INCLEAN March-April 2021

DELIVERING SUSTAINABLE HYGIENE INFORMATION

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March / April 2021

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EDITOR’S LETTER

INCLEAN is published by The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd on behalf of ISSA – The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association.

41 Bridge Road, Glebe NSW 2037 Australia MANAGING DIRECTOR: Simon Grover PUBLISHER: Simon Cooper MANAGING EDITOR Claire Hibbit Email: chibbit@intermedia.com.au Phone: 02 8586 6140 NATIONAL ADVERTISING MANAGER: Samantha Ewart Email: sewart@intermedia.com.au Phone: 02 8586 6106 PRODUCTION MANAGER: Jacqui Cooper PRODUCTION ASSISTANT: Natasha Jara GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Alyssa Coundouris Print Post Approved Publication No. PP: 255003/09765 AUSTRALIAN SUBSCRIPTION RATE 12 months (6 issues) - $66 (inc. GST) To subscribe call 1800 651 422 subscriptions@intermedia.com.au

INCLEAN is owned by ISSA ABN: 44 617 407 020 P: +61 2 9890 4951 A: Suite 1, Level 1, 52 O’Connell Street, Parramatta, NSW, 2150 W: www.issa.com DISCLAIMER: This publication is published by The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd (the Publisher). Materials in this publication have been created by a variety of different entities and, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher accepts no liability for materials created by others. All materials should be considered protected by Australian and international intellectual property laws. Unless you are authorised by law or the copyright owner to do so, you may not copy any of the materials. The mention of a product or service, person or company in this publication does not indicate the Publisherís endorsement. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Publisher, its agents, company officers or employees.

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Editor’s letter

P

rofessional cleaning training and certification is more important than ever, especially when the industry is immersed in an ever-changing and challenging situation like a pandemic.

In our training feature this issue, we speak to industry trainers on why cleaning companies must ensure their initiatives assist with infection control and help prepare the next generation of leaders.

Also in this issue, examine how cleaning companies have adjusted to the 21st century customer – one that is more knowledgeable about the industry than ever before – and why your cleaning teams need to demonstrate they are experts in the cleaning, sanitising, and disinfecting of in customers’ facilities.

In our sustainability feature, we look at how to enhance sustainability with smart solutions and how internet-connected devices can help meet you people, planet, and profit goals.

Meanwhile, our restoration focus highlights the power of connected restoration equipment that speeds set up, job monitoring, and documentation while building up your reputation.

And, if you’re just starting out or thinking of giving your company a marketing makeover, we have five tips to help give your company the image it needs to find success.

As the sector’s trade magazine, we are focused on keeping the industry connected and informed. If you have a positive news story to share with the team, please get in touch at info@incleanmag.com.au.

Happy reading

Claire Hibbit Managing Editor

FOR MORE INDUSTRY NEWS FOLLOW US ON

CHECK OUT WWW.INCLEANMAG.COM.AU

The Intermedia Group takes its corporate and social responsibilities seriously and is committed to reducing its impact on the environment. We continuously strive to improve our environmental performance and to initiate additional CSR based projects and activities.

As part of our company policy we ensure that the products and services used in the manufacture of this magazine are sourced from environmentally responsible suppliers.

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PEFC certified wood and paper products come from environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of forests.

The wrapping used in the delivery process of this magazine is 100 per cent biodegradable.

www.incleanmag.com.au 5

What’s on 2021 Interclean China 19-21 April 2021

The event is the first international trade exhibition for the local cleaning industry. www.intercleanchina.com

The Cleaning Show 8-10 June 2021

The UK’s largest cleaning and hygiene event will be held at Excel London. www.cleaningshow.co.uk

ISSA Show Canada 9-11 June 2021

ISSA Show Canada is Canada’s leading trade show for facility service providers. www.canadashow.issa.com

ISSA Pulire

7-9 September 2021 Italy’s professional cleaning exhibition will be held in Verona. www.pulire-it.com/it

MOST CLICKED www.incleanmag.com.au

ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo approved for Business Event Grant Wed 15 - Thu 16 September 2021

Newmarket Room, Clean NZEllerslie Racecourse, Auckland, New Zealand

15-16 September 2021

Clean NZ is New Zealand’s only dedicated trade event for the cleaning industry. www.cleannzexpo.co.nz

CMS

21-24 September 2021 Europe’s leading cleaning trade fair will take place in Berlin. www.cms-berlin.de

ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo 12-13 October 2021

The cleaning industry’s premier trade event will be held at ICC Sydney. www.issacleaninghygieneexpo.com

Total Facilities

12-13 October 2021 The FM event will coincide with the ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo at ICC Sydney. www.totalfacilities.com.au 6 INCLEAN March / April 2021

Australia’s only expo for the cleaning industry approved for Business Event Grant.

Essity enters agreement to acquire Asaleo Care Essity to acquire remaining 63.8 per cent of shares in the company.

Scentre Group agrees to boost pandemic reporting Westfield operator to report on how it prevents wage theft in cleaning contracts and manages cleaning workloads.

Victorian cleaning operator penalised Ballarat cleaning business boss fined after failing to pay workers on time.

Cleaning Accountability Framework awarded $1 million grant CAF receives Fair Work Ombudsman’s Community Engagement Grants Program to develop certification framework.

Quayclean Australia launches Quay Academy Quayclean creates Quay Academy to train, mentor, and develop talent across the organisation.

ON THE COVER With more than 65 store locations in Australia and New Zealand, RapidClean offer high quality cleaning products, excellent service with honest and knowledgeable advice. Read more about RapidClean’s latest offerings including its online training and new ordering portal, designed for the facilities management industry, and developed in collaboration with leading facility management companies, from page 16.

IN THIS ISSUE MARCH / APRIL 2021

ISSUE #2 VOLUME 34

Features

08 Cleanstar – 15 years strong How the ability to pivot has kept Cleanstar 15 years strong.

56

20 A disinfection program for the 21st century customer Understanding and adapting to the 21st century customer.

22 Disinfectant wipes – How and why do they meet the challenge of COVID-19?

Protecting against multiple pathogens including SARS-CoV-2.

24 Nine cornerstones of infection prevention for non-healthcare facilities An infection prevention programme checklist.

8

26 Training on trend The importance of training to help prepare the next generation of industry leaders.

32 Peering into GBAC A powerful and positive influence on the global cleaning industry.

34 Enhancing sustainability with smart solutions How internet-connected devices help you meet your people, planet, and profit goals.

Regulars

05 Editor’s letter 12 Industry news 16 Cover story 44 Opinion 50 Products

24

32

38 Power of connected restoration equipment A look at the rise of smart restoration equipment and technology.

42 Five ways to brand your cleaning business Why good branding is good business.

38 www.incleanmag.com.au 7

INDUSTRY // SPONSORED

15 years strong How the ability to pivot has kept Cleanstar and XPOWER 15 years strong.

®

“

We work with the best manufacturers in the world to produce long lasting quality and safe product.

”

8 INCLEAN March / April 2021

T

he ability to adapt and pivot has been the secret to Cleanstar’s 15 years success, according to co-founder, Lisa Michalson.

Started by husband-and-wife team Garth and Lisa Michalson under its former name Vacstar, the Melbourne-based business is a leading Australian brand of cleaning machinery, parts and accessories.

“Garth and I had been married and with our first daughter. At the time, Garth was working in the wholesale division of a major vacuum cleaner business. When the business was sold to a private equity firm, we decided to bite the bullet and start Cleanstar,” explains Michalson.

“We thought, if we started our own business, we could offer better service and we would not compete with our distributors. Garth did not

want to be hamstrung by the inertia of working for a corporate organisation, making decisions, reacting quickly with no limitations. But personally, we wanted to achieve something for us and our family and not look back at life later on and regret not doing this.

“Not long after the business started and we begun to get some good traction with our sales and range of product in the industry, we received a legal letter, with one demand to change our business name.

“After many months of legal back and forth we came to an agreement, we changed our name to Cleanstar and continued to trade. As a matter of fact, we started to thrive and the whole experience made us stronger in life and business. In hindsight it was a blessing. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!”

INDUSTRY // SPONSORED Since then, the wholesaler of commercial and domestic vacuum cleaner bags, filters, spare parts, and equipment, has become a market leader in both domestic and commercial sectors, with an extensive portfolio of products and brands.

“We moved into a new warehouse facility that was 20 times bigger than what we started in and have now outgrown our current site and are looking at a bigger facility to cater to our growing business.”

In 2019, Cleanstar won the INCLEAN Innovation Award at the 2019 ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo for its Mira 40 battery powered scrubber dryer, and have even had one of their vacuum cleaners available at Australia’s largest retailer, Bunnings.

“We work with the best manufacturers in the world to produce long lasting quality and safe product. This is our priority. You can’t always be the cheapest and have the best quality product.”

ADAPTING DURING TIMES OF CHANGE In response to the pandemic, Cleanstar has expanded its offering and has become a leading supplier of medical supplies, PPE, surgical face masks, face shields, sanitisers, disinfecting foggers and social distancing signage.

Last year, Cleanstar was seeking partners to produce face masks as its vacuum cleaner bags are made from the same fabric as disposable face masks, in response to the unprecedented demand caused by the global coronavirus outbreak.

“We adapt every day and pivot our business according to the market and surroundings. From the onset of COVID, we reacted quickly and imported items such as PPE and related products that allowed our distributors to have easy access to product during this time.

“We are very in touch with our massive distribution and service network and therefore are always adding new and innovative products to our range.

“We are not a corporate company or owned by an international company like a lot of our competitors, so it’s easy for us to keep close to our network. Our phones run hot all day as people still prefer to talk to us, which is great, because for us it’s all about human relationships.”

Its sister brand, XPOWER, was launched in 2008 to run alongside Cleanstar. XPOWER is a major worldwide brand of restoration equipment including air-movers, dryers, air scrubbers and dehumidifiers.

INDUSTRY // SPONSORED “We innovate with XPOWER to produce excellent quality product. The fusion of the two brands has become a powerhouse and like Cleanstar, we will continue to grow and improve the XPOWER product range,” says Michalson.

“When we step back and look at Cleanstar, we are incredibly happy with our business. That we range such an extensive range of product to cater for many industries and the list keeps growing.

“We have created the Cleanstar brand from the ground up.

We have made this proudly Australian brand into a strong one, with excellent product and service. We are proud of what we and our team have achieved.”

CREATIVELY UPPING THE ANTE When it comes to marketing in the cleaning industry, Cleanstar has upped the ante.

“We believe we have brought a youthful and refreshed perspective into the industry with our marketing campaigns,” says Lisa, “but boy has it evolved since we first started!”

“I chuckle to myself when I look at the advertising, but you have to start somewhere. One thing I did know was that you have to keep pumping out the advertising.”

More recently, it has increased its team of marketers and designers and its own marketing company.

Cleanstar launches a new creative campaign each year.

Previous campaign highlights have included, ‘Who is Cleanstar’ in 2018, and Homegrown released in 2019, which reflected the company’s local heritage.

Its 2020 campaign, ‘20/20 Vision’, combined the company’s two flagship brands, Cleanstar and XPOWER, for the first time.

In 2021, the Cleanstar/XPOWER brand will mark 15 years, with this represented in a simple campaign, ‘15 years strong’.

The creative features the two-company logos of Cleanstar and XPOWER merged together, with a bold blue background.

“It is very important to us that we represent our business in a very creative way and each year it is different according to the position of our business at that time.”

The ‘15 years strong’ campaign will roll out throughout its distribution, retail and service networks across multiple channels including digital, social and print.

Print advertising includes trade magazines, brochures, and banners. Cleanstar also produces a catalogue each year in both print and digital versions.

“As we have evolved, we have become more sophisticated with our design and marketing.”

As part of the ’15 years strong’ campaign general merchandise such as floor mats and shopping bags will also be branded.

Cleanstar’s social media platforms include Instagram, Facebook and a YouTube channel. Cleanstar will also be showcasing its new campaign at the ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo in Sydney in October.

