African Cleaning Review JanFeb '21

Buyer’s Guide 2021 Edition

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January/February 2021

Hygiene • Cleaning • Pest Control • Laundry • Facility Management Services

Contract cleaning in the spotlight Food and beverage hygiene solutions Automation with RFID Hand sanitisers a double-edged sword?

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African Cleaning Review, established over 22 years ago, remains the essential read for everyone involved in professional cleaning and hygiene. Published in print and digital format, the magazine offers regular insights into the importance of cleaning for health, especially significant during a raging worldwide pandemic.

Cleantex Africa is the premier event in Africa dedicated to the professional cleaning, hygiene, laundry, pest control and facility management industries. The next edition of this expo takes place from 2–4 November 2021 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

www.africancleaningreview.co.za

www.cleantex.co.za

Kränzle is a high pressure cleaning equipment specialist. The success of the product range is largely a result of the importance attached to the research and development department at Kränzle Germany.

Our Cape Town factory gives us the ability to manufacture custom-made systems ‘in-house’.

Neledzi Cleaning Services strives to provide the utmost quality and value-added services and related products. Our clients are able to focus on their core business practices while we oversee their cleaning-service needs.

www.kranzle.co.za

www.neledzicleaning.co.za

Numatic International SA is the sole importer of Numatic machines, cleaning equipment and vacuum systems. Numatic is committed to ensuring that users of our machines receive the best service available.

Prime Cleaning Suppliers is a leading South African cleaning-solutions supplier, established in 1996.

Prime Cleaning Suppliers has spent a number of years building strong brands, adhering to applicable standards and reinforcing their commitment to customers. Prime Cleaning Suppliers also represents the following brands: Aquarius, Kleenex, Scott, Wetrok, Wypall and Rubbermaid Commercial Products.

www.numatic.co.za

www.primecs.co.za

contents JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 VOL 22 NO. 1 Cover story Prime Cleaning Suppliers is a leading South African cleaning-solutions supplier, established in 1996. Prime Cleaning Suppliers has spent a number of years building strong brands, many of which have been tested by the SABS 1828 and 1853 standards and carry their mark of surety, which gives the customer confidence when using the products. All disinfectants are registered as per Act 29 and are compliant to the VC8054 compulsory specification for disinfectants. Prime Cleaning Suppliers’ complete cleaning solutions cover paper products/dispensers, cleaning chemicals/disinfectants, floorcare machines and cleaning sundries. Prime Cleaning Suppliers has an ongoing commitment to ensure the best longterm solution to their customers and represents the following brands: Aquarius, Kleenex, Scott, Wetrok, Wypall, and Rubbermaid Commercial Products.

Opinion

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Industry News

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• Providing cleanliness and confidence as office workers return

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• SA hand sanitisers earn billions in export revenue • New dates for Cleantex Africa 2021 exhibition • Business sector warned to comply with COVID-19 rules for returning staff • SABS elected to serve on ISO council • EU EcoDesign Directive raises electric hand dryer association concerns

Editorial

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• Tork: Xpressnap Fit maximises efficiency and creates less waste • Numatic International: Professional, practical and reliable equipment • Hako: Offering a total industrial equipment solution • GCE: Minimising the risk of cross contamination in the food and beverage chain

Features

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Contract cleaning – How COVID-19 put hygiene in the spotlight – Messe Dusseldorf kept safe during pandemic – Cleaning industry should heed lessons learned from pandemic – Gaps in floor care lead to costly mistakes • Food and beverage hygiene solutions – Managing risk in the food and beverage production environment

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Waste Management Review

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FM Review

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• Impact of COVID-19 on the waste sector and its workforce • Facilitating the safe return to the workplace – guide • People feel unsafe using air dryers in public washrooms – study

Laundry Review

• Automation with RFID delivers end-to-end process control

People and Events

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• Opening of new Gauteng premises for Prime Cleaning Suppliers • New appointment – Francois Oosthuizen • New Interclean show in China

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AfricanCleaningReview

Publishing Editor: Johann van Vuuren +27 (0) 11 238 7848 or +27 (0) 72 611 1959 Email: africancleaningreview@cleantex.co.za Advertising: +27 (0) 11 238 7848 or +27 (0) 72 611 1959 Email: africancleaningreview@cleantex.co.za Operations and Accounts: Nandé Jacobs Email: africancleaningreview@cleantex.co.za All editorial contributions can be sent to the editor who reserves the right to publish editorial based on the strength of its content. No articles or photographs may be reproduced, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publishers.

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in African Cleaning Review, e-squared publications and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of the claims made by contributors, manufacturers or advertisers. Copyright of all material published in African Cleaning Review remains with e-squared publications and its agents.

Planned features for 2021 Feature sections in every issue: • Laundry and dry cleaning review • Facilities management review March/April issue: Editorial deadline 12 February • Dosing and dilution control • High-pressure cleaning

Jul/Aug issue: Editorial deadline 18 June • Window and façade cleaning • Healthcare cleaning and hygiene Sept/Oct issue: Editorial deadline 20 August • Sustainable cleaning • Carpet care Nov/Dec issue: Editorial deadline 15 October • Hospitality cleaning solutions • Washroom products and cleaning

Published by:

26 Official publication and media partner of:

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New Products

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• New disposable microfiber system

@AfricanCleanMag african-cleaning-review

May/June issue: Editorial deadline 16 April • Hard floorcare cleaning solutions • Hand hygiene

Educational

• When hand sanitisers become a double-edged sword

African Cleaning Review is aimed at end users, contractors and suppliers of products and services to Africa’s Cleaning, Hygiene, Maintenance, Laundry, Pest Control and Facility Management Services industries. It is published every other month by: e-squared publications.

Tel: +27 (0) 11 238 7848 or +27 (0) 72 611 1959 PO Box 1976, Halfway House, 1685, South Africa Email: africancleaningreview@cleantex.co.za Website: www.africancleaningreview.co.za

African Cleaning Review January/February 2021

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from the editor

opinion

Providing cleanliness and confidence as office workers return

Reducing the risk of spreading the virus

It’s more crucial than ever for businesses to provide clean, safe, and healthy environments for those returning to the workplace amid the COVID-19 pandemic, says Patty Olinger Executive Director, Global Biorisk

This certainly is not the start to the new year as expected by most people, especially following a dismal 2020.

Because of the second COVID-19 wave we are back under adjusted level 3 lockdown regulations that further extended the closure of many facilities that previously required regular cleaning and hygiene services. However, the upside of this situation is that hygiene in the workplace has now been firmly moved to the top of the agenda with new cleaning protocols being implemented.

Cleaning is now firmly on the frontline.

Primarily there has been a marked focus on implementing cleaning solutions that support healthy buildings and the role of the cleaning professional has evolved, this profession has become one of the main drivers in restoring confidence in the safety of facilities amongst the general public. Read more about this topic in the contract cleaning feature.

Another positive development is that readership and interest in the magazine’s content continues to grow as people adapt to the new reality of reducing the risk of spreading viruses driven by an increasing awareness of the important role of the professional cleaning industry in achieving this goal.

The Jan/Feb issue is always distinctive as it contains the annual Buyer’s Guide, a quick reference guide to the Who’s Who in the professional cleaning sector, together with a thorough introduction to their unique product and service offerings. The Buyer’s Guide is now available in digital format which makes it easily accessible to endusers via desktop, mobile or tablet devices.

Wishing you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

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African Cleaning Review May/June 2020

Advisory Council, a division of ISSA.

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hile many facility managers have increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting, meeting heightened expectations of cleanliness and reducing the spread of disease requires a thorough infectious disease outbreak prevention programme. Managers need to ensure facilities are following best practices and policies for cleaning and disinfecting in the new normal.

efficacy of cleaning and disinfecting chemicals. Facilities can reference the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s List N of disinfectants that meet the agency’s criteria for eradicating SARSCoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

If the solutions do not have data supporting their use against COVID-19, consider switching to a disinfectant with these efficacy claims.

Setting up employees for success Workplace risk management To determine where a facility can improve and set specific goals, begin with a risk assessment. Document all hazards and risks for pathogen spread in the facility, including high-traffic areas and high-touch surfaces. Consider the probability and severity of each risk to prioritise which should be addressed first. Then implement procedures to address risks and regularly conduct follow-up assessments.

After this initial assessment, facilities must establish internal standard operating procedures (SOPs) for cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention. As a baseline, these SOPs should include cleaning programme best practices like keeping regular schedules and cleaning visible soil on surfaces before applying disinfectants. Cleaning staff must follow label instructions to ensure products perform as intended against pathogens of concern.

