African Cleaning Review Sept/Oct '14

PROMOTING PROFESSIONAL HYGIENE AND CLEANING

September/October 2014 | R43.50 (incl. VAT)

Outdoor and road cleaning Facilitating a cleaner facility Ebola infection guidance Role of hygiene brushware in cleaning

contents SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014 Vol 15 No. 5 Outdoor smoking management: Rubbermaid Commercial Products introduces the new line of Smokers’ Stations featuring sleek, all metal products that enhance building smoking management efficiently. Rubbermaid’s smoking management solutions are engineered for easy opening for sanitary emptying and cleaning.

Read more about these Smokers’ Stations on pages 16 and 17.

Interview

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GSA 2015 to surpass all – KCP’s Nthatisi Vilakazi

Industry News

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Features

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Clean up for Mandela campaign Cleaning the clock faces of Big Ben Ecolab, 3M provide soaps and sanitisers to West Africa Roadshow for cleaning professionals First ‘self-cleaning’ car prototype Understand and apply new B-BBEE codes

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Educational

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Interim guidance about Ebola infection for airline cleaning personnel

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.

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Nov/Dec issue: • High pressure systems • Transport cleaning

Reminder

Update your company details to appear in the 2015 Buyer’s Guide now.

Deadline: 5 December 2014

Facilitating a cleaner facility

Laundry Review

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Effects of ‘Cold water washing’ Laundries urged to be diligent over Ebola threat Covered Entrepreneur award for Pretoria laundry concern

Case Study

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Foam soap may aid water conservation efforts

People and Events

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Siyaya celebrates launch of new Cape Town training facility

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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.

Upcoming Features 2014

Outdoor and road cleaning Hygiene brushware

FM Review

African Cleaning Review is aimed at end-users, contractors and suppliers of products and services to Africa’s Cleaning, Hygiene, Maintenance, 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 Fax: +27 (0) 86 672 4794 PO Box 1976, Halfway House, 1685, South Africa email: africancleaningreview@cleantex.co.za Website: www.africancleaningreview.co.za Editor/Publisher: Johann van Vuuren +27 (0) 11 238 7848 email: africancleaningreview@cleantex.co.za Features: Teresa Settas +27 (0) 11 238 7848 email: africancleaningreview@cleantex.co.za Advertising: +27 (0) 11 238 7848 email: africancleaningreview@cleantex.co.za Administration and Accounts: Nandé Jacobs email: africancleaningreview@cleantex.co.za

New Products Introducing a Swifta clean Gently swipe it baby Initial SA launches the latest Dyson hand dryer Introducing the Force range of induction vacuum cleaners

Diarise the dates

10th Edition of CleantexPulire 28–30 July 2015 Gallagher Convention Centre Midrand, Johannesburg

Online version of ACR

African Cleaning Review is now also available electronically. If you have not received the ACR email newsletter, then email us at: africancleaningreview@cleantex.co.za

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African Cleaning Review September/October 2014

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from the editor

interview

2015 event to surpass all According to Kimberly-Clark Professional*, organisers of the 10th Golden

Education – key in containing the spread of an epidemic The Ebola epidemic has reportedly already killed 2 400 people in African countries Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone this year.

The virus can cause the death of a person virtually within days, causing severe fever and muscle pain, weakness, vomiting and diarrhoea, in most cases resulting in multiple organ failure and constant bleeding.

During September, US President Barack Obama issued a global call to action to fight West Africa’s Ebola epidemic and warned that the deadly outbreak was unprecedented and ”spiralling out of control”, thereby threatening hundreds of thousands of people. According to the United Nations, nearly US$1 billion would be required to defeat what is regarded as the worst-ever outbreak of the disease, and one that is expected to infect 20 000 people by the end of this year.

This issue contains a few articles in this regard, specifically aimed at the cleaning industry and offers information and advice on the care that should be taken in order to limit cross-contamination.

As an industry in Africa, should we then not ask the question – is enough being done to educate and inform cleaning staff regarding the devastating impact of Ebola haemorrhagic fever? This is paramount, considering that cleaners are often required to clean up in contaminated areas. Here they are likely to come into contact with tainted objects or confined spaces like aircraft toilets, possibly contaminated with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person.

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Service Awards event for the local cleaning industry, it will not only be bigger but also bolder than previous functions.

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esigned to recognise service excellence in the cleaning and support services industry, the awards provide a benchmark for quality and are ideal opportunities for contract cleaning companies and in-house cleaning teams to promote the excellent work carried out by their cleaning teams, thereby giving them the recognition they deserve.

African Cleaning Review (ACR) recently spoke to Nthatisi Vilakazi, Trade Marketing Manager at Kimberly-Clark Professional* about these prestigous industry awards.

ACR: What is the significance of the Golden Service Awards competition?

The Golden Service Awards have played a vital role in Kimberly-Clark Professional* over the past nine years, as this is one of our powerful initiatives, which has enabled us to enforce our position in providing hygiene solutions. So, with our strategic evolution from being just a provider of hygiene products, to being custodians of creating healthier, safer and more productive working environments, the Golden Service Awards have played a major role in setting us apart in the market and has been founded to acknowledge the excellent work done by cleaning companies and their teams; they are therefore playing a crucial part in transforming workplaces into Exceptional Workplaces.

We are excited that 2015 will mark the 10th anniversary of these awards for excellence and recognition in South

Africa. The 10th anniversary event will definitely show our growth and experience in the last decade, as well as showcase where we are going in the future.

On that note, I want to pass on my appreciation to all our partners, who in the last nine years have ensured that we have developed this Golden Service Awards brand to where it is today.

ACR: This is an annual competition; why did you decide to pass over the 2014 event?

This gives me an opportunity to acknowledge the participation of stakeholders including judges, cleaning and hygiene companies, associations and sponsors in the post-2013 event survey. We had to take stock of their feedback and the relevance of the event, while figuring out how we move into the future. The feedback from these stakeholders made us realise that we needed to refine some areas, while also thinking about ways of staying relevant. The benefits will be there for everyone to see when we finally launch the Golden Service Awards 2015 this coming February.

The break from hosting an event in 2014 gave us the opportunity to do proper planning for the pending changes.

ACR: Can you elaborate on some of the 10th anniversary changes?

The company and the awards committee have spent the last few

interview months sifting through feedback from the survey and a lot of work has now gone into revising a number of key areas around the awards categories and criteria. We are also introducing what we hope will be exciting and innovative ideas that bring the awards into the 21st century in terms of technology use.

Although we will make a full announcement of the changes at our event launch in February next year, I can mention that one or two categories will be amended, and we are making changes on the judging panel and process. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the judges for all their hard work, the effort that has gone into judging and the way they have served and represented Kimberly-Clark Professional* in the past years, helping to make these awards possible. We are also exploring new and exciting ways to recognise the people who matter most in these awards – the cleaning personnel.

It is great to know that we are sharing this ambition with an organisation like Numatic International, which joined the GSA competition as a Gold Sponsor two years ago.

ACR: Are you also looking for new partners in 2015?

Of course, we are always looking for more partners to join this exciting event. We currently have opportunities for companies to become Gold, Platinum or Silver sponsors, or focus their sponsorship at a category level.

I would encourage companies that are keen to come on board to contact our office urgently so that we can announce their participation when we launch in February.

ACR: What benefits should participants expect from these changes?

I believe that we are fine-tuning the awards to ensure its long-term sustainability and for it to remain relevant to our target audience. We have worked hard to simplify our criteria so that everyone has a chance to be nominated and potentially win the awards.

ACR: When will the 2015 event be launched?

We are launching the 10th anniversary competition in February 2015. The date for the awards event will be announced on this day, although I can confirm that

Nthatisi Vilakazi

the awards function will take place during the fourth quarter of 2015 with the nomination process to start in the 2nd quarter of 2015.

ACR: Are you confident that the 2015 event will be different?

We are excited about the changes we are making for the 10th anniversary event, and we are quite certain that the event will be well received by all our stakeholders. We are looking forward to hosting industry partners during the event in 2015.

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industry news Clean up for Mandela campaign

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uring July South Africans were urged by the ANC Government to clean up their cities, towns, neighbourhoods, villages and schools on Nelson Mandela International Day. “Government encourages all South Africans to work together and dedicate 67 minutes of their time to clean up South Africa on 18 July, Nelson Mandela International Day,” government said in a statement.

