African Cleaning Review SeptOct '16 issue

PROMOTING PROFESSIONAL HYGIENE AND CLEANING

September/October 2016 | R50.00 (incl. VAT)

Working at height Future of FM outsourcing Chemical-free cleaning Eco-friendly car wash systems

contents SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 Vol 17 No. 5

Get hands on with Rubbermaid skincare solutions Rubbermaid offers a hygienic and safer choice of skincare products. Whether you are looking for the rich and luxurious or the economical, their complete line of skincare systems is suitable for every need. In addition Rubbermaid offers a choice of dispensers, from automatic wall-mounted and through-the-counter systems to manual wall-mounted styles.

Read more about Rubbermaid’s skincare solutions on pages 16 and 17.

Opinion

Is your existing cleaning service outdated and costing you money?

Industry News

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Upgraded high-tech Dettol plant bolsters healthy hygiene habits campaign Nilfisk SA opens concept store in Johannesburg SCA plans to split into two listed companies Stefanutti Stocks and Ion Exchange Safic sign working agreement Showcasing workplace hygiene solutions at CleantexPulire 2017

Advertorial

Prime Wetrok cleaning academy Ultra High Level Cleaning Services Goscor Cleaning Equipment Blendwell Chemicals Hako and Platchem

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Features

Educational

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What do clothing care label symbols actually mean?

Cape Town laundry workshop SATSA meet and greet Hotel room cleanliness key to customer retention

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Special Feature

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New Products

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People and Events

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Chemical-free cleaning – a new spin on cleaning Locally manufactured cleaning at height system Glass cleaning cloth Tennant floor care equipment launch Nilfisk 2016 golf day NCCA national AGM NCCA Gauteng golf day Infection control symposium

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.

Upcoming Features November/December issue • Aircare • Sustainable cleaning

Reminder

2017 ACR Buyer’s Guide Update your details and renew your advertising

Announcement

FM Review

What is the future of facility management outsourcing?

Liberty and JHI announce strategic property management services partnership

@AfricanCleanRev 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 Administration and Accounts: Nandé Jacobs Email: africancleaningreview@cleantex.co.za

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Laundry Review

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High-access cleaning • Working at height • Working from the safety of ground level • Access equipment rental Eco-friendly car wash systems Ensuring surfaces are both visually and hygienically clean

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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

CleantexPulire 2017 dates: 13-14 June 2017 Contact info@cleantex.co.za to book your stand now!

Official Publication

Media Partner

African Cleaning Review September/October 2016

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from the editor

opinion

Is your existing cleaning service outdated and costing you money?

Commercial property owners and facility managers face a unique dilemma. It’s critical that they keep their facilities clean, but they also

Industry activity – alive and well At this time of the year there always seems to be so much happening that it is a pity we can’t cover everything in a single issue. However, having said that, we were still able to publish details about many of the events that make this industry tick. Noteworthy information includes a brand new state-of-the-art training academy that opened its doors in Cape Town; the National Contract Cleaners Association elected a new National Chairman; Reckitt Benckiser opened their upgraded Dettol Antiseptic Liquid plant; Thea Daha – a leading international authority on infection control in healthcare – visited South Africa as a guest of Nilfisk; and Goscor Cleaning Equipment launched their new Tennant range of auto scrubbers.

These are all very exciting developments which again underline the fact that the professional cleaning and hygiene industry is a progressive sector where new opportunities and innovative ideas are shared and embraced.

Features in this issue cover high-access cleaning, especially the safety aspects thereof, and insight into eco car wash systems.

The latter is becoming a very relevant topic especially considering that water is increasingly becoming a scarce resource and thus the wasteful use of potable water at car washes should be outlawed and environmentally friendly alternatives must be pursued.

News and new product developments are what keeps this industry moving by creating awareness and interest; therefore I wish to call on all our readers to remember to submit news and pictures on a regular basis for consideration. Also note that the dates for the next CleantexPulire exhibition are announced in this issue. Looking forward to seeing you there next year!

Enjoy the read!

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need to be budget conscious.

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earching for a new commercial cleaning company is actually a lot of work. Between researching potential service providers, completing walk-throughs, obtaining proposals, choosing a new provider and severing ties with the old company, you may not have enough time to deal with other vital business matters. In the end, many managers end up caught between the need for change and the comfortable stability of their current cleaning service.

In reality, however, your complacency with a familiar arrangement may be costing you money. Cleaning Services Group highlights three of the simplest ways to tell whether your current cleaning service provider might be behind the times and in need of an upgrade.

1. Cleaning company can’t match your growth As your company expands, so will your cleaning requirements. Of course, it only makes sense that – as you acquire new facilities – you’ll need more housekeeping assistance to keep up with the added square footage.

On a more subtle level, your expansion may be inextricably tied to increased time spent in the public eye.

As such, your standards of cleanliness could ultimately affect your growth rate by reflecting on your brand reputation, business partnerships or even customer satisfaction. If your current cleaning provider is a relatively small company without the ability to staff your new corporate headquarters or remote branch office, or if they do not have sufficient equipment to handle the job, or if they lack an appropriate understanding of what exactly needs to be done, it may be time to move on.

2. Cleaning company’s equipment or methods are outdated It doesn’t matter what kind of tools and equipment your service provider uses as long as the job gets done, right? Guess again, because the latest technology and cleaning equipment like backpack vacuums, auto-scrubbers, and even the type of dusters being used can result in significantly lower service overheads. This usually means lower costs for you, the client.

Proven gains with modern techniques Cleaning productivity and efficiency plays a huge role in what you ultimately pay for the service. For instance, one productivity assessment found that, when cleaning a 230 square metre facility, cleaning staff using backpack vacuums were shown to complete the job in around 15 minutes. This was a far cry from the 53 minutes those equipped with single-motor upright models devoted to the same job.

In total, backpacks were found to be around 30 percent more efficient than other vacuums, which translated to massive savings in labour costs for the companies that switched to using them. The vast majority of commercial cleaners figure their employee expenses into what they charge, so it’s easy to see how their technical improvements end up benefiting your bottom line.

Modern equipment means better results For many companies, cleanliness is directly related to revenue. Data suggests retailers that sell clothing, furniture, electronics, food and other consumer goods directly benefit from keeping their premises tidier.

opinion Another study performed by M/A/R/C® Research and National In-Store found that 14 percent of consumers would stop visiting stores that failed to meet their own personal standards of cleanliness.

This also translates to public areas of office buildings and other types of commercial buildings. How does this relate to your cleaning company’s chosen equipment? In short, even the most diligent cleaning staff may not be able to overcome substandard equipment.

Cleaning tools break down over time, and this is typically associated with a loss in performance efficiency. Why should you be paying for your cleaning team’s loss of productivity when it could cost you business and profit?

3. Cleaning company has an excessively high employee turnover rate Custodial work is a professional stepping-stone for some individuals. It’s only natural that people move on as their lives change and they gain career skills, and sometimes circumstances simply dictate that it’s time for something new.

These factors don’t mean, however, that your cleaning staff should be a continuous revolving door of new faces.

In fact, your cleaning service provider’s mismanaged employment practices typically wind up costing you money.

Impact of cleaning staff turnover Never make the mistake of thinking that service industries rely on unskilled labour. While your favourite cleaner may not apply a university-level education to her daily work, she still relies on a host of well-honed skills. Some of these come from her own experience

and others are the result of employer training, but they all impact the quality of the cleaning you enjoy.

Commercial cleaning companies that can maintain workforces of loyal individuals for longer periods are more likely to retain skilled staff. These workers produce consistent results because they possess increased experience, but it also helps that they’re more deeply invested in their careers.

Since they take pride in their work, they actually meet higher standards of excellence, which means you are paying for more skilled, productive cleaning staff.

Cleaning company owners and managers that don’t care about their workforce will not be able to generate quality results consistently. Not providing the right equipment, skimping on wages and benefits and skipping vital training hinders their ability to keep your facilities impeccable. The costs

of ongoing hiring, staff induction and increased HR workload drives up their costs, which is reflected in the prices they charge.

Getting your cleaning service up to date Could your current commercial cleaning service be lacking when it comes to keeping your facilities consistently clean? It may be hard to determine whether they’re costing you money you shouldn’t be spending at first, but examining these three factors is a great way to make a more accurate assessment. Make a change that benefits your business by consulting with experts.

Cleaning Services Group Inc. (CSG) is a national cleaning group in the US with over 40 branch offices serving over 1 500 customer sites. CSG counts some of the most recognised brand name companies in the US among their clients.

For more information visit: www.csginc.com

African Cleaning Review September/October 2016

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industry news Upgraded high-tech Dettol plant bolsters healthy hygiene habits campaign

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uring August, Reckitt Benckiser (RB) South Africa celebrated the opening of their new upgraded Dettol Antiseptic Liquid (ASL) plant, and the addition of a new Dettol bar soap line. Dettol is one of the most successful products within RB’s global portfolio of leading health, hygiene and home brands. Both investments clearly highlight RB’s commitment to the South African market, people and economy – delivering on a global vision of a world where people are healthier and live better.

