November 2014

The pan-European magazine for the professional cleaning sector

NOVEMBER 2014

CASE STUDY

SPECIAL REPORT

BUSINESS

Focus on hand hygiene Starts page 23

Servicing a luxury shopping village

Waste management

Balancing the books - cash flow

Page 37

Page 62

Page 48

CONTENTS

November 2014 | Vol.22, No.6

COVER STORY

SPECIAL REPORTS 23 Soap - the magic formula?

20 TTS A range of new products

Why is hand washing with soap so life-saving, asks Ann Laffeaty.

BUSINESS 57 Balancing the books Hartley Milner on managing cash flow in your business.

33 Crowd pleasing hygiene Why access to hand hygiene at large public events is so crucial.

37 A touch of luxury A case study from Kildare Village luxury shopping outlet in Ireland.

41 Sweeper ergonomics How important are factors such as comfort and ease of use in a sweeper?

51 The cutting edge

03 News

A look at why professional window cleaners rely on scrapers so much.

53 Trolley trends

12 European reports

What are the chief factors driving the trolley market today?

58 Blowing hot and cold

64 Product review

The pros and cons of cold and hot water high pressure cleaners

62 Recycling - convincing sceptics How to convert cynics to the cause of recycling

Criterion Publishing Ltd PO Box 299, Chesham, Buckinghamshire HP5 1FP UK T +44 (0)1494 791222 F +44 (0)1494 792223 info@europeancleaningjournal.com www. europeancleaningjournal.com Subscriptions UK - £60 / Continental Europe - £70 / International - £80

Editor Michelle Marshall Features Writer Ann Laffeaty Advertisement Director Chris Godman Advertisement Sales Carole Dawson Circulation Marie Payne

Italy, Spain & Switzerland Fabio Potesta Mediapoint & Communications Corte Lambruschini, Corso Buenos Aires, 8 V0 Piano, Interno 7 16129 Genova, Italy T +39 010 570 4948 F +39 010 553 0088 info@mediapointsrl.it www. mediapointsrl.it

European Cleaning Journal is published six times a year by Criterion Publishing Ltd. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in European Cleaning, Criterion Publishing Ltd and its agents can accept no responsibility for the varacity of claims made by contributors, manufacturers or advertisers. Copyright for all material published in European Cleaning remains with Criterion Publishing Ltd and its agents.

Germany Reinhard Knittler Knittler Medien, Mittlerer Hubweg 5, D-72227 Egenhausen, Germany T +49 7453/9385 787 F +49 7453/9385 797 info@knittler.de www.knittler.de ISSN 0968-901X ©Criterion Publishing 2014

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NEWS & EVENTS

Latest News & Events from ECJ

US survey gives the lowdown on washroom cleaning staff

Register now for your free monthly email newsletter from ECJ. And don’t forget to bookmark the ECJ website and don’t miss our regular blogs - including Dr Ilham Kadri from Diversey Care, Rob den Hertog of Amsterdam RAI, Mike Sullivan of GOJO, EUnited’s Markus Asch and Unger’s Torsten Deutzmann www.europeancleaningjournal.com

EVENTS Cleaning industry professionals would rather clean up bodily fluids than tackle stains and odours in public washrooms, according to a new survey.

Most of them - 67 per cent - rank this task as the most difficult cleaning and disinfecting job in public washrooms. The online survey of 375 industry professionals was carried out in the USA by Clorox Professional Products in partnership with trade association ISSA. Sixty-one per cent of respondents also said that if all washrooms were selfcleaning they would love never to clean and disinfect urinals and toilets again. And they even ranked cleaning up bodily fluids such as blood and vomit as more tolerable (43 per cent) than removing urine stains and odours (56 per cent).

The vast majority of

participants in the research - 95 per cent - believe washroom cleaning has an impact on overall public health by helping to prevent the spread of disease. However this understanding may not trickle down to all employees, as only half of respondents (49 per cent) believe their staff is aware of all the risks associated with the spread of germs in the washroom.

Most dangerous germs Most also believe that washroom handles harbour the most dangerous germs and bacteria: particularly door handles (65 per cent), taps (38 per cent) and toilet or urinal handles (36 per cent). But secondary research does not back this up, suggesting in fact handles pose the least risk for germs. The feminine hygiene unit had one of the highest concentrations of bacteria. www.issa.com

Register now for your regular copy of ECJ - complete the reader registration form inside the back cover Une enquête a été menée aux Etats-Unis pour mieux comprendre les problèmes que doivent affronter les spécialistes du service de toilettes publiques.

November 27-29

July 28-30 2015

Clean India

CleantexPulire

Ahmedabad www.cleanindiashow.com

Johannesburg, South Africa www.cleantex.co.za

January 29-31 2015

September 22-25 2015

Cairo Clean Expo

CMS

Cairo, Egypt www.ctf-eg.com

Berlin, Germany www.cms-berlin.com

February 25-27 2015

October 20-21 2015

ISSA/Interclean Latin America

Ausclean Pulire

Mexico City, Mexico www.issainterclean.com

Queensland, Australia www.auscleanpulire.com

March 10-12 2015

October 20-23 2015

The Cleaning Show

ISSA/Interclean North America

London, UK www.cleaningshow.co.uk

Las Vegas, USA www.issainterclean.com

March 24-26 2015

May 10-13 2016

Cleaning Expo 2015

ISSA/Interclean Amsterdam

Birmingham, UK www.cleaningexpo.com

Amsterdam, Netherlands www.issainterclean.com

March 31-April 2 2015

October 25-28 2016

Europropre

ISSA/Interclean North America

Paris, France www.europropre.com

Chicago, USA www.issainterclean.com

April 22-24 2015

September 11-14 2017

ISSA/Interclean CEE

ISSA/Interclean North America

Warsaw, Poland www.issainterclean.com

Las Vegas, USA www.issainterclean.com

May 19-21 2015

October 2-5 2018

Pulire

ISSA/Interclean North America

Verona, Italy www.pulire-it.com

Orlando, USA www.issainterclean.com

To have your event included in Events, contact ECJ via email at: michelle@europeancleaningjournal.com

Eine in den USA durchgeführte Umfrage hat zum Ziel, die Herausforderungen besser zu verstehen, mit denen sich Reinigungspersonal, das in Waschräumen tätig ist, konfrontiert sieht.

Un sondaggio eseguito in USA ha come obiettivo quello di capire le sfide che devono affrontare i professionisti del cleaning che puliscono le sale da toilette.

November 2014 | ECJ | 3

NEWS Italian cleaning equipment producers report growth in 2013 The Italian association of professional cleaning equipment manufacturers AfidampFAB has reported an increase of two per cent in revenue for 2013, to a total of 1,434,625,675 euros.

The growth is accounted for by an increase in exports of four per cent, while in Italy there was a decrease in sales of one per cent. Up to 53 per cent of total turnover is in markets outside Italy, with machinery accounting for 68 per cent of turnover and equipment 65 per cent.

European countries are the most important export customers for Italian manufacturers, particularly France and Germany. The other leading markets are the Far East and the Middle East.

In terms of revenue machines

make up 32 per cent of total production, with chemicals at 14 per cent, equipment at five per cent, away-from-home paper 31.4 per cent, cloths 1.6 per cent, accessories and spare parts five per cent, and other products 11 per cent.

Regionally, Lombardy, Veneto and Emilia Romagna lead the manufacturing industry.

The machine and chemicals sector remained fairly stable compared to 2012, while paper saw a six per cent increase overall. Interestingly, room fragrances reported a 29 per cent increase in Italy.

The survey also looked at the firms making up the manufacturing sector and around 36 per cent are small businesses with revenue up

L’association italienne de la propreté Afidamp a publié deux études de marché portant respectivement sur la fabrication et la distribution.

November 2014 | ECJ | 4

to four million euros. Around 52 per cent are medium-sized family-operated companies with revenue between four and 30 million euros, with 12 per cent being large companies with turnover over 30 million euros.

Distributor stats The other branch of the association, AfidampCOM, carried out research into the Italian distribution market, which highlighted that 2013 revenue decreased for 51.5 per cent of companies. In 2012 that figure was 44.4 per cent.

In order to grow their businesses distributors said they are aiming to optimise sales, with a focus on new technologies, service and targeted marketing. Increasing

Afidamp, der italienischen Reinigungsverband, hat zwei Marktstudien veröffentlicht, die die Themen Herstellung und Vertrieb behandeln.

attention is being given to monitoring internal systems, administration and finance.

Distributors with more than 1.5 million euros in turnover have increased by 10 per cent, while there was also an increase in the average number of employees - four per cent for large companies. In 2013 there was also a decrease of four per cent in the number of companies with fewer than five employees.

Up to 61 per cent of companies are family-owned and managed.

Main customers for distributors include cleaning companies at 22 per cent and industry at 20 per cent. Ho.Re.Ca has grown in importance and now accounts for 18 per cent of business. www.afidampservizi.com

Afidamp, l’associazione italiana del cleaning, ha pubblicato due ricerche di mercato che coprono a produzione e la distribuzione.

NEWS Survey shows many uses of workplace washrooms Employees use their workplace washrooms as a place to escape and let off steam, according to the latest Hygiene Matters study commissioned by Tork manufacturer SCA. And half of all respondents want their employers to pay more attention to the quality of the washrooms where they work.

The findings of the survey, which was carried out in 13 countries with almost 13,500 respondents, shows washrooms are the only rooms at work that offer individual privacy, and they fill an important social function for employees.

They are a place for people to take time out on their own (15 per cent) or to let go of

frustration (11 per cent). One in 10 respondents admits to having a private conversation in the toilets, while three per cent has taken a nap or exercised in the washrooms.

Satisfied with toilets And even though many employees are satisfied with the toilets at work, there are still opportunities for improvement.

According to the survey half of all respondents want their employer to pay more attention to the quality of the washrooms where they work while a third of employees feel there are not enough toilets available at their workplace.

The countries included in the survey are: Sweden, Brazil,

Les employés utilisent les toilettes de leur entreprise comme un lieu d’évasion, indique la dernière enquête “L’Hygiène compte” de SCA.

Germany, China, Spain, France, Italy, Mexico, The Netherlands, Russia, South Africa, United

Kingdom and the USA. For more information visit: www.sca-tork.com

Next edition of ECJ - February 2015

Laut der neuesten Umfrage von SCA Hygiene Matters nutzen Mitarbeiter den Waschraum am Arbeitsplatz als Zufluchtsort.

I lavoratori dipendenti utilizzano le sale da toilette del loro luogo di lavoro come luogo di rifugio, a quanto emerge dal più recente sondaggio della SCA Hygiene Matters.

November 2014 | ECJ | 5

NEWS Letter - ‘BCC wants to change industry for the better’ Sirs, The September edition of ECJ published an article from the unnamed UK reporter that contained numerous references to the UK cleaning industry and the organisation I’m proud to be chairman of - the British Cleaning Council (BCC). I felt compelled to put the record straight on one or two things and remind readers across Europe about the work we do, and the contribution the BCC makes to the cleaning industry.

The article claimed the BCC’s influence was on the wane, that there was ‘political’ tension between organisations and this was leading to confusion and a lack of leadership and vision in the sector. I refute that entirely.

There have been many changes over the last few

years, but the BCC isn’t afraid of change, that’s why we made the decision to move The Cleaning Show to London next March.

The writer of the article in September’s issue talked about the growth of the FM companies and in particular the Building Futures Group (BFG) after the merger of CSSA, Asset Skills and FMA. It’s true that people in the sector had great affection for those organisations, but again, change was deemed necessary, and the BCC has adapted to that change, and has absolutely no problem with any new FM organisations – as was claimed.

On the contrary, BFG became the BCC’s latest member organisation in April this year, and we look forward to working with the organisation.

Doug Cooke, président du Conseil britannique de la propreté, répond à un article publié dans le numéro de septembre de notre revue.

November 2014 | ECJ | 6

I would argue that, far from the BCC’s position in the sector waning, as the article’s writer suggests, it is in fact growing.

We have the credibility of being the voice of the industry for over 30 years, and have some of the biggest and most respected trade bodies as members.

Some of the core issues we’ve campaigned for, like living wage and daytime cleaning, are now being widely practised, and we’re continually lobbying government for further changes in areas like sustainability, technology and training. Our voice is heard regularly in all the main industry trade press, we have a fully functioning website and a social media presence.

Our conference in November featured some thought

Doug Cooke, Vorsitzender des Cleaning Council, antwortet auf einen Artikel, der in der SeptemberAusgabe des ECJ veröffentlicht wurde.

provoking key note speakers such as Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE, and we chose ‘changing perceptions’ as a theme, to launch a lively debate.

So I do not accept the argument that the BCC is in some kind of political struggle with other organisations, or that our influence is diminishing.

We have an infrastructure, a membership and a tradition that most organisations would envy, but that is not to say we see ourselves as grandiose or above anyone else. The BCC is still the voice of the cleaning industry in the UK, but we welcome change, and we welcome working with others to change the industry for the better.

Doug Cooke Chairman, BCC

Doug Cooke, presidente del British Cleaning Council, risponde a un articolo pubblicato nel numero di settembre di ECJ.

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NEWS Aramark wins top Irish prize

Istanbul show debuts

The Irish Contract Cleaning Association (ICCA) presented its annual awards in Dublin recently, with Aramark named as Overall Winner for the Best Cleaned Contract in Ireland for its contract at Genzyme in Waterford.

Chairman of ICCA David Hogan commented during the ceremony: “These awards provide a benchmark for quality within the industry. Over recent years, the contract cleaning industry has experienced many positive changes as both the industry and all those operating within it strive to provide continued excellence in customer service, while

The first edition of ISSA/ Interclean Istanbul took place at the end of last month, with 28 per cent of the visitors coming from outside Turkey - from 70 countries. In three days the event attracted 2,746 visitors, 100 conference delegates and over 800 exhibitor representatives.

The show was also visited by international delegations of government leaders from Iraq, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

consistently developing and training staff.

Staff recognition “The importance of recognising and rewarding people working behind the scenes is key to the industry’s continued success.”

Erika Druskeviciene from National Support Services was named Cleaner of the Year, while the Supervisor of the Year prize went to Laurentiu Axinte.

The Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to Chris Delaney of Noonan Services.

Also among those picking up awards were Grosvenor Services and ISS Facility Services. www.ibec.ie/icca

•Le premier salon ISSA/Interclean d’Istanbul a eu lieu récemment, attirant 2746 visiteurs de 70 pays. 649 • L’Association irlandaise des entreprises de propreté (ICCA) a récemment tenu sa présentation de prix annuelle. La société Aramark y a été primée pour ses services dans un établissement à Waterford.

Conference programme More than 100 industry brands were represented and the conference programme featured a keynote address by Dr Ilham

•Kürzlich fand in der Türkei die erste ISSA/Interclean Istanbul statt, die 2,746 Besucher aus 70 Ländern anzog.

• Die Irish Contract Cleaning Association (ICCA) präsentierte kürzlich ihre alljährlich vergebenen Preise. Gesamtsieger war Aramark für die an einem Standort in Waterford geleistete Arbeit.

Kadri, president of Sealed Air Diversey Care. She highlighted the challenges of balancing sustainability goals while maintaining effective hygiene.

Another session by the European Tissue Symposium (ETS) focused on washroom hygiene, with other subjects discussed including international certification and training, doing business in the international community and working at heights regulations.

The next edition of ISSA/ Interclean Istanbul is scheduled to take place in autumn 2016, dates to be announced. www.issainterclean.com

• La prima edizione di ISSA/Interclean Istanbul si è tenuta recentemente in Turchia e ha attratto 2.746 visitatori provenienti da 70 nazioni.

• L’associazione del cleaning irlandese (Irish Contract Cleaning Association - ICCA) ha presentato recentemente i suoi premi. Vincitrice assoluta la Aramark per il suo lavoro in un sito a Waterford.

November 2014 | ECJ | 9

NEWS London Living Wage for all at new Sunborn yacht hotel

The UK’s Living Wage Foundation is celebrating a major step forward in London’s hospitality industry with the opening of the new Sunborn London Yacht hotel. ISS Facility Services, which manages the contract, has announced this is a Living Wage contract and all staff working there during its tenure will be paid at least the London Living Wage.

Sunborn London opened in October close to Excel exhibition centre. It has 136 rooms and suites and a four-star rating, together with meeting and event spaces. ISS has a 10-year Total Facilities Management (TFM) contract there with an option to extend by five years - the hotel is run as a semi-autonomous business by ISS. The contract provided by ISS encompasses the full complement of services: sales, marketing, reservations, event

management, reception, housekeeping, maintenance, fine dining restaurant and bar services. A total of 75 employees work at the hotel, with 42 of them newly recruited.

ECJ spoke to Thomas Kempf, managing director, cleaning, for UK and Ireland at ISS and Karen Thomson, director of hotels for the group, about the Sunborn contract. ISS was one of the first organisations to sign up as a Recognised Living Wage Service Provider.

Kempf explains: “When we are bidding we always include an opportunity for clients to pay the Living Wage, although ultimately it is their decision.”

Thomson adds: “ISS has been championing the Living Wage to all our clients and potential clients so it was on the table right from the start with Sunborn. Now it is the only hotel that has entry level staff being

Tous les employés du Sunborn London Yacht Hotel, un navire hôtel dont les services sont assuré par ISS Facilty Services, touchent au moins le salaire vital minimum pour Londres. ECJ cherche à en savoir plus.

November 2014 | ECJ | 10

paid the London Living Wage.

And that is a great step forward.”

Kempf speaks about why the company has chosen to back the Living Wage so strongly. “At ISS we very much believe in the Living Wage from a human and commercial perspective. We have found it very much helps staff retention, and in having people who are willing to go the extra mile for our clients.

“What it comes down to, however, is making sure we pay a fair wage for a fair day’s pay.

And by having a contract like Sunborn London we can make great in-roads.”

The uptake from clients who are offered the option to pay staff a living wage is still varied, Kempf continues, “but we are starting to have more relevant discussions in that there is now greater interest and awareness.

There is some way to go but by always including it in our tenders we are making progress and slowly raising awareness.”

ISS was also keen for its contract at Sunborn London to have a positive direct impact on the local area so worked closely with the East London Business Alliance (ELBA) and Passport to Work scheme in order to find employees from Newham and the surrounding area. Thomson points out that 75 per cent of staff at Sunborn had no previous experience in the hotel sector

Alle Mitarbeiter des kürzlich eröffneten Yachthotels Sunborn London, das von ISS Facility Services betreut wird, erhalten mindestens das Londoner Existenzminimum. Das ECJ erfährt Näheres.

and many of them were longterm unemployed.

“We recruited staff based on their attitude, not their skill,” she explains. “Hotel staff have to work long hours, often on their feet, so they must be courteous, happy to meet people, etc.” Ages range from 17 to over 40, there is a mixture of male and female, and many ethnic backgrounds.