Following on from the success of its own marketing, Cleanstar launched Starred Marketing in 2019.

“Starred Marketing is a separate division of our company and has really taken off,” explains Michalson.

Starred Marketing first launched to service the commercial cleaning industry, with clients including Melbourne Cleaning Supplies, B&G Supplies, Adelaide Cleaning Supplies, and WA Cleaning & Equipment Repairs, however, the company has since expanded to cater to a broader range of clientele and industries.

10 INCLEAN March / April 2021

INDUSTRY // SPONSORED

“

We have created the Cleanstar brand from the ground up. We have made this proudly Australian brand into a strong one, with excellent product and service.

”

“Good, innovative design is what Starred Marketing is based on. We have prepared marketing for many cleaning supplies houses and retail businesses in the industry, general businesses in the beauty industry, restaurants, and design for interior of homes.

“Businesses need to understand that marketing is an investment to business.

The advertising needs to be consistent and needs to stand out. Our work is displayed on social media and can be seen at www.starred.com.au.”

HOMEGROWN INNOVATION As for the future, Michalson says Cleanstar will continue to keep doing what it does best – developing innovative, quality-made products.

“We are always looking to add innovative and relevant product to our range, keep our customer service level high, and also make sure our stock levels are good.

“Due to the pandemic, most importers in Australia have been experiencing delays in manufacture and delivery of goods along with increased costs.

“In saying this, we have put our money where our mouth is and have been investing in higher levels of stock so that we don’t run out.

“We are very much on top of these issues and want to make sure that we continue to supply our product as reliably as always, with the quality control maintained.”

Battery powered product is coming to the XPOWER range soon, with the team looking forward to introducing this to the industry.

“Cleanstar/XPOWER will just go from strength to strength. As our brands get stronger and we continue to grow our product range, our business will continue to thrive. We are excited.”

Cleanstar is currently working on a new product that will be supplied to the professional and home cleaner.

“Designed in Australia, we are currently working with local manufacturers to make sure the product is made here.

“During these times, we want to offer an Aussie made product that we can sell locally but also export. Watch this space!” ■

®

INDUSTRY NEWS

New I&I cleaning chemical market report identifies key success factors

ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo approved for Business Event Grant Prospective exhibitors, sponsors and delegates for the ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo have received a boost with the show being confirmed as an approved event under the Australian Government’s Business Events Grants program.

Established in response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, the $50 million Business Events Grants program was launched to empower the business events sector and help Australian companies participate in major business to business events in the 2021 calendar.

In late 2020 ISSA prepared its submission to have the ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo recognised on the approved events list for the Business Events Grant. The application was successful and now the show is on the Schedule of Approved Business Events.

The Grants program will provide potential businesses with financial assistance to attend and exhibit at approved expos, conferences, or conventions throughout the year – including the ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo. The program will support these businesses by providing grants between $10,000 and $250,000.

Eligible exhibitors, sponsors and delegates can apply and may be directly reimbursed for up to 50 per cent of the costs to attend or exhibit at this pre-approved event. Grants may cover event costs including travel, accommodation, marketing and promotional materials, 12 INCLEAN March / April 2021

exhibition registration, stand development, equipment hire, and networking functions.

“We are thrilled for ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo to be listed on the Schedule of Approved Events for the Business Events Grants Program,” said Lauren Micallef, ISSA Oceania manager.

“It highlights the importance of Australia’s only dedicated cleaning and hygiene show for the entire industry, and at the same time provides significant support for our valued exhibitors and sponsors.”

The ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo – Australia’s only dedicated cleaning and hygiene show – runs from 12-13 October 2021 at the International Convention Centre Sydney. Hosted

by ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, this event convenes more than 3,000 industry decision-makers annually.

Eligible applicants can apply now.

Applications close at 5pm on 30 March 2021 AEST, or when all funding has been allocated.

For full details including eligibility and applications, visit the Business Events Grants page. Questions about grant applications, eligibility or the program guidelines should be directed to the Business Grants Hub by calling 13 28 46 or email business. events@industry.gov.au.

For information about the ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo visit the website or contact Samantha Ewart by calling (612) 8586 6106 or email sewart@incleanmag.com.au.

The new Industrial and Institutional Cleaning Chemicals Market Report, Forecast to 2027, has been released by market research company, Frost & Sullivan.

It is the only report of this nature for the Australian I&I cleaning chemicals market.

“The previous report in this title was in 2014 – reason enough for a new publication,” said Dr Jennifer Semple, Innovation & Education Manager, Accord Australasia.

“But the timing of this report is also highly strategic. That is, to capture market shifts due to COVID-19 and particularly to identify opportunities for businesses in this sector arising from the pandemic-related ‘spotlight on cleaning’.”

Sustainability – particularly green labels and sustainable packaging – was identified as increasingly important to long-term competitive advantage. As was business agility and the ability to leverage digital technology.

Industry collaboration to improve cleaningrelated messaging was identified as another critical opportunity. Such efforts would potentially help to influence proportionate regulation and encourage more proactive and robust cleaning regimes, in turn helping to future-proof public and private sector customers.

The report delivers qualitative and quantitative analysis of the post–COVID-19 business environment. It provides forecasts and trends, describes the demand for I&I cleaning and hygiene products as different end-markets recover from the effects of the pandemic, and presents an extensive analysis of the competitive environment.

The sectors covered by the report include building care, kitchen hygiene, hand hygiene, laundry, food and beverage cleaning and other commercial cleaning chemicals.

Accord has partnered with Frost & Sullivan to deliver and promote the report. Accord will also be hosting member company briefings to discuss the key findings – for more information contact Stephanie Hollands at shollands@accord.asn.au.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Polivac redesigns Stealth high-speed battery-operated floor polisher

Academy’s key appointment confirmed ahead of rebrand Academy Services has announced James Pollock has been appointed to the role of CEO. Pollock has been acting CEO for the past year, driving a company and brand transformation.

The 41-year-old cleaning company will be rebranded as ServiceFM this year, moving towards a facilities services model with the motto Everything’s Connected.

During his tenure in the acting role, Pollock has reviewed and upgraded internal reporting and business systems, improved organisational capability and overseen major brand and marketing changes.

Aimed at the business transformation, these changes have already proved beneficial to the organisation as it navigates the COVID environment.

“This company is maturing and moving in an exciting new direction – progressing to the next level in terms of systems, processes and level of sophistication,” Pollock said.

“We are positioning ourselves for the next phase of growth and I look forward to introducing our new brand to the market.”

Pollock has vast experience in management consultancy, local government and the oil and gas industry.

Polivac has redesigned the Stealth high-speed battery-operated polisher, which is now equip with more features to improve efficiency.

It is powered with 2000 rpm pad speed which is ideal for using on hard floors with high foot traffic. This machine is armed with an on-board battery charger hence It eliminates the need of using electric cord.

“Technology is considered as an engine of change, hence at Polivac we believe in using new innovative technology for our machines to keep up with the changing world,” the company said.

“Polivac believes in manufacturing machines which envisions the future and delivers performs as per changing market requirements hence with advancing times we have decided to redesign Stealth with new dynamic features and elegant look.”

The new Stealth will have a modern look and will be embedded with features such as operator friendly interface handle which helps in elevating operator’s efficiency. The noise level will be lower as compared to traditional machines.

Whiteley supports ISSA as Gold Education Sponsor Whiteley Corporation, manufacturers of disinfectants for healthcare, floor maintenance and industrial cleaning products, has become a Gold Education Sponsor of ISSA. The company’s new sponsorship will support multiple webinars on hot industry topics. Whiteley will also be co-sponsor for the ISSA Cleaning and Hygiene Expo Education Theatre.

“Whiteley is delighted to become a Gold Education Sponsor. We have a long association with the cleaning industry and enhancing knowledge and education for the sector,” said Dr Greg Whiteley.

“Our founder, Reg Whiteley assisted in the establishment of the National Cleaning Suppliers association, prior to its amalgamation with ISSA. Education is

14 INCLEAN March / April 2021

vital for the advancement of the cleaning industry and a core element of our product offer. We are totally committed to ensuring the success of our education partnership with ISSA.” In keeping with ISSA’s global promise to ‘change the way the world views cleaning’, in 2021, ISSA Oceania will be placing a greater focus around education, and industry networking in the region.

“We’re excited to see Whiteley, a global innovator with over 85 years in manufacturing and a strong background in research and education, as the first supporter of the 2021 ISSA Education Program,” said Lauren Micallef, ISSA Oceania manager.

“As an industry association, our aim is to work in close collaboration with the

industry to deliver services that are in need. We are grateful for the support of our members and sponsors who help us develop new quality tools and services, and we hope to see more industry players get involved.”

ISSA provides its members with comprehensive industry-leading training, education, and certification programs.

From the global ISSA Online Learning Institute to local public workshops, free member webinars and bespoke training solutions tailored to your organisation’s learning and development needs, ISSA Oceania training ensures access to the global knowledge and resources, adapted to the regional market requirements in consultation with acknowledged local industry experts.

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Their aim is to deliver their customers consistent and reliable supply of quality products combined with great local service.

With the collective turnover of over $100m, RapidClean utilise their buying power to offer their customers huge savings whilst supporting them with their experience and product knowledge.

KEY ACCOUNTS RapidClean’s Key Account program is an ideal package for customers who like to select their customised product range at Head Office level and negotiate prices utilising their collated buying power complemented with a centralised accounts system.

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RapidClean is set apart from multi-national competitors by their delivery system and that all profits stay in Australia and New Zealand. The products are delivered to their customers by a local RapidClean team member who knows exactly what’s in the box, how it works and how to service it. This unique system offers RapidClean customers a “one-stop-shop” solution.

ONLINE SUPPORT & TRAINING RapidClean products are supported by a complete package of educational material including safety data sheets (SDS), product information sheets, risk assessment sheets, wall charts, training manuals and 14 online training courses. These are easily accessible from their website www.rapidclean.com.au. The most popular training course is the FREE online Safe Chemical Handing course which is a must for companies with staff using cleaning chemicals.

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WHY CHOOSE RAPIDCLEAN? RapidClean has been trading for over 30 years RapidClean have over 65 stores in Australia and New Zealand RapidClean are Australian and New Zealand owned and operated RapidClean have a huge range of cleaning, catering, packaging and safety supplies RapidClean stock the best products from the best suppliers RapidClean sell and service major brands of cleaning equipment RapidClean offer centralised Key Accounts for large customers RapidClean uses their huge buying power to secure cost savings for customers RapidClean is Quality Assured

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RapidClean and Huhtamaki Tailored Packaging (HTP) partnership continues in 2021.

The RapidClean-Huhtamaki Tailored Packaging (HTP) partnership is based on strong relationships, great products and quality service.

The long term relationship began to flourish in 2010 and has

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members now spending in excess of $5 Million per annum across the HTP range of products. HTP manufactures the RapidClean branded range of garbage bags which are a high quality cost effective waste management solution.

Huhtamaki Tailored Packaging (HTP) is a National business with warehousing and logistics facilities located in 5 State capital cities, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. Each site is HACCP certified and is located close to major network hubs for ease of distribution and service to customers to ensure prompt supply.

QUALITY PARTNERSHIP The RapidClean Huhtamaki Tailored Packaging (HTP) partnership platform is not only built on collaboration and mutual engagement between both Head Offices, but re-enforced by highly knowledgeable and experienced RapidClean store owners and staff in their 56 sites.

Supported by Account Managers across the country, HTP provide valuable assistance to service member’s needs who in turn facilitate the One Stop Shop policy.

HTP conduct additional audits in line with compliance as a signatory member of the Australian Packaging Covenant and are also signatory members of SEDEX (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange) which covers responsible, sustainable and ethical sourcing and work place conditions throughout the supply stream from raw materials at source to the customer’s store.

Over the past 10 years RapidClean have acknowledged HTP at their annual conference where they have been awarded for Supplier excellence and recognition of support.