Speaking at the official opening ceremony Alan Thompson, Regional Senior Vice President – Africa, said: “RB has a long history in South Africa. As part of that history, Dettol Antiseptic Liquid became a trusted household name in germ protection.

The RB Elandsfontein head office and location of the ASL plant is a ‘Centre of Excellence’ for the African region and the wider RB business, underpinning

the value that the South African business brings to the global whole. The plant upgrade clearly demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement, building capabilities and investment at a local level.”

Dettol ASL is registered in South Africa as a medicine and hence the upgraded plant is a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliant site. The R&D facilities at the Elandsfontein plant are the biggest in Africa and among the biggest in RB’s Developing Markets region. The R&D expertise supports the facility upgrades, both in technology transfer and brand maintenance.

The licence to operate for companies like RB encompasses stakeholders’ expectations that go beyond the letter of the law and regulations. Continuous improvement on environmental and social metrics is expected.

One particularly strong trend is a growing focus on tackling the causes of

Officially opening the Dettol plant, from left: Alan Thompson, RB Regional Senior Vice President – Africa and Lebogang Maile, MEC, Gauteng Department of Economic Development.

easily preventable deaths and illness.

Every year around the world there are over half a million deaths of children under the age of five from diarrhoea, an entirely preventable disease. Dettol introduced programmes for new mums and school children in South Africa to tackle this appalling public health problem.

The New Mums programme targets 504 000 new mothers in public hospitals and clinics. The aim is to educate them at a critical inflection point (birth of their child) on healthy hygiene habits across various milestones of the baby’s life. The new mums are given a sample 90g bar of Dettol soap plus an educational leaflet to encourage trials and reinforce messaging.

The Direct Schools programme targets 73 000 students in 155 schools across Gauteng in order to educate them on the importance of when and how to wash their hands to establish healthy hygiene habits. Like the new mums, they get a sample Dettol soap bar and an educational leaflet to take home.

The Indirect Schools programme reaches out to over 1 million students in 2 300 schools, educating them about hygiene. Posters on the Dettol 6-step hand washing method are given to teachers in two languages to assist with learning.

South African-produced Dettol is currently exported to Angola, Botswana, Mauritius, Madagascar, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The company plans to export to Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda in future.

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

industry news Nilfisk South Africa opens concept store in Johannesburg

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hen WAP and Industroclean merged to form Nilfisk South Africa during 2014, both companies had internal sales counters to cater for walk-in and established clients who were unable to wait for a scheduled delivery and needed to purchase items urgently.

When Nilfisk moved into the new premises during the latter part of 2015 the new facility presented a perfect section with a separate entrance to be utilised as a walk-in store and hence the idea of a ‘Concept Store’ evolved. The

concept store offers customers multiple items with one centralised theme – cleaning. “We’ve taken our most popular products and stocked the new retail store to provide quick and efficient service to our walk-in customers.

From vacuum cleaners and pressure washers to cleaning chemicals and consumables, vacuum filters and bags, all can now be found at the new store,” says Wendy McDermott, Marketing Manager Nilfisk SA. Nilfisk SA constantly adapts and improves their offering to clients in

order to meet market demands.

“We are continuously adding new products and the concept store provides the ideal platform to showcase them. Customers can sit down in the comfort of the store whilst enjoying a cup of coffee and also catch up on DSTV world news while the paperwork is completed.

This new facility provides our clients with an opportunity to view a broad range of cleaning equipment and consumables, or to request a machine demonstration,” says McDermott.

SCA plans to split into two listed companies

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eading global hygiene and forest products group, SCA, recently announced that it plans to split into separate hygiene and forest products companies during 2017. Currently about 85 percent of Group sales are derived from the hygiene business and about 15 percent from the forest products business.

“For the 2017 Annual General Meeting, the board of directors plans to present a proposal for the distribution and listing of the company’s hygiene business”, says Pär Boman, Chairman of the Board of Directors of SCA. “Our hygiene and forest products businesses are two strong operations with attractive offerings in their respective industries. After a thorough analysis, our conclusion is that a split of SCA into two listed companies is the best way to continue to create shareholder value, customer benefits and further development

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African Cleaning Review September/October 2016

opportunities”, says Magnus Groth, President and CEO of SCA. Should the shareholders decide in favour of the proposal, the plan is to distribute and list the new hygiene company on the Nasdaq Stockholm during the second half of 2017. Following the split, there will be two listed companies. One will be a hygiene company including SCA’s current business areas of personal care and tissue. The second, a forest products company including all forest products operations and all the forest land owned by the SCA Group.

“SCA’s leading global hygiene business offers products that make life easier every day for millions of people around the world. An increasing awareness of the relationship between hygiene and health, combined with a growing and aging population, are creating greater demand for hygiene products.

Furthermore, SCA is Europe’s largest

private forest owner and the wellintegrated supply chain, with production facilities concentrated in Sweden in close proximity to its forest holdings, offers significant synergies and competitive advantages,” says Groth.

Magnus Groth

industry news Stefanutti Stocks and Ion Exchange Safic sign working agreement

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tefanutti Stocks and Ion Exchange Safic signed a working agreement during July to foster a mutually beneficial relationship, focused on the respective strengths of each party, for the improvement of the water sector in South Africa and the SADC region.

Stefanutti Stocks is one of South Africa’s leading construction groups with over 12 000 employees, with the capacity to deliver a range of projects of any scale to a multitude of clients in diverse markets.

Ion Exchange Safic is a partnership between the listed infrastructure support company, Accentuate Limited and one of the largest water purification companies in the world, Ion Exchange India.

The agreement ensures that each company’s respective skills set is used to the advantage of the project with Ion Exchange Safic responsible for process, design, engineering and the procurement of process equipment and Stefanutti Stocks responsible for the execution and construction and civil works required on the projects.

Fred Platt, CEO of Accentuate said that this was an auspicious occasion for Ion Exchange Safic. “The partnership has been in place for a couple of years and this agreement is testament to the quality of service, products and technical know-how that is contained within the company.”

He goes on to say that water is a critical asset for the people and prosperity of the country and if not managed effectively, will have dire consequences to the country as a whole.

“With its background of multidisciplinary projects, including extensive proven experience in the water treatment and general water infrastructure market, we believe Stefanutti Stocks together with Ion Exchange Safic can provide significant value-add to this much-needed sector of the Southern African market”, commented Willie Meyburgh, CEO of Stefanutti Stocks.

The agreement is in place in order to tender on projects in the water sector and through the combination of the various skills sets the companies are confident that successful implementation will be the result.

Pictured in the front row, from left: Aankur Patni (Director – Ion Exchange Safic), Rajesh Sharma (Chairman – Ion Exchange Safic), Willie Meyburgh (CEO – Stefanutti Stocks), Werner Jerling (MD – Stefanutti Stocks). Back row, from left: Eric Platt (Director – Ion Exchange Safic), Fred Platt (CEO, Accentuate Ltd), Gourish Chakravorty (CEO – Ion Exchange Safic).

advertorial prime wetrok cleaning academy

A state-of-the-art training facility In the current tough economic climate, there has been an increase in the demand for cleaning service contractors operating in the commercial property sector to offer a high standard of service at competitive rates.

Although the latest cleaning technology produces automation capable of maintaining and even increasing standards, the human element and skills levels still play a crucial part in delivering a result that adheres to service level agreements. Also, the continuous brain drain due to high staff turnover in the contract cleaning industry is a reality and impacts heavily on service providers who have to find new and innovative ways to equip their workforce with the necessary skills levels.

With this in mind, Prime Cleaning Suppliers established a practicaloutcomes-based training facility based in Cape Town – the Prime Wetrok Cleaning Academy.

Prime Cleaning Suppliers has established itself over the past 20 years as a leading supplier of cleaning chemicals and paper products. In addition, it is also the national distributor for Wetrok cleaning machines and chemicals. The company’s extensive knowledge and commitment to increasing industry standards guided them to the next logical step: to establish a cleaning academy in order to offer clients skills empowerment.

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African Cleaning Review September/October 2016

Prime Cleaning Suppliers also introduced ‘The Value of Clean’ theme, first introduced in the US by the ISSA. The Value of Clean aims to encourage facility decision makers to halt the thinking of cleaning as a cost, but rather to view it as a value-added service. It further states that cleaning activities impact on the bottom line of a business in numerous ways and that developing a deeper understanding of the economic benefits of cleaning will produce greater savings. With this theme, the cleaning academy remains dedicated to the personal upliftment of learners with an emphasis on the dignity in performing cleaning tasks.

