we go to the front line and people are saying, ‘I still don’t know how to turn this thing on yet and I don’t know how to use it safely. So, where’s the disconnect. It’s the training – that’s the key.”

EDUCATION FIGHTING BACK Sebastian Property Services is one of the many Victorian cleaning businesses that have felt the impact of COVID-19 closures, especially those involving education facilities. In normal markets, the business looks after about 25 schools and about 8000 students. Managing director Matt Marsh says some divisions of the business have been “smashed” since COVID-19 hit. “The sad thing is that we’re used to it, after lockdown number six,” he says. Cleaning work in regional areas that have experienced fewer lockdowns than city suburbs has been one saviour, along with the need to provide deep cleans when schools reopen. “So that’s been helpful and it makes up for some of the losses,” Marsh says. While JobKeeper payments helped keep staff last year, Marsh says the absence of such government assistance this year complicates the picture. The imminent return of students to schools in Victoria offers light at the end of the tunnel. “ But we’re concerned that cleaners have gone off to get other jobs, or won’t want to come back to work,” Marsh says. When schools do get back to normal, they will have a plethora of quality services and products from which to choose. MotorScrubber, which has a head office in England and a strong presence in the US, is well known for supplying products such as floor scrubbers, scrubber driers and disinfectant sprayers. In the past it has sold only a limited selection of its products in the Australian market, but the company is now committed to ramping up its presence down under.

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EDUCATION

“

We as an industry often talk about people being our most important asset, but we don’t always operate that way. We need to pay more attention to looking after them.

”

38 INCLEAN November / December 2021

Paris is confident that MotorScrubber’s battery-powered backpack system, featuring the STORM disinfectant sprayer, will be a valuable weapon as schools pursue controlled touchpoint cleaning. “It essentially allows you to disinfect a large area in a short amount of time. That’s critical because it’s one thing to walk around with a pack of disinfectant wipes or a 500ml bottle of hospital-grade disinfectant and to spray and wipe, but you still need to ensure that you’re getting the right coverage and application. The STORM has been adopted globally in the education space because it can do just that.”

MONEY MATTERS With an eye to the future, Marsh believes schools will next year be seeking to tighten their purse strings again when it comes to cleaning, which could lead to a reduction in the deep cleans that have been necessary at some campuses during the pandemic. “The reality is that money is an issue for a lot of the schools, and particularly in the private sector. So, I’m thinking that at some point next year they’re going to want to try to pull that money back.” Marsh’s fear, too, is that some clients will want to incorporate recent enhanced cleaning practices into regular cleaning services, without a pay upgrade. That will require some tactful negotiation. “And it’s also up to us to find some efficiencies to meet those wishes where possible and to change some of our practices where we can.” In such an environment, systems and training will come to the fore as cleaners and clients redefine their priorities. While new technologies may help cleaners, Marsh says the layout of schools can make it difficult to adopt some new cleaning equipment. “But the advances will continue, and we have to be aware and ready when the right things turn up.”

He expects spraying services to become more prevalent in schools, among other facilities, while he also advocates an industry discussion to respond to the possible over-use of hospitalgrade disinfectants that may actually kill too much bacteria in education facilities. “At the moment we’re killing everything, but we need to move to a phase where we’re not over-disinfecting. Otherwise, you just end up with the same problems that hospitals have.”

OPPORTUNITIES ON THE HORIZON Marsh believes the ultimate impact of COVID-19 will be that the best cleaning-service operators with a proven record will rise to the top. “I think it’s really important to show that you’re an expert right now.” He says Sebastian Property Services will continue to be agile, adopt technology where appropriate and look after its people. “We as an industry often talk about people being our most important asset, but we don’t always operate that way. We need to pay more attention to looking after them.” Trust will be crucial for all stakeholders as schools seek to safeguard their most important assets – their students. “It’s reputational for the schools, too,” Marsh says. “If the place doesn’t look clean, it’s not clean. And if someone starts coming home sick because the school is not managing sanitisation properly, that’s potentially huge for them.” For Paris, getting his son back to school and focusing on the expansion of MotorScrubber’s footprint in Australia is his current focus. He hopes one of the outcomes from COVID-19 is that companies better understand the importance of opting for quality services and products. “Don’t always look at the cost of the products you purchase – look at the risk of not buying the right product,” he advises. “Make sure you buy the right equipment for the job you want to do, otherwise it will cost you in the long run.” ■

www.peugeot.com.au

HOSPITALITY

Food for thought

The hospitality sector is on the whole embracing robust hygiene standards and efficient products to protect their patrons and employees, but there is no room for complacency as the impact of the pandemic continues. Words Cameron Cooper

40 INCLEAN November / December 2021

HOSPITALITY

or every café, club, pub, and restaurant that has shut its doors during pandemic lockdowns, the financial jitters have been felt by cleaning sector suppliers. Steve Agar, joint managing director of Agar Cleaning Systems in Victoria, knows the feeling only too well. He has watched the ebbs and flows of sales for the business’s cleaning chemicals during the past 18 months as hospitality venues have been forced into repeated closures because of COVID-19. “Our hospitality business went very quiet because restaurants in Melbourne could only do takeaway, so there were less dishes to wash and surfaces to clean, but the other states have carried us through,” he says. Indeed, Agar says the business grew overall last financial year. “Even though there was suppressed economic activity in some areas, strong demand for our disinfectants and a resurgence in the economy helped us achieve good figures over the longer term.” Agar’s experience resonates within a cleaning sector that has had to respond quickly and knowledgably in response to the sanitisation and disinfection requirements of hospitality providers, a sector that has suffered more than most. Ben Antecki, brand manager at ACCO Brands Australia, believes the cleaning fraternity deserves credit for its response to the pandemic. Demand has been strong for ACCO’s cleaning chemicals and janitorial supplies as many facilities ramp up hygiene standards. “In areas such as commercial kitchens, back offices and storage rooms, we are seeing a trend towards increased cleaning schedules and a focus on technology like electrostatic sprayers for hardto-reach areas and enabling cleaning services to disinfect and sanitise surfaces quickly and efficiently,” Antecki says. The hospitality facilities themselves have also played a key part, implementing robust handcleaning stations that are regularly filled and available to all patrons, in addition to insisting on frequent cleaning and disinfecting practices. There is still work to be done, though, according to Antecki. As some Australian states begin to lift local restrictions, the need for hospitality venues to consider frequent servicing of often forgotten areas is increasing. “This includes entry points to public bathrooms, especially the door, hand-rails and light switches,” he says. “These are areas that are frequently touched and can harbour viruses and bacteria on surfaces. Another area of risk is aprons and uniforms, especially if money and food is often handled by the same service associate in venues such as pubs and coffee shops.”