Some of the activities that people were urged to participate in included cleaning up of streams, clinics, schools, picking-up litter, among others.

Communications Minister Faith Muthambi said the call was in line with President Jacob Zuma’s call for a major clean-up of the country’s cities, towns, townships, villages and schools. Every citizen was urged to play their part in beautifying South Africa.

“Making a clean South Africa is a collective effort, which will require us to go out in numbers and participate in activities that will improve our surroundings,” said Mithambi. The private and public sectors were also urged to dispose of waste in

a responsible and environmentallyfriendly way.

Muthambi said the clean-up initiative promoted the very essence of the country’s blueprint, the National Development Plan (NDP).

“No matter how small the action, the aim is to practise a healthier and cleaner way of living by taking care of our environment,” she said.

President Jacob Zuma and Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa also participated in the clean-up campaign in the Eastern Cape and North West, respectively.

Cleaning the clock faces of Big Ben

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team of experts has begun a job that requires a head for heights and the ability to keep a close eye on the clock at one of Britain’s most famous landmarks, according to an article in the Daily Mail.

The specialists abseiled by rope to clean and inspect the faces of the Great Clock, commonly known as Big Ben, at the Palace of Westminster, and they wear ear defenders to protect their hearing from the chimes. A working week has been set aside for the job, one day for each of the four clock faces, with a contingency day in case the weather makes it too risky to work on the 95.7 metre high Elizabeth Tower. The clock was last cleaned in 2010 and as well as removing any dirt that has built up since then, the technicians will carry out a photographic survey to check the dials for damage.

Each clock face, measuring 7 metres in width, is made up of 312 pieces of pot opal glass panels held together by a cast iron framework. The opal glass panels

will be gently buffed with chamoisleather cloths. The clock was installed in April 1859 but would not work at first, as the cast-iron minute hands were too heavy.

Once lighter copper hands replaced them, it successfully began keeping time on 31 May 1859. The clock will continue to keep time during the cleaning process, but the hands on the face being washed will not move. Deputy keeper of the clock Steve Jaggs said: “Big Ben is one of the UK’s greatest icons, and cleaning the Great Clock is a vital part of its maintenance. “The process is complex and requires a real head for heights. We have an expert team who will ensure that the clock is thoroughly cleaned and that this piece of our national heritage is safeguarded for future generations.”

Reach your target market cost-effectively!

Advertise in African Cleaning Review – your direct link to end-users, building service contractors, key institutional sectors including government, healthcare, education and retail centres, hospitality, food processing and general manufacturing.

The source of workplace hygiene solutions Email: africancleaningreview@cleantex.co.za Website: www.africancleaningreview.co.za

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industry news Ecolab, 3M provide soaps and santisers to West Africa

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he 3M Company and Ecolab Inc. joined the fight against the deadly Ebola virus by sending millions of dollars worth of medical supplies to aid workers in West Africa, according to a recent Ecolab press release.

During July, Maplewood-based 3M sent thousands of N95 respirator face masks at the request of Direct Relief International. Two more shipments of 3M products will make their way to Africa soon, but exactly what is being sent is not yet known. Relief agencies Project Hope and Map International are compiling their request list right now, said 3M spokeswomen Donna Fleming Runyon. 3M’s US$5.3 billion health care division makes protective face masks, surgical drapes, hand

Ebola virus

sanitisers and bandages, and other wound wraps. Towards the end of August, the St. Paul-based Ecolab dispatched more than 10 shipping containers of soaps, hand sanitisers and disinfecting cleansers to Sierra Leone and Liberia. Ecolab’s donations, worth US$1.8 million, were forwarded from plants in Manchester, England, Joliet,

Ill., and Huntington, Ind., according to spokesman Roman Blahoski. Currently the company is shipping supplies to two of the four Ebola-stricken nations in West Africa. However, according to the press release that could change as company officials evaluate the progress of the disease and relief efforts in coming weeks.

Roadshow for cleaning professionals

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he Professional Body for Environmental Hygiene encourages all interested parties in the cleaning, laundry, dry cleaning and garden cleaning service industries to attend the roadshow during November, held at Services SETA offices throughout the country. The Professional Body aims to ensure that people who practise in the cleaning industry receive the correct training and will collate and spread technological literacy, and increase practitioner interest in career growth through the application of technology and hands-on learning. This mission is accomplished by: • Exercising leadership in skills development for the Environmental Hygiene (cleaning) industries in South Africa and beyond; • Promoting excellence in teaching and learning, research, engagement at places of learning and practice in the world of work; • Fostering the skills development of the community in South Africa; and • Providing regular forums for discussion for sharing, networking and disseminating skills development educational information.

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The NQF Act talks about the registration of Professional Bodies.

Be a part of this exciting development within the cleaning industry.

The Professional Body invites everyone in the cleaning industry to attend the Information Session roadshow.

RSVP via email to profbodyhs@gmail.com or fax to: 086 519 3332 Please state the region in which you will be attending.

National Road Show Programme – 2014 Gauteng Region – Johannesburg Date : Monday 3 November 2014 Venue : Services SETA Office Time : 10h30

Free State Region – Bloemfontein Date : Monday 10 November 2014 Venue : Services SETA Office Time : 10h30

KwaZulu-Natal Region – Durban Date : Tuesday 4 November 2014 Venue : Services SETA Office Time : 10h30

Mpumalanga Region – Nelspruit Date : Thursday 11 November 2014 Venue : Services SETA Office Time : 10h30

Eastern Cape Region – Port Elizabeth Date : Wednesday 5 November 2014 Venue : Services SETA Office Time : 10h30

Limpopo Region – Polokwane Date : Thursday 13 November 2014 Venue : Services SETA Office Time : 10h30

Western Cape Region – Cape Town Date : Thursday 6 November 2014 Venue : Services SETA Office Time : 10h30

industry news First ‘self-cleaning’ car prototype

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ashing a vehicle is either a chore or it’s expensive, depending whether you do it yourself or take the car through a carwash.

However, in the not-too-distant future, you many never have to wash your vehicle again. According to Nissan, the automobile manufacturer has started real-world tests of a new paint technology that repels mud, rain and everyday dirt.

The special paint, which repels water and oils, has been sprayed on to a brand-new Note, to create what Nissan says is the world’s first self-cleaning car.

Engineers at the Nissan Technical Centre in Europe will be testing the self-cleaning Note over the coming months, in a variety of conditions, to assess the real-world effectiveness

of the super-hydrophobic paint as a possible aftermarket application.

Nissan is the first carmaker to apply the special paint, called Ultra-Ever Dry, on automotive bodywork. By creating a protective layer of air between the paint and environment, it effectively stops standing water and road spray from creating dirty marks on the car’s surface.

This is not the first time ‘selfcleaning’ technology has been used on the Note; the car already has a ‘wash

and blow dry’ function on its rear-view camera, using water and compressed air to automatically keep the lens free of dirt and ensure the car’s safety sensors work in all weather conditions.

To date the coating, from UltraTech International, has stood up well to typical road hazards such as rain, spray, frost, sleet and standing water. Nissan says it has no plans at this stage to apply the special paint as a standard finish, but will continue to consider it as a future aftermarket option.

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industry news Understand and apply new B-BBEE codes

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outh Africa’s first and only book on the Amended Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Codes of Good Practice, which also links to a scorecard calculator application, aims to help users understand the new regulations and calculate their B-BBEE scores.

South African organisations will be audited for compliance using the new codes from April 2015. This book, The Practical Guide to the Amended B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice, is published by leading content and technology solutions provider, LexisNexis South Africa, and is a must for those needing to understand and apply the new transformation regulations, as well as for BEE-registered auditors. The authors, Brigitte Brun, Chief Operating Officer of a SANAS-accredited and IRBA-approved Verification Agency, and Maxi-Lee Machado, Managing

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African Cleaning Review September/October 2014

Member of ET Consult, have years of experience in B-BBEE consultancy and the verification process advisory. Key benefits of both the book and the linked calculator application are that they enable organisations to calculate their B-BBEE score easily, before they reach the verification stage. The toolkit includes a scorecard comparison schedule covering every issued sector code enabling users to track progress and take appropriate action to ensure compliance and continuous improvement. Users can also access the latest legislative changes using a website address provided in the book.

The book has been endorsed as an essential tool for all South Africans involved in the business field by Sandile Zungu, Executive Chairman, Zungu Investments Company (Pty) Ltd, and member of the Presidential BEE Advisory Council. He describes the book as “both a strategic tool

for future interventions and a control tool in that organisations approach a verification agency with some prior understanding of their potential score.” The book is available through the LexisNexis online bookstore at a cost of R855.

