African Cleaning Review NovDec '20 issue

Promote Clean

#COVID-19 #HandHygiene #SocialDistancing #StopTheSpread #WearAMask

ÂŽ

November/December 2020 | R61.50 (incl. VAT)

Robots can improve cleaning performance Hospitality cleaning during a pandemic The power of digitalisation of dispensing solutions

B

African Cleaning Review November/December 2020

contents NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 VOL 21 NO. 6 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 long-term solution to their customers and represents the following brands: Aquarius, Kleenex, Scott, Wetrok, Wypall, and Rubbermaid Commercial Products.

Opinion

2

Industry News

4

How robots can improve cleaning in healthcare facilities

6

New facility directory helps locate facilities accredited for cleaning excellence SARS permanently insource over 750 cleaning staff Italian cleaning show dates for 2021 re-scheduled Business probed for allegedly cloning labels on alcohol-free sanitiser Hygiene company appoints Keith Baker to board

Editorial

Shield Program designed to respond to the new era of cleanliness – Diversey Hospitality industry’s new buzzword – Clean! – GCE More people feel unsafe returning to work due to poor hygiene – Survey – KCP

Features

9 14

Hospitality cleaning during a pandemic • Cleanliness key in restoring guest confidence in hotels • Product solutions for keeping hotels clean Washrooms • The power of digitalisation of dispensing solutions • Who do you wash your hands for?

@AfricanCleanMag

AfricanCleaningReview

african-cleaning-review 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.

6 11 26 8 15

Planned features for 2021 Jan/Feb issue: Editorial deadline 4 December 2020 • Contract cleaning services • Food and beverage hygiene solutions Feature sections in every issue: • Laundry and dry cleaning review • Facilities management review

Waste Management Review

12

FM Review

18

Update your company details to appear in the 2021 annual African Cleaning Review Buyer’s Guide on page 29

Laundry Review

20

COVID-19

E-training

22

People and Events

24

• Push for use of certified containers in collection and disposal of hazardous waste • The case for responsible handling and reporting of hazardous waste Are your ventilation strategies fit for purpose to protect against coronavirus?

Tips for landlords to up the occupancy game Modern software solutions offer more transparency during a pandemic Laundry decontamination during a pandemic Locally developed online cleaner training platform launched

16

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

PBEH’s 3rd Annual General Meeting Bidvest Prestige appoints new CEO Sales manager appointment at Hawk Pumps The “Beast” Mtawarira heads up Umlindi Security PBEH Workshop held in Johannesburg

New Products

Effective disinfection against SARS-CoV-2 in seconds Inexpensive mobile cleaning trailer creates business opportunity Complimentary guide to cleaning retail food premises Cleaning up liquid spills

Be safe. Wash your hands.

Practice social distancing.

Wear a mask.

Published by:

Official publication and media partner of:

27

African Cleaning Review November/December 2020

1

from the editor

opinion

Healthcare facilities – how robots can improve cleaning performance

The evolving role of cleaning in a new era

Cleanliness has always been essential in healthcare. However, today the confluence of increasing infection risks, rising patient expectations, and evolving cleaning standards make the cleanliness of spaces and surfaces

Normally, when we reach the end of a year, there is a penchant to reflect on the highlights encountered during the past months. However this year our lives and those of people around the world were completely dominated by the extraordinary outbreak of the devastating coronavirus pandemic – COVID-19.

There can be no doubt that COVID-19 has resulted in a ravaging impact on countries, economies, industries and most importantly people, whose lives changed drastically with the implementation of stringent lockdown rules that ushered in a new era of specified personal hygiene and social distancing.

As we progressed through 2020, it become apparent that the issues around coronavirus and hygiene were not going to disappear quickly. Instead, we needed to adapt to the “new normal” when it comes to surface cleaning and disinfecting.

Historically, this industry has always operated behind the scenes with very little recognition. Now, COVID-19 has everyone thinking first and foremost, about hand hygiene, disinfecting and cleanliness.

The global cleaning industry experienced a newfound prominence as professional cleaning and disinfection were identified as one of the most effective ways to combat COVID-19.

By using resources such as training, equipment and products to effectively clean and disinfect surfaces such as high touch areas, cleaning professionals can help to create safe environments, both inside and outside the built environment.

Hopefully our industry will finally get the acknowledgement it deserves.

more critical than ever for healthcare organisations, says Joe Mann, Vice President, Channel Support & Development, Brain Corp developers of BrainOS, a pioneering AI software platform that powers the world’s largest fleet of autonomous mobile robots operating in indoor public spaces.

O

ver the past decade, patients have become more attuned than ever to potential infection risks within hospitals and clinics. In fact, they seek out facilities that demonstrate a strong commitment to cleanliness and infection prevention. Research shows a strong connection between patients’ perceptions of overall facility cleanliness and HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems), which is a strong indicator of patient satisfaction and, in a way, loyalty.

In this age of COVID-19, patient concern for infection risk and facility cleaning is now even higher. As such, protecting the health and safety of both patients and staff in hospitals and clinics has recently become an even higher priority for EVS departments across the United States. However, as healthcare organisations recognise and adjust to heightened cleaning demands, they are encountering tough operational challenges primarily around the required labour factor.

Healthcare facilities struggling to keep up Many hospitals and clinics are facing both rising labour costs and a shortage of qualified, experienced, and reliable talent to staff their cleaning

2

African Cleaning Review May/June 2020

teams. Further, as cleaning standards increase, the cleaning budgets don’t always keep up in real-time to match.

Usually cleaning departments can’t get budgetary relief until much later when the next fiscal period starts.

Rising average wages and changes to mandated benefits also contribute to a facility’s labour issues.

Many custodial teams are already overextended, leading to inconsistent cleaning quality and frequent training issues. With cleaning demands rising faster than either the available resources or the budgets provided, cleaning teams are often forced to make trade-offs between the quantity and quality of their work.

Cleaning robots are a promising solution Healthcare providers already use robotic technologies to deliver some of the most advanced medical and surgical treatments, but the rapid advance of safe, autonomous, mobile technology is creating new applications for robotics in healthcare operations. In particular, robotic floor cleaning is emerging as a valuable use case that can help healthcare organisations unlock consistent cleanliness and operational efficiency.

opinion Robotic floor scrubbers directly address the supply-demand imbalance presented by rising cleaning demands and limited labour resources. By working alongside employees, cleaning robots, like the units powered by Brain Corp, make custodial teams more efficient and effective.

So, what benefits do robotic floor scrubbers bring to healthcare facilities?

1. Enhanced patient experience and facility image. Patients and their families are more sensitive than ever to the cleanliness and safety of a healthcare facility right now. Robotic floor cleaners allow hospitals and clinics to move floor cleaning from the night shift to the day shift, showing visible proof of cleaning. Instead of paying someone to clean the floor every time, a robot can perform that task multiple times per day with no increase in cost. Furthermore, the aesthetic cleanliness of a facility has become one of the biggest factors in patient satisfaction with a demonstrated correlation to HCAHPS scores.

This, in turn, is directly correlated to reimbursement rates and economic outcomes for hospitals and clinics. Cleaning robots are a visible sign of a healthcare organisation’s commitment to investing in innovation, which instil trust in all stakeholders, from patients and staff to oversight committees.

2. Re-allocation of staff and resources to better meet cleaning needs.

By using robots to automate floor scrubbing, a time-consuming and labour-intensive task, hospitals can focus cleaning resources on other responsibilities, such as critical disinfecting of high-touch

surfaces, or cleaning and stocking washrooms and consumables more often.

3. Improved staff engagement and employee satisfaction. Healthcare organisations understand that employees are one of their greatest differentiators. As a result, more hospitals are focusing on improving employee satisfaction, enhancing engagement, and increasing retention. Cleaning robots reduce the burden of today’s cleaning demands on hospital and clinic cleaning staff and thus contribute to more manageable workloads and healthier work environments.

4. More frequent, consistent, and measurable cleaning. Most hospitals and clinics remain open 24/7. This makes regular cleaning of high-traffic areas like entrances and hallways a particular challenge, as it cannot be pushed to nonbusiness hours. Robotic cleaning machines enable frequent, highly consistent cleaning without increasing labour costs. They also deliver real-time performance data to validate that cleaning has been done, providing proof that facilities are in compliance with any relevant regulatory orders.

5. Optimised operational efficiency.

The challenges brought on by COVID-19 require healthcare organisations to adopt new approaches to improve operational efficiency without overstretching their budgets. Robotic floor cleaning machines are quick and simple to deploy because they require no custom infrastructure or specialised training. Once they are set up, the robots require no maintenance beyond what a manual scrubber requires, and cleaning staff can conduct other work while the machines operate. The result is improved cleaning productivity and efficiency.

More and more hospitals and clinics are beginning to evaluate robotic cleaning partners to protect and support their patients and cleaning staff. Healthcare is an innately innovative industry, so it’s no surprise forward-thinking organisations have already decided to take action and address their cleaning challenges with robotic cleaning machines.

For more information, download the new Brain Corp eBook “The Path to Autonomous Floor Cleaning: How Robotic Technologies Drive Cleaning Performance in Healthcare Facilities”, created in partnership with Tennant Co. at: https:// info.braincorp.com/tennant-healthcare-guide

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 November/December 2020

3

industry news New facility directory helps locate facilities accredited for cleaning excellence

T

he Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC), a division of ISSA, recently launched its GBAC STAR™ Facility Directory. This new web-based tool allows users to identify facilities that have earned or are committed to achieving GBAC STAR™ accreditation, the designation reserved for facilities that have demonstrated a thorough approach to cleaning, disinfection, and infection prevention.

“We’re excited to unveil this new

tool to help the public discover which facilities are taking important steps forward with their approach to cleaning,” said GBAC Executive Director Patricia Olinger. “The GBAC STAR™ program has more than 250 facilities accredited and 3 000-plus committed to accreditation in more than 80 countries, with additional facilities added daily.

This results in an impressive directory that is easily searchable and always accessible.”

The GBAC STAR™ Facility Directory is a searchable listing of facilities around the world, including stadiums and arenas, convention centres, hotels, restaurants, airports, commercial facilities, and more. Users can search

SARS permanently insource over 750 cleaning staff

T

he South African Revenue Service (SARS) announced that it has taken steps to insource more than 750 cleaners previously subcontracted, to become permanent employees at the state entity.

In a statement, SARS said that it has previously contracted cleaning services for its offices, “but due to the contracts expiring every year, the organisation implemented a project to insource the cleaning staff permanently”. This initiative saw 769 cleaning staff joining the ranks of SARS employees from November 2020.

“While at times it makes commercial sense to outsource certain services, like facility cleaning and security, it is not always the best value proposition for the individual employees”, said SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter. “This move bucks the conventional trend to outsource ‘non-core’ services,” he admitted.