TRAINING TO THE FORE As hospitality venues start to reopen permanently, there will be pressure on them to get their cleaning regimes right. Dr Gavin Macgregor-Skinner, senior director of the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a division of the ISSA in the United States, says training will be crucial. He believes sectors such as hospitality can take their cues from successful hospitals and nursing homes which have, for example, made YouTube videos that instruct users on how to best use cleaning equipment and disinfectants. “They learn by seeing and doing,” Dr Gavin Macgregor-Skinner says. What will not cut it in hotels, convention centres, government buildings and stadiums is simply going back to cleaning systems and processes that existed prior to the pandemic. “Some people are saying ‘this is what we did in 2019 before COVID-19’. Well, that’s not good enough.” One of the bugbears during COVID-19 for Dr Macgregor-Skinner is that cleaners have not received government endorsement as essential front-line workers. “Cleaning and janitorial staff should be on the list,” he says. “You can’t keep a nursing home, a hospital, an airport or a hotel without cleaning staff – not just for COVID-19, but for any situation.” In essence, he thinks cleaners who have been combatting infectious diseases as part of their daily work have been forgotten. “The nursing homes got all the front-page news because they got hit so hard, but the cleaning industry got completely abandoned by government and by the public. They didn’t get a lot of care and consideration. No one looked after them.” GBAC and the ISSA are trying to be good ambassadors for those cleaning staff and championing their work. “They haven’t missed a beat,” Dr Macgregor-Skinner says. With a view to providing the best outcomes for hospitality providers, Agar expects technical support divisions within cleaning suppliers to be busier than ever. “Understanding the COVID-19 virus and disinfectants, and how the chemistry relates to them, while meeting the requirements of the Therapeutic Goods Administration has been critical,” he says. “The technical side of our business has really come to the fore.” Another issue on the radar is supply chain disruptions, which are hindering cleaning chemical companies’ ability to get raw materials for production. Given the need to work with multiple suppliers in such an environment, Agar says robust checks must be put in place to ensure any raw materials are fit for purpose. www.incleanmag.com.au 41

HOSPITALITY

“

The hospitality sector needs to open up as quickly as possible and we are very happy to be a part of this, with the relevant cleaning and hygiene solutions to get people back to work, businesses open and the economy pumping again.

”

42 INCLEAN November / December 2021

“So, there’s a lot of forward planning, chemistry work and quality verification going on in the background just to make sure that we maintain the high quality and performance standards our product users rely upon.”

PRODUCT INNOVATION CRUCIAL Lisa Michalson, director of Cleanstar in Victoria, says her team is focusing on the rollout of proven cleaning and hygiene products as the hospitality sector and others hope for a return to more normal trading conditions. “The hospitality sector needs to open up as quickly as possible and we are very happy to be a part of this, with the relevant cleaning and hygiene solutions to get people back to work, businesses open and the economy pumping again,” Michalson says. Cleanstar is a wholesale distributor of commercial cleaning machinery, vac bags, filters, spare parts, accessories and general cleaning and remediation equipment. The business has expanded its product range to meet COVID-19 demands and is committed to educating industry players about the importance of relevant products, including its commercialgrade HEPA air purifiers. “Epidemiologists and health officials worldwide are stressing the importance of the

use of HEPA-filtered air-purification systems and they’re perfect for hospitality settings like hotels, restaurants, conference venues, and so on.” Michalson says there is no doubt that indoor air quality will be an increasingly important factor for hospitality facility managers because aerosolised particles carrying the virus stay in the air longer than previously thought. This is where commercialgrade air purifiers will come into their own. “Most air purifiers out in the market are domestic and ours is commercial-grade, so you require fewer units per room/area compared to a domestic product.”

HEALTH COMES FIRST With people flocking back to restaurants and myriad other venues as lockdowns ease, Dr Macgregor-Skinner says it is crucial that employees, cleaners and others receive the necessary training, so they are prepared for a resumption in activity without jeopardising their health. They should be able to do their job safely and effectively in a safe and healthy indoor space. Not all the pressure should be placed on cleaners, however. “We still have this attitude that it’s the person who gets paid $10 an hour whose job it is to keep me safe,” he says.

“Well, hang on, if you understood how you got sick you would take on some of that responsibility as well, and you’d wipe down your desk and areas after you touched them. And you’d wash your hands more often throughout the workday, rather than just waiting for that person who gets paid $10 an hour to solve the problem.” In a move to help facilities around the world choose appropriate cleaning, disinfection and infection-prevention essentials, GBAC has launched the GBAC STAR Registered Technology & Registered Programs. It lets manufacturers and other companies verify their cleaning and infectious-disease prevention methods, providing added assurance for facility managers and service providers who are dedicated to cleaning for health. Antecki expects sustainability to be on the minds of facility managers, too. “The ability to offer an environmentally friendly cleaning option for the hospitality sector is paramount. In many instances, diluted chemicals such as floor cleaners, disinfectants and degreasers can find themselves being rinsed into overflow drains and/or sinks. Having an environmentally friendly offer helps reduce the impact these chemicals can have on waterways and marine life.” ACCO’s Northfork brand offers a comprehensive and environmentally preferable cleaning and personal care range certified by Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA).

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As epidemiologists, scientists and facility managers prepare to live with COVID-19 and combat the worst of its effects, Dr Macgregor-Skinner says a multi-layered approach with an emphasis on scientific rigour will be essential. “You don’t have to spray chemicals everywhere,” he says. “You have to be strategic. What gets measured gets done, so if you can come up with some metrics and indicators that provide real world feedback to employees, janitorial cleaning staff and to the people entering that building, then suddenly it’s all about this assurance of confidence and trust.” The big challenge, he adds, is that cleaners will have to still clean for appearance and still clean to make things smell good, while ensuring that they clean for health. “We haven’t completely nailed that yet.” For Agar, the expectation is that Victoria, NSW and other state markets will begin opening up for the long-term, with demands for cleaning chemicals and products becoming more stable as a result. “After some tough times financially, in addition to heightened hygiene standards, hospitality operators will have their eye on value and productivity,” he says. “Products with superior performance and realistic pricing will be vital.” In the hospitality and healthcare sectors, in particular, he believes that focus must return to waste minimisation. “It’s pretty eye-opening in terms of the waste that the pandemic has generated with things like masks and PPE gear. I think attention will turn back to sustainability. The focus will be on better use of resources, minimising waste and reducing carbon emissions. And it goes through to cleaning and looking for safer and more environmentally acceptable ways of achieving an outcome, as evidenced by our prioritising product licences by GECA and introducing natural bacterial products where possible.” ■

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www.incleanmag.com.au 43

RETAIL

Going up 44 INCLEAN November / December 2021

RETAIL

In the face of shutdowns in many areas of the retail market, cleaning companies and suppliers are responding with greater product innovation and outstanding efforts from its workers on the front line.

Words Cameron Cooper

Retail cleaning goes to the next level

orenzo Tadeo thinks he and his team at Freudenberg Home and Cleaning Solutions have been “very lucky” during COVID-19 – a period when many businesses have struggled or gone to the wall. “We’ve never lost an hour of a job since the pandemic started,” says Tadeo, the marketing director in the professional division of Freudenberg, whose brands include Oates, Vileda Professional, and Research Products. Of course, it has not all been smooth sailing for Freudenberg. Sectors such as hospitality, education, and commercial office space, which have been subject to repeated pandemic-related shutdowns, have generated less demand for cleaning services and products. However, other areas such as healthcare have seen an increase in demand, and even the hard-hit retail space has had pockets of strength. “In the retail sector, grocery stores are open and serving people,” Tadeo says. “People are trying to find a reason to go out.” The upshot is that overall demand for Freudenberg’s branded cleaning systems and products, including premium single-use microfibre wipes, has been strong and growing. Tadeo is confident the group’s specialised solutions for supermarkets, shopping malls, restaurants and other sites will also hold it in good stead as society moves into a post-COVID world. “There’s certainly been a significant increase in demand for more hygienic cleaning products and chemicals that actually remove bacteria and viruses.”