Heading up the cleaning academy is Matthew Gervais, who boasts 20 years’ experience in the cleaning and hygiene industry, ranging from importing cleaning systems and products, sales and service of renowned cleaning equipment brands as well as selling contract cleaning services. Matthew is known for being passionate about knowledge sharing and always incorporates education in his sales approach. He is tasked with the establishment of the cleaning academy and the facilitation of a wide range of workshops and training courses.

The cleaning academy will focus on providing quality, cost-effective training modules to cleaning service providers,

Matthew Gervais thus facilitating a practical and direct impact on their day-to-day activities.

Prime Cleaning Suppliers believes that by equipping clients with this knowledge, they will attain a rise in standards and increased work efficiencies.

The training facility is structured to include a lecture area, but flows seamlessly into various demonstration areas that allow learners to transfer knowledge directly within a practical environment. The large floor care demonstration area features the latest flooring types ranging from polished porcelain and ceramics to commercial vinyl and linoleum flooring products.

It also contains a large-sized and fully functional kitchen and a separate commercial washroom facility where learners can obtain valuable cleaning experience relative to their own working environment.

industry news Courses and workshops are aimed at special task cleaners, supervisors, sales people and regional managers operating in the commercial cleaning industry.

Topics are relevant, can be implemented immediately and include amongst others: • Site survey and facility measurement • Floor care – including strip and seal • Porcelain cleaning • Cleaning equipment operation and maintenance • Consumables • Carpet cleaning Classes are kept small and training can be completed within a day, with a statement of competency and competence certificate issued on completion.

In order to suit each client’s specific requirements, Prime Cleaning Suppliers can perform a comprehensive needs assessment in order to customise training accordingly.

Cleaning service providers are welcome to contact Matt Gervais at 021 551 4570 for more information about training courses at the Prime Wetrok Cleaning Academy.

Showcasing workplace hygiene solutions in 2017

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leantexPulire, the 11th edition of this African and international trade exhibition established in 1998 to incorporate all sectors in the professional cleaning and related industries, is set to take place in Johannesburg from 13–14 June 2017.

This exhibition is regarded as Africa’s established and foremost event for the cleaning industry, as it draws unequalled numbers of loyal and new visitors to view the latest products and services. Also, it proposes innovative solutions – not only for professional cleaners – but for facility, healthcare, retail and food service managers and workers alike, as well as other professionals within the in-house cleaning, hygiene, hospitality and property maintenance industries. An ever-increasing demand to meet international standards of cleanliness and hygiene in the workplace, linked with the constant need to upgrade cleaning systems across multiple industries, reiterates the importance to be part of this cleaning technology showcase.

Educational industry seminars and various Association meetings will run concurrent with CleantexPulire 2017 to enhance knowledge and skills transfer, focus on industry trends and celebrate close to two decades of industry innovations.

CleantexPulire is a member of the International Pulire Cleaning Show Network, regarded as the most relevant trade shows for cleaning technology, equipment and services in the world. This strategic alliance contributes significantly to marked increases in international participation.

For more information contact: info@cleantex.co.za

African Cleaning Review September/October 2016

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feature high-access cleaning

Working at height The safety of employees is becoming an increasingly important issue for companies, especially where staff have to perform their daily tasks working at height. Safety in cleaning has also come under the spotlight and stricter regulations have come into effect to reduce the number of accidents and injuries in the industry. Window cleaning is a skilled trade, which has undergone a massive transformation, as windows get bigger, Rob Urquhart

higher and more integral to design.

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frican Cleaning Review takes a closer look at the building facade and window cleaning landscape, how it has changed from the use of ladders, which is an obvious risk, to more recent introductions such as water fed poles, MEWPs and other methods and products that allow cleaners to clean windows at height. It is after all an occupation regarded as one of the most dangerous in the world.

The client or facility owner that employs the services of high-access window cleaners plays a vital part in the process where operator safety simply can’t be compromised. It is therefore imperative that the client has a firm understanding of the safety risks, rules and regulations associated with working at height.

In order to glean a clearer understanding of this topic, Rob Urquhart, in his capacity as IWH director and head of ladders offers his perspective.

Unfortunately there are many misconceptions and confusion regarding the rules and regulations governing the work at height industry, particularly in the window and high-access cleaning industry.

Work at height is governed by the OHS Act; particularly the Construction Regulations of 2014.

Although cleaning and minor maintenance work (such as changing a light bulb) are excluded from the Construction Regulations, some paragraphs do apply (listed below) and cleaning companies doing work at height, as well as their clients, should ensure that all Health and Safety requirements are adhered to. This includes, but is not limited to, a complete Health & Safety file being available at every work site and staff being competent and medically fit to work at height.

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African Cleaning Review September/October 2016

feature high-access cleaning Whichever access method is used, the workers assembling and those using the equipment must be competent to erect and use the equipment and have a medical certificate of fitness for working at height.

Common misconceptions • T here is no minimum height threshold at which the concept of a fall risk starts. The moment a person works in a fall risk environment (Construction Regulations 10 – Fall Protection), work at height regulations apply.

• Safety harnesses or other fall arrest/ fall prevention equipment are not required in every work at height environment (for example, on ladders or aluminium towers).

• An application for a construction work permit (CR 3(1) and CR 4) is not required for cleaning.

The cleaning (access) method chosen will be determined by the design of the building, client requirements and the risks identified for various types of equipment to be used. It is important to note that there is no ‘one size fits all’ access method. Possible methods/equipment for window and high-level cleaning include: • Water fed poles (maximum height approx. 21 metres) • Ladders (maximum height 20.2 metres) • Mobile free-standing aluminium towers (maximum height – outside 8 metres, inside – 12 metres) • MEWPs (commonly known as cherrypickers or scissor lifts) • Rope access • Suspended access equipment (TSPs, BMUs and Bosun’s chairs) • Scaffolding (steel, either tube & fit or system scaffold) Whichever access method is used, the workers assembling and those using the equipment must be competent to erect and use the equipment and have a medical certificate of fitness for working at height. It is imperative that equipment be inspected and serviced regularly (frequency will depend on the type of equipment, the environment in which the equipment is used, and how often it is used) and must be declared safe for use by a competent person.

CR 18(1)(c) states that rope access operators must be competent and licensed to carry out their work. The Institute for Work at Height (IWH) Professional Body is the only authority, which can issue such licences. The IWH Professional Body recognises that training providers have been subjected to a rigorous quality assurance process by the IWH and are regularly audited to ensure compliance. It is recommended that if a training provider is used, which is not an IWH Professional Body recognised training provider, then the cleaning company and the client obtain written proof that training results have been uploaded to the relevant Sector Educational Training Authority (SETA) and that a statement of results confirming competence has been issued by the SETA. Anchor points used for rope access or to attach harnesses must be installed by a competent person and comply with several minimum requirements (which vary dependent on proposed use), and be tested and certified annually as safe to use. Installation and testing of anchors is a costly exercise; unfortunately some ‘installers’ do not comply with legal requirements in an effort to cut costs.

The Construction Regulations make no mention of ladders, aluminium towers, MEWPs or Bosun’s chairs. Information on these can be found in the OHS Act and various SANS standards. A Health & Safety file (which will include a Fall Protection Plan prepared by a qualified Fall Protection Planner) is a critical prerequisite in any work at height environment. The Health & Safety file for window and high-level cleaning should contain, as a minimum, the following: • Site information • The health and safety plan and environmental policy • Fall Protection Plan • Risk assessment and method statement

• • • • • • • •

Training records Appointments Equipment records PPE records Medical certificates Emergency procedures MSDS Logs and relevant legislation and standards • SWP and GPN • Incident procedures • Review There are many items related to work at height which are not covered by legislation or SANS. The IWH has compiled a Work at Height Guidelines booklet which will be launched at the IWH conference on 10 October 2016.

The Chief Inspector of the Department of Labour, Mr Tibor Szana, will be the keynote speaker at the conference.

For additional information on safety issues, please visit: www.ifwh.co.za

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feature high-access cleaning

Working from the safety of ground level If the continuing architectural trend for high-rise buildings is anything to go by, then the only way is up. The majority of the most iconic buildings seem to prove the theory that size matters, in terms of height, that is. Whether we are talking about one of the high-rise buildings in Sandton, the Shard in London, the Commerzbank Tower in Frankfurt or the Torre de Cristal in Madrid, the trend towards high-rise, state-of-the-art facility design featuring an abundance of glass and metal, certainly won’t diminish in the near future.

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hese towering buildings, whether new or established, need regular, thorough and effective cleaning to present a professional face to customers, staff and colleagues. But how do you deliver the high standards that are expected, while also making the lives of cleaning operatives safer and easier?

Professional window cleaners have adapted to these challenges by embracing new methods and equipment – with water fed poles emerging as the winning choice. These poles allow operatives to clean high buildings and windows safely from the ground, alleviating the need to work at height.

For many years, window cleaners have had the choice of two types of pole system: telescopic or modular.