HTP advise that it is an honour and a privilege to be part of the RapidClean family.

PRODUCT RANGE The exclusive Rapid branded range of garbage bags from kitchen tidys ( 18L, 27L & 36L ) through to the LDPE range from 54L to 240L are all high Quality products designed to meet RapidClean’s strict product specifications. They are designed to be cost effective combined with excellent performance through utilising tough LDPE film, the strong star seal design and easy dispensing packaging. The garbage bags have a high quality presentation with Rapid livery emblazoned on the internal packet with prominent product codes for ease of re-ordering.

This ensures RapidClean customers have a garbage bag for all waste management applications, ideal for mid to heavyweight purposes in restaurants, clubs, hotels, councils and contractors.

RapidClean members are confident of the products from HTP as their manufacturing plants are all accredited and certified and subject to regular audits by globally recognised bodies such as SGS, Bureau Veritas and Intertek.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Cleaning Accountability Framework awarded $1 million grant The Cleaning Accountability Framework (CAF) has been awarded $1 million from the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Community Engagement Grants Program to develop its certification framework.

The grant was awarded to the scheme for the development and delivery of the CAF certification framework in relation to contract cleaning and security for the higher education sector nationally.

CAF certification promotes and assesses compliance with federal workplace laws by educating and engaging with all tiers of the supply chain.

The Fair Work Ombudsman awarded a total of $7.2 million to five not-for-profit organisations to provide vulnerable groups with advice, information, and assistance about workplace laws. Funding will be provided from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2024.

Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker said funding has been allocated to organisations that deliver a broad range of services to assist vulnerable individuals across Australia.

“The grants will support the work of the regulator through understanding of and compliance with Australia’s federal workplace laws, contributing to more cooperative, productive and fairer workplaces,” Parker said.

The Fair Work Ombudsman received 111 applications for funding through the open and competitive grants round, which accepted applications from 13 August 2020 to 24 September 2020.

The grant assessment process was overseen by an independent probity adviser and involved a rigorous assessment against the criteria set out in the Grant Opportunity Guidelines made available to all applicants.

i-team ANZ announces new members to i-partner network i-team ANZ has announced the establishment of several new members of the i-partner network. i-team ANZ is responsible for the Australian, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea distribution of the i-team range, which is distributed through an exclusive network of i-partner distributors.

The newest partners selected by i-team to join the i-team network include Rapidclean Newcastle, Newcastle NSW; Rapidclean New England, Tamworth NSW; JJ Cleaning Supplies, Brisbane, Queensland; and Bundaberg Cleaning Supplies, Bundaberg, Queensland.

“Since the launch of i-team ANZ in July 2020 we have enjoyed the rapid establishment of over 15 i-partners in various regions and sectors across ANZ, and are pleased to have these four new partners join the i-team,” the company said.

“We look forward to continuing to work as a team to ensure all end-users in the industry have the opportunity to experience the innovation the i-team range has to offer.”

James Daniels, i-team global regional ambassador for the Asia-Pacific region, said: “I would like to welcome all of our new and existing partners to the i-team ANZ and global family.

“Our growing network of Partners allows us to reach a broader group of customers, introducing them to the full range of i-team’s industry leading innovations. At i-team we constantly

18 INCLEAN March / April 2021

pursue a philosophy of Inquire, Innovate, and Inspire” while maintaining the belief that together everyone achieves more,” Daniels said.

In line with the expanding product range and opportunities for growth, i-team will continue to selectively expand the i-partner network throughout the region in 2021.

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CONTRACTING

“

Now more than ever, it is vital we demonstrate that we are experts in the cleaning, sanitising, and disinfecting of our customers’ facilities.

”

A disinfection program for the 21st century customer How cleaning companies can take the lead in times of change.

20 INCLEAN March / April 2021

CONTRACTING

Words Ron Segura

T

he cleaning industry has experienced constant change during the last several years.

We have transitioned to better cleaning processes, which have resulted in a better work environment for custodial staff and a safer indoor environment for building occupants.

We have adjusted to a different kind of customer, the 21st century customer who is more knowledgeable about our business and the cleaning industry than ever before.

We have been forced to implement new technologies into how we provide services to our customers.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are called upon to adjust the way once again we do business.

Now more than ever, it is vital that we demonstrate that we are experts in the cleaning, sanitising, and disinfecting of our customers’ facilities.

You need to identify the benefits your disinfection program brings to your customers. You can show these benefits in the following areas: • Training program – What is included in your training program that will benefit your customers?

Remember building occupants are now bombarded with information on disinfection. Emphasise that proper training allows your staff to properly disinfect your customers’ facilities.

• Technology – Provide an overview of the technology used in different disinfection programs.

Describe the disinfection process that you use and explain the benefits to your customer.

• Management – How are you going to assure your customers that your staff will adhere to the agreed upon disinfection program? What type of documentation will you provide to customers?

CUSTOMER COMMUNICATION We’ve learned how important customer communication is during the pandemic. The 21st century

customer wants to be informed! What more can you do to demonstrate your organisation’s expertise?

Develop a pandemic disinfection team to keep the communication lines open. This team should be composed of the following: 1. Operations management (managers, supervisors, leads) 2. Frontline representative (utility person, custodian) 3. Executive management (CEO, vice president of operations, or owner) 4. Distributor representative 5. Manufacturer representative (disinfectant manufacturer, equipment representative) 6. Customer representative (a customer who has benefited from your program)

WEBSITE MARKETING The 21st century customer vets prospective building service contractors by researching the service providers’ websites. Here are some simple ways your website can highlight benefits of doing business with you: Show customers – All pictures on your website should show your actual employees and always show your company logo. Make sure pictured employees are wearing proper personal protective (PPE).

Educate customers – Explain the difference between cleaning, sanitising, and disinfecting. Highlight your methods and offer a clear contact for customer questions. Let them know you have a disinfection team in place.

The pandemic is changing our lives, and some say this change is the new normal. As an industry we can adapt, but more importantly, we can lead.

We need to be the drivers of change and provide our customer with safe and healthy facilities. That is what the 21st century customer expects of us.

Ron Segura is president of Segura Associates. He can be reached at www.seguraassociates.com.

This article first appeared in CMM and has been re-published with permission. ■ www.incleanmag.com.au 21

INDUSTRY // SPONSORED

Disinfectant wipes – How and why do they meet the challenge of COVID-19?

CLICK HERE

S

urface disinfection is always important, and it has been at the forefront of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The advice from public health, scientific, and governmental authorities has been to clean surfaces and hands frequently to break the chain of infection. In most settings the aim is to clean more often and more visibly to reassure customers, guests and staff while also providing the best possible protection against the virus.

The ready-to-use Oxivir® Wipe is a good way to meet this challenge; that combines the convenience of a wipe with disinfection properties and the confidence that it is approved as a disinfectant for use against COVID-19 as it is listed in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).

Oxivir Wipes offer a convenient, simple, fast, and safe means to clean and disinfect hard surfaces.

Choosing the right disinfectant is an important decision and there are a lot of different products on the market.

It is essential to ensure the choice of product will be effective against the pathogens of concern. At the moment, on top of most people’s list is the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 is an enveloped virus, a class of virus that is generally easy to kill. In Australia, virucidal & fungicidal claims are specific claims that require products to be listed in the ARTG.

PROTECTING AGAINST MULTIPLE PATHOGENS INCLUDING SARS-COV-2 The active ingredient in Oxivir Wipes is Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide(AHP).

The disinfectant properties of hydrogen peroxide have been known for many years.

22 INCLEAN March / April 2021

It is an oxidising agent that binds to the walls of an organism and causes damage that quickly makes it die.

AHP builds on this capability by combining low levels of hydrogen peroxide with a patented blend of commonly used, safe ingredients. This dramatically increases the disinfection potency and cleaning performance of the combined formulation.

Products containing AHP have been tested and shown to kill viruses - including enveloped viruses - in one minute.

In fact, Diversey’s disinfectants containing various active levels of AHP offer a broad-spectrum protection: they are highly effective against a wide range of viruses, bacteria spores, yeasts, and fungi, including C. diff, MRSA, VRE, Norovirus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa.

EFFECTIVE AGAINST CORONAVIRUS IN ONE MINUTE: SHORTER CONTACT TIMES Oxivir Wipes are effective against coronaviruses and many other viruses in one minute. This is up to ten times faster than many ordinary disinfectants. In practical terms this means an Oxivir Wipe disinfects as it cleans during a single wipe across a surface. They are believed to be the only wipe on the market that combines this level of cleaning and disinfection in a single product.

All disinfectants are tested for their ability to reduce the number of pathogens of concern by a specified amount, as described by each particular standard. The time this takes is known as the contact time and it varies from disinfectant to disinfectant. Contact time must be realistically short so that pathogens are killed before the surface dries. Many products on the market are effective

against enveloped viruses but only AHP offers full virucidal performance in realistic and practical contact times.

SIMPLE AND SAFE TO USE AT ANY TIME AHP’s ability to kill pathogens quickly makes Oxivir Wipes ideal for frequent cleaning. The user simply wipes the surface and moves on knowing that the disinfectant will work before it dries.

With an Oxivir Wipe, liquid is always present at the correct concentration for effective disinfection. That means the right amount of disinfectant is wiped onto the surface for fast and effective performance every time. There is no need to wear PPE, take special precautions, rinse the surface, worry about preparing solutions, or using special equipment. Users simply wipe the surface and move on.

Oxivir Wipes are non-corrosive and nonirritating to the skin. They can be used without wearing PPE and carry no hazard classification. Nor do they contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs), nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs). Because of this they are ideal when highly visible frequent cleaning will provide additional reassurance to customers, guests, and staff.

SUITABLE FOR ALMOST EVERY HARD SURFACE The wipes are to use on almost any surface which makes them ideal for any setting where high performance disinfection is essential. They are suitable for surfaces including stainless steel, chrome, vinyl / PVC, nylon, laminated wall panels, glass, rubber, and such as polypropylene (PP), HDPE polyethylene, fibreglass and polycarbonate.

INDUSTRY // SPONSORED SUSTAINABILITY

and a further 23 per cent* will order but leave before completing their meal, according to the research. Almost two thirds of these say they will never go back.

The cleanliness of tables, including tablecloths, cutlery and floors were the three most significant factors in assessing the restaurant’s cleanliness and hygiene. In hotels, almost 70 per cent* of hotel guests say that cleanliness and hygiene was the most important factor when making recommendations to friends and colleagues.

Using a ready-to-use wipe saves time because there is no need to worry about preparing solutions or using special equipment. Nor is any special training required. All of this can make a wipe a sustainable option for many applications.

Oxivir Wipes offer additional sustainability benefits. The active AHP ingredient breaks down to water and oxygen shortly. This helps make Oxivir Wipes a highly sustainable alternative to other types of cleaning chemicals or disinfectants.

WHY VISIBLE CLEANING IS IMPORTANT

MORE ABOUT INFECTION PREVENTION DURING COVID-19

The main purpose of cleaning and hygiene is to create an environment that is safe and pleasant.

We know that people react to bad hygiene. In retail settings, for example, studies show that over half of people will buy less or nothing at all if they think a shop is dirty. Customers reduce their spend by an average of 45 per cent* in supermarkets with a poor appearance. Around half of all customers won’t return to an unclean store.

Different studies reveal similar behaviour in restaurants. Over one third of people who enter a dirty restaurant will leave immediately

Diversey has created a comprehensive knowledge database called “Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection During and Post-COVID-19”.

This extensive library includes information about the virus and the processes and products that will be effective against it. It is designed to help facilities plan their cleaning operations create safer, cleaner and healthier environments as they continue their operations or reopen after lockdown. Contact Kerry.bear@diversey.com to request a copy. ■

“

Surface disinfection is always important, and it has been at the forefront of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

”

Reference: *Contact Diversey AU for white paper research reference – Kerry.bear@diversey.com All logos and trademarks are owned by or licensed to Diversey, Inc. © 2021 Diversey, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

These materials are provided for general information purposes only and do not replace each user’s responsibility to assess the operational, legal and other requirements applicable to each facility.