Clearly, having a job at the new yacht hotel has had a significant impact on the new employees’ lives. Thomson continues: “Some of them come from families where up to four generations have been unemployed. So the difference having a job - and having a job that pays the London Living Wage - has made to their lives, and their families’ lives, is enormous.”

Rhys Moore, director of the Living Wage Foundation is delighted with this breakthrough contract at Sunborn London.

“Historically the hospitality industry has been a low pay sector. We hope the leadership ISS has shown will encourage others in this industry to consider how they support lowpaid employees.

“The best employers are voluntarily signing up to pay the Living Wage now. The Living Wage is a robust calculation that reflects the real cost of living, rewarding a hard day’s work with a fair day’s pay.”

Tutti i membri dello staff che lavorano sullo hotel-yacht di recente apertura Sunborn London, la cui manunzione è affidata alla ISS Facility Services, vengono pagati almeno il salario minimo per Londra (London Living Wage). ECJ cerca di saperne di più.

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UPDATE: DENMARK Danes and cleaning - a poor match?

The cleaning sector could be the answer to longterm unemployed leaving the Danish benefit system.

But ethnic Danes are reluctant to take on cleaning jobs. Our correspondent Lotte Printz reports.

Every so often the Danish welfare system and what it does to the unemployed’s willingness to work and for example take on low-income jobs, such as cleaning, are subject to scrutiny.

This November a new round of debate is likely to start.

DR, the Danish Broadcasting Corporation, is about to broadcast a new TV programme on the issue. Its starting point was figures showing that there are 109,000 unemployed ethnic Danes in Denmark and that workers of foreign origin fill what amounts to 123,000 positions – some part-time – Sussie Weinhold, chief sub editor of the programme, explains. To find out what these immigrants or migrant workers can that ethnic Danes perhaps cannot or will not do job wise, the programme sets up an experiment where 11 unemployed ethnic Danes are offered jobs in low-income industries for a week.

One of the businesses participating is Specialised Hotelrengøring. A Danish company specialised in hotel housekeeping, the company faces these issues on a daily basis and therefore agreed to take part in the experiment.

“Recruiting skilled hotel cleaners generally poses great challenges. And had it not been for foreign workers, our company would not exist at all,” Lars Larsson, partner and operations manager of Specialised Hotelrengøring, says.

In peak season Specialised Hotelrengøring employs approximately 150 staff and in the peak season just ended only five of them were ethnic Danes.

The company would gladly hire Comme l’explique Lotte Printz, le secteur de la propreté permettrait à de nombreux Danois de ne plus être au chômage, mais nombre d’entre eux hésitent à accepter un travail de propreté.

November 2014 | ECJ | 12

more, but there are obstacles, the operations manager explains. “Cleaning is a lowincome business, so Danes tend to consider cleaning jobs to be low-status jobs. Besides, there seems to be little financial incentive to take on a cleaning job in comparison to collecting benefits.”

Even after the Danish Government cut the unemployment benefit period from four years to two, by which long-term unemployed risk ending up on the less generous welfare or even losing all income, there seems to be some reluctance.

“Cleaning could harm my career” is still a ‘popular’ explanation when highly-educated benefit recipients are asked about this situation.

Change of attitude At Specialised Hotelrengøring they would like things and attitudes to change. “But we do not have the recipe for success in that field. We are trying, though, to express our views when discussing this issue with the other side of industry,” Lars Larsson says.

The Danish trade union for cleaners, 3F, did not wish to comment on those views and the experiment for this article.

Optimistically hoping to get the ultimate answer from the TV experiment would be to aim too high. “The experiment is not conclusive, nor does it paint an unambiguous picture of ethnic Danes. The objective is to trigger the debate on welfare and whether it pays to work,” Sussie Weinhold says.

The first of two episodes airs at the end of November.

Die Reinigungsbranche könnte vielen Dänen helfen, das Sozialsystem zu verlassen, doch viele sind abgeneigt, eine Reinigungsstelle anzunehmen, berichtet Lotte Printz.

Lotte Printz ci informa che il settore del cleaning potrebbe aiutare molti danesi a uscire dal sistema del sussidio di disoccupazione ma molti sono riluttanti ad accettare lavori di pulizia.

UPDATE: NETHERLANDS Cleaning market of the future Dutch reporter Nico Lemmens of ISS Facility Services looks at the findings of a new European FM report.

During the last few decades multi or integrated facility services contracts have made their entry into European markets, although there are variations in different countries’ markets. It undoubtedly would have serious consequences for the position of single service suppliers like cleaning companies, should these market shares become substantial.

Cleaning companies would then become subcontractors to the multi or integrated service companies, unless they would transform themselves through diversification into such companies. The question is: is such a development to be expected?

To find an answer, we take a look at the findings of a Frost & Sullivan report on the European Integrated Facility Management (IFM) Market, published in August of this year.

The key findings in short.

With some variation by country, growth in the European IFM market hovers between three and eight per cent, driven by more outsourcing and service integration. The penetration of IFM is far from its saturation level. Support service and building operations and maintenance are the cornerstones of an IFM contract, while environmental services (especially energy management) are gaining importance most significantly.

IFM providers from various backgrounds venture into offering energy management and property management services.

The need to save costs and to focus on core operations pushes further externalisation of FM services. To maximise cost savings, end users have accepted integrated solutions quickly.

Demand for IFM will grow across all major end-user sectors, with offices retaining the dominant position.

Through a revised and Notre correspondant au Pays-Bas Nico Lemmens fait le point de constatations d’un nouveau rapport sur le marché européen intégré du facility management.

comprehensive facility management programme, organisations can save significant amounts of money, specifically through improved productivity from human assets. Organisations are seeing the reduction of secondary spending through the outsourcing of FM operations as a way of dealing with squeezed profit margins, especially in times of economic difficulties.

Many procurement departments of large organisations are seeking to reduce the number of suppliers. Companies with several sites in a country have increasingly been demanding one supplier across all their sites to ensure further economies of scale and to standardise service performance. In 2013 there was a continuing demand even for multi-country contracts. These are often large-scale contracts, which can include just a few countries or span across the globe.

On the other hand, there are also some restraints in the development of the IFM market, the most important of which are the lack of culture for IFM and the relative unpopularity of subcontracting. Moreover, the number of IFM suppliers which can independently deliver an IFM contract is still relatively low. Subcontracting is often negatively regarded and despite investment of IFM suppliers to widen their service portfolio, most of them are still perceived as weak on either soft or hard services.

Therefore end users still see single service as likely to deliver a better quality. The conclusion seems to be an ambivalent one: IFM will not sweep the market, but the single service supplier’s business environment certainly is changing through a developing demand for services and the entry into the market of new providers from different backgrounds.

Nico Lemmens, der Niederlande-Korrespondent des ECJ, sieht sich die Ergebnisse eines neuen Berichts zum europäischen Markt für integriertes FacilityManagement an.

Il corrispondente olandese Nico Lemmens prende in esame le conclusioni di un nuovo rapporto sul settore europeo di facility management.

(European Integrated Facility Management).

November 2014 | ECJ | 13

UPDATE: FRANCE Street cleaning - an overview From France, ECJ reporter Christian Bouzols offers an insight into street cleaning and refuse collection in Paris.

They are to be seen every day in the streets of Paris, holding a broom or a water hose. Always dressed in green, the ‘éboueurs’ work all year round to keep the streets of the French capital clean. A visit to the Division de Propreté of the 14th Arrondissement will give an insight into how they operate.

The Division de Propreté of the 14th Arrondissement has a staff of 330, of whom 280 are éboueurs, including 20 women.

The éboueurs combine the work of street cleaners and refuse collectors. Their work is very well organised so that the goals of urban waste management and hygiene can be met.

They operate under an eightweek turnover schedule which involves them working short hours (6.00 am to 12.15 pm) on some days, and long hours (6.00 am to 5.00 pm) on others. Under that schedule, there are never fewer than 120 éboueurs on the ground at any one time during the day.

Walk to work “The street cleaners make it on foot to their designated workplace, says Laureline Autes, head of the Division de Propreté.

This means they don’t all start their work at the same place.

The aim here is to enable them to be as close as possible to their place of work at the beginning of their shift.”

Their duties change every day, which brings diversity to their work. Household waste collection takes place in the morning and is completed by noon. Afternoons are normally dedicated to street sweeping and general cleaning, which includes the cleaning out of street markets.

These are held every day Notre correspondant en France Christian Bouzols nous donne un aperçu du travail des éboueurs à Paris.

November 2014 | ECJ | 14

except Thursdays.

Collection of bulky waste, the only activity in which women don’t take part, is normally carried out by appointment with the residents concerned.

However, only 40 per cent of the citizens take the trouble to call the Division to have this service carried out free of charge. The others are content with just leaving their waste in the street.

Training- Before taking up their duties, the éboueurs undergo initial training at the Ecole de la Propreté in the 18th Arrondissement of Paris. Once they’ve become civil servants, they undergo an additional series of theoretical and practical classes for 15 days. They then start their work, guided by a tutor for a variable period of time until they have acquired good techniques.

Insecurity – During their working day, éboueurs are sometimes the target of verbal abuse and even physical assault.

This can happen when their dust carts block streets or make noise. “We do our best to run our dust carts early in the morning in busy streets in order to avoid traffic jams”, explains Laureline Autes. “But then, we can’t operate too early because we would be getting complaints for noise pollution. Also, we need to be vigilant at dawn on Saturdays and Sundays, when people start leaving nightclubs.”

In addition, éboueurs have to face the rudeness of some local residents, particularly in the form of rubbish being thrown into the streets from upper floors once the éboueurs have cleaned them, which can be very disheartening. In Paris as elsewhere, there is much to be done in terms of civic education…

Unser FrankreichKorrespondent Christian Bouzols bietet einen Einblick in den alltäglichen Betrieb der Straßenreinigung und Müllabfuhr in Paris.

Il corrispondente francese Christian Bouzols fa un’analisi approfondita delle operazioni quotidiane di pulizia delle strade e di raccolta dei rifiuti a Parigi.

UPDATE: GERMANY Managing quality German correspondent Thomas Schulte-Marxloh on quality certification in contract cleaning.

Public awarding authorities as well as private customers in Germany trust in quality assurance more and more. While some years ago the main requirement was that potential contracting companies were run by a master craftsman, customers today commonly rely on a certification mark for the contract cleaning sector – RAL-GZ 902. In the public sector this trend has been intensified by a revisited public procurement law. Moreover schools, hospitals, retirement homes etc, increasingly compete with each other - consequently, these institutions emphasise the range of services offered which includes cleanliness. So facilities today have to be managed accordingly.

As customer orientation can be visualised by the attractive appearance of a building, it is important to choose a competent and likewise competitive cleaning contractor that delivers quality work and keeps the facility well maintained and tidy. The RAL certification mark can help building owners to identify eligible cleaning companies, as RAL-GZ 902 is designed in particular for the contract cleaning business and defines relevant requirements. The ISO 9000+ certification does not exactly guarantee the level of proficiency as it only refers to a compliance with quality management.

The RAL quality assurance puts a focus on technical qualification, reliability and capability of the contract cleaning company and also considers whether its offered price is transparent and appropriate; therefore, the certification includes all traditional assessment criteria of public procurement regulations. Apart from that the application of environmentally friendly cleaning methods or implementation of a work safety scheme is taken into account.

Continuous monitoring, either Thomas SchulteMarxloh, correspondent d’ECJ en Allemagne, examine la marque de certification de la qualité pour le secteur de la propreté.

internal by the individual company or external by independent testing institutes, guarantees compliance with legal and technical standards. External monitoring includes the inspection of the premises, an assessment of cleaned buildings and audition of a norm-compliant quality management system.

Staff qualification A qualification of the operations manager according to the Handicraft Regulation Act as well as an entry in the official register of handicrafts is a prerequisite.

Checking the local presence of a company ensures appropriate care of the building. The professional qualification of staff regarding the handling of machines, working materials and procedures has to be secured by internal instructions and inspections. In order to guarantee transparency in terms of contract for both client and contractor, contract specifications have to be defined and itemised; including frequency, time and financial costs of cleaning.

Machinery and other equipment is reviewed regarding its compliance with present standards in terms of technology and methods of operation. Certificates of nonobjection by the local tax office and health insurance funds are as obligatory as a certificate regarding contributions to employer’s liability insurance coverage or public liability.

Due to legal regulations experts regarding environmental protection or occupational safety have to be available in the company. With respect to occupational safety all required documents are reviewed.

Of course, the objects cleaned are inspected as well to guarantee the standard the mark promises.

The RAL quality mark comprising internal and external audits as well as comprehensive quality checks has gained reputation, and not only amongst public clients.

Thomas Schulte-Marxloh, der DeutschlandKorrespondent des ECJ, bewertet die Qualitätszertifizierung der Reinigungsbranche.

Thomas Schulte-Marxloh, il corrispondente tedesco di ECJ, fa una recensione del marchio di certificazione della qualità per il settore del cleaning.

November 2014 | ECJ | 15

UPDATE: ITALY Taking in laundry Anna Garbagna in Italy reports on a new section of the Pulire exhibition to be included in 2015.

The new project for the next Pulire exhibition in Verona next May was presented in Milan recently. It is Pulire Clean, an area dedicated to manufacturers of machines for the washing and care of textiles, which next year will offer its visitors a whole pavilion whose objectives will be the promotion and highlighting of new products of a world which is more and more in synergy with the professional cleaning sector.

Pulire, which has been for over 30 years the largest exhibition for professional cleaning in Italy, attracted over 270 exhibitors from 25 countries during the last edition and welcomed over

14,000 visitors from 90 countries across the world.

The event hosts the main producers of mops, flat mops and uniforms which require more and more effective and specific washing solutions, such pre-impregnation of mops and flat mops with the detergents required to clean floors or special drying techniques which don’t damage the characteristics of materials.

Complete service In the chemical products area, it will be possible to create synergies and partnerships in view of the creation of a complete service of washing machines and deter-

Le prochain salon de la propreté Pulire à Vérone, prévu en 2015, contiendra pour la première fois une section consacrée à la blanchisserie, rapporte Anna Garbagna.

November 2014 | ECJ | 16

gents, aimed at those markets which represent the primary interest of both sectors: Horeca, hospitals, health environments and centres.

From the visitors’ point of view, Pulire has always offered a number of contact opportunities to the operators of professional laundry services. In fact, 29 per cent of the exhibition’s visitors are represented by large service and facilities management companies which more and more permanently offer outsourcing services especially for the hospitality and hospital sectors. On the other hand, 40 per cent is composed of distributors, dealers, sellers, importers, and purchasing groups.

The brand Pulire is an international network of exhibitions in Spain, Russia, Dubai, Asia, India, Australia and South Africa.

“Pulire is an event which is

Bei der nächsten italienischen Reinigungsmesse Pulire, die 2015 in Verona stattfinden wird, wird es zum ersten Mal einen Bereich geben, der ausschließlich dem Wäschewaschen gewidmet ist, so Anna Garbagna.

always dynamic and always new for the operators of the sector, while also retaining the historical significance of its connotation.

In order to be more and more all-embracing of the professional cleaning industry and of all the services related to it,” declared Toni D’Andrea, managing director of Afidamp Servizi, the company which organises Pulire. “We have launched the concept 2.0 for the first time at the 2013 show, which we will extend further in 2015 and it is with great pleasure that we communicate the intention to open an area dedicated to the washing and care of textiles. We believe that, to reserve a pavilion of Pulire to this sector so strongly linked to cleaning, is the proof of an organisation which is clearly orientated towards the market and a proof of the will to build a greater network”.

Anna Garbagna ci informa che la prossima edizione della fiera italiana Pulire, che si terrà a Verona nel 2015, avrà per la prima volta un’area dedicata al lavaggio e alla cura dei tessuti.

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UPDATE: UK Is the cleaning industry ready?

The ECJ correspondent in the UK asks how the cleaning sector can help in the fight against Ebola.

There is an apocryphal story told of US president Lyndon Johnson climbing board Air force One and saying to the pilot: “Go any place.

We got troubles all over!”

This could in fact apply to any succeeding president and particularly President Obama at this time. Not that he is alone.

Almost all the worlds’ leaders are in the same position as are many of their citizens.

What have we got to worry about? There are many choices - Ebola, Syria, radicalisation, ISIS, Ukraine - and so on almost ad infinitum. As the weather heads for the winter all these topics are being avidly discussed.

All of these things could affect us all. It may be that by the time this article is in your hands, Ebola will be under complete control or it could be creating a worldwide epidemic. Of all the doom scenarios, Ebola is the one most relevant to the cleaning industry.

“We are in advanced state of preparedness,” say those who should know but even in the USA there have been errors.

When Ebola was first discovered more than 40 years ago, work could have been done on preparation of a vaccine. Alas, such work is expensive and the potential purchasers were Africans without any money to buy the resultant

Notre reporter au Royaume-Uni se penche sur l’épidémie de l’Ebola et examine les mesures d’hygiène qui pourraient contribuer à la maîtriser.

November 2014 | ECJ | 18

drugs. Now we are attempting to do 10 years’ work in six months because it appears that the West may be threatened. The media, which has yet to produce anything that is constructive and of lasting value, is quick to blame the WHO and the rest of the world apart from the handful of western nations offering assistance. Of course this enhances the story!

The first thing we can do is to stop wringing the hands and concentrate on our own hygienic preparations. How many contract cleaning companies have equipment ready to deal with the appearance of bodily fluids? We know that the presence of bodily fluids is a major source of infection not only with Ebola but other unpleasant complaints.

Is the area clean and hygienic?

Can it be made so as part of a laid down routine? Have we trained

Der britische Reporter des ECJ konzentriert sich auf den Ebola-Ausbruch und wie bessere Hygienemaßnahmen zur Kontrolle beitragen könnten.

staff to deal with the event? A double question here.

Over-reaction to scaremongering headlines? No. Just plain common sense.

Radicalisation. Not our fault, we stood while politicians let it happen - unhindered immigration, our usual easygoing attitude allowed a totally foreign concept to flourish, feeding on gullibility and unemployment - attractive to impressionable young people.

What can the cleaning industry do? Enhance the status of the cleaning operative, involve them in company social activities and convey information on company policy, strategies and its progress in the world of business.

We hope to follow on with some ideas for tackling the problems that lie ahead and are here now.

Many we cannot solve but we have something to contribute.

Il corrispondente del Regno Unito di ECJ concentra l’attenzione sull’epidemia di Ebola, prendendo in esame come delle migliori misure di igiene possano aiutare a tenere l’epidemia sotto controllo.

UPDATE: RUSSIA In mid-March, after the recognition of the results of the referendum and the decision

by Crimea to join the Russian Federation, the United States, the European Union and a number of other countries enacted the first package of economic sanctions, which were then expanded.

Thus far, Russian cleaners haven’t felt any impact from the economic sanctions. We’re witnessing an expansion of retail networks in Moscow and other regions of the country, as well as infrastructure projects.