However, telescopic poles sometimes tend to flex as they are extended, which results in a subsequent loss of control. These also have some weight issues; for example, a sixsection telescopic pole will always have six sections as they cannot be removed – so even if you only need to use four sections to clean to the height required, you are still carrying the weight of six. Modular systems, although better at extending without weakening rigidity, simply become too

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heavy as they are extended, and the extensions also add width to the poles, making it difficult to handle.

Materials matter This presented the sector with a challenge: how do you create a water fed pole system that will clean up to 20 metres in height, and still be lightweight and easy to control?

Along with engineering and design techniques, combining the best features of both telescopic and modular poles, using the right materials is crucial – and more and more options are emerging to provide specific solutions.

Carbon fibre, fibreglass and aluminium are all materials that have brought choice and flexibility to the window cleaning sector, helping to create equipment that offers alternatives to suit the situation or building type. Carbon fibre in particular offers an amazing balance between strength, weight and rigidity. In comparison to steel, it is stronger, more rigid, and yet it weighs considerably less.

These ‘next generation’ carbon fibre poles provide a better balance between weight and rigidity. Because the poles are lighter they make the job of a cleaning operative that much easier and

feature high-access cleaning more comfortable, putting less strain on their bodies and enabling them to clean swiftly and efficiently. The fact that carbon fibre poles are lighter also means that the operative is less likely to get tired as quickly, therefore they are able to clean a larger surface than when utilising a conventional system.

However, just because the poles are lightweight it doesn’t mean that they deliver less in terms of rigidity. Even when extensions are added to increase the length and reach of the system, the poles do not bend or become unwieldy.

On the contrary, rigidity, and therefore control, is maintained, allowing for every corner and crevice to be cleaned thoroughly.

Leading modular professional cleaning system manufacturer Unger offers the nLite Hydro Power pure water pole system. It offers the user the choice between a flexible modular system where master poles are extended by extension poles ‘nlite Connect’ and a telescopic pole system that reaches up to more than 12m. The

individual components of ‘nLite One’ can be selected and put together to create a unique system to suit personal requirements. Featuring 6 grades of materials the nLite range is the perfect choice for every cleaning challenge and budget. It provides the perfect balance between weight and rigidity. nLite Connect is a telescopic pole that can be extended by another telescopic pole. The base unit has 4 sections and an extended length of 6.63m. The extension has two sections, each adding a further 3.41m length. Based on the material, you can add up to 4 extensions to reach a height of 20m (HiMod or UltraHiMod material). nLite One is produced from the same premium materials as the proven nLite system and impresses with its multitude of first-class features – professional window cleaners can reach heights of more than 12 metres with just one pole. nLite One is telescopic. The user can get by completely without the need for extension poles. Its

special construction allows the pole to be extended to the length required in individual situations – simply and within a matter of seconds. This ensures that the pole offers maximum ease of use and optimal transport convenience.

Nilfisk is the exclusive distributor in South Africa of the Unger product range, manufactured in Germany.

Nilfisk is a reliable partner in all areas of professional cleaning – a company determined to partner with you along the path to success. Economical and hygienic cleaning requires specialised knowledge. Therefore, Nilfisk designs tailored cleaning concepts, advises on the choice of equipment and products, provides the training, performs outstanding service and offers clients total support at all times. The result is a quality seal that both redefines and revolutionises professional cleaning.

For more information about Unger products visit: www.ungerglobal.com

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feature high-access cleaning

Access equipment rental

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Marcus Gartside

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African Cleaning Review September/October 2016

ccess equipment rental is definitely a more costeffective option for use inside or outside facilities,” says Marcus Gartside, Sales Manager at Goscor Access Rental. The company offers a broad range of access equipment for interior and exterior use in diesel or electric including scissor lifts, telescopic boom lifts, articulated boom lifts for up and over reach, crawler boom lifts for use in areas where access is limited, to rent either on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Gartside further elaborates on the access equipment rental option.

The current trend is more towards MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Working Platforms). Indeed, we find that these are replacing outdated methods for working at height including stepladders, scaffolding and even rope access systems. The main advantages of MEWPs are improved safety (number one priority), its versatility in getting into hard-to-reach places, not only up and down access, the convenience and the speed in which you can set up a workplace to get the job done. For very high buildings, rope access is an obvious solution, but not all buildings have anchor points for rope access.

If you suspend ropes from the top of a building, you have to have secure anchor points to latch onto. Scaffolding is another option to get up very high, but it is extremely time consuming to erect the scaffolding structure. It then also has to be certified as safe by an independent inspector.

Another advantage of MEWPs is its mobility and self-drive features.

Consequently, you can literally drive up to the area where you want to work. There is no need for anyone to certify that it is safe, because you don’t have to erect anything. Obviously the equipment has to conform to certain safety standards, but it is fitted with all the latest load and tilt sensors, and the actual machine itself will not allow you to put yourself in danger. So if you overload the platform for example, it will not lift. If you try and extend out

and the surface is not even, the warning buzzer will sound and the machine will cut out, preventing you from extending any further. This is very reassuring compared to a ladder that could tilt at any time. MEWPs are actually very safe with onboard computers that monitor the entire process, including standing level, boom height and platform load.

MEWPs are a much quicker way to get stuck into the job and can even be driven at height. The speed at which maintenance can be performed is a huge advantage, for instance allowing personnel to drive it along the side of a building from section to section. This could cut days off an entire maintenance job compared to other methods, as it cuts out set up, dismantling and certifying time.

Goscor Access Rental equipment includes zero emission electric scissor and boom lifts; compact, quick and easy to use for facilities such as shopping malls where jobs can be completed overnight without disruption to daytime trading. Diesel scissor lifts that can reach up to 18 metres are self-levelling, especially for use on rough terrain.

Boom lifts are especially popular in manufacturing plants where they allow operators to reach up and over obstacles to clean ducts, etc. Boom lifts (articulated or straight) can reach up to 57 metres in height and can be operational in areas where access is restricted.

There is a general misconception, especially amongst new clients that the cost of hiring access equipment is exorbitant. The truth is actually the contrary as some of the equipment starts from R600 – R700 per day plus a delivery and collection fee. Ultimately, renting is very cost-effective especially if you factor in the productivity factor. In addition Goscor Access Rental provides on-site machine specific training to operators and issues a certificate of compliance, which is valid for a period of twelve months.

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

advertorial ultra Specialised high-level cleaning services Ultra High Level Cleaning Services, establised over 24-years ago, has built an enviable reputation for innovation, quality and safety when it comes to high-access cleaning.

Ultra is regarded as the only specialised high-level cleaning company that utilises all available high-access methods, including water fed pole systems (up to 22 metres) ladders, towers, MEWPs, suspended platforms and rope access.

The company’s choice of access equipment is guided both by building design and client requirements. However, ultimately, the final decision is based on safety aspects and cost considerations.

Another unique service offered by Ultra is specialised glass and aluminium restoration services. The cost of restoring water-damaged glass from the likes of continued exposure to irrigation systems is considerably lower than replacing the glass.

The company continuously consults to architects and developers on issues such as the soundest and most costeffective facility-access methods to be installed for effective cleaning and maintenance tasks. Previous projects include the Statistics SA and Department of Environmental Affairs buildings.

Directors, Rob Urquhart and Sylvester Dube are both qualified Fall Protection Planners and boast combined industry experience of over 50 years. Rob is a director of the Institute for Work at Height (IWH), head of ladders at the IWH, a member of the SABS Technical Committee (TC) 214, and a former NCCA Gauteng Chairman. Sylvester started with Ultra in 1992 as a window cleaner and has attained his current position through sheer commitment, perseverance and ongoing training.

Ultra High Level Cleaning Services, a level 4 BBBEE company, is based in Roodepoort and operates throughout Gauteng and neighbouring provinces.

Clients/sites include contract cleaning companies, facility managers, property companies, mining houses, shopping malls, schools and universities, transport organisations, hotels, restaurants, showrooms, industrial plants, warehousing, office buildings and domestic residences.

For additional information visit: www.ultrahighlevel.co.za or email: ultra.hl@worldonline.co.za

African Cleaning Review September/October 2016

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educational

Ensuring surfaces are both visually and hygienically clean Science has now proven what many cleaning professionals have suspected for years: wiping surfaces such as desks with rags, sponges and conventional cleaning cloths as well as mopping floors with string mops and buckets can spread as many contaminants as they remove. In fact, scientific studies have concluded that the last surface cleaned with a conventional cleaning cloth, which is usually a terry cloth towel, may have two to as much as eight times more soil on it than the first surface cleaned with the towel.

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ssentially what is happening is the towel then becomes the conduit, spreading disease and contamination,” says Matt Morrison, Communications Manager for Kaivac, Inc., developers of the No-Touch Cleaning system.