“When we reviewed the renewal of these services, we realised that our reduced requirements for office space would lead to a reduced service with fewer number of individuals, and depending on the successful bidder that ends up being appointed, it would likely have a negative impact on a large number of employees as well as be disruptive for everyone concerned.”

According to the SARS chief this new arrangement brings job certainty and greater dignity to the affected individuals. “In our evaluation of the decision, we also realised that a number of the cleaning staff were sufficiently qualified, and have the potential, subject to development, to progress and be considered for career progression within SARS, but would also become more employable beyond SARS. “In a country with tragically high levels of unemployment, we could not contemplate a decision that would have implied potentially over 300 individuals joining the ranks of the unemployed. I am pleased that we were able to improve the prospect for affected individuals without additional cost to SARS,” Kieswetter added.

the directory by facility name, facility type, location (region, state/province, country, or zip/postal code), or keyword. Each resulting pin provides the property’s name, address, website, facility type, and accreditation status.

GBAC STAR™ accredited facilities have completed a rigorous screening process to ensure they are truly committed to championing cleanliness; have established goals and risk mitigation strategies; implemented effective tools, equipment and supplies; and prioritised training, prevention, and preparation.

To apply for GBAC STAR™ facility accreditation or for more information, visit: www.gbac.org/star

Italian cleaning show dates for 2021 re-scheduled

T

he effects of the coronavirus pandemic continue to jeopardise productive activities and services, particularly affecting all spheres where contact with the public and social contact among industry professionals are the key elements around which success and consensus are built. With this in mind, the board of directors of the ISSA PULIRE Network unanimously took the important decision to delay the 25th edition of the trade show originally set to take place in Verona, Italy, from May 18-20, 2021 to September 7-9, 2021.

“We have taken a reasoned, responsible, and above all definitive decision in the interests of industry professionals, exhibitors and visitors, driven by the desire to ensure optimal safety conditions for all and to lay the foundations for a passionate and effective trade show as always,” says Toni D’Andrea, CEO of ISSA PULIRE Network. “By September next year, we hope that the critical phase of the pandemic will be behind us, thanks in part to the availability of a vaccine, and that normal conditions will have been restored.”

At the recently concluded 2020 edition of the PULIRE Forum, Walter Ricciardi, a professor of hygiene and continues >>

4

African Cleaning Review November/December 2020

industry news preventive medicine and a scientific advisor to the Italian Minister of Health on the coronavirus pandemic, said “All pandemics have had a second wave, and this one will be no exception.” However, Ricciardi was keen to point out that in 2021 the COVID-19 pandemic would be defeated, allowing everyone to return to their normal activities.

The show organisers indicated that they are already working to reorganise all its activities, thereby paving the way for a highly anticipated trade show in September next year.

Pulire 2019 in Verona, Italy

Business probed for allegedly cloning labels on alcohol-free sanitiser

A

company supplying the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) with hand sanitisers in the Western Cape has landed in hot water for allegedly forging labels indicating that the product contained 70 percent alcohol, when in fact this was not the case. Kanga Business Management (KBM) was named by the Department in a presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Environment, Forestry and Fisheries recently, highlighting the work of state institution investigations.

KBM is one of the Department’s 31 suppliers awarded contracts for procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE). The company supplied and delivered 3 500 gel hand sanitisers and 250 boxes of surgical masks to the value of R494 500, but it was discovered that the hand sanitisers were allegedly alcohol-free.

“Following delivery and distribution the Department established that there was a fraudulent sticker indicating that the product had 70 percent alcohol content, placed over a declaration that the product was alcohol-free,” DEFF spokesperson Albi Modise said.

Modise further said the matter was being investigated by the SIU and all documents relating to the probe had been submitted to the unit.

The SIU confirmed it was investigating the “cloning of a legitimate product from a bona fide supplier, which supplied hand sanitiser to the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries in the Western Cape which was bottled under a false or a forged, cloned label and product information.” SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the investigation was still ongoing.

Hygiene company appoints Keith Baker to board

T

he technology company that produces the only automated door handle disinfecting system approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency, 99point9 Hygiene announced the appointment of former ISSA Director, Keith Baker to the company’s board with immediate effect.

Baker, based in the UK, is no stranger to South Africa, having visited the country on various occasions and also as a guest of the National Contract Cleaners Association. He has over 50 years’ experience in the

cleaning industry and from 2008 to 2016 was Director of EMEA Services for ISSA – the worldwide cleaning industry association. Baker has also been involved with the CHSA (the UK’s main association for suppliers to the industry) and assisted with the introduction of accreditation schemes in the UK, designed to maintain high quality cleaning and hygiene standards throughout the marketplace. As 99point9 Hygiene continues to expand internationally, he will advise the executive management team on its global go-to-market and sales

strategy. Baker has worked for a number of international companies and founded his own company in 1989.

“We are delighted to welcome Keith to 99point9.

He joins a globally minded company with a truly innovative hygiene product.

99point9 is helping to combat the pandemic and equipping companies globally, against all viruses. His experience and expertise will be a great addition to our team in this new age of necessary visible hygiene,” said Eric Wilkinson, 99point9 Hygiene’s Executive Chairman.

Keith Baker Keith Baker commented: “The hygiene industry is changing before our eyes.

Companies and consumers now have significantly enhanced expectations of hygiene’s place in our everyday lives, extending beyond just COVID-19”.

For more about the company visit: www.99point9hygiene.com

African Cleaning Review November/December 2020

5

editorial Diversey

Shield Program designed to respond to the new era of cleanliness launched globally across the full range of sectors in which Diversey operates including: Hospitality, Food Service, Education, Offices – specifically targeting Building Service Contractors (BSCs) – and in Retail environments.

Phil Wieland

D

iversey, a leading global hygiene and cleaning company, has announced the launch of its new Shield Program. It is designed to respond to the new era of cleanliness, as facilities worldwide begin the process of reopening following the pandemic. The Shield Program will be

6

African Cleaning Review November/December 2020

a demonstrable way to drive and restore trust. It enables businesses to communicate their enhanced hygiene measures in a fast and easy way to ensure the confidence of staff, guests, visitors and students alike,” said Diversey CEO Phil Wieland.

Making a visible commitment “Post COVID-19 companies have to respond to a new awareness of the value of clean. There is now an urgent need to convey a visible commitment to the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness. This means satisfying raised expectations for safer and healthier hotels, restaurants, schools, offices and retail environments.

Our new Shield Program offers

A protective shield that embraces confidence and trust Businesses that match Diversey’s stringent program requirements are allowed to display the Clean and Ready Shield badge in their entryways. It is awarded to those facilities whose staff have properly implemented and are committed to upholding the highest levels of hygiene, cleanliness

editorial Diversey for the employees and participating establishments in three key areas: Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection Protocols, Food Safety and COVID-19 Safety.

A source of pride and a clear indication of commitment

and disinfection. Once enrolled as a member of the Shield Program, businesses will undergo periodic audits that deliver a thorough and allencompassing independent verification that they are continuing to maintain the highest level of cleaning and disinfection.

Delivering the advantages of AHP technology Diversey’s hygiene guidelines are designed to help minimise the risk for guests and workers and provide the tools facilities need to be successful.

This includes working with businesses to develop, train and be verified by Diversey’s two-step cleaning and

disinfection processes. This enables facilities to maintain the highest standards of disinfection through the use of Diversey’s patented AHP technology, which delivers hospital grade disinfection for a shorter contact time to inactivate and kill the virus.

Harnessing Diversey’s global hygiene expertise The Shield Program combines the acknowledged global expertise of Diversey and Diversey Consulting to provide a unique end-to-end solution.

The Diversey Hygiene Academy can offer expert backed protocols unique to a business as well as online training, webinars, and certifications

Diversey is experienced at delivering hygiene to the most exacting standards, from healthcare environments to pharmaceutical clean rooms. Customers can be assured that the program has a long-term focus, with protection that is linked directly to experience, and a more sustainable approach. “The Diversey Shield will be a lighthouse for anyone looking for safety. Our partners will regain business sustainability – a well-deserved return for their tireless efforts and meticulous hygiene practices and can look forward to the opportunity to build a successful and more resilient business in these exceptionally difficult times,” concludes Wieland.

For more information, visit: https://diversey.com/en/diversey-shield-program

African Cleaning Review November/December 2020

7

feature hospitality cleaning during a pandemic

Cleanliness key in restoring guest confidence in hotels Now that South Africa has reached Level 1 of the lockdown, leisure travel is expected to increase and hospitality establishments are keen to welcome guests back. However, extensive health and safety procedures are key to ensuring guest comfort and confidence in the hospitality sector.

A

s COVID-19 quarantine requirements are eased by government, the hospitality industry faces the prospect of reopening to a radical new normal.

Keeping guests visually unaware and physically apart from your day-to-day housekeeping operations has always been a key element of hospitality. It is a source of professional pride and part of the magic required in presenting a seamless hotel experience to guests. In the post-pandemic world, that prevailing logic has been turned on its head.

Irrespective of how rigorous your previous hygiene regimen was, you will now need to conduct regular and thorough cleaning and disinfection throughout the day to satisfy heightened expectations of cleanliness.

Your new approach will need to be carried out clearly to reassure everyone that you are doing all you can to maintain a safe and hygienic environment. Diversey’s global infection expert Peter Teska elaborates by offering a thought-provoking perspective on how the hospitality sector should gear up to restore staff and guest confidence in a radically changed hospitality world.

Considerations for a clean hotel Whether your hotel was a quarantine location or has seen a significant decline in occupancy during lockdown, you want to be sure it’s safe upon returning to business as usual. You must conduct a deep cleaning of the property from top to bottom, including every surface and object – with special emphasis on hightouch surfaces. However, first you need the right cleaning and hygiene products in place.

8

African Cleaning Review November/December 2020

There are several issues to consider when selecting these solutions, including: • Efficacy and contact time: For additional reassurance, use hospital-grade disinfectants that are specifically approved for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Products with a shorter contact time – one minute or less – are ideal. Technologies like Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide (AHP), are markedly safer and more efficient than the existing slower Quats-based (quaternary ammonium compounds) products, or those formulated on Hypochlorite or Peracetic acid.

• Impact on surfaces and staff: Make sure products not only inactivate viruses and kill bacteria and fungi, but are gentle on surfaces and safe for staff and guests. AHP achieves the balance of maximising potency while minimising toxicity, breaking down into water and oxygen just minutes after use.

• Alcohol content: Clean hands help keep surfaces cleaner. The percentage of alcohol in hand sanitiser is key to its effectiveness.

A registered product will provide assurance and its efficacy should be proven according to recognised standards, which could be either from local regulations, the United States EPA or FDA, or per European Norm protocols.[1] An alcohol content of 60 percent is the minimum recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).[2] Use sanitisers that have more than 70 percent alcohol content to ensure a faster kill rate.

