February/March 2017

The pan-European magazine for the professional cleaning sector

FEBRUARY/ MARCH 2017

CASE STUDY

SPECIAL REPORT

BUSINESS

Green cleaning, this edition’s special focus Starts page 61

Cleaning at Japanese schools

Hygiene in healthcare

Are you getting enough sleep?

Page 32

Page 25

Page 59

CONTENTS

February/March 2017 | Vol.25, No.1

BUSINESS

SPECIAL REPORTS

59 Sleep - are you getting enough?

25 Healthcare - a special case?

Hartley Milner explores the consequences falling short on sleep.

Does healthcare really need to be treated as a special case when cleaning?

32 Cleaning on the curriculum A visit to a Japanese elementary school, where children clean their classroom.

35 Scrubbing safely Ann Laffeaty asks how scrubber dryer manufacturers make machines safe.

45 Countdown to The Cleaning Show ECJ’s preview to the UK’s cleaning exhibition starts here.

56 London’s diverse skyline A look at the unique challenges of cleaning at height in London.

03 News

61 Creating a greener world We review the sustainability target’s of the industry’s companies.

14 European reports

65 Cleaning but gasping What’s behind the “no-VOCs” claims made by manufacturers?

72 Product review

68 Creating a positive experience The opportunities for washroom service companies from menstrual equity.

70 Time to take responsibility FM is a discipline that can extend its contribution to the value chain.

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 veracity of claims made by contributors, manufacturers or advertisers. Copyright for all material published in European Cleaning remains with Criterion Publishing Ltd and its agents.

ISSN 0968-901X ©Criterion Publishing 2017

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NEWS & EVENTS

Latest News & Events from ECJ

Toilet doors at airports could harbour MRSA, says research

New research suggests toilet door handles at some major hub airports could be harbouring MRSA. The study revealed the superbug could be transferred between tourists on airport toilet door handles then spread across the world.

Authored by Frieder Schaumburg and published in medical journal Clinical Microbiology and Infection, the aim of the research was to investigate how easily drug resistant bacteria could hitch a ride with travellers as they jet across the world. It focused specifically on internal toilet doors as they are ‘frequently used by multiple people after potentially unhygienic activities and are mostly contaminated with the flora of the skin and the gut’.

Researchers from the University Hospital Munster and Robert Koch Institute, both in Germany, asked 39 tourists to swab 400 bathroom door handles at 136 airports in 59 countries, between December 2012 and November 2015.

The travellers targeted men’s toilets more frequently in their samples than women’s toilets (60 per cent versus 39.5 per cent) with samples taken on arrival (16 per cent) before departure (80.7 per cent) or in transit (2.75 per cent).

Researchers then took the swabs back to a lab.

The team detected a

variety of bacteria common to faecal contamination which could be transferred by touch from toilet door handles to tourists’ homes.

The study found that contamination rates were highest for Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause a variety of infections from sore throats to meningitis, recorded on 5.5 per cent of the samples.

This was followed

by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (two per cent) which is naturally resistant to a number of antibiotics and Acinetobacter baumannii complex in 1.3 per cent.

International challenge In the samples S.aureus was recorded as slightly more common on airport handles in Africa (7.7 per cent) than in Asia (4.7 per cent), Europe (5.5 per cent), North America (4.7 per cent) and South American (6.5 per cent).

One batch of methicillinresistant s.aureus (MRSA) was detected in Paris and matched a ‘community-associated MRSA clone’ found in India.

Frieder Schaumburg explained: “Antimicrobial resistance is no longer a national problem but a global challenge. Resistant bacteria do not respect national borders so it is an issue of the international community.

“Our study suggests that resistant (bacteria) could be transmitted in airports but the risk seems to be low.”

D’après de nouvelles recherches, les poignées de porte de toilette dans certains grands aéroports pourraient abriter le SARM.

ECJ has launched the first broadcast programme for the professional cleaning industry - European Cleaning Television, ECTV. The first series is being broadcast now. Watch the latest episode at www.ectelevision.com

EVENTS March 14-16

November 9

The Cleaning Show

European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards

London, UK www.cleaningshow.co.uk

Rome, Italy www.echawards.com

March 28-30

May 15-18 2018

Europropre

ISSA/Interclean Amsterdam

Paris, France www.europropre.com

Amsterdam, Netherlands www.issainterclean.com

April 10-12

October 29-November 1 2018

Tissue World Milan

ISSA/Interclean North America

Milan, Italy www.tissueworld.com/twmilan

Dallas, USA www.issainterclean.com

May 23-25

November 18-21 2019

Pulire

ISSA/Interclean North America

Verona, Italy www.pulire-it.com

Las Vegas, USA www.issainterclean.com

June12-14

October 26-29 2020

Cleantex Pulire

ISSA/Interclean North America

Johannesburg, South Africa www.cleantex.co.za

Chicago, USA www.issainterclean.com

September 11-14

November 15-18 2021

ISSA/Interclean North America

ISSA/Interclean North America

Las Vegas, USA www.issainterclean.com

Las Vegas, USA www.issainterclean.com

September 18-20

WFBSC Congress Berlin, Germany www.wfbsc2017.berlin September 19-22

CMS Berlin, Germany www.cms-berlin.com October 18-20

ISSA/INTERCLEAN Istanbul Istanbul, Turkey www.issainterclean.com To have your event included in Events, contact ECJ via email at: michelle@europeancleaningjournal.com

Aus einer neuen Untersuchung geht hervor, dass die Toilettentürgriffe in manchen großen Hub-Flughafen möglicherweise MRSA beherbergen könnten.

Delle nuove ricerche suggeriscono che le maniglie dei bagni di alcuni fra i principali hub aeroportuali potrebbero ospitare il batterio MRSA.

February/March | ECJ | 3

NEWS CMS Purus Innovation Awards

More space at ISSA/INTERCLEAN

The organisers of the CMS Berlin cleaning exhibition, which takes place from September 19-22, have announced their plans for this year’s Purus Awards. They will now become the Purus Innovation Awards.

The next ISSA/INTERCLEAN Amsterdam, which takes place from May 10-14 2018, will occupy 12 halls of the RAI in Amsterdam for the first time.

“The fact that the floor space is already 85 per cent sold as of late November 2016, and is expected to sell out within weeks, confirms that it was the correct decision to expand the show and represents a substantial vote of confidence from our exhibitors and partners,” explained show manager Rob den Hertog.

The 2018 show will also have two new dedicated sections - Laundry and Waste

Intelligent solutions The new awards programme will recognise “intelligent products and solutions”.

Exhibitors at the show will be invited to submit entries in six categories - focusing on products, tools and systems that feature excellent usability and an outstanding overall design.

Entries are now open and the deadline for submissions is

May 19.

There will be six categories: Large machines; Small Machines; Equipment; Washroom Hygiene; Digital tools and Systems; Cleaning Agents.

The entries will be assessed in two stages by a jury of experts who will examine the products’ innovative features based on five criteria: ‘Functionality, ergonomics and usability’, ‘Emotive appeal/feel, styling and the example set by the product’, ‘Eco-friendliness, energy efficiency and raw materials’, ‘Life cycle costs’ and ‘Time’ (practical performance value). www.cms-berlin.de

• Les organisateurs du salon de la propreté CMS Berlin, qui aura lieu en septembre, ont annoncé leurs plans concernant les Prix d’innovation Purus de cette année.

• Le prochain salon ISSA/INTERCLEAN d’Amsterdam, qui aura lieu du 10 au 14 mai 2018, occupera pour la première fois 12 salles du RAI à Amsterdam.

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 4

•Die Organisatoren der Reinigungsmesse CMS, die im September in Berlin stattfindet, haben ihre Pläne für die diesjährigen Purus Innovation Awards angekündigt.

• Die nächste ISSA/INTERCLEAN Amsterdam, die vom 10.–14. Mai 2018 stattfinden wird, wird zum ersten Mal 12 Hallen im Amsterdamer RAI belegen.

Management. And the existing Washrooms area will grow from two to three halls.

Den Hertog added: “As organisers, we are sure that the inclusion of the Laundry and Waste Management segments, together with some additions to the overall exhibition programme that have yet to be announced, will deliver an even richer experience for everyone that attends - visitors and exhibitors alike.” www.issainterclean.com

Download the new ECJ app now

• Gli organizzatori della fiera del settore del cleaning CMS Berlin che si terrà a settembre hanno annunciato i loro piani per l’edizione di quest’anno di Purus Innovation Awards.

• La prossima edizione di ISSA/INTERCLEAN Amsterdam, che si terrà dal 10 al 14 maggio 2018, occuperà per la prima volta 12 saloni della RAI di Amsterdam.

NEWS European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards 2017 to take place in Rome Following a highly successful inaugural event in September 2016, the European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards 2017 will be presented at a glittering gala dinner on November 9 at the Parco Dei Principi in Rome.

These prestigious awards recognise the high standards of excellence in the professional cleaning sector across Europe.

Celebrating excellence The awards, founded by European Cleaning Journal (ECJ) and organised by Environment Media Group, celebrate the achievements of service providers, manufacturers and distributors throughout Europe.

There are 10 categories:

• Best use of technology by contractors in their cleaning programmes.

• Commitment to and investment in training.

• Excellence in client/contractor partnerships.

• Distributors - excellence in added value initiatives. Sponsored

by Greenspeed.

• Sustainability - best practice in implementing principles throughout the business.

Sponsored by Werner & Mertz.

• Workforce - excellence in employee relationships, diversity & inclusion, rewards programmes.

• Best initiative raising the profile and perception of the professional cleaning sector - locally or on a wider level.

Comme suite à leur lancement couronné de succès l’année dernière, les Prix européens de propreté et d’hygiène 2017, organisés par ECJ, seront décernés le 9 novembre au cours d’un dîner de gala au Parco Dei Principi à Rome.

• Groundbreaking technological innovation of the year.

• Inspirational leader of the year.

Sponsored by Truvox International • Greatest individual contribution to driving up standards of excellence within a cleaning operation.

• Lifetime achievement award - to be selected by the judging panel. Sponsored by Ceris Burns International The awards dinner cocktail reception before the ceremony is

Nach der erfolgreichen Lancierung im vergangenen Jahr werden die European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards 2017 des ECJ im Rahmen eines Galadiners am 9.

November im Parco Dei Principi in Rom verliehen.

sponsored by ISSA/INTERCLEAN Dr Ilham Kadri, president of Diversey Care which was the lead sponsor of the 2016 inaugural awards said: “The inaugural European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards in 2016 demonstrated the outstanding value that the cleaning industry is creating, showcasing truly ground-breaking innovations and initiatives. We hope the 2017 event will be even more successful.”

To enter: www.echawards.com

Dopo il successo del suo lancio dell’anno scorso, gli European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards 2017 di ECJ verranno presentati il 9 novembre di quest’anno durante una serata di gala al Parco Dei Principi a Roma.

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 5

NEWS Haniel/Rentokil Initial venture

Bunzl branches out in Europe

Haniel and Rentokil Initial have signed an agreement to create a joint venture to create a European company for workwear, cleanroom and hygiene services.

After acquiring the continental European business from Rentokil Initial in the areas of hygiene, workwear and cleanroom services, Haniel will hold around 82 per cent of the shares, while Rentokil Initial will hold around 18 per cent. The aim is to complete the process of establishing the joint venture under the CWS-boco holding roof by the middle of 2017.

“Our acquisition and the establishment of the joint

Global distribution company Bunzl is acquiring two more businesses in Denmark and France.

Sæbe Compagniet, which is based near Copenhagen, is a distributor of cleaning and hygiene related products - principally in the hotel, restaurant and catering sectors - in Denmark.

Completion of the acquisition is subject to clearance of the transaction by the Danish competition authority.

Prorisk and GM Equipement, which are based near Lyon and in Vannes respectively, specialise in the sale of personal protection equipment and

venture will further improve the future viability of our sustainable portfolio,” said Haniel ceo Stephan Gemkow.

“CWS-boco and Initial will have an opportunity to continue their current development in the market for workwear, cleanroom and hygiene services.”

Over the course of the implementation the European CWS-boco activities in 17 countries and Initial activities in 10 European countries will be combined. This does not include the Initial activities in UK and France, which will continue to be managed by Rentokil Initial.

The venture will be based at the CWS- boco HQ in Duisburg.

• Haniel et Rentokil Initial ont signé un accord prévoyant la création d’un co-entreprise destinée à créer une société européenne de services intéressant les vêtements de travail, les chambres blanches et l’hygiène.

• Bunzl, la société mondiale de distribution, va reprendre deux entreprises supplémentaires au Danemark et en France.

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 6

• Haniel und Rentokil Initial haben eine Vereinbarung mit dem Ziel unterzeichnet, im Rahmen eines Joint Ventures ein europäisches Unternehmen für Berufskleidungs-, Reinraum- und Hygienedienstleistungen zu schaffen.

• Der globale Logistikkonzern Bunzl wird zwei weitere Unternehmen in Dänemark und Frankreich erwerben.

first aid-related products to end users and distributors throughout France. Completion of that acquisition was expected to take place early in 2017.

Business scale “The proposed acquisition of Sæbe Compagniet will complement our existing cleaning and hygiene operations in Denmark and extend and expand our business there,” explained Frank van Zanten, chief executive of Bunzl.

“The purchase of Prorisk and GM Equipement will add further scale to our safety business in France and increase the breadth of our product offering.” www.bunzl.com

• La Haniel e la Rentokil Initial hanno siglato un accordo per creare una joint venture per realizzare un’impresa europea per i servizi per l’abbigliamento da lavoro, le camere sterili e l’igiene.

• La Bunzl, impresa di distribuzione mondiale, sta per acquisire altre due attività in Danimarca e in Francia.

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NEWS Henkel to buy Diversey Care?

German consumer giant Henkel is in talks to buy Sealed Air’s professional cleaning division Diversey Care for a price likely to exceed $3 billion, according to the New York Post.

Sealed Air paid $4.3 billion for the business in 2011.

Sealed Air announced in October it planned to spin off the Diversey Care unit, as well as its food hygiene and cleaning businesses, to shareholders. It indicated that spin-off would happen in the second half of 2017.

However sources told the New

York Post that Sealed Air is also pursuing a sale of Diversey Care as part of a dual process.

Dual process “Private-equity firms want to bid for it, but Henkel is in there” and it may pay more, a source said.

“This could be a spin, but it sounds to me like a sale is even more likely,” a Sealed Air analyst said.

“Valuations are strong, and I think Diversey’s tax basis is also pretty high so they would have limited tax leakage on a cash sale.”

Stay up-to -date with industry news as it happens - visit the ECJ website at www.europeancleaningjournal.com EC Television - le premier programme d’actualités à l’intention du secteur professionnel de la propreté a été lancé par ECJ et peut maintenant être vu en ligne.

Watch ECTV series one now!

Series one of EC Television - the world’s first news programme for the professional cleaning sector, from ECJ - is now available to watch online.

Series one is currently being broadcast fortnightly and covers news, features and insight from business leaders.

Exclusive interviews The first episode highlights the latest news from the professional cleaning sector before travelling to Copenhagen, to the headquarters of global facilities service provider ISS. There ECJ editor Michelle Marshall speaks exclusively to Martin Gaarn Thomsen, chief operating officer, about the changing nature of

EC Television – das weltweit erste Nachrichtenprogramm für die professionelle Reinigungsbranche von ECJ – steht jetzt online zur Verfügung.

client relationships.

Episode two takes a look at autonomous cleaning, by putting two of the market’s robotic scrubber dryers through their paces. And in episode three ECJ editor Michelle Marshall speaks to Markus Asch, deputy ceo at Kärcher, about Industry 4.0.

Watch all the episodes at www.ectelevision.com

EC Television – il primo programma di informazione per il settore del cleaning professionale di ECJ è ora disponibile per la visione online.

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 9

NEWS EXTRA Could augmented reality be the next big thing in cleaning? continuously monitor the quality of the cleaner’s work to ensure a higher level of cleaning. The system records and documents the entire process and projects relevant information to cleaners in real time via their glasses. This includes the correct procedures, tools and chemicals to be used in a specific environment.

Display for cleaner

Pokémon Go revolutionised the gaming world when it exploded on to our lives last summer. Could augmented reality now have a similar impact on the cleaning industry? Ann Laffeaty talks to Martin Cudzilo, developer of the AR-Check system.

Pokémon Go was a major craze when it was released worldwide in 2016. Suddenly our streets were filled with gamers who would usually be glued to their computer screens but were now fuelled with the burning desire to hunt down Pokémon in their own neighbourhoods.

The game’s staggering success was due to augmented reality, a technology that adds a layer of digital information on to the real world. While virtual reality creates a totally artificial environment that can be “inhabited” by the user, augmented reality allows him or her to experience a certain level of technological imagery while remaining firmly on home ground. In terms of Pokémon Go this means that players can actually “see” Pikachu in front of a physical building in their locality via their mobile phone.

Pokémon Go was such a success that an estimated 45 million people played it daily during the game’s peak

in July 2016. So, could a similar technology be used to revolutionise the professional cleaning industry?

One person who believes it could is Martin Cudzilo who owns and runs a Frankfurt cleaning company. During his 12 years as a contract cleaning ceo he has come to realise that change is desperately needed in the industry.

Manual labour “Work in the commercial cleaning sector is typically achieved through manual labour where there is a vast scope for error,” he said. “In order to minimise these errors and improve the quality of cleaning, additional staff and organisational efforts are required. But this is timeconsuming and leads to high additional costs – and the quality still varies since there are no checks and balances.

“The industry is therefore crying out for a system that can bring improvements and standardisation while also managing all aspects of the cleaning process.”

This was the logic that led Cudzilo to experiment with augmented reality. He has now developed a revolutionary new system that can be used in conjunction with smart glasses.

AR-Check is designed to

Pokemon Go a révolutionné l’univers du jeu en ligne quand il a fait irruption dans nos vies l’été dernier.

Se peut-il que la réalité augmentée puisse exercer un impact semblable sur le secteur de la propreté ? Ann Laffeaty s’entretient avec Martin Cudzilo, le développeur du système AR-Check.

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 10

AR-Check also highlights those areas that require cleaning by displaying them to the cleaner through a red overlay. Areas that have been cleaned will automatically turn green.

And the system can even be teamed with sensors fitted to tools such as vacuum cleaners, mops and gloves. These sensors will indicate the level of pressure that needs to be applied during cleaning while also keeping track of materials and reordering stock as required.

Designing a state-of-the-art cleaning concept is one thing: persuading cleaners to use it is quite another and Cudzilo concedes there may be some resistance.

“Some cleaners will initially consider AR-Check to be annoying because of its realtime tracking factor,” he said.

“However this will mostly apply to operatives for whom working requirements and quality issues are not a high priority.

Smart glasses “Wearing smart glasses will be new, but operating them requires no greater knowledge than when using a smart phone. And the system will be welcomed by many since the worker will be guided and supported step-by-step in whichever language is required.”

Any commercially-available smart glasses can be used and where cleaners already wear spectacles, customised smart glass lenses can be issued or alternatively the hardware

Pokemon Go löst in der Gaming-Welt eine Revolution aus, als es letzten Sommer auf der Szene explodierte.

Könnte erweiterte Realität jetzt eine ähnliche Auswirkung auf die Reinigungsbranche haben?

Ann Laffeaty führt ein Gespräch mit Martin Cudzilo, Entwickler des AR-Check-Systems.

can be attached to the user’s own glasses.

Cudzilo believes the technology offers huge scope for improving the working lives of cleaners.

“The augmented reality technology could even provide a fun factor,” he said. “For example, AR-Check could incorporate a computer game-like element where little dirt monsters would appear in the style of Pokémon Go. These could then be eliminated via thorough cleaning to increase the cleaner’s ‘score’.

“Combining gaming with work could motivate the cleaner to achieve higher levels of cleaning.

People can and should enjoy their jobs.”

All environments AR-Check was patented in 2014 and Cudzilo hopes to roll it out internationally within two years. “After the prototype has been completed a broad test phase will be carried out in which AR-Check will be intensively tested in different situations,” he said. “It is designed to be suitable for all environments but it will be particularly useful in hospitals and other areas where high levels of cleanliness are crucial.”

Cudzilo believes the industry cannot afford to ignore the potential of AR-Check. “We simply can’t continue to do things the same old way and expect to have better results,” he said. “Augmented reality is such a game-changing technology that it will enable systems to be created that can optimise and radically disrupt the cleaning industry.

“I believe AR-Check is the key to managing cleaning over an internet platform. It will make the industry more effective, more productive and easier to manage and the pay-off will be quality results for manageable costs.” www.ar-check.com

Pokemon Go ha rivoluzionato il mondo dei videogiochi quando è piombato nelle nostre vite l’estate scorsa.

Può la realtà aumentata avere ora un simile impatto nel settore del cleaning? Ann Laffeaty intervista Martin Cudzilo, sviluppatore del sistema AR-Check.

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NEWS EXTRA Greece’s cleaning sector - challenges and opportunities Anthi Iliopoulou is general manager of Alter Ego, one of the largest integrated facility management providers in Greece. With its headquarters in Athens, Alter Ego has over 800 employees and provides services throughout the country. It has 68 major Greek and multinational businesses among its clients and is a subsidiary of the European Reliance Group of companies.

Iliopoulou writes for ECJ about the current state of the Greek cleaning sector, the challenges it faces and prospects for the future.

60 companies.

The main characteristics of the cleaning sector are: • Large number of small family companies having limited overheads that operate on a local level • Pricing and margins under pressure, due to very high competition • Lack of strict institutional framework • A complicated labour market with changing laws, black labour and lack of qualified staff.

The majority of staff originate from eastern European and Balkan countries • ‘Toxic’ subcontractors • Short-term contracts • Non-paying or/and latepaying clients • 28 per cent market shrinkage since 2010; • ISS is the market leader with 20 per cent of market share.

Low status job

There are approximately 3,000 cleaning companies in Greece currently, 25 of which are total FM service providers. The top 60 were examined in the ICAP Group Professional cleaning sector study in 2016. Of that 3,000, 97 per cent of them are under private ownership. Based on 2015 data from the top 60 companies the market size is estimated to be €260,000,000.

The private sector accounts for 61 per cent of turnover with the public sector accounting for the remainder, and there are 15,500 employees working at the top

The job of cleaning is considered to be of low or no status, one that is performed by people with no or low education.