When determining or updating cleaning procedures, review the

While cleaning and disinfecting more frequently, cleaning staff need appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect against pathogen spread and chemical exposure. Essential PPE includes gloves, face masks, eye protection, and gowns. Eye protection and masks are especially important when using tools like electrostatic sprayers that spray disinfectants onto surfaces in droplet form.

Cleaning and disinfecting are only effective with consistent training.

Employees need training on effective chemical use and cleaning procedures, as well as hand hygiene. Staff should frequently wash their hands for 20 seconds with soap and water.

Workplaces should also provide hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes for employees and guests to keep hands and surfaces clean.

Another major concern for employers is the physical and mental well-being of workers. It’s crucial to establish an employee health programme that

opinion incorporates temperature monitoring, vaccination options, wellness checks, and more, that are consistent with government guidelines. Compel workers to stay home if they are sick and develop clear policies for reporting exposure to or symptoms of COVID-19.

Instil confidence in office cleanliness After establishing an outbreak prevention program, how can facilities communicate their efforts to staff, occupants, and visitors?

One method is using visible signage.

Place signs reminding people of best practices and policies near entrances, elevators, and in washrooms. In any areas where queues may form, note 2-metre distances with floor markers.

Communicate any social distancing requirements in office areas, including space between desks and seats in meeting rooms.

To ensure a facility is taking all of these measures and more to promote the health and safety of office

occupants and visitors, businesses can consider pursuing formal accreditation through a reputable third party.

Opportunities include GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council, a division of ISSA, which can count toward points to achieve the WELL Building Standard from the International WELL Building Institute.

Third-party accreditation programs like these provide resources and training guidance to help promote employee safety and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. With this added level of assurance, building occupants can be confident their workplace meets the highest standards for clean facilities.

For more information visit: www.gbac.issa.com

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African Cleaning Review January/February 2021

industry news SA hand sanitisers earn billions in export revenue

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ocal production of hand sanitisers contributed enormously to saving lives in South Africa and has so far earned export revenues of R1.6 billion for the country, according to Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel.

The Minister said at the release of data on South African exports of hand sanitiser products, that between June and November 2020, permits for the export of hand sanitisers to 30 other African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique and Botswana, amounted to R1.66 billion.

South African manufacturers of hand sanitiser were able to build significant trading ties with other African countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said in a statement.

“At the start of the pandemic, South Africa faced a shortage of hand sanitisers and industry worked with the government to expand local production,” he added.

Measures were put in place to regulate the export of hand sanitisers to ensure adequate local capacity and to encourage exports to other African countries.

As soon as sufficient capacity was built up for local use, the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) issued permits to local companies to export product to other African countries,” said Minister Patel.

“As we build a more resilient economy, we will rely more on local innovation and industrial capacity. The legacy of COVID-19 is to underscore the importance of localisation, to create more jobs and enhance economic output,” he said.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement that became effective on January 1 this year is expected to further boost manufacturing and trade across the continent.

New dates for Cleantex Africa 2021 exhibition

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ecent developments worldwide relating to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a consultative decision by the organisers of Africa’s leading trade show for professional cleaning and hygiene to be rescheduled to a summer season time slot.

The Cleantex Africa exhibition will now take place from 2 – 4 November 2021 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

“The decision to change the dates for this event addresses two issues, firstly to move from a traditional winter season event to a summer period and secondly, to co-locate a major drawcard, the SAPCA Cleantex Summit, to add a conference element, thereby further bolstering the attendance. The SAPCA Cleantex Summit is a collaboration between Cleantex and the South African Pest Control Association aimed at discussing industry issues and to build consensus on lessons learned and best ways forward in controlling the spread of pandemics such as

COVID-19,” said exhibition director Johann van Vuuren.

For more than 23 years, Cleantex Africa has provided a complete meeting place for cleaning and hygiene professionals.

Never before has cleaning and hygiene for health been more relevant than now. The coronavirus pandemic raised the profile of the professional cleaning industry significantly, thereby driving the industry to adapt and evolve faster than ever before.

“By moving the exhibition to November this year, co-locating with a dual industry summit and with the prospect of a COVID-19 vaccine on the horizon, we hope to offer a niche event where innovations can be presented to an African audience in a safe environment to initiate business,” added van Vuuren.

For more information about Cleantex Africa email: nande@cleantex.co.za

African Cleaning Review January/February 2021

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industry news Business sector warned to comply with COVID-19 rules for returning staff

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s employees return to work this year, the Department of Employment and Labour warned businesses and industries to ensure compliance with COVID-19 safety at work under the adjusted Level 3 regulations and confirmed that inspections will be carried out.

Department of Employment and Labour Director-General, Thobile Lamati said that during the first coronavirus wave, the Compensation Fund received close to 15 000 COVID-19 claims, of which 29 were claims in respect to people who had died as a result of contracting the coronavirus while at work.

According to Lamati, R30 million has been paid out in processed claims. He went on to say: “With what we have seen of the second wave, we are likely to see exponentially higher numbers of infection if industries and business take the business-as-

usual approach. In the last few weeks, the country has seen major outbreaks of COVID-19 and it follows that workplaces are likely to experience significantly higher cases as asymptomatic or untested workers return. This is why issues of health and safety should be uppermost in the minds of employers and employees. It is crucial that industries, businesses and entities, both private and in the public sector must take all the necessary care to ensure the safety of workers, their families and the clients and/or suppliers. Most of the industries, in the first lockdown period did develop these plans and it may be that those plans need to be updated with the new information they have acquired since then or where improvements need to be effected. Our inspectors will continue to ensure that businesses and industries adhere to regulations.”

With reference to workers returning to offices after spending time in hotspot areas, Director of law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, Aadil Patel said: “Employers should alert employees to the fact they will be required to self-quarantine upon return from a hotspot area. In cases where an employee is unable to work from home, the employee may make use of their annual leave for the quarantine period. Where an employee has exhausted their annual leave, the principle of no-work-no-pay will apply and the employee will be placed on unpaid leave.”

SABS elected to serve on ISO council

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he South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) has been elected by the members of the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO) to serve on its Council. The term started in January 2021 and will end in December 2023. ISO is an independent, nongovernmental international organisation with a membership of 165 national standards bodies.

“The SABS is honoured to serve as an ISO Council member for the upcoming term. Seventy-five years ago the SABS was one of the founding members of ISO and has previously occupied several Council responsibilities that include: participation in various ISO Policy Committees; membership to ISO Council; Chairing the ISO Committee on Conformity Assessment (CASCO); and membership to the ISO Technical Management Board (TMB). In addition, the SABS holds nine ISO Committee

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African Cleaning Review January/February 2021

secretariats; is a Participative Member of 251 ISO Committees; Observing Member of 163 ISO committees; holds six Committee Chairpersonships and 11 positions as Convenor of Working Group,” says Dr Sadhvir Bissoon, Executive of Standards. Dr Bissoon has been nominated as the Council representative from the SABS. “As a member of the ISO Council, Dr Bissoon will contribute to the strategic think tank of Council which aims to steer ISO towards achieving organisational sustainability. Core to the strategy of ISO is the realisation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the development and implementation of standards, requirements and conformity assessment to raise the quality of life for all people. South Africa will gain momentum through the synergies and experience that can be gained as a Council member

Dr Sadhvir Bissoon and we are optimistic that this will translate into better quality standards being developed locally and across the continent,” explains Jodi Scholtz, Lead Administrator of SABS.

industry news EU EcoDesign Directive raises electric hand dryer association concerns

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he official body representing the global hand dryer industry – the Electric Hand Dryer Association (eHA) – has shared its concerns over the potential legislative measures resulting from the EcoDesign Directive, when it comes to energy efficiency and labelling. According to the eHA, certain measures would impose pressure on the SME-structured industry, leading to ‘false developments’.

The ‘EcoDesign and energy labelling preparatory study on hand dryers’ final report was published in October 2020. This study recommends certain measures are taken to reach the energy efficiency targets set by the European Commission (EC).

However, the eHA commented that the study failed to include a number of additional factors which are crucial to effectively assessing the impact on industry and consumer, including:

• Environmental considerations of hand dryers • Substitute products (notably paper towels) • Consumer behaviour • Resulting economic and environmental impact on the electric hand dryer industry • Projected energy efficiency gains of the potential measures • Reducing GHG emissions is an important goal The eHA welcomes the efforts of the EC in encouraging more products to address climate change and reduce energy usage while arguing that greenhouse gas emissions and electric warm air hand dryers contribute in several ways towards reaching these targets.

For example, electric hand dryers use significantly less energy than what is needed to produce or recycle

paper towels. They also avoid indirect environmental consequences, such as the spread of diseases deriving from used paper; reducing further GHG emissions, such as methane from landfills; and reducing water pollution due to the fact that reprocessing fresh water is very energy-intensive.