• Your provider: It’s important to only use registered products from an experienced supplier. In addition to suggesting the appropriate products, a trusted hygiene provider can offer advice and direction for your hygiene program. Don’t buy ineffective, unproven products from an unfamiliar source.

A deep dive into environmental hygiene best practices Once you are confident you have the right solutions on hand, involve all staff in the deep cleaning process, including housekeeping, food service, maintenance and engineering. First, train them on enhanced cleaning and hygiene guidelines to ensure they are consistent when following protocols. As part of this training, you should also educate staff regarding protocols if a case of COVID-19 arises.

Take the opportunity to map out best practices for each area of the property, including the lobby, public areas, guest rooms, restaurants and bars, leisure and business spaces and on-premises laundries. For example, ensure disinfection of hard floors, walls, and ceilings and clean carpets.

Kitchens and dining areas will involve specific deep cleaning procedures. Clean all food and non-food contact surfaces, including areas frequently touched by hands to reduce risks.[3] Then, check that dishwashing equipment maintains proper operating temperatures and use the correct dosage of chemicals.

Additionally, review your laundry process to ensure hygiene compliance while optimising the use of resources like water, chemicals and energy. Clean

feature KEY TOUCH POINTS FOR DISINFECTION: • Door handles • Switches • Dispensers (loaded, in good order, clean) • Food contact surfaces and racks • Hand contact areas • Taps • Utensils • Touchscreens

linen further drives assurance that your property is committed to cleanliness and guest wellbeing. Then, wash mattress covers, bed linens and curtains.

Making the invisible visible It will no longer be enough to simply clean correctly; you must make processes that were previously invisible visible. Cleaning procedures that would have been hidden away, for fear of infringing on guest privacy and putting your brand reputation at risk must now be front and centre. While new measures are essential, some best practices, such as employees’ use of masks and gloves, may not feel conducive to warm and welcoming hospitality. However, taking extra precautions shows guests and staff that their safety is your top priority.

Incorporate the following best practices to enhance cleanliness and put guests at ease: • Ensure compliance: Staff members must comply with the basic protective measures recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).[4] These include hand hygiene; physical distancing; avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth; practicing respiratory hygiene; and following advice to stay home and seek medical attention if symptoms arise.

• Apply social distancing: Understanding and following social distancing rules outlined by your local health authorities is essential.

Assess specific risks and establish safe distances throughout your property. Ensure staff and guests are notified of any changes in

requirements. Because maintaining social distancing will not be possible continuously, require staff to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks.

• Implement strict limits: Consistent with social distancing, evaluate and enforce strict limits on occupancy for each area of the hotel. Distinguishing entrances and exit routes is essential for safe movement. Change the layouts of all common areas – including reception, restaurants and bars – to ensure a safe environment.

• Promote hand hygiene: Effective hand hygiene is the single greatest measure your staff and guests can take to prevent the spread of pathogens. This means regularly and thoroughly cleaning hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, or washing them with soap and water. Wall-mounted dispensers and freestanding hand hygiene stations offering alcohol-based hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes should be accessible at all common touch points in corridors, lifts and entrances.

and enables comparative reporting on performance related to guest satisfaction, quality and safety. This will help optimise your cleaning and hygiene practices and reduce the risks of cross contamination.

Additionally, it’s important to show staff you care about employee morale. Inform employees of all the risk assessment and corrective measures in place that protect their health. Enable them in their day-today tasks by providing enhanced operating procedures and wallcharts; online training courses; hand hygiene guidelines and solutions; the right PPE; and easy access to non-food spill kits.

With careful consideration about the types of products your property uses to maintain cleanliness and hand hygiene, staff-wide understanding of front-ofhouse and back-of-house procedures and a deliberate commitment to enhanced and visible safety standards, your hotel(s) has the best chance of future success.

Diversey’s guide to enhanced cleaning and disinfection provides basic measures for any business and staff to follow in order to keep

Maintaining a safe and welcoming environment The hospitality world has radically changed. Implementing a rigorous environmental hygiene program, driven by clear and inclusive communication – with the right products and ongoing support from your supplier – is necessary to meet the new standard of clean. To drive continuous improvement, your property should regularly audit and monitor compliance with key protocols, preferably with a system that’s scalable

everyone safe and healthy. For more information visit: www.diversey.com Sources: [1] https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/ inaugural-who-partners-forum/who-interimrecommendation-on-obligatory-hand-hygieneagainst-transmission-of-covid-19.pdf [2] https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-methe-science-hand-sanitizer.html [3] https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/ hazard-analysis-and-critical-control-point-haccp [4] https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/ handle/10665/331638/WHO-2019-nCoV-Hotels2020.1-eng.pdf

African Cleaning Review November/December 2020

9

feature hospitality cleaning during a pandemic

Product solutions for keeping hotels clean As part of pandemic reopening procedures, hotels will make changes that accommodate guest safety. Social distancing measures, such as online check-in, will increase, while enhanced protocols will be implemented for hand hygiene, cleaning and the safe disposal of waste. These protocols will cover what housekeeping and staff do but will also make provision for guests to handle their own safety with products such as hand hygiene stations placed throughout the property, not just in bathrooms, according to Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP).

P

rior to 2020, the prominence of housekeeping staff was a matter of discretion.

Even communication was done indirectly through Do Not Disturb signs or leaving towels in the bath.

Now, guests will actively look for housekeeping teams and cleaning carts, the signs of visible cleaning.

Housekeeping carts and what they carry will become barometers for how seriously a hotel takes their cleaning obligations.

and brushes. A cart housing multiple cleaning aids demonstrates that housekeeping takes their cleaning responsibilities seriously and can deploy the right solution in any situation.

A fully stocked cart must also be suitably mobile for cleaning staff. RCP housekeeping carts are designed for safety and have a high degree of lightweight manoeuvrability. Wheels and casters form a solid base and don’t leave marks on floors and carpets.

Products such as microfiber cloths, hand hygiene provisions, bin liners and cleaning solutions give guests an insight into the cleaning processes being undertaken, without having to see them being undertaken.

The RCP range of housekeeping carts is available in multiple styles and capacities to provide an essential, visible cleaning solution for your property. Visible cleaning is at its best when a cart is well stocked. Products such as microfiber cloths, hand hygiene provisions, bin liners and cleaning solutions give guests an insight into the cleaning processes being undertaken, without having to see them being undertaken.

In addition to cleaning products, the RCP range of housekeeping carts utilises a pocket organiser system to house cleaning tools such as dusters

10

African Cleaning Review November/December 2020

A fundamental part of hospitality is welcoming guests to a place that ‘stands in’ for home. Over the coming months and years, returning hotel guests will have spent significant time at home as a safety measure.

This sense of domestic safety must be replicated so guests feel safe and remain healthy. RCP products are distributed globally, offering customers and guests an exemplary waste management, hygiene and cleaning experience.

For more information visit: www.rubbermaid.eu

editorial GCE

Hospitality industry’s new buzzword – Clean!

The hospitality industry’s most competitive advantage is measured by customer satisfaction. Hygiene and cleanliness remain most pertinent in the hospitality industry – especially across most hotels and restaurants.

While amenities are also considered significant factors in the customer experience, hygiene and sanitation have a powerful impact on the overall impression of the experience and should not be underestimated.

As the hospitality industry gears up for eased lockdown restrictions in South Africa, businesses are following the global trend in establishing comprehensive disinfection programmes and schedules. Where cleaning has traditionally been a behind-the-scenes function, the hospitality industry has brought it into the public eye – making “clean” the new buzzword in the industry – associating it with something that is virus-free.

These cleaning programmes mean that there is increased disinfection of washrooms and public spaces by deep cleaning and increasing the frequency of cleaning in these areas.

“Cleaning public washrooms eliminates dangers like contracting streptococcus, staphylococcus, E. coli and hepatitis A, that present real public health risks. Now add the threat of contracting COVID-19 to the mix and cleaning public toilets has never been more important to human health and economic stability,” states Peter Esterhuizen, Sales Director of Goscor Cleaning Equipment (GCE).

As a leading provider of cleaning equipment solutions, GCE believes that it is vital for hotels and restaurants to deploy state-of-the-art cleaning equipment and detergents/disinfectants that achieve desired results.

No-touch cleaning In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, cleaning must yield maximum results and create hygienic and healthy spaces. With Kaivac’s No-Touch Cleaning®, supplied locally by GCE, customers are assured of effective cleaning whilst ensuring operator safety.

When it comes to cleaning washrooms and other heavily soiled areas, nothing beats Spray-and-Vac cleaning technology. Designed for the worker, Kaivac’s No-Touch Cleaning® gets surfaces extremely clean; reduces cleaning times by as much as two-thirds; and is 30 to 60 times better than conventional cleaning methods. This innovative spray-and-vac system removes soils from fixtures, floors and walls in one step, leaving surfaces dry and ready to use. Cleaning time is cut to as little as one minute per fixture and workers never have to touch a dirty surface.

“Built for extreme soil removal, empowering workers to clean hygienically without touching contaminated surfaces, Kaivac No-Touch Cleaning® technology allows companies to reduce cleaning times to onethird, chemical consumption by up to 30 percent, while eliminating costs for unnecessary equipment and consumables,” says Esterhuizen.

“Ultimately, the goal of cleaning is to produce an environment free of disease-causing bacteria and virus, to avoid the spread of infectious diseases. This idea of cleaning goes beyond cleaning for appearance only and focuses on properly killing and removing bacteria, moulds, parasites, allergens and viruses,” he reiterates.

For more information about Kaivac No-Touch Cleaning® technology visit: www.goscorcleaning.co.za

African Cleaning Review November/December 2020

11

waste management review

Push for use of certified containers in collection and disposal of hazardous waste

S

ince the global outbreak of COVID-19, the focus on hygiene and controlling the spread of infection has taken centre stage. The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) has been refocusing its attention on the improvement of its services to assist in the national fight against this pandemic and any other hygiene matters. The collection and disposal of hazardous waste is a critical focus area that requires greater self-regulation by the industry as well as increased vigilance and insistence on the use of certified containers by authorities.

“Hazardous waste is any waste that has the potential to threaten the health and safety of our communities and the environment. Once medical products have been used they need to be contained and disposed of in a controlled manner to ensure that there is no leakage, spillage or dispersion that could be detrimental. While the focus during this COVID-19 pandemic has largely been on the detection and prevention of infection, there needs to be increased vigilance on the containment and disposal of all medical waste products,” says Jodi Scholtz, Lead Administrator of the SABS. Scholtz explains that the end-to-end handling process of containing and disposing of hazardous waste must be guided by the various existing national standards and quality management systems. In addition, independent and accredited authorities, such as the SABS, can offer verification and certification that hazardous waste is being handled, contained and disposed of responsibly and without threat to people, fauna, flora and the environment.