RESPONDING TO MARKET NEEDS International facilities management services company OCS is one of many operations that have had to respond quickly to changes in the retail market. OCS services six major retail centres across NSW, Victoria, and Western Australia, along with a 700-plus site retail chain across Queensland, NSW, and the ACT. “There’s been a shift towards deep cleans and high touch-point cleaning,” says Gareth Marriott, OCS’s managing director Australia and New Zealand. “Pre-COVID, we provided general cleaning services, ensuring every part of these large retail centres were

thoroughly cleaned on a rotation basis. In March 2020, the world changed. We immediately saw an increased requirement for regular high touch-point cleaning – sometimes as often as hourly. And it became a more visible operation in order to increase the public’s peace of mind.” Marriott says such an approach has become standard practice, with all OCS cleaners having disinfectants approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration on their trolleys, along with disposable disinfectant cloths and added PPE. “That’s true now for all of our customers,” Marriott says. “It’s across every site, whether that’s commercial, industrial, or manufacturing. That’s the new norm.” Marriott says working across different Local Government Areas has created headaches. “It’s not as simple as setting one set of rules and guidelines – it will depend on each location of the retail setting. You can imagine the challenge where we have large national chains of retails stores,” he says. To mitigate this, the company opted to up-spec their standard operating practices so that the highest levels of cleaning practices are utilised. For example, OCS cleaners have moved away from electrostatic fogging to instead doing full wipe-downs across customer sites. Amid all the challenges, OCS’s personal brand promise, Partnership Made Personal, has come to the fore. “Our customer and supplier relationships go well beyond simple business transactions,” Marriott says. “We have high trust with each other and can have the tough talks when required. Working together we’ve managed to solve problems that two years ago would have seemed insurmountable.”

SUPPLY-CHAIN BOTTLENECKS Throughout the pandemic, Tadeo says, managing the supply chains of Freudenberg’s cleaning supplies has presented the greatest test. Last year, stock availability suffered as a huge spike in demand for cleaning products put world suppliers under the pump. More recently, international freight bottlenecks have been the main issue. “The cost of ocean freight has significantly increased while container availability has decreased, so having a supply chain that you can forecast properly and manage www.incleanmag.com.au 45

RETAIL

in an efficient way is the key to success because you can have the best products in the world, but if you don’t have the products to provide it’s a problem,” Tadeo says. The other trend he has witnessed is a change of mindset from retail customers. Whereas in the past their priority was to ensure a “visible clean” of their sites, they now want to add a “hygienic clean”. “So they’re paying more attention to certain cleaning activities compared with what they were doing in the past,” he says. “Because the people who visit their stores expect them to be clean, hygienic and well-maintained.” With an eye on the next year or so, Sebastian Property Services managing director Matt Marsh believes one of the other key challenges, supply-chain issues aside, will be staff management in the wake of a CBD sector, including the retail market, that has been “smashed” in Victoria. “Some cleaners have gone off to find other work,” he says. “So getting those people back is going to be problematic.” There will also be delays with new students coming in looking for work in the CBD, where many companies rely on students to top up staffing levels. Another labour issue that Marsh says will need attention is the mandate around ‘no vaccination, no work’ for staff.

PRODUCT INNOVATION Innovative and efficient cleaning products and machinery are more important than ever in the retail space. Daniel Pisaniello, general manager Wholesale Division at Godfreys, says as retailers seek to maintain high cleaning standards during the pandemic, there is rising interest in robotic equipment that is able to 46 INCLEAN November / December 2021

autonomously sanitise high-touch areas while cleaning. To respond to market needs, Godfreys is making continuous improvements to its current fleet of floorcare machines. In the Comac range of floor scrubbers, for example, it has introduced a number of add-on features and items that increase efficiency and user safety. “Our machines are equipped with an eco-mode function that reduces both noise level and energy consumption for an increased runtime and greater user comfort,” Pisaniello says. “Selected special ride-on models also include features like a user-friendly touch-screen display, rear-view camera and anti-collision sensors to make them safer and easier to use.” Broadly speaking, Pisaniello says COVID-19 has not directly impacted floor cleaning as the maintenance of hard surfaces has always been a point of focus for highstandard cleaning. “So normal cleaning needs and processes have continued during this time. The most important thing is that floors within the retail space are cleaned and maintained regularly with the right equipment being used.” In shopping centres and grocery stores, Tennant’s range of robotic floor scrubbers is set to transform the Australian and New Zealand cleaning market. Widely used in American retail chains such as Walmart, there is growing interest here for the autonomous machines as a result of the pandemic. “With everything that’s been happening with COVID, we’re experiencing a lot of interest from the retail space,” says Heidi Train, Tennant’s product manager for Australia and New Zealand. “There’s definitely an appetite for robotic scrubbers in the Australian market.”

RETAIL Tennant has deployed more than 5000 autonomous units globally across three platforms: the T380AMR (a compact robotic floor-cleaning machine for narrow aisles and spaces), the T7AMR (for mid-size spaces) and the new T16AMR (a world first for larger industrial sites). “We offer our customers not only a choice of different-sized robotic solutions, but we’ve made it flexible and easy to use with either ‘Teach and Repeat’ methodology or ‘Area Fill’ depending on the application,” Tran says. “Just show the machine where you want to clean and let the robot do the cleaning for you. That’s important in our eyes because the robot is following the exact path that you’re teaching it to follow.” Proof of coverage is visible and validated by heat-map displays and data reporting for each cleaning route run. Tran says the machines increase productivity while maintaining a consistent standard of clean. Instead of cleaners sitting on a machine for hours on end, the technology allows cleaning operations or building services contractors to redeploy labour to other highervalue cleaning tasks. “With COVID, everyone is expecting a higher level of clean,” she says. “Shopping centres and retail grocers want to give customers confidence that everything has been cleaned properly as they get out there in stores again.” Leading integrated property services provider Glad Group recently deployed two new robotic T7AMRs at two high-profile shopping centres in Sydney. While the current robotic floor-care solutions are popular, Tran says Tennant is not resting on its laurels.

“We’re continuously looking at ways to improve our customer experience and 2022 will be just as exciting.”

PROUD EFFORT As the overall retail sector starts to rebound from lockdowns, Tadeo is encouraged those clients, cleaners and facility managers are becoming better informed about the best products and practices as they seek to innovate and be good corporate citizens. “We’ve seen an increase in people understanding that significant hygiene improvements can be easily achieved if they choose products with specific features and benefits and implement the correct cleaning method. That was not happening before.” He cites microfibre wipes as an example. “Microfibre is widely used, but most people don’t know that microfibre products are not all the same and they should look for those that can assure the best performance in terms of hygiene, bacteria and virus removal. And there’s now more demand for products’ certification that back up their claims.” For all the difficulties the cleaning sector has experienced, Marriott says there have been positives. “The industry has been recognised as being an integral part of ensuring all facilities are kept to a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene.” As part of that effort, Marriott adds that he is very proud of his frontline team. “They’ve gone from being a largely invisible workforce to taking centre stage in the fight against COVID-19 – and all with grace and compassion for those around them.” ■

“

Innovative and efficient cleaning products and machinery are more important than ever in the retail space.

”

info@manahm.com.au

www.incleanmag.com.au 47

MANAGEMENT

Cleaning efficiency It can be done, despite a shortage in the workforce.