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

industry news

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feature outdoor and road cleaning

Multifunctional sweeper key in cleaning large areas effectively When it comes to large ride-on sweepers, the choice is fairly limited in South Africa. Also, several factors have to be taken into consideration prior to making an informed decision, mainly due to cost and application. These mechanical sweepers are typically used in large areas where cleaning tasks will exceed two hours, as they offer higher agility and greater operator comfort where heavy duty cleaning is required. In this feature two major South African cleaning equipment companies offer perspectives on their respective mechanical sweepers operating at the top end of the scale. In the first part of the feature Industroclean introduces the Nilfisk City Ranger 3500.

Specific advantages of using the City Ranger 3500

Gavin Herold, General Manager at Industroclean

Need for specialised sweeping machines when unemployment is rife It is a well-known fact that ride-on sweepers have become the norm in Europe and other countries where these multi-purpose machines are used to clean roads, pedestrian walkways and other outdoor areas. However, the main driver there is the high cost of labour. The reality in South Africa is that mechanisation is growing in demand and therefore, if we work out a unique balance between the use of manual labour and the use of these very effective sweeping machines, we will have a cost effective solution for sweeping.

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I want to highlight the Nilfisk manufactured City Ranger 3500 purely because it has superior performance specifications that will allow the operator to clean large areas very efficiently. This multi-functional sweeper features high performance, excellent comfort, easy handling, reliability and a range of attachments as its main characteristics. It has an extremely wide sweeping path (from 1.3 to 3.1 meters) and allows for passenger seating in order to provide a dual service that is more productive.

The technology is amazing considering the brushes are adjustable by means of a joystick, thereby allowing you to adjust the brushes to a specific position where needed, allowing you to work around obstacles. It is an efficient and hardworking utility machine designed to meet the demanding standards of municipalities and professional contractors.

Technology You have up to four articulated brushes manufactured from different materials depending on the application. The standard machine features two brushes, which can then be supplemented by fitting another brush on the left and one on the right.

The brushes are controlled from the air conditioned cabin and are not rigid. They are hydraulically operated to allow for sweeping of wide and narrow paths, plus you can run on different levels, which is an important feature considering that curbstones and passenger areas are often at a higher level than the street surface.

The brushes sweep all the debris into a single neat line to be collected by a vacuum nozzle situated under the driver’s cab. A camera linked to a monitor in the cabin allows the driver to know exactly what happens during the pickup process. Debris is collected with the help of a massive fan situated in the hopper. Dust control is an important aspect of the City Ranger 3500 in that it carries a 250 litre water tank that allows water to be directed to each of the mechanical brushes, where a fine mist spray prevents the formation of dust clouds.

This machine is quite unique in that it recycles another 300 litres of water, therefore it can carry 500+ litres of water so to speak, to prevent dust clouds. Another feature is the option to fit a high pressure washer, which is very popular for cleaning the hopper, street signs and park benches for instance. The hopper is manufactured from stainless steel for high durability,

feature outdoor and road cleaning

with a capacity of 1.4m3 and a payload of 1 100kg. A big waste trap permits collection of cans and other large objects, while two additional doors on either side of the hopper permit the collection and loading of particularly large waste. The hopper is equipped with a water recycling system that reduces water consumption significantly, while adding to the number of operating hours between tank refills. Its high dump capacity of 1.6 metres is ideal for direct emptying into industrial containers, while waste water can be emptied directly into the sewerage system. The tipping function is operated hydraulically from the driver’s seat.

Engine, transmission and manoeuvrability The City Ranger 3500 features a naturally aspirated Perkins 404D-2200cm3 diesel engine, with hydrostatic drive and permanent four-wheel drive. It is able to clean pavements as narrow as 1.3 metres, articulated and highly manoeuvrable with a turning radius of 1.9 metres and can reach a speed of 38 km/h.

The hopper and driver’s cab can tilt at extreme angles, making it virtually possible to drive in a circle. Ground clearance is also very important when considering these sweepers.

Cleaning and maintenance Due to the use of rust-free materials and the clean design of all working components, the sweeper is easy to clean and maintain.The suction hose is short and straight, designed for minimum blockage and easy cleaning.

The optional high pressure washer is immensely handy, as it is connected directly to the hopper and fitted with a lance than can reach all parts of the machine.

Additional accessory options In Europe the City Ranger 3500 multifunctional sweeper features several primary areas of use. Firstly sweeping is the one we are most familiar with, provided it is a hard surface.

In addition a street scrubber dryer attachment, weed brush and street flusher attachment can be added depending on application. Considering the onboard water tank, the street scrubber dryer is a very effective accessory in areas prone to oil spillage. The scrubber is efficient on concrete tiles, concrete, pavements, epoxy floors, granite and stone. Due to a constant ground pressure on the brush, it follows the ground surface perfectly, while three piano wheels ensure optimum cleaning results when passing over kerbs and uneven surfaces.

City Ranger 3500 with scrubber dryer attachment

The scrubber uses a non-aggressive 5 percent cleaning solution and when the scrubber is raised or when the machine becomes stationary, the water suppy is automatically stopped after 1.5 seconds. The low overall height of the scrubber attachment ensures an unobstructed operator view and makes it possible to wash under benches and other obstacles.

Considering the above, it is important to note you always start off with a basic machine and then configure it to suit your specific application. Attachment changeovers can be achieved in less than 10 minutes making it the fastest changeover machine in its class, adding to this multi-functional sweeper’s credibility as the new face in the municipal market.

For more information regarding the City Ranger 3500 contact Nilfisk-Advance/ Industroclean at +27 11 801 4600 or visit www.industroclean.co.za

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feature outdoor and road cleaning

Dust suppression is an important environmental matter For the purpose of this outdoor and road cleaning feature Goscor Cleaning Equipment submitted information pertaining to the Tennant Sentinel heavy duty outdoor sweeper.

Alex Theodoridis, National Sales Manager (BSC Division), Goscor Cleaning Equipment

Need for outdoor sweepers Outdoor vacuum brush sweepers offer operators a valuable tool to create a hospitable working environment where air quality and effective cleansing is paramount. A single machine can effectively clean vast areas in less time, increasing productivity without redistributing dirt to other areas, thereby creating a cleaner, safer and healthier environment.

Areas of application Tennant Sentinel traps particles as fine as 3 microns, making it the most efficient cleaning machine available on the market. The state-of-the-art dry-dust control system, coupled with an optional 2.9 metre high dump that allows discharge into large roll-off bins and dump trucks, the Sentinel is without parallel. The trim compact size of the Sentinel allows it to traverse the narrowest alleys. The powerful four-wheel steering system offers impressive manoeuvrability, allowing

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easy sweeping around obstacles and the ability to snake through congested city streets.

The Sentinel’s excellent sweeping ability features a self-adjusting, centrepoint-suspended main brush that efficiently picks up sand, dirt, rocks, broken glass and bulky light debris.

The dust is pulled by twin, high-volume vacuum fans, a long-lasting, high capacity filter to remove particles and allowing the Sentinel to exhaust clean air.

The Sentinel also offers a stainlesssteel hopper that holds up to 2.6 cubic metres of debris, together with an agronomical cab for the safety and comfort of the operator. Quad mirrors assist with safe visibility and a sprung suspension luxury seat that ensures a seamless and comfortable ride.

The Sentinel power sweeper is ideal for mining applications, municipalities and councils for cleaning of streets; airports, military bases and cement plants to name but a few of the suitable outdoor applications.

Brush application These machines are normally sold with a dual brush configuration to maximise sweeping path productivity to a width of 2.2 metres.

Dust suppression An important environmental issue is the sweeper’s ability to control dust during the operational stage. The dust levels in mining operations are monitored continuously to optimise air quality to curtail and manage health implications (such as asthma and respiratory problems) and to ensure good visibility. The Sentinel, with its unique twin-vacuum design and superb dryfiltering and dust control systems, meets the most stringent PM-10 environmental requirements without any modifications.