“While there are several specifications and regulations that guide the use, containment, transport

12

African Cleaning Review November/December 2020

and disposal of hazardous waste, there is no overarching independent verification of the overall process.

Various service providers are involved at different stages of the process and there is a need for tighter control of the overall process. Even though discussions are in progress with various regulatory stakeholders, all industries that are responsible for the disposal of hazardous materials and of its packaging or used products need to insist that service providers are using certified containers. If self-regulation within the industry becomes more robust, there will be a reduced need for additional strain on regulatory authorities to enforce compliance,” says Scholtz.

The SABS has been testing packaging and containers, which are used for the removal of hazardous waste, since 2005, and have a dedicated and operational packaging laboratory. The SABS is also able to offer inspection services to all spheres of government and the private medical industry to ensure that the containment, collection and disposal of hazardous waste is performed according to accepted national standards.

Background The first global recommendations for the transportation of dangerous goods was developed and published by the United Nations (UN) in 1956. Since then a number of governments across the globe have adopted versions of the UN recommendations as their national regulation.

In South Africa, the UN recommendations have been included as a South African National Standard (SANS), namely SANS 10229-1: Transport of dangerous goods – Packaging and large packaging for road and rail transport.

The first version of SANS 10229-1 was published in 2005, with a subsequent revision in 2010. SANS 452: Non-reusable and reusable sharps containers, includes UN recommendations and is also referenced in the regulation by the Department of Transport (DoT). The UN recommendations and SANS 102291 have been included in regulation which falls under the mandate of the Department of Transport. The DoT requires that containers used to transport hazardous and medical waste must be tested and that the transporters also carry a certificate that ensures that the medical waste containers have been tested.

These certificates are valid for a period of 12 months, effective from the date of the test.

SABS testing processes The container requirements include some material and construction requirements but also performance testing is required.

The package testing is based on the packing group (hazard level) of the contents, the quantity of material, and the type of container. Common test methods include drop tests to ensure that the contents do not spill or distort; water absorption tests to ensure that the packaging is resistant; tests to validate the integrity of the packaging in various conditions; and compression tests to ensure that when packaging is stacked it can retain its integrity. Needle penetration tests will be applicable to any medical waste packaging.

Potential loopholes in the current certification of packaging for the disposal of hazardous medical waste: • Manufacturers supply their own samples for testing. This is problematic as there is no indication

waste management review or verification of the production processes. It is possible that a ‘golden sample’ is prepared for testing and subsequent reproductions are not subject to the same processes; • There is no regulation that guides the resale of tested products.

For example, a company that manufactures substandard products can resell to others and these products threaten the health and safety of the country; and • The use of the containers is currently unregulated and lacks any sort of inspection services.

Inspection needs to include the storage of these containers of hazardous waste while awaiting transportation for disposal and the disposal processes themselves.

SABS recommendations It is incredibly dangerous to communities, our water supply and our environment if medical and hazardous waste is handled, transported and

disposed of irresponsibly. There are standards and processes that can be applied to each step in the collection and disposal of hazardous waste. The SABS has the capability and expertise to assist regulators in ensuring full compliance to regulation to ensure the continued safety of people and resources.

The SABS Mark Scheme, commonly referred to as ‘SABS Approved’, is a certification scheme that provides confidence in the quality of the products and the production processes to manufacture the product. Samples are collected from the production facility and retail outlets (where relevant), over different periods in a 3-year cycle by the SABS to ensure that quality products are produced all the time.

The SABS can assist in additional certification schemes to ensure that hazardous waste is disposed of in a responsible and safe manner from all companies involved, such as: • Unannounced inspection services to ensure that requirements are

being adhered to at all times in the disposal of hazardous waste; • Assist companies to achieve SANS/ISO 14001 – Environmental Management System certification to ensure that all environmental aspects and impacts are being identified related to hazardous waste and constantly monitored and maintained to ensure compliance; and • Assist companies to achieve SANS/ ISO 45001 – Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHS) certification, where all related hazards and risks shall be identified to improve the occupational health and safety of all persons affected by the company’s activities.

Unannounced inspections coupled with certification to SANS/ISO 14001 and SANS/ISO 45001 will ensure that all companies will meet the required statutory and regulatory requirements for the disposal of hazardous waste.

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

African Cleaning Review November/December 2020

13

waste management review

The case for responsible handling and reporting of hazardous waste

F

or most of us the term ‘hazardous waste’ conjures images of toxic sludge, depleted uranium garbage, or the ubiquitous green slime we’re so used to seeing on TV screens. The reality is that hazardous waste (any waste with harmful properties that pose a danger to human or environmental health) is an everyday issue.

This presents a problem when we know that all businesses generate some form of waste stream, but many don’t realise that their waste may be considered hazardous and is potentially harmful or even fatal, if not disposed of correctly. So how would a business know if their waste was hazardous or not, and what should their next steps be to ensure they comply with regulations?

The first thing to understand is that ‘hazardous waste’ is waste that contains organic or inorganic elements or compounds that may, owing to the inherent physical, chemical or toxicological characteristics of that waste, have a detrimental impact on health and the environment.

Brindha Roberts, Head of Sustainability at Averda, a global integrated waste management company, believes that it is crucial for waste to be correctly classified.

This needs to be done as per the Waste Classification and Management regulations.

This classification, in accordance with SANS 10234, must be conducted within 180 days of generation and ultimately establishes whether a waste is hazardous based on the nature and the severity of the hazard posed.

“Any breach of this protocol could have far-reaching implications. If not properly managed, some forms of hazardous waste can quickly spread and contaminate land, water and the air,’ Roberts explains.

The South African Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) has set guidelines for both the management of such waste and for

14

African Cleaning Review November/December 2020

the collection of accurate data around how much of the various types of it are being generated. SAWIS (South African Waste Information System) have for over a decade recorded routine data on the tonnages of waste generated, recycled and disposed of in South Africa.

“This information allows authorities to keep track of the volumes of hazardous waste that are in circulation and plan accordingly, both at a governmental level and the level of individual businesses and assists to establish duty of care,” added Roberts.

legislation, and how it affects their duties and obligations when it comes to hazardous waste,” notes Roberts.

“In fact, around half of the hazardous waste that arrives at Averda’s flagship Vlakfontein landfill site have no SAWIS registration number, which compromises

‘Hazardous waste’ is waste that contains organic or inorganic elements or compounds that may, owing to the inherent physical, chemical or toxicological characteristics of that waste, have a detrimental impact on health and the environment.

The objective of the national waste information system is to store, verify, analyse, evaluate and provide data and information for the protection of the environment and management of waste within South Africa.

The analysis provided by SAWIS gives vital information on the proportion of hazardous wastage that is recovered via recycling and that which is treated and disposed of. This information is made readily available to the public as well as to government departments and can be requested online in the form of autogenerated reports from the database.

By law, any company that generates 20kg or more of hazardous waste per day needs to apply for a SAWIS registration number. Gauteng and Western Cape have localised systems - Gauteng Waste Information System (GWIS) and the Integrated Pollutant and Waste Information System (IPWIS) that feed into the SAWIS. Businesses based in either of these provinces would need to apply using their local system.

“Nevertheless, we’ve noticed many smaller firms are still unaware of this

Averda’s own licence requirements, and causes administrative hiccups.”

The waste then needs to be retroactively reloaded onto the system so as not to compromise the accuracy of our reporting or our compliance,” Roberts explains. Hazardous waste is assessed, and verified, before being accepted for treatment or disposal.

Roberts clarifies that waste is handled according to local regulations and the specific needs of the client. The various types of hazardous waste require different approaches. According to Roberts, the SAWIS application process is simple and can be done online or in hard copy.

“Complying with the DEA SAWIS guidelines is important, not only for the sake of waste management procedures but ultimately because responsible waste management will protect people and the environment,” concludes Roberts.

All information necessary to be included on to the SAWIS database and to obtain a DEA registration number is available on: http://cr.environment.gov.za

feature washrooms

The power of digitalisation of dispensing solutions can save money and lives With many countries having to endure the second wave of COVID-19, caution remains paramount as the virus continues its rapid expansion across the globe. In the absence of a proven vaccine, hand hygiene has become ever more indispensable in public areas, far beyond the medical sector.

S

o how can we ensure that the next generation of dispensing hardware helps the public achieve their goal to Break the Chain of Infection? An example is the recently launched OPHARDT Washroom Monitoring System (OWMS), the software suite aims to address some of the most basic concerns public institutions have during the coronavirus pandemic.

Living with the COVID-19 virus The year 2020 will be remembered as a period when the world has changed dramatically and new habits to protect against infections became part of everyday life. The majority of people forgo greeting each other with a handshake or a kiss, and maintaining social distance now seems like second nature. Based on data specific to the novel coronavirus and past pandemics, it is assumed that this pandemic is likely to last 18-24 months, until a so-called herd immunity (60 to 70 percent of the population infected) is reached. On the other hand, Johann Ziehbur, Head of the Institute of Medical Virology at the University of Gießen in Germany explains that immunity to similar viruses is typically lost over time.

Most scientists agree that the virus will never disappear completely.

Protection against infection as an everyday routine Just like influenza, Sars-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19 is mainly spread via droplet infection and aerosols. These are the finest particles lurking in our ambient air. Contact or smear infections are also important transmission routes for the novel coronavirus. For this reason, hand hygiene has become as indispensable in

public areas as in the medical sector. This critical infection prevention measure is also reflected in recent recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Based on a recent WHO recommendation, hand hygiene stations should be set up in front of the entrance to any public or private commercial building, in all areas of transport including airports, railway stations and seaports, and in educational institutions. While awareness of the importance of these practised measures has grown with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, many institutions are finding it extremely difficult to meet the requirements for hand hygiene and to offer robust protection against infection. The challenge is not only to meet new hygiene guidelines and to create additional hand hygiene options, but also to co-ordinate filling and maintenance of the additional dispensers and hygiene stations.

Digital tools for the future So what is needed to continue to effectively protect ourselves and those around us from infections? We need intelligent solutions that combine intelligent hygiene devices, a robust IOT core, and user-friendly software into an easy-to-use system that can be integrated into the workflows of the medical sector, public sector, and beyond.

This is exactly where the OPHARDT Intelligent Solutions (OIS) suite of products make their mark.

In 2011, OPHARDT Hygiene introduced a revolutionary digital hand hygiene monitoring system for the healthcare sector – the OPHARDT Hygiene Monitoring System® (OHMS).