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*ARTG registered List 4 Feb2021. https://www.tga.gov.au/disinfectants-use-against-covid-19-artg-legal-supply-australia All logos and trademarks are owned by or licensed to Diversey, Inc. © 2021 Diversey, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

These materials are provided for general information purposes only and do not replace each user’s responsibility to assess the operational, legal and other requirements applicable to each facility.

www.incleanmag.com.au 23

INDUSTRY // SPONSORED

Nine cornerstones of infection prevention for non-healthcare facilities

A

n outbreak can occur at any time and there is much a facility can do to plan in advance what they might need and how they will react.

Being prepared will remove uncertainty at a critical time and ensure the facility can respond quickly and effectively.

Each situation will vary depending on the specific circumstances, but every infection prevention programme will most likely be based on a core set of tasks such as those outlined in our checklist below.

1. Preparation/risk assessment: The best infection prevention programmes are developed before a crisis. It is critical to build a team that meets regularly and is empowered to make decisions for the facility. This team will identify potential gaps in how the facility would respond to specific challenges, such as an outbreak of Influenza, Ebola, or MERS. With COVID-19, for example, Diversey has created a comprehensive knowledge database that is packed with useful information which facilities may use to prepare and implement preventative measures and enhanced hygiene guidelines. After completing the risk assessment, the team should make recommendations to the facility. These might include, for example, adding more handwashing/sanitising stations or larger storage capacity for any infection prevention supplies that may be required.

Modifications like these take time which is why it is always best to plan well before any possible outbreak. The team’s recommendations may also include ensuring there will be enough supplies of items such as disinfectants, disinfectant wipes, hand hygiene products, facial tissues, toilet paper and extra waste bins to use during an outbreak.

2. Vaccinations: Providing and/or requiring employee vaccinations, wherever possible, helps to protect staff and prevent transmission of pathogens to guests/customers.

Healthcare facilities in many countries now require their employees to have annual influenza vaccinations, for example.

We encourage this in other sectors where practical.

3. Communication materials: Signs and other communication materials are essential if a facility wants its customers/guests to perform certain behaviours such as washing hands or using hand sanitisers. Good designs will help the facility maintain high levels of compliance, instil confidence and enhance its reputation.

4. Stock supplies: If an outbreak should occur or there is a new pathogen of concern the facility will be able to respond much 24 INCLEAN March / April 2021

CLICK HERE

more quickly if it knows in advance what supplies will be needed and their lead times. Items to consider include cleaning products, disinfectants, hand hygiene products, disposable wipes, paper towels, waste bags and bins, toilet paper, bottled water, gloves, gowns, masks, and so on. Planning should include not just the items needed but how much to order and when to ensure continuity of supply. It can also be useful to plan for extra waste collections to deal with increased volumes.

5. Hand hygiene: Frequent hand hygiene is the simplest and most cost-effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens. Studies in healthcare settings demonstrate that access to hand hygiene is the best predictor of whether people will perform it frequently.

Washing with soap and water is effective at removing viruses and other pathogens. If additional products such as antimicrobial hand rubs or gels are used it is vital to ensure they meet relevant standards and are effective against pathogens of concern. For example, SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is an enveloped virus. This type of virus is generally easy to kill.

6. Surface cleaners/disinfectants: Clean hands will not help stop the spread of infections if they then touch a dirty or contaminated surface. It is therefore critical to clean surfaces regularly using suitable products, disinfectants, and tools (e.g. cloths, spray bottles, etc) as part of an established daily routine.

In the event of an outbreak or new pathogen of concern, it may be necessary to change products or increase the frequency of cleaning in the event of a new outbreak or pathogen of concern.

Disinfectants that can be legally supplied in Australia have to be listed in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) www.tga.gov.au/disinfectants-use-against-covid-19-artglegal-supply-australia. Diversey is leading the way and offer 18 approved disinfectants to kill COVID-19*, see diversey.com.au 7. Cleaning practices, standards, and schedules: All facilities should have standard cleaning practices that should detail: • Materials needed • Cleaning methods to use • Surfaces or equipment to be cleaned/disinfected • How often the cleaning frequency will be increased or otherwise modified in the event of an outbreak or emergence of a new pathogen of concern • Checklists and other work management tools prepared in advance to introduce enhanced cleaning if needed. The aim is to make sure there is no question of what to do – only when to start doing it.

Cleaning should include standard recommendations such as:

INDUSTRY // SPONSORED • Maintain a constant flow in a room to avoid contamination of cleaned surfaces • Perform hand hygiene before and after cleaning a room • Use PPE to protect staff from products being used (if appropriate) and any potential pathogens in the environment • Clean from high to low when practical • Clean from dry to wet when possible • Clean from cleanest to dirtiest to minimize the risk of contamination to more hygienic surfaces.

8. Personal protective equipment: Workers may need gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection depending on the pathogens of concern. As with other parts of the facility’s plan, any PPE required should be decided in advance so that there are no questions or delays when it is needed. Staff will need training on how to use the PPE, including the correct way to put it on and take it off. Staff should also understand they need to complete effective hand hygiene before and after using PPE.

“

9. Compliance monitoring: Many healthcare facilities have well-designed programmes to monitor hand hygiene, surface cleaning, and PPE usage compliance. This means that they are able to hold themselves accountable not just for having the correct policies but for also following them. Non-healthcare facilities should consider if a similar approach to compliance monitoring will ensure staff are performing as expected to protect themselves and those around them.

Diversey has created a comprehensive knowledge database called “Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection During and Post-COVID-19”.

This extensive library includes information about the virus and the processes and products that will be effective against it.

It is designed to help facilities plan their cleaning operations create safer, cleaner, and healthier environments as they continue their operations or reopen after lockdown. Contact Kerry.bear@diversey.com to request a copy. ■

Being prepared will remove uncertainty at a critical time and ensure the facility can respond quickly and effectively.

”

Reference: *3 Feb 2021, www.tga.gov.au/disinfectants-use-against-covid-19-artg-legal-supply-australia All logos and trademarks are owned by or licensed to Diversey, Inc. © 2021 Diversey, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

These materials are provided for general information purposes only and do not replace each user’s responsibility to assess the operational, legal and other requirements applicable to each facility.

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All logos and trademarks are owned by or licensed to Diversey, Inc. © 2021 Diversey, Inc. All Rights Reserved. These materials are provided for general information purposes only and do not replace each user’s responsibility to assess the operational, legal and other requirements applicable to each facility.

www.incleanmag.com.au 25

TRAINING

To truly take advantage of a positive change of perception towards the cleaning sector as a result of COVID-19, cleaning companies must ensure their training initiatives assist with infection control and help prepare the next generation of industry leaders.

Training on trend 26 INCLEAN March / April 2021

TRAINING

Words Cameron Cooper

A

fter 20 years of championing the importance of superior cleaning standards and training, Bridget Gardner feels as though she’s finally being heard. All thanks to COVID-19.

“In the past I often felt like I was beating my own drum on cleaning – saying that processes matter, consistency matters, quality matters,” says Gardner, founder, and director of HPC Solutions.

“The response from most people was ‘it’s just cleaning’. Now they’re listening.”

The author of Guide to Cleaning for COVID-19, Gardner says the pandemic has shone a light on the imperative for effective industry training.

She sees a growing trend towards targeted training, whereby supervisors undergo a full Certificate III in Cleaning Operations as a minimum, while on-the-ground cleaners are schooled in the specific tasks they need for their role.

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SUPPORT ROLE Learning Sphere Training Solutions has also been in demand as a result of the pandemic, advising and supporting governments in infection prevention and controls through advanced cleaning techniques.

Industry programs specialist Luke Bordin says there is a role for everyone to play to help combat health risks and complement training initiatives, whether it is passengers wiping down check-in touchscreens at airports, or teachers getting students to wipe down desks before they move to their next class.

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“Cleaners need more ‘micro-learning’ – training in practical tasks that have traditionally been overlooked, but which are really important for infection control, such as how to handle a cleaning cloth correctly,” she says.

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TRAINING “If we’re going to get on top of it, we can’t just rely on cleaners,” he says.

Learning Sphere has been ramping up its COVID-19-related cleaning courses, including rolling out initiatives with the NSW and Australian governments such as training cleaners for full lockdown cleans for entities such as schools, TAFEs, police stations and government offices.

“For us it’s just been nonstop,” Bordin says.

Other companies have had to further improve their strategies and operations. Tony Gorgovski, CEO of BIC Services, says one of the biggest tasks of the pandemic has been ensuring the business’s 2000-plus staff around Australia, from state managers to cleaners, understand how important it is that they do the right thing to protect each other and their clients.

“Putting people at the frontline of a pandemic was the biggest challenge I’ve faced in my career, and it was the biggest challenge we’ve faced as a company,” he says.

“That’s why we spared no expense or effort to create support networks for our managers, train our staff, and make sure they had the equipment they needed to stay safe and deliver excellent outcomes for clients.”

As soon as the pandemic was announced, BIC Services set up a Pandemic Action Committee to establish roles and responsibilities within the company, as well as ensuring that every cleaner had the PPE and knowledge needed to work safely.

Online focus Before COVID-19 hit, Grant Hickey and his team at Interactive Training International had been debating the merit of switching their focus to online training instead of face-to-face tuition.

The pandemic took the decision out of their hands and the company, a division of Advanced Specialized Equipment, quickly changed its training model “to go completely online through Zoom”.

“The conversation was completely disrupted,” he says.

“So, the situation allowed us to focus dramatically on our online presence and create what we believe is a better school because there’s a lot more that we can do now.”

The decision was not made lightly as ITI had been pursuing its state-of-the-art Interactive Training House initiative designed to give students real-life cleaning scenarios and provide trainees with hands-on training in real simulations.

While the program will still have a role to play after the pandemic ends and social-distancing rules ease, Hickey says the broader online program is here to stay.

28 INCLEAN March / April 2021

ITI provides complete training solutions for all companies, with an emphasis on practical tuition. While online training may not engender the camaraderie of face-to-face training, it has delivered many benefits.

Students from across Australia can participate in courses without the impediment of travel, and ITI has been able to digitally transport it US-based trainers for courses such as microbial remediation “without them having to leave their own home”.

“During the pandemic we’ve been able to do four of those classes without any travel and without any of those extended costs that we incur if we bring people in from overseas,” Hickey says.

ITI is now developing training areas that have microphones and cameras so trainers can do faceto-face courses while also Zooming them as well.

“This is the direction we believe training will go,” Hickey says. “Some will want face-to-face training and some won’t. We’re opening up capability for them to do both.”

The big lesson from the pandemic, according to Hickey, is that companies have to adapt or die. “They just have to evolve of they’ll fall by the wayside.”

TRAINING Gorgovski says his team also moved quickly to develop a training video for pandemic cleaning.

“This meant we could provide consistent training to our teams all around Australia,” he says.

“It was a real team effort, and something I look back on proudly.”

ONE IN, ALL IN In her guide, Gardner urges companies to take a holistic approach to COVID-19 cleaning to ensure everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet.

“Start with your risk-management and business continuity planning and document every step of your processes and how they mitigate these risks. Then train your teams so that everyone is doing the same thing and knows why and what to do.”

Cleaning companies should take the lead with their clients during the pandemic, rather than relying on them to set the cleaning standards.

“Be very proactive, strategic and methodical.

Give your clients assurance that you and your teams know exactly what to do” she advises.

For all the talk of better cleaning standards, there is still work to be done in some quarters.

Bordin recently oversaw a cleaning trial at a

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www.incleanmag.com.au 29

TRAINING

shopping centre, with the designated cleaning company finishing a clean and reporting satisfaction at its efforts.

However, an analytics team used for the trial, then ran adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, tests on benches, tables, chairs, handrails and other surfaces to check the efficacy of the work.