Due to headcount-based contracts, these jobs are done by an army of workers using old, dirty tools.

This perception of the cleaning industry is actually not far from the reality. However in the last five years a serious change in approach from the top cleaning companies has occurred, whereby the business is seeing higher levels of professionalism and many of the top cleaning contracts are based on productivity and performance.

Contracting out The majority of the cleaning in offices, retail, hospitals, airports, ports, public buildings and educational properties is contracted out to cleaning companies. There are still some specialised building categories such are factories and hotels where cleaning work is covered

ECJ jette un coup d’œil sur le secteur de la propreté professionnelle en Grèce, qui compte aujourd’hui quelque 3000 entreprises. Les 60 premières entreprises occupent 15 500 personnes, mais la majeure partie du secteur reste constitué de petites affaires familiales. 906

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 12

in-house.

The price of cleaning services has been under pressure for the last seven years (the years of the Greek economic crisis).

While the cost of resources (labour, cleaning materials and equipment) did not decrease proportionally. The problems of the labour market further aggravate the condition of the sector. At the same time, customers demand a higher level of service, since they have to justify every penny they spend.

As a result, it is quite challenging for cleaning companies that choose to operate within the framework of legality to be profitable and sustainable within the Greek market.

The lack of profitability inhibits innovation and adaptation of the latest method and technologies.

So the Greek cleaning sector doesn’t follow the pace of international developments.

Economic situation We cannot say that things are improving economically in Greece. However customers and cleaning service providers, after seven years of economic crisis,

Das ECJ wirft einen Blick auf die Vertragsreinigungsbranche in Griechenland, die gegenwärtig rund 3.000 Unternehmen umfasst. Die 60 größten Firmen beschäftigen 15.500 Menschen, und bei der Mehrheit der Firmen handelt es sich weiterhin um kleine Unternehmen in Familienbesitz.

seem more mature now. Some clients have realised there is a limit to price-cutting and that unreasonable cost reduction can actually negatively influence the level of the services provided. Therefore the market for the higher level of contracts is slowly levelling while the top cleaning companies have stopped following small businesses in their strategy of unreasonable price (below cost) reductions.

The workforce It is relatively easy to recruit cleaning staff in Greece.

However it is difficult to find well qualified/trained employees, since the majority of them are untrained or badly trained staff. The majority of cleaning companies train their staff on the job but not on a regular basis. However, there are a few companies, including Alter Ego, that provide continuous training.

For example we offer theoretical and practical training in our academy for health & safety, methodology, PPT as well as onsite training projects carried out on a regular basis.

ECJ prende in esame il settore degli appalti di pulizie in Grecia, dove al momento sono presenti 3.000 imprese. Le 60 imprese piu rilevanti impiegano 15.500 addetti e la maggioranza delle aziende sono tuttora attività di piccole dimensioni e a gestione familiare.

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UPDATE: DENMARK Dirty cleaning A case of misuse of workers and government funds has tainted the reputation of Denmark’s second largest facility service company, reports Lotte Printz.

They were going to start a new life in Denmark. But for 149 poor Eastern Europeans their dreams turned into a nightmare.

The Eastern Europeans were lured to Denmark by promises of education and traineeships in the cleaning sector. And with prospects of a brighter future, some of them even brought their children.

However, most of these Eastern Europeans ended up doing cleaning jobs for up to 11 hours a day (at weekends some also worked from 8.00 am until 1.00 am) and only going to school for a few hours in the mornings. When classes were not cancelled, which they were on a regular basis, they took lessons in Danish, cleaning and computer skills, but received course certificates for several other subjects - generating those government subsidies that Danish schools receive when their students complete, in this case, a vocational course.

On top of that, in vocational schemes like this, the company employing the trainees and paying them wages while they take lessons receive so-called VEU (adult and supplementary education and training) reimbursements for part of the pay. So the local branch of the facility service company, Forenede Service, that took on these 149 Eastern Europeans, were refunded 90 per cent of the workers’ pay, amounting to millions of Danish Kroner. All this according to the Danish newspaper Politiken and the trade union magazine Fagbladet 3F that unfolded the case in a joint series of articles in the autumn and winter of 2016.

In the case that dates back to 2009-2010, it was the local La réputation de la seconde entreprise de multi-services danoise a été ternie par les abus qui lui sont reprochés concernant l’affectation de travailleurs et de fonds publics. Lotte Printz en fait rapport pour ECJ.

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 14

school involved, Nordsjællands Erhvervsskole, that was held responsible by the authorities for a lack of due diligence in administering trainees and courses and was told to pay back more than five million Danish Kroner (nearly €700,000) in government funds.

However, Forenede Service has agreed to pay the school approximately 800,000 Danish Kroner in compensation for the reimbursements.

Later, Politiken revealed that the trade union had sued Forenede Service in 150 cases and that Forenede Service had been found guilty in 13 cases of exploitation of illegal workers between 2007 and 2015.

In January 2017 the former Forenede Service boss, Michael Krogh, who was the principal party in the case of the 149 Eastern European trainees and who still holds 13 per cent of the shares in Forenede Service was sentenced to two-and-ahalf years in prison and fined 11 million Danish Kroner (approximately €1.5 million) for tax fraud. He appealed the decision, but also withdrew from the board of directors of Forenede Service with immediate effect in order not to damage the company’s reputation any further.

Following this sentence, one of Forenede Service’s customers, the Municipality of Fredensborg, immediately announced it would no longer use its services.

Talking to Politiken, the chairman of the Danish trade association for this sector (SBA), Jørgen Utzon, says such cases are not a general problem in the trade. But as skeletons seem to keep crawling out of the closet, we may not have heard the last of this dirty cleaning business.

Ein Missbrauch von Arbeitnehmer- und Regierungsgeldern hat den Ruf des zweitgrößten Facility-ManagementUnternehmens in Dänemark schwer geschädigt. Lotte Printz berichtet für das ECJ.

La corrispondente di ECJ Lotte Printz, ci informa su un caso di abuso di fondi di lavoratori e fondi governativi che ha fortemente macchiato la reputazione della seconda più grande impresa di servizi in Danimarca.

UPDATE: GERMANY Cleaning the cleanroom How do you keep the cleanest places in the world clean? German reporter Alexandra Lachner finds out.

Although cleanrooms were for many years intended for sectors such as pharmacy or space technology, they have now become commonplace in a wide range of industries. “The driving force is mainly the consumer”, explains Frank Duvernell, managing director of profi-con. “The demands products have to meet are continually on the increase: better hygiene, improved safety and flawless appearance.” So cleanrooms and sterile processes can be found virtually everywhere and hence the need for cleaning.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology and Automation operates the cleanest cleanroom in the world with an area of 250 square metres. Dr Udo Gommel, divisional director of the Cleanroom Technology Competence Centre, explains: “Our cleanroom is - at seven metres high - 10 times cleaner than required by the highest cleanroom class ISO1.” This means that one cubic metre of air may contain only 0.1 micron of particulate. This value must be maintained at all times to enable reliable reference measurements to be made, for example of satellites. This requires, firstly, a continuous air cleaning operation. “Particle and chemical filters ensure the air is clean and that chemical compounds do not leave any film-like residues which could adhere to the surfaces,” said Dr Gommel. Secondly, it is also necessary to remove particulate contamination and any sticky or nanoscale particles by manual cleaning. But what are the key success factors here?

Off the cuff, specialists identify various aspects which, taken together, form a complex picture. Christian Conrady, head of COWA’s Competence Centre Cleanroom, maintains that “each Comment faire pour assurer la propreté de l’endroit le plus propre du monde ? Notre correspondante en Allemagne, Alexandra Lachner, s’entretient avec des spécialistes du nettoyage de chambres blanches pour identifier les points cruciaux à observer.

cleanroom is different. The ideal situation for the client is to seek our advice at the planning stage, so that processes and costs can be optimised from the outset”.

Retrofitted installations to accommodate cleaning equipment, for example, are expensive in his experience and do not make the day-to-day work any easier.

The significance of staff motivation plays an important role, as far as Dr Uwe Zöllner, Dorfner Group’s corporate head of cleanroom, is concerned. “We clean where to the naked eye it is already clean.

Our staff do not therefore see the results of their work but bear a huge responsibility – in this case, constant motivation is a real challenge.” At the same time it is always important to take account of widely diverse environmental conditions, particularly during assignments abroad. “We recently installed an ISO4 cleanroom on the edge of the Sahara, where sand dust gets into every nook and cranny.”

Given the wide diversity of industries in the cleanroom market, a comprehensive knowledge of the processes involved is crucial, according to Frank Duvernell. “From the point of view of quality, it is essential to recognise the cleanroom as part of the development or production process and to keep in mind the total process. Every step must be included – it is quite different from forgetting a table when an office is being cleaned.” Those who have demanding cleanroom requirements should, when choosing their service provider, request confirmation of both the scope and frequency of staff training. For unlike the classification system, there are no standards for training. “The decision regarding a service provider is ultimately always a matter of trust.”

Wie wird der sauberste Ort der Welt sauber gehalten? Die deutsche Reporterin Alexandra Lachner spricht mit Reinraum-Reinigungsspezialisten, um die wichtigsten Punkte zu identifizieren.

Come si mantiene pulito il posto più pulito del mondo? La corrispondente tedesca Alexandra Lachner intervista gli specialisti della pulizia delle camere sterili per identificare i punti fondamentali.

UPDATE: NETHERLANDS Waste management partner Jacco Vonhof, chairman of the Association of Cleaning Research (VSR) is the new Dutch reporter for ECJ. He explores how cleaning companies can add value in this age of robotisation and digitisation.

The world is changing and so is the cleaning industry. Robots are taking over tasks and digitisation allows those working in the industry to be employed more efficiently. This means that cleaning staff are still employed but there is increasingly less work.

It is time for employers to prepare themselves. And before you now conclude that you need to go and make some people redundant, just remember that your cleaning company together with its staff can offer plenty of additional value besides carrying out cleaning tasks.

Giving advice on waste is one such example. Indeed cleaning staff are involved with it every day.

Waste pioneer Edwin ter Velde and professional adventurer Wilco van Rooijen know exactly how valuable waste can be as a raw material. In 2017 they will be using solar power to drive a vehicle which is partly made from waste all the way to the South Pole in Antarctica. Zero waste, zero emissions. In other words: Clean2Antarctica.

The two adventurers are calling on schoolchildren to gather up their waste plastic for it to be turned into printer thread. This thread is converted by a simple 3D printer into small hexagons which in turn are used to build the Solar Voyager. With the aid of solar panels the Solar Voyager will travel around the world using the power of nature, with zero emissions. In this way children learn that plastic is not waste, but rather a raw material.

Each building block receives a certificate. Companies ECJ a un nouveau correspondant aux Pays-Bas, Jacco Vonhof, président de la VSR, l’association pour la recherche en propreté de ce pays.

Das ECJ hat einen neuen Korrespondent in den Niederlanden:

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 16

can sponsor a certificate for €250. They can also become more sustainable at the Zero Waste Center.

But what opportunities does this create for cleaning companies? Some companies wish to become more sustainable through waste management, but are reluctant to find out exactly how.

Therein lies the opportunity for cleaning companies.

As a cleaning company you can act as an advisor and help provide information and guidance to your clients. The Zero Waste Center owned by Ter Velde can help you to do so. As he says himself: “You involve the client in ownership of the problem. You do not clear up the waste, but help your client. ‘In the future you will cease to have any waste. I am going to help you with waste management.’

A role that you can be proud of as a cleaning company. You add value.”

Van Rooijen adds: “The waste cleaning companies collect is valuable. Waste is a raw material, use it!”

With the initiative Clean2Antarctica Ter Velde and Van Rooijen wish to focus attention on the continent. They want to demonstrate that we can live in a circular manner if we truly want to. Just like mother nature, who we depend on so heavily.

Cleaning companies can adopt a key role in this.

The Cleaning Show preview starts on page 45

Jacco Vonhof, Vorsitzender der Vereniging Schoonmaak Research (VSR), einer unabhängigen Forschungsorganisation für die professionelle Reinigungsindustrie.

ECJ ha un nuovo corrispondente dall’Olanda, Jacco Vonhof, presidente dell’associazione Association of Cleaning Research (VSR).

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UPDATE: RUSSIA A year of contradictions Latest trends in the Russian cleaning market, from Oleg Popov of Cristanval Cleaning.

For the Russian cleaning market, the second year of the third crisis wave has come to an end. We’ve undergone serious downturns in 1998 and 2008 and now we’re going through another one. To say that Russian entrepreneurs have been hardened is an understatement. Each crisis has its own ‘face’ and develops unpredictably. Thus, 2016 has also been a difficult year of contradictions.

Both services suppliers and customers continued to optimise their expenses and cut back costs.

Our lives became more aesthetic, but forecasts and expectations in the beginning of the year were significantly worse. The cleaning

market has already decreased in square metres and almost caved in in roubles and the next time it will be obvious that the people will always bring cleanliness and order. This is a necessary service and companies will no longer return to their own cleaning services. Such a prediction existed, but was not fulfilled.

The concept of ‘sanctions’ has become less daunting as oil prices grow little by little, salaries haven’t fallen, and there’s practically no unemployment. In these conditions, the downturn is developing only in people’s minds. The most innovative businessmen, especially the young ones without

Pour le marché russe de la propreté, l’année 2016 a été très difficile. Comme l’explique Oleg Popov, les prestataires de services apprennent à travailler dans ces nouvelles conditions.

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 18

experience under difficult circumstances, try to take advantage of the situation and open up new companies. We’re seeing explosive growth in the apartment cleaning and single-click segments.

The main thing that large federal companies have sensed is a lack of customers’ desire to pay for services, bankruptcy, unabashed scams, instalments, delays, etc.

For some of the clients that’s real problems in business, meanwhile others tried to take advantage of situations and not pay. Legal services of companies are in demand like never before!

Of course, this hasn’t concerned all clients. A large mass of scrupulous customers have voiced their desire for optimisation during negotiation and cleaners have always been willing to hear out their clients. For any service company, the only all-encom-

2016 war für den russischen Reinigungsmarkt ein sehr schwieriges Jahr. Oleg Popov erläutert, dass Dienstleister lernen, unter diesen neuen Bedingungen zu arbeiten.

passing strategy is a customeroriented approach, and quality.

Also being implemented are public initiatives that are important for the sector’s growth. The renewed professional standard ‘Professional Cleaning Specialist’, has been passed by Order of the Ministry of Labour of the Russian Federation. For the first time in Russia, the world crafts championship has been held in the cleaning field according to international World Skills standards among youth aged 18-22.

In 2017, contractors will be bidding to service the world soccer championship 2018. As the supplier of the cleaning services at the Sochi Olympics in 2014, I can confidently say that my work experience at large sporting events is priceless. It mobilises all the abilities of the company, pays for, and motivates the team.

Per il settore del cleaning professionale russo, il 2016 è stato un anno molto difficile. Come spiega Oleg Popov, i fornitori di servizi stanno imparando a operare con queste nuove condizioni di mercato.

UPDATE: FRANCE When Béatrice Cuenin launched Cryoservice in eastern France in 2005, there was virtually no market in the country. There was just one cleaning company in France that made use of cryogenics. “I was sure the moment had come. I had observed a serious and increasing concern for the environment among many company owners.” And she therefore set up her activity in the former premises of the family business at Eloie, near Belfort.

The advantage of cryogenic cleaning is that doesn’t produce any waste other than the material that is cleaned off the parts and tools to be cleaned. In particular, no soiled water is generated.

The soil which is extracted is therefore dry and easier to handle subsequently. The method consists in projecting CO2 pellets on the items that need to be cleaned at a temperature of

minus 80 degrees centigrade.

The thermal shock thus produced weakens the particles to be cleaned off, makes them brittle, and then transforms them into a gas.

The method is ideal for complying with environment standards.

Additionally, the process doesn’t deteriorate the surfaces for treatment, which can happen with sanding. The CO2 itself is recovered and used by the chemical industry, which is an important consumer of the gas.

Many applications Cryogenic or freeze cleaning can be applied to all the tools of industrial production, such as those used in the automotive, food and aeronautical industries, to clean off various residues and deposits (cement, tar, paints, oils, bitumen, inks, varnishes, rubber, etc).

During its first year of business,

Christian Bouzols fait rapport sur une entreprise française qui recourt à la cryogénie dans ses contrats de nettoyage avec des entreprises industrielles.

A freezing success Cryoservice, a family business near Belfort in France, has increased its turnover two-fold in the past six years. It uses a technology which responds to the environmental requirements of a number of industrial companies. Christian Bouzols reports.

Cryoservice registered a turnover of about €200,000. This turnover has doubled today, reaching over €400,000, with a net profit of about €20 000.

The company employs four people at full time equivalent, involving several youth who work part time, and serves some 25 to 30 loyal clients in the east of France and also in other parts of the country.

Since its launch, Cryoservice has invested some €195,000 in equipment. Banks haven’t always

Christian Bouzols berichtet über eine Firma in Frankreich, die im Rahmen ihrer Reinigungsverträge mit Industrieunternehmen Kryotechnik einsetzt.

been helpful, says its founder.

This induced her to attempt crowd funding at the end of 2015, making use of an online platform that allows individuals to help SMEs. Her funding requirements of €15,000 were met by 126 financers who have offered rates going up to nine per cent.

Béatrice Cuenin now hopes to expand her business by adding two or three further clients, which will enable her to offer more work to her part time employees. Her adventure has only just started!

Il corrispondente Christian Bouzols ci riferisce di un’impresa in Francia che utilizza la criogenia per i suoi contratti di pulizia per le imprese industriali.

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 19

UPDATE: ITALY Cleaning - vital for reputation

from Codacons, Dario Pistorio, president of FIPE Sicilia and Virna Re, president of Afidamp.

Italy correspondent Anna Garbagna reports from a new cleaning exhibition in Sicily at the end of 2016.

Tourism challenges

The round table ‘Cleaning Companies: Which Future? Market, Regulations and Work’ was organised by AIS, the Association of Service Companies of Sicily and took place at the end of last year during the exhibition Pulire Mediterraneo. It was an opportunity for the service sector and the institutional world to exchange opinions on the deep transformation of the public services market which represents the backbone of the sector in Sicily.

Many issues were discussed, from the new code for contracts to access to the public market for small and medium companies, along with new opportunities for small and medium companies.

AIS, the association which promoted the event, was established only recently but it already has 40 member companies, showing how the service sector in Sicily is vibrant, active and eager to be represented.

Loyalty and satisfaction Following the round table ‘Hygiene: a tool for customer loyalty. How to elaborate a hygiene strategy effective for the development of tourism capacity in hotels and restaurants’, with speeches by Vincenzo Figuccia, secretary of the conference of presidents of ARS (Assembly Region Sicily), Salvatore Avola, president IHS, Riccardo Maggiore

Dans son reportage d’Italie, Anna Garbagna rend compte du récent Pulire Mediterraneo, qui s’est tenu en Sicile.

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 20

Customer satisfaction and loyalty are still open challenges for hotels and restaurants: it takes many years to build a good reputation and a few minutes to spoil it so hygiene plays a decisive role in all of this.

Nowadays customers are more and more uncompromising, more informed and significantly more willing to express their opinion, especially if it is negative.

The subject of hygiene is crucial for potential repercussions on customers’ health and Figuccia highlighted many critical points which contribute against Italy, such as shortage of facilities and lack of a support network for tourism in contrast to the strong wish of hoteliers and restaurant owners to grow and to become

Ann Garbagna berichtet aus Italien über die kürzlich in Sizilien stattgefundene Pulire Mediterraneo.

more competitive.

Issues linked to hygiene grow as tourism grows, as emphasised by Riccardo Maggiore of Codacons, and they will increase if Italy will not adapt its facilities related to hygiene and cleanliness. Virna Re also spoke about the lack of training for operatives and she called for support from institutions which are not sufficiently involved in the culture of cleaning, in order to help the tourism sector to grow as a result of improved hygiene.

New code The conference highlighted how the whole economy (not just the tourism sector) is today more and more linked to reputation.

The speeches initiated a lively exchange of opinion with the audience which was strongly called into question because the army of customers is endless and all of them, with no exclusions, are part of it.

Dall’Italia, la corrispondente Anna Garbagna ci aggiorna sulla recente fiera Pulire Mediterraneo tenutasi in Sicilia.

UPDATE: UK Experience as we start the New Year has indicated some considerable movement of key employees both into and out of organisations often creating consternation, concern, and some could say ‘panic’ in the recruitment process.

It could be argued that any organisation that supports, develops and leads its staff to success is equipping the same staff to move onward and even outward from that organisation. By the same token any organisation that applies human resource strategies that operate in the negative could be argued to be kicking open the exit door, bodily evicting its staff through that same door.

Regardless of the strategies or lack of them employed staff will leave, key staff will leave, and rarely at a point where there is little or no impact on operations. The aim then must be to formulate strategic plans that

clearly define the essential nature of succession planning.

A transparent succession plan will contain detail for each role, illustrating how these roles enable fulfilment of operational objectives, and specifying the skills, knowledge and personal attributes essential to the role. A succession plan should contain objective detail for each role, and not be a description of the role as carried out by a particular individual who, in all likelihood, has ‘made the role their own’. Each of us has worked in organisations where a key team member leaves and the result is panic.

All too rarely is there a measured response to this departure, and often because those managing the situation find it hard to separate the realities of role from the characteristics of the individual who had been in that role.

The difficulties of replacing key

Notre correpondant aux Royaume-Uni Lynn Webster examine l’importance pour les entreprises de planifier les successions de personnel dans l’intérêt d’une bonne gestion des ressources humaines.

Human resource future-proofing UK correspondent Lynn Webster explores the importance of implementing staff succession plans. personnel are amplified by trying to replace Jay Bloggins with a Jay Bloggins seem-alike. Replacing like with like can have a negative impact over time where there may be a reluctance to review methods of working or challenge a performance-related stalemate.

Succession plans should integrate with development plans, setting out what training and development will be provided to identify and foster essential skills and knowledge of all employees.