OHMS supports improvements in hand hygiene behaviour and compliance by

supplying data to hygiene professionals on the quality of each hand hygiene event, as well as the number of hand hygiene events relative to the WHO’s five moments for hand hygiene. In the context of COVID-19, these digital systems are now more important than ever. Beyond the healthcare space, the OPHARDT team has been working on digitalising hand hygiene in public areas since 2015, and are now ready to launch the OPHARDT Washroom Monitoring System (OWMS). OWMS was developed to support facility management and cleaning staff in optimising refills and maintenance of washroom equipment, while at the same time achieving resource and cost savings. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve witnessed a myriad of institutions outside of the healthcare sector struggling to meet the most basic hygiene needs. In a time when washing and sanitising our hands is one of the most critical tools to prevent the spread of infection, ensuring soap and sanitiser is always available is key in keeping ourselves, our loved ones, and those around us safe. Public washrooms must always be stocked to enable users to clean and dry their hands properly. As governments continue in their attempts to track and control the virus, government legislation of hygiene standards in public areas and public washrooms is also a looming possibility. Using the OWMS hardware and software, institutions can track the progress in their facilities and demonstrate they are doing their part to ensure proper hygiene standards are met.

The power of dispenser data As part of the electronic monitoring infrastructure, OPHARDT dispensers are equipped with smart modules. These

African Cleaning Review November/December 2020

15

feature washrooms smart modules can report information on dispenser activation (with dispenser ID and timestamp), volume of product dispensed, fill levels, and battery status.

With information collated using the OWMS software, facility managers or hygiene specialists can deploy cleaning teams according to actual needs and predefined processes. This intelligent and fully automatic fill-level measurement ensures long-term cost reduction of consumer goods by improved refill cycle timing. For example, if a paper towel dispenser’s fill level reaches a critical threshold, the smart module will send this information via the IOT core to the OWMS software. The OWMS software will then send an alert via smartphone app to the appropriate persons that a refill task must be completed. When the task is completed, the system automatically clears the task. The resulting product availability has been shown to increase the satisfaction of washroom visitors.

Comprehensive data analysis is also available to determine cost-saving initiatives, productivity increases, and anonymous guest behaviour.

In the context of COVID-19, these tools can be modified to create an infection prevention program. Thresholds for sanitiser dispensers can be adjusted so refill cycles are targeted to be more generous. Predefined facility

The challenge is not only to meet new hygiene guidelines and to create additional hand hygiene options, but also to co-ordinate filling and maintenance of the additional dispensers and hygiene stations. cleaning processes can be made more rigorous and documented via task completion confirmation of personnel on smartphones. Consumables purchasing can also be monitored and adjusted based on changing consumption trends.

In combination with OHMS, healthcare institutions can also ensure that both healthcare staff hand hygiene behaviour and cleaning staff are performing to the highest standards. Of course, with this exciting new software program officially joining the OIS suite of products, one can expect many more intelligent devices to

be launched in the coming months and years. Particularly, dispenser systems for public areas will see a rapid expansion of smart products towards Q4 of 2020.

Watch the OPHARDT Hygiene Monitoring System® for Improving Hand Hygiene User Report here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=pD4zccEk2SM OPHARDT Hygiene is focused on providing hardware and software solutions that help protect against the spread of dangerous infections. For more about the company, visit: www.ophardt.com

Who do you wash your hands for?

The majority of people wash their hands more often today than they did before the COVID-19 pandemic. But it is not out of care for others. A new study from Tork, an Essity brand, shows that close to eight out of ten respondents wash their hands to protect themselves.[1] As the world celebrated Global Handwashing Day on October 15, this year’s theme ‘Hand Hygiene for All’ could not be more appropriate.

With Global Handwashing Day 2020 in mind, Essity released new facts on hand hygiene from their global hygiene and health survey performed in July 2020. It is clear that COVID-19 has had a major impact on people’s behaviour, not the least on hand hygiene. Two out of three individuals have changed

16

African Cleaning Review November/December 2020

the way they wash their hands, with 75 percent saying that they wash their hands more often. But is it enough?

Why do you wash your hands?

Hand hygiene is essential in combating diseases, and we now have global results from more than 10 000 people confirming a positive change in hand hygiene behaviour. However, 77 percent say they wash their hands only to protect themselves. A majority also only wash their hands after they have done something, e.g. 78 percent say they wash their hands after visiting a public place, meanwhile only 38 percent say they wash their hands before going to a public place. A sign that people may be more concerned with their own hands

feature washrooms being contaminated than considering they are potentially contaminating others.

“Despite a great solidarity with frontline workers during this pandemic, the survey results indicate that we could do more when it comes to washing our hands for others. Hand hygiene is a crucial tool in our efforts to maintain healthy communities. I hope we maintain our increased frequency of hand hygiene throughout the pandemic and afterwards”, says Carolyn Berland, PhD, Global Brand Innovation Manager, Essity Professional Hygiene.

Hand hygiene impacts business reputation in the new normal When reopening or attracting customers, hand hygiene practices have now become essential to making customers feel safe and secure.

During COVID-19 the expectation on hygiene standards has increased.

Six in ten survey respondents have increased their hygiene expectations of restaurants and cafés, and the same

percentage have stated they would feel more secure knowing details about hand hygiene practices in public spaces.

Overall, 81 percent of respondents agree or strongly agree with: “I expect public washrooms to provide a safe hygiene environment to a higher extent now than before COVID-19”.[2] “For businesses looking to attract people back, hand hygiene routines, access to hand hygiene stations and communications regarding the work that is being done to prevent contamination, is crucial. Those who succeed with this will come out stronger,” adds Berland.

We would like to inspire everyone – from business owners to employees and from students to parents – to wash their hands not only to protect themselves, but also to help others feel secure and stay healthy.

On the Power of Hands Podcast, you can listen to Carolyn Berland, PhD, discuss more about the importance of good hand hygiene routines as well as using soap rather than sanitisers.

Listen here: (https://www.essity.com/ company/essentials-initiative/storiesand-videos/essential-talks-a-podcast/) Improving hand hygiene standards on a global level is a long-term commitment for Essity’s Tork brand.

As a Strategic Partner of the Global Handwashing Partnership, Essity is working together with other agencies and institutions such as the World Bank, USAID, and UNICEF to provide resources as well as co-ordinate and promote campaigns to raise awareness about handwashing with soap.

For more information contact: kirsty.collard@essity.com Reference: [1]

Read the Essity 2020 Hygiene and Health Survey (http://reports.essity.com/2020-21/ essentials-initiative-survey/)

[2]

2020 Survey conducted by United Minds in cooperation with CINT in April 2020. The survey covered seven markets: UK, US, China, Germany, France, Spain and Sweden. In total, 7067 completed the survey.

African Cleaning Review November/December 2020

17

facilities management review

Are your ventilation strategies fit for purpose to protect against coronavirus?

The importance of maintaining heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to protect human health and wellbeing has been brought sharply into focus this year. Especially now that more workers are returning to their offices and children are heading back to the classroom.

T

he World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged the threat of airborne transmission of the coronavirus following widespread evidence that showed tiny particles containing the virus could become suspended in the air for some hours.

These findings have important implications. It is now clear that handwashing and face masks alone cannot prevent the spread of coronavirus in indoor environments with poor ventilation, and that air conditioning systems could play an important role in reducing transmission rates.

However, there were certain adjustments facilities managers could make that would further reduce the risk of transmission. Follow these useful tips on how to run building services during the COVID-19 pandemic:

Do • Increase air change rates. This will dilute the airborne viral load • Use more window airing when mechanical ventilation is not present • Run air conditioning systems for longer and at higher speeds than normal • Systems that re-circulate the air should be switched to ‘full fresh air’ • Take into consideration whether new partition walls have been erected or desks moved as social distancing measures • Exhaust ventilation systems of toilets should be switched on 24/7 • Regularly check, clean and replace air-conditioning filters. Maintenance staff should wear full PPE when performing this task

18

African Cleaning Review November/December 2020

To consider • Air purifiers can be useful in specific situations • Introduce HVAC and office interior fogging to your regular maintenance routine • Introduce air-duct cleaning to your regular maintenance routine. Cleaning removes unwanted substances such as debris and dust and sanitising prevents mould build-up • Humidifiers should be checked to maintain relative humidity levels in line with recommendations for minimising airborne viruses • Establish a regular inspection process. Every 12 to 24 months is advisable

Do not • Use recirculated air • Increase humidification or indoor air temperatures as these have no practical effect in killing the coronavirus It is more important now than ever to ensure that mechanical ventilation and air conditioning systems are working as intended and are well maintained.

However, good maintenance strategies should not just be deployed in response to a pandemic. There is a wider lesson to be learned about how building services maintenance can safeguard the health and wellbeing of building occupants at any time.

Public buildings, especially schools, care homes and healthcare facilities are areas of particular concern.

In these buildings it is crucial that the air conditioning systems are continuously monitored to ensure they are delivering the right conditions for health and wellbeing – and that regular maintenance is carried out to keep them operating reliably and efficiently to minimise running costs.

This is also the best way to extend the operating life of these critical assets and minimise costly repairs and system downtime. It will also highlight the need for regular maintenance activities such as disinfection and chlorination to kill viruses and bacteria, preventing airborne cross contamination.

Source: Daikin Applied Service

facilities management review

Tips for landlords to up the occupancy game

B

eing a commercial landlord in a post-pandemic world poses the challenge of how to provide occupants with safe, sustainable, and flexible spaces. Raghmah Solomon, founder of Vortex Design Solutions offers top tips on how to win the race to refill commercial space.

Speak to tenants Asking your tenants monthly for their feedback on what they love about your property and where you could improve is paramount to creating lasting relationships and retaining long-term tenants.

Building features When you list the features of your space in advertising, make sure to list them all, to give potential tenants a solid understanding of value offered.

Wi-Fi facilities, parking, back-up generators, meeting rooms, proximity to schools and shops, help to broaden the scope of potential customers.

Unconventional features are valuable

Analyse your space

In general, air quality, light, and space are the three main components that tenants look for and will make your building more attractive. How you handle a maintenance request, who currently occupies the space, sustainability concerns such as LED lighting and maintaining plants to improve the building’s air quality, are valuable features.

All the materials chosen for a space must prioritise hygiene and sustainability. The look of the products that simulate the ‘real-deal’ surfaces, such as timber or marble, have increased in quality to such a degree, that often you would need to touch them to know the difference. They are often longer lasting and easier to clean.

Consult your designer

Embrace minimal layouts

Designers often spend the most time with the client, learning their needs and what they value the most. They also spend time with building contractors and engineers, to ensure all the needs of their clients are taken care of.

Exclude excessive décor items where dust can collect and hang art to create interest instead. Taking a simplistic approach will create a clean and calming environment that still provides visual interest.

Invest in quality materials

COVID-19 protection protocols

With commercial spaces now having to comply with strict sanitising laws, it is important that any materials used can withstand regular rigorous cleaning with minimal deterioration.

Sanitising stations, touch access panels, and everyone wearing a mask must be ensured throughout the building through a collaboration between tenants and landlords.

African Cleaning Review November/December 2020

19

laundry review Route and container management made easy by utilising the texRoute app.