Words Robert Kravitz

48 INCLEAN November / December 2021

leaning contractors across the country are saying the same thing: Business is booming, but they just cannot find enough workers. Many others in the professional cleaning industry, including in-house cleaning operations, distributors, and manufacturers, are voicing the same concern. Whereas most had the staff they needed before the pandemic – with job applicants still walking in the door – that has not been true since the first of 2021, when the repercussions of COVID-19 started to subside. Further, the shortage goes far beyond the cleaning industry. According to a June 2021 report from the US Chamber of Commerce, there is a worker shortage throughout the United States in scores of different industries. They are calling the situation “the most critical and widespread challenge facing businesses today.”1

There are many reasons for this lack of workers, some you may not have even considered. For instance, a key concern for many people is affordable and accessible childcare. This issue has been magnified because many schools around the country remain unopened. The result: Childcare centers are hard to find, and when you do find them, charges have gone up. It is a simple demand-and-supply situation. Another factor, which has been widely reported, is that the federal supplemental unemployment payments that workers are getting have discouraged some people from going out and getting a job. This is now being addressed. Several states are no longer making the added contributions to this program, and the entire program is set to expire in September 2021. And then there’s another challenge, and this one applies directly to the professional cleaning industry. Many workers do not want to return to

MANAGEMENT their old cleaning jobs. For instance, a chain of gyms in Chicago called back its custodial staff when it was given the green light to open last year. Of those who came back, some stayed for a while but then decided to leave. Reasons they gave for leaving: • Concerns about their health • A desire to take advantage of the government stimulus cheques • Plans to go back to school and learn another skill • Got another job For now, most economists see labour shortages as temporary. However, there may be a more significant issue here that is not being addressed. What are now considered temporary worker shortages may become permanent. According to the St. Louis Federal Reserve, the working population in the United States—those aged 15 to 64—is on the decline. Even if people work beyond the traditional retirement years, it appears there may still be a lack of workers for some jobs in the future.2

FROM ERGONOMICS TO PRODUCTIVITY TO EFFICIENCY In the 30+ years I have been a part of the professional cleaning industry, there have been three so-called theme-setting terms. These are: • Ergonomics • Productivity • Efficiency The term ergonomics was an industry theme word a good 20 years ago. It evolved from reports at the time, primarily from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which suggested a direct link between cleaning work’s physical stress and workers’ sometimes experiencing permanent pain. One of the primary reasons for this was that most cleaning equipment, at that time, was designed for the cleaning task and not necessarily for the worker performing the task. Productivity, while always an issue, took center stage in the 2000s. Labor charges were escalating, and cleaning workers were being pressed to do more in a shorter amount of time. To address this, manufacturers introduced cleaning equipment that could do faster – increasing productivity. Further, multitasking equipment – machines that could be used for more than one purpose – were introduced. These innovations eliminated the need to switch cleaning tools and sped up the work. Around this time, High Flow Fluid Extraction (HFFE) systems (now known as No-Touch Cleaning® systems) were introduced to clean commercial restrooms. When compared to traditional cleaning methods—mops, sprayers, cleaning rags, etc.—ISSA’s 612 Cleaning

Times determined these systems could clean commercial restrooms in a third to as much as one-half the time of traditional cleaning methods—a significant productivity booster. However, today, the theme word for our industry is efficiency. Some might ask, aren’t productivity and efficiency the same? They are similar, yes, but if we take a closer look, we can see some key differences.

Productivity:

• Refers to the rate at which cleaning tasks are performed • Describes how much output is required by the custodial worker to perform a task • Is used to measure the amount of work completed • Focuses on quantity.

“

Efficiency is accomplishing something in the least amount of time, with the least amount of effort, and ensuring it is done correctly.

”

Efficiency:

• Refers to performing cleaning tasks using the least amount of time, energy, and money • Focuses on minimizing waste—such as wasted movements—and maximizing output • Emphasizes the optimum use of resources. Efficiency means reducing waste, be that water and chemical usage, or energy consumption • Values quality over quantity. The bottom line is that efficiency is accomplishing something in the least amount of time, with the least amount of effort, and ensuring it is done correctly, time after time. www.incleanmag.com.au 49

MANAGEMENT

The Cone of Learning The Cone of Learning is a concept attributed to American educator Edgar Dale back in 1946. While this is an old study, what he uncovered is still considered valid today. Dale studied how much people retain under different types of learning experiences. What he concluded was that after about two weeks of training on most tasks, people retain the following amounts using the following training methods: Reading: About 10 per cent of what is read Hearing: About 20 per cent of what is heard Seeing: About 30 per cent of what is seen Watching: Watching a movie (video format), 50 per cent of what is viewed Doing: Performing the task that has just been viewed or taught, up to 90 per cent

50 INCLEAN November / December 2021

EFFICIENCY AND ROBOTICS “Without question, the use of robotic cleaning systems is helping us address the current worker shortage,” says Mike Sawchuk, with Sawchuk Consulting, a business coach working with building service contractors throughout North America. “The inclusion of robotic cleaning equipment helps alleviate more mundane jobs [so] cleaning workers can perform other more important cleaning tasks.” Some contractors also believe the use of robotic cleaning equipment has resulted in fewer worker injuries. The machines are now handling the more dangerous tasks. Further, using cloud-based data, these machines not only can be taught to perform

specific tasks – satisfactorily, repeatedly – but also can remotely monitor and measure the results. “This drives efficiency while reducing the number of workers necessary to perform cleaning tasks –or, as mentioned earlier – allows them to focus on other cleaning duties,” adds Sawchuk.

EFFICIENCY AND TUTORS Another way to help improve worker efficiency is to ensure that the workers we now have are well trained and re-trained as required. However, training has always been a challenge in the professional cleaning industry. And today, with a shortage of workers, those challenges have been compounded.

MANAGEMENT “One of the key concerns, especially now, is that once a cleaning worker is hired, they may be off to another job in a relatively short period,” says Matt Morrison, communications manager at Kaivac Inc., manufacturers of cleaning systems designed to stop the spread of infection. “Because of this, cleaning contractors are reluctant to invest a great deal of time in training.” This likely is true for those hired by in-house housekeeping departments. But training is imperative. “If there is one thing we have learned from the pandemic, it is that well-trained cleaning workers are essential,” says Steve Ashkin of The Ashkin Group. “Cleaning does not happen by magic. It’s taught, and in a post-COVID world, it needs to be taught repeatedly.” One way some contractors and in-house cleaning professionals are tackling training is by using new technologies such as electronic tutors. At least one system looks like a small tablet mounted directly onto the cleaning machine. While the unit is small, it contains a library of training videos and cleaning best practices. According to Morrison, these systems improve training in several ways:

• They eliminate the need for someone to train the cleaning worker, freeing up staff. • The worker can learn on their own, at their own pace, and repeat the training as often as required. • Recall is enhanced because of the play, pause, and practice capabilities of some systems. (See Sidebar: The Cone of Learning) Effective training and re-training that employs technology helps minimize costs, conserves resources, and ensures cleaning work is performed correctly and effectively on a consistent basis. It also helps improve professionalism, and some believe it will help attract younger workers to the industry. “Mops, buckets, and rags were never attention getters for young people,” adds Morrison. “But new technologies and training systems have the potential of attracting younger and more technically qualified people to the industry. This bigger pool of workers can help alleviate the worker shortages we are seeing now and in the future.” Robert Kravitz is a former building service contractor and a frequent writer for the professional cleaning industry. ■

Resources: 1

Alison Kosik, America’s worker shortage is real and getting worse by the day, US Chamber CEO says, CNN Business at cnn.com, June 1, 2021. www.cnn.com/2021/06/01/ economy/worker-shortage-uschamber-of-commerce/index.html

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, Working Age Population: Aged 1564: All Persons for the United States [LFWA64TTUSM647S], retrieved from FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis; July 5, 2021. https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/ LFWA64TTUSM647S

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MANAGEMENT

Fishing for workers in a depleted pond Words Chuck Violand

52 INCLEAN November / December 2021

MANAGEMENT

Hard-hitting questions every business leader should be asking themselves before they place their first employment ad.

t’s no secret that the biggest challenge businesses of all sizes and in all industries have faced in recent years is finding and keeping talented workers and has been exacerbated the labour shortage following the pandemic shutdown. This challenge is not going away anytime soon, but you can tilt the playing field in your favour by taking a slightly different approach to your recruiting and retention efforts. With record low unemployment causing intense competition for talented people at every level in business, from frontline workers to senior managers, it’s more important than ever to view the recruiting process in a different light. This is especially true for small businesses that need to compete within the same pool of candidates as wellfunded, multinational companies.