The market for cleaning continues to grow regardless of economic instability. By the end of the year, it will have grown by 20-30 per cent. And the forecast by market experts is that 2015 will be as strong for the industry.

Construction of commercial real estate that was launched before the enactment of sanctions will result in the commissioning of

these enterprises. In a number of cities, the construction of major sports venues and infrastructure is underway for the World Cup in 2018. Any fallout from the economic sanctions on the market is not expected before 2016.

Let’s consider the primary factors affecting the economy in general and the cleaning sector.

According to experts, the most negative consequences for our country will be from the limits on the export of Russian high technology and the access of Russian banks to cheap credit.

But the market for cleaning in Russia has no relation to high technologies. And cleaning companies are not dependent on loans, although the rate is on the rise. Companies borrow outside funds for short periods when they’re undergoing rapid growth, but this does not mean they are dependent on loans.

All floor cleaning equipment,

Oleg Popov en Russie explique que, dans le secteur de la propreté, les sanctions économiques imposées par suite de la situation en Crimée n’ont pas encore eu d’incidences sur le secteur de la propreté.

Impact of sanctions Oleg Popov of Cristanval Cleaning in Russia discusses the impact of economic sanctions there. implements, detergents and concentrates are manufactured abroad, since the consumption of professional cleaning tools is not yet high enough to make it profitable to open factories here.

Prices for all expendable materials are increasing. But these costs amount to no more than 10 per cent of contract value. Also, the warehouses of distributors and large cleaning companies are stocked with everything a company needs at the ‘old’ prices.

These supplies are enough even given market growth.

Experts note that the negative outlook of the euro and the dollar against the ruble will be shortlived. In its turn, the low exchange rate may contribute to the estab-

Oleg Popov in Russland erläutert, dass sich in der Reinigungsbranche noch keine Auswirkungen der aufgrund des Krim-Konflikts verhängten wirtschaftlichen Sanktionen bemerkbar machen.

lishment of partnerships with new countries. A weaker ruble contributes to the growth of the stabilisation fund. The size of the financial ‘safety cushion’ will help soften the effect of the sanctions in Russia for a couple of years.

It’s the situation with the labour market that has been exerting the greatest impact. There is virtually no unemployment in Russia so no competition in the labour market.

Difficulties occur not only as regards line personnel, but also in relation to managers of facilities. It’s not easy finding qualified personnel for new facilities.

And if economic sanctions end up contributing to greater competition for jobs, then our business can only benefit from this.

Dalla Russia, il corrispondente Oleg Popov spiega che nel settore del cleaning non si sono ancora sentiti gli effetti causati dalle sanzioni economiche imposte come risultato della situazione della Crimea.

November 2014 | ECJ | 19

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HAND HYGIENE

Soap - the magic formula?

Hand washing is something that most of us do several times a day without a second thought. But if more people around the world adopted this simple practice, it could save 650,000 lives a year according to hygiene experts.

Ann Laffeaty finds out what makes soap and water such a magical formula.

“In order to change people’s hand hygiene behaviour we need to find out what is preventing them from following good hand hygiene practices in the first place.”

Understanding the importance of hand washing with soap and water is by no means rocket science. But experts would have us believe that its role in our day-today lives is at least as important. Not only could it improve our health, they say, it could even save thousands of lives.

Arguments have raged over the years about the hygiene benefits of hand washing and the means required to carry it out successfully. In the 19th century when clean water was hard to come by, people were suspicious of water since it was associated with diseases such as typhoid.

As a result, many people were unwilling to use it for hand washing.

In recent years there have been debates as to whether or not soap is a crucial factor in hand hygiene regimes, or if water alone is sufficient to reduce the bacterial load on the hands. Then there are further discussions over whether alcohol gels can take the place of soap, and whether hand drying with a towel is more hygienic than air dryers or vice-versa.

Admittedly, the arguments concerning the benefits and disadvantages of each different hand washing and drying method have generally depended on who was putting forward the argument. Manufacturers of soap, hand towels, warm air dryers and alcohol gels all have their own reasons for highlighting the benefits of their products.

But according to independent speakers at a recent hand hygiene conference in London, hand washing with soap is the ultimate key to improved health and hygiene.

Delegates at the conference, which took the theme: ‘The science and behaviour behind hand washing at home, work and on the move’, were told that this simple practice could save 650,000 lives around the world each year. It could also help to prevent the spread of SARS, AIDS, cholera and pandemic flu and alleviate the effects of malnutrition, according to expert speakers.

Independent health and safety consultant Dr Lisa Ackerley told the confer-

ence that hand washing with soap could prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses including influenza which currently cause between a quarter and a half a million deaths worldwide each year. And she added that it could reduce the number of gastro-intestinal illnesses which are the cause of four per cent of deaths worldwide - most of them involving children aged five and under.

So how can soap and water alone provide such a magical formula? Dr Valerie Curtis, a reader in hygiene at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, explained that soap provides an effective means of removing faecal matter from the hands after washroom visits.

Describing human faeces as: “perhaps the most dangerous substance known to man” she went on: “It gets into the water and the soil; it can be transmitted by flies and by people’s hands. It can also be passed on to a new host via food handled by unwashed fingers.”

She claimed that around 0.85 million deaths worldwide were caused by diarrhoea every year. “There are also between two and 3.5 billion episodes of diarrhoea every year,” she said. “The more often people have diarrhoea, the more likely they are to have a respiratory tract infection. This is a massive issue and one that we haven’t yet solved.”

No funding According to Curtis, diarrhoea kills more children than AIDS, malaria and measles combined. “However, people don’t like to talk about it which means there is no funding,” she said. “International attention is not focused on diarrhoea or hand hygiene – it is focused on water treatment.”

She added that studies have shown the practice of hand washing using soap to be the best way of reducing the risks of diseases spread via human faeces. This was borne out by the results of a study into the effects of hand washing on child health in Karachi, Pakistan.

Emeritus professor of economics at the Continued page 24

November 2014 | ECJ |23

HAND HYGIENE Soap - the magic formula? (continued) London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Joy Townsend discussed the details of the study in which 25 squatter settlements were provided with plain soap. Hand hygiene was then promoted in these areas, whereas no soap nor hand hygiene training was provided in the 11 adjoining settlements.

“In the settlements where soap was given out there was a 50 per cent reduction in pneumonia among under-fives,” said Townsend. “There was also a 53 per cent reduction in diarrhoea in under 15s.”

Another successful outcome was recorded by global social mission manager of Unilever’s Lifebuoy brand Anita Gopal.

Lifebuoy was founded 120 years ago in the fight against cholera, and in partnership with the Royal Society for Public Health it has now launched the Help a Child Reach Five campaign. This aims to prevent children in the developing world dying through poor hand hygiene-related diseases.

“The age of five is critical to a child’s survival,” said Gopal. “In parts of Pakistan people don’t even name their child until they have reached this milestone.”

Changing behaviour Lifebuoy aims to save lives by changing the hygiene behaviour of one billion people by 2015. The company has ‘adopted’ the Indian village of Thesgora and has set up a School of Five campaign in the village.

Children are provided with fun activities to encourage them to improve their hand hygiene habits and expectant mothers are advised to wash their hands before touching their babies. “This seeds the idea of hand hygiene in antenatal check-ups,” said Gopal.

Clinical trials held by the company in Mumbai show that improved hand hygiene regimes can, indeed, pay off. School attendance in the Mumbai area rose by 40 per cent after hand hygiene programmes were instigated and cases of diarrhoea fell by 25 per cent, while respiratory infections were reduced by 15 per cent.

So hand washing with soap does seem to have a quantifiable impact on health.

But what makes it such a magic formula?

According to experts it is a relatively simple practice to promote and soap is also widely available, even in those communities where warm air dryers and clean towSe laver les mains se fait plusieurs fois par jour sans qu’on y pense par la plupart des gens. Cependant, si les habitants du monde étaient plus nombreux à adopter cette pratique, 650 000 vies humaines pourraient être sauvées chaque année, estiment des experts de l’hygiène. Ann Laffeaty explore les raisons de l’effet magique de l’eau et du savon.

November 2014 | ECJ | 24

And this availability is key to the ‘magic formula’ of soap and water. If the right tools are easily accessible – and if people are persuaded to use them – lives can be saved. But another study quoted at the conference revealed that alcohol-based hand sanitisers can also have a positive effect on hygiene if they are also readily available and if people have a strong incentive to use them.

Strategically placed

els are a rarity. And crucially, hand washing with soap coupled with hand hygiene promotion is financially viable.

According to economics professor Joy Townsend, United Nations studies have shown hand hygiene promotion to be the single most cost-effective health intervention with a price tag of only US$ 5 (four euros) a day. “Providing basic sanitation, on the other hand, costs between US$ 10 and 100 (between four and 80 euros) a day,” she said.

And a large-scale urban study carried out in Burkina Faso over a three-year period also showed the health and financial benefits of hand washing with soap.

Hand hygiene was promoted in more than 7,000 households during the course of the trial in a bid to reduce cases of childhood diarrhoea. Over the three-year period an estimated 100 deaths and 8,638 cases of diarrhoea were averted, while the cost of implementing the scheme was only US$ 7.3 (5.9 euros) per household per year.

“Hand hygiene programmes are therefore financially feasible and implementation costs are low compared with the savings that can be made,” said Townsend.

Anita Gopal agreed that hand washing with soap was the most practical and achievable way to reduce the number of hand hygiene-related diseases. “Diarrhoea and pneumonia are the top two killers of children, and hand washing with soap is the most cost-effective method of preventing these deaths since around 99 per cent of households have access to soap in any case,” she said.

In a study carried out at three Taiwan hospitals, alcohol-based hand sanitisers were placed at strategic points around the buildings and hand hygiene training was provided for staff. Hand washing reminders were placed near point of care and financial incentives were offered to those units that demonstrated outstanding performance. To make the argument for using the sanitisers even more persuasive, fines were threatened for compliance failure.

“As a result of the scheme we estimated that 1,424 episodes of healthcareacquired infections had been averted and compliance had improved from 43.3 per cent in 2004 to 95.6 per cent in 2007,” said Joy Townsend.

The Taiwan hospital study also proved financially viable, she said. After the costs of hand sanitisers, posters and financial incentives had been paid, the net benefit of the trial was US$ 5,289 million (4,258 million euros).

So while soap and water were considered by speakers to be the best hand hygiene solution, the key to improved global health actually lay in persuading people to clean their hands in the first place.

Experts in turn considered ways in which people could be persuaded to improve their hand hygiene practices, and delegates were told that motivations for change greatly depended on the target audience.

“It is crucial to find out what motivates people,” said Curtis. “In some cases, people are persuaded to improve their hand hygiene by motives such as disgust and a keenness to fit in. But in order to change their hand hygiene behaviour we need to find out what is preventing them from following good hand hygiene practices in the first place.”

Die meisten von uns waschen die Hände mehrmals täglich, ohne weiter darüber nachzudenken. Wenn sich jedoch mehr Menschen auf aller Welt diese einfache Gewohnheit aneignen würden, könnten laut Hygieneexperten jährlich rund 650.000 Leben gerettet werden. Ann Laffeaty erfährt, was Seife und Wasser zur Zauberformel macht.

Lavare le mani è una cosa che la maggior parte di noi fa diverse volte al giorno senza pensarci su due volte.

Ma se un numero più alto di persone in tutto il mondo adottasse questa semplice pratica, ciò potrebbe salvare 650.000 vite in un anno secondo il parere degli esperti in igiene. Ann Laffeaty scopre cosa rende acqua e sapone una formula così magica.

Preventing Illness is Everyone’s Business

Hospital Associated Infections (HAIs) cost European hospitals about €7 billion annually1

Approximately 60 million days of school are missed annually due to the cold and flu 2

Having the flu costs on average 4 lost working days3

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Available from:http://www.euro.who.int/ __data/assets/pdf_file/0006/ 113829/ Patient_safety_pres_jakab.pdf Available from:www.cdc.gov/ healthyyouth/ infectious/ index.htm Available from: http://www.biomedcentral.com/ 1471-2458/ 14/ 813# B42 4 According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines 2 3

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PRODUCTS: HAND HYGIENE

• Le dernier lancement de la société Kennedy concerne la gamme de distributeurs de savon Savona Ellipse Auto.

• Pasture Naturals a développé un désinfectant des mains de luxe pour le secteur des maisons de retraite.

• D’après une nouvelle étude par l’université de Leeds, en Angleterre, les sécheurs à jet d’air et à air chaud présentent un potentiel élevé de contamination de toilettes par le fait de propager des bactéries dans l’air ambiant.

• Von Kennedy wurde vor kurzem Savona Ellipse Auto, eine Produktreihe mit Seifenspendern, vorgestellt.

• Pasture Naturals hat ein LuxusHändedesinfektionsmittel für den Pflegeheimsektor entwickelt.

• Eine neue Studie der Universität Leeds in Großbritannien kommt zum Schluss, dass Waschräume durch Luftstromund Warmlufthändetrockner potenziell stärker verunreinigt werden, da sie Bakterien in die Luft verbreiten.

• Il prodotto più recente lanciato dalla Kennedy è la gamma di dispenser di sapone Savona Ellipse Auto.

• La Pasture Naturals ha sviluppato un sanitizzante per le mani raffinato per il settore delle case di riposo.

• Un nuovo studio della Università di Leeds nel Regno Unito ha concluso che gli asciugamani a getto di aria e ad aria calda hanno un potenziale più alto di contaminare le sale da toilette diffondendo i batteri nell’aria.

November 2014 | ECJ | 26

No contact

Luxury sanitiser

The Savona Ellipse Auto line of soap dispensers is the latest development from Kennedy.

These automatic models are based on infra-red proximity technology combined with a high speed dose delivery.

The dispenser takes two D-Cell batteries to dispense up to 96 one-litre soap bottles. Included in the range are a liquid soap and a foam soap version, with single use soap cartridges or direct fill bottles for customers who prefer using their own soap.

The new no-touch dispensers fit into the broader Ellipse line of washroom units with the elliptic window insert available in eight different colours and patterns to suit different environments. www.kennedy-hygiene.com

Pasture Naturals has launched its first luxury hand sanitiser for the care home sector. Enriched with Vitamin E and Aloe-Vera the formula is said to provide a barrier from harmful bacteria while being gentle on hands.

Free from perfume and colour, the absorbent and quick-drying gel is designed to keep skin moisturised and feeling soft. www.pasturenaturals.com

Study findings A new study carried out in the UK and funded by the European Tissue Symposium (ETS) has concluded jet air and warm air hand dryers have a greater potential to contaminate washrooms by spreading bacteria into the air and onto bystanders.

Designed and led by expert medical microbiologist Professor Mark Wilcox of University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals, the study compared the

propensity of three commonly used methods of hand drying to aerosolise bacteria. Jet air dryers were found to disperse more bacteria-carrying droplets and spread them further than either warm air dryers or paper towels. And bacteria were found to persist for a longer time after the jet air dryer stopped.

Gloved hands were contaminated with a harmless strain of Lactobacillus, an organism not normally found in washrooms.

This was done to mimic the bacterial burden on poorly washed hands. Subsequent detection of Lactobacillus in the air proved it must have come from the hands during drying. Researchers measured the air around the dryers and also at one and two metres away.

Bacterial counts in the air close to jet air dryers were found to be 4.5 times higher than around warm air dryers and 27 times higher compared with using paper towels. www.europeantissue.com

PRODUCTS: HAND HYGIENE

Ultimate control Tork soaps, sanitisers and other products in the skin care range from SCA have all been designed to control consumption and reduce waste. Products include liquid soaps, foam soaps, a hand and body lotion and a hair and body gel plus a hand sanitiser and a toilet seat cleaner.

Tork Foam Soap, for example, comes in Mild, Extra Mild and Luxury formulations. Each refill contains up to 2,500 shots of foam soap and is housed in an easy-to-use dispenser.

Tork Liquid Soaps come in various formulations and each refill holds 1,000 shots of soap. The range includes Tork Extra Hygiene

Liquid Soap which conforms to the EN1499 and reduces bacteria by 99.9 per cent. Tork Extra Hygiene Liquid Soap is aimed at hygiene-sensitive environments such as the food and catering sectors. A mini version of the dispenser is available for more compact washrooms. www.tork.co.uk

Pocket-sized Soft Care Med and Soft Care Des E hand disinfectants from Sealed Air Diversey Care are used worldwide. Now the company is aiming to make them more accessible by offering more pocket-sized formats that allow users to carry them everywhere.

Whether it’s doctors moving between patients or hotel staff who have contact with many people every day, Soft Care Med

and Soft Care Des E offer bactericidal and virucidal properties combined with mild skin-friendly formula. Both are designed for high frequency use. www.diversey.com

Waterless For waterless hand sanitisation EcoHydra has developed a range of alcohol and Triclosan free products. The product range consists of instant hand sanitised, hand wash, hand lotion and barrier cream.

Features include ability to kill up to 99.9999 per cent of common bacteria; maintenance of skin integrity so avoiding the discomfort associated with harsh antiseptics; suitability for multiple daily use; and cost effectiveness.

Depending on the particular product the range is available from individual 50 ml dispensers through to 800 ml wall dispenser units. www.ecohydra.com

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1RYHPEHU _ (&- _ 27

PRODUCTS: HAND HYGIENE

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1RYHPEHU _ (&- _ 28

No touch soap

Workers’ worry

San Jamar has taken its notouch technology from towel dispensers into soap - its new electronic no-touch hybrid system is sensor-activated while also incorporating a manual push cover that allows the user to access soap when the batteries are low.

The dispenser cover actually has a ‘push’ icon indicator that goes on when batteries are low.

This new unit will be available from December and can dispense foam, liquids and sanitisers. At 1,000 ml it is high in capacity, there are two dose settings and batteries last for an average of six months. www.sanjamar.com

In an independent poll commissioned by Kimberly-Clark Professional in the UK, nearly three-quarters of office workers said they were concerned about germs in their workplace.

Twenty-one per cent said they were “greatly concerned� by germs at work, with 51 per cent stating they were “somewhat concerned�. Meanwhile, 57 per cent said they were worried about the transfer of germs from work to home.

Generally, there is a high level of mistrust among office workers in relation to their colleagues’ hand hygiene. More than half (56 per cent) said they worried that co-workers used the toilet without washing their hands and two thirds said they trusted their family’s hand hygiene standards more than those of their colleagues.

Kimberly-Clark recommends strategic positioning and distribution of sanitisers, both non-

The next edition of ECJ is February/March 15

alcohol and alcohol, throughout the workplace. It also suggests ‘caddies’ for desks and meeting rooms containing tissues, a hand sanitiser and surface wipes. www.kcprofessional.com

Good practice Cid Lines specialises in hand cleansing and disinfection products and says its products meet the strictest European standards for hygiene.