Many facility managers are finding that a relatively simple way to reduce the spread of contaminants when cleaning is to use microfibre wipes that are divided into labelled quadrants – 1 to 4 on one side and 5 to 8 on the other – and can be folded as needed by numbered quadrant. These are referred to as ‘smart towels’ and they are ideal when looking to lower cross-contamination risks on desks. Microfibre is 99 percent more effective at soil and matter retention than conventional cleaning cloths, according to Morrison. He adds, “If it can be folded into quadrants, as [one quadrant] becomes soiled, it can be folded so that a fresh quadrant is used. This helps prevent

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African Cleaning Review September/October 2016

cross-contamination especially on desk and floor surfaces.”

Taking this a step further, many facilities are now using colour-coded smart towels. Colour-coding cleaning tools has long been standard procedure in healthcare facilities around the world and now shows promise in settings where desk cleaning is prominent. It assures that a red towel, for instance, is always used to clean areas such as toilets and urinals, whereas a green towel is used in foodservice areas, and a yellow towel to clean office desktops.

“Not only is this the next step in helping to stop the spread of infection,“ Morrison notes, “but colour-coding is not language dependent. Once the cleaning worker knows which towel is to be used for what surface, the cleaning product is no longer the instrument spreading disease.”

Smart towels, along with no-touch cleaning technology, further ensure

that surfaces, such as washroom and locker room fixtures, counters and floors, are both visually and hygienically clean, according to Morrison. No-touch cleaning entails using specially designed equipment to apply chemicals on areas to be cleaned. The same areas are then rinsed, providing the necessary agitation component so vital to proper cleaning to loosen and remove soils and contaminants, which are then vacuumed using the machine’s built-in wet/dry system.

No-touch cleaning systems are now used in many parts of a facility, especially in washrooms, foodservice areas, dining rooms and locker room/gym areas. Along with more thorough, hygienic cleaning, a benefit facility managers appreciate is the fact that using this system tends to speed up the cleaning process so that areas are quickly ready for use.

For more information visit: www.kaivac.com

advertorial GCE

Innovative nanotechnology for effective floor cleaning Goscor Cleaning Equipment (GCE), part of the Goscor Group of Companies, released a new generation compact walk-behind scrubber from the wellknown Tennant cleaning equipment range. The T300, which introduces enhanced operator ergonomics and exclusive nanotechnology is set to meet the cleaning needs of a diverse range of environments.

According to GCE General Manager, Greg Venter, the new T300 range is the first to include the next generation of successful, sustainable cleaning technology, known as ec-H2O NanoClean.

“Like the original ec-H2O, ec-H2O NanoClean technology electrically converts water into an innovative cleaning solution that cleans effectively, saves money and reduces environmental impact compared to daily floor cleaning chemicals,” he added. “This converted water is created by an onboard e-cell that generates millions of microscopic bubbles – nanobubbles – per millilitre of solution. These nanobubbles then promote the cleaning efficacy of the solution,” said Venter.

The T300 and T300e walk-behind scrubbers offer a selection of multiple machine configurations to optimise cleaning performance across many hard surface conditions. Configurations include single disk, orbital, dual disk and dual cylindrical options. The T300 includes an integrated LCD touchscreen that provides simplified operation, as well as programmable zone settings, supervisor lock-out capabilities and onboard/on-demand videos to take the guess work out of the cleaning process.

Another key feature that differentiates the T300 range is the improved and convenient hygienic tank, which allows for easy access when cleaning to help reduce mould, bacteria and other contaminants that can grow in enclosed tanks. The magnetic head allow pads and brushes to be changed quickly with minimal operator effort.

According to Venter, this new range from Tennant combines high performance, lower operating costs, operator ease-of-use and innovative features to help protect health and safety. “This customisable and flexible cleaning solution is ideal for multiple applications across the retail, hospitality, facilities management and other commercial environments”.

With a dealer network in the SADC regions, Goscor Cleaning Equipment focuses on complete cleaning solutions, moving away from the traditional supply of cleaning equipment and detergents. Their solutions cover various industries and applications, backed by service excellence and readily available spares.

African Cleaning Review September/October 2016

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laundry review What do clothing care label symbols actually mean?

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n estimated 39 million items of clothing are being wasted because British consumers do not understand what the care symbols on clothes actually mean.

According to clothing campaign, Love Your Clothes, around a third of British people no longer wear items of clothing from their wardrobe due to washing, ironing or drying them

incorrectly. A poll amongst 2 000 people found that at least 25 percent aren’t wearing as many as up to five items because of not knowing what the care symbols stand for. Love Your Clothes has teamed up with Procter & Gamble’s Ariel laundry detergent brand to help people understand clothing care labels so these textiles don’t go to waste.

Love Your Clothes head, Sarah Clayton said: “It’s staggering how many clothes have been damaged as a result of not following care symbols.

So before you put your next load of washing on give our challenge a go, as a quick check of the label will really pay off in the way clothes look, and people can keep wearing them for longer.”

Cape Town laundry workshop Towards the end of June Laundry & Textiles Consultancy ran a finishing technology workshop in Cape Town at the Protea Hotel, Mowbray. The following delegates attended, from left: Melanie Robb (Life Heathcare, Clayville), Jac Steyn (Tuschemy Chemicals), Gerhard Minnaar (Tuschemy Chemicals), Marentia Schlodder (Life Healthcare, East London), Jodi Visagie (Tuschemy Chemicals) and Mokitlane Lepheane (Pyramid Launderers, Lesotho).

For more information about upcoming laundry and dry cleaning workshops contact Ian Harris on: 079 256 0202

SATSA meet and greet The South African Textile Services Association (SATSA) recently organised a meet and greet function to allow members an opportunity to connect. Special guests included Mr Lehloma Ramajoe (Services SETA) and Ms Emma Monyane (NRCS).

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African Cleaning Review September/October 2016

laundry review Hotel room cleanliness key to customer retention

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ore than half (55 percent) of hotel guests worry about the cleanliness of the hotel room they are staying in, according to a recent poll released by Miele Professional.

An unclean hotel room is the most common factor that would put people off from returning to a hotel (76 percent) – more than bad service, poor facilities or even a high price. Nearly eight in 10 respondents to the survey (79 percent) stated that cleanliness is the main factor that influences their perception of a hotel’s values, and almost twothirds (59 percent) said a clean hotel would be a main factor in encouraging

them to return again in the future.

More than a third (34 percent) of the 2 000 consumers surveyed stated their favourite thing about staying at a hotel is having clean, crisp sheets on their bed. However, bed sheets are also the top concern when it comes to cleanliness, named by 70 percent of those surveyed; followed by pillows, bed covers and blankets and towels.

More than two thirds of consumers (69 percent) have written, or would write a review on TripAdvisor and with 57 percent using recommendations to try out a new restaurant or hotel, cleanliness is key to ensuring customers return and pass on good reviews to friends and family.

“Our figures show just how important cleanliness is to hotel guests. Hoteliers need to ensure the best processes are in place to achieve customers’ high expectations. One way to guarantee the crisp, clean sheets and fluffy towels

that customers love is by looking into the benefits of an on-premise laundry.

Having laundry facilities on site means that any hotel manager can be safe in the knowledge that their laundry is clean, ready on time and meets customer expectations,” comments Les Marshall, Sales & Marketing Director at Miele Professional.

Miele Professional has created a wide range of water-efficient washing machines, all of which use less water than conventional washing machines without compromising wash performance.

The Little Giant range of machines (including models PW6055 and PW6065) minimise energy consumption and have water-efficient programmes that optimise the water needed for each cycle. The cycles are short – 6.5kg of towels or linen laundry can be washed and dried in Little Giants in 85 minutes.

African Cleaning Review September/October 2016

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facilities management review

What is the future of facility management outsourcing?

Corporate real estate management (CREM) and facility management (FM) have for decades provided the physical cornerstone for businesses of all kinds. However, with the emergence of new ways of working where organisations focus on work efficiency and the workplace as an experience, workplace management (WM) is providing a new business opportunity for the sector in integrating the businesses of CREM and FM – together with HR and IT. This abridged article by ISS – a leading global provider of facility services – offers a glimpse into the future of FM as the driver of resource strategy.

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s businesses are beginning to realise the strategic importance of WM, it is expected that FM/ CREM outsourcing will move towards transformation services that redefine and shape business outcomes, drive cultural change and help to attract new talent and skills.

This is in sharp contrast to the traditional focus on cost reductions, which has blinded senior business executives to FM’s true strategic potential.

Facility management as the driver of resource strategy Towards 2020, facility management will act as a key to attracting and retaining employees, optimising people utility and in some cases even become a key component of human resource strategy. As a better understanding of behavioural science will be the key to push people towards desired behaviours, facility managers will play an active role in facilitating these micro-behavioural changes among employees in the workplace.

Facilities will also, to a higher extent, play an important role in attracting, integrating and retaining employees.