Attracting new entrants, through for example well-structured graduate entry and apprenticeship schemes, will serve to continually build the business from the

Die britische ECJ-Korrespondentin Lynn Webster untersucht, wie wichtig bei Unternehmen die Nachfolgeplanung ist, wenn es um den Personalbestand geht.

roots upward. Offering relevant development activity to managers and supervisors, including timely coaching and mentoring support, will give managers and supervisors both the encouragement and the means to perform more effectively. Rather than viewing this integrated approach as inviting the competition to poach strong employees, (“What if I train them and they leave?!” scenario), businesses should see it as extending the pool of strong employees for the industry as a whole; a sound short-, medium- and long-term strategy that cannot fail but to impact positively, while looking to ensure business continuity.

La corrispondente del Regno Unito Lynn Webster esamina l’importanza per le imprese della programmazione dell’avvicendamento quando si tratta di risorse umane.

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 21

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HYGIENE IN HEALTHCARE

Healthcare - a special case?

Many companies offer specialist cleaning and hand hygiene solutions for the healthcare sector. But since cleaning should be a high priority in any facility, does healthcare really need to be treated as a special case? Ann Laffeaty poses this question to the industry’s companies.

Healthcare cleaning has become big business as a growing number of manufacturers come up with specialist systems that use steam, fogging, bespoke chemicals and UV light to sanitise surfaces.

Meanwhile bespoke soaps and sanitisers are supplied to ensure healthcare workers’ hands remain clean and hygienic at all times. These products are often used to replace the basic soap, water, detergent, bleach and Dettol solutions of yesterday.

But are they really necessary? Does the healthcare sector need to be treated as a special case or would a rigorous cleaning system and a strongly-enforced hand hygiene regime - using everyday soaps and detergents – be just as effective?

Diversey Care’s global personal care portfolio manager Emma Barrett believes a few key factors make healthcare a special case. “As the population rises, budgets are coming under increasing pressure,” she said. “This means the industry needs to reduce the total cost of cleaning – and more importantly, infection rates in healthcare since treating and caring for secondary infections has a huge impact on costs.

Life-threatening situations “But the key feature that differentiates healthcare is the people it serves.

Healthcare facilities look after the weak and infirm as well as people with compromised immune systems. Infections at the very least make a difficult situation worse but can also lead to life-threatening situa-

tions and all too often, death.”

According to Barrett the need to avoid cross-contamination is the number one healthcare priority. “Hand hygiene is critical in the battle against infections,” she said. “Microorganisms can live on surfaces for considerable periods of time. We offer high-level disinfectants that reduce the micro-load, plus tools to monitor the effectiveness of cleaning in order to help sites bring their cleaning processes up to the highest level.”

Diversey Care’s infection prevention product range includes Oxivir surface disinfectants plus hand sanitisers in various formats. The company also offers robotic Taski machines that automate floor cleaning plus traditional ride-on and manually operated machines. “We are mindful of patients’ wellbeing and ensure that our Taski machines operate quietly and that all cleaning processes have a minimal impact on the care experience,” said Barrett.

Pandemics threat She believes increasing globalisation and the greater ease of travel have increased the threat from pandemics. ”The media has been full of stories about MRSA, C.Diff, SARS, Swine Flu, Avian Flu and Ebola over the last decade,” she said. “Meanwhile, healthcare facilities are becoming more aware of their infection rates. It has been nearly 30 years since the last class of antibiotics was discovered and the healthcare community is concerned by what this means for the future.

“Stopping the spread of these organisms is one of the most effective tools we have and the healthcare industry is actively seeking better solutions.”

Healthcare sets a high benchmark according to head of cleaning at OCS Yvonne Taylor. “Cleaners are an extremely important part of the patient experience,” she said. “By providing an effective service they ensure all theatres and wards are clean, hygienic and available for use – this results in more beds and other vital facilities being made available for patients.”

Cleaners play a vital role in reducing

the cross-contamination risk, says Taylor.

“Healthcare end users are vulnerable to infections so training should be provided for cleaners, both through company courses and via joint programmes with individual healthcare trusts,” she said.

According to Taylor this training should cover hand hygiene; the management of blood and bodily fluid spillages, and the safe handling and disposal of sharps, chemical and clinical waste.

“The use of personal protective equipment should also be top of the agenda along with the need to follow industry best practice; the importance of colour coding and adherence to the healthcare trust’s requirements,” she said. “For example, some trusts may require their cleaning teams to wear the same uniforms as healthcare staff, particularly in theatres.”

High quality hygiene is important across the board regardless of the premises in question, according to Taylor. However, she believes that healthcare will always be at the forefront of innovation.

“The introduction of healthcare-specific products such as fogging and UV technology has helped to meet an increasing need to control the spread of infections,” she said. “Owing to the demands of the sector we look to healthcare for best practice and this can then be applied across many other areas.”

Healthcare environmental hygiene specialist Michael Rollins agrees healthcare poses specific challenges that are absent in other facilities. “Obviously patients are particularly susceptible to infections acquired from the healthcare environment, but the growing pressure on beds and the need to secure rapid discharge times creates further risks,” he said. “In such a dynamic and fast-moving environment the changeover of beds creates a critical control point for decontamination between patients. There is also an increased bio-burden since there will be typically be more pathogenic organisms within healthcare settings.”

Continued page 26

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 25

HYGIENE IN HEALTHCARE Healthcare - a special case? (continued) The risks in other commercial and institutional environments such as offices and department stores tend to be linked to short-term infection such as colds, ‘flu and stomach bugs, he says. “These type of illnesses are preventable through personal responsibility and by practising good hygiene,” he claims.

Another factor that makes healthcare a special case is the complexity of the equipment being used, according to Rollins. “Many surfaces are not smooth and contaminants may grow and multiply within crevices,” he said. “A mechanical action is therefore required to penetrate these crevices and facilitate direct contact with the active disinfectant.”

Seasonal challenges Multi-touch points such as lift buttons, door handles and coffee machines shared between patients, staff and visitors add to the challenge, he says. “Seasonal challenges such as ‘flu and Norovirus should also be planned for and the frequency of cleaning and methods used should be adjusted accordingly.”

According to Rollins, the frequent use of microfibre products is a good solution for removing surface contamination and reducing the overall low bio-burden. “On discharge there are a number of deep cleaning and area decontamination technologies that can be practically employed such as steam vapour, hydrogen peroxide vapour and ultra-violet germicidal irradiation,” he said.

Filmop’s export manager Paolo Scapinello says cleanliness and hygiene are vital in any facility whether it is work, education or leisure. “That being said, any healthcare environment has an undeniable priority since its ‘guests’ are people who are already weakened and disadvantaged and must therefore be protected with the highest level of care,” he said.

Filmop’s healthcare-specific products include a pre-soaking system using Top-Down buckets; the A-B Plus trolley line made with antibacterial plastic; the Equodose on-demand dosing system and Alpha Meta Free, said to be the first trolley on the market with no metal components.

“This means it can be used freely in magDe nombreuses entreprises proposent aujourd’hui des produits spécialisés pour le nettoyage et l’hygiène de mains au secteur hospitalier, affirmant que ces produits tuent plus de microbes et préviennent mieux la colonisation que des produits d’usage général.

Cependant, ces produits sont-ils vraiment nécessaires ? Car on peut soutenir qu’un système de nettoyage rigoureux et l’application d’un régime d’hygiène des mains recourant à des savons et détergents courants est tout aussi efficace.

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 26

netic resonance areas and other environments where magnetisable equipment is not allowed,” said Scapinello.

Besides the need to avoid cross-contamination he says the requirement to isolate all transported chemicals within closed cabinets is another factor that makes healthcare a special case. And since staff turnover is high and pressure on budgets is great, he adds that all healthcare-specific products should be user-friendly to minimise training requirements and where possible they should also reduce cost in use.

GOJO Industries Europe’s Mike Sullivan agrees that the vulnerability of patients – plus the increased risk of healthcare-acquired infections – makes the healthcare industry unique. “However, the simple act of hand washing can make a huge difference to anyone’s health whether they are in the healthcare sector or not,” he said.

“This will help to prevent the spread of germs and reduce the chances of getting sick in the first place.

“Rigorous hand hygiene compliance is vital in all settings including offices, schools, hotels and restaurants.”

Products from GOJO aimed at healthcare include Purell hand sanitisers plus wipes for use on frequent touch points such as bed frames, meal trays and medical equipment. The increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and other ‘superbugs’ makes healthcare hygiene of paramount importance to society as a whole, according to Sullivan.

Personal hygiene “Viruses thrive in closed environments where people come into close contact with each other – and healthcare facilities are a haven for them,” he said. “Healthy personal hygiene practices are a vital weapon in the fight against the spread of germs in an environment where there is a constant flow of patients, visitors and staff.”

IPC offers a range of steam generators designed to disinfect surfaces without the use of detergents according to export area manager Adriano Mariano. Other healthcare-related products offered by the company include the Ecospital - a vacuum made from antibacterial plastic that has a Viele Unternehmen bieten inzwischen spezielle Reinigungs- und Handhygienelösungen für das Gesundheitswesen an, mit dem Anspruch, dass sie mehr Krankheitserreger töten und eine bakterielle Besiedlung wirkungsvoller verhindern als Produkte zum allgemeinen Gebrauch. Aber ist dies wirklich erforderlich? Oder wären ein gründliches Reinigungssystem und ein strikt eingehaltenes Handhygieneregime – unter Verwendung herkömmlicher Seifen und Reinigungsmittel – genauso wirksam?

filtration system designed to remove 98 per cent of bacteria from the environment.

“This means it is suitable for use in hospitals, white rooms, neonatal departments and ambulances,” said Mariano. The company’s Healthcare Disinfection Suite technology also covers a range of products designed to reduce bacterial loads.

Besides the need to reduce the infection risk he says noise is another important consideration in healthcare. “All equipment should have low noise levels to avoid disturbing the patients,” he said.

According to Mariano, the healthcare sector has its own specific needs and requirements – and the number of tailored solutions is growing. “The value of professional cleaning products used in healthcare accounted for around 24 per cent of the total in 2015,” he points out. “This increasing attention on the healthcare sector is being dictated by a number of increasingly strict rules and protocols requiring effective infection prevention programmes.”

Filmop’s Paolo Scapinello has also observed an increased level of healthcare specialisation within the industry. “Manufacturers of paper products, machines, chemicals and manual equipment are all in the front line to develop and realise specific solutions for healthcare,” he said. “The main reason is that nosocomial infections represent a serious problem all over the world and create a heavy burden in terms of health, costs and delays in assistance.”

And Diversey Care’s Emma Barrett agrees that specialisation is on the increase. “With the advances in technology and customers’ increasing expectations these new healthcare products will often replace outdated solutions,” she said. “At Diversey we are applying robotics and the internet of things for example.

“Meanwhile, the rise of multi drugresistant organisms is alarming and our ageing global population is putting intense pressure on the sector. Around 16 million people worldwide die of hospital infections every year - and that makes healthcare a special case indeed.

“As a global hygiene provider we feel a responsibility to work towards changing this situation.”

Molte aziende offrono ora delle soluzioni per le pulizie e l’igiene delle mani specializzate per il settore sanitario e affermano che questi prodotti sono in grado di eliminare più germi e di prevenire la colonizzazione in modo più efficace dei prodotti per uso generico. Ma questi prodotti, sono realmente necessari? Oppure un sistema di pulizia rigoroso e un regime di igiene delle mani fortemente imposto, utilizzando saponi e detergenti, possono essere ugualmente efficaci?

PRODUCTS: HEALTHCARE

Fast disinfection

Diversey Care’s new one-step cleaner disinfectants Oxivir Excel and Oxivir Sporicide are based on Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide (AHP) technology and claimed to be effective in as little as one minute. Their active ingredients break down into water and oxygen and they have been tested to guarantee they are harmless to health.

Complying with the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), Oxivir Excel has proven to be the best choice for daily use and is available as a ready-to-use concentrate as well as in the form of wipes.

Oxivir Sporicide fights clostridium difficile in one minute in clean conditions, and is the safest solution for outbreaks.

Again it is available as a concentrate and wipes.

IntelliCare is a new hybrid automatic hand care dispenser that allows for both touchless and manual activation. Features include real-time alerts for content refills and battery replacement, and tamper-proof collapsible bottles. www.sealedair.com/ diversey-care

Bigger bucket Vikan says its new 12-litre bucket has a number of features designed to improve hygiene and usability, while simplifying storage and handling.

Those features include: stackable design to save on storage space; snap-on lid to improve security and safety; easy-toread measures; sloped design to make stirring, mixing and emptying faster; drainage hold to prevent water accumulation during storage; nine colours for hygienic colour coding. www.vikan.com

Compliant hands Bobrick manufactures accessories designed to help healthcare facilities maintain clean, hygienic and compliant washrooms. As well as simplifying maintenance, lowering operating costs and reducing waste.

To encourage frequent hand washing there is the countermounted SureFlo automatic soap dispenser for precision dispensing of liquid or foam.

layer design - a layer that acts as a high-performance barrier against dirt and bacteria and distributes moisture evenly; an absorption layer; and a cleaning layer.

Greenspeed says up to 20 square metres can be cleaned using just 100 ml of water and in fact it offers a dosing bag with markers indicating the quantity of water needed to dampen the required number of mops or cloths. www.greenspeed.eu

Steam machines

These dispensers are top-filled with bulk soap for cost and time savings. Wall-mounted units are available.

Automatic roll paper towel dispensers are designed to reduce cross-contamination, use economical roll paper towels and conserve paper. Features include no-touch activation, stub roll dispensing and adjustable towel length - and the unit accepts most roll paper towels.

Also in the range are babychanging stations, vinyl-coated accessories with antimicrobial hygienic protection and heavyduty waste bins with self-closing lids. www.bobrick.co.uk

Quick hygiene For easy and time-efficient cleaning in hospitals Greenspeed developed the Mop2Go and Wipe2Go microfibre mops and cloths, which absorb up to 10 times their own weight.

The Mop2Go has a three-

According to IPC steam is a ideal solution for hygienic cleaning in healthcare settings such as operating areas, patient rooms and neonatal departments - as it dissolves and removes all types of dirt without chemical.

The company has a number of steam generators of different sizes and offering various tools to suit specific applications. This ranges from the small SG 20 S 5008 M - easy to transport and suitable for the narrowest of

spaces - to the SG 50 S5008 M, which can be used alone or as part of a complete system.

There are four versions of the SG 50: it can be used as a fixed station, as a module with vacuum cleaner for applications with steam, installed as only steam module on a trolley for easy manoeuvring or installed on a trolley with the vacuum cleaner. www.ipcworldwide.com

• Diversey Care a lancé deux désinfectants de nettoyage à application une-étape, les Oxivier Excel et Oxivir Sporicide.

• Vikan propose un seau de 12 litres empilable et à couvercle encliquetable.

• Bobrick se spécialise dans des accessoires pour l’entretien des toilettes propres, conformes et hygiéniques.

• Les produits Mop2Go et Wipe2Go de Greenspeed sont destinés à des applications en milieu hospitalier.

• IPC Group a réalisé un certain nombre de générateurs de vapeur pour la désinfection dans des applications de santé.

•

• Diversey Care hat die Einzelschritt-Reinigungs-/ Desinfektionsmittel Oxivir Excel und Oxivir Sporicide vorgestellt.

• Neu von Vikan ist ein stapelbarer 12-l-Eimer mit Schnappdeckel.

• Bobrick ist auf Zubehör spezialisiert, um saubere, den Vorschriften entsprechende und hygienische Waschräume zu ermöglichen.

• Mop2Go und Wipe2Go von Greenspeed wurden zur Nutzung im Gesundheitswesen konzipiert.

• Die IPC Group hat mehrere Dampferzeuger zur Desinfizierung im Gesundheitswesen entwickelt.

• La Diversey Care ha lanciato i detergenti disinfettanti a fase unica Oxivir Excel e Oxivir Sporicide.

• La novità della Vikan è un secchio da 12 litri dotato di coperchio e progettato per essere impilabile.

• La Bobrick è specializzata in accessori per ottenere più facilmente delle sale da toilette pulite, igieniche e a norma.

• I prodotti Mop2Go e Wipe2Go della Greenspeed sono progettati per essere utilizzati nelle applicazioni del settore sanitario.

• Il gruppo IPC Group ha sviluppato una serie di generatori di vapore per le operazioni di disinfezione nel settore sanitario.

February/March 2107 | ECJ | 27

PRODUCTS: HEALTHCARE

• Les brosses et accessoires de nettoyage Brosserie Thomas sont utilisés par les établissements de santé du monde entier.

• Tennant affirme que son système Orbio peut remplacer les produits chimiques conventionnels pour le nettoyage et la désinfection.

• La gamme Clean ‘n’ Easy Superior de tissus à usage unique de Wecoline comprend des tissus en microfibre imprégnés d’un agent de nettoyage.

• Bürsten und Reinigungszubehör von Brosserie Thomas wird weltweit im Gesundheitswesen eingesetzt.

• Laut Tennant kann sein Orbio System herkömmliche Chemikalien für die Reinigung und Desinfektion ersetzen.

• Die Einwegproduktreihe Clean ‘n’ Easy Superior von Wecoline umfasst gebrauchsfertige Mikrofasertücher, die mit einem Reinigungsmittel imprägniert sind.

• Le spazzole e gli accessori di pulizia della Brosserie Thomas vengono utilizzati nel settore sanitario in tutto il mondo.

• La Tennant afferma che il suo sistema Orbio è in grado di rimpiazzare i prodotti chimici convenzionali per pulizie e disinfezione.

• La gamma Clean ‘n’ Easy Superior Single Use della Wecoline comprende panni in microfibra impregnati con prodotti di pulizia e pronti all’uso.

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 28

Hygiene brushes Brushes and cleaning tools manufactured by Brosserie Thomas comply with the French and European Professional Hygiene Brushware Charter and also with HACCP system requirements - they can be autoclaved.

The brushes feature a polypropylene non-porous frame dyed with food colouring without heavy metals, while tightly packed PBT bristles offer chemical resistance (they are secured with stainless steel staple wire).

Brushes and squeegees are supplied individually wrapped and all tools are said to be lightweight, easy to handle, durable and suitable for use in sensitive environments. www.brosseriethomas.com

No chemical

micro-organism groups, including bacteria, viruses and yeast. www.tennantco.com

Single use

Tennant says its Orbio os3 system is replacing conventional, multi-coloured and scented daily-use chemicals with a multi-purpose cleaner and a general purpose disinfectant generated on-site.

Orbio On-Site Generation (OSG) technologies turn ordinary tap water and salt into cleaning solution. The system, Tennant says, streamlines training, improves health and safety, increases sustainability and cuts costs.

It’s claimed Orbio MultiSurface Cleaner can replace an array of conventional products while the Orbio MultioMicro 200 disinfectant is effective against multiple

Wecoline says its Clean ’n Easy Superior Single Use range is a solution for in-between cleaning of care environments and treatment rooms.

The range consists of readyto-use non-woven microfibre products - dry or impregnated with a cleaning agent. They are designed for cleaning of floors, cupboards, doors, beds, sanitary units and kitchens.

There is also an absorption mat for absorbing liquids such as urine, blood etc. www.wecoline.com

INTEGRATED HYGIENE SOLUTIONS

ellipse ellipse The integrated and modular range from Kennedy Hygiene

www.kennedy-hygiene.com www.linkedin.com/company/kennedy-hygiene www.youtube.com/kennedyhygiene

LAS VEGAS

ISTANBUL

AMSTERDAM

The World’s Leading Cleaning Industry Events We look forward to seeing you soon at one of our events

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PRODUCTS: HEALTHCARE

One pass

scrubbing. The machine is also said to be easy to manoeuvre when cleaning and travelling between locations. Multiwash technology requires less water and solution thanks to its high brush pressure and speed. www.truvox.com

Salt and water

Truvox International says its Multiwash scrubber dryer can wash, scrub and dry floors in one pass. And the Multiwash 340/ Pump Battery model is most suited to hospital and care homes, with minimal disturbance and no trailing cables to trip over.

With its 34 cm cleaning width this model can clean 350 square metres per hour - battery change doubles run time to 100 minutes.

A choice of brushes allows operatives to undertake normal, routine cleaning or intensive

Giselle from De Nora is a system based on water and salt which produces a Sodium Hypochlorite solution called Soleva claimed to offer sanitisation against viruses, bacteria, fungi and spores of any kind of nonporous surfaces (glass, ceramic, plastic and stainless steel) in all healthcare environments.

Soleva is available at two accurate concentrations - 1,000 ppm or 6,000 ppm. At 1,000 ppm the solution can sanitise and clean food contact surfaces while the 6,000 ppm solution has been validated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the

USA as a full spectrum disinfectant solution. www.denora.com

Better hygiene StayCLEAN is a system developed to improve the standards of hygiene in healthcare facilities, developed by E Cosi with Italian universities. Designed to limit the incidence of human error, the company says the programme will work with standard equipment and methods.

E Cosi has optimised its cleaning formulations, and there is now a line of detergents compatible with disinfection and biocidal protocols. www.ecosi.it

• L’autolaveuse Multiwash 340/ Pump à batterie de Truvox cause un minimum de dérangement et ne laisse pas traîner de cordon.

• De Nora produit le Giselle, un système utilisant de l’eau et du sel pour dégager une solution d’hypochlorite de sodium pour la désinfection.

• StayCLEAN, proposé par E Cosí, est un système de nettoyage chimique à applications dans le secteur de la santé.

• Die Scheuersaugmaschine Multiwash 340/Pump Battery von Truvox bietet minimale Lärmbelästigung und keine herumliegenden Kabel.

• De Nora fertigt Giselle, ein System, das unter Verwendung von Wasser und Salz eine Natriumhypochloritlösung zur Desinfektion produziert.

• Bei StayCLEAN von E Cosí handelt es sich um ein chemisches Reinigungssystem für Anwendungen im Gesundheitswesen.

• La lavasciuga pavimenti Multiwash 340/ Pump Battery della Truvox vanta un disturbo minimo e nessun cavo trascinato.

• La lavasciuga pavimenti Multiwash 340/ Pump Battery della Truvox vanta un disturbo minimo e nessun cavo trascinato.

• StayCLEAN della E Cosí è un sistema chimico di pulizia adatto alle applicazioni del settore sanitario.

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 31

CASE STUDY JAPAN

Cleaning on the curriculum In previous editions of ECJ correspondent Bobbie van der List has brought an overview of the Japanese cleaning industry, illustrating the enormous importance people place on cleaning. Visiting the cleaners of the Shinkansen trains, for instance, provided an interesting insight into the thoroughness and efficiency of cleaners, but also their position in society.