“The hand dryer industry has a strong interest in ongoing product improvement and innovation,” says Milagros Garde, manager at Mediclinics, and chair of the eHA Lobbying Committee. “However, the real costs – especially environmental costs – need to be considered by examining and comparing two completely different systems that serve as substitute products for each other – hand dryers and paper towels.”

For more information visit: www.handdryerassociation.org

African Cleaning Review January/February 2021

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editorial Tork Tork Xpressnap FitÂŽ maximises efficiency and creates less waste

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African Cleaning Review January/February 2021

editorial Tork Tork, an Essity brand is now expanding the successful Tork Xpressnap® napkin dispenser line into a new segment of the food service industry, with the launch of Tork Xpressnap Fit. The new napkin system is the brand’s most compact yet and aims to help operators of independent and small chain restaurants make the most of limited resources.

With a modern look, designed to perfectly fit small spaces in quick service and fast casual restaurants, the napkin system saves restaurant operators both time and space. The Tork system, which will compete against commonly used traditional products such as tall-fold napkins, cuts unused napkins thrown away by more than 50 percent.

Benedicte De Croon, Product Management Director Tabletop and Napkins, at Tork said: “We know what a day in our customers’ lives looks like and how time and space are limited.

Our aim with Tork Xpressnap Fit is to reduce obstacles for busy operators and help them improve their workflow so they can stay focused on guests. By reducing waste and napkin use at the same time as saving staff’s time this is a win-win situation for restaurateurs, guests and the environment.”

Tork Xpressnap Fit has the same core benefits as Tork Xpressnap such as one-at-a-time napkin dispensing and an enclosed dispenser, which enhances the guest experience when guests only touch the napkins they will use. Adding to this, the new system has a smaller footprint and was developed to better work in fast casual restaurants with limited table and counter space. In a busy restaurant, timing and efficiency is everything.

Therefore, operators need all the details needed to work together to avoid unnecessary interruptions. The Tork Xpressnap Fit napkin dispenser system creates less waste and needs to be refilled less often than traditional napkin dispensers which makes it possible for operators to serve almost twice as many guests between refills.

Tork Xpressnap Fit is available to customers from January 2020, for more information contact: kirsty.collard@essity.com

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feature contract cleaning

How COVID-19 put hygiene in the spotlight Hygiene in the workplace is now firmly on top of the agenda. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the service industry, raising the profile of cleaning professionals. Across the world, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cleaning industry to adapt faster than ever before, as cleanliness and hygiene were pushed higher up the agenda as a means of controlling the spread of the coronavirus. For instance, in France this was no exception where ISS France’s cleaning expertise and robust processes have helped to ensure their customers, and staff, remain safe.

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anis Lalia, Cleaning Excellence Expert, at ISS France, one of the world’s leading facilityservices companies, elaborates on the precautions put in place by the company to quickly and efficiently respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cleaning on the frontline As companies slowly begin to allow employees back into their workplaces after months of working from home, there has been a marked focus on implementing cleaning solutions that support healthy buildings. For ISS, this meant introducing a range of processes and precautions to keep their customers and staff safe, applying many years of knowledge from working in healthcare facilities and clean room environments.

in real-time to give all our employees, managers and clients access to ISS recommendations in the management of our services.”

A reassuring presence Making workplaces safe again One of the main focuses for ISS has been to craft workplaces that make the return to work smooth and carefree for employees across the world. At the heart of this approach is a new product, PURE SPACE, that aims to help employees reconnect with their work environments by ensuring a hygienic, safe place to work. The benefits are twofold: companies are able to bring employees back to a work environment that meets a higher standard of hygiene, while restoring their employees’ confidence in the safety of the workplace. Instead of

COVID-19 has brought our line of work into the spotlight and it has certainly changed the way our customers perceive our activities. Today, our presence is reassuring.

“As a company, we had to review all our processes and search for efficient and innovative solutions in light of the pandemic risk,” says Yanis. “This meant adhering and adapting our cleaning protocols to suit the government’s COVID-19 recommendations, while prioritising the health of our customers, employees and the environment.”

“Communication was vital during this period, so we created a dedicated COVID-19 website that was updated

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African Cleaning Review January/February 2021

reception or canteen areas, or informing them on how to disinfect their mobile phones.

simply measuring the level of cleanliness with our eyes, PURE SPACE uses technology to provide visible, scientific proof that a space is clean – thereby offering employees peace of mind.

In addition to this, ISS trained ‘Hygiene Stewards’ to clean and disinfect workplaces during working hours and encourage employees to follow guidelines on hygiene and social distancing. For example, helping employees limit the spread of germs in

Amidst the upheaval caused by the coronavirus, Yanis asserts that it is the visible signs of cleaning that help restore employees’ confidence in the safety of their workplace.

“Before the pandemic, our cleaning employees worked in the shadows.

Often early in the morning or late at night, when the sites were empty.

COVID-19 has brought our line of work into the spotlight and it has certainly changed the way our customers perceive our activities. Today, our presence is reassuring,” he says.

For our cleaning professionals on the frontline, this shift in attitude may present a silver lining.

“The importance of cleaning is now firmly on the agenda,” says Yanis. “This will perhaps make it possible to carry out part of our services in the presence of site users, with a significant benefit for our employees on their working hours.”

As for the future of cleaning services, Yanis believes adaptability and comprehensive training are key.

“Our services will have to adapt to this new reality by reducing the risk of spreading viruses. This means implementing new cleaning protocols, training our staff even more, and supporting and communicating with our customers to reassure them and make them feel confident,” he says.

feature contract cleaning Trained help from Hygiene Stewards

and a comprehensive hygiene concept. During September 2020, ISS assisted

In addition to PURE SPACE, ISS trained a total of 76 employees in the specific hygiene requirements – five of which received training as decontaminators and a further 13 as Hygiene Stewards.

The Hygiene Stewards focused on ensuring a safe and secure environment for all exhibitors and attendees, as well as ensuring visibility of cleaning and hygiene services across all touchpoints. They were able to guide people by reminding them to wash and disinfect their hands and ensure they maintained social distancing. According to Nora Wernick, Head of Sales Service Department/ Director of Sales and Distribution, Messe Düsseldorf, this played a crucial role in the event’s success.

“The Hygiene Stewards and mobile cleaning team made it possible to maintain the strict hygiene standards during the event and thus made a valuable contribution to the success of the event under COVID-19 conditions,” she says.

Messe Düsseldorf, one of the world’s top trade fair organisers, keep their

ISS is a leading global facility services group,

Messe Düsseldorf kept safe during pandemic Hosting a major event during a global pandemic requires expert planning

event safe and secure with the help of ISS’ new product, PURE SPACE.

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ith over 100 000 visitors and 350 exhibitors across twelve exhibition halls, Messe Düsseldorf is one of the city’s major events. But with the COVID-19 pandemic, fear of contamination naturally created insecurities and doubts that could have prevented people from attending the trade fair.

As the trade fair’s long-time facility services partner, ISS worked closely with Messe Düsseldorf to restore visitors and exhibitors’ confidence and offer the highest level of safety by providing them with their product PURE SPACE. PURE SPACE ensures well-being, maintains hygiene and delivers confidence, so people can connect with the places they need to be in. At Messe Düsseldorf, PURE SPACE ensured the show could continue without problems.

There were no known cases of infection that were directly attributed to the event, and no ISS team infections during or after the fair.

for more information about ISS and PURE SPACE visit: www.issworld.com/en

Prioritising high-touch surfaces With PURE SPACE, not only does one achieve a new, higher standard of hygiene, you also get the data you need to maintain cleanliness, troubleshoot risk of contamination and influence the right behaviour. PURE SPACE uses ATP technology to scientifically measure the concentration of microorganisms and the level of hygiene.

At the trade fair, ISS analysed all traffic and touchpoints, identified hightouch surfaces and tailored the hygiene plan to the environment. High-contact areas such as door handles, elevator buttons, information counters, entry turnstiles or flights of stairs were analysed, and ISS used tailored cleaning products to ensure that these areas remained safe for hours after they were disinfected. Particular attention was paid to the application of the hygiene measures in the washroom facilities, where intensive cleaning was carried regularly throughout the event.

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feature contract cleaning

Cleaning industry should heed lessons learned from pandemic Workplace health and safety measures should be considered as nonnegotiable elements that can never be neglected. This, according to specialised cleaning services provider Fidelity Cleaning Services, should be seen as the single biggest lesson learned from the past year.