To ensure proper practice is followed the company has developed Keno septDT, which complements Keno sept-L and Keno sept-G to evaluate the techniques of users applying those products to disinfect their hands. After disinfection, a control can be performed with UV light whereby only the disinfected areas of the hand will light up. www.cidlines.com

ONE TOUCH SWEEPING MINIMISING YOUR OPERATIONAL COSTS

SW4000 is a ride-on sweeper with high dump designed for maximum performance, reliability, minimizing downtime and your operational costs. It is equally suitable for outdoors as indoors cleaning depending on selected power source, battery, LPG or petrol.

www.nilďŹ sk.com

PRODUCTS: HAND HYGIENE

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1RYHPEHU _ (&- _ 30

HEPA filter Excel Dryer’s Xlerator warm air dryer features a HEPA filtration system which is claimed to remove 99.97 per cent of bacteria at 0.3 microns from the air stream. Its metal mesh pre-filter is washable.

The system can be retrofitted into existing Xlerator or XleratorEco models. XleratorEco uses ‘no heat’ technology to dry hands quickly while using only 500 watts of electricity.

Accessories for both models include adjustable speed and sound control for soundsensitive areas and Microban antimicrobial wall guards. www.xleratorhanddryer.com

Wash properly Staff working in hospitals need to be able to demonstrate their ability to properly wash or disinfect their hands. SureWash says its computer-based training system allows them to train in

Register now for your regular copy of ECJ use the form inside the back cover control teams can manage multiple sites with a standard hand hygiene technique. www.surewash.com

Functional their own time, with feedback at each stage of training.

Infection prevention teams can pre-load questions on different topics under the questionnaire.

The questions and answers both rotate to ensure that staff have to truly know the answers.

SureWash now delivers management reports that are comparative across wards, hospitals, health systems and national services. And because it can be used online infection

Dr Clean says its new hand cleanser dispensers are functional and practical, offering both manual and notouch function.

The patented modular design is said to be easy to clean and maintain while the flexible nozzle enables handling of liquid, spray or foam soap.

Dosage is adjustable. www.doctorclean.com.cn

IPC Gansow for a better cleaning of the airport environments

CT80 Better ergonomics - CT80 is the ideal ride-on scrubber drier to clean large areas with an heavy pedestrian trafďŹ c and where it is necessary to operate with the minimum noise level, as in the airport areas.

CT80 is the new-born ride-on scrubber drier in IPC Gansow range. Extremely compact, this model is unique in its application segment for technical solution, ergonomics, design and performances.

Better performances - 80 litres tanks capacity, with scrubbing widths of 55 cm in the single brush version and 60/70 cm in the two-brush version. The exclusive EcoSelect function permits to control and adjust, with a single program, the delivery of water and cleaning product, as well as the speed of the brush and suction motors, reducing both energy consumption and noise.

Better saving - Easier to use and reduced managing costs, thanks to a more rationalized components industrialisation: efďŹ cient service levels at the lowest costs.

Better cleaning for a better world

Gansow www.ipcgansow.com

HAND HYGIENE

Crowd pleasing hygiene Mass gatherings to celebrate or mark specific events are a regular feature of 21st century life.

However, if the entertainment and enjoyment factor are to be guaranteed for all those participating, the risks to public health need to be considered.

Mike Sullivan, managing director of Gojo Europe, explains why access to hand hygiene is a must at large sporting or public events.

Whether sporting prowess is your particular interest, or music festivals are more your style, there now seems to be an event to cater for everyone. While not wanting to spoil the party for anyone, event organisers must address the very real public health risks that can affect occasions when lots of people meet and spend time in one place. The WHO Europe (World Health Organisation) website dedicates a section to this very issue.

It states: “Mass gatherings – including large sports competitions, and political, religious, cultural and artistic events – draw large crowds. They can be settings for disease outbreaks and other health problems, and may promote unhealthy products and result in unhealthy behaviour. All this can stress the public health system and resources of host countries, and the countries where the visitors return to.�

The WHO’s goal is to make large international events safe from public health risks, and it works with partners and national authorities to help them prepare. A good example of its work are the frequently asked questions (FAQs) WHO prepared for travellers to Poland and the Ukraine for the European Football Championship, EURO 2012. The FAQs covered: ĹŚ $FFHVV WR KHDOWKFDUH ĹŚ &URZG VDIHW\ DQG HPHUJHQFLHV ĹŚ 0HDVOHV ĹŚ 5XEHOOD ĹŚ 7UDYHOOHUĹ&#x;V GLDUUKRHD ĹŚ 5DELHV ĹŚ +,9 $,'6 ĹŚ +HDW ĹŚ 7REDFFR DQG GUXJV In the guidance about traveller’s diarrhoea the FAQ says that: “Prevention is the best medicine. Good hand and personal hygiene is very important. Wash your hands well after visiting the toilet and before handling or eating food.â€?

The advice has particular resonance in light of the outbreak of suspected norovirus in the athletes’ village before the 2014 Commonwealth Games opened in Glas-

gow. It was widely reported 53 workers had contracted what was suspected to be norovirus, with an additional 18 members of the security team also experiencing symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting. Luckily none of the athletes or their team officials had reported symptoms.

Gastrointestinal illnesses thrive in many different closed and crowded environments. The effects of outbreaks are wideranging – from the personal discomfort of those who contract the virus, to the disruption to normal services caused by having to deal with the consequences of an outbreak, and the subsequent work needed to return things to normal. $FFRUGLQJ WR 1+6 &KRLFHV LQ WKH 8. ť,I you have a sudden episode of vomiting and diarrhoea, it’s likely you have norovirus.� It says that some people also experience symptoms such as high temperature, headaches, painful stomach cramps and aching limbs.

It goes on to state that: “It’s not always possible to avoid getting norovirus, but good hygiene measures can help limit the spreads of the virus.â€? It offers advice to help stop the virus spreading, including: ĹŚ :DVK KDQGV IUHTXHQWO\ DQG WKRURXJKO\ with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet and before preparing food ĹŚ 'RQĹ&#x;W VKDUH WRZHOV DQG IODQQHOV ĹŚ 'LVLQIHFW DQ\ VXUIDFHV RU REMHFWV WKDW could be contaminated with the virus ĹŚ :DVK DQ\ LWHPV RI FORWKLQJ RU EHGGLQJ that could have become contaminated with the virus, and wash the items separately on a hot wash to ensure that the virus is killed ĹŚ $YRLG YLVLWLQJ KRVSLWDOV LI \RX KDYH KDG the typical symptoms of norovirus in WKH SDVW KRXUV 6RPH KRVSLWDOV PD\ UHquest you do not visit if you’ve had symptoms within the past 72 hours. Norovirus is more serious and even more easily spread among people who are already ill.

Many of us fondly remember the excitement and euphoria surrounding the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Continued page 34

November 2014 | ECJ |33

HAND HYGIENE Crowd pleasing hygiene (continued) Games. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) the event attracted 680,000 overseas visitors, and 19,568 athletes competed. When you also take into account the support staff and coaches, representatives of sponsors, and all those much praised ‘Games Makers’ (70,000 volunteers), the numbers of people who gathered in the various venues is mind-boggling.

Many months before the Olympic torch was lit in London, a public health campaign for around 200 countries was prepared by health officials to help safeguard against epidemics of infectious diseases. In its publication: ‘Learning from London 2012 – a practical guide to public health and mass gatherings’, The Health Protection Agency (HPA) provided information for all those involved in planning mass gatherings, in particular event organisers and public health organisations. It stressed the importance of three fundamental questions: Ŧ :KDW PLJKW KDSSHQ" Ŧ +RZ ZLOO \RX NQRZ LI LW KDSSHQV" Ŧ :KDW ZLOO \RX GR LI LW KDSSHQV" The report lists various scenarios such as outbreaks of food poisoning and legionella.

In the run up to London 2012, media reported that both the HPA and the London Olympics organising committee (Locog) believed that one of the most likely public health risks would be an outbreak of vomiting and diarrhoea in the athlete’s village.

The HPA publication neatly sums up the issues surrounding events that attract large numbers of people: “Mass gatherings are very complex events and often take place across multiple venues and with the close involvement of new agencies such as organising committees and international bodies.

This adds complexity to the public health response to incidents, as many additional players will wish to be involved. This makes co-ordination an even more critical aspect of response than is usual.”

I would suggest this makes the communication of ways to reduce the risks, together with the provision of facilities and products to help people make wise health decisions, even more crucial. The headlines made by the Ebola virus disease show how important it is to take preventative measures to address the increasingly complex challenges of the healthcare of populations.

Les rassemblements de masse pour célébrer ou marquer des événements donnés constituent un élément régulier de la vie au 21ème siècle. Cependant, ces événements ne sont pas sans présenter de risques pour la santé publique et il est indispensable que l’accès à l’hygiène des mains y soit possible.

November 2014 | ECJ | 34

Keeping hygiene products on hand There are a large number of areas within sports stadia and venues that can be improved by the provision of hand hygiene dispensers and systems. Public spaces such as washrooms, reception/ticket collection areas, restaurants or canteens, can all benefit from the appropriate siting of hand hygiene dispensers. However, ‘behind the scenes’ areas should not be forgotten, so adequate provision should also be made for changing rooms, treatment areas, media hubs and offices for support staff.

While hand washing is vitally important, access to adequate facilities is not always possible, and this is where hand sanitising gel can play a major role. Some modern more advanced gel formulations can demonstrate strong viral efficacy and although this is not an alternative to hand washing, they can offer an interim or additional level of protection. Free standing or wall-mounted dispensers can be sited throughout large areas, while pump bottles can be placed on tables where eating or drinking will take place. Miniature versions, which can be attached to belt loops or bags, ensure that staff and spectators have protection wherever they are and whenever they need it.

However, simply providing hand hygiene products is not enough. Getting the look and feel right is crucial if event organisers and facility managers are to encourage people to clean their hands regularly. The right dispensing systems play a significant role in encouraging people to develop healthy hand hygiene habits, and dispensers which look good will always be more of a draw for the user. Technology is helping to make dispensers sleeker and more pleasurable to use, with ‘touch free’ models becoming popular. Similarly, soap and hand gel formulations can combine efficacy with ‘spa-like’ fragrances and colours, enhancing the visitor experience.

Practising good hand hygiene is a simple but effective way to reduce the risk of contracting and/or spreading viruses. By equipping venues and facilities with effective and easy-to-use products, organisers can demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding the personal health and well-being of their passengers and staff. www.gojo.com

Massenveranstaltungen zur Feier oder Begehung bestimmter Ereignisse sind regelmäßige Erscheinungen des 21.

Jahrhunderts. Dabei müssen jedoch die sehr realen Risiken für die öffentliche Gesundheit berücksichtigt werden, und Zugang zu Handhygiene ist unerlässlich.

I raduni di massa per festeggiare o per celebrare eventi particolari sono una caratteristica abituale della vita del 21° secolo. In ogni caso i rischi molto reali per la salute pubblica devono essere considerati e l’accesso all’igiene delle mani è d’obbligo.

CASE STUDY

A touch of luxury Located within an hour of Dublin, Kildare Village offers one of Ireland’s leading luxury outlet shopping experiences. With over 60 boutiques housing some of the world’s most famous designer brands the Village has become a destination for guests seeking a very special shopping experience – it attracts 2.2 million visitors a year.

Responsible for the daily cleaning of Kildare Village is Grosvenor Services, a facilities services company headquartered in Ireland and specialist in cleaning, facilities management and security. ECJ editor Michelle Marshall visited the outlet to find out more about the daily challenges of providing such high-specification services.

Kildare Village, which is located outside Dublin, is one of a collection of nine Chic Outlet Shopping Villages in Europe. These luxury shopping outlets, located close to some of Europe’s largest cities and operated by Value Retail, are tourist destinations in their own right and are defined by luxury brands, an open-air ‘village setting’ and superior service.

Kildare Village is home to 60 designer boutiques, along with a number of restaurants and cafés; four dog kennels where guests can leave their four-legged friends while they shop; a children’s play area and tourist information centre.

Grosvenor Services has been providing all the cleaning services at Kildare Village since the outlet opened in 2006 – in fact its staff were on-site in 2005 when it was still under construction. Operations manager Clare Aspil was among them. Why has the company kept the contract since the very start – almost 10 years ago - in her opinion? “We have an extremely committed team of people working here,” she replies, “who deliver what the client wants.”

The model of a contract such as this is quite unique, she explains, in that the level of service must be first class, pristine. “Everything has to be perfect,” Aspil continues. “The guests have high expectations of us and in turn our client has given us clear objectives. Nothing but the best is acceptable. Kildare Village aims to be a total experience for its customers and our cleaners are very much of that customer service philosophy in carrying out their daily tasks.”

In fact the cleaners at Kildare Village are also expected to be customer service agents, as guests who need information often approach them, and all of them have the correct information to hand.

Grosvenor Service’s operatives are responsible for cleaning all malls, windows/ glass, car parks, offices, washrooms, dog kennels, drains, fascias and signs. They also paint the drains, varnish the benches and maintain the children’s play area. “We

literally take care of everything,” says Aspil.

The individual tenants renting Kildare Village shops are responsible for organising their own cleaning, however Grosvenor Services does clean a number of them through separate contracts.

All routine daily duties must be completed by 9.30am, before the Village opens to customers, along with any problem solving and fixing by the maintenance team. Cleaners are then on-site all day to service the washrooms, empty bins and take care of any other tasks that may arise – each of them is equipped with a walkie-talkie. In total there are 14 fulltime operatives on the contract.

Mary Horgan, HR director for Grosvenor Services, explains there is also a sizeable element of anticipating needs on this contract. “For example we had significant snowfall a couple of winters ago and it was our team’s responsibility to find solutions to clearing it and keeping the Village functional in an extreme situation. There is also a great deal of detailed work to be done around the site and many features that simply cannot be left neglected.

“It’s the intensity and daily rigour that make this contract less typical than others we work on.”

Daily rigour Group managing director Bernard McCauley adds: “Our strategy is to break the contract down into small bites in terms of tasks to be completed – ensuring periodic cleaning is part of the regular schedule of tasks of course.”

As Joe Walsh, cleaning director explains, standards are monitored through CleanTelligent tailored software which enables Grosvenor Services to carry out bespoke audits. “The on-site supervisor carries out thorough checks at regular intervals – there are daily, weekly, biweekly inspections – in order to produce detailed reports for Value Retail. The client can then view, interact with and add comments to the data we present.”

Continued page 38

November 2014 | ECJ |37

CASE STUDY A touch of luxury (continued) sages. And new employees must have a basic level of understanding in English – particularly customer-facing staff.”

For all these reasons Grosvenor Services does not have any difficulty finding new operatives and the company has a strong reputation as an employer. And its approach to training and development is showing results in terms of loyalty and retention of employees. Headquartered in Ireland, Grosvenor Services has successfully expanded into the UK with some major name contracts. How has this been achieved? Bernard McCauley replies: “Our success has come in replicating a successful model and taking it elsewhere – in terms of methods, equipment and procedures. The key challenge is people, the transfer of knowledge and surpassing the standard expected.

Message consistent

Clearly one of the key reasons this contract runs so successfully and so smoothly is the significant effort Grosvenor Services puts into the human resources element of the operation, and that culture runs throughout the business. “For example the assignment of the work roster is crucial,” explains Mary Horgan, “because we must ensure people are not overworked for example - proper rest periods must be scheduled. The experience of our managers is crucial in getting that right and it has to be closely analysed. Achieving a fair and optimum roster is a real skill.”

And in her role as operations manager at Kildare Village, Clare Aspil places great importance on taking into account her staff’s personal circumstances at all times. “Our staff never have to choose between family and work,” she emphasises. “We try to accommodate and allow for any personal issues and employees can always find somebody on the management team to talk to if they have concerns or problems.”

Operatives are also provided with suitable clothing for working outside in winter because they spend so much time

outdoors. “And a cup of coffee offered on a cold morning can mean a great deal,” Aspil adds.

When staff first join the Kildare Village contract they spend two weeks becoming familiar with data sheets, safety policies and the site itself. At the end of that two weeks they know their way around and then undergo on-the-job induction training for three months. In addition they attend the company’s training centre to qualify in cleaning techniques and methods, which is to British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) standard.

Horgan explains: “We formalise staff training, which is then certified. All staff are tested to prove they have the necessary skills and knowledge to fulfil their duties.”

As in most European countries, people from many different ethnic backgrounds are working in the Irish cleaning sector and for Grosvenor Services this represents a challenge in ensuring health and safety procedures are understood. Horgan says: “We try to use symbols and graphics as much as possible in order to simplify mes-

Michelle Marshall, rédactrice en chef d’ECJ, se rend à Kildare Village en Irlande, un village de shopping exclusif spécialisé dans le détail haut de gamme.

Grosvernor Services gère tous les aspects du contrat de nettoyage de ce lieu et travaille quotidiennement avec le chef du facility management du village.

ECJ-Redakteurin Michelle Marshall besucht Kildare Village in Irland, ein exklusives Outlet-ShoppingVillage, das auf anspruchsvollen Einzelhandel spezialisiert ist. Grosvenor Services verwaltet alle Aspekte des Reinigungsvertrags und arbeitet mit dem Facility Manager der Anlage eng zusammen.

November 2014 | ECJ | 38

“Our managers and supervisors play a key role in getting the people aspect of the operation right. Consistency of message is crucial and our people are encouraged, rewarded and motivated – however we do also do not tolerate poor performance.”

Grosvenor Services has earned a reputation for providing high quality services to premium retailers, the company’s prime target market. Joe Walsh explains: “Value Retail, along with many of our other highend retail clients, are fully convinced about the importance of cleanliness in terms of the customer experience and repeat business. As far as they’re concerned, presentation is paramount.” He highlights that, at Kildare Village in particular, Grosvenor Services is not perceived as a service provider by the client, rather as part of the team.

This view is reflected in the comments of Martina Culbert, who is village operations and services manager for Value Retail at Kildare Village. She clearly appreciates the no-nonsense approach Grosvenor Services brings to the contract.

“The team here does everything we expect from our service provider,” she explains, “and the fact we work together so closely in partnership means we discuss challenges and new ideas openly.

“Grosvenor Services completely shares our values of prestige cleanliness levels around the village – it’s vital to our brand. I never need to question the service level – I just know it will be achieved consistently.”

La redattrice di ECJ Michelle Marshall visita Kildare Village in Irlanda, un designer outlet specializzato in negozi di grandi marche. La Grosvenor Services gestisce tutti gli aspetti dei contratti di pulizia e lavora a stretto contatto con il manager delle strutture del centro commerciale.

Hurricane The range gets bigger and better… The single disc floor machine is the heart of all hard floor cleaning and maintenance.

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SWEEPERS

Sweeper ergonomics How important are factors such as comfort, ease of use and safety in a ride-on sweeper? Ann Laffeaty asks sweeping machine manufacturers about the latest ergonomic enhancements they offer - and finds out how much of an impact these have on productivity and performance.

“The user should not be afraid to operate the machine, and frequent changes of driver should not be a hindrance to safe handling. If the operator feels comfortable and safe in the cabin they will enjoy using the machine.”