But where does this ‘cleaning mentality’ come from? In order to find out, he visited a Tokyobased elementary school, where children are taught and expected to clean their own classroom on a daily basis.

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 32

The deputy principal Ms. Hamao greets us on a Friday afternoon at the gates of the Azabu Elementary School, right in the middle of the expat area Azabu. She bows kindly, just as the security staff member right beside her. Media attention is nothing new to them: they have received visits from various media outlets and they’re more than happy to share their thoughts on cleaning with ECJ. The importance of cleanliness already starts at the front door: on the right side a big wooden closet. We are expected to place our shoes in one of the smaller boxes; in exchange we get indoor shoes. A first humble lesson in keeping the school clean: don’t bring in any dirt from outside.

After that we are allowed to enter and head to the second grade children.

Excited to clean The second graders are neatly seated in their classroom, plates of rice and soup on their desks. Interestingly, the food is served by one of their classmates. The late Japanese author Yutaka Okihara wrote about this phenomenon in his book Gakko Soji (School Cleaning): “This lunch routine contains several moral messages: no work, not even the dirty work of cleaning, is too low for a student; all should share equally in common tasks; the maintenance of the school is everyone’s responsibility.”

Teacher Ms Mukai explains that all children are expected to take part in serving out lunch, bring it to the classroom, collecting it, and returning it to the kitchen. Suddenly the bell rings; children start running around, their excitement makes you think they are going on a field trip. When we ask the teacher why they are so excited she tells us: “It is time to clean!”

The tables are pushed to the back of the classroom. One of the seven-year-old boys accidentally pushes over his desk, causing his drawer to fall out. Pencils are scattered across the floor. Not to worry however, since his classmates directly kneel down beside him to collect the

pencils. It illustrates the group mentality of these youngsters.

Bring a washing cloth to school Next, the boys and girls of Azabu Elementary School take their washing cloth (which they are supposed to buy themselves and bring to school everyday).

One of the girls, seven-year-old Koko, enjoys cleaning the classroom: “We bring this from our home, we have to. I like to clean and I clean at home as well. It’s not difficult at all.”

But when do they usually start with cleaning? “They are expected to start cleaning when they are six or seven years old, so when they’re first graders”, says Mukai. In European schools cleaning is sometimes introduced as a form of punishment. This is definitely not the case in Japanese schools, she says. “The children in my class enjoy cleaning up, they never considered it as a punishment,” she clarifies.

And how do they typically respond to the notion of having to clean up their classroom, at the start of their first year in elementary school?

“Usually they never did this at home, they don’t know how to use a broom or dustpan. So we teach them at the beginning of the year. But they know this is part of school, it is normal to them,” Mukai explains. The Japanese term for students cleaning the classroom is gakko soji and it is an important part of the Japanese educational curriculum.

The latter is further explained in a book called Looking into the Lives of Children, where the Japanese cleaning approach is explained in detail. The book states: The ultimate goal of Japanese education is to foster the student’s ability to become a fully integrated and productive member of Japanese society. Therefore, Gakko Soji is viewed by teachers and administrators as an essential part of the daily school curriculum.

Additionally, students develop a strong s ense of pride and ownership in their schools and the control they have over classroom management.

CASE STUDY JAPAN Cleaning part of the learning process When Ms Humao is asked about the Japanese law regarding children working in classrooms, she refers to the cleaning as a crucial element of education: “We have such a curriculum in Japan that cleaning is an integral part of the classes and part of the learning process.”

According to Mukai there is no underlying philosophy when it comes to cleaning at a young age: “It is not so serious, not a philosophy. We just want to teach them - if you use something or spend time in a certain place, whether that’s a classroom or your own room, you need to clean it up yourself,” Mukai continues. “It is our custom, to us it comes very naturally”, says the teacher.

Does this ever cause friction with parents, who might have different views on seeing their children clean? The first answer to that is a resolute no. “We have foreign children (there is a big expat community in this particular area) and they are not used to this, so it is more difficult to teach them.”

And how does it affect later behaviour?

When we ask one of the children, a seven-year-old boy, he replies, surprised at the question if he ever litters outside: “No, I’m a kid, I don’t do that!” Then he goes back to the broom, his favourite cleaning instrument. “I like to keep things clean especially with this broom.” The thoroughness we already witnessed with the Japanese professional cleaners in the Shinkansen is also reflected in the cleaning moral with this young boy. He goes right under a difficult-to-reach a corner of the classroom, underneath a box.

the professional cleaners, says Hamao.

“For example, the students don’t have to clean the washrooms.” According to some English language media reports Japanese children do all the cleaning in Japanese elementary schools. But in reality there is a janitor – also in at Azabu Elementary School. “The janitor is responsible for cleaning the bathroom, as well as other jobs such as painting, repairing broken lights, or broken windows, these kinds of chores,” Hamao explains.

Before we leave we just want to make sure that the cleaning process is not just a charade, neatly performed for naïve foreign media. So we sneak to one of the other classrooms to see if the children there are just as excited as Ms Mukai’s pupils. In all classrooms children are actively involved and most of them seem to have a great time.

Becoming a good citizen Although the children seem to be nurtured in a way that makes them think of cleaning as a natural part of life; you need to go back a bit further to fully understand the Japanese attitude towards cleaning. Japanese author Okihara thoroughly investigated the roots of Japanese attitudes towards cleaning. He writes that in Shintoism and

Buddhism – the main religions of Japan – it is understood that cleaning means keeping the mind as well as the body and surrounding places clean.

Eventually this led many Japanese educators to think of gakko soji as “an essential school experience that encourages a child’s sense of responsibility, cooperation, cleanliness, interpersonal and socialisation skills and duty towards the community and society” (Yutaka Okihara).

Cleaning, Okihara continues in his book, is therefore much more than a goal in itself, but rather a tool to reach a more important goal.

The purpose of gakko soji, as an aspect of education in Japanese public schools, is not to teach specific moral values but to foster a child’s skills to become a functional member of society. This component of education in the Japanese curriculum includes an emphasis on acquisition of well-mannered behaviour in the social context: respect for law and order within the society; and a sense of social duty and responsibility.

The school maintenance program, gakko soji, is seen as one of the most effective school experiences for providing lessons in these three main objectives of moral education.

Helping each other Mukai smiles and explains that it is not so common to use a broom to clean the house in Japan. “At home we use a vacuum cleaner.” So why not use one in the classrooms? She starts laughing. “You need to learn how to clean using these instruments, with a broom and a dustpan.”

But luckily the second graders don’t have to do everything themselves. Two sixth graders join the class, to assist the youngest pupils with jobs that are a little too difficult for them. Again, this is a good example of the group-focused mentality, which is nurtured at a very young age.

Some jobs, however, are better left to Dans son reportage de Tokyo pour ECJ, Bobbie van des Liste poursuit son étude de l’importance considérable que la société japonaise accorde à la propreté. Il se rend dans une école primaire où les enfants apprennent à nettoyer leur salle de classe à la fin de chaque journée.

Bobbie van der Liste berichtet für das ECJ aus Tokio und setzt seine Untersuchung in die enorme Bedeutung, die der Sauberkeit in der Gesellschaft zukommt, fort. Er besucht eine Grundschule, wo Kindern beigebracht und es von ihnen erwartet wird, dass sie jeden Tag ihr Klassenzimmer putzen.

Da Tokyo, il corrispondente di ECJ Bobbie van der Liste continua ad esplorare l’enorme importanza che la società ripone nel cleaning. Visita una scuola elementare dove ai bambini viene insegnato e viene richiesto di pulire la loro classe tutti i giorni.

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 33

SCRUBBER DRYERS

Scrubbing safely Safety is an important factor in any scrubber dryer – both for the person using the machine and any members of the public nearby.

Ann Laffeaty asks scrubber dryer manufacturers how they make their machines safe.

cally adjust the amount of detergent being used,” said Sandstrom.

Hako’s application technology trainer Klaus Serfezi agrees that using a scrubber dryer should not pose any risks for the operator. “As long as the manufacturer has complied with the appropriate guidelines when designing the machine and it is used appropriately there should be no moving parts that could cause injury to staff,” he said.

Runaway machine Any machinery has its potential dangers and the scrubber dryer is no exception.

Its very size means that a collision could cause significant injury. If the operator were to lose control of the machine it could cause problems both for the driver and for anyone else in the vicinity. And if a scrubber dryer fails to remove all the water from the floor it could create a slipping hazard.

But scrubber dryers are generally safe to use provided the operator follows the instructions according to Nilfisk’s group floorcare product manager Anders Sandstrom.

“Safety features are built in to all Nilfisk scrubbers but since the machine drives both forwards and backwards – and comprises a motor that turns a brush or pad - we do recommend some general product training before first use,” he said.

“The correct amount of detergent should be used since overdosing could create a slippery floor, even after it has been left completely dry. And cleaning speeds need to be adjusted according to the environment.”

He says accidents are rare and are usually the result of human error. “However, the possibility of mechanical or electronic errors should be considered,” he said.

Nilfisk models have a built-in switch that stop the machine if the user loses control while other safety features can include flashing beacons, front lights, a seat-belt and extra bumper protection.

“Our Ecoflex on-board detergent system also allows the operator to automati-

“The machine ‘running away’ can only occur if the operator fails to release the driving signal lever. It is therefore crucial that the operator receives proper training before using the machine.”

He says any risks to the public are the operator’s responsibility. “For example, if the machine is used in a supermarket during opening hours the operator needs to show consideration for customers,” he said. “There should be no residual water left behind to cause slippery floors provided the machine is properly maintained.”

Operating a scrubber dryer can be compared with driving a car, he says. “All the safety features such as lane assistance, distance alert and speed alert systems are useless if they are not observed by the driver,” he said. “So it may be necessary to use additional warning signs or flashing beacons to draw people’s attention to the potential dangers.”

Flashing beacons and a back-up warning buzzer are available on Hako’s ride-on machines. “Our models may also be equipped with a seat contact switch and an overhead guard if required,” he said.

According to Serfezi, Hako is an industry pioneer in the field of machine safety. “Our engineers are meticulous in ensuring there are no safety hazards for the operator even when using the machine improperly,” he said. “But for most of our customers, safety is a secondary consideration and ergonomics are considered to be much more important.”

Diversey Care’s global marketing manager Anna Djurberg says accidents may

occur when operators try to fix electrical problems by themselves. “This is of course against supplier policy,” she said.

“Other potential incidents include fingers being caught in the lid when closing the tank; injury to the fingers when changing blades on older models, and poor control of the traction mechanism.

“Any contact with the floor cleaning chemical could result in skin irritation or damage to the eyes. And longer-term body injuries can result if the machine is not set up in an ergonomic way.”

She says accidents among the public due to slippery floors are the most common of scrubber dryer-related injuries.

“These can occur if the water suction is not optimal and the floor remains wet after use,” she said. “Some accidents – such as catching a finger between the tank and the lid - are fairly common despite the fact that we offer training when delivering all our machines.”

She says a less common scenario may arise when a machine falls down a flight of stairs. “I have personally recorded this twice in 15 years - and luckily there was no-one around to be injured by the falling machine,” said Djurberg.

First consideration Safety is the customer’s first consideration when choosing a scrubber dryer, according to Djurberg. “After that they may be interested in factors such as productivity, connectivity or sustainability – but customers’ needs will vary according to the region, profile and challenges of the site.”

Standard safety features on Diversey Care’s Taski machines include flashing lights, push-button speed-limiting and an automatic slowing function when turning.

“All components are rounded so that there no crevices where fingers may be trapped,” said Djurberg. “And our Swingo 2100 machine has a patented offset brush that enables the user to move the brush mechanism outside of the machine. This allows them to work safely and concenContinued page 36

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 35

SCRUBBER DRYERS Scrubbing safely (continued) trate on driving since the bumper will protect both the brush and the wall.”

Safety training can help to minimise the risk of accidents according to Truvox sales and marketing director Gordon McVean.

“The main risks are from operators losing control of the machine and slip hazards from a damp floor,” he said. “If a scrubber dryer is not maintained or operated properly it may result in a dangerous residue being left behind.

“The failure to notice a dirty squeegee which can reduce the pick-up of water is the most common cause of leaving a floor wet after cleaning. This is easily avoided by checking and cleaning the squeegee regularly.”

Truvox machines are designed with all controls close to hand to make the operator’s job easy and provide an ergonomic design, says McVean. And while safety is important to customers, it is closely linked to productivity and efficiency he says.

“The better the pick-up of water, the safer the operation and the less likelihood that there will be of disruptions to productivity,” he explained.

Like other commentators, IPC floorcare product manager Paolo Bassanini believes the possibility of operators coming into contact with cleaning chemicals is a risk.

“There are other risks associated with electrical components, the control panel and battery compartment if these are not operated with care,” he said. “And problems could arise if there is a build-up of germs in the waste dirt container.”

IPC machines offer flashing beacons and visual alarms plus squeegee blades that are designed to ensure a good drying performance to prevent trips and falls.

“Our ride-on machines also have a high level of manoeuvrability which gives the operator full control, even when unexpected events occur,” he said.

According to Bassanini, all maintenance operations should be performed in an adequately lit environment and only after disconnecting the machine from the power supply. “It is also recommended that any work on the electrical system and all maintenance and repair operations should be

performed by qualified personnel,” he said.

Safety for operators and for the public is a key consideration for customers, he says.

“This is particularly true in countries where legislation is sensitive to this issue and price is less of a concern – in Europe and the US, for example.”

Contact with cleaning chemicals, operator fatigue and microbial growth are among the chief risks associated with scrubber dryers according to Kärcher’s press officer David Wickel-Bajak.

“Acidic and alkaline cleaning agents may attack the eyes, skin and mucous membranes which means operators should wear protective equipment such as gloves and goggles,” he said. “Where flammable cleaning agents with a high solvent content are used it is important to provide good ventilation.

“Problems may also occur when too much solution is applied since it will form a slippery film. And if the machine’s suction unit is not maintained regularly some of the dirty water may be left behind.” He says Kärcher’s own dosing system eliminates this risk.

Working regularly for long periods using heavy machines may pose further health risks for the user, says Wickel-Bajak. “This has led to a trend for lightweight models plus machines that are equipped with a drive, since this reduces the physical effort required,” he said.

Machines that are not properly cleaned after use pose the risk of germs multiplying in the water tank, according to WickelBajak. “Here tank-flushing systems can help to prevent contamination.”

He says the current trend towards daytime cleaning means that people are more likely to be present during cleaning operations. “More care needs to be taken as a result, but the risk can be reduced by adhering to a few basic rules,” he said. “For example, the user must ensure all settings for suction, water quantity and cleaning agent are correct. And it is advisable to clean using the one-step method which involves water being applied and sucked up again in the same work step. This ensures that the floor is immediately dry and can be walked on straightaway.”

Safety features on Kärcher machines

La sécurité constitue un élément important de tout système de lavage et de séchage des planchers, tant pour l’opérateur que pour le public. Nous interrogeons des fabricants sur les caractéristiques de leurs autolaveuses destinées à améliorer la sécurité, telles que freins efficaces, carénage des pièces mobiles, clignotants, alarmes fonctionnelles et bonne reprise de l’eau pour prévenir le problème de planchers glissants.

Die Sicherheit ist ein wichtiger Aspekt bei jeder Scheuersaugmaschine – sowohl für den Bediener als auch für die Öffentlichkeit. Wir befragen Hersteller nach den Merkmalen ihrer Scheuersaugmaschinen, die zur Verbesserung der Sicherheit dienen: unter anderem wirkungsvolle Bremsen, keine offen liegenden beweglichen Teile, Rundumkennleuchten, Betriebsalarme und gute Wasseraufnahme, um die Rutschgefahr auf nassen Böden zu verhindern.

Chemical risk

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 36

include a tank-flushing system, smooth surfaces for optimal cleaning and bespoke cleaning agents.

Speed limits “Our large machines are fitted with work lights or flashing beacons that increase visibility for the user and enhance the visibility of the machine,” said Wickel-Bajak.

“No effort is spared in the development of wheels and drive systems since it is crucial for the machine to start smoothly, have a short braking distance and offer wheels with good adhesion properties.

“And the Kärcher Intelligent Key enables various levels of authorised access which means the user could, for example, be limited to a certain driving speed.”

He believes safety is becoming increasingly important in today’s climate. “People are working longer hours which increases the risk of injury,” said Wickel-Bajak. “This means greater attention needs to be paid to safety since injuries to staff result in downtime for the cleaning company and therefore cost money.”

Diversey Care’s Anna Djurberg also feels that safety is coming increasingly under the spotlight. “Suppliers are differentiating themselves by their safety features,” she said. “The launch of the Crash module of our telemetry system – Taski Intellitrail - will enable customers to track collision risks and identify those sites that require in-depth operator training to improve driving behaviour. This will allow us to play a leading role in combining connectivity with safety.”

And Nilfisk’s Anders Sandstrom concurs that the current focus on safety will only increase – particularly with the rise of autonomous machines. Nilfisk recently announced the launch of a new autonomous scrubber - the Nilfisk Liberty A50 – as part of its Horizon Program.

“When you combine an autonomous unit with heavy machinery the issues of personal safety and safety in the environment will naturally be a concern,” he said.

“Throughout our development processes we test our products extensively to ensure that we consistently adhere to the applicable standards and security requirements.”

La sicurezza è un fattore importante in qualsiasi sistema di lavasciuga pavimenti, sia per l’operatore che per il pubblico. Chiediamo ai produttori quali sono le caratteristiche delle loro lavasciuga pavimenti che aiutano a potenziare la sicurezza, per esempio freni efficaci, nessun contatto con le parti in movimento, segnali luminosi lampeggianti, allarmi funzionanti e una buona raccolta dell’acqua per prevenire il problema di pavimenti bagnati e scivolosi dopo il lavaggio.

PRODUCTS: SCRUBBER DRYERS

• L’autolaveuse autoportée Kärcher B 250 R a reçu un certain nombre de perfectionnements.

• Wetrok a ajouté les modèles Duomatic Intense, Endurer et Impulse à sa gamme d’autolaveuses de taille moyenne.

• Selon Fimor, son matériau de raclette serilorCLEAN offre une alternative durable au caoutchouc naturel.

• Kärcher hat seine AufsitzScheuersaugmaschine B 250 R um eine Reihe neuer Merkmale verbessert.

• Wetrok hat seine Produktfamilie mit mittelgroßen Scheuersaugmaschinen um die Modelle Duomatic Intense, Endurer und Impulse erweitert.

• Fimor teilt mit, dass sein Abziehermaterial serilorCLEAN eine dauerhafte Alternative zu Naturgummi darstellt.

• La Kärcher ha potenziato la sua lavasciuga pavimenti con operatore a bordo B 250 R con una serie di nuove caratteristiche.

• La Wetrok ha aggiunto alla sua linea di lavasciuga pavimenti di medie dimensioni i modelli Duomatic Intense, Endurer e Impulse.

• La Fimor afferma che il materiale serilorCLEAN usato per i suoi tergivetro è durevole ed è un’alternativa alla gomma naturale.

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 38

Ride-on upgrade

Mid range

Kärcher has upgraded its B 250 R ride-on battery scrubber dryer to incorporate features including a large display with simple menu navigation, the Kärcher Intelligent Key (KIK) system and Kärcher Fleet fleet management.

Kärcher Fleet fleet management enables customers to access data such as machine health or operating hours and organise machine use efficiently.

For the operator, all options are shown clearly and easy to read on the large display for simple menu navigation. And the KIK system offers different authorisation rights via colourcoded keys. This, says Kärcher, makes incorrect operation virtually impossible. www.karcher.com

Wetrok has added the models Duomatic Intense, Endurer and Impulse to its portfolio of midsized scrubber dryers.

All four new models share common elements such as the patented Power Whirl nozzle technology for drying while passing, a large touchscreen colour display with just six buttons for intuitive operation, and an upright handle that can be height adjusted.

Some of the standard and optional features include functions like the Quick Refill system for fresh water, an automatic dosage system, Power Shot function or brush handling with the push of a button.

The compact Duomatic Esprit comes with the Touch’n’Clean handle for automatic machine stop and go. Duomatic Intense is designed for the cleaning of medium-sized areas, while Duomatic Endurer is suited to

high performance applications.

Duomatic Impulse is the specialist for hygiene-sensitive applications and comes with an easy to rinse twin tank system. www.wetrok.com

No rubber Fimor has developed a squeegee material which it says is a durable alternative to natural rubber - serilorCLEAN.

Features include green colour, three times less plasticiser then before, no banned phalates, no mercury and improved pick-up.

And Fimor says this squeegee material lasts several times longer than natural rubber, being largely unaffected by oils, chemicals, bleach and other common floor-cleaning agents. www.fimor.fr

PRODUCTS: SCRUBBER DRYERS

For tight spaces The compact design of its rideon scrubber dryer Scrubmaster B75 R, says Hako, makes it suitable for working in tight spaces and narrow passages - for example checkout areas.

Key features include an optimal seating position for the operator, and the ability to complete a U-turn in aisles of 180 cm.

autonomy of up to 30 minutes and a battery than can run for up to one hour and 15 minutes when in Eco mode.

The automatic transportation wheel system enables easy movement without brush removal and all parts subject to wear can be removed and replaced without tools. www.ipcworldwide.com

Cord-free

There are now two different working widths - 55 and 65 cm - and a working speed up to 5.5 km per hour. The control panel in the display is illuminated and the clearly arranged control buttons provide intuitive use and are self-explanatory says Hako.

Easy access to the diagnosis interface allows quick diagnosis of the electronic systems or adjustments to the settings and parameters.

Thanks to the wide-range onboard charger with IEC power connector, the battery can be charged at any power outlet. www.hako.com

Works in reverse The CT 15 Roller scrubber dryer from IPC boasts excellent suction and drying power, forwards and backwards. It is equipped with a cylindrical brush that can collect even the smallest debris, says the company. Two blades - one on the front and the other on the back of the brush - offer optimum drying performance even while moving in reverse.

Other features include to-thewall and corners cleaning; large tank to offer maximum water

Turbolava 35 Plus and Turbolava Facile-35, says Cimel, are the automated alternative to mops and buckets. Both feature lithium-ion battery technology and are designed for easy, quick cleaning of hard-to-access and high traffic areas.