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he COVID-19 pandemic has tested most aspects of the South African economy, and the cleaning sector is no exception. We have all had to learn how to reinvent ourselves and how to put the safety and health of our customers and personnel foremost in everything we do to protect them from the coronavirus.

Whatever the new year holds, we simply cannot let these lessons go to waste,” says Wahl Bartmann, Group CEO of Fidelity Services.

“Our efforts to assist customers are based on guidelines published by The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and on the advice provided by local health authorities in South Africa.”

Important health and safety measures were implemented during 2020 to deal with the spread of the coronavirus, says Bartmann, and the key aspects of these measures should remain in place for as long as

As an industry, we need to show our customers that we understand the importance of strict healthcare and safety measures when it comes to workplace cleaning.

“As an industry, we need to show our customers that we understand the importance of strict healthcare and safety measures when it comes to workplace cleaning. It should not matter if you are cleaning an office to prevent the spread of the coronavirus or just doing a more ‘routine’ deep clean, your focus should be on the best interest of your customer at all times,” says Bartmann.

Bartmann adds that operators in the cleaning industry need to ensure they are up to date with the latest cleaning protocols that have been set down for the sector.

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African Cleaning Review January/February 2021

reasonable. “At heart, these measures deal with the transmission of a virus and the type of cleaning and health measures that could prevent its spread.

My recommendation is that everyone in a workspace environment keep these measures in place.”

The measures include: • Display posters promoting hand-washing – Informational and educational posters can be downloaded from a number of websites, such as the South African Government and the CDC.

Wahl Bartmann

Combine this with other communication measures such as offering guidance from occupational health and safety officers, briefings at internal meetings, and information on intranet sites to promote hand-washing.

• Ensure that face masks and paper tissues are available for everyone at your workplace, along with closed bins that allow for its hygienic disposal. Paper tissues and face masks are especially important for those who develop a runny nose or cough at work.

• Make sure your workplaces are clean and hygienic – Surfaces that are touched regularly (such as door handles, desks, tables, phones and keyboards) need to be wiped down and disinfected regularly with an approved QAC or sanitising product. Products that are used must be SANS 1828 and NCRS approved.

• Promote regular and thorough hand-washing by employees, contractors, and customers – Put sanitising hand rub dispensers in prominent places around the workplace. Make sure these dispensers are regularly refilled with approved products.

• Prepare for the best, but plan for the worst – Ensure that you have accurate contact details for any employee or visitor on hand, so

feature contract cleaning that everyone can be contacted in case of an infection that occurs to anyone that visited your workplace.

Allocate a room or a space where anyone that possibly thinks they have fallen ill, can be kept isolated until they can safely be transported for medical treatment if this becomes necessary.

• Proper disposal of PPE equipment/Environmental awareness must be adhered to, to ensure PPE is disposed

by authorised waste disposers according to Waste Classification and Management Regulations, 2013, published under Government Notice R634 in Gazette No. 36784 of 23 August 2013.

• Strict screening procedures need to remain in place to ensure every single person entering a workplace is screened and authorised to enter the workplace. Any queries can be referred to the on-site nurse for clarification.

“No one is entirely sure of what the new year will bring. The best way to approach 2021 is to remember the hard lessons that 2020 has taught us, so that we are as best prepared for what lies ahead. The cleaning industry has an enormous responsibility that rests on its shoulders to guide South Africans safely into the future,” says Bartmann.

Fidelity Cleaning Services is a member of the Fidelity Services Group and provides specialised cleaning services to corporate customers.

Gaps in floor care lead to costly mistakes Floor care can seem like a never-ending task. Floors undergo a lot of wear and tear and if they aren’t in pristine condition, they attract the notice of building owners, facility managers, and building visitors. If a facility’s floors look dirty, dingy, spotted, and stained, who gets the call? You as the cleaning contractor do.

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hen new flooring is installed in your facility – whether carpet, luxury vinyl, polished travertine marble, or any other flooring type, the cleaning contractor will be responsible for its condition once the installer leaves the facility.

Flooring represents a major investment by the building owner. Don’t let a gap in floor care diminish the value of this asset.

John Poole Jr. offers interesting insights as to how cleaning contractors can avoid implementing the wrong care and maintenance program that ultimately can result in costly mistakes.

Consider this scenario At first glance, the newly installed floor may look like any other floor you maintain. You determine that you have the procedures to maintain it. A typical customer contract may require you to regularly scrub, and perhaps routinely

strip, a hard floor. For carpeting, the scope of work requires vacuuming and shampooing, or steam cleaning as needed, quarterly or biannually. You instruct your crew to scrub and recoat the floor or use a pre-spot treatment before cleaning the carpet.

After your crew finishes the job, your supervisor informs you that the floor doesn’t look right. You inspect the floor and, sure enough, something looks wrong. Perhaps the floor finish looks off or the colour of the carpet looks different than it was before cleaning.

You make the dreaded call to your customer to obtain the installer’s phone number. Your customer mentions the flooring warranty and the possibility of a product defect. So, you call the manufacturer and explain the problem.

The first question the manufacturer asks is whether you reviewed the suggested care and maintenance instructions. Next,

the manufacturer asks what chemical you used. You discover you used the wrong product and this action voided the product warranty. Now you need to replace the floor. If you are a small business owner, this unexpected cost could have severe financial ramifications for your cash flow.

The replacement of any floor is paid from your profits. If you are the project manager, this management oversight on your part places your continued employment in jeopardy. You could lose the contract and still pay for the damage.

Avoid costly mistakes What could you have done to avoid this situation? First, recognise that each floor has its own care and maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer. While the floor is being installed, obtain the name of the manufacturer from the installer.

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feature contract cleaning Make sure you get the correct name of the flooring, perhaps even a SKU number of the product.

Second, with your current chemical list in hand, call the manufacturer’s technical support line. Request a care and maintenance specifications sheet on the flooring. Then review the chemicals you are currently using to maintain the flooring in the facility. The products may or may not be suitable for this new floor.

Find out exactly what products and equipment are needed to care for the new floor. Document your conversation, including the date, time, and the name of the person who assisted you.

Review your floor care chemical inventory to determine if your current products are compatible with the floor. If the technical support person says you can use your own chemicals, I would ask for a letter confirming this, stating that the use of these chemicals will keep the warranty valid.

Confirm product-use instructions, proper dilution measurements, and correct maintenance processes. All this

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information will be in the flooring care and maintenance instructions from the manufacturer.

Don’t forget to address safety Remember, if you introduce a new chemical into your job site you will need to have a current safety data sheet (SDS), provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to your staff, and train workers on the proper use of the new chemical. Look to the guideline in your organisation’s hazard communication plan.

When I was previously employed in project management, I had a buildingby-building file of flooring and care/ maintenance instructions. If I had any questions, I called and asked for the manufacturer’s recommendations then documented the conversation. If anything went wrong in my cleaning process, I could defend myself and my customer.

Floor products fail. But, if the failure is due to the cleaning contractor performing the wrong care and

maintenance, then the contractor will have to admit to this mistake and pay the costs. I kept service documents to support the date and times when our staff performed care and maintenance on flooring. That may have been a little overboard, however, it enabled me to provide documentation of service whenever a customer asked.

I hope I have provided more insight into this costly contractual care gap.

A lack of knowledge can cause your actions to void the floor’s warranty. This cost is real, in terms of both money and the ruined image of your company.

Take simple steps – make the call, be aware, and always refer to the care and maintenance instructions, before you commence the cleaning process on any new flooring.

John M. Poole Jr. holds a Master Environmental Services Registered Executive (MESRE) certification from IEHA and is an ISSA Industry Certification Expert (I.C.E.-GB) for the Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) and a CIMS Assessor.

Professional, practical and reliable equipment

editorial Numatic

Numatic International offers the complete cleaning solution, providing performance you can trust, productivity you can rely on and products that are built to last. Numatic cleaning equipment is designed and manufactured in the UK to the highest British and European Standards and complies with the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).

Numatic International understands the need and demand for sustainable cleaning solutions. Longevity, efficiency, serviceability and recyclability are the four values that construct the Numatic Sustainability Formula. Above all else, the most sustainable products are those that you are able to use day after day, without fail, for many years.

Providing tailored support to every industry, sustainability and productivity are values that continue to bridge the entire Numatic range. Numatic has built its products according to this philosophy since day one, testing beyond the standards and delivering sustainable cleaning solutions that provide the productivity you need.