“The ATP readings were through the roof,” Bordin says. “So, although they had actually cleaned the site, it was far from hygienic, and the methods they were using didn’t cut it.” the methods they were using didn’t cut it.”

Such a case study demonstrates the need for superior training processes for many companies operating in the sector, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19.

“There’s still a big skills gap at some companies,” Bordin says.

PLAN TO SUCCEED BIC Services is one cleaning company setting the benchmark for standards in response to COVID-19, and it all comes back to planning.

Representatives on the company’s Pandemic Action Committee still meet weekly to discuss 30 INCLEAN March / April 2021

recent developments and ensure the business is communicating and actioning government and health authority directives.

“The (committee) has been essential in ensuring that we’re being COVID-safe on every shift and at every site,” Gorgovski says.

He notes BIC Services has always had strict quality control procedures in place, so it has been a matter of augmenting its current procedures with COVID-19-specific measures, “rather than having to come up with new procedures on the spot”.

“Having that focus on quality and safety in place has made it easier to deliver safe buildings to our clients, even with the added pressure of COVID-19.”

Another initiative that has paid off is its BIC Training Academy. Coupled with a nationwide relationship with registered training organisations, the academy has allowed the business to rapidly train its employees on COVID-safe procedures.

“We’re in the process of training all of our cleaners to Certificate III in Cleaning Operations, with that course now containing a section on infection control,” Gorgovski says.

TRAINING

“

It’s irresponsible for cleaning companies to send cleaners out to jobs if they don’t know how to identify and control infections.

”

“We’re also training all of our managers to Certificate IV in Cleaning Management, which again has an increased focus on infection control.

Most importantly, all cleaning staff are required to complete the Australian Government’s Online Course in Infection Control.”

Gardner endorses a “McDonald’s-style” approach to cleaning training, whereby systems and consistent practices are king, and everyone knows the rules.

“It’s not a case of providing the training then hoping for the best – it’s ‘this is what we do and here are the tools to do it with’. There should be no other options.”

A NEW DAWN Bordin believes the pandemic has underlined the importance of upskilling cleaners and ushering in a new generation of exciting young industry leaders as managers grapple with infection prevention, technology advances and even the prospect of robotics that will redefine cleaning approaches.

He also urges leaders to get up to speed on new disinfectants that bond to surfaces, and to take advantage of more effective equipment.

“They’re the sorts of things companies must consider investing in, because they will get better results.”

According to Gardner, the cleaning industry has been dealing with a brain drain in the wake of government withdrawing training subsidies.

As experienced and qualified personnel have moved on, they’re being replaced with unqualified site supervisors and area managers, often drafted in from other sectors.

“I often meet site managers without core cleaning knowledge and skills,” she says. “It’s assumed that everyone can clean right? Wrong!”

Nevertheless, Gardner is encouraged that many cleaning companies, large and small, have responded to the challenge and sought to do their best for clients, the public and their staff.

With an eye to the future, Gorgovski predicts that all cleaners will ultimately require high-level training in infection control.

“It’s irresponsible for cleaning companies to send cleaners out to jobs if they don’t know how to identify and control infections,” he says.

“The stakes are too high.” ■ www.incleanmag.com.au 31

TRAINING

Peering into GBAC

T

A powerful and positive influence on the global cleaning industry.

he Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC), a division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry, helps you prepare for, respond to, and recover from biorisk situations.

To help us understand GBAC better, ISSA Media editors met with Patricia Olinger, the executive director of GBAC, and Dr. Gavin Macgregor-Skinner, the director of GBAC, and asked them to answer some questions that are being asked by the global cleaning industry.

WHO ARE BEHIND THE GLOBAL BIORISK ADVISORY COUNCIL® (GBAC)?

We are a group of passionate people who realised it takes a team to help anyone – be it an organisation or a business of any size – be prepared for, respond to, and recover from biological threats, biohazard situations, and real-time crises.

32 INCLEAN March / April 2021

We offer education, training, certification, response management, and crisis consulting for situations involving biological hazards and infectious diseases, where environments require a much higher level of cleaning, disinfection, and restoration.

WHY IS THE GBAC TEAM MISSION SO IMPORTANT? Increases in population growth and mobility have enhanced infectious disease transmission and intensified the difficulty of interrupting disease spread. Control of viral disease spread requires a clear understanding of how viruses are transmitted in the environment.

For centuries, it was assumed that infectious diseases were spread primarily by the airborne route or through direct patient contact, and the surrounding environment played little or no role in disease transmission.

TRAINING

Until 1987, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Hospital Association focused on patient diagnosis due to the belief that hospital-acquired infections were not related to microbial contamination of surfaces.

Over the years, studies have changed the perspective on viral transmission. Viruses are the most common cause of infectious disease acquired indoors. The rapid spread of viral disease in crowded indoor establishments, including schools, day care facilities, nursing homes, business offices, and hospitals, consistently facilitates disease infection, illness, and death. Yet, fundamental knowledge concerning the role of surfaces and objects in viral disease transmission, let alone all microbial disease transmission, is lacking, and further investigation is needed.

HOW IS GBAC HELPING TO MAKE BUILDINGS SAFE FROM INFECTIOUS DISEASES LIKE COVID-19?

We understand that infectious diseases involve actual loss and threat of significant harm to innocent communities where people get sick, lose income, and suffer emotionally.

Our team works with your team to prioritise a high quality of work and a compassionate recovery approach to ensure a comprehensive cleaning, disinfection, and infection prevention process by helping you: • Prepare: We will help you prepare and provide your staff with education and training for infectious disease prevention and containment.

• Respond: We provide your staff with education and training to understand how to conduct risk assessments and contain, monitor, and eradicate infectious disease agents to protect a facility’s customers, visitors, employees, and the community at large.

• Recover: Our team will help develop and implement a recovery plan to get your facility reopened confidently and safely, with particular attention paid to preventing future crises.

HOW DOES GBAC HELP? Supporting the cleaning industry is our highest priority. We’re here to help fill gaps on knowledge and training. Right now, we are doing this through our three programs: • GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation: It means that your facility staff has established and are implementing and maintaining the industry’s highest standards for cleaning and disinfection of infectious disease agents and are empowered to do their jobs safely and effectively.

• GBAC STAR™ Service Accreditation: Ensures there are highly informed cleaning professionals trained for combating infectious diseases using appropriate cleaning protocols, disinfection techniques, and work practices.

• GBAC Academy: Education, training, and certification for professionals, from frontline workers to managers, directors, and executives, to implement infection and contamination control measures for infectious disease outbreaks such as COVID-19, flu, norovirus, hepatitis, rhinovirus, adenovirus, astrovirus, rotavirus, etc.

HOW WILL GBAC STARTM AFFECT THE INDUSTRY POST-COVID-19?

“

Our aim in 2021 is to offer the entire cleaning industry resources to ensure buildings are clean and safe.

”

GBAC is a qualified network of experts and partners who are prepared to respond to any event involving an infectious disease crisis. The council is composed of international leaders in the fields of: • Pandemic and infectious disease outbreaks • Biorisk management • Biosafety and biosecurity • Crime and trauma scenes • Hoarding conditions and unsanitary dwellings • Unattended deaths • Bioterrorism and the deliberate release of bacteria, viruses, insects, fungi, or toxins that can kill or disable people, animals, and crops • Mass casualty incidents (MCI) that include active shooter situations, terrorist acts, explosions, natural disasters, vehicle accidents, and mass transit mishaps (planes, trains, ships, buses).

IN 2021, WHAT IS THE PRIMARY GOAL FOR GBAC? We like to refer to this as a BHAG, or “big hairy audacious goal.” Google it – this is a real term.

Our aim in 2021 is to offer the entire cleaning industry resources to ensure buildings are clean and safe from infectious diseases.

The GBAC team will achieve this by empowering essential front-line cleaning staff, building partnerships with businesses that provide cleaning, disinfection, and restoration services to residential and commercial markets, and leveraging the resources for education and training from manufacturers of cleaning products and cleaning equipment.

Infection prevention through cleaning and disinfection is a requirement now and will remain critical in ensuring our buildings are healthy and safe for all. GBAC can help you do just that, now and into the future.

For more information on GBAC, and GBAC programs, visit gbac.issa.com. ■ www.incleanmag.com.au 33

SUSTAINABILITY

Enhancing sustainability with smart solutions How internet-connected devices help you meet your people, planet, and profit goals.

Words Matt Hayas

W

hile the Internet of Things (IoT) has been around for a while, companies are increasingly realising the sustainability benefits IoT – internet-connected – devices can offer.

This realisation is no doubt spurred by the transformation of environmental sustainability from a “nice-to-have” component of doing business to a “must-have” goal that organisations continually work toward.

There’s been a wave of organisations setting measurable sustainability goals and highlighting their progress. In 2018, 86 per cent of companies1 on the S&P 500 Index issued a sustainability report, up from only 20 per cent in 2011.

Microsoft announced2 in January 2020 that the company will go “carbon-negative” by 2030. Other major corporations like Amazon have also set goals to reduce their carbon footprint in the coming years.

As more companies begin prioritising sustainability, it helps to have the right devices. In the professional cleaning industry, the capability of IoT devices to provide 24/7 facility monitoring, remote data transmission, and more accurate cleaning dosages can increase both efficiency and productivity.

By using the IoT to reduce wasted resources, time, and profit, businesses can improve their performance along the metrics most crucial to their bottom line.

In doing so, they become one step closer to their larger sustainability goals that are often closely tied to brand reputation and customer loyalty.

THE TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE APPROACH When considering how IoT devices can fit into sustainability, it’s important to take a holistic approach and consider the triple bottom line. All businesses are concerned with the traditional, singular bottom line of profit, but it takes more than money to make a business successful. The triple bottom line approach assesses business performance along three dimensions: people, planet, and profit (also known as social, environmental, and financial).

34 INCLEAN March / April 2021

SUSTAINABILITY To use this framework effectively, businesses need to first decide what “social” and “environmental” performance mean to them.

For example, socially, one company might prioritise diversity and inclusion among its workforce, while another might put more effort into company-wide safety and reducing recordable workplace injuries. Environmentally, one company might take strides to reduce its buildings’ electricity consumption, while another might focus on reducing the amount of waste it puts into landfills each year.

Regardless of how you measure it, the triple bottom line approach offers a bigger-picture understanding of a company’s overall performance.

A business making significant profit might be doing so at the expense of their employees’ wellbeing or by causing environmental destruction.

Without considering the additional social and environmental effects, companies cannot fully understand the total cost of doing business.

FINDING THE RIGHT IOT FIT The triple bottom line framework can seem intimidating, but IoT devices can help businesses perform better along all three dimensions.

IoT solutions offer numerous ways to increase environmental, social, and financial performance at a reasonable cost.

To maximise the return on your investment, consider the following IoT innovations that support cleanliness: • Smart chemical dispensers: Connected chemical dispensers for laundry can report data related to chemical and water consumption, machine-operating hours, triggered alarms, and more.

• Robotic floor care: Robotic floor care machines can follow customised maps to clean floors while employees work on other key cleaning tasks. Sonar and lidar sensors ensure these machines avoid obstacles like walls, staircases, and people as they autonomously clean. Meanwhile, managers receive alerts when cleaning tasks are complete, when machine tanks need refilling, or when the equipment requires maintenance. Automatic floor care machines can save3 up to 80 per cent on labour costs and use up to 85 per ent less water and chemicals. Alerts also help reduce downtime to keep these blended human and robotic teams productive.

“

The capability of IoT devices to provide 24/7 facility monitoring, remote data transmission, and more accurate cleaning dosages can increase both efficiency and productivity.

”

Ph: 1300 733 177 or visit us at freshandclean.net.au

SUSTAINABILITY

“

When it comes to sustainability, even companies with the best intentions can fall flat if they don’t invest in the right solutions to support their efforts.