The Scrub-&-Dry system means cleaning in a single pass - allowing fast access to the cleaned area.

Having a simpler, smaller machine means less fatigue for the operator plus easier operation and maintenance. www.cimel.com • Hako affirme que la B75 R, son autolaveuse compacte autoportée, offre à l’opérateur une position assise optimale.

• L’autolaveuse CT 15 Roller proposée par IPC se signale par le maintien de son pouvoir d’aspiration et de séchage en marche avant et en marche arrière.

• La Turbolava 35 Plus et la Turbolava Facile-35, deux petites autolaveuses proposées par Cimel, sont à batterie au lithium-ion.

• Hako teilt mit, dass die kompakte Aufsitz-Scheuersaugmaschine Scrubmaster B75 R dem Bediener eine optimale Sitzposition bietet.

• Die Scheuersaugmaschine CT 15 Roller von IPC bietet Saugen und Trocknen sowohl bei der Vorwärtsals auch bei der Rückwärtsfahrt.

• Die kleinen Scheuersaugmaschinen Turbolava 35 Plus und Turbolave Facile-35 von Cimel sind mit Lithiumionenakkus ausgestattet.

• La Hako afferma che la sua lavasciuga pavimenti compatta con operatore a bordo Scrubmaster B75 R offre all’operatore una posizione ottimale di seduta.

• La lavasciuga pavimenti CT 15 Roller della IPC vanta suzione e asciugatura mentre funziona avanti e indietro.

• Le piccole lavasciuga pavimenti Turbolava 35 Plus e Turbolave Facile-35 prodotte dalla Cimel sono dotate di tecnologia a batteria agli ioni di litio.

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 39

TOUCH SCREEN DISPLAY

LOG-IN WITH PASSWORD

PERSONALIZED WORK ZONE PROGRAMS

CRUISE CONTROL

SUSTAINABLE CLEANING

SEVERE CLEANING

REAR VIEW CAMERA

ANTI-COLLISION SYSTEM

VIDEO TUTORIALS

PRODUCTS: SCRUBBER DRYERS Simplicity

Perform better

Numatic has made some new additions to its TwinTec scrubber dryer range with models that focus on simplicity and common sense in use.

GelTec machines have one simple objective - to clean and dry floors day after day. They feature a Structofoam chassis, a corrosion-free alternative to steel. Controls are colourcoded in order to enable new operators to quickly get to grips with operation.

There are two options for filling, an improved level indicator, easy-to-access charging point and water filter and simple flipdeck brush change. www.numatic.co.uk

Tennant has launched the next generation of its T20 industrial ride-on scrubber dryer. New features include Touch-n-Go steering wheel-mounted control module, which enables all machine settings to be accessed at the push of a button.

Also new is Available ProPanel technology, which incorporates a variety of controls into a high-visibility, intuitive touchscreen interface. The Pro-ID

Intelligence Diversey Care says its Taski Swingo 2100 Micro ride-on scrubber dryer is an intelligent machine that will allow operators to increase productivity and improve safety.

Features include automatic reduction of speed when turn• Numatic a mis à niveau sa gamme TwinTec d’autolaveuses en lançant les modèles GelTec. • Diversey Care affirme que sa TASKI Swingo 2100 est une autolaveuse intelligente qui réalise des gains de productivité.

• L’autolaveuse industrielle T20 de Tennant est désormais dotée d’un module de commande sur colonne de direction et d’un bouton de démarrage simple.

• Numatic hat seine TwinTec-Produktreihe mit Scheuersaugmaschinen um die neu vorgestellten GelTec-Modelle erweitert.

• Laut eigenen Angaben von Diversey Care ist die neue TASKI Swingo 2100 eine intelligente Scheuersaugmaschine, die Produktivitätssteigerungen ermöglicht.

• Die industrielle AufsitzScheuersaugmaschine T20 von Tennant bietet jetzt ein am Lenkrad befestigtes Steuermodul with 1-Step-Starttaste.

• La Numatic ha aggiornato la sua gamma di lavasciuga pavimenti TwinTec con il lancio dei modelli GelTec. • La Diversey Care afferma che la sua macchina TASKI Swingo 2100 è una spazzatrice intelligente che consente di aumentare la produttività.

• La lavasciuga pavimenti industriale con operatore a bordo T20 prodotta dalla Tennant è ora dotata di un modulo di controllo montato sul volante con un pulsante di avviamento a una fase.

ing; IntelliDose for chemical consumption reduction; IntelliFlow for control of water consumption; and tracking module IntelliTrail. www.taski.com

feature allows team leaders to programme the machine for multiple variables including the skill level of the operator and to prevent unauthorised use.

Pro-Check offers pre-operation checklists and is downloadable to mobile devices, while programmable Zone Settings boost cleaning efficiency with instructional videos on board and on demand. And PerformanceView allows operators to see their cleaning path in real time. www.tennantco.com

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NORTH AMERICAN HEADQUARTERS Vectair Systems Inc. 2095 Spicer Cove Covington Way Distribution Center Memphis, TN 38134, USA Tel: 901 373 7818 info@vectairsystems.com

THE CLEANING SHOW

Countdown to The Cleaning Show The UK’s cleaning exhibition, The Cleaning Show, takes place from March 14-16 at Excel exhibition centre.

Special events include a seminar programme organised by the British Cleaning Council (BCC). Sessions will cover waste management regulations, littering, pest control, illegal workers, the new cleaning operative apprenticeship, the Living Wage, health and safety, working at height, key trends, social media, the importance of PR, and robotics.

BCC chairman Simon Hollingbery urged visitors to attend. He said: “The great thing about this year’s seminar programme, is that we’ve got industry experts right there on the spot, and attendees will be able to ask them anything they want. This kind of knowledge and insight cannot be acquired anywhere else and that adds real value for anyone attending the show.”

ECJ entrevoit les produits et activités du salon britannique de la propreté, The Cleaning Show, qui se tiendra à Londres du 14 au 16 mars.

The exhibition will also host this year’s Cleaning Show Innovation Awards. Entries are judged on the first day of the show by a panel of experts with plaques presented to the winners.

And for the first time the Cleaning Industry Awards will be presented. Organised by

the Cleaning and Support Services Association (CSSA), these awards are open to anyone in the professional cleaning industry.

There are four categories - contract innovation, training, environmental & sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

For full details of attending visit: www. cleaningshow.co.uk

Das ECJ wirft einen Blick auf die bevorstehende The Cleaning Show, die vom 14.-16. März in London stattfindende britische Reinigungsmesse.

ECJ si occupa di The Cleaning Show, la fiera britannica del settore del cleaning che si terrà a Londra dal 14 al 16 marzo.

Awards

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 45

THE CLEANING SHOW

• Le groupe Goizper, spécialiste des pulvérisateurs chimiques pour le nettoyage professionnel, a lancé sa nouvelle gamme IK. • Legend Brands Europe aligne une gamme de produits pour la réparation de dommages dus à l’eau et au feu, ainsi que pour le nettoyage de moquettes et garnissages.

• Wecoline présente sa gamme de solutions de nettoyage écologiquement responsables.

• Leviy a mis au point une application mobile et un tableau de bord connecté au cloud à l’intention des entreprises de propreté.

• Numatic a ajouté l’autolaveuse Henry HGB et la marchine de nettoyage de planchers rotative Henry à sa gamme Henry.

• Tork a introduit un nouvel outil sur Internet pour relever l’hygiène des bureaux.

• Die Goizper Group, die auf Sprühgeräte für Chemikalien zur professionellen Reinigung spezialisiert ist, hat ihre neue Produktreihe IK vorgestellt.

• Legend Brands Europe bietet eine Produktreihe mit Lösungen zur Instandsetzung nach Wasser- und Feuerschaden sowie zur Teppich- und Polstermöbelreinigung.

• Wecoline präsentiert seine Produktfamilie mit umweltverträglichen Reinigungslösungen.

• Leviy hat eine App und ein Cloud-Armaturenbrett für Reinigungsunternehmen entwickelt.

• Numatic erweitert die Produktreihe Henry mit der Henry HGB Scheuersaugmaschine und der Henry Rotationsbodenmaschine.

• Tork stellt ein internetbasiertes Werkzeug vor, das konzipiert wurde, um die Bürohygiene zu verbessern.

• La Goizper Group, specializzata in spray per prodotti chimici per il settore delle pulizie professionali, ha lanciato la nuova gamma IK. • La Legend Brands Europe propone una gamma di soluzioni per la riparazioni dei danni causati da acqua e fuoco e inoltre prodotti di pulizia per moquette e tessuti d’arredamento.

• La Wecoline espone la sua linea di soluzioni di pulizia che rispettano l’ambiente.

• La Leviy ha sviluppato una dashboard mobile per app e cloud adatta alle imprese di pulizia.

• La gamma Henry della Numatic è stata ampliata con l’aggiunta della lavasciuga pavimenti Henry HGB e la lavapavimenti Henry.

• La Tork ha lanciato uno strumento web progettato per migliorare l’igiene negli uffici.

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 46

Goizper Group The Goizper Group will be displaying its IK Industrial Sprayer range for professional cleaning.

Machines in the range are said to be made from robust materials and have highly resistant seals. This makes them particularly suitable for use in the chemical products industry.

The sprayers are also aimed at the construction and automotive sectors and can be used for a range of general industrial cleaning and disinfection tasks.

The Goizper Group also offers a line of alkali, ketone and alcohol-based chemicals. www.goizper.com

is said to offer sustainability advantages due to their accelerated biodegradation.

Visitors will have access to tablets on the stand from which they can view the entire Wecoline range via the company’s recently-launched web shop. www.wecoline.com

Leviy Leviy will be demonstrating its Mobile App and Cloud Dashboard single software solution for cleaning and facilities management companies.

This provides a real-time overview of operations and is said to result in more control over taskplanning, cost control, service delivery and performance.

Legend Brands Europe Cleaning products for use on carpets, hard floors and upholstery make up the Legend Brands Europe portfolio.

Formed by a merger between Dri-Eaz and Chemspec Europe, the company also offers a wide range of indoor care quality and environmental control products. www.legendbrandseurope.com

Wecovi Wecovi is launching its new Wecoline Clean ’n Easy line.

These ready-to-use, singleuse cleaning products have been designed to save time for the operator.

The solution is designed to centrally manage client quality audits, online form completion, service desk issue-logging, document storage and team communications to provide an immediate return on investment. Combined with Leviy’s online timesheets and invoice creator, the Mobile App and Cloud Dashboard is said to provide companies with all they need to reduce administration costs and paperbased processes.

The system is described as being easy to use and Leviy is offering free on-site trials. www.leviy.co.uk

Numatic Also on show will be a range of microfibre systems plus the expanded line of Wecoline Full Cycle floor pads by Americo.

The entire range is now made from recycled PET bottles which

Visitors to the Numatic stand will be given the first glimpse of the expanded Harry range of machines which now incorporates new cordless models.

Making their market debut

will be the Henry HGB Scrubber Dryer and the Henry Rotary Floor Machine. www.numatic.co.uk

SCA SCA will be demonstrating a new web tool under the Tork brand. This offers practical tips on improving office hygiene.

The tool will highlight office trends and consider how facilities managers can implement more effective cleaning regimes in today’s modern, connected office buildings. It will also consider how cleaning is planned and executed in different parts of the office.

Using research on traffic flows the tool will provide practical insights on where to place paper and soap dispensers for improved hygiene and cleanliness. The system also incorporates cleaning checklists and offers advice on how to ensure that high standards of hygiene are maintained in common areas such as break rooms.

Products on show will include the Tork SmartOne Toilet Roll Dispenser and the Tork Reflex Single Sheet Centrefeed unit plus a range of other hand towel, soap, toilet tissue and wiping products and dispensers.

The company will also be demonstrating the Tork EasyCube connected system for alerting cleaners via their smart phones when a washroom dispenser is about to run out. www.tork.co.uk

CLEANING AT HEIGHT FROM THE SAFETY OF THE GROUND

T. +44 (0)1626 830 830 E. sales@streamline.systems Visit. www.streamline.systems

THE CLEANING SHOW

Vileda Vileda Professional will be unveiling details of its new UltraSpin. This has the potential to revolutionise the small-area mopping sector, it says.

Also on show will be MicroMix, a new hybrid cleaning cloth made from microfibre and a non-woven material. Said to be particularly absorbent, this is designed for use in general cleaning applications in buildings and facilities.

Trollies on display will include the compact VoleoPro while flatmopping systems being exhibited will include UltraSpeed Pro, UltraSpeed Mini and SprayPro Inox, a stainless steel flat spraymopping system. Single-use mops, speciality floor pads and microfibre cloths will also form part of the Vileda offering.

The company will be demonstrating its highly-absorbent SpillEx spill pads on the stand.

These are designed for the quick removal of a wide range of water-based spillages such as

blood, urine and soft drinks from hard floor surfaces. www.vileda-professional.com

ICE

ICE plans to stage The Cleaning Show’s first-ever live machine auctions at this year’s exhibition.

The company will hold two auctions on each day of the event, offering a wide range of refurbished machines via its ICE Direct business.

The company is also unveiling two new machines and launching two technological innovations. These are based around on-site service and asset-tracking requirements. www.ice-clean.com

Sprintus Find out about the European Cleaning & Hygiene Awards 2017- visit ECJ at stand A14 • ICE organise une vente aux enchères d’équipements de nettoyage sur son stand, proposant des machines remises à neuf.

• Sprintus a lancé la Zeus, sa nouvelle machine de nettoyage de planchers à disque unique.

• ICE veranstaltet an seinem Stand eine Auktion von Reinigungsgeräten, in deren Rahmen vollständig überholte Maschinen angeboten werden.

• Zeus ist die neue EinzelscheibenBodenreinigungsmaschine von Sprintus.

• La ICE terrà nel suo stand un’asta di attrezzature di pulizia e offrirà delle macchine completamente rimesse a nuovo.

• Zeus è la nuova macchina monodisco per i pavimenti prodotta dalla Sprintus.

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 48

Sprintus will be launching Zeus, its latest single-disk floor cleaner.

Designed for use on hard surfaces and textile floor coverings, Zeus has a 12 litre fresh water tank that can be removed in a single action, claims the company.

With a low ground clearance of 10 cm the Zeus is said to allow the user to work efficiently beneath objects and in edge zones. Other features include quiet operation, a powerful 1,200 watt motor and maintenance-free steel planetary gearing.

The tank has a stretch hose and can be topped up with water straight from the tap. It is positioned directly on the machine which results in good contact pressure, easy handling and effective results.

The Zeus is claimed to be easy to operate, simple to transport and space-saving when stored away since the shaft can be fully folded down. All brushes and disks can be switched in seconds without the use of tools and the machine can be upgraded from a 54 kg net weight to a maximum of 66 kg if required. www.sprintus.eu

THE CLEANING SHOW Truvox

Brightwell

Truvox will be introducing new additions to its Orbis range of rotary machines.

Designed for economical cleaning and polishing applications is the Orbis eco range of single-disk rotaries. These have a high pad/brush pressure for effective cleaning and polishing along with low

Brightwell Dispensers will be unveiling its new Quantura range of dishwash dosing systems. This boasts precise and consistent dosing solutions for a variety of commercial dishwasher applications including single-tank, tunnel, conveyor and glass dishwashers.

Visitors will also be introduced to DrainWatch, the company’s new drain dosing system.

According to Brightwell this robust unit has been designed with quick installation and intuitive programming in mind.

Other innovations include Ecomulti, the latest addition to the chemical-dispensing Eco Range. This proportioner offers a cost-effective method of diluting up to five chemicals from just one dispenser.

Brightwell will also be demonstrating its new mechanical Autocut paper towel dispenser which is said to offer consistent quality and performance in an attractively-designed unit. www.brightwell.co.uk

vibration and noise levels. Other features include an adjustable handle height which makes the machines comfortable to use even during long shifts.

Orbis eco rotaries have a cleaning width of 43 cm plus a 1100 W motor. The machine comes in 200 rpm and 400 rpm versions and there is also a dual-speed model.

The rotaries come preassembled with handles and drive boards in place. This means they can be put to work virtually straight from the box.

Truvox will also be revealing the latest developments in the company’s vacuum line. www.truvox.com

Prochem Prochem Europe will be revealing its new B106 Extraclean, a chemical product designed for use on carpets, rugs and upholstery.

An odour neutraliser with a new Lemon Breeze fragrance is incorporated in the product’s formula. Other items on show will include powerful truckmounted units such as the new Endeavor 500, the Bravo, Fivestar, Polaris 500 and 800, Steempro Powerplus and Powermax. Larger truck-mounts on display will include the Sapphire 370SS and the van-housed Blazer GT. Prochem will also be demonstrating a full range of Birchmeier sprayers plus a selection of hand tools and accessories. www.prochem-uk.com

• Truvox a introduit plusieurs modèles à sa gamme Orbis de polisseuses à disque unique.

• Prochem a lancé la solution B106 Extraclean pour le nettoyage par extraction de moquettes et garnissages.

• Brightwell Dispensers expose ses systèmes de dosage pour le lavage de la vaisselle, ses proportionneurs chimiques et ses distributeurs pour toilettes.

• Truvox stellt mehrere neue Modelle in seiner Produktreihe Orbis mit EinzelscheibenPoliermaschinen vor.

• Neu von Prochem ist die Reinigungslösung B106 Extraclean zur Saugreinigung von Teppichen und Polstermöbeln.

• Brightwell Dispensers präsentiert seine Dosiersysteme für Geschirrspüler, Portionierungssystem für Chemikalien und Waschraumspender.

• La Truvox ha lanciato una serie di nuovi modelli, parte della sua gamma di lucidatrici monodisco Orbis.

• La novità della Prochem è la soluzione di pulizia a estrazione per moquette e tessuti d’arredamento B106 Extraclean.

• La Brightwell Dispensers espone i suoi sistemi di dosaggio per lavastoviglie, sistemi di proporzionamento dei prodotti chimici e dispenser per sale da toilette.

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 49

choose

ECO FRIENDLY

NATURAL SANITATION

LOW COST

MORE EFFICIENCY

USER FRIENDLY

MADE IN ITALY

THE CLEANING SHOW Pure Concepts

Making its UK debut will be the Pod Petite sanitary waste disposal service from Pure Concepts.

Described as a sanitary waste solution designed for women by women, the modular system incorporates elements of the company’s SaniPod technology in a unit that is a fraction of the size of the original.

Pod Petite is said to offer a simple opening system with no modesty tray where waste can be trapped. It also has a wallmounted design that facilitates cleaning both beneath and around the unit.

Pod Petite is available in either black or white and there is a choice of touch-free and manual models. The proprietary liner cassette features a continuous scented perforated roll while the tear-resistant liners are made from biodegradable plastic. www.podpetite.com

HTC HTC will be presenting the Twister Savings Calculator, a web tool designed to underline the value of the company’s product.

The Twister Savings Calculator allows customers to assess the possible savings they can make when using Twister diamond pads in place of traditional floorcleaning methods.

Calculations are made via six easy steps, after which the customer is given a full report of the potential savings they can make based on actual input. The Twister Savings Calculator is available both offline and online.

Twister diamond pads are designed to optimise mechanical cleaning processes using diamond technology rather than chemicals. www.htc-floorsystems.com

Morclean Morclean will introduce an expanded range of bin-washing machines. Alongside the existing Custom Plus Bin Wash machine the company will be launching a model that incorporates a solar panel. This will enable the machine to harness solar power to make it more energy-efficient while ensuring a continuous battery charge, says Morclean.

Also new will be a model designed specifically for the US market. This will have a larger lifting capacity to suit US wheelie bins which are often larger and heavier than those found elsewhere in the world, according to the company.

A third, diesel-driven machine will also be on show. This has been developed as an alternative to the petrol-powered bin washing models. www.morclean.com • Pod Petite est la solution la plus récente de la société Pure Concepts pour l’élimination de rejets sanitaires.

• HTC a mis au point la calculatrice d’économie Twister, qui estime les économies réalisables dans le nettoyage de planchers en utilisant des tampons diamantés Twister.

• Morclean a introduit trois nouveaux modèles dans sa gamme de laveuses de poubelles.

• Bei Pod Petite handelt es sich um die neueste Entsorgungslösung für Damenhygieneartikel von Pure Concepts.

• HTC hat den Twister Savings Calculator entwickelt, mit dem Benutzer die Einsparungen bei der Bodenreinigung einschätzen können, die sich aus der Verwendung von Twister Diamantreinigungsscheiben ergeben.

• Morclean stellt drei neue Modelle in seiner Produktreihe mit MülltonnenWaschmaschinen vor.

• Pod Petite è la più recente soluzione di servizi di eliminazione di rifiuti sanitari della Pure Concepts.

• La HTC ha sviluppato Twister Savings Calculator che valuta i risparmi sul lavaggio dei pavimenti quando si utilizzano i dischi diamantati Twister.

• La Morclean sta lanciando 3 nuovi modelli nella sua gamma di macchine per il lavaggio dei bidoni della spazzatura.

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 51

THE CLEANING SHOW

• L’appareil GB1 d’Osprey Deepclean est un nettoyeur à vapeur sèche à batterie pour l’élimination de chewing-gum.

• Kimberly-Clark Professional a introduit une gamme de serviettes pour les mains en rouleaux, portant les marques Kleenex et Scott.

• TTS a réalisé es chariots de nettoyage Mini Magic pour superficies très restreintes.

• Beim GB1 von Osprey Deepclean handelt es sich um einen akkubetriebenen Trockendampfreiniger zum Entfernen von Kaugummi.

• Neu von KimberlyClark Professional sind mehrere PapierhandtuchRollensystemlösungen der Marken Kleenex und Scott.

• TTS hat die Mini Magic Reinigungswagen entwickelt, die zum Einsatz in sehr engen Bereichen konzipiert wurden.

• GB1della OspreyDeepclean è una macchina di pulizia a vapore asciutto alimentata a batteria per la rimozione della gomma da masticare.

• La novità della Kimberly-Clark Professional è una gamma di soluzioni di asciugamani in rotolo con i marchi Kleenex e Scott.

• La TTS ha sviluppato i carrelli Mini Magic, progettati per essere usati in aree molto piccole.