Additional features The Sentinel can be fitted with a vacuum wand, allowing the operator to collect debris on the side of the road and outside the already impressive sweeping width of the machine.

feature outdoor and road cleaning The vacuum wand also enables operators to clean under and around obstacles and in small inaccessible areas such as drains. In addition, the Sentinel can be equipped with an additional rotary brush that the operator can control with a joystick from inside the cab, allowing the operator to easily adjust both the position and tilt of the brush hydraulically with one hand. The Vario-brush™ attachment permits sweeping around obstacles and on top of curb areas out of reach of the sweeper’s conventional side brushes, extending the sweepers reach to an impressive 3.2 metres.

Differentiating factor The feature that sets the Sentinel apart from other outdoor sweepers is its internal conveyor system. Large amounts of debris are swept onto the conveyor paddles, and pulled up and into the 2.6m3 stainless steel hopper, automatically directing the debris to the bottom of the hopper where it accumulates. The vacuum system is positioned at the top of the hopper and creates an airflow that traps the smaller dust particles in a dry filtering,

mildew resistant synthetic envelope filtration system. The hopper’s available capacity is easily monitored by a level indicator.

Reliability and track record Traditionally, these sweepers operate for extended hours in harsh environments where sweepers could deteriorate within months. Issues such as reliability and track record play a major part in the decision-making process. Factors such as construction

of the cabin, corrosion resistance of the hopper and durability of the frame, all have to be considered during the feasibility process. The Tennant brand has been in this country for more than 30 years and offers support, quality parts and supplies, designed to enhance performance and the lifespan of your assets, at the lowest total cost of ownership.

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

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educational

Interim guidance about Ebola infection for airline cleaning personnel Ebola (also known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever) is a severe, often-fatal disease caused by infection with a species of Ebola virus. Although the disease is rare, it can spread quickly from person to person, especially among health care staff and other people who have close contact with an infected person.

Overview Ebola is spread through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids (such as saliva or urine) of an infected person or animal, or through contact with objects that have been contaminated with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person.

The likelihood of contracting Ebola is extremely low unless a person has direct contact with the bodily fluids of a person or animal who is infected and is showing symptoms. A fever in a person who has travelled to, or lived in, an area where Ebola is present is likely to be caused by a more common infectious disease, but the person would need to be evaluated by a health care provider to be sure.

The incubation period for Ebola, from exposure to when signs or symptoms appear, ranges from two to 21 days (most commonly 8–10 days). Early symptoms include sudden fever, severe headaches, and muscle aches. Around the fifth day, a skin rash can occur. Nausea, vomiting, chest or abdominal pain, and diarrhoea may follow. Symptoms can become increasingly severe and may include difficulty breathing or swallowing, internal bleeding and bleeding outside the body, and multi-organ failure.

The prevention of Ebola infection includes measures to avoid contact

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with the blood and bodily fluids of infected individuals and with objects contaminated with these fluids (e.g., syringes). The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued strict guidelines to protect airline cleaning and air cargo staff.

Guidance for airline cleaning workers Treat any bodily fluid as though it is infectious. Blood or bodily fluids on interior surfaces can spread Ebola if they get into your eyes, nose, or mouth. Therefore, hand hygiene is the most important infection control measure. Wear disposable impermeable gloves when cleaning visibly contaminated surfaces.

For any ill traveller onboard an aircraft, even if Ebola is not considered, the airline’s ground and cleaning crews should be notified so that preparations can be made to clean the aircraft after passengers have disembarked. When cleaning an aircraft after a flight with a patient who may have had Ebola, personnel should follow these precautions: • Wear impermeable disposable gloves while cleaning the passenger cabin and toilets.

• W ipe down toilet surfaces and frequently-touched surfaces in the passenger cabin, such

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as armrests, seat backs, tray tables, light and air controls, and adjacent walls and windows with an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered cleaner/ disinfectant that has been tested and approved for use by the airplane manufacturers.

Special cleaning of upholstery, carpets, or storage compartments is not indicated unless they are obviously soiled with blood or bodily fluids.

Special vacuuming equipment or procedures are not necessary.

Do not use compressed air, which might spread infectious material through the air.

If a seat cover or carpet is obviously soiled with blood or bodily fluids, it should be removed and discarded by the methods used for biohazardous material.

Discard used gloves according to the company’s recommended infection control precautions when cleaning is done or if they become soiled or damaged during cleaning.

Clean hands with soap and water (or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitiser when soap is not available) immediately after gloves are removed.

Source: www.cdc.gov

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African Cleaning Review September/October 2014

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facilities management review

Facilitating a cleaner facility This amended Procter & Gamble article by Michael Kupneski, previously published in IEHA Cleaning Update offers tips for promoting a clean, hygienic environment in any building and highlights the importance of carpet care as part of any commercial cleaning schedule.

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acility managers and contract cleaners should establish procedures to help keep carpets clean and well maintained throughout the building. Proper protocol should include daily routine cleaning and maintenance, interim maintenance and restorative care.

With warm temperatures and more daylight hours, summer is an opportune time to consider a full carpet extraction in your facility. The warm weather and fresh air is especially helpful in drying carpets in commercial facilities, and it’s a time when you may have less foot traffic as more people are spending time outdoors.

A full carpet extraction helps improve the overall cleanliness and hygiene within the building. It’s also good practice to do this once or twice a year, depending on the carpet manufacturer’s recommendations.

What follows are carpet care best practices for facility managers and cleaning contractors.

Daily routine cleaning and maintenance Vacuuming: Establish a daily routine to clean and protect the carpet. Every carpet care programme should include vacuuming carpets daily to remove soil. This is the first line of defence in collecting most soil and helping to maintain a cleaner carpet. Ensure

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African Cleaning Review September/October 2014

you select a high quality vacuum with powerful suction and a quality filtration system to trap dust and other particles.

each other. This can limited by rinsing between applications.

Interim maintenance Spot and stain removal: Another important aspect of any daily routine is spot and stain removal. Cleaning professionals should be on the lookout for new spots, since they can quickly turn into permanent stains.

Crews will have a better chance of removing a “fresh” spot that has been quickly identified. In fact, cleaning professionals should always have a general spotter for spot removal as part of their carpet care “toolkit.” Generally, 80 to 90 percent of spots can be removed with this type of high quality commercial product.

For spot removal, start with a small amount of cleaning product, and then blot the spot. Work from the outside edges of the spot inward and follow label instructions. It’s important to make sure the carpet is completely dry to determine if the spot has been removed. If the spot remains, try an enzyme or bio spotter, designed to eliminate urine, milk, blood and other spots. If it still hasn’t disappeared, use a tannin spot remover – an acid-fortified carpet spot cleaner formulated to attack coffee spots, tannin-based spots, rust and oxidised organics. Cleaning crews should treat the spots in this order to ensure the spotters don’t de-activate

Beyond the daily routine of vacuuming and stain removal, facility managers and contract cleaners need to incorporate interim maintenance into their carpet care programme. This includes cleaning high traffic areas, such as hallways, waiting rooms, lobby areas and other carpeted areas near entrances, elevators or exits.

Cleaning professionals should identify which carpeted areas experience “heavy use” and how often these high-traffic areas should be scheduled for interim maintenance.

Two common methods for interim maintenance include bonnet cleaning and dry foam carpet care. Both of these methods can extend the time between a full carpet extraction cleaning.

With the bonnet method, cleaning professionals apply a bonnet cleaner in even, overlapping strokes on the traffic lane and other highly-soiled, localised areas. Then, apply solution to the bonnet and buff the area. Another option is to submerge the pad in a mop bucket containing the bonnet cleaning solution and then buff the area.

With dry foam carpet care, professional cleaners use special equipment to clean carpet fibres with

facilities management review dry foam. This low-moisture system can work efficiently and effectively in soil removal and has the benefit of a quicker drying time.

Restorative care For restorative care, facility managers and contractors will want to use a highquality carpet extraction cleaner and sanitiser to help fight against common bacteria that can cause disease. This type of multipurpose product can clean, sanitise and deodorise all in one step. A sanitiser is beneficial, as it can help prohibit mould growth in case the carpet does not dry as quickly as needed – another reason why the warmer seasons are recommended for a deep clean. Additionally, a deodoriser will help neutralise unpleasant malodours and contribute to overall cleanliness.

The P&G Professional Cleaning Industry Insights Survey results from 2013 showed that 54 percent of managers of cleaning operations

reported that the most helpful factor for performing cleaning services was products that get the job done right the first time. An effective one-step carpet extraction cleaner and sanitiser can help cleaning staff achieve that done-right goal, saving labour time and money, as well as product costs because fewer products are required.