”

https://www.naem.org/docs/ default-source/reports/naem-researchreport-2019-setting-next-generationsustainability-goals.pdf 1

https://www.ibj.com/articles/ reducing-impacts-increasingsustainability 2

https://www.architectmagazine. com/technology/internet-of-cleanhow-robots-are-revolutionizingand-automating-commercial-andresidential-maintenance_o 3

https://www.cmmonline.com/ articles/big-data 4

https://thriveglobal.com/stories/ the-future-of-iot-4-predictions-aboutthe-internet-of things/#:~:text=In%20 a%20span%20of%20ten,devices%20 on%20a%20single%20cell.

5

36 INCLEAN March / April 2021

• Intelligent hygiene solutions: Today, facilities can implement smart dispensers for paper towels, soap, and odor control to avoid lapses in restroom maintenance. For example, HartfieldJackson Atlanta International Airport installed a smart monitoring system to alert custodians when restrooms were low on supplies. Within just one year, the airport saw a 40 per cent decrease4 in paper towel outages and a 22 per cent decrease in tissue paper waste.

CREATING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS Recent research predicts5 that over the course of the next 10 years, the number of IoT devices will grow from 75 billion to more than 100 billion, making them essential for daily operations.

IoT devices offer many advantages to businesses and help the world become a more connected place. These benefits are not solely financial, but also encompass people and the planet. Consider the following triple bottom line benefits: 1. Greater insight into operations: With access to real-time data, facility managers gain a clear understanding of everyday operations and can keep up with any immediate or upcoming maintenance needs to reduce downtime.

This can help managers maximise profit by reducing wasted time on the job, improve social performance by helping employees perform their jobs more efficiently, and increase sustainability by ensuring fewer materials are wasted.

2. Resource and cost savings: By tracking resources, owners and managers can identify when product has been wasted and make necessary adjustments to reduce the risk of further waste. Solutions that provide access to data about chemical or product usage can enhance inventory management and reduce unnecessary shipments. Companies can reduce the environmental impact of transporting materials too often and even increase profit by spending less money on unnecessary restocking.

3. Increased productivity: Improving productivity without sacrificing cleaning performance and worker safety is an important goal. Efficiency often yields cost savings and streamlined processes can reduce waste and

strain on employees. For instance, when a chemical dispensing system accurately dispenses the right amount of chemical and water, it eliminates the need to reclean, thus improving productivity. Additionally, IoT devices like robotic autoscrubbers take on the time-consuming task of floor care to allow staff to focus on other important responsibilities.

4. Better cleaning results: Cleanliness significantly impacts the way people perceive a brand. Whether a facility uses the IoT to keep track of the laundry process or to help keep floors clean throughout the day, smart devices can provide better cleaning results on the first try, which drives customer satisfaction.

Additionally, smart soap and paper towel dispensers can enhance restroom maintenance schedules and the guest experience. These improvements can increase profit by encouraging longer customer shopping trips in a retail setting as well as future visits, while also limiting wasted resources.

5. Fewer emergency calls: With alarm capabilities, IoT devices alert facility managers as soon as a problem occurs, limiting equipment damage and costs associated with unaddressed issues.

Quickly resolving matters also reduces the number of customer complaints and overall emergencies. Responding to fewer emergency calls eliminates unnecessary trips to customer sites and enhances productivity, thereby reducing costs.

BUILDING A BETTER BUSINESS When it comes to sustainability, even companies with the best intentions can fall flat if they don’t invest in the right solutions to support their efforts. Fortunately, the wide range of IoT innovations currently available helps building managers and building service contractors make smart business decisions that support the triple bottom line. By frequently and reliably transmitting insightful and accurate data, IoT devices give organisations the tools they need to operate more sustainably, while also supporting cost savings and the workforce.

Matt Hayas is global product manager for Hydro Systems. ■

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RESTORATION

Power of connected restoration equipment Words Erin Hynum

38 INCLEAN March / April 2021

RESTORATION

Modern industry equipment speeds set up, job monitoring, and documentation while building up your reputation.

S

mart devices and connected equipment have been making our personal lives more productive, safer, and more innovative for the last two decades, and according to Statista, forecasters predict there will be more than 75 billion Internet of Things-connected devices in use by 2025—suggesting smart machines and the technology behind them are here to stay.

These same smart devices and connected equipment are also enabling businesses to run smarter and leaner. So, when considering what these technological solutions can do for the restoration industry, start with the challenges facing your day-to-day operations.

As you know, the increased need for equipment monitoring, timely and transparent documentation, labor shortages, and risk exposure, especially during peak natural disaster events, contribute to the complexities of running your restoration business. Imagine trying to schedule, track, document, and invoice today’s jobs using whiteboards, paper file systems, typewriters, and landlines.

You’ve likely upgraded your business systems and use mobile devices and apps to communicate with your technicians. But have you overhauled your drying equipment, equipment tracking, automatic reporting, and remote monitoring tools that use Bluetooth technology? Here are some ways smart devices and connected equipment designed for the restoration industry can speed job set up, monitoring, and documentation.

EQUIPMENT TRACKING AND AUTOMATIC REPORTING Bluetooth-enabled equipment and accessories such as dehumidifiers, airmovers, tracking beacons, and thermohygrometers deliver realtime data, allowing you to make real-time operational decisions.

They streamline the way technicians gather drying data and reduce the need for technicians on the job site, improving safety.

These detailed reports can be shared with your team, customer, or insurance agency via text or email. This is not only important during peak periods, which include cold weather, floods, tornadoes, wildfires, and hurricanes, but with today’s global health pandemic situation as well. Connected dehumidifiers and airmovers can be dropped off at the job site, and users can start getting psychometric and moisture-content readings within seconds. Many of these devices automate in the following ways: • Take readings immediately, • Provide usage and serial numbers to drying reports, • Track equipment by identify the last known location, • Track hours of usage automatically, • Notify users if the equipment is turned off, • Give detailed reports with a click of a button.

Before we move on, let’s talk about your partnership and reputation. When researching prospective restoration companies, clients and insurance companies start out by comparing qualities, years of experience, features, and pricing. But more importantly,

www.incleanmag.com.au 39

RESTORATION

“

The potential benefits of smart, connected equipment and the data they generate include increased productivity, less downtime, reduced man hours, and safer work environments.

”

they are looking at online reviews that discuss your availability, how fast you are able to make it out to emergency jobs, and most importantly, your reputation.

By obtaining verified readings and verified usage from automated drying logs, you can provide transparent data to insurance companies as well as to your clients. This approach eliminates transcription errors, defrost readings, incorrect data, etc. These detailed reports, which can be obtained throughout the restoration process, can provide your clients with the peace of mind they deserve. Ultimately, claims can become more transparent and be processed more efficiently, which in turn, will help get your clients’ lives back to normal faster.

A restoration company that stays up to date on all of the latest restoration equipment and techniques would, therefore, makes for a great partner for any policyholder and insurance company.

REMOTE MONITORING The COVID-19 pandemic we are currently living through has led to an inevitable surge in the use of technology and innovations. Social distancing, business closures, and stay-at-home orders have made it especially difficult to maintain “business as usual.”

Perhaps the greatest feature of today’s smart, connected restoration equipment is their remote monitoring capabilities. These solutions will not only drastically reduce your administrative overhead, but also allow your technicians to do their jobs more safely.

Depending on the scope of the job or the natural disaster event that has taken place, technicians can leave equipment on multiple job sites and take readings remotely in seconds. This allows you to provide a higher level of service 40 INCLEAN March / April 2021

while reducing the number of face-to-face interactions with your clients – and limits the use of expensive PPE equipment.

Ultimately, smart equipment with remote monitoring features gives you the opportunity to get ahead and stay productive. Equipment designed for remote monitoring allows you to: • Enter daily readings remotely • Rearrange daily visits based on actual conditions • Select equipment to monitor • Select users to receive alerts • Receive real-time alerts of your choice.

GAIN YOUR COMPETITIVE EDGE The potential benefits of smart, connected equipment and the data they generate include increased productivity, less downtime, reduced man hours, and safer work environments.

Providing transparent and accurate data to insurance companies and your clients can also solidify your reputation as being a partner in their success.

Since you’ll have more time to organize your existing resources and get more jobs done in a day, you’ll likely be more profitable. And in today’s uncertain times, being able to provide remote monitoring services while keeping your technicians and clients safe is a huge advantage.

No doubt, the challenges facing the restoration industry are many and diverse and efficiency and effectiveness are critical. As competitive pressure increases in the restoration industry, companies must adapt in order to stay ahead. Adding smart, connected restoration equipment will give your company an advantage over the competition.

Erin Hynum is the senior product manager for Phoenix Restoration Equipment.

This article first appeared in Cleanfax and has been republished with permission. ■

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MARKETING

Five ways to brand your cleaning business If you’re just starting out or thinking of giving your company a makeover, these tips will help you give your company the image it needs to find success.

C

Words Vince Caffarello

onsidering how competitive the cleaning industry is, branding your business can make the difference between long-term success and failure. Contrary to popular opinion, branding is not only about a company’s logo, but also about customer perceptions, experiences, and many other factors.

All cleaning businesses have a brand, whether they are aware or not. Your company’s brand helps distinguish your business from the competition. Branding is dynamic and should evolve and grow along with the business.

1

SELECT A MEMORABLE NAME

Creating a brand for any business should first begin with selecting a memorable name.

Essentially, the name you assign (or reassign) your cleaning business becomes its identity. The name you choose is vital to making a statement and drawing the attention of your target customers to your services.

Choosing a unique and likeable name that is likely to attract clients will make promoting your brand a lot easier. Here are some tips to follow when naming your cleaning business: • Avoid overly generic names.

42 INCLEAN March / April 2021

• Study the naming trends for cleaning businesses in your region.

• Avoid unnecessarily long names.

• Choose a name that is easy to pronounce.

• Choose an evergreen name that will likely not fade over the years.

2

DESIGN AN ATTRACTIVE BUSINESS LOGO

The process of designing and choosing a suitable business logo is quite similar to the business naming process—and keep in mind both shape your business’ identity. A common mistake to avoid is going overboard with your company’s logo.

Generally, a visually appealing symbol or picture that encapsulates the purpose of your business without coming across as too pretentious or flashy should suffice. Whether you choose to hire a logo designer or not, some factors you should consider when designing your logo include: • The colours and the message they portray, for example, white symbolises cleanliness, green is associated with nature, and blue signals water and purity.

• The visual appeal of your fonts.

• The uniqueness of your logo’s shapes and images.

3

UPHOLD STAFF PROFESSIONALISM

Essentially, your staff is the face of your cleaning business since it interacts with customers the most. Therefore, it makes sense to bring them on board the process of establishing your company’s brand.

Equip your staff with customer service and communication skills through training and development programs. These skills will enable them to become better communicators and enhance how they interact with customers, from basic conversations to answering customer questions.

Also, provide your staff with a uniform or a simple dress code to appear more professional. The uniform should be simple and have company branding, for example, in the form of a logo or company colors. Consistently delivering quality services and having a professional look can give your company a solid brand presence.

4

FOCUS ON PRE- AND POSTSERVICE INTERACTIONS

Your company’s interactions with customers do not start and end during cleaning. Instead, all the interactions your company has with the customers before and after service delivery make up your brand.

Some steps you can take to enhance your interactions with customers outside normal service delivery include:

• Training your staff on communication etiquette, for example, positive greetings when answering customer phone calls that include mentioning the name of the staff member speaking and the name of your company.

• Reminding clients about upcoming appointments via email or SMS text.

• Sending customers follow-up emails after the cleaning is complete and offering post-sale services whenever possible.

5

ESTABLISH AN ONLINE PRESENCE

Having an online presence in this digital age helps potential customers know about your company’s existence and builds business credibility. A great place to start is creating a professional company website and official social media accounts.

Some excellent social media platforms should consider for your cleaning business include Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. These platforms allow you to engage with existing customers while promoting your brand to potential customers. You can use online reviews as social proof of your company’s exemplary performance.