Ride-on sweepers are increasingly becoming the preferred option for anyone needing to clean away dirt and debris from larger outdoor or indoor areas. It makes perfect sense for the operator to be able to sit down in relative comfort rather than walk behind a sweeper for long periods of time – a practice that can lead to fatigue, backaches or other pains.

However, an increasing number of manufacturers are going one step further by introducing refinements such as heated cabins and air conditioning. And at the same time they are offering improved safety features while also making their sweepers easier to use. But how necessary are these enhancements, and do they have a effect on the overall clean?

Tennant Americas senior vice-president Rusty Zay says comfort is one of the focus points in his company’s ride-on sweepers. “We have to adapt our products to our worldwide customers’ needs since Tennant sweepers are used across the globe in very different conditions,” he said.

“For instance they are employed in desert environments where air conditioning is an absolute requirement as well as cool, northern environments at high altitudes where heating is essential.

“Our sweepers are also used in heavy manufacturing sites where a robust overhead guard is required to protect the operator.”

Tennant also offers adjustable seats and steering columns and takes into account factors such as the varying heights and weights of operatives; the need for easy access into the cabin and the importance of adequate legroom for operatives.

“We shadow operators in their daily tasks and ask them how they use their current machine to analyse how we can improve their comfort still further,” explained Zay. He says the company also ensures its sweepers are easy to use. “Many of our machines are equipped with a one-step button that activates all necessary functions,” said Zay. “Other sweepers have an

‘all-levers forward’ function which means that all sweeping functions are activated when the levers are in the forward position. These simple and intuitive controls allow the operator to focus on the cleaning job rather than concentrating on any complex functionality.”

The operator experience is critical, according to Zay. “The more user-friendly the machine and the easier it is to operate, the more confident the operator will feel and the happier he or she will be to use the sweeper,” he said. “There will also be a positive impact on productivity.”

Depending on the model and its application, safety features of Tennant sweepers include automatic shut-off when the operator leaves the seat; automatic parking brake; an easy-to-access horn; a parking brake light and a low step to provide easy access into the cabin.

“There is also a ThermoSentry system that monitors the temperature in the hopper,” said Zay. “When the operator picks up a hot item that could cause combustion, action is taken by the machine to reduce the risk of fire.”

Enhanced comfort According to Zay, enhanced operator comfort is taken into account with each new phase of product development.

“The idea is to find a good compromise between comfort, productivity and a reduced cost of ownership,” he said. Latest ergonomic features of the company’s rideon sweepers include extra legroom and an air-suspended seat.

Power steering, reduced vibration and low noise are among the operator enhancements of Nilfisk-Advance’s rideon sweepers according to group product manager Thomas Tykskov.

“We also ensure that operators have a clear view of the area to be swept so there will be no need for them to lean out of the machine to see the side broom,” he said.

“This is not only ergonomic, but also safer for the operator.”

Ergonomics and ease of use are both Continued page 42

November 2014 | ECJ |41

SWEEPERS Sweeper ergonomics (continued) key when designing a ride-on sweeper, according to Tykskov. “Sometimes the machine will be used by the same operator for a full working day in which case it must be both comfortable and user-friendly,” he said. “On the other hand, the machine may have to be used by several operators which means it should also be easy to understand and operate.”

Refinements offered on Nilfisk sweepers include an overhead guard, canopy kit and a pressurised dust-free cabin. “All our cabins can also be equipped with heating, air conditioning or both,” he said.

According to Tykskov the logical controls of Nilfisk-Advance’s sweepers make their operation almost self-explanatory. “However, the operator should undergo training to ensure they can operate the machine correctly for optimal performance and dust control,” he adds.

Emergency stop Safety features on Nilfisk-Advance machines include an emergency stop button; a hopper safety arm and a dust control system. “This sprays a fine mist over the side brooms to control the dust which helps to improve indoor air quality,” he said.

When developing new cabins, the company focuses on factors such as easy access, low noise levels and a clear view of the area to be swept. “Our latest user-friendly features include a large, ergonomic operator compartment plus an easy-to-change filter and broom system that requires no tools,” said Tykskov.

Kärcher’s environmental public relations officer Linda Schrödter says it is important to ensure that a ride-on sweeper is both safe and comfortable for the operative.

“The user should not be afraid to operate the machine, and frequent changes of driver should not be a hindrance to safe handling,” she said. “If the operator feels comfortable and safe in the cabin they will enjoy using the machine and will use it correctly.”

She says a minimal amount of training is required when using a Kärcher ride-on sweeper. “We have placed special emphasis on our easy operating concept,” she said. “All controls are highlighted in yellow so that the user can home in on them immediately.

Y a-t-il eu des adaptations des balayeuses à conducteur embarqué pour les rendre plus confortables, ergonomiques et conviviales ? Quelles sont leurs caractéristiques les plus récentes en termes de confort de l’opérateur et d’aménagements de siège et de cabine ? Avec leurs améliorations, verra-t-on des clients toujours plus nombreux opter pour la solution à conducteur embarqué ?

November 2014 | ECJ | 42

“Our Kärcher Intelligent Key (KIK) system also allows the parameters of the machine to be defined before cleaning which means the operative simply needs to start the machine. And the KIK system also enables programming to be carried out in different languages which means the operative can be taken through the operating instructions in his or her own language.”

Latest ergonomic features of Kärcher’s ride-on sweepers include a reduced entry height, a seat with enhanced comfort and an ergonomic steering wheel setting, she said.

“A variety of attachment kits can also be fitted to adapt our ride-on sweepers to individual requirements as well as the machine’s area of operation,” said Schrödter. “For example we can offer a cabin with either heating or air conditioning; a weatherproof deck and an overhead guard for the driver that can be fitted with a windscreen and windscreen wiper.”

Safety features of Kärcher’s ride-on sweepers include a rotating beacon and lights for when driving at twilight or in public areas. “We also offer dust-free disposal,” said Schrödter. “Our refuse bagfilling system prevents any unnecessary dust pollution. And our machines also have improved traction on slippery surfaces and rough ground.”

She adds that the company is continually working towards making its cabins comfortable for cleaners. “Ride-on sweepers are usually used in very hot or cold environments and need to be able to protect the user when working in extremely dusty surroundings,” she said. “A comfortable cabin is important not only for health and safety reasons, but also to make the operator feel good.”

workplace for the machine operator right from the start.”

According to Serfezi the basic functions of Hako machines are easy to learn and more or less self-explanatory. “However, larger machines are equipped with a comprehensive range of features that require additional explanation and learning,” he said. But he adds that the simpler sweeping tasks are straightforward even on larger machines. “Most features are onebutton controlled and not that difficult for the operator,” he said.

Better cleaning result

Hako sets great store by ergonomics in its ride-on sweepers says application technology trainer and consultant Klaus Serfezi. “We bear comfort in mind from the very early stages of development and pay a great deal of attention to ergonomics,” he said. “We use prototypes to question people of different height and body weight about the comfort of the driver’s seat and whether the operating elements are arranged conveniently. This procedure helps us to develop a comfortable

He adds that the easier a machine is to operate, the better the cleaning result.

“Easy handling prevents operator errors and we have to consider the fact that rideon machines are sometimes a person’s workplace for an entire shift,” said Serfezi.

He says the seats on Hako ride-ons are both adjustable and comfortable. “All operating elements are also within easy reach,” he said. “Air-sprung comfort seats are available upon request and there is an option to access the machine from either side which is important in potentially hazardous situations.”

According to Van der Reest Machines director Johan van der Reest, ride-on sweeper customers are becoming more demanding all the time.

“It is important to make machines userfriendly and easy to operate, and most of our models require little training,” he said.

According to van der Reest, around 70 per cent of the models he sells offer comfort enhancements. “A safety belt, headlight and back-up alarm are all standard safety features,” he said. “Some models also offer over-pressure cabins, sun-protected windows and air suspension seats.”

He adds that ride-on machines offer productivity benefits over walk-behinds.

“When you have a ride-on and a walkbehind machine with the same working width, the ride-on machine tends to be 40 to 60 per cent more productive,” said van der Reest.

However, he adds that there is no current drive to make cabins more comfortable for cleaners. “That may happen in the future, but at the moment the most important thing is to offer the cheapest price,” he said.

Wie werden Aufsitz-Kehrmaschine angepasst, um komfortabler, ergonomischer und benutzerfreundlicher zu sein? Was sind die neuesten Merkmale bei Aufsitzmaschinen in Bezug auf Bedienersteuerung, Sitze und Fahrerhaus – und bedeutet deren weitergehende Verbesserung, dass sich mehr und mehr Kunden für die Aufsitzoption entscheiden?

Come può una spazzatrice con operatore a bordo essere adattata per diventare più comoda, ergonomica e facile da usare? Quali sono le più nuove caratteristiche delle macchine con operatore a bordo in termini di pannello di controllo, sedile e cabina? E mentre queste caratteristiche migliorano, aumenterà il numero di clienti che scelgono un’opzione con operatore a bordo?

Early stages of development

PRODUCTS: SWEEPERS

Full hopper The Sweepmaster B800 R works according to the overhead throwing principle which ensures the hopper is completely filled, says manufacturer Hako.

This enables uninterrupted working and, to guarantee consistent cleaning results, the filter in the insert can be shaken clean.

The Sweepmaster 1500 RH, meanwhile, is a vacuum sweeper developed to offer long-term commercial use. Features include

powerful engines, different types of drive, a strong sweeping unit and high performance filter system. Hako claims operation is particularly simple and there is a comprehensive line-up of accessories. www.hako.com

Latest ride-on The latest ride-on sweeper from Isal is the 180, which is

for heavy duty use in industrial environments. Its frame is metal and there are large front and rear bumpers.

Cleaning path is 180 cm with the central brush plus two side brushes (it is possible to install a water spray system to eliminate fine dust). Available in diesel and LPG versions it can be made with different cabs according to requirements. Plus there is the option to install a green filter with high density filtration. www.isalsrl.it

Special features The ride-on vacuum sweepers KM 105/100 R and KM 105/110 R from Kärcher incorporate a number of patent-protected features. Innovations include hydraulic forward travel drive, sickle-shaped brush, automatic adjustment of the roller brush between the rear wheels, automatic TACT filter cleaning, intelligent KIK operator system and a new bivalent drive design.

Hydraulic forward travel drive makes the sweepers easy to manoeuvre - they can rotate almost on the spot. The roller brush is positioned directly on the rear axle to ensure ground contact at all times when working on inclines or uneven surfaces. Rolling pressure and sweeping levels can be adjusted to three modes, with the machine starting automatically in a wear-resistant efficiency mode which is adequate for routine cleaning. www.karcher.com ĹŚ /D EDOD\HXVH +DNR 6ZHHSPDVWHU % 5 HVW GRWÂŞ GĹ&#x;XQ V\VWŠPH GĹ&#x;ÂŞMHFWLRQ DÂŞULHQ SRXU JDUDQWLU OH UHPSOLVVDJH FRPSOHW GH OD WUÂŞPLH ĹŚ /D GHUQLŠUH EDOD\HXVH ,6$/ OD ÂĄ FRQGXFWHXU HPEDUTXÂŞ HVW XQH PDFKLQH ORXUGH SRXU OHV DSSOLFDWLRQV H[LJHQWHV ĹŚ /HV EDOD\HXVHV DVSLUDWULFHV ÂĄ FRQGXFWHXU HPEDUTXÂŞ .0 5 HW .0 5 GH .ÂĽUFKHU VRQW SDUWLFXOLŠUHPHQW PDQLDEOHV ĹŚ 'HU 6ZHHSPDVWHU % 5 YRQ +DNR DUEHLWHW QDFK GHP EHUNRSIZHUIHUSULQ]LS GDV I½U HLQH PD[LPDOH %HKÂĽOWHUI½OOXQJ VRUJW ĹŚ %HL GHU QHXHVWHQ .HKUPDVFKLQH YRQ ,6$/ KDQGHOW HV VLFK XP GDV $XIVLW] 0RGHOO HLQH JUR H 0DVFKLQH I½U $QZHQGXQJHQ PLW KRKHU %HDQVSUXFKXQJ ĹŚ 'LH QHXHQ $XIVLW] .HKUVDXJPDVFKLQHQ .0 5 XQG .0 5 YRQ .ÂĽUFKHU VLQG OHLFKW ]X PDQ¡YULHUHQ ĹŚ /D PDFFKLQD +DNR 6ZHHSPDVWHU % 5 IXQ]LRQD VHFRQGR LO SULQFLSLR GHOOR VFDULFR DOWR SHU DVVLFXUDUH FKH LO FRQWHQLWRUH YHQJD ULHPSLWR FRPSOHWDPHQWH ĹŚ /D QXRYD VSD]]DWULFH GHOOD ,6$/ Š LO PRGHOOR FRQ RSHUDWRUH D ERUGR XQD PDFFKLQD GL JUDQGL GLPHQVLRQL SHU ODYRUL LQGXVWULDOL SHVDQWL ĹŚ /H VSD]]DWULFL DVSLUDQWL FRQ RSHUDWRUH D ERUGR .0 5 H .0 5 GHOOD .ÂĽUFKHU VRQR IDFLOL GD PDQRYUDUH

November 2014 | ECJ | 44

PRODUCTS: SWEEPERS

For streets Comac is extending its product range with a new street sweeper designed for urban and industrial cleaning, the CS2000.

Designed to be compact and manoeuvrable, it features a high efficiency turbine which allows it to clean with one pass. And its accessories make it possible to clean pavements and hard-toreach areas.

ing. Thanks to this system all functions - main broom, side brooms, vacuum fan and the optional DustGuard - are activated and terminated simultaneously so that no brooms or fans are running unnecessarily when the sweeper stops. And the side brooms have no belts that can break or need change, thus reducing wear.

The optional DustGuard misting system adds to the dust free sweeping while high hydraulic dump ensures safe

unobstructed view. www.nilfisk-advance.com

Multi-function

handling and fast dumping. The fact no tools are needed for brush and filter removal makes maintenance easy while the operator compartment features adjustable seats and offers an

RCM’s Combo ride-on sweeper is designed for large areas and can sweep, wash and dry separately. A pair of rollers collects wet and dry solid material in the refuse container. Meanwhile, liquid is intercepted by the squeegee which sucks it into the recovery tank. www.rcm.it

Water consumption is minimised thanks to the system that nebulises it on the side brushes, while the large recycling tank allows filtration of water for reuse. Reductions in fuel consumption and emissions have also been achieved, says Comac.

And for operator comfort there is a new independent suspension system and hydraulic shock absorbers on all four wheels. www.comac.it

Simultaneous One of the key features of its SW4000 ride-on sweeper, says Nilfisk, is One Touch SweepĹŚ &RPDF D ODQFÂŞ OD EDOD\HXVH &6 SRXU OH QHWWR\DJH DXVVL ELHQ LQGXVWULHO TXĹ&#x;XUEDLQ ĹŚ /D EDOD\HXVH 6: SURSRVÂŞH SDU 1LOILVN FRPSRUWH XQH FRPPDQGH ÂĄ ÂŞFUDQ WDFWLOH SRXU HQ IDFLOLWHU OD PDQRHXYUH ĹŚ 3RXU OH QHWWR\DJH GH JUDQGHV VXSHUILFLHV SDU PDFKLQH ÂĄ FRQGXFWHXU HPEDUTXÂŞ 5&0 D GÂŞYHORSSÂŞ OD EDOD\HXVH &RPER ĹŚ &RPDF KDW GLH 6WUD HQNHKUPDVFKLQH &6 YRUJHVWHOOW GLH ]XU 5HLQLJXQJ LQ NRPPXQDOHQ XQG LQGXVWULHOOHQ %HUHLFKHQ JHHLJQHW LVW ĹŚ 'LH .HKUPDVFKLQH 6: YRQ 1LOILVN LVW GDQN GHU 2QH7RXFK %HGLHQHLQKHLW OHLFKW ]X EHGLHQHQ ĹŚ 5&0 KDW I½U GLH $XIVLW] 5HLQLJXQJ JUR HU )OÂĽFKHQ GLH .HKUPDVFKLQH &RPER HQWZLFNHOW ĹŚ /D &RPDF KD ODQFLDWR OD VSD]]DWULFH VWUDGDOH &6 SHU OH SXOL]LH XUEDQH H TXHOOH LQGXVWULDOL ĹŚ /D VSD]]DWULFH 6: SURGRWWD GDOOD 1LOILVN RIIUH OD PRGDOLWÂĄ GL XVR 2QH 7RXFK SHU UHQGHUOD IDFLOH GD D]LRQDUH ĹŚ /D 5&0 KD VYLOXSSDWR OD VSD]]DWULFH &RPER SHU OD SXOL]LD GL DUHH GL JUDQGL GLPHQVLRQL FKH QHFHVVLWDQR PDFFKLQH FRQ RSHUDWRUH D ERUGR

November 2014 | ECJ | 45

PRODUCTS: SWEEPERS

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1RYHPEHU _ (&- _ 46

Max versatility

According to Fimap its new FSR sweeper has been designed for maximum versatility because it can work both indoors and outdoors. It is also said to be compact enough to work in small areas but - thanks to the long working time of the hybrid version - it can also clean wide surfaces.

The battery version can work for four hours non-stop while the hybrid version can run for over seven hours. And the operator can choose to work with the petrol engine for outdoor cleaning or the silent, emission-free electrical motor for indoor tasks. www.fimap.com

Download data Introduced to Johnston’s C201 Compact and V range truck mounted sweepers as part of the new-generation CANbus electronics system, the latest Data Capture feature allows a wide range of data to be downloaded via a USB stick and viewed through any standard spreadsheet package, supplying fuel consumption and productivity feedback without the need for additional fleet management tools or software systems.

Fleet managers can view the average revs used in sweep mode, for example, and use this information to educate operators how to manage fuel consumption. The data also allows operators to see for themselves

the possible fuel savings.

Johnston says on the C201 Compact sweeper a drop of 300 rpm will reduce fuel consumption by 2.3 litres per hour, so significant savings can be made on daily sweeping routes where higher revs are not required. www.johnstonsweepers.com

Sweep solutions Along with its comprehensive line of replacement parts for sweepers, TVH offers a range of other tools. The Maxi sweeper, for example, offers a specific solution for telehandlers. The basis of the sweeper is a galvanised scoop with a blade of wear-resistant HB400 steel for scraping off caked-on dirt.

Hydraulic hoses come as standard and the brush is made of either purely synthetic materials or a combination of synthetic materials and steel. It is available in different widths and the height is adjustable. www.tvh.com

BUSINESS: CASH FLOW

Tackle the challenge of balancing the books Managing cash flow is critical to a business’s growth and survival. Your failure to effectively forecast and control liquidity issues can have disastrous implications, even if your enterprise is profitable.

Hartley Milner looks at the challenges of keeping incoming receipts and outgoings in balance.