Once you have completed an extraction cleaning on all carpeting throughout the building, it’s a good idea to apply a carpet protectant to prolong the life of the carpet and help guard against soil and oil penetration.

Benefits of a carpet care programme A carpet care program should be specifically tailored to meet the demands and size of the facility.

Contract cleaners and facility managers should establish or update guidelines for an efficient and effective carpet care programme to help protect, maintain and restore a clean and hygienic environment for customers.

Remember, upon entering a facility, carpets always create a good impression. If a customer has a positive first impression, it may mean repeat business, ongoing customer loyalty and even a word-of-mouth recommendation to colleagues and friends.

Additionally, be sure to use a commercial carpet care system in which products are designed to work together. Look for a full line of products that compliment each other in every stage of carpet care, from the daily routine to interim maintenance and restorative care. This will assist facility managers and cleaning professionals to keep carpets fresh, clean and protected throughout the building.

Michael Kupneski is the R&D Section Head for Procter & Gamble Professional, responsible for all formula design, technology development and process development for P&G Professional’s air care, hard surface cleaners and dish products globally.

African Cleaning Review September/October 2014

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laundry review

Effects of ‘Cold Water Washing’

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his News Update article, previously published by Laundry & Textile Consultancy, offers important information and guidance regarding the importance of infections that can be transmitted during the linen wash process, if not set up correctly and by using insufficient temperature settings. It comes as a warning to those launderers who, in an attempt to slash energy costs, launder hospital linens at inadequate temperatures and thus can become responsible for the transmission of infectious diseases.

Report links mucormycosis outbreak to hospital linens A report in the May ‘14 issue of the Paediatric Infectious Disease Journal has linked hospital linens to an outbreak of mucormycosis that resulted in five deaths at a US paediatric hospital between 2008–2009. According to an article in the New York Times dated 28 April 2014, the report did not identify the hospital but a local TV station, tipped off by a doctor in the area, revealed it as the Children’s Hospital in New Orleans.

The report identified hospital linens that were traced to an offsite laundry (named in the New York Times story as TLC Linen Services) as an agent of transmission during the outbreak.

An abstract of the journal concluded: “Hospital linens should be laundered, packaged, shipped and stored in a manner that minimises exposure to

environmental contaminants.” Following the journal’s publication and New York Times story, Gregory Gicewicz, president of the Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC) said: “This report again reinforces the need for laundry processing standards that are patient-safety focused and have been developed based on federal regulations and guidelines as well as best industry practices.” He added: “Hospitals, nursing homes and all healthcare facilities should demand it.” He noted that the New York Times reported that the laundry was “not accredited.” HLAC is a nonprofit organisation formed to inspect and accredit laundries that process healthcare textiles for hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities.

Accreditation is an entirely voluntary process.

Mucormycosis Mucormycosis is any fungal infection caused by fungi in the order Mucorales.

This infection frequently involves the sinuses, brain, or lungs as the areas of infection. While oral or cerebral mucormycosis are the most common types of the disease, this infection can also manifest in the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and in other organ systems.

In rare cases, the maxilla may be affected by mucormycosis. The rich vascularity of maxillofacial areas usually prevents fungal infections, although more virulent fungi, such as those

responsible for mucormycosis, can often overcome this difficulty.

There are several key signs that point towards mucormycosis. One such sign is fungal invasion into the vascular network, which results in thrombosis and death of surrounding tissue by loss of blood supply. If the disease involves the brain then symptoms may include a one-sided headache behind the eyes, facial pain, fevers, nasal stuffiness that progresses to black discharge, and acute sinusitis along with swelling of the eye.

Affected skin may appear relatively normal during the earliest stages of infection. This skin quickly progresses to an erythemic (reddening, occasionally with oedema) stage, before eventually turning black due to necrosis. In other forms of mucormycosis, such as pulmonary, cutaneous, or disseminated mucormycosis, symptoms may also include dyspnea (difficulty breathing), and persistent cough; in cases of necrosis, symptoms include nausea and vomiting, coughing blood, and abdominal pain.

Laundry lesson Constant escalating electricity costs and pressures on the conservation of energy has become a stark reality for business owners. However there is unfortunately no other way to curb fungal infection transmission but to implement a hot water wash.

Source: Laundry and Cleaning News

Laundries urged to be diligent over Ebola threat In the face of the Ebola emergency, healthcare laundries in the USA are being urged to maintain diligence in following safe laundry procedures.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has posted specific guidance on its website: “Interim Guidance for Environmental Infection Control in Hospitals for Ebola Virus.” This covers topics related to waste, linens and recommended personal protective equipment for environmental services.

The Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC), which inspects and accredits healthcare laundries, has set procedures for processing healthcare textiles that cover the complete textile processing system from handling and transporting, through laundering and finishing to customer service. These are based on federal regulations and best industry practices. President Gregory Gicewicz said that HLAC standards and procedures are particularly relevant to the Ebola emergency. These can be found in “Accreditation Standards for Processing Reusable Textiles for use in Healthcare Facilities, 2011 Edition”, which is available on the HLAC’s website, www.hlacnet.org.

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African Cleaning Review September/October 2014

laundry review

Coveted Entrepreneur award for Pretoria laundry concern The 2014 Sanlam / Business Partners Entrepreneur of the Year Judges Prize was awarded to joint owners of Legaci Dry Cleaners and Laundry Dudu Mofokeng

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ith branches based in Pretoria and a head office in Silver Lakes, the company currently has three retail outlets and an industrial plant specialising in high-end dry cleaning services for the hospitality and commercial industries, as well as individual clients.

Competition spokesperson Christo Botes said this business made the biggest impression on the judges. “While the business is not yet at the level of the other entrepreneurs awarded this year,

Services, Dudu and Leema Mofokeng. in terms of size and turnover, Dudu and Leema Mofokeng have managed to grow the business organically from nothing when they first established the company in 2008,” he said. “We have no doubt that this business will continue to grow and succeed.”

The 26-year-old competition, widely considered to be the pre-eminent of its kind in South Africa, celebrates excellence in entrepreneurship and aims to honour, benefit and uplift South African small, medium and micro-sized

enterprises (SMMEs) by providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their achievements and elevate their profile, as well as their profits. The competition provides prizes worth R1 340 000, which includes a cash prize of R100 000 for the overall winner and R50 000 for each of the other category winners. Each winner received valuable mentorship support, networking opportunities and associated marketing and national media exposure to further drive their business’s success.

African Cleaning Review September/October 2014

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feature hygiene brushware

The role of hygiene brushware in preventing cross contamination So-called ‘food-safe’ cleaning products have become big business in food processing plants, commercial kitchens, restaurants, and the like. In this feature African Cleaning Review focuses specifically on hygiene brushware and the advantages of using these specialised tools as part of a thorough cleaning regime in order to avoid the risk of foodstuffs becoming contaminated or tainted. Hygiene brushware makes it easier to maintain and document HACCP compliance in food processing facilities and simultaneously raises the visibility of internal hygiene control.

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azard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) is a simple risk-assessment method for ensuring a safe environment, particularly for areas where food or pharmaceuticals are handled.

Adhering to HACCP procedures calls upon an employee to review each point in the delivery and preparation of food and assess the potential for hazards or contamination.

The cleaning industry therefore plays an integral part in ensuring food safety. Cleaning teams in the food industry, especially those working in restaurants, food processing plants and supermarkets, must take special precautions to properly sanitise areas in which food is prepared or stored. It is here where hygiene brushware plays a vital part in ensuring that hard to reach areas, crevices and machines are disinfected.

African Cleaning Review spoke to leading hygiene brushware importers, distributors and local manufacturers to obtain a clearer picture of the different brands available to the market and the importance and benefits of using these essential cleaning tools.

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African Cleaning Review September/October 2014

Pescatech Pescatech is a Cape Town-based importer and distributor of the Vikan range of hygiene colour coded brushware. Vikan systems are designed to improve and raise the visibility of internal hygiene control, support HACCP compliance and to make it easier to maintain and document protocols for internal and external hygiene audits in food processing facilities. African Cleaning Review spoke to Elena Turnbull, National Retail & Distribution Manager at Pescatech.

Need for hygiene brushware South African food processing plant hygiene standards are definitely on par with the rest of the world and, because many export their products to several other countries, it has become paramount that companies revolutionise their cleaning processes, standards and equipment. It is therefore important to understand the relevant role that colour coded hygiene brushware plays in maintaining standards, thus avoiding cross contamination.