For more information visit: www.numatic.co.za

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editorial EIE Group

Offering a total industrial equipment solution

As part of the JSE-listed enX Group, with representation across Southern Africa, the United Kingdom and Ireland, the EIE Group offers a total industrial equipment solution by providing best-in-class material handling and industrial equipment from respected brands and delivers lifetime value for our customers. In doing so we reduce our customers’ operating costs, leading to a reduction in downtime and an increase in operation profitability and efficiency. At EIE, we believe that understanding the needs of our customers is essential to fulfilling our

commitment to adding value, as well as remaining relevant and competitive in a fast-paced and ever-changing business environment. Our various business units and products complement one another, creating synergy and presenting a total solution to meet and exceed any requirements.

As the specialists in industrial cleaning and municipal machinery, Industrial Cleaning is committed to providing customers with value-driven industrial cleaning solutions. It offers a wide range of products, accessories, technical support, parts, maintenance

plans and much more from some of the industry’s leading brands such as Hako.

Hako is a leading manufacturer of premium cleaning equipment and municipal technology. The German manufacturer’s expertise lies in efficient cleaning technology, including versatile scrubber dryers, sweepers, city cleaners, combined sweepers and a range of application chemicals.

For more information about Hako industrial equipment or janitorial trolley systems contact: Wouter Niemann on 060 972 1429 or visit: www.eiegroup.co.za/ourdivisions/industrial-cleaning

Promote your company in The Source of Workplace Hygiene Solutions!

Reach your target market cost effectively by advertising in African Cleaning Review. The direct link to end users, building service contractors, FM service providers and key institutional sectors.

Contact us for more information regarding cost-effective advertising options: africancleaningreview@cleantex.co.za | www.africancleaningreview.co.za

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African Cleaning Review January/February 2021

African Cleaning Review January/February 2021

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feature food and beverage hygiene solutions

Managing risk in the food and beverage production environment Food and beverage factories have continued to produce throughout this rapidly and ever-changing COVID-19 environment. Producers have had to react quickly to meet increased demand in the ‘just-in-time’ supply chain while intensifying cleaning and disinfection protocols and ensuring an even safer working environment for employees.

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onetheless, the pervasiveness of this coronavirus means that having an employee test positive for COVID-19 should be anticipated and an emergency response protocol should be readily available to minimise downtime. Reducing the risk to your employees, contractors and visitors is critical to maintaining ongoing production during a virus outbreak.

Diversey, a leading global hygiene and cleaning company, offers a broad perspective on hygiene practices and preventative measures in food and beverage production facilities which is imperative, especially at times of a pandemic.

Preventing the spread of a virus during an outbreak How to control infections Infections can be prevented or controlled by reducing the opportunities for infection transmission. This can be achieved by adopting basic infection control practices.

Basic infection control practices Good infection control begins with assuming everyone is potentially infectious and following proper procedures at all times.

Hand hygiene Effective hand hygiene is the greatest single measure that you can take to prevent the spread of pathogens.

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Comprehensive handwashing procedures should already be in place within your production facility.

Ensure that your employees are following procedures correctly and consistently. In addition, handwashing should be promoted in non-production areas with hand sanitiser available in key areas.

Infectious waste: To dispose of infectious waste that has been contaminated with blood or other body fluids, you should: • Wear heavy duty gloves • Place waste in yellow clinical waste bags marked ‘infectious waste’ • Dispose of waste in accordance with EPA regulations

Cleaning contact surfaces to reduce risk Strategic cleaning and disinfection will reduce the chance of pathogenic outbreak and spreading viruses.

1. Clean all areas as per your standard operating procedure 2. Use a disinfectant for targeted disinfection of contact surfaces as per your standard operating procedures 3. In outbreak situations you may need to increase frequency of cleaning and disinfection 4. Ensure employees are trained on cleaning standards operating procedures and hand hygiene

Non-production high-risk areas High-risk infection areas need to be cleaned on a regular basis to create protection against pathogen spread.

Certain conditions offer pathogens the ability to spread easier from one individual to another. These include areas where traffic is high, body spills are frequent or where there is a general low level of hygiene.

Areas considered as high risk include toilets and change rooms, canteens and food preparation areas.

Recommended procedures for cleaning up body fluids: 1. Assess the size of the spill and determine whether to treat as a large or small spill 2. Perform hand hygiene and wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to prevent blood-borne pathogen exposure during decontamination, including disposable latex, vinyl, or nitrile gloves, fluid-resistant gowns, face masks and eye covering (goggles

feature food and beverage hygiene solutions or face shield). Note that for certain disinfectants or if there is a risk of splashing during the clean-up, additional PPE may be required.

Refer to the SDS for the disinfectant for additional information.

What to do if an employee tests positive for COVID-19?

• The entire plant will need to be considered for the deep cleaning and disinfection reset protocol • Determine where the employee with COVID-19 travelled in the facility and prioritise the resetting of these areas • Employees exposed to the employee with COVID-19 will need to be managed following World Health Organization (WHO) or local guidance on isolation

COVID-19 survivability on surfaces According to a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) can live in the air and on surfaces between several hours and several days. The study found that the virus is viable for up to: • 72 hours on plastics, • 48 hours on stainless steel, • 24 hours on cardboard, • 4 hours on copper.

It is also detectable in the air for 3 hours.

Touchpoint considerations in the factory • Entrance touchpoints (door handles, door frames, swipe card access points, smoking areas, garbage receptacles, etc.)

• Employee welfare areas (uniform areas, changing rooms including lockers, benches, chairs, doorways, handles, doorframes, etc.)

• Cafeteria/lunchrooms (doorway frames and handles, tables, chairs, refrigerators, storage cabinets etc., in-house cafeteria service areas, vending machines etc.)

• Employee washrooms • Handwashing/sanitation stations (dispensers, sinks, taps and dryers if applicable) • PPE self-serve storage (hairnet, earplugs, glove, beard net, hardhat/ bump cap)

• Other areas to consider include water fountains, hallway display boards, training/conference rooms, offices and the first-aid room

Deep cleaning production and employee amenity areas Always wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when using and handling cleaning chemistry and always check the label for any additional safety requirements.

• For non-stainless steel and soft metals use a neutral detergent or a suitable soft-metal safe (SMS) chemical as per normal use concentration. For stainless steel (sinks, etc.) use chlorinated caustic soda as per normal use concentration • Use appropriate chemical application equipment, dry or containing suitable detergent • Allow the chemical solution to be in contact with the surface being cleaned for a minimum of 15 minutes • Use appropriate mechanical action (brush, scrub pad, wipe, cloth). Discard disposable cleaning materials after cleaning an area (pads, wipes, cloths) and hygienically manage the others • Rinse according to chemical label directions • Apply suitable disinfectant (sanitiser) according to label directions to all surfaces after rinsing the detergent • The production hall will require a wet clean, dry clean or fogging, or a combination of these methods, depending on the specific requirements of the site and the product(s) being produced

General measures to follow to protect the production plant from a COVID-19 incident • Adopt and enforce the use of PPE, especially face masks for everyone • Minimise unnecessary traffic flow and employee contact • Touchpoint disinfection protocol (amenity and non-production) every 4 hours • Evaluate mid-shift cleaning options • Enhancement of captive uniform and footwear program

• Introduction/maintenance of hygienic entrance systems (boot washers, door foam sanitisers) • Ensure the availability of detergent, disinfectant and equipment to complete regular cleaning procedures • Perform deep cleaning tasks • Implement risk assessments on employee proximity at production lines • Effect changes to line positions in order to create social distancing • Install temporary physical partitions • GMP diligence across the plant and increased GMP compliance audits • Evaluate the removal of employees/ reduced line speeds • Review the World Health Organization (WHO) “COVID-19 and food safety: guidance for food businesses: interim guidance, 7 April 2020” publication

NB. Hand hygiene practices: Hand washing In order to wash hands effectively wet them, apply soap, lather it fully and rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds. Then rinse all the soap off and dry them fully with a paper towel.

Hand rubbing To perform a hand rub, apply 3 ml of alcohol-based hand rub and then rub hands for 30 seconds. Do not rinse or dry hands thereafter as the alcoholbased hand rub will evaporate.

Diversey’s purpose is to protect and care for people every day. The company is a pioneer and facilitator for life and constantly deliver revolutionary cleaning and hygiene technology that provide total confidence to customers across all global sectors.

For more information about the company’s OPC equipment, fogging systems or to download the Effective Viricidal Cleaning and disinfection guides, visit: www.diversey.com

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waste management review

Impact of COVID-19 on the waste sector and its workforce

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ne of the biggest changes during 2020 was how businesses globally re-evaluated their approach at facilitating their cleaning and hygiene regimes, including revision of waste management activities and protocols. This was due to the COVID-19 pandemic and it is expected 2021 will see these changes continuing.