Modern software solutions offer more transparency during a pandemic

D

uring the coronavirus pandemic credible information about every single laundry item has become more important than ever before. Certain laundry items must be cleaned separately or disinfected in addition to the washing process. In unique cases, laundry items have to be packed and delivered separately, and most importantly, the demand for certain pieces of laundry can vary daily depending on the actual infection rate. Under these conditions, textile care companies must be able to react with total flexibility. This will only be possible with the support of a comprehensive and modern software solution. “In the future, modern and future-proof production and logistics concepts will require a large amount of information, about the laundry item itself, current product status, product quality and the process progress. Notably this means transparency in the entire operation. This is exactly what our software helps our clients to achieve,” says Michael Wieser, Sales Director of SoCom Informationssysteme GmbH.

20

African Cleaning Review November/December 2020

Well organised with innovative apps The total package is complete when innovative app solutions are added. Data is available in real time, from anywhere and at any time thanks to these digital companions, meaning end-to-end digitisation. The process design starts with the customer. Thanks to innovative app solutions such as the SoCom app texScan, mobile inventory can be carried out within seconds via a smartphone at the customer’s premises. With this app, the customer can scan his inventory or other item movements.

If the existing level of infection suggests an increased need, then with the app solution texOrder, orders or inventories can be made directly at hospital wards, nursing homes or hotels by the customer. The application requires no special training, information is transmitted directly and is also available offline, offering a guaranteed quick IT response.

The texEasyPick app offers support in the field of picking.

Orders can be picked easily and completely paperless, the stock is adjusted automatically. Production managers can see the live status of all open pickings at any time and are able to change the prioritisation of individual pickings immediately. Due to the direct interaction of the individual app solutions, the additional container and parking space information stored in texEasyPick can be transmitted to the driver and displayed via texRoute app. This app is exactly tailored to the logistics needs of a laundry. With this app solution, mobile route management as well as container management can be organised comprehensively and profitably. Therefore, elapsed or incorrectly loaded containers, which can ruin the entire profit of a tour, no longer occur.

Live tracking is possible via a web portal – the current delivery status, set-up times, travel times and dwell times at the customer’s premises can be viewed at the touch of a button. The customer can even be informed via email before the driver arrives. This means that the customer can prepare everything right away – the correct containers with the precise laundry items to the right pick-up location, thus reducing loading times which results in savings of both time and money.

“TIKOS as a complete solution for laundry service providers covers the entire production process of a laundry.

As an industry specialist and having worked with laundry customers for a period of more than 25 years, SoCom is uniquely aware of the special challenges and can provide fast and skilled assistance, especially in times when a worldwide pandemic persists,” concludes Wieser.

laundry review Laundry decontamination during a pandemic

T

he COVID-19 pandemic has forced the laundry industry to focus on hygiene as the foremost priority.

The effects of the pandemic were not limited to the laundry industry, but also their major customers including the healthcare and hospitality industries, which had to redefine their priorities.

These industries have updated collection and transport protocols, simply because of the contagious nature of this new coronavirus. This CINET article explains the specific and most important parameters that affect the decontamination of the linen to protect patients in hospitals, hotel guests and the health of laundry staff.

The handling of linen contaminated with a virus is not an uncommon phenomenon in the laundry industry.

Localised outbreaks of Norovirus occur more frequently than one might imagine.

For example, between 1 Septmber 2019 and 31 July 2020 there were 1 032 reported outbreaks in the USA alone.

Pandemic examples are the Mexican flu (also known as swine flu or H1N1) in 2009/10, or SARS in 2003 and MERS during 2012.

Decontaminating linen The following three methods are recommended as part of the entire wash process to eliminate the coronavirus in contaminated linen:

A. Dilution It is a simple fact is that the amount of water applied will dilute the concentration of the virus to very low numbers. The largest majority of any virus present in linen will be removed just by water and mechanical action.

The exception to this is where a virus is present in faeces-soiled linen. Therefore, it is essential that the wash process is capable of removing all soiling present on linen.

B. Chemistry It is essential to understand that the coronavirus is classified as being an enveloped virus. This implies that

it has an outer shell consisting of glycoproteins, also known as the lipid shell. This lipid shell represents the weak point of this particular class of viruses.

Surfactants: The application of surfactants in the wash process destroys that outer layer and is already a major step in the de-activation of the virus.

This is why governments are stressing the 20-second handwashing procedure, using just soap!

High pH: The lipid shell is easily broken down when the pH of the washing liquid is increased. The higher the pH, the higher the destruction rate of the outer shell.

Implications: Most washing processes applied – when washing hospital linen – have a high pH in the pre-wash.

This high pH accelerates the removal of protein soil. It is therefore important to realise that the inactivation of the COVID-19 virus starts immediately during the first minute of the wash process.

to dose with a disinfecting bleach with sanctioned disinfection properties. This lower temperature process is known as chemo-thermal disinfection. The disinfecting bleach could be based on peracetic acid or Phthalimido peroxy decanoic acid (PAP).

The World Health Organization (WHO) and Centres for Disease Control (CDC) recommend washing for 25 minutes at 70˚C. Now this might be safe but may not be what commercial laundries would like to do. Such a long main wash would be slowing down the entire laundry.

Therefore, we would suggest changing this into a minimum 12.5 minutes at 80˚C. Alternatively, 10 minutes at 85˚C. It is essential to maintain every wash parameter that belongs to a defined and rubber-stamped chemo-thermal process. These parameters include not only time and temperature, but also the concentration of the detergent and the disinfecting agent as well as keeping the pH within the defined window.

C. Disinfection

Specific hygiene demands

The COVID-19 virus can be destroyed by Thermal Disinfection or Chemo-Thermal disinfection. Thermal disinfection guidelines vary greatly from one country to the other. Both temperature and time are prescribed in order to maximise the inactivation of bacteria, viruses and moulds. However, not all textiles can withstand high temperature processing. By lowering the main wash temperature, but in order to still achieve world-class disinfection, it is essential

A completely foolproof hygiene result is reliant on some important requirements.

All surfaces that come into contact with the clean linen have to be incorporated into a rigorous cleaning and hygiene plan. These critical control points (CCP) are: the press membrane; conveyor belts; folding tables; transport carts; and all other Critical Control Points (CCP) that are mentioned in the Risk Analysis and Biocontamination Control (RABC) system of the laundry.

African Cleaning Review November/December 2020

21

e-training

Locally developed online cleaner training platform launched The COVID-19 pandemic caused the entire training profession to quickly switch to online learning and webinarstyle delivery methods for educational content. As can be expected vocational training and certification programmes are quickly being entwined into the online learning world as well. Therefore, and specifically with specialised cleaning and sanitising of facilities in mind, this is the perfect time to understand the multiple online learning programmes available to professional cleaners and businesses in general. It is now more important than ever to allocate time to your most important resource – people.

Shireen Onia

A

s more and more South Africans return to work under level 1, PropaClean is geared up to help reopen doors to corporates, small businesses and homes. The platform is all about creating safe, clean spaces; improving productivity and time management; and empowering cleaning staff to take real pride in the quality of their work.

With cleaning teams across the country at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19, many companies and homes are rethinking the value of their in-house or contract cleaners and domestic helpers.

22

African Cleaning Review November/December 2020

“COVID-19 has created a direct link between the cleanliness of spaces and our willingness to be in them,” explains Shireen Onia of PropaClean.

“Trust has become a new critical differentiator. This means that professional training about cleaning best practice is now non-negotiable.”

Onia notes that because cleaning is a “fall-back” career for many contract cleaners and domestic helpers, it’s something they have generally observed for learning purposes as opposed to having received formal training in. “A lack of communication about what employers believe ‘cleaning’ should look like often results in expectations not being met. Preferences about cleaning techniques, which products to use for specific surfaces, how to work in sensitive areas, and expectations around time management, for example, are usually not shared upfront – directly impacting the cleaner’s ability to deliver on these.

This is what we wanted to address through the platform; equipping individuals with both the practical and the soft skills they need to add value wherever they’re working. We want to gear cleaners for ongoing success while increasing their employability and prospects.”

While the cleaning course on the platform has a strong focus

on COVID-19 protocols and requirements, it’s about far more than this alone. Modules include everything from basic cleaning principles and choosing the right materials to use, all the way through to identifying risks, waste and clutter. Customer service that wows and delights, and how to portray a professional image in front of guests are also unpacked in the content.

However, the course is just one element of the platform as content, toolkits, information about legislation and so much more are being added on a continuous basis.

PropaClean’s partnership with Airbnb underscores the critical view taken by the hospitality industry and other sectors regarding cleaning and cleaning best practice well into the future. “Our partnership will see that all hosts and their cleaning team members are offered the course at a discounted rate, with specific modules focused on Airbnb’s enhanced cleaning protocols.”

PropaClean, a division of Propati Cape Town, is an online subscription platform that contains a variety of learning modules and a wealth of information for office cleaners and domestic helpers.

For more information visit www.propa-clean.com

people and events PBEH’s 3rd Annual General Meeting The custodian of skills development in South Africa’s cleaning industry, the Professional Body for Environmental Hygiene (PBEH) held its third AGM during October at the premises of NBC Holdings in Johannesburg. Chairman Clive Damonze welcomed members to an extraordinary meeting where those in attendance were wearing masks and others followed proceedings via Zoom due to the coronavirus pandemic. “The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted us, as is the case with many companies, associations, nonprofit organisations and most economies around the world, Businesses are being forced to cease or limit operations for indefinite periods of time. This pandemic has triggered significant disruptions to business. Measures were taken to contain the spread of the virus and these protocols need to be adhered to. As members of the PBEH we are responsible to assist in the prevention of the spread of this pandemic,” said Damonze. He added that timing could not have been more opportune for the Healthcare Occupational Qualification’s acceptance and registration. The PBEH has also aligned with the training division of the ISSA, the Worldwide Cleaning Association and the intent of the partnership is to offer all ISSA training and educational programmes to the

PBEH Board members in attendance at the third AGM, are from left: Thami Makeleni, Arthur Bath (Vice Chairman), Felicity Kent (Manager), Clive Damonze (Chairman), Mmabatho Skosana and Yakshini Padayachee.

South African cleaning industry. The PBEH is represented on the Services SETA Chamber for the cleaning industry and participates in all meetings and workshops. “The Services SETA conducted a scoping meeting for the Hygiene & Cleaning Level 1 Qualification which should be ready by February 2021. We are focusing on a number of initiatives including the restructuring of the PBEH to also accommodate the local laundry industry,” said Damonze.