CULTURE COUNTS In 2020, our organisation wrote a comprehensive guide to recruiting and keeping the talent a small business needs to grow and continue to compete. Our research and experiences working with small businesses found the key to attracting these workers isn’t rooted in bidding up salaries, offering unsustainable perks, or writing cute employment ads. Instead, attracting workers has to do with creating a company culture that makes people want to go to work and where they can find meaning in their work that goes beyond the tasks they perform. Admittedly, this can be tough to do in a carpet cleaning or restoration company where many of the company’s employees are essentially ‘remote workers’ rarely gathered inside the business. It always requires hard work on the part of the company’s leadership, but it can be done. Rather than starting the hiring process by looking at external factors or tangible rewards, we suggest starting the search by looking internally – at both the company and the company’s leadership.

TOUGH QUESTIONS When your goal is to recruit people who are serious about building a career rather than just working for their next pay cheque, you must realise that these top-notch candidates will have dramatically higher expectations of the companies to which they are applying. Just as you ask tough questions

during an interview to make a sound hiring decision, talented candidates also want to be sure they are making the right career decision when hiring into a company. By candidly considering a few hardball questions before recruiting new hires, you can gain valuable insights into just how attractive your company will be to highly talented candidates. Ask yourself how well you’d score if you I asked you the following questions during my job interview.

If I had the chance to speak privately with three of your current employees, how would they describe you as a business leader and as a person? If it were me asking this question, I would want to know how long each of these employees has been with your company. This would give me insights into the company’s culture and into you as a business leader. If they’ve been with the company for a long time, I would want to know why they have stayed. If they haven’t, I would be asking if they were hired to fill a vacated position, and if so, why the former employee left. A high turnover rate in service-based businesses is a key performance indicator too many of us accept as a given and do little more than pay lip service to changing. When we get serious about lengthening our average employment tenure, it will include the difficult task of taking a candid look at the company culture, listening closely to our current employees’ needs, and demonstrating that they are heard and cared for.

On a professional level, how do you manage your people and the business? Is the company growing? Why or why not? How aggressively are you pursuing new business? How aggressively are you marketing your services? Do you know why your customers buy from you and not from your competitors? True professionals are looking for professional disciplines and practices. As someone who is looking for growth and opportunity, I would want to hear that all positions and departments in the organisation are given clear performance expectations and that performance is measured against challenging, yet realistic, goals. I would also want to know that this philosophy is supported in practice through routine feedback, www.incleanmag.com.au 53

MANAGEMENT

“

In the current job market, highly talented job seekers can afford to be selective about the companies they consider, making it more important than ever for small businesses to correct internal deficiencies before recruiting new hires.

”

reporting, meetings, evaluations, coaching, and support. Don’t just say, “There is the goal; go get it.” Provide the resources, training, and support necessary to be successful.

How do you conduct yourself, and what do you stand for? I wouldn’t be expecting anyone to be a saint, but would I need to worry about the future of the company because of reckless behaviour? Behaviour that might cause you to make impaired business decisions. Or behaviour that might show up in the news or in a YouTube video, embarrassing me and the company and possibly threatening our futures. In the same way that most parents are blind to the shortcomings of their own children, most business owners are blind to their company’s deficiencies and the way others see them. Without an emotional attachment, most people see both children and companies as they really are. Asking yourself tough questions in an attempt to gain an outsider’s view before someone else asks them can help you build a workplace and a culture where people want to build their careers.

What have you done in the last three months to recognise outstanding performance by one of your people or teams? All-expenses-paid trips or unsustainable raises aren’t expected, but do you recognise people with a simple “thank you” when they do a good job? Do you ask for their opinions and solicit their input before making business decisions? High-level candidates have more to offer than just a strong back and great customer service. Are you a strong enough business leader not to be threatened when one of your employees offers their opinion or actually wants to take ownership of their job?

Are the work issues that keep you up at night now any different from those that kept you up at night a year ago? When I have a business-related problem that I’m not able to resolve, I’m going to ask you for help. Where are you seeking help from if you’re continuing to struggle with the same problems? 54 INCLEAN November / December 2021

What areas of professional growth are you, yourself, working on right now? There’s a short ladder to climb in most small businesses and I’m probably not going to pass you while you’re standing on it. This means my professional growth and income potential is limited by yours. Since I’m the kind of employee who’s looking to contribute to the company where I work and who wants to grow in my career, I want a business owner who’s doing the same. So, do you invest time and money in your own professional growth or has your thinking and management style calcified into “This is the way we’ve always done things”?

If you won the lottery tomorrow, would you close the business? If your answer to this question is yes or if you even hesitated when I asked it, then why would I want to risk my future by coming to work at your company? It’s not that I’m worried about you winning the lottery, but that might be an indication that you’ve mentally checked out, you’re burned out, or you’re just not committed for the long haul. None of these are good from a company’s growth perspective because it means the company isn’t getting your full efforts. And if you’re not willing to give the business everything you’ve got, why would I?

FINAL THOUGHTS In the current job market, highly talented job seekers can afford to be selective about the companies they consider, making it more important than ever for small businesses to correct internal deficiencies before recruiting new hires. Asking tough questions about ourselves and our business can help us identify and address some of these deficiencies and not only attract the best employees but keep them. Chuck Violand is the founder and principal of Violand Management Associates (VMA), a highly-respected consulting company in the restoration and cleaning industries. Violand is the past president of the RIA. To reach him, visit violand.com. ■

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OPINION

Is training your superpower?

e all know that training is essential for any business. The big questions are: • How do you develop an effective training plan to support the business goals? • What funding opportunities exist to enable you to bring your training plan to life? Training plans come in different shapes and sizes. Some companies see training as a cost, where others see training as an investment into the future of their business. There really is no right or wrong here. It is all about the company leadership and their perspective on people, culture and positioning. Henry Ford said, “The only thing worse than training your employees and having them leave is not training them and having them stay”. Ask yourself this question: What do you want to be known for? • Being the best? • Being the most socially responsible? • Being an employer of choice? • Being a business that everyone in the industry looks up to? • Being the most profitable? What does that mean? What does that look like? What is the strategy to get you there? To achieve most of the above goals you have to be: • The most innovative • The most quality focused • The most people focused To achieve any of the above goals, a focus on innovation and training are essential. So, what does a focus on training look like?