When it comes to attracting talent with unique workplace amenities, technology companies have been the first movers. In these companies, the workplace is moving towards a living office, where different areas of space increasingly are dedicated to a variety of ‘life-asserting’ activities.

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African Cleaning Review September/October 2016

Advanced workplace strategies will match new employee demands Life-asserting amenities, also known as ‘worktivity’ amenities, include areas that fulfil employee needs, such as health, play, consumption and social interaction. These will be used to keep people on the premises, tied closer to the workplace. These amenities will be supported by companies’ technology and ICT portfolios, which among others will include interactive walls, real-time translators, hologram tables, etc.

The emphasis on ‘life-asserting amenities’ represents an opportunity for FM providers to add value and strive towards transformative business innovation for client organisations.

Work mobilisation and growing a sharing economy are also trends that will challenge FM providers in the future. Expertise on how to create offices that support a virtual workforce and deliver dynamic facility services that can accommodate a range of infrastructure and other business support needs will be in high demand by client organisations.

Data and automation will be the cornerstones of personalised FM services To support the workplace, the success of FM outsourcing will increasingly be defined by the ability to make the workplace more engaging, fun,

facilities management review rewarding and collaborative, while simultaneously improving productivity and efficiency metrics.

The ability to do so, will depend on the Internet of Everything (IoE) and data analytics. In this era, more and more data is gathered daily about people whenever they work, shop, travel or use the internet. With billions of sensors being connected to the internet over the following years, the amount of data related to the workforce and workplace is expected to grow exponentially.

With the availability of these new technologies, FM providers will look into developing smarter ways to integrate and create agile and precise

workflow platforms to make service deliveries less resource intrusive.

Also, access to precise and personal data will allow service providers to achieve greater scale through more efficient work processes and enable them to, on the one hand offer mass-customised utility services and, on the other hand, offer highly personalised relationshipdriven solutions.

Outsourcing towards 2020 All in all, towards 2020 and beyond there is no doubt that FM outsourcing will work with more advanced, elaborate and collective outsourcing strategies. In close partnerships with

client organisations and through the further development of workplace management, these arrangements will enable facility providers to reach more strategic business outcomes.

As the technology and data necessary to drive this change are already out there – it is in the hands of facility managers to take their clients to a level, where CREM and FM no longer are considered as a supporting activity only, but are seen as indispensable parts of the core and the strategic development of organisations.

ISS a leading global provider of facility services offering services on an international scale with leveraged knowledge and experience.

Liberty and JHI announce strategic property management services partnership

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iberty Holdings Limited announces a proposed strategic partnering of its Property Management Services business, within Liberty Group Properties (Pty) Limited, with the retail management division of JHI Properties (Pty) Limited and its parent company Excellerate Holdings Limited (JHI).

The proposed partnership will result in the formation of a new property management services company in which JHI will own 51 percent and Liberty 49 percent.

“The newly formed property management services company will constitute the businesses of Liberty’s property management services and JHI’s retail management division.

This partnership will not only create additional capacity and strengthen existing capabilities to realise value, but also enhance Liberty’s ability to deliver world-class property management services. In developing our strategy we have taken stock of our strengths and are now sharpening our focus on the areas that present the best opportunities for our business to create future value,” said Thabo Dloti, Group Chief Executive of Liberty.

Established over four decades ago, property management services have been an intrinsic part of Liberty’s heritage. Through this strategic partnership, the new property management services company will acquire robust capabilities to attract and grow the property management services business to unlock value and enhance expertise, to enable a customer-centric approach that is aligned to Liberty’s strategy. In addition, this partnership will provide credibility and capability to attract third-party mandates in South Africa and other territories.

The Liberty Property Portfolio remains a core part of Liberty’s offering to its customers and this transaction aims to enhance the service experience and efficient management of the current portfolio of properties. The property asset management function currently undertaken by STANLIB will be expanded to include the property development arm.

Marna van der Walt, CEO of Excellerate Property Services on behalf of JHI, comments “Our group is excited to develop this prestigious and strategic partnership into a best-in-class retail

management service offering”.

“This partnership will enable Liberty to provide a better service to its retail properties through a business solely focused on property management services, enabling Liberty’s internal resources to focus on growth and opportunities in property asset management and development” concludes Dloti.

The transaction is subject to all regulatory approvals.

Marna van der Walt

African Cleaning Review September/October 2016

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advertorial blendwell chemicals

Degreasing the green way South African business today is driven by many challenges. We are surrounded by conversations about environmental issues such as our waterways, economy and social responsibility.

In addition to this we have to comply with more and more legislation.

Water Water, and the conservation thereof, is one of the biggest topics. What is irresponsible cleaning doing to our water systems? We are producing waste that can affect our water supplies in the following ways: • T he pH of the water can be affected by using highly alkaline or highly acidic cleaning products and will result in an imbalance for creatures that should survive and contribute to the ecosystem in the water.

• S hould the amount of nutrients in the water be too high (often caused by phosphates), then this stimulates plant growth and results in a depletion of oxygen in the water affecting other aquatic life.

• M urkiness in the water results in plants not being able to photosynthesise due to a lack of sunlight and the gills of fish being blocked. This causes bacteria and viruses to grow making water dangerous for human consumption.

Health and safety Cleaning products are one of the areas that organisations have to be very careful with, as many of them are harmful if spilt or can cause injury to staff via fumes, skin or eye contact.

Our new • • • • • • • •

Degreaser is the answer:

Powerful: Enviroblend Degreaser can be diluted up to 100:1 with water and still remain effective.

Neutral: This product will not affect the pH of the water and will not be hazardous to skin and eyes.

No special transport: You can safely transport this degreaser with no special transport measures.

No special spillage treatment: It can merely be mopped up and rinsed away.

Safe through all equipment: No harm to equipment or corrosion caused with continued use.

No phosphates: This helps to maintain correct nutrient balance in the water.

No special container disposal: We do encourage container recycling.

Safety in use: Reduced safety apparel spend as the bare minimum is required.

Enviroblend Degreaser is a new age cleaner. It is a magic kind of chemistry that takes us into the future, a future that we would like to see our children and grandchildren grow up in. Enviroblend Degreaser is designed to lead South Africa into a safer future.

Contact: Carine van der Merwe – carine@blendwell.co.za / +27 (0) 83 252 2240

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African Cleaning Review September/October 2016

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special feature chemical-free cleaning

A new spin on cleaning What you need to know about chemical-free cleaning?

Green cleaning is constantly evolving.

A few years ago, the push was toward more natural cleaning products that use ‘friendlier’ chemicals. More recently, the focus is shifting toward chemicalfree cleaning. But whether it really is

The case for chemical-free cleaning We have come a long way since the days when elbow grease was the only available cleaning solution.

Detergents, soaps, solvents, disinfectants and other chemicalbased cleaners have become an invaluable part of any cleaning and maintenance arsenal. Loosening dirt, removing stains, annihilating germs – there’s a product for every task on our list.

Why would we want to back away from all of this apparent progress?

Advocates of chemical-free cleaning suggest these important reasons: • Reduced environmental impact.

It’s estimated that the industrial cleaning sector uses 2.7 billion kilograms of cleaning chemicals each year. These products don’t disappear after use, and there is a concern about their impact on the environment, especially precious and vulnerable waterways. Using fewer cleaning chemicals is an

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possible to achieve the results you want without using chemicals is a question posed by Tornado Industries.

Some experts argue that the phrase ‘chemical-free’ is misleading. Strictly speaking, everything is a chemical, including plain-old water. Some of the newest and most effective chemical-

important step in becoming a greener industry.

• Safety. Many cleaning chemicals can post hazards to the skin and airways of workers and building occupants. In schools or hospitals with sensitive occupants, avoiding chemical irritants is even more important. The CDC recently released a report of the chemicals most often associated with injury, and four of the top five are among chemicals or elements of formulas found in cleaning products – ammonia, chlorine, hydrochloric acid and sulphuric acid. Fewer chemicals means less potential for accidents.

• Training. A large amount of time, energy and resources must go into training workers on how to safely handle, mix, dilute and store chemicals. The chemicalfree solutions on the market tend to be much less complicated and much less dangerous, helping reduce costly training.

free technologies work by altering the chemistry of water and air to make it more effective for cleaning and disinfecting. In general, however, we can understand chemical-free cleaning to mean any method that replaces traditional chemical-based solutions with a lower-impact alternative.

• S implified logistics. It’s not just training that get easier when you cut out chemicals. So much goes into sourcing, purchasing, transporting and storing those products that switching to a chemical-free system can revolutionise how you spend your resources.

• Extended life for surfaces and equipment. Over time, almost all chemically-based cleaners can have a negative effect. Slight traces of chemical residue can eat away at finishes and attract more dirt. Gentler chemical-free methods can help your equipment and surfaces last longer.