OspreyDeepclean

TTS

OspreyDeepclean will be demonstrating a range of dry steam machines. The fact that these require no chemicals means there are no restrictions on where the technology can be used, according to the company. The process is said to use significantly less water than traditional cleaning methods.

OspreyDeepclean will also be demonstrating what it claims to be the world’s first batterypowered dry steam technology for gum removal. The company supplies machines to the facilities management, education, retail, commercial, healthcare and food manufacturing sectors. www.ospreydc.com

Magic+ is a fully accessorised trolley that can be connected to a smaller mobile working station, developed by TTS. This allows the operative to detach a smaller workstation from the main trolley. It can be equipped with whatever the cleaner needs for a specific location: for example, the waste collection facility can be detached from the unit by unfastening the collection module.

The detachable system can be applied to the whole Magic Line of trolleys. It is fastened to the main unit by means of robust plastic hooks and can be equipped with an ergonomic pushing handle.

Also on show will be the new Magic compact which has a 90-litre bag holder, a removable drawer and separate facilities for waste collection, washing and storage all in one small trolley. www.ttsystem.com

features premium embossing.

Also on show will be the new Scott Control Rolled Hand Towel Solution which is designed to be kind to the hands.

Other innovations include a compact dispenser for the Kleenex Ultra Rolled Hand Towel and the Scott Control Rolled Hand Towel. This offers protection against cross-contamination due to a smooth, easy-toclean design with no dirt traps.

Kimberly-Clark will also be highlighting its Washroom 5D consultative service which aims to help facility managers deliver cleanliness, hygiene, efficiency, sustainability and satisfaction via their washrooms. www.kcprofessional.com

Kimberly-Clark A new range of Kleenex and Scott rolled hand towels will be launched by Kimberly-Clark.

These will include the Kleenex Ultra Rolled Hand Towel which

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February/March 2017 | ECJ | 52

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THE CLEANING SHOW

• Le spécialiste d’équipements à dos Pacvac présente la Superpro 700, qui se distingue par son confort et son rendement.

• Unger fait la démonstration de ses systèmes de nettoyage à l’eau pure et de son outil Stingray pour le nettoyage d’articles en verre.

• P-Wave se spécialise dans des fragrances qui sont réalisées pour relever l’atmosphère de toilettes publiques.

• Reintec propose des plans flexibles de location d’équipements de nettoyage assortis du service, de la maintenance et du compte rendu en ligne.

• Northwood Hygiene Products propose des distributeurs pour toilettes, notamment sous les marques Leonardo, Bay West et Whisper.

• Spécialiste des RP et du marketing, Suzanne Howe Communications compte un certain nombre de clients dans les secteurs du nettoyage et du FM.

• Pacvac, der Spezialist für Rucksack-Staubsauger, präsentiert den Superpro 700, der Komfort und Effizienz vereinigt.

• Unger demonstriert ReinwasserReinigungssysteme sowie das Glasreinigungswerkzeug Stingray.

• P-Wave ist auf Beduftungsprodukte spezialisiert, die konzipiert wurden, um das Ambiente in öffentlichen Waschräumen zu verbessern.

• Reintec bietet flexible Mietpläne für Reinigungsgeräte zusammen mit Service, Wartung und OnlineBerichterstattung.

• Im Sortiment von Northwood Hygiene Products sind Waschraumspender enthalten, einschließlich der Marken Leonardo, Bay West und Whisper.

• PR- und Marketing-Spezialist Suzanne Howe Communications hat eine Reihe von Kunden in den Reinigungs- und FM-Branchen.

• La Pacvac, specializzata in aspirapolveri dorsali, espone il modello Superpro 700 che vanta comfort ed efficienza.

• La Unger dimostra i suoi sistemi di pulizia ad acqua pura e l’attrezzo di pulizia dei vetri Stringray.

• La P-Wave è specializzata in prodotti profumati adatti per migliorare l’atmosfera delle sale da toilette.

• La Reintec propone piani flessibili di noleggio attrezzature di pulizia e inoltre servizi, manutenzione e segnalazione dati online.

• La Northwood Hygiene Products propone dispenser per sale da toilette incluse le marche Leonardo, Bay West e Whisper.

• La Suzanne Howe Communications, specializzata in PR e marketing, ha numerosi clienti nei settori del cleaning e facility management.

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 54

Pacvac Pacvac will be displaying a full range of backpack vacuum cleaners. These are claimed to be up to three times more efficient than rival products as well as being comfortable, durable and reliable.

Products on show will be the Superpro 700 for everyday commercial cleaning and the Superpro battery 700, which is said to feature strong suction and offer a high level of manoeuvrability.

Also on display will be the Superpro duo 700. This has a specialised by-pass motor which delivers additional motor protection for areas where accidental suction of liquid may occur.

The Superpro trans 700 has been designed for use on aeroplanes, ships, trains and other large transport vessels where a 400 hertz power supply is used.

And the Superpro micron 700 has a HEPA-rated filter that is said to trap 99.999 per cent of fine dust particles. This has a sealable disposable dust bag to minimise user exposure to the dust and bacteria inside.

Whch also makes it particularly suitable for use in healthcare facilities and other environments where clean air quality is essential, says Pacvac. www.pacvac.com

Unger Unger will be demonstrating the Stingray system for cleaning indoor windows, mirrors and other interior surfaces.

This is said to reduce the required amount of chemical cleaning agent by 39 per cent compared with traditional sprayer and cloth methods. It is

also claimed to complete the job 25 per cent faster. And using the system requires minimal training, according to Unger.

Powered by 3M Scotchgard, the Stingray system allows the operative to clean at heights of up to four metres from the ground and boasts lasting protection against dust, fingerprints and fogging.

Also on show will be HydroPower RO which is described as the next generation of Pure Water Technology. This enables up to three operators to work simultaneously and incorporates Unger’s SmartGuard Monitoring system that permanently informs the user about filter performance. www.ungerglobal.com

ECJ’s TV programme EC Television will be filming live at the show

Reintec Cleaning equipment service provider Reintec will be hosting a stand in partnership with machine manufacturer Fimap.

Reintec will be demonstrating its Remote Fleet Management system along with its online reporting and invoicing tools.

These are currently in use at the company’s operations centre.

Machines on show on the stand will include the Fimap MMg, an intelligent ride-on scrubber with touchscreen controls and advanced monitoring and management systems. www.reintec.com

Northwood The Whisper range of dispensers will be among the innovations on the Northwood Hygiene Products stand.

P-Wave P-Wave will be exhibiting a range of air freshening systems.

The company’s patented products are claimed to generate up to five times the amount of fragrance as its rivals’ offerings.

P-Wave urinal screens are designed to last a month and have protrusions designed to prevent splashback. They also feature grooves to prevent the problem of items such as chewing gum and paper from blocking drains.

The company claims its dispensers are easy to fit, monitor and maintain while offering a contemporary, stylish design.

Also on display will be the Versatwin dispenser line plus Leonardo and Bay West-branded products.

Northwood Hygiene Products will be hosting its largest-ever Cleaning Show stand. www.northwood.co.uk

Suzanne Howe Communications Other features are an enzyme that helps to control unpleasant bacterial-based smells in the drain, plus a clock system that reminds customers when the screens need to be changed.

Also in the P-Wave range is a screen for trough urinals; bowl clips for toilet bowls and intelligent air freshener options.

Fragrances on offer are Honeysuckle, Ocean Mist, Mango and Spiced Apple. www.p-wave.co.uk

Suzanne Howe Communications will be celebrating the company’s 21st year in business.

SHC will be introducing visitors to new team members and highlighting the company’s track record as an independent PR consultancy. Skills on offer by the agency are said to include strategic thinking, communications campaigns, exhibition and event support, photography, research and design. www.suzannehowe.com

Come see us at The Cleaning Show in London.

Stand E35, 14th - 16th March, at the Excel centre.

SMALL MACHINE BIG POWER www.motorscrubberclean.com ALL ENQUIRIES 0114 269 8686 Manufactured in Sheffield by KILLIS

CLEANING AT HEIGHT

London’s diverse skyline Cleaning at height is dangerous work requiring skill, planning and a head for heights. Chris Parkes, operations director at London-based services provider Julius Rutherfoord, highlights the unique challenges of cleaning the city’s skyline.

Any accident, fatal or otherwise, is one too many, and brings into sharp focus the critical need for training and the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) for all operatives.

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 56

London is a city which is changing all the time, including a constant flow of new additions to its skyline. Second only to Paris in terms of European skyscrapers, the city has more tall buildings than anywhere else in the UK. Recent high-rise developments demonstrate how dramatically the city vista has changed in the last five years alone. These include the incredible 95-storey Shard skyscraper in Southwark and the 38-storey 20 Fenchurch Street skyscraper, aptly nick-named the ‘walkietalkie’, across the River Thames.

And there is more to come – the enormous Battersea Power Station redevelopment is one of the most exciting projects in the UK today. It will see the complete transformation of the iconic decommissioned power station on the south bank of the Thames, as well as the surrounding area, which will be redeveloped into a new London district, including residential and commercial projects.

Just as London’s developers never stand still, nor do the cleaning and property maintenance contractors working hard to keep the city’s façades clean and safe.

This makes the city a high-risk place for its window cleaners, but at the same time a crucible for best practice when it comes to cleaning at height.

personal protective equipment (PPE) for all operatives. Whether working on stepladders, long ladders, suspended cleaning cradles, abseil cleaning or using a mobile elevated work platform, any form of cleaning at height requires training, planning and supervision.

Work at height regulations from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK place duties on employers, the selfemployed, and any person who controls the work of others (for example facilities managers or building owners who may contract others) to ensure the safety and wellbeing of anyone involved in a project that involves working at height.

These regulations stipulate that all work at height is properly planned and organised and that those involved in the work are competent. The risks must also be assessed, including properly controlling the hazards from fragile surfaces such as glass, and appropriate work equipment must be selected and used at all times.

This equipment must also be properly inspected and maintained throughout its working life. Ideally, health and safety regulations would see contractors avoid working at height wherever possible, but where this is necessary they must take measures to prevent falls and to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall should the worst happen.

Dangerous work

Best practice

Unfortunately there are many examples within the cleaning industry of accidents involving working on height, many of them avoidable. At the start of 2016 a window cleaner died after falling from the top floor of a five-storey house in Islington, north London. It is unclear what caused this awful accident, but a handle appeared to be missing from a window. Compounding this tragedy was the heart-breaking fact that this death could have been prevented had the window cleaner simply been wearing a harness.

Any accident, fatal or otherwise, is one too many, and brings into sharp focus the critical need for training and the correct

At Julius Rutherfoord, we work with our trusted window cleaning partners to ensure that best practice is implemented at every stage of a project.

A window cleaning contractor must be versatile, and able to offer a site-specific solution to each façade being cleaned.

Before starting any job, the best cleaning contractors will go through rigorous health and safety checks.

Of course window cleaning isn’t the only cleaning work that takes place at height – brickwork and masonry repairs, as well as gutter cleaning, also demand the same rigorous health and safety precautions.

The best contractors will produce high

CLEANING AT HEIGHT quality results no matter how large or high the surface.

The area that needs to be cleaned should be carefully researched and audited before any cleaning is undertaken, to make sure the right techniques are used. A reputable contractor will also have clear emergency evacuation procedures in place should the need arise when cleaning at height.

Environmental, quality and occupational health and safety management systems used by the contract cleaner should also be independently assessed. This commitment gives facilities managers confidence in the quality, safety and reliability of the cleaning.

Continuous training As well as induction training and harness safety instructions, a programme of continuous training is essential to keep all operatives up-to-date with the latest safety innovations and best practice.

Continuous training will also improve the productivity of cleaning operatives.

It is highly advantageous if training can be provided close to the workplace, particularly in large and very busy cities like London. In this way, training and induction is made as accessible as possible for operatives.

Le nettoyage en hauteur est un travail dangereux qui exige de l’habilieté, de la planification et l’absence de vertige. Chris Parkes, chef des opérations chez Julius Rutherfoord, un prestataire de services, évoque les défis particuliers du nettoyage des gratte-ciels de Londres.

Only those who are competent to carry out work at height may be permitted to do so. Simple mistakes, like overloading or overreaching ladders, can have the same fatal consequences as gross errors, like an unsafe anchor point for abseiling ropes or cleaning cradles. At the same time, all operatives must have the correct PPE, including harnesses, and helmets to protect them from falling objects.

Supervision is another factor that should not be overlooked. London is a 24-hour city, and cleaning teams as well as their supervisors must be flexible and able to make themselves available out-of-hours to get the job done. And while cleaning operatives can work in most weather conditions, strong winds can quickly make it too dangerous to clean at height.

It is important that cleaning operatives and supervisors recognise that they can call a project off if they deem it too dangerous due to weather conditions, or if they think the tools or equipment provided are not suitable.

The culture of a company is very important in this respect. It is vital that cleaning operatives feel confident that if they have any concerns about a project that involves work at height, they can

Bei der Reinigung in der Höhe handelt es sich um gefährliche Arbeit, die Geschick, Planung und Schwindelfreiheit erfordert. Chris Parkes, Operations Director beim Reinigungsdienstleister Julius Rutherfoord, hebt die einzigartigen Herausforderungen hervor, die beim Reinigen der Londoner Skyline entstehen.

communicate this to their employer or contractor. They must be secure in the knowledge that those in charge will work to alleviate the issues, instead of sidelining the operatives for future projects.

Local knowledge In London, local presence and local knowledge are vital. Special permissions are required from London’s councils for exterior work including window cleaning, for instance, while getting around London takes time, making cleaners with facilities close to the heart of the city much more practical and accessible.

London’s iconic and ever changing skyline accurately reflects the city’s combination of the historic and cutting edge, and the diversity of those who live there. No two streets are the same, and each building presents different cleaning challenges to protect it from the pollution, damage from pests, and other perils inherent in city life.

Welcoming façades and clear windows are important both for the maintenance of a building, and the perceptions of those who visit and work there. But just as important is the safety and wellbeing of any operative cleaning that building.

Pulire ad altezze elevate è un lavoro pericoloso che richiede competenza, pianificazione ed essere fatti per le grandi altezze. Chris Parkes, direttore alle operazioni presso l’impresa fornitrice di servizi Julius Rutherfoord, evidenzia le sfide caratteristiche del pulire il panorama di Londra.

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 57

BUSINESS: SLEEP

Sleep - are you getting enough?

We all crave it and at times may complain we are not getting enough of it – sleep, that is. Hartley Milner looks at sleep deprivation and the impact it can have on our health, productivity in the workplace and national economies.

Ever wondered why some people seemingly get away with the briefest of visits to the land of nod without suffering any ill effects?

For this rare breed of night owl, time curled up under the duvet is time wasted which could be more gainfully spent pursuing goals that enrich their own lives as well as perhaps those of others.

Many of history’s ‘greats’ made their mark despite forgoing the normal seven to nine hours essential sleep requirement of us mere mortals – or maybe because of it.

Prolific polymath Leonardo Da Vinci

is said to have been able to stay awake and alert for almost 22 hours of every day while working on his artworks and inventions. He slept only 1.5 - 2 hours a day, taking a 15 to 20-minute nap for every four hours that he was awake.

Britain’s wartime prime minister Winston Churchill had five hours of slumber a night on average, but he did at least ensure he had a substantial daily nap on top of that modest allowance.

Margaret Thatcher, by contrast, ran the country on just four hours a day, with no pause for a nap!

Across the pond, tweeting tycoon and now US president Donald Trump boasts he needs just three to four hours, and is quoted as saying contemptuously: “How does somebody that’s sleeping 12 and 14 hours a day compete with someone that’s sleeping three or four?”

Napoleon Bonaparte was another who needed very little zizz at night, but as his name might suggest he would take a nap, even while in the saddle of his famous white steed. But if lack of sleep was not his Waterloo, why should it be ours?

In the genes It’s all in our genes, according to YingHui Fu, a professor of neurology at the University of California in San Francisco.

She discovered a gene that she believes provides the answer.

She says: “There are just two things I consider more important than sleep: air and water. We spend more time sleeping than engaging in any other single activity, but we know very little about how day-today sleep behaviour is regulated.

“My lab uses human genetics to gain a Continued page 60

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 59

BUSINESS: SLEEP Sleep - are you getting enough? (continued) better understanding on this topic. We’ve found that sleep behaviour is heavily influenced by our genetic makeup. Just like many other traits – height, weight, body shape – sleep behaviour is at least partly inherited.

“In 2009, we discovered a mutation in the DEC2 gene that allows some people to sleep only four to six hours a night and feel completely refreshed. We study such efficient sleepers in the hope of understanding why sleep is so important.”

Freakily, there are people who claim to have not slept a wink in not only days but years. Super insomniac Thai Ngoc, a 64-year-old Vietnamese man, made the headlines when he said that following a bad case of flu he had been awake for an astonishing 43 years! And, he claimed, without suffering any negative effects.

We have all suffered the effects of a night on the town, burning the midnight oil to catch up with work or coping with the nocturnal demands of a new baby – leaving us fatigued, grumpy, indecisive in our decision-making and stalking around in a zombie-like stupor. But prolonged sleep deprivation can have profound longterm consequences for our mental and physical health.

psychologists soon started to notice acute changes in his behaviour. He would become angry and moody for no apparent reason and was involved in scandals that led to him eventually losing his job. Happily married at the time, Tripp went on to have four divorces and people close to him felt that he had never fully recovered.

Cost to economies

One in three of us suffers sleep loss, increasing our vulnerability to serious medical conditions such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes. It shortens life expectancy and reduces our ability to concentrate, sometimes with fatal consequences – most drivers will have reported feeling drowsy at the wheel.

A cautionary tale of the damage we can bring upon ourselves is the case of New York DJ Peter Tripp. Tripp was once a world record-holder for the longest period without a single moment’s sleep, notching up to a massive 201 hours or just under eight-and-a-half days.

Tripp spent most of his ‘wakeathon’ in a glass booth in Times Square, New York, to raise money for charity. As his stunt went on, he complained of having hallucinations and showed signs of paranoia, at one point claiming that he was not in fact Peter Tripp but an imposter!

After his self-imposed ordeal, Tripp slept for 13 hours straight and seemed to be fully physically restored. However

There are situations when you need more than the standard eight hours. It is not unusual to want 10-15 hours of rest and sleep a day if you are recovering from illness, pregnant, living with a chronic illness or have been through extreme physical exertion, such as running a marathon.

But as well the personal toll from sleep loss there is a heavy cost to national economies, according to not-for-profit research organisation RAND Europe.

RAND researchers found sleep loss leads to a higher mortality risk and lower productivity levels among the workforce.

A person who sleeps on average less than six hours a night has a 13 per cent higher mortality risk than someone who gets between seven and nine hours, while those who get only six to seven hours a day have a seven per cent higher risk.

Productivity losses at work occur through a combination of absenteeism and ‘presenteeism’, where employees are at work but perform at a sub-optimal level.

Here loss of concentration can have fatal consequences – perhaps due to coming over drowsy while operating dangerous machinery or falling asleep at the wheel of a vehicle.

Marco Hafner, main author of the 2016 report, says: “Our study shows that the effects from a lack of sleep are massive.

Sleep deprivation not only influences an individual’s health and wellbeing but has a significant impact on a nation’s economy, with lower productivity levels and a higher mortality risk among workers.

“Improving individual sleep habits and duration has huge implications, with our research showing that simple changes can make a big difference. For example, if those who sleep under six hours a night increase their sleep to between six and seven hours a night, this could add €28 billion to the UK economy alone.”

The study, Why Sleep Matters – The

Nous en avons tous besoin, et il nous arrive parfois de nous plaindre de n’en pas avoir assez. Il s’agit du sommeil. Hartley Milner contemple les effets que le manque de sommeil peut exercer sur notre santé, notre productivité au travail, et les économies nationales.

Wir alle sehnen uns danach und manchmal beklagen wir uns, dass wir nicht genug bekommen: Schlaf.

Hartley Milner untersucht Schlafentzug und welche Auswirkungen er auf die Gesundheit, die Produktivität am Arbeitsplatz und die Volkswirtschaften haben kann.

Serious medical conditions

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 60

Economic Costs of Insufficient Sleep, is the first of its kind to quantify the economic losses due to lack of sleep among workers in five different countries – the UK, US, Canada, Germany and Japan.

In the UK, lack of sleep among workers accounts for more than 200,000 lost working days each year and costs the economy up to €47 billion a year. In the US, the cost is up to €391 billion a year with 1.2 million days lost, in Japan it is €132 billion (600,000 lost working days), Germany €58 billion (200,000 lost days) and Canada €20 billion (80,000 lost days).

In terms of GDP, Japan has the largest loss due to worker sleep deprivation (2.92 per cent), followed by the US (2.28 per cent) and the UK (1.86 per cent).

Canada and Germany have the smallest GDP loss (1.35 per cent and 1.56 per cent respectively).

But what can you do if you are in a highpressure job that consistently makes high demands on your time beyond the 9 to 5? Well, the unequivocal advice from experts in sleep research is sort out your priorities – make sure you get the sleep quota you need or face the consequences to your health.

Dr Fu advises: “I think that right now the best way is still to listen to your body and figure out what is the best sleep schedule and duration for yourself. For example, when you are on holiday and have no social responsibilities and no other external influences, what is your body telling you to do and how do you feel?

What makes you feel the best most of the day? Although it sounds primitive, it’s still the most accurate way.

“I was one of the people who hated sleep and tried everything there was to sleep less before I started this research.

Now I wish I never messed with my sleep in my younger years. From what I know now, it is not worth it. It will increase your chances of having health problems later on and it definitely will affect your mental vigilance.

“So my tip is to make sure you get good night’s sleep. You can help by getting comfortable sleep accessories, such as pillows, bedding, etc. If your environment is noisy, use earplugs. Basically, do what you need to do to make sure you get good and sound sleep.”

Lo bramiamo e a volte ci lamentiamo che non ne abbiamo abbastanza, il sonno, ecco di cosa parliamo.

Hartley Milner prende in esame la mancanza di sonno e l’impatto che può avere sulla nostra salute, sulla produttività nei luoghi di lavoro e sulle economie nazionali.

GREEN CLEANING

Creating a greener world Many sustainable companies set themselves long-term goals for reducing water and chemical use and minimising their environmental impact. We ask ‘green’ companies about their key sustainability targets - and how they aim to meet them.