INVEST IN YOUR PEOPLE The first thing is identifying a need to invest in people. Regardless of how we look at it, we can not run a business and grow it to the best it can be…. without an investment in our people. We need to look at what skills our teams have and what they need to acquire: • It could be industry-based skills such as cleaning high storey windows, learning techniques to minimise back strains. • They could also be skills to lead people, deal with customers, negotiate with suppliers, quote on projects, quality processes, or to manage time more effectively. 56 INCLEAN November / December 2021

Some of the skills needed can be acquired through Nationally Recognised Training. The benefit of the various nationally recognised qualifications out there are that they can often be obtained through on the job training and can potentially attract government subsidies. (There are currently wage subsidies available that can attract up to $28,000 per eligible employee.) The benefit of short courses is that you can find there are a range of training providers, mentors and specialists who are experts in a very narrow subject matter and can support your staff in adopting the skills. ISSA has a range of courses developed to meet specific industry needs such as internal facility auditing, management training. One key time in the employee lifecycle when training is highly important, is during the employees onboarding. There are onboarding programs specifically designed for the industry, while catering for the diverse learning styles of individuals and the multicultural nature of the industry. It is important to consider the career goals of your team members, where they want to be in two or five years and how you can support them to develop which supports your business growth and their own personal goals.

INVEST IN YOUR SYSTEMS Growing a business in this fast-paced world we are living in is a challenge without the right systems to support you. We need technology to help automate and create efficiency. There are so many industry specific workflow and CRM tools on the market to explore. We also need quality systems to be able demonstrate that you can consistently perform work at the highest level, while also giving you a competitive edge. ISSA’s CIMS program is a great example of a program that helps to address these needs. There is so much to be said about training and in favour of training. It is an investment in your people and in the future of your business. Don’t miss out on our workshop on the which will explain how you can apply for the wage subsidiary grant. Lauren Micallef is Oceania manager, ISSA. For more information visit: www.issa.com For more information about the Wage Subsidy Grants contact: Diem (Yim) Huynh from Mia Consulting Services on 0401 695 844 or email diem@miaconsulting.com.au. ■

OPINION

Big business HR hacks:

How to punch above your weight as an SME

ne of the challenges of being a small and medium-sized business is that without a dedicated team of specialists, you often have to make do and cut corners when it comes to HR. Help take your HR thinking to the next level with these five tips.

1. GET FOCUSED One of the common challenges for SMEs is not having dedicated HR staff. Often, HR functions are taken on by the business owner or perhaps the bookkeeper or accountant. Without having a strategic HR focus and expertise within the organisation, things will be missed, and mistakes will be made. Sometimes the consequences are obvious and urgent – a letter claiming unfair dismal or a WorkSafe fine. Other times, in cases of bullying and significant productivity issues, the issue can be harder to spot until the damage is already far-reaching and extensive. Hack: Your people are the lifeblood of your business. Your focus on HR must reflect this. If you do not have the internal expertise in this area, bring in an experienced HR consultant who will help you get the most out of your people and protect your business from HR risk.

2. SUPERCHARGE YOUR JOB ADS Recruitment is difficult enough – writing job descriptions, publishing job ads and endless rounds of interviews. But it can be frustrating for SMEs trying to compete for quality talent against much bigger players with established brands and reputations. The good news is that you can. The employment market is changing. In a post-COVID world, employees are looking for more than just brand recognition and salary – many workers, especially younger people, place greater value on flexibility, career development and training, and an alignment between your business’ values with their own. It’s vital to be able to articulate all these things in job ads, on your website and in other brand communications. Hack: Work with a respected copywriter or marketing professional to develop messaging that’s compelling to potential employees and stands out from competitors.

3. BE STRATEGIC, NOT REACTIONARY HR is about so much more than putting out fires and reacting to problems. Getting the most out of your people and keeping them happy is about taking a broad view and thinking strategically. Make sure you’re clear about your business and brand goals, then map out all the things you’ll need to address in order to get there. Your HR plan should cover things like keeping employment contacts, legislation and other documentation up to date and be focused on both protecting your business and developing your workforce.

Hack: Get professional advice to create an HR plan that’s going to deliver to your goals and protect your business from risk. Review and update your HR plan in the lead-up to each new financial year.

4. INVEST IN PERFORMANCE Rather than seeing training as an expense, think about it as a way to enhance productivity, spark innovation and retain valued employees. It’s important to be very clear about your broad business objectives and the trackable measurements that show your progress towards reaching these goals. Be strategic about what training you implement so that your employees develop in line with your business needs and you can quickly see the return on your investment. Hack: Think about and document the critical KPIs for your business. Then develop a training plan that will directly impact the business goals and growth you are pursuing.

5. REMOVE THE EMOTION There’s no getting around the ‘human’ aspect of human resources. As a small business owner or operator, it’s easy to view employees as friends and family. There are many benefits to this, but it can also become very difficult to raise issues such as performance problems. Employees may also feel hurt and victimised by straightforward feedback when the boundaries between professional and personal relationships are blurred. In these cases, having an experienced, impartial person to help address and resolve the issues may be the best way forward. Hack: Sometimes, it’s hard to keep a cool head, so bring in an experienced HR professional to help you deal with conflicts and difficult situations when you need the extra support. Melissa Behrend is director of HR on Call https://hroncall.durrantdurrant.com ■ www.incleanmag.com.au 57

OPINION

Why you should check your business insurance after a turbulent year

he cleaning industry has faced mixed operating conditions since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Revenue declined by 4.7 per cent in the last financial year, largely due to the many businesses having staff work from home or not operating throughout lockdowns. This quashed demand for regular cleaning services, ultimately causing many in the industry to lose regular clients. Yet, the industry was granted a lifeline. Commercial cleaning service providers were classed as essential workers, as they could provide deep cleaning services to other essential workplaces. With vaccination rates rising and borders opening up, many small businesses in the cleaning industry are in a vastly different position than they were at the start of the pandemic. So now is a good time to take stock and review your insurance cover, to ensure you have adequate cover for your business. “Your business may not be the same as it was when you started, and your insurance should keep up with the times,” says Sharon Kenny, head of marketing at BizCover. “Too often businesses wind up without the right cover because the original policy is just renewed without the owner checking to see if their cover still meets their business needs.” Cleaning businesses typically take out Public Liability Insurance and Portable Equipment Insurance to protect their businesses.

THE CASE FOR PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE The $12 billion Australian cleaning industry operates across a variety of different environments, from schools and residential services to corporate offices filled with expensive equipment1. “If you operate as a sole trader, you may be personally responsible for all aspects of the business,” says Kenny. “You could expose yourself to risks that could affect your personal assets if things go wrong.” Not much is needed to land yourself in trouble. “All it takes is for you forget to display a ‘wet floor’ sign and someone slips over injuring themselves or you spill a cleaning agent which leaves permanent damage to a bench top – the list could be endless,” says Kenny. Thankfully, Public Liability insurance is there to provide protection for you and your business in such an event. 58 INCLEAN November / December 2021

When reviewing your insurance, you should check any contractual requirements that you have and ensure your cover meets those requirements. Typically, you can get cover for your business between $5 million and $20 million, |and whilst many of your clients will be happy with cover at the lower end, some larger businesses and shopping centres may require higher levels of cover.