One of the most interesting developments in major companies is how they are now including their new cleaning and waste management protocols within their communication strategies and incorporating these into brand messaging. “What led to this is the environment of increased regulatory compliance, public and businesses’ demands for cleanliness and the importance of retaining and attracting new clients,” says Brindha Roberts, Head of Sustainability at waste management company Averda.

Waste generators also have legal responsibility, according to the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, to take all appropriate steps to manage waste in such a way that it does not harm health or the environment. With that in mind, 2020 saw a change in the nature of residential waste. The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated an increase in the use of PPE (disposable masks and gloves) and therefore disposal of medical-type waste within domestic waste streams

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necessitated the need for citizens to comply with new regulations.

Realising that waste had become more ‘healthcare’ related, the waste management sector had to make some changes, firstly to help educate nonmedical professionals on the correct way of handling their waste, especially items that previously were never considered hazardous, such as used tissues. Secondly, public awareness of the measures taken to protect frontline collection employees who handle waste.

This includes handling and packaging of the ‘new’ waste that is being generated due to the coronavirus pandemic. This group of employees offering essential services are exposed to a significant health and safety risk, and these are the people directly employed by the waste management sector.

“Understanding this first-hand and how the pandemic impacted the waste management sector, Averda ensured that protocols and procedures were updated to protect clients and staff from the start,” commented Roberts.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic there were standard health and safety policies and protocols in place, but these were not enough. “While South African law focuses on the control of waste within organisations and communities, there is little legislation that specifically supports waste workers who are at the coalface of this vital and hazardous industry,” explains Roberts.

At the start of the lockdown, during March 2020 in particular, specific measures were implemented, including revision and training on stricter waste-handling procedures, ensuring consistent supply of PPE, upgrading of clocking stations to notouch facial recognition biometrics, temperature testing and selfdeclarations (including co-morbidities) of all people who enter the sites.

High-risk employees were identified and on consultation with medical professionals, alternative work arrangements were made to limit their exposure.

Being a global company, Averda worked with their international teams to identify trends and adopt best practice and learnings even prior to legislation being enforced locally. “As a company that already has a focus on the containment of hazardous materials, we were able to apply our expertise to our broader operations and sites,” says Roberts. “Every organisation in South Africa should be taking similar steps right now as we find ourselves in the second wave.”

Roberts concluded: “To ensure the health and safety of everyone within the waste management value chain – as well as of the population at large – companies should contract providers with the expertise and compliance to safely manage waste while limiting harm to their employees.”

editorial GCE

Minimising the risk of cross-contamination in the food and beverage chain The food and beverage chain starts on the farm and ends on the plate. One of the most important aspects for food and beverage businesses is to minimise the risk of cross-contamination and ensure food safety for customers whilst still meeting ever increasing regulatory demands. Throughout the chain, it is vital to make sure that food produced is not contaminated with any potential harmful bacteria, chemicals and toxins from production, transportation or preparation and that it is safe for consumption.

Maintaining clean and hygienic environments is critical in food and beverage facilities. The safe manufacturing, processing, packing or holding of food would require the employment of best practices to ensure facilities are kept clean and sanitised to regulatory standards.

“While one cannot properly sanitise a dirty surface, cleaning in the food and beverage industry – in particular – is of paramount importance. Getting surfaces clean should be the priority, and sanitising is almost secondary,” states Pieter Esterhuizen, Sales Director at Goscor Cleaning Equipment.

Goscor Cleaning Equipment (GCE) offers a wide portfolio of high-performing cleaning equipment and total solutions to help provide clean, hygienic environments where food or beverages are prepared, processed, packaged, bottled, stored and/or transported.

“We only represent world-leading brands such as Tennant, i-mop, Kaivac, IPC, Delfin, Portotechnica and we stock a range of quality commercial and industrial cleaning equipment. Over time we have represented these top brands and have upheld their reputation for reliability and performance.

“Whether your challenge is cleaning in tight, congested spaces or keeping large areas consistently free of dirt and grease build-up, our vast range of cleaning equipment cover all aspects of the value chain,” maintains Esterhuizen.

GCE stocks the largest range of cleaning equipment from commercial and industrial vacuums, single-disc machines, scrubbers, sweeper scrubbers, high-pressure cleaners, vacuum trucks, road sweepers and escalator cleaners.

“Our solutions cover various industries and applications and are backed by service excellence. For companies that are not able to purchase machines outright, our short-term rental division offers flexible rental rates for daily, weekly and monthly options and our solid and long-standing relationships with contract cleaners ensure top service at all times,” says Esterhuizen.

While machines are sold with a factory-backed guarantee, the focus of GCE remains on the after-market support it provides to its customers, ensuring customers’ machines work all the time thereby limiting downtime and providing the lowest total cost of ownership in the industry.

For more information visit: www.goscorcleaning.co.za

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facilities management review

Facilitating the safe return to the workplace – guide The past year has been a particularly challenging one; full of uncertainty and constant adjustment to the circumstances we find ourselves in both globally and in our day-to-day lives. As countries around the world went into lockdown in a bid to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic, our homes became our schools, workplaces and havens.

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perating as an NPO in the South African property sector, the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) realised how hard the built environment has been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. “What is emerging is a realisation that lockdown cannot be a long-term strategy against COVID-19 and that the ‘new normal’ for workplaces is evolving because of the need for human interaction,” explains Georgina Smit, Head of Technical at the GBCSA. Collaboration, casual conversation and mentorship that happens when employees share a physical office space is key to building office culture and employee wellness. Although a new normal for office working is emerging, it will need to respond not only to a changed world of work but will have to manage health-related risks as well.

Cities are actively advocating for the safe return to work to additionally support shops, restaurants and city life in order to sustain property values and cities as a whole. To this end, the GBCSA encourages the return to work in a safe and responsible manner.

In response to the need to return to the workplace, the GBCSA partnered with Zutari (formerly Aurecon), to develop a technical guide for existing buildings that identifies best practice recommendations for a healthy and safe return. The guide is available for free and is intended for building owners, facilities managers, office managers and tenants.

“Commercial buildings are not typically designed to standards aimed at minimising the spread of infectious disease to the extent of hospitals that are built for this purpose. However, there are various measures that can be implemented to reduce the risk of transmission,” explains Martin Smith, an

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experienced mechanical engineer and Technical Director at Zutari.

The framework and guideline consists of 5 categories and 45 initiatives and has been put together to understand the range of options that should be considered when implementing the return to the workplace, with safety as the key priority. It provides an overview that identifies infection control strategies at various levels of decision-making and responsibility.

Smith elaborates: “The guidelines are set up in a structure similar to the Green Star rating tools with various interventions grouped under a number of applicable categories. A short aim description, and a background is provided for each initiative. The guide puts forward a recommended best practice for each initiative. It is a user-friendly starting point for stakeholders to understand what needs to be considered for a safe workplace.”

The guide considers initiatives related to management, personal behaviour, indoor air quality, safe water systems and hygiene and cleaning procedures.

Each category has been collated around the point of control within the building in mind. For example, the Management Category highlights the need for mental health support services that encourage resiliency and ensures that discrimination does not occur.

Georgina says that the first step for those interested in applying this to a building they work in is a healthy building assessment audit. “The purpose of this is to provide an understanding of the current status of the building and its related services and address the preparedness of management and staff to handle health-related risks. It serves as a gap analysis of your building’s status

in relation to desired outcomes and requirements of this guide,” adds Smit.

Martin Smith emphasises that the role of air quality needs to be considered.

“You really want to address building ventilation rates to ensure sufficient ventilation or outdoor air supply rates are provided to minimise a build-up of pathogens or contaminants suspended in the air. Good amounts of fresh air also contribute to occupant wellness, which could translate into productivity benefits.”

When considering mitigation strategies for your building, it is important to understand how infections such as COVID-19 spread. The risk associated with the following four most common transmissions routes should to be addressed when using this guide: person-to-person via macro droplets; airborne transmission; fomite transmission; and faecal-oral transmission.

“Mitigating risks associated with each one of these transmission routes has a massive impact on the way a building and its occupants need to be managed to ensure everyone’s safety,” adds Smith.

It is the responsibility of organisations encouraging staff to return to work to ensure due processes and protocols are followed for the safety of employees.

Companies need to be compliant with the SA Government Coronavirus (COVID-19) regulations and guidelines that provides free additional robust support for the South African commercial and retail sector, through the lens of green building priorities.