African Cleaning Review November/December 2020

23

people and events Bidvest Prestige appoints new CEO

Wayne Hill

Leading cleaning solutions specialist Bidvest Prestige announced the appointment of Wayne Hill as Chief Executive Officer. Hill has over 26 years’ experience in Hospitality, having started his career as a Management Trainee at The Carlton Hotel in 1989. After completing his Hotel Management Certification he moved onto various junior Food and Beverage management roles within the hotel. Since then, Hill’s career has taken him around the world, honing his skills across various properties and disciplines. He has various business management qualifications and is a Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA). His passion is inspiring, developing and motivating people through career journeys built on principle-centred leadership. Bidvest Prestige’s service offering includes contract cleaning, event staffing, caregivers, specialised cleaning services, mobile toilet hire, training and landscaping. The company operates in Southern Africa and Mauritius and employs approximately 37 000 people.

For more information about the company, visit: www.bidvestprestige.co.za

Sales manager appointment at Hawk Pumps

Ronald de Beer

Industrial high-pressure pump and cleaning equipment manufacturer Hawk Pumps announced the appointment of Ronald de Beer as Sales Manager. De Beer is a born leader with a wealth of technical experience and problem-solving ability. For him, success means that the sales team is always target-oriented, with strategic sales plans in mind. “My goal is to help grow the workshop, service and sales departments, driving the business forward in the long-term and growing its footprint in the markets we serve – in South Africa and beyond. I believe in fostering an environment where the team collaborates and shares ideas,” said de Beer. Hawk Pumps manufactures industrial high-pressure pumping and cleaning equipment including spraying solutions and industrial nozzles. The company serves a broad range of customers including factories, workshops, contract cleaners, drain and sewer cleaners, truck and bus washes and the mining and agricultural sectors.

For more information about the company, visit: www.hawkpumps.co.za

The “Beast” Mtawarira heads up Umlindi Security Umlindi Security officially welcomed Rugby World Cup winning Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira to the helm as Chief Executive Officer and shareholder for the newly launched company.

As Tendai transitions from his professional rugby career into the corporate world, he is the perfect fit for the fledgling company. Wahl Bartmann, Group Chief Executive officer of Fidelity Services Group says, “Tendai has been a part of Fidelity for close on 9 years now as our brand ambassador. We met through a chance encounter eight years ago and became close friends. I have enjoyed my time as his mentor and collaborating on a number of projects which have all been successful. It was only a matter of time before the skills he gained would assist him to start his own company.” According to Bartmann, Mtawarira’s natural flair and strength as a professional rugby player and his business acumen are well suited to the Tendai Mtawarira requirements of a new business venture. Mtawarira is currently studying toward his MBA. “Being a businessman has excited me for a long time because it combines many of the core values I needed in my rugby career like teamwork, innovation, commitment, continuous self-improvement and having fun,” says Mtawarira. “Over the past few years, Mtawarira has worked closely with me, shadowing me and joining me at many company events and meetings,” says Bartmann. Once the formation of Mtawarira’s new company entered its final stages, Mtawarira was enrolled at the Henley Business School MBA program to further prepare him for his new role as a businessman with Umlindi Security and Fidelity Services Group. Umlindi will focus on aspects of guarding, cleaning services, car tracking, home and business security, cash management solutions, and fire solutions. Mtawarira will continue his duties and be actively involved in the day-to-day activities at Fidelity Services Group while also taking up his new mantle at Umlindi Security.

24

African Cleaning Review November/December 2020

people and events PBEH workshop gathers members of cleaning sector after months of COVID-19 isolation Clive Damonze

Felicity Kent

Hannelie van Lill

The panel members pictured below are, from left: Clive Damonze (Moderator), Joey Breedt (Bidvest Prestige), Corine Goss (Tsebo Cleaning Solutions), Hannelie van Lill (Zuid-Afrikaans Hospital), Arthur Bath (PBEH) and Felicity Kent (PBEH).

The Professional Body for Environmental Hygiene (PBEH) arranged a ‘live’ Healthcare Workshop for cleaning professionals on 22 October at the premises of CSG Skills Institute in Johannesburg. The programme included the launch of the Healthcare Occupational Qualification (Healthcare Cleaner – level 2) by PBEH Manager Felicity Kent. This qualification consists of Knowledge, Practical Skills and Work experience totaling 100 modules.

Healthcare cleaners perform cleaning tasks in hospital facilities to achieve a clean, hygienic and safe environment within the context of the prevention of the spread of

infections and disease. A presentation on infection control in the healthcare environment followed, delivered by Hannelie van Lill, Infection Protection Professional at the Zuid-Afrikaans Hospital. The workshop concluded with a panel discussion moderated by PBEH Chairman Clive Damonze on topics including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, IOT & Robotic developments in cleaning and how to entice the younger generation to pursue a career in the professional cleaning sector.

For more information about PBEH visit: www.pbeh.co.za

SHARE YOUR OPINION WITH US The African Cleaning Review (ACR) magazine is evolving and we need readership input in order to guide us in the process of best servicing the professional cleaning industry.

Your input is valuable to us; all you have to do is to take less than 5 minutes to answer a few questions.

The process is very simple, just scan this QR Code with your smartphone, or alternatively, type the URL into your internet browser. Then answer the 10 straightforward questions about the magazine.

Thank you, The ACR team.

URL: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5GFRJGW

African Cleaning Review November/December 2020

25

editorial Kimberly-Clark Professional

More people feel unsafe returning to work due to poor hygiene – survey

A

recent UK survey about how COVID-19 has affected perceptions of cleanliness and hygiene in the workplace shows that confidence is low in these early stages of businesses getting back to work. The survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Kimberly-Clark Professional showed that three out of four people in the UK do not feel safe going back to the workplace, while 86 percent said they would avoid a location if they didn’t think it was COVID-19 secure.

“Early experiences out of the home have not met expectations, so more must be done,” says Olena Neznal, Vice President, Kimberly-Clark Professional EMEA. “Fear and uncertainty have put businesses under pressure to balance the responsibilities of keeping everyone safe and staying up to date with protocols whilst getting businesses back on track.”

As a leader in workplace hygiene, Kimberly-Clark Professional is keen to fully understand the concerns and issues around returning to work. The company commissioned Harris Interactive to discover how people really felt about returning to work and discovered that 80 percent of consumers are now more aware of hygiene practices when outside the home. “Only businesses which win the confidence of their employees and customers will thrive, and from this research it is clear that hygiene is now top of the business agenda,” adds Olena.

According to the research, three out of four people (78%) feel there is a moderate to high risk of germs in an office building and when asked what are the most important factors they use to gauge the safety in an office building: • 69 percent want strict social distancing policies enforced; • 51 percent of people want masks to be a requirement when entering the office; and • 70 percent cited the provision of hygienic handwashing and toilet facilities.

26

African Cleaning Review November/December 2020

Interestingly, six out of seven of the most important factors listed were cleaning- and hygiene-related, with 62 percent saying that seeing cleaning in action was important; and 58 percent wanting cleaning and disinfecting procedures communicated clearly.

“Businesses are clearly not doing enough, and people are still scared, so these findings are crucial in guiding our ability to ensure we offer the best advice and solutions,” argues Olena. “There are no shortcuts to workplace hygiene – we need to cover every angle.”

When asked ‘what are the most important areas to improve hygiene in an office building’, 89 percent said the washroom is a key area where businesses can do more. Three in four thought the condition of the washroom was a reflection of how much the establishment cares about its customers/ visitors while, equally, 75 percent thought the condition of the washroom is a reflection of the hygiene standards for the rest of the establishment.

“Kimberly-Clark Professional has introduced the 360˚ Hygiene and Protection programme to help businesses get back on their feet and restore confidence by demonstrating that they are protecting everyone, and keeping premises safe,” says Olena.

The 360˚ programme identifies the need areas by assessing a building’s level of preparedness and identifying germ hotspots. Hotspots are objects such as door handles, sink fixtures, lift buttons,

tables, and stair rails that are touched by many throughout the day and need frequent cleaning and disinfection to help break the chain in germ transmission.

The next step is implementing cleaning and disinfecting protocols and introducing the correct hand hygiene and surface-wiping solutions. Finally, Kimberly-Clark Professional promotes hygienic workplace practices by providing communication tools to help create awareness, which is a vital and important part of making people feel safe.

“We offer a free virtual hygiene walk – bookable through our microsite https://home.kcprofessional.com/ UK_PR_TTNS_0920 – to review a facility and provide expert guidance on cleaning and hygiene protocols, recommending the right product solutions to tackle key hygiene hotspots,” says Olena.

“Reassuring customers and employees with visible hygiene actions has never been more important for a business’ survival, and yet not all are behaving this way. Kimberly-Clark Professional is the expert in workplace hygiene and is championing the need for hygiene to take centre-stage. We have produced in-depth guides for each industry and selected the most appropriate products for every situation, offering a virtual hygiene consultation to ensure the right solution for your business.”

For more information about the company visit: www.kimberly-clark.co.za

new products Effective disinfection against SARS-CoV-2 in seconds Global leader in healthcare and infection prevention solutions Diversey recently announced that it has received confirmation through third-party testing that MoonBeam™3 UV-C disinfection technology is effective in just seconds against SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19.

MoonBeam™3 is an ultraviolet-C disinfection device that adds assurance beyond manual cleaning and disinfection. This portable, powerful solution disinfects quickly, reliably and responsibly.

MoonBeam™3 is cost-effective and designed for fast disinfection of public and high-risk areas. The system offers three individually-adjustable arms that can be positioned at almost any angle, optimising disinfection energy

to allow dosing of both horizontal and vertical surfaces, in just three minutes.

MoonBeam™3 has undergone third-party testing against several microorganisms including enveloped viruses, small non-enveloped viruses, bacteria and bacterial spores. These tests have demonstrated a significant log reduction in these key pathogens.

Since studies have shown that contamination of environmental surfaces in healthcare facilities with SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA is widespread, Diversey commissioned third-party testing of MoonBeam3™ in the US, and has also partnered with the highly respected Fujita Health University in Japan, to test the effectiveness of the MoonBeam3™ against SARS-CoV-2.

The completed test results from Japan proved that MoonBeam3™ was effective against SARS-CoV-2 under a range of conditions with contact times as low as four seconds for a 6 log reduction.

For more information visit: www.diversey.com

Inexpensive mobile cleaning trailer creates business opportunity in difficult times With businesses under strain and unemployment on the rise due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many South Africans find themselves exploring new avenues to generate income.

And sometimes, opportunity comes in interesting or unexpected forms. An example is the Hawk multi-purpose mini drain cleaning trailer, a uniquely innovative tool that entrepreneurs throughout South Africa have been finding particularly useful.

This extremely lightweight, affordable and effective drain and general cleaner has taken to the South African roads to provide an inexpensive mobile cleaning tool for drain, roof and general purposes. And it has been generating income for a wide variety of small business owners looking to expand their horizons during lockdown.

For independent plumbers and cleaning service operators who are unable to lay out large sums of money for bigger trailers, this ‘mini’ version allows them to expand their service offering without breaking the bank. There is also a smaller version available for use as a mobile car wash unit. Various optional attachments are also available. These include a wide variety of specialty nozzles and accessories, storage reels, live hose reels or hydraulically operated reels with forward and rewind controls.