Vince Caffarello is the chairman and CEO of Duraclean International, a franchisor in the carpet cleaning and disaster restoration industry since 1930. ■

Tips to attract new customers and grow your cleaning company Determine your target customers If you experience difficulty finding new customers, then perhaps it is time to reconsider your target customers. Analyse your client list to determine your most frequent customers, e.g. compare your commercial and residential clients.

Develop customer loyalty Giving your customers a reason to come back can make your cleaning business thrive off return customers. Besides regularly posting exciting blog content and having an active email newsletter, you can develop a hybrid, reward-referral

scheme and offer free cleaning services to clients who refer to a certain number of new clients.

Request for testimonials Testimonials and positive reviews from existing customers can act as social proof. This enhances the credibility of your business.

Stay ahead of competition Constantly analyse your competition and evolve. Differentiating your services can give your cleaning business a competitive edge.

www.incleanmag.com.au 43

OPINION

The evolving role of facility management

Y

“

A trending term for User Experience is UX and is now a major focus for most roles: how you make your customers ‘feel’ when in your buildings.

”

44 INCLEAN March / April 2021

ou know, I never chose facilities as a career – I sort of fell into it.

In fact, facilities wasn’t a career – and certainly not for women.

My first role was as personal assistant to the managing director in a small IBM reselling franchise (now known as Channel Partner).

We had a four-person office with a small workshop and one meeting room. My PA/office manager role included cleaning the shared toilet, kitchen, and offices, providing customer catering, maintaining office equipment and stationery supplies, marketing mail outs and an accurate database, even ensuring the company vehicles were always clean as well as registered and insured.

A truly all-encompassing role that set me up to understand that variety can be the spice of life; there is never a dull moment in facilities, something always pops up and usually when you least expect it.

I have spent most of my career working for professional outsourced services as both service provider and business owner, in large and small organisations across EMEA and APAC. Working in service industries developed my overarching passion in life: to help people develop and grow.

Most of my experience has been in facilities, the built environment – now often referred to as Workplace. Facilities management (FM) is all about providing support services to the people in our buildings – FM touches everyone, everywhere in some way, every single day.

The art of balancing changing priorities is a daily requirement. Flexibility is a general expectation, you must be prepared to ‘spin on a penny’ and deal with multiple different projects, challenges, and stakeholders.

If you are flexible, like problem-solving, working with people, creating sound working partnerships, providing the best practical and

safe customer experience, and a healthy and sustainable environment for people to live, work or play in, where diversity is encouraged – then FM could be the career choice for you.

FM is generally broken down into ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ services. Hard services relate to the physical fabric of the building and encompasses services that ensure the safety and welfare of people in the building such as air conditioning and plumbing. Soft services relate to the day-to-day building services such as cleaning and security.

A trending term for User Experience is UX and is now a major focus for most roles: how you make your customers ‘feel’ when in your buildings.

Since the sudden and impactful COVID-19 pandemic burst upon us, cleaning has never been as important as now.

For the first time in forever, building occupants want to see the cleaner cleaning.

FMs had grown used to having to get cleaning completed out of hours, minimising interruptions to office workers.

We had to ensure cleaners (typically) did not come on site before 6pm and were off site before 8am and all deep cleaning of carpets, floors, kitchens, and storerooms was to be done at weekends.

That has changed and office occupants want to be reassured by the regular presence of a cleaner in uniform, with their spray and wipe in hand.

Finally, the day has dawned for cleaner recognition and acknowledgement – make sure to recognise and appreciate your favourite cleaner(s).

Put a note in your calendar now for the next national Thank Your Cleaner Day on 20 October 2021 and arrange a few nice treats as a thank you for looking after you and keeping your environment clean and safe. And make sure you put in an annual reminder and get your clients and colleagues involved too.

Today there are choices, an FM Diploma and an ISO accreditation that support a career in facilities. For more information on facilities generally, a good starting point is the Facility Management Association of Australia (FMA link).

The FMA is the peak national industry body focused on the present and future of FM in Australia. From the website you can select your home State and find a local networking event often free for new members.

Take a friend, meet the FM crowd, and find out more.

Caroline Fitzwater is director of Caroline Fitzwater Consultancy (CFC) and will be presenting will be presenting at the ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo in Sydney on October 12-13. ■

OPINION

Maintaining indoor air quality with HEPA filtration How Tennant is helping create healthier facilities for customers and patrons.

A

s governments respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, private and public facilities are seeing stricter regulations and guidelines imposed pertaining to the disinfection and sanitisation controls to help keep their workers, customers, and members of the public safe.

One such way facilities are showcasing their dedication to proper cleaning and safety protocols is through certification by the GBAC STAR program.

The GBAC STAR program is a performance-based program that teaches staff about how to establish protocols around cleaning, disinfecting and infectious disease best practice control.

The accreditation program is by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a division of ISSA, a division of ISSA, and is made up of international leaders in the field of microbial – pathogenic threat analysis, mitigation, response, and recovery.

The council is designed to assist a facility in preparing and educating the staff with training for on the prevention containment, and response to diseases, and resources focused on how to recover with a plan for reopening a facility.

When a company is deemed successful by the GBAC Star program, it is expected they can demonstrate that best practices, procedures, and systems are in place to fully prepare for a response and if required, a recovery from an outbreak or pandemic. The program is a global program with representation in Australia and New Zealand through ISSA Oceania.

PROTECTING THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF WORKERS AND PATRONS Tennant Company is working with certain customers to provide HEPA-equipped sweepers to support facilities looking to achieve best practice cleaning as part of their ongoing cleaning or reopening plans.

The new battery powered S16 sweeper was launched late in 2020 and replaces the 20-year veteran model 6200 sweeper. Ideal for large, carpeted spaces it can be factory

filter and ensures optimal dust control with fewer shake-backs.

• Capture fibers at maximum efficiency with the FiberShield™ lint screen.

WHAT IS HEPA FILTRATION?

“

Operating a piece of equipment installed with HEPA gives peace of mind to the employee that you take their health and safety seriously.

”

fitted with HEPA filtration and a carpet care package to help maintain indoor air quality and achieve consistent cleaning results.

Tennant ride-on sweepers utilise a brush system to flick debris into the hopper. The suction controls the dust generated from the cleaning process.

A ride-on sweeper makes for efficient floor cleaning in larger buildings where productivity is key. Additionally, the S16 features MaxPro™ sweeping technology, which provides consistent brush power regardless of surface and debris changes.

• Help maintain indoor air quality with a multi-stage filtration system and a powerful filter shaker that contain dust generated during the sweeping process.

• Keep your environment safe with a fume-free cleaning process.

• Spend more time cleaning with a timed filter shaker that effectively cleans the

HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filtration is a type of air filter that is attached or included in or on machinery during manufacture.

It works by forcing air through a fine mesh that can remove up to 99.97 per cent (ASME, U.S. DOE)[5][6] of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns in size as well as other harmful particles such as pollen, dust mites, and tobacco smoke.

Tennant’s HEPA equipped battery powered sweeper has a multi-stage filtration system that includes a specially fitted carpet care package made up of a FiberShield™ lint screen and non-marking skirts. This means air quality can be maintained across large indoor carpeted spaces with optimal dust and lint control.

Operating a piece of equipment installed with HEPA gives peace of mind to the employee that you take their health and safety seriously. Offering not only employees but also customers and patrons a cleaner environment.

Employees are more willing to return to a cleaner environment and customers and members of the public are more likely to visit a facility that can demonstrate best cleaning practices.

At Tennant, we are very excited about the introduction of our new S16 ride-on sweeper. The S16 is both a highly productive and versatile machine that delivers the exceptional performance and reliability our customers expect from Tennant products.

The S16 sweeper is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use across a variety of applications and can help maintain indoor air quality for retail facilities, airports, convention centres, public spaces and more.

Developed to help our customers clean more spaces, more efficiently, the S16 builds upon the Tennant legacy of quality and innovation as part of our quest to create a cleaner, safer, and healthier world. ■ www.incleanmag.com.au 45

OPINION

Getting the whole team on board with standards

Y

ou might be the owner of your company, the contract manager, or the supervisor overseeing work in the field, but we hear time and again that a major challenge is ensuring the team member doing the work is able to do it to the standard agreed with clients.

Therein lies the challenge, what exactly was agreed and how do you clearly pass that onto your team (or remind the client)?

Let’s look at some leading ideas to bring the team on the journey, and make sure you are communicating clearly what is expected.

DEFINING WORK STANDARDS CLEARLY Despite the efforts of lengthy contracts and deep explanations with clients and team members, the definition of what “clean” means can vary considerably.

In this variability lies a lot of room for confusion and disappointment.

Disappointment for the client, the manager, and the team who are all trying to do what is expected of them and feel successful.

Perhaps the challenge lies in the very definition of the work needed to make a space clean, and this must be made clearer across four levels of activity.

1. With the customer in the original contract 2. With the team working on that specific contract 3. With the team for general activities as per company standards 4. Among management to ensure consistency.

The work must be clearly defined for the depth and degree of cleaning, the equipment and materials used, and the time required to complete the tasks.

With your shared language on more accurately describing work to be done it is time to revisit the description of work being used.

46 INCLEAN March / April 2021

We have found it is most important to update proposal templates, so that future work can be adjusted, and you start setting clear expectations from now on. THhen come back and revisit any ‘problem’ accounts where expectations might be more accurately reset.

TEAM ENGAGEMENT LEADS TO OWNERSHIP OF WORK Action research is a growing movement in engaging the team in creating SOPs through a two-way interaction with the team doing the work.

“

Despite the efforts of lengthy contracts and deep explanations with clients and team members, the definition of what “clean” means can vary considerably.

”

Instead of templates from the ivory tower of management the team can shape the work to help meet the client expectations on quality and management guidance on time spent.

In the action research approach, you collaborate with the team (or the client) on identified problems, develop a solution based on your diagnosis together, and then put that into action and measure the impact.

Because the team helped to build the SOPs they feel ownership over them.

This leads to compliance and adjusting behaviours on the ground by the team doing the work to remain compliant.

As trust builds the effect of this change also builds, ideally resulting in more self-managed work teams. I know it sounds unbelievable, but it is working and is well worth your time to do some further reading and we will be sharing more as it comes to light.

A SYSTEM TO DELIVER CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT We need to go beyond auditing tools to embed these best practice behaviours.

Having a system to record, deliver and report on who is using the SOPs correctly is critical.

The worker in the field needs to be able to lookup the SOP for any activity and ensure they are adhering to the expectations set in the contract with the client.

Training in the moment is the holy grail, allowing your team to embed good habits and check quickly if they have the right technique, safety approach, or even equipment on hand for the work asked of them. Being able to access short, sharp tips or videos can be gold for supervisors and reduce a LOT of the back-and-forth chatter.

All tasks in freshOps allow a user to refer to training materials via a PDF or access a video showing them how to prepare and complete the work safely.

In this way, the messages from induction, onboarding at a site, and training are consistent and they tie back to the expectations of the contract ensuring you get on track and stay there.

At freshOps, we believe that everyone gets up to do a good day’s work and the onus is on business leaders to make it crystal clear what success looks like and provide the tools to lead and manage the team to help them get there.

Martin Callan is the CEO of www.getfreshOps.com. He can be reached at martin@getfreshOps.com. ■

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OPINION

The importance of brainstorming for business

B

rainstorming is a key component of business that every company should undertake.

Have you ever heard of ‘hero leadership’? I heard this the other day, and it took me back to when I was a young salesperson and all the speeches I listened to that wowed me. However, many times after these speeches I walked away thinking, ‘what am I supposed to do with this?’

Have you found yourself as a leader giving a speech, and your audience seem to be engaged and connected, but nothing was achieved afterwards? I have made this very mistake. Because of this, I have had to ask myself, what did I miss?

The problem was that there were no next steps. The ‘what’ and ‘why’ was in the speech but not the ‘how’ and ‘who’. Your staff know what their jobs are, but many times they do not know what their role is to help you make this vision/ or idea happen.