Pescatech has been importing the Vikan range of hygiene brushware, manufactured in Denmark, for almost 20 years and I would say the innovation, quality and durability factor of Vikan brushes are definitely something that

Elena Turnbull sets us apart in the market. Designed to improve a company’s internal hygiene control, Vikan brushware is manufactured from FDA-compliant materials that meet the requirements of EC regulation 10/2011/EC, pertaining to food contact materials for use in food production areas. Although cost is sometimes a consideration, one has to keep in mind that Vikan brushware is manufactured for longivety and that brings me to the aspect of the bristles.

Less expensive products might look the same, but when the bristles start to collapse the brush becomes useless as it is then difficult to clean between the bristles and your brush then becomes more of a contaminant than a tool to promote hygiene principles.

feature hygiene brushware

It is encouraging though that the majority of people understand the difference and therefore price is not an issue, especially considering the implications of bristle loss and contamination of food products. Retailers are entitled to fine factories heavily if consumers discover bristles in their products and therefore the use of quality brushware in any food processing environment is of paramount importance.

Colour coding During training it is always a good analogy to explain that you are unlikely to use the same cloth to wipe a washroom and a food preparation surface. It assists with the understanding of implementing a simple colour coding system to differentiate between food contact and non-food contact areas.

Zoning in food and beverage production facilities is a HACCP requirement to help reduce cross contamination and therefore, when dividing your facility into different areas, colour coding becomes very important. At the moment we have nine different brushware colours available (green, blue, red, white, yellow, black, purple, orange and pink). However, if we consider how hygiene auditors are broadening their scope for inspection, this allows for expansion into the new colours. Previously auditors concentrated only on food contact and non-food areas, but now they are inspecting outside and receiving areas where the norm would be black brushware, but in many cases a wooden brush would be used that often migrates back into the facility, because old habits die hard.

Even staff change rooms don’t escape inspection.

Because staff spend a lot of time in change rooms, they are often dirty and could lead to the spreading of contamination into the food processing facility. Therefore it broadened our scope and allowed us to offer our clients a new colour – pink.

Education Change is always difficult and therefore we don’t insist on changing a client’s current systems completely, but rather try to work within current parameters and then systematically adapt and improve it. Once we have agreed on a colour and we implement it into a facility, we generally train the factory staff or, in the majority of cases, we train the trainers, QC staff, supervisors and controllers who will then channel it down.

Cost of implementation It is not an inexpensive exercise to implement colour coded brushware and we find that many clients opt for a phased implementation. However, in the case of national and international groups, its regarded as a crucial part of maintaining their hygiene standards throughout the group and therefore it is regarded as fundamental in maintaining HACCP principles.

If you look at Nestlé for example, they have implemented standard colour coding throughout the group. On certain sites where they have higher risk areas and products, they will adapt accordingly but there is a definite general trend throughout the group.

Distinguishing factors The number of colours and the range of colour coded brushware definitely sets us apart. Vikan produces products that are actually required by the industry. For instance, we stock heat resistant brushes for use in facilities where packets have to be heat sealed, utilising sealing jaws.

Now if you use a wire brush to clean the jaws, the bristles could dislodge, resulting in bristles falling into the packets. Our solution for these applications is a brush with Teflon bristles that can withstand heat up to 220 degrees.

Probably the biggest development is in the design of the Vikan brushware range is the aptly named Edge. The previously, very square moulded blocks have been transformed into a product that features more angular edges, thereby improving the hold that now fits more comfortably into the hand for easy brushing. I would definitely say durability and lifespan are distinguishing factors. Yes, you can purchase less expensive brushware products, but you will have to consider that you will then end up replacing brushware more often.

Innovation Vikan works hard to make cleaning simpler, easier, and more effective.

Their product innovation is driven by the challenges met by the industry demands for hygiene and cleanliness. To combat this, ongoing research, product development takes place at their facility in Denmark. Innovation in brushware includes: • ergonomic design • heat and chemical resistance • non-bacterial absorption due to materials and technique used in the manufacturing process • durable filaments.

Bristle performance Bristle loss is always an area of concern to clients. Vikan brushes are manufactured by drilling holes into the brush back, folding a clump of bristles, inserting them into the hole, and fixing them with a stainless steel wire staple. Vikan goes to a lot of trouble to ensure that their bristles do not dislodge. Pull tests are performed on the product to ensure that the clumps are set correctly into the heads.

Very often, the reason that bristles become dislodged, is that you may have very rough welds on surfaces and there will be surface joints that are open. Therefore, if you are cleaning a table for instance, the brush will be pushed into the crevice and when it is pulled out bristles will get stuck during the tweezing process.

African Cleaning Review September/October 2014

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feature hygiene brushware

Cleaning and maintenance It is an important factor and it is something that is discussed frequently, especially with the various grey areas involved. Certain auditors prefer that the brushes are kept submerged in a sanitiser or disinfectant. However, the problem is, you don’t know how effective the sanitiser is in preventing cross contamination. It may be just as ineffective as leaving a mop in a bucket of dirty water. So generally what we prefer to do is to request that our clients clean the brushes manually. In circumstances where you have food contact and non-food contact brushes, you can’t use those to clean each other.

Rinse them well, sanitise and allow to air dry. Some clients perfer to soak the brushes in a chlorine solution; however this practice affects the lifespan of the product. It is important to note that the drier you can keep the product, the longer it will last and also remain more hygienic. Vikan brushware is also autoclavable, once cleaned, you can autoclave it at 125 degrees for between 5–10 minutes.

Cleaning and maintenance is a crucial aspect for us and in this regard we have published a wall poster for wash bays that clearly states the importance thereof. It stresses the importance of cleaning a hygiene brush, because if not cleaned properly, it will become a major source of contamination.

Product support Our staff are specialists in the field. We want to make sure that the client uses our products effectively, and therefore we don’t just simply sell a brush. We ensure that it is the correct brush for the correct application. Our many, many years of experience in the hygiene brushware sector assists our clients to revolutionise their cleaning processes and equipment.

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

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African Cleaning Review September/October 2014

feature hygiene brushware

Cleaning World

Richard Brummer

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leaning World is a Cape Townbased importer and distributor of Salmon® hygiene brushware, manufactured at the Hill Brush Company in the United Kingdom.

Products in the Salmon® Hygiene Technology range are manufactured to comply with all existing European and UK hygiene regulations to provide peace of mind to managers when cleaning hygienically sensitive areas.

African Cleaning Review spoke to MD Richard Brummer about hygiene brushware technology.

Need for hygiene brushware Worldwide the food industry is under massive pressure to comply with HACCP principles within hygiene sensitive areas and South Africa is not excluded. Many local companies export food products and therefore this risk of non-compliance and resultant cross contamination can result in severe implications well beyond our borders.

With ever-increasing emphasis placed on cleanliness and the prevention of product contamination, the food and beverage industry is under constant pressure to comply with stringent standards of hygiene. Consequently, management and personnel need to be able to demonstrate due diligence.

The Hill Brush Company understands the challenges faced by this sector, from maintaining sanitary work surfaces, processing equipment and tools, to ensuring that proper cleaning

Salmon Blue Products

practices are implemented and followed at all times.

Within the processing facilities, environmental factors such as high humidity as well as incomplete removal of organic residues support microbial growth. As a result, mould that develops in corners and grouting can cause food spoilage.

An ever-present risk of cross contamination must be controlled through the use of work area segregation, suitable storage of ingredients and appropriate cleaning, be this wet, dry or cleaning in place (CIP) areas. Stubborn residue must be removed from hard-to-reach areas, such as the inside of intricate pipework, in order to discourage the proliferation of bacteria.

Colour coding Colour coding is implemented for various reasons, but mainly to segregate different areas within food processing plants. The use of colour coded cleaning brushware in the food industry can assist greatly in reducing the risk of cross contamination while ensuring compliance. This methodical approach associates each product with a particular area, enabling interdepartmental or food type segregation.

In addition, by storing brushware off the ground attached to a colour coded wall bracket will ensure longivity, cleanliness and render missing brushes easily identifiable.

There is current no law as to what colour you should use, although the Salmon® colour chart provides an example of how colour coding can be implemented in order to stop cross contamination. Red is always good to use in a high-risk area; then you are assured that red brushware can’t be used in medium- and low-risk areas.

Innovation Salmon® hygiene brushware can be regarded as the industry leaders when it comes to innovation and the products are best described by mentioning the different ranges available to the market.