REVIEW YOUR EQUIPMENT COVER The equipment or tools you use to conduct your business are also an essential part of your success. And you will inevitably need more as your business grows. Kenny says business owners don’t need to wait for their renewal date to review their cover amount. “As you update your equipment and its value grows, you can update your cover to help ensure you have sufficient insurance to cover your loss if you need to make a claim.” You can include cover for your tools of trade with Portable Equipment cover which is included in a business insurance package. “Keeping a thorough and up to date inventory of your equipment can also help make life easier when it’s time to update your policy,” Kenny says. While the future looks bright for some, many businesses downsized their operations due to a lack of recurring work throughout the pandemic. It’s time to shop around for a better deal. “One important reason to look at your insurance, is to check that the price you are paying is still competitive.,” says Kenny. “We’ve had many customers save on their insurance by switching to BizCover, including a cleaner from Sydney who saved $500 on his Public Liability Insurance.* “So, if it’s time to review your insurance, jump online and visit bizcover.com.au and check us out.” This article was written by Ryan Johnson from BizCover. ■ *Savings made June 2021. This information is a general guide only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. As with any insurance, cover will be subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions contained in the policy wording. The information contained on this page is general only and should not be relied upon as advice. © 2021 BizCover Pty Limited, all rights reserved. ABN 68 127 707 975; AFSL 501769

OPINION

Tackling the packaging challenge: The commercial cleaning and hygiene products sector steps up

ecent surveys of companies in the cleaning and hygiene product sector on their packaging usage, challenges, initiatives, and opinions revealed some interesting findings. Overall, results revealed that the commercial cleaning and hygiene sector is ahead of the curve in some important areas. • Many have packaging volume data—for not just some but all their products. • Some are already using a high proportion of recyclable plastic and/or reusable containers and so are well on the way to the 2025 National Packaging Targets. • And overwhelmingly, companies that supply cleaning and hygiene products manufacture in Australia and use locally made packaging. This is not the case for many other related sectors (think household cleaning, personal care, etc.). What do these survey findings mean? The combination of data and local influence conveys a unique opportunity for our sector to implement packaging sustainability initiatives that will drive tangible benefits for Australia’s natural environment, communities and businesses. Many companies are already making strides in this area. Several product suppliers have expressed their commitment to doing more on packaging sustainability and, importantly, their customers are on board. Other companies are just starting to think about how their packaging use could fit within an increasingly circular economy landscape.

TANGIBLE ACTION ON PACKAGING WASTE Accord’s Packaging and Waste Steering Group is tasked with guiding the development of packaging waste sustainability initiatives for Accord member companies and the broader industry. The aim is to scale impact through collective action. Some immediate priorities that have been identified by the Steering Group are the need for circular solutions for containers of 5 litres and

greater – excluding IBCs at this stage – and the need for greater clarity on where packaging ends up once it leaves the supplier. Undoubtedly, more areas of focus will emerge as discussions progress. The goal will be to progress a suite of industry-led projects including, ideally, some form of voluntary stewardship scheme that assists our industry in furthering its packaging sustainability performance.

POSITIVE NARRATIVE TO AUSTRALIA’S GOVERNMENTS AND CUSTOMERS Alongside these tangible projects will be communication to governments on the great strides already made by our sector and where the ongoing challenges lie. This will be underpinned by key examples from cleaning and hygiene product companies. For example, Accord’s survey highlighted the impact of regulations on packaging choices for companies in the cleaning and hygiene products space: almost all companies reported that the type of packaging they use is defined by regulation and that changing packaging would be affected by regulations. Accord is hosting a workshop on packaging at the 2022 ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo. The Packaging Challenge: Towards packaging waste circularity solutions for the cleaning & hygiene industry is a sector-specific deep-dive into this highly topical sustainability issue. As part of this, we will share progress on industry-led initiatives to drive packaging sustainability improvements for the industry. There will also be presentations from experts on the local recycling industry; innovations for circularity, including through packaging design, materials and feedstock choices; container reuse; and on translating sustainability activities into tangible messaging. Dr Jennifer Semple is innovation and education manager, Accord Australasia. ■ Accord’s Packaging and Plastics Surveys were conducted in late 2020 to early 2021 and received responses from a total of 58 manufacturers and suppliers of hygiene, personal care and specialty products.

www.manham.com.au www.incleanmag.com.au 59

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PRODUCTS

Sanitol Jade Sanitol Jade is a is a uniquely formulated antibacterial hand sanitiser designed to prevent the spread of harmful germs. Sanitol Jade has a rapidly acting formula that kills 99.99 per cent of germs – protecting you against a range of potentially unsafe microorganisms. Sanitol Jade is an effective component of a personal hygiene program, and its scientifically advanced formula is gentle on all skin types. Benefits: • Contains natural emollients to replenish the skin’s lipids – leaves hands feeling soft, smooth and revitalised • Natural skin conditioners and light pleasant fragrance – ideal for all ages to use • A refreshing gel that kills germs without the need for water

Whiteley Corporation 1800 833 566 marketing@whiteley.com.au

Makita XGT 40V Max Brushless Stick Vacuum Kit Market leading performance and durability, the Makita XGT 40V Max Brushless Stick Vacuum Kit features: • • • • •

Powerful max suction - 21kPa 25-minute runtime (Mode 3) 28-minute rapid charge for 2.5Ah battery Wall mounting bracket CL001GD227 - RRP $599

Makita Australia 1300 361 690 www.makita.com.au

RENSAIR Q01B Cleanstar is the proud distributor of the RENSAIR Q01B. RENSAIR is unique in its patented design where the H13 HEPA filter trap the airborne viruses and pathogens and the UVC lamp will kill the viruses in seconds. RENSAIR air purifier can operate for 9000 before any replacement filter or UVC LAMP is required. That’s more than one year of continual use! RENSAIR destroys more than 99.97 per cent of airborne bacteria and viruses. RENSAIR has a large cleaning capacity and cleans 560m3 of air per hour. RRP $5999. Check out Cleanstar’s YouTube channel for more product videos.

Cleanstar (03) 9460 5655 sales@cleanstar.com.au

Check out Cleanstar’s YouTube channel for more product videos

64 INCLEAN November / December 2021

PRODUCTS

SL1600 Dominator and SL2000 Stingray ultra-high-speed suction polishers Polivac’s ultra-high-speed suction polishers SL1600 Dominator and SL2000 Stingray are packed with features to deliver smooth, quiet, and trouble-free operations. • The SL1600 Dominator and SL2000 Stingray are equipped with Marathon 1.6 kw, 50 hz, 240-volt motor and total dust control (TDC) vacuum systems, ensuring high-efficiency dust removal in one pass • The SL1600 Dominator is equipped with a 40cm pad, which enables easy manoeuvrability in smaller areas • The SL2000 Stingray includes a 50cm pad, which enables operations in larger areas easy and convenient. • Lightweight and well- balanced with an adjustable handle, ergonomic hand grips and ‘safety button’ actioning triggers, Stingray’s and Dominator’s ergonomics deliver safe and comfortable control.

Polivac International Contact nearest distributor www.polivac.com.au

COUNTERFLU & RTU

S K I L L 9 IN ID-1 COV UTES N 2 M I IN 5 AT 1

™

CounterFlu™ RTU 5L COUR5

CounterFlu™ 5L COUF5

CounterFlu™ RTU 750ml Spray Bottle COUR750

CounterFlu™ 500ml Spray Bottle D03C

CLEANS & DISINFECTS CounterFlu & CounterFlu RTU are hospital-grade disinfectants with a powerful cleaning action that leaves any hard surface disinfected, clean and perfumed with a lingering citrus fragrance. It is formulated with premium surfactants to attack and disperse soilage matter. The active ingredients in CounterFlu are specialised quaternary ammonium compounds which kill germs, bacteria, fungi, moulds, and Human Influenza Virus (common flu virus) and Herpes Simplex virus.

 

Save time with 2 in 1 action. Clean and disifect at the same time. Tested and proven effective against COVID-19 virus & common flu virus.

Want to know more? Contact us today:

 

Concentrated for cost-effectiveness. Dilutes up to 1:10. Tested and proven effective against germs, bacteria, moulds and fungi.