The Framework & Guideline for the Safe return to office can be downloaded at: https://gbcsa. org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/FrameworkGuideline-for-the-safe-return-to-workplace.pdf

facilities management review

People feel unsafe using air dryers in public washrooms – study The COVID-19 pandemic is shaping new attitudes and behaviours among people. Not least is a growing awareness of health risks associated with hygiene in public spaces. According to a new international study from Tork, an Essity brand, nearly 8 out of 10 people surveyed in the UK feel more unsafe visiting facilities with unhygienic public washrooms today than before the pandemic. Besides this, 33 percent of UK survey respondents indicated they feel unsafe entering a washroom equipped with air dryers.

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xpectations about public spaces and demands for safe hygiene solutions are higher than ever before. According to the study, which examined the impact of COVID-19 on people’s attitudes regarding public hygiene, 87 percent believe it is critically important to public safety to maintain a high hygiene standard in public washrooms.

This increased concern for hygiene in public washrooms has driven a change in preference for hand drying solutions.

According to the study, 59 percent of people surveyed in the UK wish more facilities offered paper hand towels as an alternative to air dryers. The study also found that 29 percent of people now have an increased preference for paper hand towels versus before the pandemic. The most common reasons selected by UK survey respondents for this change in preferences are a perception that paper hand towels: are more hygienic to the user (77%); dry hands more quickly (42%); and spread less bacteria in the air (45%).

As the preference for paper hand towels increases by washroom visitors, the cost of not offering paper hand towels can be high for facilities. Nearly 40 percent of UK survey respondents say they are less likely to visit facilities

that do not offer paper hand towels as a hand drying alternative, and 33 percent say they feel unsafe entering a washroom equipped with air dryers.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that all businesses need to adapt to a new hygiene standard. While some facilities might have chosen air dryers before based on perceived ease of use, that is not enough anymore. A larger portion of the population feels less safe now using air dryers. We have seen an increase in requests from facility managers who want to change from air dryers to paper hand towels,” says Alberto Cajiga, VP Marketing, Essity Professional Hygiene.

For hygiene-critical areas, such as food processing plants and hospitals, paper hand towels have long been the only acceptable hand drying solution,1 and for good reason. Unlike paper hand towels, jet air dryers produce more airborne droplets,2 which increases the risk of bacteria spread in the air. The friction from drying hands with paper towels also helps to remove more bacteria than other drying options.3 Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more visitors are likely to hold public washrooms to the same standards that apply in those hygiene-critical areas. In fact, 86 percent of UK survey

respondents say they expect public washrooms will provide a safer hygiene environment now than before the coronavirus pandemic.

“The study suggests that providing solutions that make people feel safe when visiting public spaces must be a top priority for facility managers that want to re-attract guests. The cost of not addressing their concerns is simply too high,” says Cajiga.

The survey was conducted by United Minds in cooperation with CINT using web-panels. Data was collected between April 8-13, 2020 in the UK market with a total of 1004 respondents.

1. Huang, C Mayo Clinic, 2011 2. Margas E. et al, J Applied Microbiol, 2013 3. Todd, J Food Prot, 2010

Promote your company in The Source of Workplace Hygiene Solutions!

Reach your target market cost effectively by advertising in African Cleaning Review. The direct link to end users, building service contractors, FM service providers and key institutional sectors.

Contact us for more information regarding cost-effective advertising options: africancleaningreview@cleantex.co.za | www.africancleaningreview.co.za

African Cleaning Review January/February 2021

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laundry review Automation with RFID delivers end-to-end process control

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echnical assistance, automated decisions, information transparency and full networking – these are the four essential principles of the concept of a digital laundry. Especially when it comes to networking machines, movable goods such as individual laundry items and people, this concept can be implemented in a modern laundry, using RFID and state-of-the-art IT automation. To this end and as an IT service provider, SoCom Informationssysteme GmbH offers advice and delivers the necessary software as well as innovative app and web solutions for end-to-end process control.

With this in mind, RFID technology is gaining a strong tailwind as a result of the increasing demand for automation mainly due to Industry 4.0 that requires digital identification of individual laundry items, containers and machines and the exchange of information between these entities. TIKOS, the all-in-one solution for laundry providers, supports the communication and cooperation of these objects along the entire production chain of a laundry, and not just at fixed points, but at any time and everywhere, including outside production processes.

Thus, TIKOS laundry software also serves as the foundation for continuous operational data acquisition and optimal process control. Manual tasks are therefore eliminated. For

example, an order can be triggered automatically, directly at the laundry input point. Thanks to RFID, the software detects how many items have been recorded at the input point.

TIKOS automatically generates an order based on the number of items read and then directs the order to the goods-out section.

Easy picking with the texEasyPick app Jobs are recorded and forwarded directly with the texEasyPick app. The required quantities can be viewed on your smartphone or tablet. Slips of paper as well as the manual transfer of articles, quantities and special characteristics become a thing of the past and error sources are reduced accordingly. Continuous, paperless picking of all articles can now be carried out. If a job cannot be completed due to missing articles, for example, it can easily be “parked” using this app and processed further at a later point in time.

The jobs can be checked for completeness and accuracy at any time – directly on site, and in accordance with the foureyes principle. This allows you to track exactly at any time which articles are located in which containers and relevant quantities. This app allows you to “marry” the appropriate containers with the customer. The stock on hand can be reduced automatically when a delivery is made.

Production managers can view the live status of all open order pickings at any time and instantly change the prioritisation of individual pickings. Through the direct interaction of the individual app solutions, the additional container and storage location information stored in texEasyPick can be transmitted to the driver and displayed via the texRoute App.

Mobile recording of quantities with the texScan app With the RFID app, IT service provider SoCom provides a multifunctional tool which allows mobile recording of quantities within seconds via smartphone, directly at the customer’s site, including at internal locations where there is no fixed RFID antenna. Using this app, the customer can scan own stock or other movements. Goods and container stocks are updated automatically in the system and redundancies avoided. At the same time TIKOS responds to bottlenecks or overfills and sends automated status messages to defined recipients. With this technology, the texScan app is also used for inventory-taking as well as mapping the operational flow. This means that the complete operational cycle of laundry items can be documented.

Items can be scanned and provided with a timestamp

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laundry review at every defined target position of the operational flow. This makes opportunities for optimising processes even more obvious.

With the app solution texOrder, orders or inventories can be made directly at hospital wards, nursing homes or hotels by the customer. The application does not require any special training. Information is transmitted directly.

The texRoute app is available precisely tailored to the logistics needs of a laundry. With this app, mobile route management as well as container management can be organised comprehensively and profitably. Overlooking containers or incorrect loading can destroy the entire profit of a tour. With the texRoute app this no longer occurs and the loss of containers is also a thing of the past. Similar to the delivery of parcels, a customer signature for the container delivery can be obtained. Due to these digital companions, particularly smaller processes can be controlled directly by the customer during production.

Live tracking is possible via a web portal – the current delivery status, set-up times, travel times and retention times at the customer can be viewed at the touch of a button.

And more functions are available: the customer can be notified via e-mail even before the driver arrives and thus preparation can commence – the correct containers with the true laundry parts to the correct pick-up location in order to shorten the loading times, as time saves money.

With these helpful app solutions, SoCom essentially offers additional possibilities in the context of digitised operations to design and control

processes, even more flexibly and automatically with the help of intelligent software and the use of RFID technology.

The importance of communication with machines in the sense of “person-free” production is constantly increasing. With the use of interfaces, TIKOS communicates directly with the individual machines. The RFID chip in the laundry part is read in and reveals details of the laundry such as the condition, care instructions and the required handling. In the future, the washing or folding programme could be set automatically. The same principle also applies to the sorting system. With the RFID reader, data is read in and reported to TIKOS that processes this data and directs the necessary commands to the sorting system. Laundry parts are sorted automatically.

SoCom now collaborates with several machine manufacturers and offers numerous interfaces to individual machines. In the sense of a smooth, “person-free” and automated production process, the ultimate goal is flexibility. This eliminates the need for rigidly connected clocking. The entire utilisation of the machines can be handled much more malleability.

For more information visit: www.socom.de

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people and events Opening of new Gauteng premises for Prime Cleaning Suppliers Leading South African cleaning solutions provider Prime Cleaning Suppliers officially opened the new turnkey-developed premises situated at Old Mint Park, Midrand. The event offered guests and clients the opportunity to meet staff and management, tour the new facility and an overview of current and extended product ranges on display in the dedicated showroom. Also in attendance was special guest, South African professional rugby union player, Duane Vermeulen, who also features as brand ambassador in the company’s promotional material.

“As part of our aim to offer world-class cleaning solutions in the Gauteng province, the new facility includes offices, warehousing, a showroom, training and service centre, chemical and paper production facilities, all under one roof. This will result in increased capacity and capabilities, streamlining all operations, thereby enabling us to provide a more diversified range of cleaning supplies backed by superior service levels,” commented Prime Cleaning Suppliers Group’s Trevor Longmore.