Premier range: • Ideal for standard duty industrial use and available in up to seven colours.

• Autoclave temperatures of up to 134 °C. • Industrial dishwasher safe and manufactured using FDA approved materials.

Professional range: • Used in areas where a wide range of professional cleaning tools are required.

• Available in up to eight colours, industrial dishwasher safe and manufactured from FDA approved materials.

• Autoclave temperatures of up to 134 °C.

African Cleaning Review September/October 2014

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feature hygiene brushware

Resin-set DRS range: This brushware range boasts a revolutionary improvement in brush filament retention known as the Dual Retention System (DRS). This unique approach uses both food grade stainless steel staples and an anti-microbial resin to secure the tufts to the brush back. This not only prevents the accumulation of dirt and moisture in the tuft holes but also the release of any filaments into the food or beverage processing environment.

It is available in up to nine colours and can be used in temperatures ranging between -18 °C to 79 °C. Autoclavable at temperatures of 134 °C and manufactured with FDA approved materials.

Anti-microbial range: The Salmon® anti-microbial range is designed for areas that require very high standards of cleanliness, and being able to show ‘due dilligence’ in the control of biological and physical contamination, is paramount.

Brushware contains a uniquely created additive, using silver-ion technology that inhibits the growth of mould, mildew and bacteria on the surface of the product itself: • Prevents in excess of 99 percent of bacterial contamination including MRSA and E-Coli; • Comprehensive approval for food contact applications;

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African Cleaning Review September/October 2014

• A nti-microbial properties do not deteriorate over time and are unaffected by the harshest cleaning chemicals and abrasion; • The silver based anti-microbial additive is an intergral part of the plastic components, as well as resin and filaments used in our anti-microbial range; • Dual Retention System (DRS) is standard; and • Can be used in temperatures ranging between -18 °C and 79 °C. Autoclavable in temperatures up to 134 °C. Total MDX range: Contamination of food or pharmaceutical products can cost money and your reputation. This Metal Detectable range has been specifically designed to help prevent this. All Metal Detectable products have been independently tested

by Mettler-Toledo Ltd, the leading manufacturer of metal detecting equipment. Results demonstrate that all of the tool’s navy plastic parts are detectable by metal detection machines in both wet and dry conditions. The plastics are foodcontact approved.

Different ranges for different industries We continuously have to develop ranges and therefore our brushware

stockholding is massive. You have to carry a complete range if you want to compete successfully in this market and if you want to be able to provide customers with what they need.

It is not just about having three or four brushes, cleaning is performed across the board in many industries, and you have to be in a position to offer tangible solutions. The market is definitely growing and therefore clients are demanding more colours.

Product care and maintenance It is essential to maintain and clean your hygienic tools to prolong their use and also to recognise when they need replacing: • Remove all visible dirt and any foreign objects. Use a Salmon® Hygiene Technology brush with stiff filaments to do so; • Clean the brush in a cleaning solution with a pH between 7.0 and 12.2; • Alternatively, clean in an industrial dishwasher (82 °C); • Rinse with clean water; • If lime residue is formed on the tool after washing and use, these can be removed by washing in a cleaning solution with a pH between 7.0 and 12.2; • Use a Salmon® Hygiene Technology brush with stiff filaments to do so or clean in an industrial dishwasher (82 °C);

feature hygiene brushware • I f required, tools can be disinfected after washing with an approved disinfectant. Salmon® Hygiene Technology products tolerate all approved disinfectants; • Rinse with clean water to ensure the removal of any disinfectant residues before using it again for cleaning; • If required, most Salmon® Hygiene Technology products can be sterilised by autoclaving. Many products can be autoclaved at temperatures of up to 134 °C; and • Place the brush to dry on a Salmon® Hygiene Technology wall hanging system.

Recognising when brushware needs replacing: • When filaments are so entangled that particles can adhere to them.

• When filaments are discoloured.

• When the brush back or plastic moulding is scratched or badly marked.

• When the handle is broken or bent.

Salmon Hygiene Floor Plan

• W hen the filaments are excessively worn.

• When your system specifies that the tool must be replaced after a suitable period or if it may pose a risk to food hygiene.

Differentiating factors It is a simple answer. Salmon® originated hygiene brushware and by continuing to spend large sums of

money on research and development, the company has maintained its leadership position in the world. The company has never copied anyone else in the market but continiously seeks ways to improve products to make them stronger, better and as affordable as possible.

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

African Cleaning Review September/October 2014

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feature hygiene brushware

Africa Floorcare

Riaan van der Westhuizen

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frica Floorcare is a South African manufacturer and importer of cleaning supplies including mops, trolley systems, vacuum cleaners, washroom hygiene and window cleaning products. According to Riaan van der Westhuizen, brand manager for their Tinta brushware range, they entered the hygiene brushware market after realising the market potential and unique fit with their existing range of colour coded mops, buckets and wringers. Following extensive research, Africa Floorcare decided to acquire an Italian brushware manufacturing machine that would allow the company to produce hygiene brushware that adheres to HACCP food safety standards.

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other parts of the world. The correct raw materials are used during the manufacturing process and the bristles are secured with food grade stainless steel staples. Major retailers and food processing plants are creating a bigger demand for advanced hygiene solutions and therefore a local production facility offers these organisations the ability to source local products, featuring international standards that are readily available. We pride ourselves on the fact that we value customer input and feed the information directly to the factory, based in Johannesburg, and we have already seen improvements and enhancements relating specifically to working conditions in South Africa. Local manufacturing has a definite advantage as product trials can result in, for example, the change in thickness of the bristles or shortening thereof to produce an improved product offering, enhancing end results. Flexibility is also key, especially when having to complete a major order, local manufacturing allows for increased production in order to meet tight deadlines. It is the nature of our business to produce a high-end, highquality product at a very affordable price to the entire market and thereby introduce the benefits of hygiene brushware to a bigger market sector than is currently the case.

Local manufacturing

Introducing colour coded brushware

I believe that hygiene brushware manufactured in South Africa by Africa Floorcare, branded as the Tinta range, matches the standards and quality of similar products currently imported from

All cleaning tools are used by people and irrespective of education levels, the visual aspect of vibrant colours to demarcate zones in food processing facilities makes it more appealing, easy

African Cleaning Review September/October 2014

to fathom and underlines the importance of cross contamination. It therefore becomes a lot more difficult to step out of, for example, a red zone into a white zone with a red cleaning tool; the individual immediately realises the implications of this action.

However, to a certain extent, staff in many facilities had for several years already been exposed to the use of colour coded wipes in the workplace; therefore, by introducing colour coded brushware, it will effectively be an extension of an existing cleaning regime.

Product features • A ll brushware is available in six different colours.

• Conforms to HACCP standards.

• Assists with the prevention of cross contamination.

• Perfect for food preparation and healthcare environments.

• Brush components resistant to solvents and chemicals.

• Stainless steel staples prevent rust.

• Heat resistant to 121 °C. The current Tinta hygiene brush range consists of broom heads, deck scrubs, scrubbing brushes, short/long handled scrubbing brushes, slimline brushes, nail brushes, strip brushes and twisted bottle brushes. Although there are no plans to extend the colour range beyond six colours, this could change in future depending on local market requirements.

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

case study

Foam soap may aid water conservation efforts

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he sustainable and efficient use of resources continues to be an area of emphasis for companies’ environmental responsibility initiatives. Many organisations are striving to reduce their environmental impact, and in the process save money, by reducing their use of energy and natural resources – including water. An area that companies tend to overlook when assessing their environmental impact is the washroom, which accounts for about 37 percent of water usage in the average office, according to the EPA. Beyond fixing dripping faucets and installing low-flow toilets, companies should consider the hand hygiene products used in their offices or facilities, which can have a significant impact on the total water consumption. Wall-mounted, nonaerosol foam hand wash systems

are an alternative to traditional liquid soaps. In these systems, an integrated pump in the cartridge mixes a special formula liquid soap with air to increase its volume by 10 times and provide an instant lather for hand washing. Using foam soap rather than a liquid soap results in considerable reduced water usage, according to independent research conducted in the UK in 2009.

Researchers asked 150 people to dirty their hands to a moderate level and then wash their hands – once with traditional liquid/lotion soap and once with foaming soap. Participants used their handwashing method of choice without specific instruction.

Researchers measured the water flow rate for each faucet. They also rotated the product tested (first to avoid order effects), and all the participants used liquid/lotion or foam soaps on a day-today basis.