1800 301 302 www.agar.com.au

info@hygieia-san.com.au

The Chemistry of Cleaning

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PRODUCTS

Central Cleaning Supplies 2700psi Petrol Pressure Washer Central Cleaning Supplies has released a range of pressure washers to help get your pressure cleaning jobs completed with ease. Suitable for domestic, commercial, and industrial use, these pressure washers come with many included accessories so that you are always prepared for the task at hand. The Petrol model has a maximum pressure of 2700psi, 9.3 L/min flow, 7HP and 3400 R.P.M. A lance and 8m hose are included, as well a set of four nozzles. What’s more, a free turbo nozzle comes as a part of the package. Demonstration available.

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

i-land L Pro Drive Our goal is to simplify the entire cleaning process and increase your level of joy while doing so. For long days, huge buildings and on-site projects, you are going to need a workstation that holds all of your equipment. The i-land range was designed to be an all-in-one solution which makes sure you have everything you need in one accessible and convenient supporter. The innovative i-land L Pro Drive is fitted with an electric drive motor to take ease of cleaning to a new level. Simply insert an interchangeable i-power battery and press the button to effortlessly begin your cleaning routine.

i-team ANZ www.i-teamanz.com

XPOWER F16B Battery Powered ULV Fogger Infection control is of paramount importance in all areas that people gather and the XPOWER cordless fogger (model F16B) is the answer to disinfecting all spaces fast and effectively. The ULV fogger comes with a powerful lithium-Ion battery and generates a fog or mist of droplets that can get into all areas. Available online at www.xpoweraustralia.com.au or call for your nearest stockist on (03) 9460 5655. Check out Cleanstar’s YouTube channel for more product videos.

Cleanstar XPOWER Australia (03) 9460 5655 www.xpoweraustralia.com.au

Check out Cleanstar’s YouTube channel for more product videos

66 INCLEAN November / December 2021

PRODUCTS

U.S. Battery Deep-Cycle Batteries Operate your floor machine reliably with U.S. Battery Deep-Cycle Batteries. Available in 6-volt, 8-volt, and 12-volt sizes, U.S. Battery have sizes and configurations for any type of floor machine. Switching to U.S. Battery will give you longer operating time with their ability to be deeply discharged and spend less time waiting with their faster recharge. Maintaining their peak capacity for long periods between charges means greater vehicle reliability and lower annual operating costs. U.S. Battery Deep Cycle batteries are constructed with Diamond Plate Technology giving them a longer cycle life and durability, resulting in less replacements over your equipment’s lifetime. U.S. Battery is available exclusively from R&J Batteries stores or selected distributors across Australia and NZ.

R&J Batteries

Superbowl Superbowl has been designed to easily remove soils and stains, including rust, scale, and algae growth from toilets and urinals. Benefits: • • • •

1300 769 282 rjbatt.com.au

Cleans and deodorises Leaves the toilet smelling clean and refreshed Septic safe Available in various pack sizes

Whiteley Corporation 1800 833 566 marketing@whiteley.com.au

SEBO = CLEAN FLOORS + CLEAN AIR THE HEALTHCARE RANGE

www.aussiepumps.com.au

www.se bo.com sebo.com.au .au

POWERHEADS | CRB MACHINE | UPRIGHTS | BARRELS | POLISHER

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PRODUCTS

Huwa-San Huwa-San can be used on any surface safely without staining, bleaching, or corrosion. Unlike other disinfectants that take many minutes of “wet time”, Huwa-San delivers a great performance in seconds. Technically advanced, it is made from eco-friendly, 100 per cent biodegradable ingredients and is fast-acting and highly effective on all types of bacteria, fungi, yeast, spores, viruses and mycobacteria. Our products can be used in any environment to disinfect water, surfaces, tools and even large areas through vaporisation. • 100 per cent biodegradable • No chlorine or toxic chemicals • Food safe • Non-staining • Use on any surface • No need to rinse • Works to 99.999 per cent efficacy in seconds

Hygieia-San Australia info@hygieia-san.com.au

Antibacterial Laundry Liquid Antibacterial Laundry Liquid is an Australian made, top load washing detergent ideal for use in laundromats, business, and home use. Incorporating a powerful blend of detergent actives combined with an optical brightening agent to enhance colours and leave the washed items fresh and clean. The built-in antibacterial agent works to eliminate germs from garments, sheets, and towels. With a range of products suitable for any situation, from food service hygiene and washroom products, to housekeeping, personal hand care and laundry washing products, Northfork is ideal for the home and workplace environment. Manufacturing Company

1300 278 546 Northfork.com.au

PREMIUM BATTERIES FOR

FLOOR CLEANERS + Rugged Construction

+ Rapid Recharge

+ SpeedCap® Venting + Diamond Plate Technology Positive Locking System

Available from R&J Batteries stores and distributors / www.rjbatt.com.au/u-s-battery / 1300 769 282

68 INCLEAN November / December 2021

Accobrands.com.au

PRODUCTS

NEW Vileda Professional website Vileda Professional is excited to announce the launch of its new website. As an innovation leader in the cleaning industry, it’s important for Vileda to make information regarding thought leadership, products, and trends easily accessible for current and prospective clients. The Vileda Professional website is designed to provide visitors an easier way to learn about Vileda Professional and enhanced rich content focused on its cleaning solutions and services.

Vileda Professional

Adiatek Quartz Stand-On Auto Scrubbers

www.vileda-professional.com.au

The new generation, battery powered Adiatek Quartz Auto Scrubbers offer unbeatable cleaning performances and deliver the comfort of a ride on machine with unmatched manoeuvrability and visibility. The Quartz range come in three models, Quartz 50, 66, and 80. They provide a flexible and compact solution with cleaning widths from 508mm to 785mm, battery autonomy of up to four – five hours, and a working capacity up to 4710 m²/h. Like all Adiatek machines, the Quartz range is simple and cost effective to use and come with a two-year warranty. Free demonstration available.

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

www.whiteley.com

.au

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PRODUCTS

Central Cleaning Supplies Nitrile Gloves New from Central Cleaning Supplies is a range of disposable Nitrile Gloves that are ideal for use in many types of applications. They are latex free, chemical resistant, ambidextrous, and finger textured. Available powder free in packs of 100, blue or black and in sizes ranging from small, medium, large, to extra-large.

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

Once Off Once Off is specially made for cleaning ceramic, porcelain and quarry tiles that are difficult to clean. Many of these types of tile have tiny holes or pores in the surface. Dirt collects in these holes and gives the tiles a ‘grey’ appearance. Its powerful cleaning and penetrating action draws the soil out of these tiles. Once Off can also be used to clean concrete, bluestone, sandstone, terracotta and clay or concrete pavers. It is ideal for use on floors in shopping centres, toilets, shower rooms, kitchens, and carparks. Once Off is designed for use in autoscrubbers, although it may also be used for mopping, scrubbing with single brush rotary machines, and pressure washing.

Agar Cleaning Systems 1800 301 302 www.agar.com.au Distributed by

THE BEST AIR PURIFIER

IN THE WORLD

The new Oscillation Scrubber Introducing the latest additional to the Conquest Edge Series range, the Sprint Edge floor scrubber. As proven the Conquest oscillation scrubbing technology is often copied, but never beaten. Providing the ability to reach right up to the edges and into squared corners, the Edge Series floor scrubbers are perfect for chemical-free floor finish removal, preparing marble and deep cleaning a variety of hard floor surfaces. The compact nature of the Spring Edge makes it the perfect size to easily pass-through narrow doorways and elevators.

 sales@cleanstar.com.au

70 INCLEAN November / December 2021

ww w.cleanstar.com  cleanstar.com.au .au

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

www.incleanmag.com.au

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www.whiteley.com

.au