There is a board game launched in the States a few years back that exploits one of the business manager’s worst nightmares. It’s called Cashflow, and simply at the throw of a dice you can find yourself in the pink or disastrously in the red. Of course, no real business would leave such a crucial element of maintaining liquidity to chance. Would they?

Well, according to the European Commission, more than 500,000 businesses across the EU are wound up each year because of insolvency brought about by mismanagement of cash flow. And while the bulk of them are fairly anonymous SMEs, others are well-known names in their localities. “Put simply, cash flow problems result from more money leaving a business than is coming into it at any one time,� explained Commission business trends analyst Catarina Bauer. “It’s human nature. People may love your products or services but do not like paying for them and delay parting with their money for as long as possible. “Meanwhile, your suppliers are rapping at the door demanding you pay them their dues without further ado. Because you’re not being paid, you can’t pay them and this has a domino effect down the supply chain. “Careful cash flow management is ensuring that there’s a balance in the timing and amounts of incoming receipts of payments with those of your costs. Adopting greater fiscal discipline is a traditional and still effective way of maintaining commercial liquidity in these still very difficult economic times.�

Cash inflows come from a range of sources: customers, investors and interest payments. The process of cash flow management is not as simple as it may seem.

It involves dealing with suppliers, capital investors, customers and using cash flow forecasting to plan your spending and

November 2014 | ECJ |48

identify market trends.

Practically every business needs working capital in order to pay its bills and expenses on time. Goods and services have to be delivered in order to make a sale.

However, a sale is not a sale if the cash is not collected.

The delay in receiving payment for sales invoices creates a cash flow gap that, if not managed effectively, could lead to turbulent times. You might think of adopting a frugal approach, but what happens to the expenses that you cannot avoid? Fixed costs such as rental for premises, wages and equipment have to be paid irrespective of your company’s cash flow position.

So it is vital to bridge the gap between payment for expenses and the receipt of income. This leaves you with working capital to cover your day-to-day expenses.

Bauer set out six broad actions that a business may need to take to improve cash inflow:

Although cash flow may not necessarily be an indicator of profitability, there is a direct link between low profits or losses and cash flow problems. ĹŚ ,QFUHDVH \RXU VDOHV DQG SURILWDELOLW\ ĹŚ 5HTXHVW HDUO\ LQYRLFH SD\PHQWV from customers ĹŚ ,Q FDVHV ZKHUH GHEW LV RXWVWDQGLQJ chase customers promptly ĹŚ 6HHN FUHGLW IDFLOLWLHV DW IDYRXUDEOH WHUPV ĹŚ ,QYHVW DQ\ DYDLODEOH FDVK UHVHUYHV LQWR the business ĹŚ 1HJRWLDWH WKH ULJKW GHDO ZLWK VXSSOLHUV And if you are looking to grow your business, invoice finance could release the working capital you will need. As a funding facility, it provides a solution to each of the six essential actions above. It is an arrangement with a finance provider where a business receives up to 95 per cent of the cash locked up in outstanding invoices,

typically within 24 hours of raising the invoices. You receive the remaining invoice value balance once your customer settles their invoice.

You no longer have to wait 30-60 days, or even longer in some parts of Europe, to get paid by customers and you do not have to worry about your customers paying early – funds released are a cash advance against monies already earned. The debt collection function could be outsourced to the finance provider via a factoring arrangement.

However, if you feel comfortable chasing your debtors or have existing credit control systems, an invoice discounting arrangement grants you 100 per cent control over your sales ledger.

The funds released via invoice finance boost your bargaining power and allow you to benefit from early supplier discounts and offers. With bank loans across the EU still ranging from miserly to nonexistent, this tool could give your business the stimulus in needs to really take off.

Although cash flow may not necessarily be an indicator of profitability, there is a direct link between low profits or losses DQG FDVK IORZ SUREOHPV 5HPHPEHU Ĺœ most loss-making businesses do eventually run out of cash.

Other possible causes of cash flow issues include: Over-investment in capacity: This happens when a business spends too much on production capacity. Factory equipment that is not being used does not generate revenue, so is often a waste of cash.

Too much stock: Holding too much stock ties up cash and creates an increased risk that it become obsolete and cannot be sold.

Allowing customers too much credit: Offering credit to customers is a good way to build revenue, but late payment is a common problem and slow-paying customers put a strain on cash flow.

Over-trading: This occurs where a business expands too quickly, putting pressure on short-term finance. For example, a retail chain might try to open too many stores too quickly before each starts to generate profits Seasonal demand: Predictable changes in seasonal demand create cash flow

BUSINESS: CASH FLOW

problems – but because they are expected, a business should be able to handle them “The best way to improve cash flow is to have a reliable and up-to-date cash flow forecast,” Bauer continued. “This provides the information which highlights the main cash flow issues.

“A business uses a cash flow forecast to identify potential shortfalls in cash balances. For example, if the forecast shows a negative cash balance then the business needs to ensure it has a sufficient bank overdraft facility. It is a helpful aid to see whether the trading performance of the business – revenues, costs and profits – turns into cash, and to analyse whether the business is achieving the financial objectives set out in the business plan, which will almost certainly include some kind of cash flow budget.”

Plus cash flow forecasts help: Ŧ (QVXUH WKDW WKH EXVLQHVV FDQ DIIRUG WR pay suppliers and employees. Suppliers who do not get paid will soon stop supplying the business – it is even worse if employees are not paid on time. Ŧ 6SRW SUREOHPV ZLWK FXVWRPHU SD\PHQWV Preparing the forecast encourages the business to look at how quickly customers are paying their debts, though this is La croissance et la survie d’une entreprise ne peuvent se passer d’une bonne gestion de trésorerie. Ne pas savoir faire des projections de trésorerie et maîtriser les problèmes de liquidité peut sonner le glas d’une entreprise même profitable. Hartley Milner offre quelques conseils sur les moyens d’équilibrer les rentrées et les sorties. 904

clearly not a problem for businesses such as retailers that take most of their sales in cash/credit cards at the point of sale. Ŧ $LG ILQDQFLDO SODQQLQJ Ŝ WKH FDVK flow forecast is an important management process, similar to preparing business budgets. Ŧ .HHS H[WHUQDO VWDNHKROGHUV VXFK DV banks happy. Certainly, if the business has a bank loan, the bank will want to look at cash flow forecasts at regular intervals.

Ease problems And Bauer suggested the following specific actions that management can take to ease cash flow problems: Cut costs: By far the most effective PHWKRG RI LPSURYLQJ FDVK IORZ (YHU\ business can identify savings in nonessential costs if it looks hard enough. The recent credit crunch and recession has shown that businesses can take drastic actions to cut overheads and other costs, which immediately reduces cash outflows.

Cut stock: Reduce the amount of cash tied up by buying and holding raw materials or goods for resale. This can be achieved by ordering less stock from suppliers and/or offering discounts on stock held to encourage customers to buy, ideally for cash.

Die Verwaltung des Kapitalflusses ist für das Wachstum und das Überleben eines Unternehmens von entscheidender Bedeutung. Ein Versagen bei der effektiven Vorhersage und Regelung von Liquiditätsengpässen kann katastrophale Folgen nach sich ziehen, selbst bei einem profitablen Unternehmen. Hartley Milner bietet einige Ratschläge, um Einnahmen und Ausgaben abzugleichen.

Delay payments to suppliers: A dangerous game, but widely used in business. By taking longer to pay bills, a business can reduce cash outflows, though at the risk of damaging relationships with suppliers.

Reduce the credit period offered to customers: This is easier said than done.

By asking customers to pay for their purchases quicker, a business can accelerate cash inflows. However, there is no guarantee that customers will agree. They may need to be given a financial incentive, such as a prompt-payment discount.

Cut back or delay expansion plans: Many of the biggest cash outflows occur when a business is expanding, perhaps opening new offices or shops or adding a production line. By delaying this expansion, cash can be conserved in the short-term.

“Cash flow is the life-blood of all businesses, particularly start-ups and small enterprises,” said Bauer. “As a result, it is essential that management forecast what is going to happen to cash flow to make sure the business has enough to survive.

“This is all-critical because if a business runs out of cash and is not able to obtain new finance, it will become insolvent. It is no excuse for management to claim that they didn’t see a cash flow crisis coming.”

La gestione del flusso di cassa è fondamentale per la crescita e la sopravvivenza di una attività commerciale. Fallire nel fare delle previsioni corrette e i problemi di controllo della liquidità possono avere delle implicazioni disastrose anche se l’impresa è redditizia. Hartley Milner offre dei suggerimenti su come tenere bilanciate entrate e uscite.

November 2014 | ECJ | 49

SCRUBTEC 453 Efficient and easy cleaning

See SCRUBTEC 453 in action

SCRUBTEC 453 offers efficient and easy cleaning at a very attractive price Nilfisk-ALTO is now introducing a new cost-effective and easy-to-use scrubber & dryer The compact SCRUBTEC 453 is ideally suited for indoor cleaning of warehouses, car showrooms, car garages and gas stations.

The high productivity of this new machine comes down to its simplicity in construction and daily use with focusing on helping the user to get the job done in the fastest and most effective way.

This focus on simplicity also means less maintenance and low consumption of water thanks to Eco solution. Above all, it keeps the price at a very competitive level, making the SCRUBTEC 453 an obvious choice for many companies.

Nilfisk-Advance A/S · Sognevej 25 · DK-2605 Brøndby · www.nilfisk-alto.com

WINDOW SCRAPERS The word scrape has a number of different meanings, but one of the most appropriate I have found, in terms of window cleaning, is: ‘Move a hard or sharp edge across (a surface) especially to make something smooth’.

Materials used during the construction period, such as cement, grout and paint, can splatter onto glass – and scrapers are the most effective tool to help remove such debris, and other substances that can cause significant problems due to their unsightly appearance or ability to cause physical damage to the façade of a building.

Throwing eggs at buildings can seem like a good practical joke to some but egg can be a stubborn substance to remove once dried on. Scrapers can help in these circumstances, as they can with another big problem when it comes to building maintenance – bird excrement. Bird mess not only has the potential to spread disease and bacteria, its corrosive nature can also cause damage to brickwork and building facades if left for too long. Scrapers can also be useful when dealing with flyposting or other materials such as stickers.

Toughened safety glass, also known as tempered or safety glass and as ESG in Germany, is extremely common. It is manufactured by a process of extreme heating and rapid cooling, so that the surface area cools much quicker than the inner layer. This makes it stronger than standard glass, and, if the glass does shatter, it breaks into small ‘chunks’ instead of splintering into dangerous, jagged shards.

Extra care needs to be taken when cleaning this type of glass as issues have arisen surrounding ‘fabricating debris’. This takes the form of tiny rough imperfections, sometimes referred to as ‘glass fines’ that are created in the hardening process.

Fabricating debris has been a subject of debate for years, and it prompted the International Window Cleaning Association

(IWCA) to publish the IWCA Tempered Glass Informational Bulletin 2004 – Scrapers and Fabricating Debris in 2004. It offers a range of guidance and advice, including: Ŧ )DEULFDWLQJ GHEULV FRQVLVWV mostly of tiny glass chips and glass dust that get baked onto the surface of some tempered glass. These surface defects, also known as glass fines, may create scratches when they are dislodged and trapped by a scraper during window cleaning Ŧ %XLOGHUV VKRXOG UHTXLUH VXSSOLers to provide quality tempered glass that can be cleaned without scratching, the same as glass which is not tempered Ŧ 7KHUH VKRXOG EH D WHPSHUHG glass scratch liability waiver for all construction window cleaning contracts, and for maintenance contracts when significant scraping will be done. The builder signs a tempered glass scratch liability waiver to assure they will not blame the window cleaner for scratches due to fabricating debris on tempered glass, and will not force the window cleaner to prove that fabricating debris caused scratches on tempered glass.

Check glass Scrapers should not scratch normal, uncoated glass when used properly, but it is always advisable to check if the glass is scratch resistant before work starts, to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and to perform a test on a hidden area.

One useful way to determine whether glass is safety glass or not is to do the lighter trick.

Simply hold a lit flame, from a lighter, match or candle, in front of the glass. If you see a double reflection in the pane it is safety glass. If you see just one flame reflected back at you, then it is normal glass.

When it comes to blades, the material they are made from and the way they have been sharpened are extremely important.

Scrapers are called upon to clear the most tough and stubborn dirt, debris and residue so the steel

Quand il s’agit d’enlever certains débris de fenêtre et d’extérieur de bâtiment, de nombreux nettoyeurs professionnels recourent toujours à l’ancienne raclette. Torsten Deutzmann, de la société Unger Professional, se penche sur les raisons de l’usage toujours étendu de cet outil et sur les moyens de l’utiliser en toute sécurité et efficacement sur des façades.

The cutting edge Torsten Deutzmann of Unger Professional Worldwide reveals why professional window cleaners rely on their scrapers so much. used should be hardened and corrosion resistant, ensuring that blades stay sharper, and rust-free, for longer. Carbon steel or low/ high alloy stainless steels can provide these properties. Carbon steel will produce a stiffer blade, whereas those made from stainless steel are more flexible.

Carbon steel is a hard material, giving the cutting edge greater stability. The blade will stay sharp, but as water and/or cleaning chemicals are often used to lubricate the surface of the window being cleaned, this will have an effect as carbon steel rusts more quickly than stainless steel.

In contrast, stainless steel is more flexible and stays rust-free thanks to its high chrome content, which makes it a more expensive option. Being softer in terms of material means that the finely ground surface will wear down and lose its sharpness quicker than a carbon steel blade.

Dual-sided window cleaning blades made from corrosion resistant 440A grade stainless steel provide excellent edge retention, which means that the blades stay sharp for a long time. These blades benefit greatly from going through a precise honing process, which creates a cutting angle that is sharp and consistent, enhancing the speed and effectiveness of every scraper pass.

Scrapers need to be used with care, the golden rule being never to use one on dry glass. Always wet your window with the correct cleaning solution for the material you are about to remove as this helps to lubricate the blade.

It’s also important to scrape in one direction only, lift the scraper from the surface, and then reapply it. Scraping the blade back and

Beim Entfernen von bestimmten Ablagerungen von Fenstern und der Außenfassade von Gebäuden verlassen sich viele professionelle Reinigungskräfte noch immer auf die altmodische Spachtel. Torsten Deutzmann von Unger Professional erläutert, warum sie immer noch so weitverbreitet sind, und wie sie sicher und wirkungsvoll bei der Fassadenreinigung eingesetzt werden können.

forth across a window increases the chances of dirt being trapped under the blade and causing scratches. Clean your blade regularly in water and always apply an even pressure, holding the blade flat against the glass.

Old, worn-out or damaged blades must be changed regularly to ensure optimum results, and safety is also highly important.

When not in use, caps should be placed over blades, or retracted, to minimise the risk of cuts.

The most effective and up-todate models feature ergonomically designed handles which provide a more comfortable fit in the hand, minimising stresses and strains on hands, arms and shoulders. The latest innovation to hit the scraper market is the ability to change the angle of the scraper head from straight to 30 degrees at the touch of a button.

This ensures a smooth and swift transition between manual and pole work.

Blades that are easy to change, using a slider mechanism, are preferable; and it’s also worth investing in a holster that allows you to store your scraper when not in use, but makes it easily accessible when needed. Choose one that has the ability to fit onto a range of tool belts, and has a solid back to protect your leg/body from cuts.

Scrapers have been used by the window cleaning, glass and building industries for years, and they are still the tools to go to when faced with certain types of dirt and debris. As design and technology know-how helps to improve the results they achieve, they can only retain their usefulness for many years to come. www.ungerglobal.com

Quando di tratta di rimuovere un certo tipo di detriti dalle finestre e dagli esterni degli edifici, molti professionisti delle pulizie ricorrono ancora al vecchio raschietto. Torsten Deutzmann della Unger Professional esamina i motivi per cui i raschietti vengono ancora così largamente utilizzati e come possono essere usati in modo sicuro ed effettivo sulle facciate.

November 2014 | ECJ |51

TROLLEY SYSTEMS

Trolley trends Image, flexibility, sustainability, cost – what are the chief factors driving the trolley market today?

Ann Laffeaty finds out.

“The more specialised a cleaning task, the less important price-competitiveness becomes. Key decision-making factors here will be about efficiency, longevity and flexibility so that the trolley can easily be adapted to suit changing requirements.”

The trolley market is evolving all the time. A growing emphasis on hygiene and safety has led to a rise in the development of trolleys with enclosed compartments for waste and contaminated materials, for example.

At the same time sustainability has moved higher up the agenda, and this has spawned a generation of durable trolleys made from recyclable materials and components. And as more companies seek to flaunt their corporate image there has been an increasing emphasis on customised trolleys that can be overprinted with logos and slogans.

But how important are issues such as cost, flexibility and ease of use to today’s trolley customers? And what other key trends are influencing the market?

Today’s customers are chiefly seeking trolleys that are cost-effective and simple to use according to Christoph Zimmermann, product development manager at Vileda Professional.

“Many customers request a universal, flexible and cost-competitive trolley,” he said. “However there is also an increase in demand for trolleys for specialised applications where this approach doesn’t work. Examples include the healthcare and hotel services industries, and there is also a growing demand for CE or ‘controlled environment’ trolleys. In this sector customers are looking for a trolley that fits their needs while also ensuring high standards of cleaning.”

He says specialised trolleys need to balance cleaning performance against other key requirements such as hygiene, ergonomics and efficiency. And in such cases, cost comes lower down the list of priorities. “The more specialised a cleaning task, the less important pricecompetitiveness becomes,” he said. “Key decision-making factors here will be about efficiency, longevity and flexibility so that the trolley can easily be adapted to suit changing requirements.”

According to Zimmermann there is also a clear trend towards customisation. “The

cleaning trolley is the most visible part of the cleaner’s equipment so it should signal professionalism and efficiency,” he said.

“For most cleaners the trolley becomes ‘their’ trolley over time and customisation can help to increase their pride in the job and in the equipment they use. And contract cleaners understand that a trolley is a visible carrier of their brand and a vehicle they can use for advertising.”

He says weight is not a dominant factor in the decision-making process. “However, manoeuvrability and safe handling are both key since they enable the cleaner to perform an efficient cleaning job,” he said. “Ease of use goes hand in hand with efficiency and time savings, so this is considered a prerequisite when choosing a trolley. And ease of use includes not only the cleaning process but also the unpacking and assembly.” Vileda’s VoleoPro line of trolleys can be put together by the customer within minutes without the aid of tools, according to Zimmermann.

He adds that other top trolley requirements concern long life and sustainability.

“Customers are increasingly asking for a cradle-to-grave concept,” he said. “They want insights on how to rejuvenate a trolley to expand its life, and sometimes they ask for recycled materials to be incorporated into the trolley design.”

According to Zimmermann, many customers today are facing shorter contracts. “In practical terms this means that a trolley once purchased will often be transferred from site A to site B when a contract is terminated,” he said. “This may occur without the trolley having been optimised for the new requirements.”