Within the controlled study, participants used an average of 1 758 ml of water with the faucet on for 21.8 seconds when testing the lotion soap. For foam soap, the amount of water used was reduced to 1 475 ml of water with the faucet on for 19.7 seconds, representing a 16 percent water saving. Presuming people wash their hands three times a day at work, an office of 100 people currently using lotion soap would save approximately 20 000 litres of water per year simply by changing to foam soap. According to the Debgroup blog changing hand hygiene products to a foam soap and educating employees on the preferred hand-washing method could result in significant water reduction – making it an environmentally and fiscally

responsible choice. www.debgroup.com/blog

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people and events Siyaya celebrates launch of new Cape Town training facility With their prestigious launch of a new facility in Cape Town during August, the Siyaya Group of Companies has shown evolutionary growth in parallel to the establishment of the National Qualifications framework in the late 1990s.

As a chemical and equipment supply concern, they recognised the need to formalise the training previously offered in support of their products supplied and assist in the professionalisation of the skills in the cleaning industry.

Siyaya also assisted in the development of Cleaning Unit Standards through representation on the Cleaning Industry Standard Generating Body, as well as having assisted in writing the first draft of training material for Hygiene and Cleaning Level 1 Qualification and participated in delivering some of the first learners to receive full qualifications in Hygiene and Cleaning.

They now successfully deliver qualifications in cleaning at Levels 1, 2 and 3.

The company then broadened their scope to include other industries and skills, some of which include Business Administration, Generic Management, Wholesale and Retail, Distribution, Business Practice, SMME, Abet and even Forklift licensing. Consultation and expertise is offered to clients across all SETAs where they provide Integrated Compliance Solutions to stakeholders regarding Skills Development, B-BBEE and Employment Equity and Training throughout South Africa.

In addition, specialist support services are offered regarding

Pictured at the launch of the Siyaya Group’s facilities in Cape Town are (from left): Patti Oakes (Director), Dr Raymond Patel (Keynote speaker and CEO of merSETA), Brent Oakes (Director) and Beverly Miller (Branch Manager, Siyaya Western Cape).

Recruitment, Training, Workplace integration and support of people with disabilities.

Keynote speaker at the launch, Dr Raymond Patel, CEO of the merSETA said that SETA in general, and merSETA in particular, is there to assist in all training efforts as SETAs have a responsibility to support the industry. He further emphasised that young people must be considered as ‘industrial tourists’ and welcomed, exposed to and excited by what the Industry has to offer. He concluded by saying that “We build the people who build South Africa.”

National Chairperson of the National Contract Cleaning Association (NCCA), Clive Damonze, commended Siyaya on the work they have done and continue to do to support the Cleaning Industry in particular, as well as Skills Development in South Africa as a whole.

For more information about Siyaya email: patti@siyayaec.co.za

new products Introducing a Swifta clean The ADDIS Swifta Clean floor cleaner cleans floors quicker, more hygienically and with less effort on the cleaner. Speed, convenience and efficiency are what sets the Swifta apart from other floor cleaners. The Swifta is lightweight, easy to handle and easy to store, and can clean up any mess in a flash.

Swifta’s disposable, thick drysweeping cloth locks away the dirt using electrostatic action, making it more hygienic to use than most brooms. The thick dirt-grabbing ridges and grooves on the drysweeping cloth follow the surface of floors to reach the tiniest of surface pores, crevices and grout lines.

Swifta’s disposable wet-mopping

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cloth traps and dissolves dirt and locks it away until disposal, giving a streak-free, clean result.

Features • H igh-performance – a two-in-one solution – cleans better than a mop and broom.

• Sweeps and mops floors up to 3 x faster and more effectively than ordinary floor cleaners.

• Hygienic and convenient – disposable dry and wet cloths do away with the effort of cleaning broom bristles and mop heads.

• Allergy-reducing – electrostatic cleaning means the dust gets trapped in the cloth rather than pushing it around on the floor.

o need to use harsh chemicals, • N resulting in more eco-friendly and cost-effective cleaning.

• Scratch- and streak-free results.

• A 360-degree swivelling head allows for cleaning into those hard to clean places while a softgrip handle make for comfortable cleaning every time.

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

new products Gently swipe it baby Legrand’s Arteor electronic switches, which are sensitive to a gentle ‘swipe’, have gained popularity in applications that require pristine hygiene standards, especially in commercial and healthcare installations.

These switches, which don’t require the effort of manual push button control, have also been developed for the convenience of paraplegics.

Arteor sensitive electronic switches, with a 100/240 VA capacity, control light sources by simply passing a hand in front of the switch.

Technology of the micro sensor has been designed so that any movement

further than 5 mm from the switch will not trigger it into turning on or off.

These units have a LED indicator light as standard, to show the status of the current load – on or off.

Legrand’s range of Arteor switches also includes mechanical, push buttons and automatic switches, as well as dimmer and double pole switches.

Arteor wiring devices – from simple switches, to the most advanced home automation systems and fully networked installations – are fully compatible with international socket and flush-mounting box standards.

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

Initial SA launches the latest Dyson hand dryer

Initial Hygiene Services South Africa recently announced the launch of a new hand dryer to the South African market: the Dyson Airblade V. The latest offering from the Dyson engineers is concentrated on the Dyson Airblade™ technology; a unit which has been designed to be 60 percent smaller than the original without compromising drying performance.

Using Dyson’s latest power dense digital motor, the Dyson Airblade V

hand dryer is able to dry hands quickly and efficiently in a mere 10 seconds.

Conventional hand dryers use one column of warm air to evaporate water from both hands. Unreliable sensors often lead to intermittent drafts of dirty air. This can slip areas and leave wet patches. Hand rubbing is required, and most people simply give up before their hands are actually dry and it is common knowledge that wet hands are a breeding ground for bacteria. The Dyson Airblade V uses two sheets of air, blown at 690 km/h through apertures 0.8 mm wide and angled at 115 degrees to separate hands and scrape water off hands like a windscreen wiper, ensuring optimal hand hygiene.

“Using complex computer modeling Dyson engineers have developed a high performance digital motor. The Dyson digital motor self-adjusts 6 000 times a second to maintain optimum efficiency to create high velocity

sheets of air that dries hands quickly and hygienically,” said James Dyson.

The Dyson Airblade™ hand dryer passes washroom air through a HEPA filter to remove 99.9 percent of bacteria before it’s blown onto hands.

The latest Dyson digital motor is a power dense brushless DC motor, utilising a bonded magnet encased in a carbon fibre sleeve. It is one of the world’s smallest and fully integrated 1 600W motors. Using digital pulse technology, it accelerates from 0–90,000 rpm in less than 0.7 seconds. Capacitance sensors create a weak electrical field between the user and Earth. The proximity of the user’s hands distorts this field triggering the motor and Airblade™ technology. Remove hands and the field is restored – drying ends thereby eliminating the need to press a button. The Dyson Airblade V hand dryer is available from August 2014 through Rentokil Initial.

For more information on the Dyson Airblade V or to arrange for a free hygiene survey of your business, contact Rentokil Initial on 0800 77 77 88.

new products Introducing the Force range of induction vacuum cleaners An increased South African demand for continuously rated vacuum cleaners with the ability to run for extended periods of time has prompted Kränzle South Africa to add the Force vacuum cleaner range as an addition to the company’s existing range.

The Force and Force Maximus vacuum cleaners are manufactured in Italy and feature induction-motor turbine machines with an 80 litre capacity stainless steel tank supplied with standard hose and tooling.

The Force vacuum cleaner is suitable for centralised vacuum cleaning installations, predominantly in carwash applications.

The Force Maximus allows for comfortable suction of waste derived from mechanical manufacturing, e.g. metal swarf, sawdust, debris, oil, etc.

Anti-static tooling (50 mm) is available for this powerful vacuum cleaner.

For more information email: rod@kranzle.co.za

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African Cleaning Review September/October 2014

10th

edition

S IN

CE 1998

2015

The one international trade show in Africa for all sectors of the professional cleaning industry

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30 July 2015

Gallagher Convention Centre Midrand | Johannesburg | South Africa Supported by:

NATIONAL CONTRACT CLEANERS ASSOCIATION

For show details and to book your stand contact: Tel: +27 11 238 7848 Email: info@cleantex.co.za www.cleantex.co.za

BOOKINGS NOW OPEN

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