The compact, trailer-mounted unit features a petrol-powered engine, a 30l/min at 200bar high-pressure pump, a 200l header tank and a hose reel with 30m of HP hose and a specialty drain-cleaning nozzle. Also included is a gun, lance and standard nozzle for surface cleaning. This

truly multipurpose tool is lightweight enough to be towed by an average passenger vehicle. More importantly, it can be pushed by a single person into tight spots.

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

Melanie Mokawem (Director) and Ossie Cebekhulu (Senior Internal Sales)

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 November/December 2020

27

new products Complimentary guide to cleaning retail food premises Vikan, leading global developer and manufacturer of hygienic cleaning and food-handling tools, recently announced the release of the Store Hygiene & Food Safety Guide.

The guide is intended to assist supermarkets and other food retailers to adopt best-practice cleaning routines – not least to help mitigate the health risks associated with COVID-19 – the guide provides advice on a range of hygiene and safety-related topics, including: • General store hygiene; • Customer facility hygiene; • Cleaning for food safety; • Colour-coding for greater food safety; and

• Maintenance, storage and compliance.

“Clean stores are safer stores for customers and employees alike. This new Vikan guide lays out the best practices, including cutting-edge hygiene processes from the food production industry, where Vikan has been the global leader for many years. The advice and practical recommendations it contain are valuable for any food retailer, from local delicatessens to large hypermarket chains,” says Deb Smith, Global Hygiene Specialist at Vikan.

Like all Vikan guides, the Store Hygiene & Food Safety Guide is free to download from: www.vikan.com

Cleaning up liquid spills

Strict health and safety regulations in the mining industry mean that any liquid spills in workshop areas or elsewhere need to be

cleaned quickly and effectively.

This is where a completely natural, mineral product called Gunge Spunge® is playing a major role. Produced by South African manufacturer Pratley, Gunge Spunge® is the ideal product for cleaning up any liquid spills, including petrol, diesel, oil, sewage and other nuisance liquids.

Sawdust and other flammable materials were traditionally used to clean up highly combustible hydrocarbons. This is not only ineffective but also potentially hazardous. In fact, many mines and municipal by-laws now prohibit their use. “Gunge Spunge® offers the ideal solution in that it is extremely effective, non-flammable and eco-friendly,” explains Pratley Marketing Manager Eldon Kruger.

Gunge Spunge® is processed from a specific mineral that is 100 percent naturally occurring and is completely non-toxic. Apart from its desiccating properties, whereby it absorbs moisture in confined areas prone to damp, it also has cation absorption properties, allowing it to absorb rather than mask odours.

Extensive testing by Pratley’s world-class research and development team has proven the application of Gunge Spunge® in arduous operating environments such as mines. Gunge Spunge® is supplied in 12kg bags, although special arrangements can be made for the larger quantities required by the mining industry in particular.

For more information visit: www.pratleyminerals.com

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

28

African Cleaning Review November/December 2020

R any DE mp IN c o !

M lis t n o w RE d or ails en det Am

10 MAIN ENTRIES ONLY r Absorbents – Oil/Chemicals r Access Equipment/Ladders r Air Cleaning Equipment/Air Duct Cleaning r Air Filters/Air Purifiers r Air Fresheners r Anti-Stain Treatments r Aprons – Cloth/Disposable/Plastic r Baby Changing Stations r Bactericides r Barrier Creams & Cleaners r Biological & Enzyme Products r Bird Repellent r Bleaches r Blind Cleaning Equipment r Buckets/Wringers r Caps & Hats r Carpet Cleaners r Carpet Cleaning Systems r Carpet Detergents r Car Valet Products/Services r Car/Truck Wash Systems r Catering Equipment Cleaning r Catering Hygiene Products r Ceiling & Wall Cleaning Equipment r Chemical Dilution & Dispensing Systems r Chemical Raw Materials r Chewing Gum Removal r Cleaning Chemicals/Agents & Consumables r Cleaning Equipment/Cleaning Equipment Hire r Cloths & Dusters r Compactors/Compactor Bags & Tubing r Computer & Cleanroom Cleaning r Curtain Cleaning r Customised Cleaning Solutions r Descalers & Degreasers r Detergents r Dishwashers r Dishwasher Dispensing Equipment r Disinfectants & Sanitisers r Dispensers r Dosing Equipment r Drain & Grease-Trap Maintenance r Drain Cleaning Chemicals r Drain Cleaning Equipment r Dryers – Tumble/Clothes r Dry Ice Cleaning Equipment & Services r Duct Cleaning r Dust Control &/or Logo Mats r Dust/Litter Bins r Dustpans & Dusters r Escalator Cleaners r Fabric Softeners r Facade Cleaners r Facial Tissue r Facilities Management r Floor Pads r Floor Polishers r Floor Scarifiers r Fragrance Units r Glass Cleaning Chemicals r Glass & Aluminium Restoration r Glass Washers r Gloves – Disposable/ Plastic/Rubber/Latex r Graffiti Removal Products r Green Cleaning/Products r Guest Amenities/Hospitality r HACCP Cleaning Specialists r Hand Cleansers & Protectors r Hand Dryers (Air) r Hard Floor Treatments r Hazard Material – Disposal/Control/ Emergency Spill Response/Clean-up r High Pressure Cleaners r Housekeeping – Carts r Hygiene &/or Cleaning Consultants r Hygiene Audits r Hygiene Brushware & Consumables r Hygiene Services r Industrial Chemicals r Industrial Cleaning Systems r Industrial Laundry Equipment/Dispensers r Insect Killing & Pest Control Equipment/Repellent r Irons – Steam/Automatic r Laundry Bags/Bins

r Laundry Design & Layout Consultants r Laundry & Dry Clean Consumables r Laundry Extractors/Technologies r Laundry Services r Laundry Suppliers r Liners – Dustbins r Lubricants r Maintenance Management Services r Matting r Microbiological Testing r Microfibre Products r Mopping & Flat Mopping Systems r Mops – Dish/Floor r Nappy & Incontinence Waste Disposal r Non-Electric Proportional Liquid Dispensers r Odour Control Services r On-Premise Laundry Systems r Paper Towel Dispensers r Paper, Serviettes & Wipes (Disposable) r Parts & Accessories – Floorcare & Laundry Equipment r Pest Control Services r Pesticides r Polishes r Presses – Trousers/Coats r Protective Clothing/Workwear r Public Safety & Signage r Refuse Disposal Equipment, Vehicles & Systems r Road Sweepers/Vacuum Trucks r Rust Removers r Sanitary Bins r Sanitary Bin Services r Sanitary Disposal r Scourers – Floor r Scrubber Dryers/Sweepers r Shoe Cleaning Equipment/ Supplies r Single Disc Floor Maintenance Machines r Soaps & Soap Dispensers r Solvents & Strippers r Specialised Cleaning Services r Speciality Own-Label Products r Sponge Wipes r Spray Extraction Cleaners r Squeegees, Brooms & Brushes r Steamers – Clothing r Steam Cleaners r Sterilisers r Surface Cleaning Pads & Cloths r Sweepers (Manual/Ride-On) r Telephone Cleaning r Terrazzo Floor Cleaning r Textile Testing r Time, Attendance and People Management Solutions & Software r Toilet Cleaners r Toiletries r Toilet Seat Sanitisers r Toilet Tissue r Towels/Disposable Towels r Training & Education – Development/ Recruitment/HACCP r Training Materials, Books, Software, Reports, Videos r Trolley Systems r Upholstery Cleaning r Urinal Dosing Systems r Urinal Gel Block/Pads r Vacuum Cleaners – Wet/Dry r Ventilators & Ventilation Systems, Kitchen Extraction Systems – Cleaning r Washing Machines r Washroom Accessories & Consumables o Water Saving Systems r Waste Disposal Systems r Waste Environmental Management r Watercoolers r Waterless Urinals/Toilets r Water Treatment Systems r Window Cleaning r Window Cleaning Equipment r Woven & Non-Woven Wipes r Other (Please specify): _______________________________ _______________________________ _______________________________

Buyer’s Guide

2021

Harness the power of this comprehensive reference manual containing products and services available within the cleaning and related industries.

Ensure that your company is listed in the next Buyer’s Guide – the only reference tool for companies and individuals requiring information about hygiene, cleaning, maintenance, pest control, laundry, dry cleaning and facility management services.

EMAIL: africancleaningreview@cleantex.co.za in order to secure your copy entry in the African Cleaning Review 2021 Buyer’s Guide edition. Once-off charge: R500 for 365 days!

DEADLINE: NO ENTRIES CAN BE ACCEPTED AFTER 11 DECEMBER 2020 Please complete the form in BLOCK LETTERS Company name: ...................................................................................................

Head office address:............................................................................................. ..............................................................................................................................

Postal address: PO Box.........................................................................................

Town/city: ...............................................................Code: ...................................

Country: ................................................................................................................

Email: ...................................................................................................................

Website: ...............................................................................................................

Tel: ........................................................ Cell:.......................................................

Social media:

Twitter

FB

LinkedIn

Other:.......................................

Major activity of company (e.g. chemicals, cleaning equipment, cleaning service, laundry equipment, insecticides): .......................................................... ..............................................................................................................................

Brand/s represented:...........................................................................................

Association member: SAPCA

NCCA

ISSA

BEECA

SATSA

SAFMA

Other:............................................................................................

Yes, we want to advertise in the Buyer’s Guide. Contact us re: Logo

Strip

Websearch

Website button

Ts & Cs apply

Person completing form:......................................................................................

Email: ..................................................................................................................

Cell: ......................................................................... Date: ...................................

NB: Product Entries Tick in the appropriate block/s for services, products and equipment manufactured or distributed by your company. Please tick no more than 10African main products/services as additional entries2020 can not be Cleaning Review November/December guaranteed.

29

FOCUSED MANAGEMENT = EXTERNAL EXCELLENCE!

SAPCA Cleantex Executive Summit Africa 15–16 September 2021 Cape Town | South Africa A two-day co-located executive event for professionals in cleaning, hygiene, laundry and pest control Day 1: Strategic business management sessions for all delegates Topics: Strategic thinking, leadership, customer care, the future workplace, digitisation, scenario planning, corporate culture and business evolution Day 2: Two independent tracks Track 1: Professional Cleaning Industry summit focusing on business growth, infection control, sustainability, in-depth customer journey mapping, resetting business practices to adapt to COVID-19 Track 2: Pest Control Industry subject matter and training sessions

REGISTER NOW AND SAVE! ISSA | NCCA | BEECA | SAPCA members qualify for preferential rates Two-day delegate package includes access to the cocktail party and gala dinner Sponsors:

Gold

Endorsed by:

Silver

Media partner:

Organisers:

cleantexsummit.co.za • nande@cleantex.co.za || sapca.org.za • info@sapca.org.za