Trolleys product manager at Vermop Petra Schmitt says innovation, pricing and customisation are key drivers for today’s customers. “In mass business, pricing is very important,” she said. “If the customer is working on a short-term contract of a year or less, a low price will be the main objective. However for hygienic cleaning in hospitals or cleanrooms a certain level of Continued page 54

November 2014 | ECJ |53

TROLLEY SYSTEMS Trolley trends (continued) flexibility is very important.”

She says customers are also looking for quality and reliability and in some cases image is a key factor. “In shopping malls, for example, the cleaning company advertises on the trolley,” she says. “Here good branding and a professional look are very important to customers.

“Low weight, ease of use and safety all are factors that the customer sees as a given in today’s trolleys.”

Repair and remodel She adds customers are increasingly seeking to repair and remodel their trolleys rather than simply replacing them. “A high level of customisation is another increasingly important factor to customers,” she said. “Our Equipe and Shopster trolleys are configured to the customer’s needs to meet this demand, and a growing number of customers ‘brand’ their trolleys with logos plus an exterior design that matches the cleaning environment and gives the trolley a special look.”

Today’s customers demand ergonomics and smart solutions according to managing director of Hygienteknik Stefan Johansson. “They also want the means to impregnate mops directly on the trolley,” he said. “However we believe the most important selling point for customers today is how easy the trolley is to assemble.”

He says low cost and flexibility are other key requirements. “It is also important that the customer saves time,” he adds. “For that reason we offer a trolley on which customers can load everything they need for a full day’s cleaning. This means they can avoid having to go back and refill their trolley later that day.”

He feels that the ‘next big thing’ in the industry will be trolley systems that incorporate disposable cleaning materials alone. “A trolley with no reusable mops and cloths will save a great deal on laundry and transport costs,” he points out.

Johansson agrees with other manufacturers that the look of a trolley is becoming particularly important to customers.

Hygienteknik offers printed waste bag covers for its trolleys designed to allow cleaning companies to project their brand or enhance their image. “The cleaning company can change the message on the cover whenever they want,” he said.

On constate une évolution du marché des chariots de nettoyage. Différents facteurs, tels que la défense de l’image de marque et un souci accru de durabilité, ont suscité une demande croissante en chariots d’allure attractive, aisés à manier et fabriqués en matériaux recyclables. ECJ les examine ainsi que les autres facteurs qui animent ce marché aujourd’hui.

November 2014 | ECJ | 54

He adds that another important consideration is the number of trolleys that can be loaded on to a Euro pallet. “This helps to save money,” he said. “We have been trying to copy Ikea’s flat-pack concept and when developing our trolleys we calculate how many we can we get on to a pallet.”

Environmental matters public relations officer at Kärcher Linda Schrödter says image, ergonomics, modularity and hygiene are all key requirements for today’s trolley customers. “However, customer requirements are industry-specific,” she adds.

“Some customers are constantly looking for lower priced trolleys whereas for others, factors such as safety and image are more important.”

According to Schrödter, flexibility and modularity tend to be key factors for the trolley market worldwide. “The trend towards customised trolleys is also becoming stronger,” she said. “Image is increasingly important and the need to personalise trolleys and use them to advertise the company is growing.”

She adds that weight and ease of use are also crucial. “The more ergonomic a trolley, the more benefits it will bring in terms of cost-saving and the quality of daily maintenance,” she said. “And safety is an important factor in environments such as an airport or railway station to prevent any risks of injury to the public.”

She believes that the growing focus on hygiene is having an impact on the trolley market worldwide. “Trolleys of the future will be more closed; made from plastic and more customised to meet the latest trends in professional cleaning,” she said. “And the next big thing may well be a trolley that comes combined with a machine.”

International sales manager for Crisp Clean Services Judy Toes has also seen a greater demand for enclosed systems.

“The weight and manoeuvrability of the trolley plus the height of the pushing handle and the height and location of the waste compartments are all key ergonomic considerations,” she said. “But flexibility still remains of utmost importance.”

“Customers have been asking for bespoke systems for many years and this trend continues,” said Toes. “Many customers need to be able to offer a unique

system to their customers.”

Marketing manager for Tecno Trolley Systems Mirko Zen says the main driving factor in the market today is the functionality of multipurpose trolleys. “A mobile working station must be designed to fulfil the needs of the specific situation,” he said.

“The key words are customisation and modular design, and we turn our trolleys into complete cleaning systems according to our customers’ needs.”

He says other relevant factors include durability, weight, sustainability and the flexibility to perform new functions once the original service is over. “Image is also becoming more important, though this impacts more on end-users than on distributors,” he said. “Contract cleaners and facility management companies increasingly value the ability to brand their trolleys to turn them into an effective marketing tool that helps with company identification.

“Nowadays the results of such customisation have improved thanks to modern digital printing techniques that speed up and simplify the operation. This means that customers can incorporate elements such as website addresses, contact details, logos, slogans and images on to their trolley.”

He says factors such as weight and ease of use also play a fundamental role.

“Safety is another relevant factor since a trolley should have rounded plastic corners to prevent any possibility of snags or cuts, plus lockable drawers and compartments to prevent any user contact with equipment or any risk that a third party could tamper with them.”

He says the demand for more sustainable trolley solutions is a relatively new trend. “A long life span and the use of recyclable plastics are among the environmentally-friendly features that add value to our customised trolleys,” said Zen. And he feels the next big thing will be on-demand pre-impregnation for mopping systems. “Customers today want to achieve water and detergent savings,” he said. “They also want flexible systems that can assure high levels of hygiene while also reducing costs. We can meet these demands with our new mop pre-impregnation systems situated on the operator’s trolley. We believe this will be the next step in the evolution of trolley systems.”

Der Markt für Reinigungswagen ist im Wandel begriffen. Faktoren, wie zunehmende Sorge um das Firmenimage und die zunehmend wichtigere Rolle der Nachhaltigkeit haben zu einer wachsenden Nachfrage nach Reinigungswagen geführt, die attraktiv, leicht zu schieben und aus wiederverwertbaren Materialien sind. Das ECJ betrachtet diese und andere Aspekte, die treibende Kräfte im heutigen Markt für Reinigungswagen darstellen.

Il mercato dei carreli sta cambiando. Fattori tipo un maggior interesse per l’immagine dell’azienda e una sensibilità sempre maggiore verso la sostenibilità hanno originato una domanda sempre maggiore di carrelli esteticamente più belli, facili da spingere e prodotti in materiali riciclabili. ECJ prende in esame questi e altri fattori che condizionano il mercato attuale.

Enclosed systems

PRODUCTS: TROLLEY SYSTEMS

Modular station

Computer

With over 100 accessories and over 1.3 million possible configurations the Taski Trolley System from Diversey Care claims to offer one of the most flexible systems on the market.

Designed to meet evolving requirements, changes can be made by simply adding or removing various modular components without buying a complete new system or chassis.

With ergonomics in mind, the

Hygienteknik says its Activa Method Control computercontrolled mop impregnation system saves time, reduces costs and minimises the use of cleaning detergents.

It impregnates every mop with exactly the right amount of liquid required depending on the type of floor and how dirty it is. The spray nozzle inside the mop box moistens the mop with ready-mixed cleaning chemicals.

be equipped with enough mops and chemicals for a day’s use. www.hygienteknik.se

Heat resistant

The system runs using a rechargeable battery that can spray up to 8,000 times before it needs recharging, which equates to around 20 weeks. Trolleys can

Trolley systems from Fanset are manufactured in chemical- and heat-resistant polypropylene, in 6 mm thickness. Said to be easy to manoeuvre, each model features tyres capable of transporting up to 100 kg of weight, along with buffer and brakes. www.fanset.com

trolley has been designed with the facility to adjust the height and position of the accessories - to minimise bending and unnecessary strain.

The most recent addition to the line-up is the Nano trolley, which is 30 per cent lighter and 20 per cent narrower than other models in the range - making it suitable for small area cleaning. www.diversey.com • Le système de chariot de nettoyage Taski, de Diversey Care, constitue une solution modulaire assortie de plus de 100 accessoires.

• Activa Control est le système d’imprégnation de moppes à commande par ordinateur de la société Hygienteknik.

• Les chariots proposés par Fanset sont fabriqués en polypropylène, un matériau résistant aux agents chimiques.

• Das Reinigungswagensystem Taski von Diversey Care ist eine modulare Lösung mit über 100 Zubehörteilen.

• Bei Activa Control handelt es sich um das computergesteuerte MoppImprägnier-System von Hygienteknik.

• Reinigungswagen von Fanset werden aus chemikalienbeständigem Polypropylen hergestellt.

• Il sistema di carrelli Taski della Diversey Care è una soluzione modulare dotata di oltre 100 accessori.

• Activa Control è un sistema controllato dal computer per impregnare i mop prodotto dalla Hygienteknik.

• I carrelli della Fanset sono prodotti in polipropilene che è un materiale resistente ai prodotti chimici.

November 2014 | ECJ | 55

PRODUCTS: TROLLEY SYSTEMS

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Secure storage

Crisp Clean Services says its Nipper Plus trolley system is the most flexible stainless steel range available - offering enclosed secure storage, detachable enclosed units and a wide range of accessories.

Nipper Plus is built off a fully modular base which can accommodate all types of cleaning methods and specifically tailored trolley arrangements can also be constructed. www.crispclean.co.uk

Stay up-to-date by visiting the ECJ website

Create your own Alpha Configurator is Filmop’s software for creating your own trolley, now available in a new version for PC and mobile devices. The programme can be used to choose compartment configuration; customise waste collection, storage and mopping compartments; select and add components.

Once finalised you will receive a pdf file containing an image and component list of the trolley you have created. Then send it to Filmop for a cost estimate of your chosen model. For distributors the Markup Generator programme allows calculation of their price list according to the desired percentage mark-up. www.filmop.com

Impregnated

Specialising in trolley systems for use with pre-impregnated microfibre is Rekola. It says that on a well-organised trolley only around 20 per cent of the space is needed for basic cleaning functions. Another 30 per cent is used for waste management, which the company says leaves space to organise other logistics process that have the same routing as the cleaning. This could be value-added business such as soap cartridges, toilet tissue and hand towels.

Branding is becoming important for cleaning companies so Rekola has developed solutions incorporating identity. www.rekola.com

PRODUCTS: TROLLEY SYSTEMS

Infinite solutions IPC Euromop and IPC Ready System have joined forces to develop the Brix modular trolley system. The basic model is said to be sufficient to handle most everyday cleaning needs, however the trolley can be expanded to create an almost infinite number of solutions - the companies claim.

Cleaners can configure their very own personal trolley by building ‘brick by brick’ on the basic module to create a fully equipped mobile cleaning station that will enable them to work in the most effective and efficient way - whatever the application. This means no two Brix trolleys need to be the same. www.brixtrolley.com

With wringer Splast’s TSK line of trolleys is available as a single or double bucket system, complete with wringer. They can be configured individually with mobile baskets, extra buckets or waste collection bag with lid.

PIKO, meanwhile, is a small trolley designed for small area cleaning. Splast developed a new wringer to facilitate the use of the Klik Kombi mop on

the trolley - the entire unit is mounted on a special 20-litre bucket to allow easy control of water flow during pouring. www.splast.com.pl

One at a time Dosely is a mechanical cleaning solution dispenser designed to soak one mop at a time while it is on the trolley. Designed by TTS, the dosing system is secure in that detergent goes into a removable hermetic tank which can be locked into the trolley using a key. The operative also has the flexibility to adjust the amount of cleaning solution applied to the mop during cleaning, which saves on cleaning chemical.

This means no more carrying of heavy buckets filled with presoaked mops and no manual pre-soaking - saving on time and labour, and reducing the risk of cross-contamination says TTS. Less water and electricity

are used because there are fewer mops to wash and detergent consumption is also reduced because Dosely soaks only the cleaning side of the mop which saves up to one-third of cleaning solution for each mop.

Dosely can be fitted to all of the company’s Magic Line trolleys. www.ttsystem.com

Size matters Space is always a prime consideration when it comes to trolleys and SYR says its NU range folds down to the same footprint as a mop bucket.

Space Saver trolleys boast a footprint of 51 x 57 cm, which also makes them light and easy to manoeuvre, as well as being half the cost of a comparable trolley.

Despite their small size, how-

ever, they can still be configured to individual requirements. For example trolleys can be open or enclosed and there is a selection of add-on equipment.

The latest model in the line is the stainless steel Solo trolley, a dedicated microfibre flat mopping system with built-in dosing systems. www.syrclean.com

The next edition of ECJ is February/ March 15 - stay up-to-date with latest industry news by visiting the ECJ website, and by registering for the monthly email newsletter and weekly email alerts

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Manual aids Recently Kärcher has significantly expanded its line of manual cleaning tools, including trolley systems. Colour coding is incorporated as standard and the company has placed great emphasis on ergonomics and user-friendly operation. www.karcher.com

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November 2014 | ECJ | 57

HIGH PRESSURE CLEANING

Blowing hot and cold When is a hot water highpressure cleaning system required to remove dirt or soiling? And what types of applications can be tackled with cold water alone?

Ann Laffeaty asks manufacturers of high-pressure cleaning systems about the pros and cons of cold versus hot.

“The surface and the kind of pollution will ultimately have an influence on whether it should be cleaned with hot or with cold water.”

November 2014 | ECJ | 58

Cold water delivered at high pressure is a highly efficient method of cleaning away a wide variety of substances from walls, floors and other surfaces. But certain types of soiling such as grease, oil and paint can be hard to remove using cold water alone which means an element of heat may need to be added. But hot water is more expensive to deliver and could potentially cause damage to surfaces.

So when would an operative choose hot water over cold? And what are the advantages and disadvantages of each type of system?

Cold water works well with specific types of dirt and soiling according to Andrew Caddick, Nilfisk-Advance’s senior group product manager for professional high pressure washers.“ Cold water can be used for removing the type of soil that contains no oil, grease or fats,” he said.

“For example it will clean away substances such as animal waste, sand, mud, general dust and mineral dirt from surfaces.

Customer groups such as agricultural workers, tradesmen and craftsmen plus people working in the building, construction and hospitality industries traditionally come up against situations where a cold water unit will be required.”

He says hot water pressure washers, on the other hand, are more effective at removing soiling with a grease, fat or oil content, even when used at similar pressures and flow levels. “Heavy industry and the automotive segment are traditionally more focused on hot water cleaners,” he said.

According to Caddick, cold water machines offer a number of advantages over hot water versions. “Hot water machines are usually heavier and less mobile, and the Initial purchase cost is higher,” he said. “Maintenance costs will also be higher due to the need to maintain a boiler instead of a simple motor-pump unit. And of course, heated water brings fuel costs.”

In some cases, he says, excessive heat can be counter-productive. “In the food

industry where the waste to be removed will often contain proteins, for example, hot water increases the cleaning effect - but only up to temperatures of 56 degrees,” he said. “Above this temperature the cleaning efficiency decreases because the proteins will be ‘re-cooked’ and this causes them to stick to surfaces.”

Eventual pollution He adds there are other circumstances in which hot water cleaners would not be appropriate. “A hot water machine that uses a diesel-fired boiler emits exhaust gases,” he said. “In certain segments such as hospitals and the food industry the use of such units is not authorised due to eventual pollution to the environment.”

Dibo managing director Pierre van den Borne agrees with Caddick that the lower costs of cold water machines is one of their chief advantages. “There is no need for any electricity or fuel to heat the water,” he said. “A hot water machine can also cause damage to a surface that is not heat-resistant. But professional cleaners will be sufficiently competent to correctly assess each job and prevent this.”

He says a number of factors will influence the choice of cold or hot water for high pressure cleaning. “We often see farmers clean their stables with cold water using a higher water throughput and less pressure so that they can rinse away the dirt,” he said.

“A typical use for hot water machines on the other hand is for the removal of oil or grease. And in fact most cleaners prefer working with hot water since it cleans more effectively at lower pressures. But it depends on the surface.”

Kärcher’s Linda Schrödter also cites lower procurement costs as one of the chief advantages of cold water machines.

“They are also more compact and lightweight which makes them easier to handle,” said Schrödter. “And the fact that they are easier to transport means their place of use can be changed frequently.”

She says typical areas of use for cold water high pressure cleaners include the

HIGH PRESSURE CLEANING construction, automotive and farming industries. “But hot water cleaners are also suitable for use in these same sectors for specific tasks: for example, hot water will effectively remove greasy, oily or stubborn dirt in the automotive and construction industries while in agriculture it can be used to reduce the microbe count.”

According to Schrödter, disadvantages of cold water machines include a longer wait before cleaned areas are ready for further processing.“ Cleaning may also be less efficient when using cold water because congealed oils and grease do not emulsify as quickly,” she said. “In fact a cold water machine typically takes up to 35 per cent longer than a hot water machine to perform the same task because the dirt does not dissolve so readily, and this reduces economic efficiency.

“When using cold water, too, it is often necessary to add detergent in order to remove grease, oil, resins and proteins – and this adds to the cost and leads to environmental pollution. And unlike hot water, cold water does not reduce the microbe count.”

In fact she feels hot water is often the best choice on any surface that is resistant to heat – even on the delicate façades of older buildings. “The use of hot water can actually protect sensitive surfaces,” said Schrödter. “The same cleaning effect can be achieved with hot water as with cold, but at a lower working pressure.

Heat energy is an important factor in the cleaning process since every 10°C increase in temperature doubles reaction speed.”

She says that when oil, grease or soot are dislodged by heat they become easier to remove, while the emulsification of oil and grease in water is accelerated using hot water. “Heated surfaces will also dry faster,” she said.

Even higher temperatures According to Schrödter, water temperatures can be increased still further with no resulting damage to the surface provided higher temperatures are balanced against lower flow rates.

“By reducing the water flow rate, cleaning can be carried out even at steam temperatures as high as 155°C,” she said.

“With a combination of mineral-free steam and pressure, even the most stubborn Quelles sont les situations où l’usage d’un appareil de nettoyage à eau chaude haute pression constitue la meilleure option ? Et quelles sont les surfaces et les substances sur lesquelles l’eau froide conviendra le mieux ? Un regard sur les avantages et inconvénients du chaud et du froid dans les situations actuelles où le nettoyage haute pression s’impose.

dirt can be loosened and a high level of cleaning performance can be achieved without the use of chemical additives.

The steam stage for example is perfect for removing bitumen coatings and other paint coatings as well as soot deposits, lichens and algae.”

Gentle cleaning She says that higher temperatures are often a better option on delicate surfaces because heat allows them to be cleaned more gently. “It is important to ensure those parameters that affect the machine’s action are set correctly so as to avoid damage,” she adds.

According to Schrödter, factors to be taken into account when using a hot water pressure washer include the jet angle and nozzle type; the spraying distance; nozzle pressure; water flow rate and reaction time. And in any case, she adds, hot versus cold is not necessarily a black-and-white issue. “For the sake of energy efficiency, the water temperature on all our models can be varied on demand from between 20°C and 155°C as required,” she said.