Many companies claim to be sustainable via bold statements about reducing emissions, energy use, waste and environmental impact. But how many of them set themselves concrete targets for achieving these aims? And do they follow these up with published results?

Building services provider Facilicom sets itself rolling annual targets and currently intends to reduce paper use by five per cent and cut CO2 emissions by a similar figure according to director of development Lisa Sheppard. “We have a meeting at the beginning of each year to determine our annual sustainability targets,” she said.

“Our continuous review policy ensures that these objectives are determined and that crucially, they are achieved.”

Facilicom calculates the carbon impact of every aspect of its operation. “By understanding and measuring this we are able to offset any environmental effects and return the entire cleaning process at our clients’ sites to a carbon neutral position,” said Sheppard.

“Each year we create improvements in our working practices that minimise - and in some cases, remove altogether - the carbon emissions we create. Over time this will bring our service to a more naturally neutral level.”

She believes long-term targets to be important. “There are no short-cuts to sustainability and we believe that long-term targets combined with regular reviews keep our commitments fresh in mind rather than being left to gather dust on a shelf somewhere,” she said.

Setting sustainability targets is a key function of any green organisation according to Ecolab’s marketing vice-president institutional Europe Bryan Maser. “Setting goals - and measuring progress against those goals - is an effective way for companies to reduce risks, improve operations and protect the reputation both of their own organisation and the communities in which they operate,” he said.

Ecolab’s targets include the reduction of total water withdrawal by 25 per cent and a 10 per cent cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 based on a 2015 baseline.

By 2030 the company also pledges to conserve 300 billion gallons of water annually by reducing consumption within its own and customer operations. “This will equal the annual drinking water needs of more than a billion people,” said Maser.

He claims the company has a track record of delivering on its targets. “In 2015 we helped customers to conserve 142 billion gallons of water; eliminate 26.4 million pounds of waste and save 10.5 trillion BTUs of energy,” he said.

Incremental reductions “In 2015 we re-evaluated our footprint and adopted practices that will enable us to deliver greater efficiencies throughout our operations while meeting increasing demand. The results were incremental reductions in water and energy use across our manufacturing facilities.”

He claims that the targeted approach taken by Ecolab in 2015 had a measurable impact. “For example, switching to automated tank wash-out procedures in Slovenia saved the plant more than two million gallons of water which reduced total water consumption at the facility by 14 per cent,” he said.

“Moving to a closed loop cooling water system at a plant in the UK made this a ‘zero effluent’ plant and reduced water consumption and effluent discharge by 6.8 million gallons. And improvements to the steam trap and insulation at our plant in Nanjing, China led to a 560,000 kWh reduction in electricity use.”

The long-term sustainability plans of contract cleaning company Julius Rutherfoord include a 10 per cent reduction in its overall energy consumption. “This we will achieve, for example, by switching off PCs at the end of the day and via energyefficient light and heating usage,” said operations director Chris Parkes.

“We will also achieve further reductions in our vehicle fleet’s CO2 emissions by introducing more dual-fuel, hybrid and lowemission vehicles. At the moment 90 per cent of our corporate vehicles are either electric petrol hybrids or LPG converted vehicles. We aim to increase this figure to cover the entire fleet in the next 15 years.”

The company aims to reduce its paper usage by 50 per cent during the same period. “This we will achieve by championing the use of paperless communications and via efficient paper usage such as doublesided printing,” said Parkes. “And our longterm goals also include maintaining our zero per cent waste-to-landfill policy.”

Julius Rutherfoord recycles 70 per cent of its waste and produces green energy with the remaining 30 per cent, according to Parkes. “We also offer sustainable waste management services for our clients,” he said. “We give them a certificate each year showing exactly how much recyclable waste they have produced and placing them in a bronze, silver or gold category. We then provide advice on how they can improve on this score.”

Parkes believes that long-term targets are vitally important - not just for his own company but for the entire cleaning supply chain. “We are part of an inter-linked network so it is important that our suppliers are also pursuing sustainability goals and setting long-term targets,” he said.

Distributor network Jangro operations director Joanne Gilliard agrees that long-term goals are essential, “However they are only effective if they are both realistic and regularly monitored,” she said. “Long-term plans such as reducing the volume of waste your company sends Continued page 62

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 61

GREEN CLEANING Creating a greener world (continued) jectives which are verified and certified annually by external auditors,” said Laatzen.

Only a company that consistently pursues sustainability in all areas can create a credible green product according to Maresa Schmid, international communications and sustainability business development manager of cleaning agent specialist Werner and Mertz.

to landfill should be broken down into a set of smaller aims that work towards the end-goal.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day and companies need to take an organised and methodical approach to becoming more sustainable, tackling goals in the same professional way as they would approach any other key business aim.”

Jangro is committed to minimising the environmental impact of its business and of the entire cleaning industry supply chain. “We use a programme of continuous improvements that aim to meet and, where appropriate, exceed legislative requirements,” said Gilliard. “And we set our own standards where no regulations exist.

“We also aim to recycle packaging materials where possible and will reduce our CO2 emissions in the next 15 years through reduced fuel consumption and lower exhaust emissions in our delivery fleet. We intend to reduce our use of paper, water and energy in our offices and use environmentally safe and sustainable energy sources to meet the needs of all depots as well.”

Setting long-term targets is an indispensable part of the sustainability process according to machine manufacturer Hako’s occupational health and safety management officer Timo Laatzen. “We constantly review our processes and measure their effects on the environment and on communities,” he said. “This enables us to identify weak points and highlight possible improvements.”

The company publishes an environmental brochure to show what Hako has achieved. “For competitive reasons, however, we refrain from publishing our self-imposed production targets,” he said.

“While we think it makes sense to engender this kind of transparency we also have to ensure that the competitive advantages we have developed are not published prematurely. Internal targets should only be made public after we have met, validated and adequately protected them. “ The company holds certificates for its environmental management and other systems, he adds. “Our quality, environmental and occupational health and safety management certification means we are obliged to keep setting ourselves new ob-

“This means that a clear sustainability strategy with long-term targets is crucial,” she said. “We are convinced that an increasing number of consumers want to know the economic, social and environmental conditions under which their products are manufactured.”

Werner and Mertz concentrates its sustainability activities upon key areas such as water and resource conservation.

“Detailed information on our initiatives and their successes are provided in our sustainability reports which we have issued since 2008,” she said.

The company’s Green Care Professional range uses natural ingredients such as rapeseed, linseed and olives. “A large number of these products have ecolabels and by 2020 we aim to have 50 per cent of our sales based on our Green Care Professional brand,” said Schmid.

Equipment producer IPC sets itself targets for reducing energy and detergent consumption every year. “Our running goal is to increase our electricity savings and maximise the use of recycled plastics without compromising the quality and efficiency of our products,” said communications manager Gabriella Bianco.

“We also aim to extend our Black is Green technology which we use to make trolleys and vacuums from superior recycled plastic.”

Long-term targets are important if a company is to stay challenging and innovative according to assistant product and brand marketeer of Greenspeed Floor Loos. The company’s key target is to reduce its impact on aquatic organisms.

“We want to keep surprising the market with high quality and sustainable concepts,” she said. “However short-term innovations are also important.”

Greenspeed manufactures microfibre

Il fut un temps où le nettoyage vert était assimilé à la protection de la nature, à la bonne gestion des forêts et à la minimisation des impacts de l’homme sur l’environnement naturel. Mais dans un passé plus récent il a pris une dimension nouvelle s’apparentant à la durabilité, de sorte qu’il couvre actuellement plusieurs autres facteurs, tels que l’attention aux personnes, l’augmentation des bénéfices, et le soutien d’œuvres de bienfaisance.

In der Vergangenheit war umweltfreundliches Reinigen synonym mit Naturschutz, der Sorgen um Wälder und damit, die Auswirkungen des Menschen auf die Umwelt auf ein Minimum zu reduzieren. Dies hat sich jedoch in letzter Zeit in das breitere Konzept der Nachhaltigkeit gewandelt und umfasst jetzt eine ganze Reihe weiterer Faktoren, wie etwa Fürsorge für Menschen, Steigerung der Profite und Unterstützung von wohltätigen Einrichtungen.

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 62

Long-term targets

products that carry the Nordic Ecolabel plus a Multi Daily cleaning detergent that bears the Gold Cradle-to-Cradle certificate.

The company’s detergent bottles are made from 25 per cent recycled PE and 75 per cent green PE derived from sugar cane.

The company is constantly working towards a circular cleaning concept. “Our dream is not only to reduce any negative impacts - but also to have a positive effect both on the user and the environment,” said Loos.

Cleaning technologies provider Kärcher sets itself long-term targets based on the results of its stakeholder survey. “In order to know where we stand we collect indicators from our 24 production and logistics sites plus the group’s central divisions every year,” said head of sustainability management Andreas Mayer. “With that database we know exactly what we have to do to meet our targets.

“These goals are evaluated within the relevant departments to ensure that they are achievable. We know we are currently doing well but we still have a way to go to achieve all our aims.”

Kärcher’s 2020 targets cover 14 overarching objectives and include a 20 per cent reduction of production-related energy consumption and turnover-related carbon dioxide emissions. “The energyefficiency of our products is expected to increase by a further 10 per cent,” said Mayer. “Equally relevant for climate protection is to further increase the proportion of organic or recycled plastic materials in the production of our machines.”

Kärcher published its second sustainability report in 2016 setting outs its achievements to date and highlighting its 2020 goals. Mayer believes that sustainability communication is vital. “Everybody is talking about sustainability but it can be difficult for customers to ascertain which companies are actively improving their performance,” he said. “I strongly believe that an active and honest communication plays a very important role.”

And he adds that the setting of longterm goals is another crucial plank in any sustainability policy. “If you don’t have a clear road map it is almost impossible to continuously improve your company’s sustainability performance,” he said.

Le “pulizie verdi” erano sinonimo di come salvaguardare la natura, conservare le foreste e minimizzare l’impatto dell’uomo sull’ambiente.

Recentemente però questo concetto si è trasformato in uno più ampio di sostenibilità ed ora abbraccia numerosi altri aspetti quali per esempio la cura delle persone, l’aumento dei profitti e il favorire altri interessi filantropici.

PRODUCTS: GREEN CLEANING

Recycled bottle

used plastic instead of crude oil and after use can serve again as resource for new bottles.

In production of its cleaning solutions and packaging, Werner & Mertz is dedicated to the Cradle to Cradle principle. www.wmprof.com

Save chemical

Werner & Mertz’s green care Professional cleaning agents are now packaged in 100 per cent recycled material. The one-litre bottle is made from 100 per cent PE recyclate of TANET SR 15.

Through its partnership with bottle producer Alpla-Werke Alwin Lehner the company has developed bottles from postconsumed plastic obtained from the Yellow Bag waste collection system. This innovation is based on a closed-loop principle in which the bottles are produced out of

TTS has made improvements to Dosely, its mechanical cleaning solution dispenser that soaks one mop at a time while on the trolley - with the option to adjust the moistness of the mops during cleaning.

This on-demand method of dosing reduces the number of soaked mops - the operative prepares only the ones they need rather then soaking them all in advance.

Thanks to the new dosage from 50 to 350 ml, the moistness of each mop can be adjusted on the spot. This means it can be set according to the dirt, size

of the area, porosity of the floor and type of mop used. Horizontal soaking reduces the amount of chemical used because only the part of the mop that will come into contact with the floor is soaked.

Dosely also has a new tank which is hermetic and easier to clean, as well as being lockable with a removable key. www.ttsystem.com

Watch the first season of ECTV now at www.ectelevision.com

• Les liquides de nettoyage Green Care Professional de Werner & Mertz sont conditionnés dans des bouteilles d’un litre fabriquées à 100 pour cent en PE recyclé.

• TTS hat den Dosely, einen mechanischen Reinigungslösungsspender für Mopps, verbessert.

• Die Reinigungslösungen Green Care Professional von Werner & Mertz sind in einer 1-Liter-Flasche erhältlich, die vollständig aus PERezyklat hergestellt werden.

• TTS a apporté des améliorations a son Dosely, dispositif qui imprègne les têtes de balayage humide d’un liquide de nettoyage.

• Le soluzioni di pulizia Green Care Professional della Werner & Mertz sono disponibili in bottiglie da un litro prodotte al 100 per cento in PE riciclato.

• La TTS ha apportato delle migliorie al suo dispenser meccanico di soluzioni di pulizia per mop Dosely.

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PRODUCTS: GREEN CLEANING

• Kärcher offre aux acheteurs de ses autolaveuses l’option de compenser les émissions de CO2 de ces machines.

• OspreyDeepclean considère que la vapeur sèche constitue la solution la plus verte qui soit pour le nettoyage de sanitaires, même pour les tâches les plus difficiles.

• La gamme des tampons de nettoyage de planchers Wecoline

by Americo est fabriquée avec du matériau de base biodégradable sur cycle entier Americo.

• Le tissu J-Cloth Biodegradable de Chicopee est à la fois compostable et biodégradable.

• Greenspeed propose des produits en microfibre portant l’écolabel Nordic Swan et combinés avec des détergents à certification du Berceau au Berceau.

• Hako déclare que la protection de l’environnement et la durabilité font partie intégrante de sa philosophie.

• Le système de collecte de détritus AlphaSplit, qui est utilisé sur les chariots de nettoyage Alpha Line de Filmop, est fabriqué en matière plastique recyclée.

• Kärcher bietet jetzt den Betreibern seiner Scheuersaugmaschinen die Option, die von ihren Maschinen erzeugten CO2-Emissionen zu kompensieren.

• Laut OspreyDeepclean ist Trockendampf die ultimative umweltfreundliche Hygienisierungslösung, die selbst für die schwierigsten Aufgaben geeignet ist.

• Die gesamte Produktreihe Wecoline

by Americo Bodenpads wird aus dem biologisch abbaubaren Basismaterial Americo Full Cycle hergestellt.

• J-Cloth Plus Biodegradable von Chicopee ist kompostierbar und biologisch abbaubar.

• Greenspeed bietet Mikrofaserprodukte, die das Nordische Umweltzeichen „Schwan“ tragen, sowie Waschmittel, die Cradle-to-Cradle-zertifiziert sind.

• Hako déclare que la protection de l’environnement et la durabilité font partie intégrante de sa philosophie.

• Das Abfallsammlungssystem AlphaSplit, das auf den Alpha Line Reinigungswagen von Filmop eingesetzt wird, wird aus recyceltem Plastik hergestellt.

• La Kärcher offre ai suoi clienti delle lavasciuga pavimenti, l’opzione di compensare le emissioni di CO2 delle loro macchine.

• La OspreyDeepclean afferma che il vapore asciutto è la soluzione definitiva “verde” di igienizzazione anche per i lavori più difficili.

• L’intera gamma di dischi per pavimenti Wecoline della Americo è stata prodotta utilizzando il materiale di base biodegradabile Full Cycle della Americo.

• I panni J-Cloth Plus Biodegradable, prodotti dalla Chicopee, sono compostabili e biodegradabili.

• La Greenspeed offre i prodotti Nordic Swan in microfibra certificati Ecolabel insieme ai detergenti con certificazione Dalla Culla Alla Culla.

• La Hako afferma che la protezione ambientale e la sostenibilità sono parti integranti della sua filosofia.

• Il sistema di raccolta dei rifiuti AlphaSplit utilizzato sui carrelli Alpha Line della Filmop è prodotto in plastica riciclata.

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 64

Climate neutral In collaboration with the climate protection consultancy ClimatePartner, Kärcher is now offering operators of its scrubber dryers the option to offset the CO2 emissions generated by their machines. This is done by calculating the annual CO2 emissions generated by the fleet

methods, (one litre of water converts to around 1,600 litres of dry steam), no chemicals are generally required and there is almost no effluent/discharge.

When used in conjunction with a vacuum, surfaces are also left touch dry ready for use with no unnecessary downtime. www.ospreydc.com

Full cycle

based on its size, models and average use. A specific amount of money per tonne of CO2 is then invested in an internationally certified climate protection project that reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate-neutral cleaning, says Kärcher, contributes to the operator’s internal sustainability targets and can have a positive impact when it comes to tenders in terms of increasing environmental protection requirements.

Together with ClimatePartner, Kärcher carries out all of the necessary steps on behalf of the operator, who can track how much CO2 has been offset online using an identification number. The carbon neutrality is confirmed by a certificate and shown on the scrubber dryers with a label. www.karcher.com

The full range of Wecoline by Americo floor pads has been made of the unique Americo Full Cycle base material. That means all pads benefit from enhanced biodegradation.

The Full Cycle material makes the floor pads decompose as soon as they arrive in an active microbial environment, such as a refuse dump. This happens in only a fraction of the time needed by the regular, standard floor pads says Wecoline.

The development of this formula is in addition to the fact that the base material is made of recycled PET material and water-based resins. www.wecoline.com

Next edition - April/May

Cloth first?

All-in-one

Greenspeed offers microfibre products with Nordic Swan Ecolabel certification together with Cradle-to-Cradle certified ecological detergents.

The company’s microfibre solutions boast long life and efficient cleaning using the minimum of water and a limited amount of cleaning agent.

Multi Daily interior and floor cleaner has achieved Cradle to Cradle Gold certification, which not only focuses on the product but on the production process and corporate social responsibility (CSR) values. www.greenspeed.eu

In the culture Hako says its core values focus on modern environmentally friendly technologies, multifunctionality and full service - all from a single source. Environmental protection and sustainability are integral parts of the company’s philosophy, it says.

The entire life cycle of a product from the initial design through the production phase and the use of the product right up to recycling and disposal are taken into consideration. www.hako.com

Dry steam

Second life

Dry steam, says OspreyDeepclean, is a truly ‘green’ way of cleaning. Dry steam is created by harnessing the power of water which - when superheated to 180°C - saponifies dirt, grease and grime on contact. The company’s most recent innovation is the cordless dry steam unit GB1.

Dry steam uses less water than more traditional cleaning

AlphaSplit - the separate waste collection system on Filmop’s AlphaLine trolleys - is made of recycled plastic coming from selected and certified suppliers according with the Plastic Second Life certification (PSV).

The recently updated designs aim to better organise the trolley spaces and concentrate the most important cleaning activities in a reduced volume. Thanks to the 90-litre bag holder with lower sliding drawer waste collection, floor mopping and storage can be condensed into 86 x 58 cm. www.filmop.com

Chicopee says its new J-Cloth Plus Biodegradable is the first compostable and biodegradable wipe available.

The design and features are based on the J-Cloth Plus, with its open, wavy texture for efficient dirt pick-up and easy rinsing. This new version, however, is also compostable, biodegradable and Food Contact Clearance (FCC) approved. www.chicopee.com

GREEN CLEANING

Clean but gasping It was in the early 2000s that studies about the harmful effects of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) were first published and the professional cleaning industry began to take notice.

Mike Sawchuk, chief business development officer for US cleaning solutions producer Avmor takes a closer look at the “no-VOCs” claim now made by many manufacturers.

better understand their ingredients and their potential negative impact on the environment.

Fortunately by this time, Green Seal, a not-for-profit organisation, ECOLOGO, GREENGUARD (both now part of UL Environment) EU-Ecolabel, and Nordic Swan had created standards and criteria – such as GS-40, Green Seal’s green standards for floor care products - to help manufacturers decipher what ingredients could and could not be included in their cleaning solutions. This would help ensure they could be green certified and proven safer for children, product users, building occupants, and the environment.

Key concerns

A 2004 study published in the British Medical Association’s journal Thorax reported that children exposed to higher levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) - in this case found in household cleaning products - were four times more likely to suffer from asthma than children who were not exposed to the household cleaning products. The researchers concluded, “given that some VOCs are carcinogenic and some may be significantly related to asthma, it is important that an increased understanding of the factors that affect their indoor concentration is achieved.”

It was in the early 2000s, when this and similar studies about the harmful impact of VOCs were first published and that the professional cleaning industry started becoming more ‘green focused’.

Jansan chemical manufacturers were re-evaluating their cleaning products to

One of the certification organisations’ key concerns was eliminating - or at least minimising - the VOCs in a cleaning product that negatively impact indoor air quality (IAQ). This also meant people in the professional cleaning industry had to learn more about VOCs to understand why this was happening. The US Natural Library of Medicine defines VOCs this way: “Volatile organic compounds, sometimes referred to as VOCs, are organic compounds that easily become vapours or gases (becoming airborne). Along with carbon, they contain elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, sulphur or nitrogen.”

In addition to posing considerable health risks as they become airborne, some VOCs contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, otherwise known as ambient ozone or more commonly, smog.

VOCs were - note the past tense because they have since been reduced from so many products - found in cleaning solutions, degreasers, paints, glues, air fresheners, wood preservatives and many more products we use daily, both in our personal lives and, for those of us in the professional cleaning industry, in our work.

The US Natural Library of Medicine also reports that some VOCs are known carcinogens, while many more are “reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens”.

Furthermore, it says: “Long-term exposure to volatile organic compounds can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Short-term exposure to volatile organic compounds can cause eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, fatigue, loss of coordination, allergic skin reactions, nausea, and memory impairment.” In most cases, this results from inhaling the VOCs. So if VOCs are so bad for our health, and we have actually suspected this for more than 25 years, why were they found in literally hundreds of products in the first place? To answer this, we could compare the use of VOCs to the example of lipsticks that include lead. We know lead can be harmful, but the lead helps the lipstick last longer on the lips and allows manufacturers to make a wider variety of pigments, explaining why it was used and why some manufacturers still continue to use it.

Similarly the VOC-containing ingredients in many products simply helped the product work more effectively. This is why, in order to reduce VOCs in their products, manufacturers of all kinds of products, from paint to cleaning solutions, had to develop ingredients that could replicate the benefits of VOCs.

The “no VOCs” claim Several jansan manufacturers of greencertified cleaning solutions throughout Europe and in North America proudly state their cleaning solutions have low or no VOCs. This suggests to facility managers, cleaning professionals and the distributors that market these products that they will have none of the health-risking effects of VOCs when they become airborne.

School administrators, for instance, concerned about asthma caused by VOCs that become airborne from cleaning solutions now can breathe a sigh of relief because they have taken a worthy step toward protecting the indoor air quality of their schools.