• Cost savings. While some chemical-free cleaning systems may require a significant upfront investment, the money saved not buying chemicals (typically an expense of thousands a year for a large building or institution) means that the equipment should quickly pay for itself.

special feature chemical-free cleaning Reasons to avoid chemical-free cleaning Thus far, cleaning without chemicals sounds like a huge win. So why isn’t everyone jumping on the chemical-free bandwagon? There’s always a trade-off, and every facility manager has to weigh the costs and benefits for themselves.

Here are a few common objections: • Resistance to change. Changing mindsets doesn’t happen overnight, and people are suspicious of novelty.

‘If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it’ is a common refrain in the industry, and years of habit and tradition are not easy to dismantle. While chemicalfree cleaning technology has made tremendous leaps in recent years, it’s still considered new and its reputation is not well established.

• Difficulty proving effectiveness. It can be an uphill battle to convince management or clients of the

Chemical-free cleaning: Techniques and technologies to consider You are aware of the basic pros and cons of chemical-free cleaning, but what are the available methods and how do they work? Here’s a down-and-dirty guide to get you started.

Steam: Steam cleaners were one of the earliest chemical-free cleaning technologies. Steam loosens dirt, can permeate hard-to-reach areas and at high temperatures is an effective way to kill germs.

Pressure washing: Another classic chemical-free cleaning method, pressure washing uses high-pressure water streams to blast away dirt and grime.

Dry ice blasting: A close relative of the high-pressure washer, these systems blast tiny pellets of solid carbon dioxide at a surface. The pellets mechanically scrub away dirt and mould; the freezing temperature causes contaminants to shrink, lose adhesion and fall away from the surface, while the resulting carbon dioxide gas ‘bounces’ back off the surface, pushing away the dirt even faster. This can be a loud process, so protective ear equipment must be worn when using most blasting systems and the noise may disturb people nearby.

benefits, and they may question whether chemical-free methods really are on par with conventional industrial cleaning products. It’s not easy to verify the claims about the power or effectiveness of these technologies, and not all units or methods meet the stringent standards of EPA, FDA and USDA regulations when it comes to disinfecting.

• Not ideal for all areas. While chemical-free cleaning may be a natural fit for some aspects of a building (windows and floors, for example) it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. High-risk areas, such as washrooms and kitchens, may still require the use of chemicals to reach the expected level of degreasing or disinfection. Places such as pools, showers, and tubs that are constantly wet may also require specialised

chemicals to control bacteria, mould and algae.

• Cost. As mentioned, many of the current chemical-free technologies come at a steep initial price. Working that investment into the maintenance budget is often a huge ask, especially for new technology considered a risk by traditionalists.

• Water consumption. Chemical-free cleaning may be greener in many ways, including saving water and other resources. That is not the case with all chemical-free methods, however, with many relying on the use of large amounts of water. The sustainability of those methods becomes a tradeoff of chemical reduction vs water consumption and in general have not been comprehensively addressed.

In areas prone to drought or with high water charges, this aspect may actually be prohibitive.

Dry steam: These units, which are gaining popularity in food-service establishments, produce a jet of superheated vaporized steam that evaporates on contact, leaving very little wastewater behind.

work by sweeping up and holding even microscopic particles. The smaller the fibres, the more powerful the cleaning action. The very best cloths have fibres that are only 3 to 5 microns across, which is about the same size as an average bacterium. When used with engineered water, their effectiveness is enhanced.

Engineered water: There’s a wide range of engineered-water systems on the market, from wall-mounted chemical generation using ozone, to small handheld units.

The most common form is electrolysed or oxidised water. Sometimes referred to as ‘blue cleaning’, these technologies electrically activate water to act like a detergent. Chemical detergents work by making water ‘more wet’, lowering its surface tension so that it can contact and bond with dirt particles. With electrically activated water, the effect is the same. The only difference is that the change happens electrically instead of chemically. The system infuses tap water with oxygen, and then applies an electric current. This creates a mix of very mildly acidic and alkaline water, and ‘breaks down’ the water molecules into charged ions and nano-sized gaseous bubbles that stick to dirt and germs, so the activated water lifts contaminants away from surfaces.

Microfibre cloths and mops: The simplicity of antibacterial microfibre makes it hard to believe how effective it is as a mechanical cleaning method. The tiny, closely packed plastic fibres of the cloth

No-touch spray, scrub and vacuum: Though traditionally these units are used with chemicals, with engineered water it can be used as a simple chemical-free solution for floors and other surfaces.

Orbital floor machines and scrubbers: These machines use mechanical action vs chemicals to clean and can be incredibly effective in reducing or eliminating what has traditionally been some of the most caustic cleaning chemicals: floor finish strippers. Traditionally, facility managers have stripped their floors every six months to a year. Orbital floor machines can remove top coats of floor finish, where most of the scratches and damage reside, without the use of any strippers or harsh chemicals.

The floor can then be top coated with finish, restoring it in a much more environmentally sensitive manner, while also saving significant man hours.

For more information about Tornado Industries visit: www.tornadovac.com

African Cleaning Review September/October 2016

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feature car wash systems

Eco-friendly car wash systems Water is becoming an increasingly scarce resource and therefore water shortages and water restrictions are inevitable. This scenario created a demand for eco-friendly car wash systems, processes, products and methods. Technology that uses less water and chemicals and produces little run-off which is biodegradable, is said to provide better results and offer a cost-effective alternative. African Cleaning Review takes a closer look at two of these waterless car wash systems.

Mobile dispensing units Conventional car washing consumes some 250 litres of water per car wash.

Invariably, this is potable water that can be put to better use. The world is all too aware that we have to change the way we do things. Car washing is no exception. The scarcity of water is not something that is going to go away and not only is it morally wrong to abuse a precious resource, it will inevitably become increasingly expensive to consume such large quantities of water in unnecessary ways such as using conventional car washes that are real water guzzlers. In the Middle East, for instance, it is said that the value of a barrel of water equates to the value of a barrel of oil. With this in mind Eco Wash South Africa has designed, developed and now manufactures the Eco Wash Mobile Dispensing Unit (MDU).

The MDU was designed and developed in conjunction with a major South African University. It has been under constant review and refinement over the past few years and the third generation, MK3, is currently the most advanced waterless car wash system

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available in the world today. In South Africa alone the system is operational at some 800 locations. It is exported to six other African countries and Eco Wash South Africa has entered into discussions with many other international companies to establish exclusive distributorships.

The MDU is a self-contained car washing system that is capable of washing and waxing a vehicle, cleaning and shining the tyres and rims and cleaning and shining the windows, and during the process only consumes about two litres of water. An added advantage is that water is not wasted on the floor, which means that the wash bay can now be taken to the vehicle, rather than the more traditional way of washing cars in a wash bay.

Apart from the fact that this revolutionary car wash method saves vast amounts of water, the products used in the washing process are biodegradable to the highest European standards. Eco Wash supplies the system (MDU) as well as products and consumables, including wash and wax, mag wheel/rim cleaner, heavy-

duty cleaner and tyre shine, microfibre cloths, spray bottles, sponges and chamois leather cloths for effective window cleaning.

Operation The MDU system features fresh water storage tanks, a high-pressure vessel, a dirty water storage tank, pump and motor and a heli-coil hose to reach and apply the product across the entire surface of the vehicle. The concentrate is poured into a storage chamber, water is added for dilution and the MDU is connected to a conventional power source for 35 seconds. The pump and motor mix the concentrate and water and transfer the wash and wax solution into the pressure vessel. The MDU system is disconnected from the power source and is then able to operate for 4 to 5 days, independent of any power source.

One of the attractions of the Eco Wash MDU system is that it has a selfcontained wash hand basin to wash the microfibre cloths during the washing process. Water is pumped into the basin by means of a foot pump from

feature car wash systems ... it will inevitably become increasingly expensive to consume such large quantities of water in unnecessary ways such as using conventional car washes... the fresh water chamber. An essential part of effective and efficient car washing is to work with clean cloths.

The Eco Wash MDU system facilitates this. The bulk of the two litres of water used in the washing process is utilised to wash the cloths. Four different colour cloths are used during the wash process. A green cloth is used to wash the vehicle, a orange cloth is used for polishing, a blue cloth is used for the rims and a pink cloth is used to shine and buff the windows after having been cleaned with a chamois. The two most significant aspects to washing a car effectively are: to always have clean cloths; and, to ensure that staff effectively implement the colour-coding regime.

Washing process

All waterless systems not equal

Lifestyle changes

In certain instances car washing operators are known to dabble in waterless car wash systems utilising only a spray bottle type application. The danger and problem with this system is that it offers no means of cleaning the cloths. In addition, the spray bottle is unable to provide a uniform product spray across the vehicle. Also the same dirty/soiled cloth is used to wash the car, clean the rims, polish the car and clean the windows, resulting in a less than desired result – in fact, it is impossible to achieve satisfactory results using these waterless car wash systems. Even if a 10-litre bucket of clean water is accessible, it will serve no purpose, because whenever the cloth is rinsed, it is contaminated and then the water needs replacing.