“Though in fact many types of soiling is easy to remove at around 60°C.” Nilfisk-Advance’s Andrew Caddick agrees with Schrödter that cleaning efficiency is not simply a case of hot versus cold. “The end result will depend as well on the level of pressure and water flow and whether or not a detergent is used,” he said. “All these parameters can be combined to provide the optimal cleaning solution.”

And he adds high pressure cleaners delivering hot water can in some cases be the best and most cost-effective option.

“For an application where greases, oils or fats need to be removed, tests have shown that a hot water unit can lead to a reduction in cleaning time of up to 50 per cent,” he said. “Using a machine with an equivalent water flow and motor size, this can significantly reduce the running costs even after taking into account fuel consumption.”

As an example he says that using pressures of 180 bar and cold water delivered at 1,100 litres per hour, an operative will be able to clean away oil and grease from a metal surface three times faster than if he or she were to use In welchen Situationen ist ein HeißwasserHochdruckreiniger die beste Wahl? Und auf welchen Oberflächen und Substanzen stellt kaltes Wasser das bevorzugte Mittel dar? Wir werfen einen Blick auf die Vor- und Nachteile von Kalt und Heiß in modernen Hochdruckreinigungssituationen.

720 litres of cold water per hour at the same pressure.

“However, they would be able to clean six or seven times faster still if they were to use 180 bar and 810 litres per hour heated to 60°C,” he said. “With this increased cleaning efficiency, total running costs will be significantly lower with a hot water cleaner than with a cold water unit.

And this means that over the lifetime of a machine, the hot water unit would be the best choice economically.”

He adds that there are many applications where hot water does not significantly increase the efficiency of cleaning or where the effect of hot water can be offset by the use of cold water

“The end result will depend as well on the level of pressure and water flow and whether or not a detergent is used.” combined with a detergent.

“The goal is to reduce cleaning time for the user which will then reduce running costs,” said Caddick. “Our aim is to identify the best practice for each application.”

Dibo’s Pierre van den Borne agrees that cleaning can be speeded up using a hotwater unit. “However, higher temperatures have a negative influence on protein and synthetic material,” he said. “The surface needs to be both hot water- and pressureresistant.” According to him cleaning with cold water tends to require the use of either higher pressures or chemicals.

“Increasing the pressure saves time, but the pressure used should depend on the degree and the kind of pollution as well as the fragility of the surface that has to be cleaned,” he said.

And he adds that every cleaning job must be treated as an individual case.

“The surface and the kind of pollution will ultimately have an influence on whether it should be cleaned with hot or with cold water,” he said. “There is no general rule that says cleaning has to be carried out one way or another.”

In quale tipo di situazione le idropulitrici ad alta pressione e acqua calda sono l’opzione migliore? E su quale tipo di superficie e sostanza si dovrebbe optare per l’acqua fredda? In questo articolo i pro e i contro di acqua calda contro acqua fredda nelle soluzioni di idropulitrici ad alta pressione attualmente disponibili.

November 2014 | ECJ | 59

PRODUCTS: HIGH PRESSURE CLEANERS

• Les nettoyeurs haute pression à 300 bars Aquila Triventek sont tous dotés d’un panneau de commande à écran tactile.

• La nouvelle génération de remorques de nettoyage haute pression DiBO est dotée d’un système de marche/arrêt.

• Les nouveaux nettoyeurs haute pression de Série 10 se signalent par leur maniabilité et convivialité, déclare leur fabricant Annovi Reverberi.

• Alle Hochdruckreiniger ab 300 bar von Aquila Triventek sind mit einem Touchscreen-Bedienfeld ausgestattet.

• Die neue Generation der anhängermontierten Hochdruckreiniger von DiBO verfügen über ein automatisches Start/Stopp-System.

• Annovi Reverberi teilt mit, dass die neuen Hochdruckreiniger der Serie 10 beweglich und benutzerfreundlich sind.

• Tutte le idropulitrici ad alta pressione Aquila Triventek da 300 bar e oltre sono disponibili con un pannello di controllo touch screen.

• La nuova generazione di rimorchi per idropulitrici ad alta pressione Dibo sono dotati di un sistema automatico di avvio/arresto.

• La Annovi Reverberi afferma che le sue nuove idropulitrici ad alta pressione Series 10 sono mobili e facili da usare.

November 2014 | ECJ | 60

Programmable

All Aquila Triventek high pressure cleaners of 300 bar pressure and above are fitted with a touch screen control panel called Programmable Logic Control (PLC). This boasts user-friendly operation with easy setting and programming. ATC is included to save fuel, reduce noise level and minimise wear and tear.

The single screen controls all machine functions, including pressure and temperature.

There is also a preset function option which can be used for specific applications such as graffiti and chewing gum removal - this offers fuel savings of up to 15 per cent.

The panel also features quick fault finding, on-screen help, remote modem fault diagnosis and service log - all of which means less downtime for operator says Aquila Triventek. And for top security all users are provided with their own unique PIN number. www.aquila-triventek.com

Start-stop

DiBO says it has reduced the diesel consumption of its JMB-M 500/30 high pressure trailers by up to 10 per cent by developing a start-stop system. To this can be added the savings made through the integration of the GreenBoiler (18 per cent) and the use of the heat exchanger in combination

with the water-cooled engine (15 per cent).

Working pressure is 500 bar, with flow of 30 litres per minute. www.dibo.com

Upright foldable The new Series 10 cold water high pressure cleaners, says Annovi Reverberi, are mobile and easy to use thanks to their upright and ergonomic design and the foldable handle makes storage simple when not in use. There is also storage space for accessories.

Pressure level is up to 150 bar with water flow up to 900 litres per hour depending on the model. The machines can be used as a stationary solution with separate wall hook and hose reel and accessories holder, or with a stainless steel frame hung on the wall or mounted on a stainless steel trolley for maximum mobility. www.annovi-reverberi.com

PRODUCTS: HIGH PRESSURE CLEANERS

Applications The easywash365+ Foam is a stainless steel injector with high pressure foam lance from R+M/ Suttner. It is fitted via a T-piece between the outlet of the high pressure unit and the original spraying unit and expands the number of applications for R+M’s foam injectors.

The connection from injector unit to the high pressure foam lance is thanks to the optional high pressure hose of up to 40 metres in length. The existing spray unit is used for cleaning and rinsing.

The company says significant savings in cleaning agent and time can be achieved because the foam lance offers cleaning agent that is immediately available without switching the unit or changing equipment.

The product is suitable for all units up to 310 bar. www.rm-suttner.com

light weight and clever accessory storage. And because these models are no larger than an item of hand luggage they can be used in confined spaces too.

If uneven terrain makes rolling impossible, the new carrying handle on the front of the casing ensures transporting the 25.2 kg unit is still straightforward. With its position directly

above the centre of gravity, the cleaner is as comfortable to carry as a small suitcase says Kärcher. The additional handle can be used for crane loading.

Two side compartments ensure the triple and rotary nozzle are tucked away, but within easy reach while a rubber band fixes the high pressure hose securely in place and the surface cleaner can be screwed on to a special thread on top of the machine. www.karcher.com

Latest range Among the most recent launches from Biemmedue is the Midia cold water high pressure cleaner. Features include adjustable spray head, lance-controlled low pressure detergent injection system, nonmarking wheels and optional hose reel.

Also recently developed is the Mobile petrol engine machine, also cold water. www.biemmedue.com

Mobility focus The latest Kärcher cold water high pressure cleaners HD 5/15 C(X) and HD 6/13 C(X) have been designed to be particularly mobile. This is achieved through compact construction style, • En proposant ses ensembles à mousse Easywash365+, R+M/ Suttner a élargi sa gamme d’injecteurs de mousse.

• Avec ses nettoyeurs haute pression à eau froide HD 5/15 et HD 6/13 Kärcher a mis l’accent sur la mobilité.

• Des dernières adjonctions à la gamme Biemmedue d’appareils de nettoyage haute pression sont les modèles Midia et Mobile.

• Mit den universell einsetzbaren Easywash365+ Schaumsets erweitert R+M/Suttner das Angebot bei Schauminjektoren.

• Mit den KaltwasserHochdruckreinigern HD 5/15 und HD 6/13 konzentriert sich Kärcher auf Mobilität.

• Die neuesten Hochdruckreiniger in der Produktreihe Biemmedue sind die Modelle Midia und Mobile.

• Con le sue unità universali di erogazione di schiuma Easywash365+ la R+M/Suttner sta ampliando la sua gamma di iniettori per schiuma.

• Con i suoi modelli di idropulitrici ad alta pressione e acqua fredda HD 5/15 e HD 6/13 la Kärcher si concentra sulla mobilità.

• I modelli più recenti di idropulitirici ad alta pressione della gamma Biemmedue sono Midia e Mobile.

November 2014 | ECJ | 61

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Recycling - convincing sceptics As legislation continues to throw more challenges to local and national governments on increasing recycling rates, how do they persuade the sceptics to join the cause?

Ceris Burns, managing director of specialist PR agency Ceris Burns International, offers advice on the best way to communicate with this hard-to-reach audience, inspired by the results of independent research into attitudes towards recycling.

Where once there was rubbish – now there is recycling. The transformation that our waste services have gone through in recent years has been nothing short of remarkable. The switch from thinking of rubbish as waste to merely throw away; to something that can be repurposed for use again, has happened in a relatively short period of time, touching both domestic households and big business – and everywhere in between.

It’s no exaggeration to say that recycling has become ingrained in our daily lives.

However, it would be a mistake to assume that everyone is a convert to the cause.

National and local government are faced with a constant challenge in terms of meeting various materials related targets, one of the most important being to increase the number of people participating in local schemes.

One of the big tests is to encourage

November 2014 | ECJ | 62

people to recycle more in the face of ever-changing legislation. The next big shift is being ushered in by the revised Waste Framework Directive. This lays out a specific requirement, by January 1 2015, to set up separate collections of paper, plastic, metal and glass as a minimum. Collectors of these wastes must gather these materials separately, unless it is not necessary to provide high quality recyclates; or it is not technically, environmentally or economically practicable (TEEP).

This means that co-mingled collections, where various items for recycling – such as paper, plastic and cans are placed in the same bin – should not be the ‘norm’.

Instead, mixed dry recyclables must be collected separately, and not re-mixed later. In the words of an Environment Agency briefing: “Co-mingling will only be permissible after 2015 where it provides high quality recyclates, or where separate collection is not practicable.”

The variation in the way services are organised in different local authority areas, including the types of materials that can and can’t be collected for recycling, already causes confusion – so communications campaigns have many of issues to tackle. Finding out what makes your target audience tick is one of the first tasks when planning your communications – so attitudes and aspirations need to be taken into account.

Independent research In order to get some answers, Ceris Burns International recently commissioned Mindlab to undertake some independent research into attitudes towards recycling. The main finding, and perhaps the most encouraging, was that people with a negative view of recycling are more likely to change their mindsets after seeing positive messages about the benefits. Their subconscious thinking was changed after seeing positive images, resulting in a shift in attitude, from viewing recycling as unimportant, to seeing it as a significant activity that could

make a difference.

200 people completed an online test that consisted of questions regarding their current recycling behaviour and attitudes to recycling. They then viewed either positive or negative images and messages about recycling; followed by an implicit test measuring how important they felt recycling was; finishing by answering questions about their intentions to recycle in the future. The test group included a wide range of ages and professions, located across England, Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Other key findings of the survey were: • 44 per cent of respondents said they probably wouldn’t make the effort to take their recycling elsewhere if they didn’t have facilities at work • Just over half of the respondents would encourage work colleagues to recycle • 78 per cent of respondents said they had recycling bins at work, indicating that while recycling facilities are widespread, there is room for improvement • 52 per cent said they are confused about what they can and can’t recycle • 69 per cent of respondents preferred leaflets as the main method of receiving information about recycling services • Only half of respondents avoid buying products with excessive packaging.

The research results make for interesting reading and are a useful barometer – indicating current patterns of feeling and suggesting possible future actions. The results have been used to produce a best practice guide, which offers advice on achieving the best possible results from communications campaigns aimed at increasing recycling rates. It includes a number of recommendations in the shape of practical steps organisations and local authorities can take to achieve results, some of which I’ll share with you.

Fewer than half of respondents said they wouldn’t bother to take their recycling home with them if easily accessible facilities didn’t exist in the workplace. This indicates a gap in the

WASTE MANAGEMENT market for businesses to recruit recycling champions at work. By identifying ‘cheerleaders’ for the recycling cause companies can strengthen their communications campaigns, as these passionate advocates for recycling can help to ensure that key messages and materials are displayed throughout the workplace. They can also be a conduit for feedback from their colleagues on the kinds of materials they would like to recycle, and play a role in ensuring the appropriate facilities are installed.

Our research indicates that, perhaps unsurprisingly, confusion still reigns about what people can and can’t recycle. The need for clear and concise communications has, therefore, never been more pressing.

Materials that emphasise imagery over

text will have a longer shelf life and reach a wider audience, which is especially important in areas that have a high rate of turnover in population, and where a number of different languages are spoken.

Alors que la législation exige des administrations nationales et locales qu’elles augmentent le taux de recyclage de produits, on peut se demander ce qu’elles peuvent faire pour gagner les sceptiques à cette cause. ECJ examine le meilleur moyen de communiquer avec ce public difficile d’accès en se basant sur les conclusions d’enquêtes indépendantes concernant les attitudes à l’égard du recyclage.

Die Gesetzgebung konfrontiert kommunale und staatliche Behörden fortwährend mit weiteren Herausforderungen zur Steigerung von Recyclingquoten.

Wie jedoch überzeugen sie Skeptiker sich der Sache anzuschließen? Das ECJ untersucht, auf welchem Wege am besten mit diesem schwer zu erreichenden Publikum zu kommunizieren ist, und wird dabei inspiriert durch die Ergebnisse einer unabhängigen Studie zu den Einstellungen in Bezug auf das Recycling.

Meaningful communication It’s also important to avoid ‘information overload’. Another outcome from our research showed that most respondents preferred to receive communications only when changes are made to their recycling service/system. Therefore communications should be carefully planned and used sparingly – hitting the right spot first time, without the need for clarifications or follow-ups.

To conclude, we might live in the internet age, where we’re all constantly connected to the information super highway via

phones and tablets – but over half of our respondents said they preferred good old leaflets as a method of communication.

This is a smart bet when recycling calendars are finalised, as it’s much easier to consult a leaflet on the kitchen pin board than log on to your chosen device to check which bin will be collected on a certain date. However, the internet ‘scored’ second highest, so a mix of different communication methods would be the way to go.

One thing is certain – the recycling genie is never going to be put back in the bottle now. However, to keep the momentum going and encourage more uptake in local schemes, communications can play a huge role in changing hearts and minds. www.cbipr.com Mentre la legge continua a lanciare ulteriori sfide alle amministrazioni locali e nazionali per aumentare la quantità di prodotti riciclati, come riescono questi enti a persuadere gli scettici a unirsi alla causa? ECJ prende in esami i modi migliori per comunicare con questo pubblico difficile da raggiungere, ispirato dai risultati di una ricerca indipendente sull’atteggiamento nei confronti del riciclo.

November 2014 | ECJ | 63

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Filters smells ECOBreeze is an air filtration and fragrance system whose manufacturer claims filters out smells rather than masking them through a triple action system.

is a hidden clip for a Freshguard sachet to ensure pleasant fragrancing between services.

Available in white, grey or yellow Nappease can be used in a variety of applications, including medical facilities. www.pandlwashroom.com

Simple test

First the unit draws air through a dust filter to remove all airborne dust particulate; air is then directed through a carbon filter to extract smelly organic molecules. Finally the clean air passes over a wicking system that releases a fragrance leaving the air clean and fragrant.

The manufacturer says servicing of ECOBreeze is quick, easy and can be carried out as part a cleaning schedule. And it incorporates washable dust filter, recyclable fragrance container and non-hazardous carbon filter.

The company is currently seeking distributors. www.washroom-wizard.co.uk

Easy servicing

With its 60-litre capacity the new Nappease nappy bin for high traffic washrooms has been designed by P+L Systems with service companies in mind. They will fit in with a range of service cycles, are easy to wipe down, constructed in ABS plastic and tool-free access saves time during servicing.

The lid of the Nappease has been designed to disperse weight over the full footprint of the lid to prevent breakage if heavy items are placed on top, removing the need to repair or replace products between service cycles.

The bin comes ready assembled, with a pedal to allow handsfree operation and a discreet, low friction modesty flap which hides the contents of the bin from view. Under the lid there

Hygiena International has extended its range of MicroSnap bacteria rapid testing products to include Enterobacteriaceae.

The measurement of this bacteria, it says, is a useful indicator of surface hygiene and product quality in the manufacture of heat processed food.

Rapid tests such as the specific ATP test system (MicroSnap EB) provides results in a working shift of less than eight hours and the test has many applications.

MicroSnap EB (Enterobacteriaceae) is a simple two-step test procedure with a total time to result of seven hours 15 seconds. The sample can be either a surface swab or one ml liquid sample or food suspension that is mixed with a proprietary enrichment broth in an all-inone device and incubated. www.hygiena.net

For porcelain New from Buzil is O Tens Azid G 501, an acidic daily cleaner designed for use on acid-resistant floors and surfaces such as porcelain stoneware tiles.

Said to remove limescale and mineral deposits while also preventing the build-up of new limescale, O Tens Azid is surfactant-free and cleans through the synergy effect of its natural acid system says Buzil. And because it is low foaming it can be used in cleaning machines.

Available in one-litre bottles and 10-litre canisters. www.buzil.com

Laminted wipes

Two laminated wiping products have been added to the Optimum Professional range by Disposables UK. The first is a centre feed roll and comes in either two-ply white (pure pulp) or two-ply blue (recycled) versions, with each roll measuring 200 mm x 126 m. Laminated and microembossed, it comes boxed six rolls per case.

The second is a general wiping roll, available in the same versions and boxed two rolls per case. At 225 mm x 350 m per roll, it provides a greater wiping area and is super absorbent and strong says Disposables UK. Both boast high absorbency for faster drying, a softer feel and increased strength to combat linting and disintegration. www.disposablesukgroup.co.uk

In the gutter A new generation of high reach gutter cleaning equipment has been launched by Spacevac Technologies. Operated from ground level the new system has a number of key features the company says.

Firstly, operational guesswork is eliminated because the system comes with a closed circuit TV camera on the cleaning head. It reaches up to four storeys, which is 14 metres and can safely remove a brick from a gutter thanks to its suction power. Carbon fibre tubes make it light in operation, while also being 40 per cent quicker than many other systems, says Spacevac Technologies.

The system is powered by a Nilfisk-Alto vacuum and the poles have a locking system which ensures no reduction in diameter at the joins - thus eliminating blockages. www.space-vac.co.uk

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