However, that sigh of relief by school administrators and others may be unjustiContinued page 66

February/March 2017 | ECJ |65

GREEN CLEANING Clean but gasping (continued) fied. The problem is the claim of low or no VOCs often means that there are no ozone-depleting VOCs in the product. So while the product likely will not harm the ozone layer, which protects life on Earth, it still may include VOCs that could have a negative impact on indoor air quality with possible health-risking repercussions.

Eliminating the risk Facility managers who want to select cleaning solutions that indeed have no VOCs at all can look to manufacturers that have started having their cleaning solutions dual-certified by two different certi-

fication organisations that focus on different environmental aspects. For instance Green Seal or ECOLOGO might be selected because they put considerable focus on the overall - cradle to grave - sustainability of a product while another organisation such as GREENGUARD would be asked to certify the same product because they put more emphasis on chemical emissions, which are often VOCs, that could impact indoor air quality.

Thanks to the presence of the different certification organisations, even though negative impacts on indoor air quality are

ever-present problems, we can say that those problems, at least those caused by cleaning solutions, have been reduced considerably in the past decade. However, we still have some way to go. Fortunately we can expect the jansan industry to find even more ways to help protect the air we breathe, further reducing cleaning’s impact on children, the users of the products, building occupants, and of course the environment.

Measuring VOCs The amount, or concentration, of VOCs present in the indoor air is expressed in a variety of units. Commonly used units are parts per billion (ppb), parts per million (ppm), gram per meter (gpm), and micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3). A microgram is one one-millionth of a gram. If the concentration is 1 ppb (or 1 ppm), for every billion (or million) molecules of air there is one molecule of the VOC. If the concentration is 1 µg/m3, then for every cubic meter volume of air there is 1 microgram of mass (weight) of the VOC. www.avmor.com C’est au début du présent millénaire qu’on a commencé à publier des études sur les effets nocifs des composés organiques volatiles (COV) et que le secteur du nettoyage professionnel a commencé à y prendre garde.

ECJ se penche de plus près sur la notice « sans COV » qu’affichent aujourd’hui de nombreux fabricants de solutions de nettoyage.

In den ersten Jahren des neuen Millenniums wurden zum ersten Mal Studien über die schädlichen Auswirkungen von flüchtigen organischen Verbindungen (VOCs, Volatile Organic Compounds) veröffentlicht und die professionelle Reinigungsbranche begann dem Beachtung zu schenken. ECJ wirft einen näheren Blick auf den „VOCfrei“-Anspruch, der inzwischen von vielen Herstellern von Reinigungslösungen erhoben wird.

Era nei primi anni del 2000 che gli studi sugli effetti nocivi dei COV (composti organici volatili) sono stati pubblicati e il settore del cleaning professionale ha iniziato a darne importanza. ECJ esamina da vicino le affermazioni “no-COV” attualmente sostenute da numerosi produttori di soluzioni per le pulizie.

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 66

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FEMININE HYGIENE

Creating a positive experience ECJ takes a look at the issue of menstrual equity, a new movement calling for free, tax free and/or freely available sanitary products in all women’s washrooms. This drive could present opportunities for washroom service companies, and for distributors.

In the UK, the umbrella term Duty of Care applies to a range of regulations governing how business owners and operators manage their facilities.

One of these regulations, the Controlled Waste, Duty of Care Regulations of 2002, requires business owners and operators to ensure that all ladies’ washrooms have receptacles for the disposal of feminine hygiene products. Presumably, owners and managers of commercial buildings open to the public are also bound by this regulation.

The Controlled Waste regulation goes on to state how this waste is to be stored, transported, and handled for ultimate disposal. It even requires that business and building owners and managers keep disposal records for two years.

However reviewing the regulations, it does not appear that they actually require business or building owners and managers to install feminine hygiene dispensing machines or provide feminine hygiene products in these women’s washrooms.

And as we will discuss, if they are not required, building owners and managers have many reasons to not want them installed.

February/March 2017 | ECJ | 68

A North American publication reported that a businesswoman operating a 330-person marketing company was about to give a high-level sales presentation when she realised her period had started earlier than usual. She excused herself to use the women’s washroom looking for a tampon dispenser, only to discover none was available. She returned to the conference room, worried that she might leave a stain on her dress or on her chair.

While this scenario might sound extreme, in fact what this woman experienced has happened to millions of women around the world. In an August 2013 Harris Interactive Poll of 1,072 women aged 18 and older, 86 per cent reported they have started their periods unexpectedly in public without the supplies they need.

The survey also reported the following interesting findings: • In these “unexpected” situations, nearly 80 per cent of respondents said they try to make a pad out of toilet paper.

• Sixty-two per cent said they went to a store immediately to purchase tampons.

•Thirty-four per cent said they went home to get feminine supplies.

• Fifty-three per cent said they asked another woman for supplies.

• And most worrisome, only eight per cent of those surveyed reported that in their experience, tampon and sanitary napkin dispensers in public washrooms work all the time.

In addition, more than half of the women surveyed indicated they often forget to stock feminine hygiene products in their purses and even if they did, five per cent of the women said they would never carry their purse into a washroom “because others may assume she (was having) her period.”

The birth of menstrual equity Because situations like this are so common and because so many women in North America and Europe are now in executive positions, it appears a cultural shift is happening in regards to feminine

hygiene products in the workplace specifically. To put it bluntly, tampons and the dispensers for them are coming out of the closet. And with that door opening, so are opportunities for janitorial distributors and new responsibilities for contract cleaners.

But before we can discuss these issues, we need to understand a new movement called menstrual equity. Simply stated, menstrual equity calls for having free, taxfree and/or freely available sanitary products in all women’s washrooms. According to a February 29, 2016, article in the New York Times, a growing number of advocates, entrepreneurs, and female lawmakers are… talking about menstruation publicly (and are demanding that) businesses and government take menstruation into consideration when designing, building, and renovating properties, and in a variety of other situations as well.

As to taxes on these products, Canada abolished taxes on tampon and related feminine hygiene products in 2015. And in March of 2016, then prime minister David Cameron, in a speech before the House of Commons announced that: “Britain will be able to have a zero rate for sanitary products, meaning the end of the tampon tax.” This comes after several years of campaigning against the tax imposed on sanitary items, which classified them as ‘luxury items’, which of course they are not.

Menstrual equity and distributors According to Amy Seretsky, washroom category manager at Impact-Products, which manufactures feminine hygiene dispensers and receptacles, janitorial distributors should see menstrual equity as an opportunity, “a new door opening that will help facilities address all their product needs. It’s all about creating a ‘positive guest experience,’ in this case in ladies washrooms”.

However Seretsky says many building owners not only no longer install these vending machines but often remove them from their ladies’ washrooms. Among their reasons are the following:

FEMININE HYGIENE • Many dispensers are unattractive; “they look like they belong in a service station washroom or a pub, but not in a grade A office building”.

• Many owners view purchasing these systems as an added and unwanted expense, and they can be costly to purchase and install if many are required.

• At one time these systems offered business and building owners a return on their investment; however that return today is nominal.

• Many systems break down frequently, and when they do break down, it can be hard to find someone to repair them. Often replacing them is the only option, adding to their costs.

To address this last issue, Seretsky indicates at least one company now provides, at no charge, the internal mechanisms that often need repair in sanitary products

dispensing systems. Along with providing more attractive dispensers, this makes it more likely owners and managers will select and install them in ladies’ washrooms.

“Tampons should be treated like paper towels or toilet paper, something that must be stocked in every women’s washroom,” adds Seretsky. “Providing attractive dispensing equipment and these mechanisms for free helps ensure this happens.”

ECJ se penche sur les enjeux de l’équité menstruelle, un nouveau mouvement en faveur de la distribution gratuite et détaxée de produits sanitaires dans toutes les toilettes pour femmes. Ce mouvement pourrait présenter des opportunités pour les entreprises assurant l’entretien de toilettes.

Das ECJ wirft einen Blick auf das Problem der „menstruellen Gleichheit“, eine neue Bewegung, die sich für kostenlose, steuerfreie und/ oder frei verfügbare Hygieneprodukte in allen Damenwaschräumen einsetzt. Dadurch könnten sich gute Gelegenheiten für Dienstleistungsunternehmen in Waschräumen auftun.

Contract cleaners In reference to the Duty of Care regulations mentioned earlier, feminine napkin receptacles must also be part of every women’s washroom. Many countries around the world have rules and regulations regarding how these receptacles are to be cleaned.

In addition ISSA, the worldwide cleaning

association, provides contract cleaners an easily accessible guide on proper cleaning procedures. Called Best Cleaning Practices: Feminine Care Waste Receptacles, the guidelines are available online and cover everything from how to clean and disinfect receptacles to how to ensure they are adequately cleaned by using ATPmonitoring devices.

“I know this is something most men and women don’t like to talk about, and that includes janitorial distributors and contract cleaners,” says Seretsky. “However, with cultural change and the menstrual equity movement growing stronger, we must view tampon dispensers and receptacles as one more thing we can provide and maintain for our customers.”

Dawn Shoemaker is a freelance writer in the US who frequently writes on cleaning and hygiene issues.

ECJ prende in esame la questione dell’uguaglianza mestruale, un nuovo movimento che chiede prodotti sanitari gratuiti, senza tasse e/o liberamente disponibili in tutte le sale da toilette femminili. Questa campagna protrebbe presentare delle opportunità per le imprese di servizi per le sale da toilette.

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FACILITY MANAGEMENT

FM - time to take responsibility In recent years, facility management (FM) has developed into a discipline which is increasingly able to extend its contribution to the valued added chain of business, healthcare, public administration and other sectors. FM is being integrated more and more into the core processes, thereby generating increasing value and no longer representing a simple cost factor.

Ronald Schlegel, director of Vebego Switzerland and visiting lecturer at the ZHAW Institute for Facility Management, writes a two-part feature for ECJ.

In recent years facility management has developed into a discipline which is increasingly able to extend its contribution to the valued added chain of business, healthcare, public administration and other sectors. Facility management is being integrated more and more into the core processes, thereby generating increasing value and no longer representing a simple cost factor. This brings with it greater responsibility on the part of facility management for the success of the enterprise as a whole. Are we ready to take on this responsibility? Which direction should research and development take and how should education and training be geared to meet these new demands?

Energy consumption makes great demands on Switzerland. Buildings are responsible for a significant part of end energy usage: in Switzerland in 2014, for example, this amounted to 40.7 per cent of the total consumption or 82.1 TWh (Prognos/INFRAS/TEP, 2015).

Operating systems and hence facility management have a major influence on energy usage. Experience with many properties, combined with measurements taken, shows that proper commissioning and operating optimisation can lead to efficiency improvements of over 20 per cent. What needs to change, to take advantage of these opportunities and in this case, what responsibility can facility management take on?

Demographic changes create great opportunities for facility management and at the same time represent a great challenge as a result of the increasing lack of skilled workers. A clear distinction between attendance care and nursing care can create new opportunities for division of labour and for the development of new models which can have a positive impact on costs.

Global trends Demographic developments - In many countries, particularly in the industrialised world, the average age of the population is rising rapidly and the classic age pyramid

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is becoming an “urn�. In Germany, for example, the proportion of over 65s is expected, depending on the scenario, to grow to over 50 per cent by 2050 (D-Statistics, Federal Office of National Statistics population pyramid). The needs of this rapidly growing population group represent major opportunities and challenges for facility management.

Independence and self-reliance are extremely important for most people even in old age and have a crucial influence on their quality of life. Although people, even in the higher age groups, are now on average considerably healthier and more active, the costs of nursing and care in the final years of life are rising sharply.

As a result of demographic developments, this increasing number of pensioners is faced with a smaller number of workers. It is thus not only the cost which presents a problem but also the shortage of skilled labour which represents a major challenge.

There is an opportunity for facility management here to play a significant role and take on added responsibility. To maintain their independence, older people often have no need of nursing care for years but instead need help with daily living activities. Many of the latter services are at present provided by trained nursing staff. Where this support is no longer possible, this is often the reason for the loss of independence. Where help with daily living activities can be undertaken by professional providers employing appropriately trained but considerably cheaper staff and where modern technology and digitalisation can be used, this can result in a significant improvement in quality of life and reduce costs at the same time. Cooperation between facility management services and the Spitex organisations can lead to a substantial reduction in costs.

The implementation of this sort of approach and the systematic use of new technology is gaining increasing ground, in spite of the shortage of trained staff

FACILITY MANAGEMENT in the hospital and care sector. Modern technology should be employed to enable best use of the valuable time for direct contact between carers and their clients.

Sustainability - “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

(Brundtland report 1987) The three dimensions - social, environmental and economic - should be given equal weight.

Sustainability is viewed increasingly as a factor of success: investors demand sustainability reports and many companies have committed themselves to the principle of sustainability, whereby facility management assumes a very important role. There are property funds, such as the CS Green Property Funds for example, which follow the rules of the sustainable property industry and are thus valued more highly; and there are institutional investors who will increasingly only invest in sustainable assets. The Dow Jones Sustainability Index has been tracking the sustainability of companies since 1999.

As far as the general public is concerned, certain aspects of sustainability are playing an increasingly greater part in influencing

decisions for or against a particular product. Initiatives towards a ‘green’ economy are becoming more frequent and ‘green’ politicians are increasingly not the only ones familiar with the concept of the ecological footprint.

Sustainability is by definition a long-term consideration and thus inevitably requires operating systems to take centre stage.

Operating systems imply a key role for facility management.

Facility management serves both user and investor and is consequently paid for and measured by both of them: comfort, services and costs are the parameters. To achieve sustainability, facility management must be able to influence the process at an early stage and be involved in the entire process: not advisory but responsible. This means that appropriate incentives must be offered and that facility management has the necessary competence and skills to take on this responsibility.

A substantial element of sustainability is related to energy consumption or emissions of greenhouse gases like CO2.

The proportion of end energy usage by buildings in Switzerland in 2014 reached 40.7 per cent or 82.1 TWh (Prognos, TEP, 2015). Facility management has a major effect on this energy usage.

Experience with many properties,

Ces dernières années, le facility management est devenu un discipline toujours plus capable d’apporter une contribution à la chaîne de valeur ajoutée du commerce, de l’industrie, de la santé, de l’administration publique et d’autres secteurs. Le facility management se trouve intégré toujours plus dans des processus centraux, générant de ce fait une valeur accrue et ne représentant plus un facteur de coût simple.

In den letzten Jahren hat sich das Facility Management (FM) zu einer Disziplin entwickelt, die ihren Beitrag in zunehmendem Maße auf die Wertschöpfungskette des Handels, des Gesundheitswesens, der öffentlichen Verwaltung und anderer Bereiche ausweiten kann. FM wird verstärkt in Kernprozesse integriert, und dadurch trägt es verstärkt zur Wertschöpfung bei und stellt nicht mehr einfach einen Kostenfaktor dar.

Factor of success

combined with measurements taken, shows that proper commissioning of systems and installations along with optimisation of operation can bring about an increase in efficiency of over 20 per cent. In Switzerland, for example, this could lead to a saving of 16.4 TWh which in turn corresponds to a saving of around eight per cent of end energy consumption.

Facility management can and must make a significant contribution to energy transition.

Significant change Digitalisation - In the modern world we seem to be always online and fully networked. Machines and equipment are also increasingly connected to the Internet of Things. Algorithms can today determine what information we receive, which products we are likely to buy and which partners we should look for.

Robots, drones, advanced sensor technology and automation, the Internet of Things, Building Information Modelling (BIM) etc – these are all becoming more important day by day. They also form the basis of many innovations in facility management.

Digitalisation changes the processes linking buildings and facilities just as significantly as in all other areas. With BIM at the core of the operation buildings can be developed, planned, built and commissioned in a completely different way. The use of modern technology such as robots and automation can bring about significant change to activities and business models at the facility services level. The key task of facility management must be to integrate data streams from the various systems and sources into a profitable whole. Digital connectivity between property owners and operating company, production and users is essential to ensure integration and achieve process optimisation. This improves the quality of the value added and increases productivity.

Digitalisation can thus provide facility management with the opportunity to fulfil its role as integrator even more effectively.

•In the April/May edition of ECJ Ronald Schlegel will explore new opportunities for and responsibilities of the FM industry.

Negli ultimi anni, il facility management (FM) si è trasformato in una disciplina incredibilmente in grado di estendere il suo contributo alla catena del valore aggiunto delle imprese, del settore sanitario, delle amministrazioni pubbliche e di altri settori. Il facility management (FM) viene sempre più integrato nei processi primari, generando quindi ulteriore valore e non più rapresentando un semplice fattore di costo.

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NEW PRODUCT REVIEW

• La société Hygiena a lancé l’Insite, un test de dépistage de la salmonelle sur surfaces en contact avec les aliments, sur équipements alimentaires, et sur échantillons d’ambiance.

• Holchem, un spécialiste des techniques d’hygiène, a lancé un atelier de formation en ligne où le visiteur peut réserver des cours de formation.

• Le distributeur Untouchable, qui recourt à un détecteur infrarouge, représente la plus récente des solutions Ophardt pour l’hygiène des mains.

• Buzil a développé une peinture à émulsion brillante multi-usage pour planchers, la Corridor Complete S732 • Liquiproof a développé un revêtement de mur super-hydrofuge qui fait rejaillir toute urine qui frappe le mur.

• Lindhaus a lancé les aspirateurs polyvalents LS38L-ion pour le traitement de planchers et moquettes.

• Insite von Hygiena ist ein Test, um Oberflächen, die mit Nahrungsmitteln in Kontakt kommen, Verarbeitungsgeräte und allgemeine Umweltproben, auf Salmonellen zu prüfen.

• Hersteller von Hygienetechnologielösungen Holchem hat einen Online-Shop für Schulungen vorgestellt, in dem Besucher Schulungskurse buchen können.

• Bei Untouchable handelt es sich um die neueste Handhygienelösung von Ophardt: ein Spender mit Infrarotsensortechnologie.

• Buzil hat eine glänzende Mehrzweckemulsion für Böden entwickelt – Corridor Complete S732.

• Liquiproof hat einen extrem wasserabweisenden Wandanstrich entwickelt, der Urin, das die Wand trifft, vollständig abweist.

• Neu von Lindhaus ist die Multifunktions-Kehr-Saugmaschine LS38L-ion für Böden und Teppiche.

• Insite della Hygiena è un test per lo screening della Salmonella per le superfici a contatto con i prodotti alimentari, le attrezzature per il trattamento e per campioni ambientali generali.

• La Holchem, specializzata in soluzioni di tecnologia dell’igiene ha lanciato un sito di training online sul quale i visitatori possono prenotare corsi di training.

• Untouchable è la più nuova soluzione per l’igiene delle mani della Ophardt, si tratta di un dispenser che utilizza la tecnologia a sensori a raggi infrarossi.

• La Buzil ha sviluppato l’emulsione lucida multiuso per pavimenti Corridor Complete S732.

• La Liquiproof ha sviluppato un trattamento super-idrorepellente per le pareti che fa rimbalzare indietro l’urina quando questa raggiunge la parete.

• La novità della Lindhaus è la spazzatrice a estrazione multifunzioni LS38L-ion per pavimenti e moquette.

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Salmonella test Hygiena International says its InSite Salmonella microorganism colorimetric test is rapid, convenient and extremely accurate. It combines both swab, pre-enrichment and selective enrichment in a single self-contained swab device for testing environmental surfaces, giving results in 24 hours.

According to the European Food Safety Authority, around 100,000 cases of Salmonella are reported every year in the EU. In-Site is designed for use on food contact surfaces, processing equipment and general environmental samples - it combines the principal steps of pre-enrichment and selective enrichment in an all-in-one swab device.

The test consists of a large sponge swab pre-wetted with a neutralising agent – to counter the effects of residual sanitisers – and a pre-enrichment broth to enable the detection of low numbers of Salmonella. www.hygiena.com

hygiene within healthcare.

The Untouchable is a no-touch multifunctional system that automatically dispenses water, soap and disinfectant from one unit using infrared sensor technology. It comes in various versions for either tabletop or wall installation.

Also touchless is the compact dispenser system RX5 T which allows the user to carry out their hand hygiene routine almost anywhere. And for hand disinfection in public places the Praesidio no-touch unit combines classic design, ease of use and a stainless steel column which is adjustable in height. www.ophardt.com

Keep up to date with latest news at the ECJ website

All-rounder

Training shop Hygiene technology solutions specialist Holchem has launched an online training shop where users can book a number of different training courses.

This shop is an extension to the company’s existing website which includes washroom hygiene and cleaning equipment.

Courses are run throughout the year across the UK and customers can book education in Cleaning Technology and Control; Food Processing Hygiene Management; Cleaning In Place; Listeria Management; and Allergen Management. www.holchem.co.uk

For hands From Ophardt there are a number of innovations around hand

Corridor Complete S 732 is a new multi-purpose glass emulsion based on metal ion crosslinked polymers and suitable for use on water-resistant floor coverings, such as PVC, rubber, linoleum, stone, sealed parquet, and cork.

Developed by Buzil it boasts ease of use, good dispersive capacity, short drying times, and value for money. Its even and glossy protective film acts as a dirt repellent and its durability makes it suitable for high-speed polishing.

Available in one- and fivelitre containers. www.buzil.com

Protective A London district has been trialling a new splashback wall coating designed to deter street urination. The Brixton Business Improvement District (BID) has commissioned the developer of specialist protectant sprays Liquiproof to coat walls in Brixton town centre with a superhydrophobic treatment.

The coating is a specialist compound featuring silica dioxide which forms an invisible, protective coating over the brick work making it impenetrable to liquid and easier to clean. It also provides mild antigraffiti protection.

The treated walls now splash back urine if it hits the wall, covering the offender’s shoes and clothes instead of local buildings and walls that are left smelling and looking unsightly.

The specific locations of the treated walls are being closely guarded, but if successful the Liquiproof treatment will be rolled out across various other spots around the BID area. www.liquiproof.co.uk

Vacuum sweeper New from Lindhaus is the LS38L-ion, a mini multifunctional vacuum sweeper for floors and carpets. Low noise levels and ease of use are key features of this machine, says the manufacturer, thanks to its ergonomic 100 g handle, aluminium telescopic wand and lightweight lithium battery with run time up to 50 minutes.

Low 14 cm height enables easy cleaning under furniture, with other features including a patented mechanical collection and suction system called ‘twin force’, six-stage filtration system and optional dry cleaning.

LS38 is also available as an electric version. www.lindhaus.it