The Prime Cleaning Suppliers Management Team pictured from left are: Jaco Strydom, Sandra Naidoo, Willie Smit, Judy Sunasky and Archie Bam.

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people and events New appointment Former Servest Africa Chief Operating Officer (COO), Francois Oosthuizen joined Ecocleen Services Ltd (UK) as COO with effect from 1 January 2021. Ecocleen, a commercial cleaning services franchise with UK-wide coverage, is said to currently service over 715 000 square metres of office, retail, healthcare, and industrial spaces. Oosthuizen describes himself best as a results-driven leader that developed and implemented growth strategies and directed new business acquisitions during his more than 22 years at Servest.

Francois Oosthuizen

New Interclean show in China RAI Amsterdam, organisers of the renowned Interclean Amsterdam show, have launched a new Interclean show for the Chinese professional cleaning and hygiene industry, Interclean China.

The first edition of the three-day hybrid trade show will open its doors in Beijing on 19 April 2021 at the China National Convention Center.

The exhibition already has the support of many Chinese and global organisations. The China Association for Quality Inspection joins RAI as a strategic partner for the trade show, with other supporting organisations including the Beijing Cleaning Association, ACCESS, and the Patent and Copyright Innovation Alliance. The show has also received endorsement from EUnited Cleaning, the association for leading European manufacturers of cleaning systems for commercial and industrial use.

A key issue for many at the event

will be how organisations operating in China use intellectual property (IP) to improve and place a value on business conduct across the cleaning industry. This is a serious topic within the Chinese market, with a high percentage of revenue being invested in R&D and IP registrations.

This will be a strategic focus for Interclean China, which is why the signing of the Chinese Patent and Copyright Innovation Alliance into the Entry Committee and Advisory Board for IP Issues has been a vital step forward. Interclean China will act as an important platform on which to advocate for the value of IP and associated services.

Markus Asch, deputy CEO, Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG, said: “China has become more than a relevant market for our industry – it is the market with the greatest growth potential. From a global perspective, China will even become one of the most important

markets for cleaning products in the years ahead. Cleaning is not a product but a solution, that involves different stakeholders. Our industry depends on networking, this is why a trade show is essential. We are pleased that with Interclean China, a trade show is developing that is guided by the needs of the industry. So, we are happy to support Interclean China in establishing its professional trade show architecture.”

www.cleantex.co.za African Cleaning Review January/February 2021

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educational

When hand sanitisers become a double-edged sword Preventative measures are critical to allay the next, albeit completely different wave, of allergic contact hand eczema – another unintended health consequence of COVID-19. The rise in the use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers has increased the incidence of hand eczema. This article highlights the importance of prioritising adequate skincare, especially amongst those working in healthcare facilities.

W

hen COVID-19 started spreading across the globe, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that the best way to prevent COVID-19 infection is through physical distancing, wearing cloth masks, as well as frequent and proper handwashing and surface decontamination.

The call for regular handwashing led to an exponential rise in the use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers, which has increased the incidence of hand eczema in healthcare workers as well as the general population.

Two forms of hand eczema Hand eczema characteristically presents as a red, itchy, sometimes burning or even tender, rash. The rash may be dry with cracked and scaly skin or wet with blisters, oozing and crusting. Certain individuals, such as those with underlying atopic (a general disposition to develop) eczema, are at greater risk of developing alcohol rub hand eczema due to the inherent impaired barrier function of the skin characterising this condition.

In a study from Hubei province in China, 434 healthcare workers were interviewed, with 321 (74%) reporting that they sanitise their hands more than 10 times per day. Of those healthcare workers, 246 (76.6%) reported symptoms of hand eczema, with the most common being irritant-contact hand eczema and less commonly allergic-contact hand eczema.

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Another study from Milan (Italy) reported that from 9 March to 4 May 2020 there were 24 new cases of hand eczema in the general population related to the use of alcohol-based sanitisers.

Some of the issues with alcoholbased hand sanitisers include the use of non-standard formulae (meaning that methanol is used instead of ethanol); types of alcohol such as isopropyl alcohol vs. ethanol; as well as varying amounts of alcohol (<60%). The various recipes making the rounds on social media in the early days of lockdown illustrate this point.

“Irritant” contact hand eczema may develop in anyone whose hands are exposed to irritants such as water, soap, or alcohol hand sanitisers.

“Allergic” contact hand eczema, on the contrary, will only develop in those who have been primed to develop skin irritation to certain substances such as nickel, latex or colophony (found in adhesives, cosmetics and printing ink).

alcohol-based hand sanitiser associated with COVID-19 prevention dramatically increases the likelihood of developing allergic-contact hand eczema, which may greatly impact quality of life as well as cause occupational difficulties in the long run.

Debilitating and painful disease

Apart from the discomfort of dry, itchy skin, the breaks in the skin can serve as a point of entry for COVID-19 because of viral receptors in the blood vessels of the skin. Painful, dry skin could also inadvertently decrease hand hygiene compliance which further increases the risk of disease transmission in these individuals. Prevention is therefore essential. It has become clear that the COVID-19 pandemic will persist for the foreseeable future. Equally clear has been the gargantuan impact of this viral

An intact skin usually deters from the development of the latter form of hand eczema. Irritants assist in disrupting the skin barrier, improving the likelihood of developing allergic-contact hand eczema.

Alcohol rub hand eczema can become a debilitating and painful disease, resulting in work absenteeism which can severely impair the delivery of essential services. The increased frequency of handwashing and use of

The call for regular handwashing led to an exponential rise in the use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers, which has increased the incidence of hand eczema in healthcare workers as well as the general population.

educational Painful, dry skin could also inadvertently decrease hand hygiene compliance which further increases the risk of disease transmission in these individuals. sanitiser with 1.45 percent glycerol as a moisturising agent to protect healthcare workers, and now the frequently sanitising public, from the complications of excessive alcohol hand rub usage.

The minimum amount of glycerol required to decrease the risk of hand eczema is not known, although studies have shown that even lower levels than the recommended 1.45 percent glycerol were effective to protect the skin from excessive drying.

using alcohol-based hand rub. This figure is highly unlikely to be higher among the general public. Sanitising stations are located everywhere in hospitals and public areas and have been an important means of combating the spread of COVID-19. However, moisturisers are few and far between, hence the increased incidence of alcohol rub hand eczema during the pandemic. Adequate skin care could increase hand hygiene compliance and should therefore be prioritised, especially among healthcare workers.

Moisturisers few and far between infection. Therefore, the importance of following protective guidelines, such as outlined by health and government organisations, is undeniable and should be closely adhered to.

The WHO has recommended a 60 percent alcohol-containing hand

Further recommendations include the use of an emollient-containing hand cream immediately after sanitising.

Although this is a useful measure to prevent alcohol rub dermatitis, one study showed that only approximately one in five healthcare workers did so after

Article by: Dr Suretha Kannenberg, a Consultant Dermatologist in the Division of Dermatology at Stellenbosch University and Sergio Alves and Allison Arendse, 5th-year medical students in the same division. This is an abridged version of their article recently published in the South African Medical Journal.

new products New disposable microfiber system Global leader in the commercial cleaning industry, Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP) recently launched a new and improved line of HYGEN™ disposable microfiber cloths and mop pads. The HYGEN™ disposable microfiber system assists in environmental cleaning, the first step in the disinfection process, by removing 99.7 percent or more of tested viruses and bacteria with water only, helping improve cleaning efficacy.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a spotlight on the critical importance of cleaning and disinfection across all environments. HYGEN™ microfiber’s science-based design and tested efficacy serves as an effective infection prevention solution in healthcare and other settings.

Additionally, the disposable nature of these cloths and mop pads encourages cleaning with a new cloth or pad for each area or task, helping to reduce

cross-contamination. The cloths and pads are compatible with common disinfectants, including Quat (does not bind), Chlorine Bleach and Hydrogen Peroxide, and built-in scrubbing stripes are made of polyester to help effectively remove dirt. The cloths can be stored in the HYGEN™ Charging Tub, and the mop pads can be used with the HYGEN™ Quick-Connect Handle or HYGEN™ Pulse Mop providing an efficient and effective clean in any environment.

Michelle Olsen, Senior Manager, RCP Microfiber team says, “We are extremely excited to be launching this superior product to the market, especially during this unprecedented time when environmental cleaning is imperative. We are proud of our rigorous testing and the distinguished quality and benefits that the HYGEN™ disposable microfiber line brings to the cleaning industry.”

RCP is part of Newell Brands’ global portfolio of leading brands and continues to develop innovative products. For more information visit: www.rubbermaidcommercial.com

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