Businesses and consumers understand that they have to undergo lifestyle changes. Companies want to conserve water and people want the convenience of having their vehicles washed whilst they are at work or at play. People don’t always have the luxury of time to stop at a conventional car wash for an hour or two to have their cars washed. Also, the conventional ‘bucket and cloth’ car washer is being excluded from company premises as well as commercial offices and mall facilities because they cause a mess and consume a lot of water. In addition, most legislation and municipal by-laws don’t allow car washes to operate without proper drainage facilities into separation tanks, thus the demand is created for eco-friendly mobile car wash systems.

A biodegradable cleansing formula containing a mix of ingredients including wetting, cleaning agents and wax is sprayed onto the vehicle in the form of a light mist. Dirt is lifted hydrostatically and encapsulated into the wax upon contact.

The encapsulated dirt is then removed using a damp microfibre cloth. Stubborn marks are removed with a heavy-duty cleaner. A thin wax layer remains, which is buffed with a secondary, dry microfibre cloth to create the shine on the vehicle. In some instances the Eco Wash system operates in conventional car parks, moving from one car to the next and at other sites, a full wash bay set up exists, however, without the need for drains and separation tanks.

Water conservation creates employment and enterprise development opportunities Vehicle washing is generally accepted as an industry that can create empowerment opportunities for the unemployed youth. However, the barrier to entry is that they can’t afford the Eco Wash system without some form of assistance from either corporates or the government. The positive aspect is that already a number of South African corporates have sponsored young entrepreneurs to gain access to the Eco Wash system. Recently, the Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Agriculture and Rural Development, Lebogang Maile together with Eco Wash and Thandolwethu Investment, launched the environmentally friendly Eco Car Wash pilot programme in Sebokeng, a township near Vanderbijlpark. The programme, aimed at rolling out Eco Wash systems at township car washes seeks to save water while stimilating entrepreneurship, revitalising township economies and addressing unemployment among the youth.

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

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 September/October 2016

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feature car wash systems

Green Machine – saving you water, time, consumables and electricity If you own a car wash, car dealership, car park, petrol station, hotel or live in a residential complex where washing cars is a daily occurrence, then the Green Machine waterless car wash system is said to offer an alternative solution, capable of saving 200-litres per wash. In addition it can also assist by cutting back on space usage, consumables, electricity and time.

T

he Green Machine is an environmentally friendly, waterless car washing system that is based around water soluble wax, which is 100 percent natural and soluble, ensuring zero ‘toxic runoff’ or water pollution generated or contributed to the local water table.

Carnauba wax, also known as palm wax, originates from the leaves of a palm tree, native to the north-east of Brazil. The wax is sprayed onto the body of the car and holds the dirt in suspension, and when wiped off, leaves a velvet smooth and protective covering. Carnauba wax is also used in a variety of products such as shoe polishes, dental floss, food products, make-up, furniture waxes and surfboard wax.

While it may sound unlikely to be able to wash a dirty vehicle without excess water, the Green Machine system offers the solution. When the wax is sprayed onto the body of the vehicle and wiped off, the dirt is lifted from the vehicle by a process of emulsification, meaning the spray breaks down the dirt into molecules, surrounds and coats the dirt molecules, before lifting it off the paintwork surface.

With its compact design and mobile nature, the Green Machine system is

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While it may sound unlikely to be able to wash a dirty vehicle without excess water, the Green Machine system offers the solution. perfect for just about any environment, allowing cars to be washed quickly and conveniently where they stand, without the costly and time intensive hassle of moving cars in and out of a wash bay.

By adopting the Green Machine Waterless Car Wash System, the cost savings and positive impact on your business are huge. With an estimated 95 percent water saving per vehicle cleaned, the positive knockon effect is a major drop in electricity consumption, consumables and manpower, ultimately driving a more profitable process and business.

How it works The canister is pumped by hand to pressurise it and the atomiser spray provides an even, yet light, coverage of wax to prevent wastage.

A pump empties a small amount (750ml) of water into the basin to rinse the cleaning cloths, which is then drained into a second container

that can be conveniently and safely emptied into a sewage drain.

Also included are environmentally friendly consumables such as tyre polish, window and bug cleaner, rim and mag cleaner as well as their respective hand-spray bottles and colour-coded cloths for easy application and removal. Green Machine will find a package tailored perfectly to suit your needs, based on the estimated number of car washes per month.

A typical package will include the Green Machine cart, consisting of a pressurised canister and spray for the wax. The cart is designed to be mobile, mounted on strong flexible wheels and weighing roughly 28kg, thus making it a super-mobile and compact unit for easy storage.

Green Machine offers comprehensive training and backup assistance to clients.

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

new products Locally manufactured cleaning at height system

The heavy-duty Predator vacuum manufactured in South Africa by IndVac is said to be an effective system for cleaning at height while the vacuum unit remains at ground level. This heavy-duty electrostatic-proof super vacuum can

reach heights of up to 10 metres and has proved to be an effective high-level cleaner of toxic asbestos, flour, baghouse filters and general dust.

IndVac has also designed and developed a lightweight interlocking fibre pole to fit 38mm tools, capable of reaching cleaning jobs up to 8 metres high, whilst the operator remains safely on the ground. It features a full range of brush tools for vacuuming roof structures plus curved hook brushes for effective cleaning of the exterior surfaces of large

diameter pipes. The poles are available in lengths of 2 metres and fit together with an interlocking vacuum-sealed joint.

Telescopic poles are also available for high-level window washing and similar poles have been developed to perform high-pressure washing, using hot or cold water, with the ability to reach heights of 8 metres.

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

Glass cleaning cloth Spanish producer Hilados Biete, S.L., under its trademark Ressol, has developed a new cloth specially designed to clean glass and window surfaces without leaving any residue. Aptly named ‘Window Microglass’, this cloth is manufactured with high quality woven microfibre material with minimal linting and is available in a blue colour measuring 60 x 40cm. It also features two corners with abrasive fabric that allow for easy removal of very stubborn dirt on glass surfaces such as windows, tables and screens. It can also be used to clean large windows with telescopic poles. It is chemical resistant and durable. It can be washed and re-used up to 500 times.

For more information contact ressol@hiladosbiete.com or visit: www.hiladosbiete.com

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people and events Tennant floor care equipment launch

At a launch event Goscor Cleaning Equipment (GCE) introduced the new generation Tennant T300 range of walk behind auto scrubbers. GCE Sales Manager Peter Esterhuizen took clients through the features of the T300 range that offers next generation, sustainable cleaning technology known as ec-H20 NanoClean. GCE clients also had the opportunity to test the T300 range in a dedicated demonstration area. For more information about the Tennant T300 range refer to page 19.

Nilfisk golf day

The second annual Nilfisk spring day golf day took place at the Randpark Golf Course on 1 September. The day presented Nilfisk clients with an opportunity to interact and compete for the many sponsored prizes. The MC for the evening dinner party was famed Carte Blanche presenter, Derek Watts.

NCCA national AGM

At the National Contract Cleaners Association (NCCA) Annual General Meeting held at Goscor Cleaning Services, Patrick Makhubela, CEO of Neledzi Cleaning Services was elected as National Chairman of the NCCA. Outgoing National Chairman Clive Damonze, who occupied the position for the past 10 years, congratulates Makhubela, pictured on the left.

NCCA Gauteng golf day

The annual NCCA (Gauteng Branch) golf day took place on 16 September at the Killarney golf course in Johannesburg. A total of 86 golfers took to the course to test their skills against industry colleagues. It was however not all about golf on the day as proceeds from the event were donated to Oliver’s House, a non-profit organisation responsible for various social projects. Lyn Smit represented Oliver’s House at the evening function and presented golfers with a brief overview of the charity’s projects. Team Sterikleen (pictured with NCCA National Chair Patrick Makhubela) won the first prize of one night’s accommodation for 2 people at The Fairway Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort plus a round of golf for the four ball at Randpark Golf Club. In addition their names will be engraved on the coveted NCCA Golf Shield.

Golf day sponsors were: Africa Floorcare, Bidvest Steiner, CleanJack, Columbus SA, Goscor Cleaning Equipment, Kimberly-Clark, NBC Holdings, Neledzi Cleaning Services, Nilfisk, Numatic International, Prime Cleaning Suppliers, PRP Solutions, Safic, Siyaya Skills Institute, Staffwear, Sterikleen, The Fairway Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort and The Randpark Golf Club.

Infection control symposium The Gauteng Infection Control Society (GICS) held a mini symposium at Nilfisk’s premises in Honeydew. The keynote address was presented by Thea Daha, recognised as a leading international authority on infection control in healthcare environments. She is also the Chair for guideline cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation for the Dutch working party for infection prevention in the Netherlands.

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