So, I began to conduct workshops with my staff. I started with ‘why’ (feeling), ‘how’ (feeling) and ‘what’ (rational thought). The key is communication before, during, and afterwards. It is important to create area workshops and start the workflow from the beginning to end, record the sessions, and get someone to document whilst you facilitate.

Once you have been through the divisions put it all together and get the key stakeholders from each area to go through the entire workflow for the business. There are so many benefits for this, especially for the newbies, as it enables them to see the business holistically.

48 INCLEAN March / April 2021

FACILITATING A BRAINSTORMING SESSION

Stage 1: If you can analyse your business, look at all the touch points – how many touch points, by whom, then reason, outline the impacts – what seems to be working and what isn’t working, and the costs associated, wastage, labour etc.

This should be your driver to creating a brainstorming session.

Stage 2: Organise and send out a meeting request with an agenda to the relevant parties, this will depend on the size of your organisation who you will ask to attend.

Organise food and drinks (non-alcoholic) as this allows people to become more comfortable in this environment as you want them to be able to speak freely so make this a point.

Agenda: The agenda should outline what your vision/mission of the business is and why this workshop is happening – what should they expect and what is expected of them. This will make them comfortable and get them thinking about their current tasks and how they can add value to this brainstorming session.

Stage 3: Set the scene, start with the hero speech “what and why”, then finish with the “how and who”. Get this right and you should get exactly what you need.

Remember, the fastest and quickest way to get to where you need to be will be through staff. They have the answers, you just need to unlock them. I recommend you start with the workflow from beginning to end and break down the tasks associated with it.

Use post it notes to list these tasks so you can move them around later when you realise the tasks are sitting in the wrong area or they need not be tasks – it outlines the impacts.

Workflows work because: • It helps people to think about the way they go about their daily tasks.

• Collaboration as a group helps shift the participants’ mindsets where they may not have shifted before, this opens for some great input from the team • Workshops give each team member a sense of ownership of their task as they feel not just part of the problem but more importantly contributors to the solution.

• You gain an understanding of everyone’s skillsets These brainstorming workshops help the facilitator, manager/leader understand their audience, not judge them but understand their skillset, where they need to be, and will allow you and them to start planning and measuring how the business will achieve the outcomes needed.

A true leader understands their staff as individuals, what they need from you to achieve their/the business goals. This is where you will always win as it is your people that make things happen.

From here you can write a plan or scope of works and break down the tasks and responsibilities throughout the business, everybody is now accountable as they will understand the workflow of the business and how they impact their colleagues if they don’t own their part.

Susan Crane is a business consultant and CEO of Crane Consulting. Crane will be presenting at the ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo in Sydney on 12-13 October www.craneconsults.com.au ■

OPINION

Developing staff training in 2021 and beyond

D

elivering government funded accredited training is a bit like a commercial painter telling you they can paint three quarters of your house, but they do not have a big enough ladder to access the eves.

What I mean by that is we get a group of staff, access their eligibility for government funding give the good news to 10-30 per cent and tell the other 70-90 per cent - sorry guys and gals you are out of luck.

Prior to 2011, federal training incentives were available for almost everyone; but things changed under the Gillard government after years of employer and training organisation rorting accusations.

Between 2011 and 2013 Federal incentive eligibility was change to new employees only (excluding industry skill shortages). As a result, the number of eligible staff dwindled from 80-90 per cent eligibility to 30 per cent or less.

Fast forward to 2021 and many local government and state government contracts now call for staff to be trained in Certificate III level qualifications.

Changes in employment demographics, particularly over the last 10-15 years show cleaning labour is often sourced from the pool of overseas students who can only legally work up to 21 hours per week, are ineligible for government funding and can only completed a qualification through a CRIOS (overseas registered) RTO.

So how do we face the challenge of developing our staff in 2021 and beyond?

To ensure a training company has “ladders big enough to access all areas of your house”, there needs to be a multi pathway training delivery systems offering accredited and non- accredited training for the entire work force.

The training and recognition processes need to be cost effect enough so that a consistent result can be applied across the entire workforce (no matter the size of the organisation).

So how does a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) offer non-accredited training of similar standard to accredited training but at a fraction of the price?

Daniels Associates make this simple, we support all our clients in the delivery of training across their entire workforce though proprietary software platforms including onboarding, police checks, document tracking and control, time sheet recording all exportable through our API (Application Programming Interface) to common account packages and online payroll systems.

All this is supported by more than 30 cleaning courses linked to Certificate III in Cleaning Operations and Certificate IV in Cleaning Management plus a dramatically expanding library of 100+ courses.

Bruce Whiteley is operations director at Daniels Associates. For more information visit www.danielsassociates.com.au ■

“

The training and recognition processes need to be cost effect enough so that a consistent result can be applied across the entire workforce (no matter the size of the organisation).

”

www.incleanmag.com.au 49

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The eco-friendly, battery operated Ariamatic 240 Super is the first autonomous driven outdoor vacuum. It doesn’t produce CO2 emissions and has a low operating noise level of 68dB(A). Equipped with the cutting edge “Follow Me” automatic driving system, it will promptly follow, leaving the operator the sole task of directing the vacuum hose to the waste.The operator does not need to wear any special gear and the system will detects obstacles, ensuring the safety of people and things in the surrounding environment. Free onsite demonstration available.

• Septic tank safe • Very-low aquatic toxicity

Central Cleaning Supplies 1300 347 347

Agar Cleaning Systems

www.sweepclean.com.au

03 9480 3000 www.agar.com.au

i-mop xl Pro The recently launched i-mop xl Pro from i-team includes additional features for use in harsh environments. Distinguished by its black deck, this heavy-duty deck coating makes the i-mop xl Pro ideal for cleaning areas where chlorine-based cleaners are used. This makes the xl Pro ideal for Hospital theatres, around pools where there are high chlorine levels, and in beachside areas with high salt content.

The i-mop xl Pro also incorporates an angle sensor to help prevent water damage to the vacuum motor when the handle is lowered too far. The i-mop xl Pro retains the legendary manoeuvrability, productivity and ease of use that the original i-mop is famous for.

www.i-teamanz.com 50 INCLEAN March / April 2021

PRODUCTS

Cleanstar face shields Cleanstar stocks an extensive range of pandemic products including masks, thermometers, dispensers and so much more. Cleanstar’s HD face shields prevent fluid splash or dust and come with a comfort foam head band. Masks include anti fog treatment on both sides and its latex sponge design reduces extrusion.

Cleanstar 03 9460 5655 sales@cleanstar.com.au www.cleanstar.com.au

Makita 18V Brushless Blower Makita’s 18V Brushless Blower (DUB184) provides powerful max air speed of 187.6km/h without needing petrol and oil or generating fumes!

• Lightweight at 3kg with battery • Variable speed trigger for optimum performance • Cruise control function for consistent power • Market leading charge time of 55 minutes with DC18RC charger

1300 361 690 enquries@makita.com.au www.makita.com.au ai160316610735_1415 CCS Adiatek Inclean QP Ad Final 2 FA.pdf

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PREMIUM BATTERIES FOR

FLOOR CLEANERS + Rugged Construction

+ Rapid Recharge

+ SpeedCap® Venting + Diamond Plate Technology Positive Locking System

Available from R&J Batteries stores and distributors / www.rjbatt.com.au/u-s-battery / 1300 769 282

www.incleanmag.com.au 51

PRODUCTS

Citra-Mist Cita-Mist is a fast-acting spray and wipe cleaner that breaks down grease and grime easily, leaving behind a streak-free surface with just one pass. It has a mild citrus perfume and is suitable for desks, tables, doors, walls, fittings, painted surfaces, and all other washable surfaces.

• Non-toxic • Non-hazardous • Promotes good indoor air quality

Agar Cleaning Systems 03 9480 3000 www.agar.com.au

SEBO DUO CRB Machine

Unsmoke Degrease-All

The SEBO DUO is a cleaning system which avoids wet cleaning problems such as carpet shrinkage, adhesive damage, smell and long ‘area out of use’ periods due to lengthy drying times. Used by many professional cleaners in hotels, homes, and airports globally, the DUO system comprises a brushing machine, the DUO, and carpet cleaning powder, DUO-P. The DUO brushing machine features twin contra-rotating brushes that open the carpet pile and work the DUO-P carpet cleaning powder into the pile and around every fibre.

The highly absorbent micro-sponges, which contain advanced cleaning agents, break down the soiling which is then absorbed into the micro-sponge. Simply vacuum up and watch your carpet come back to life.

Degrease-All is tough enough to remove heavy residues, but gentle enough to be used on most wet cleanable surfaces. A general-purpose cleaner, Degrease-All is highly effective on particulate and greasy soils, and can be used on most hard surfaces.

Use it also to remove blood during trauma clean-up or fire restoration – nothing matches it as an all-around smoke restoration cleaner, yet it has no noxious fumes.

Degrease-All’s specially formulated ammoniated solvent removes smoke residues, grease, and other difficult soils from painted surfaces, metal, concrete, tile, sealed or unsealed wood and hard floors.

International Legend Brands +1 855-757-7776 internationalsales@legendbrands.net

SEBO

International.LegendBrands.com

02 9678 9577 www.sebo.com.au

Self-cleaning eco-friendly outdoor vacuum Part of the TSM range of eco-friendly cleaners, the Aria 240 Super is a battery-operated outdoor vacuum that doesn’t produce CO2 emissions and has a low operating noise level of 68dB(A). It has a revolutionary and time saving on-board automatic filter cleaning system that allows the operator to keep working without stopping frequently to clean the filter. Operator’s efforts are reduced by electric traction that is easily controlled by the front lever and it has a clever mechanical support for the hose that eliminate curves and prevent obstructions.Free onsite demonstration available.

Central Cleaning Supplies 1300 347 347 www.sweepclean.com.au 52 INCLEAN March / April 2021

PRODUCTS

Polivac battery-operated fogger A portable battery-operated fogger is perfect for disinfecting all those small corners and areas. This fully featured fogger is designed for easy application and use. Mitigate concerns related to the spread of infections and maintain cleanliness and sterility with the help of this high-quality battery-operated fogger. Engineered to exacting standards, making sure the cleaning jobs are done effectively and efficiently.

• Equipped with spray range of maximum 8m (best spray distance is 0.5-6m) • 10AH, 24V Lithium rechargeable battery, one charge lasts 1H, battery charger included • Shoulder strap available • Powered by DC Motor (165W, 2000RPM) • Adjustable spray volume 0-9L/H • CE certified

Polivac International Contact nearest distributor www.polivac.com.au

MULTI FLOOR CLEANING POWER SEBO PROFESSIONAL RANGE

QUALITY WASHROOM PAPER DISPENSERS Durolla Products NZ Ltd

FOR YOUR REQUIREMENTS CONTACT:

dispensers@durolla.com or visit www.durolla.com

sebo.com.au

POWERHEADS | CRB MACHINE | UPRIGHTS | BARRELS | POLISHER

www.incleanmag.com.au 53

PRODUCTS

NEW RapidClean Window Cleaning Kit RapidClean’s Window Cleaning Kit is a semi-professional grade bucket kit. Use this kit to effectively clean windows and leave a streak free finish.

Kit includes:

NEW Provir hospital grade disinfectant Provir is a new hospital grade disinfectant from Australian family business, True Blue Chemicals. A neutral based formulation, Provir also offers quick dry convenience. Provir exceeds all TGA criteria as hospital grade disinfectant and features a refreshing lemon fragrance.

Provir is safe for all general surfaces, and highly convenient for many environments including restaurants, cafes, gyms, schools, childcares, offices, and retail centres. Provir is available in convenient 750ml ready-to-use and five litre size.

• 1 x 12L Green bucket with clear lid • 1 x 35cm “T” bar handle • 1 x 35cm Washer cover • 1 x 35cm Squeegee channel and rubber • 1 x Squeegee handle • 1 x Safety scraper • 1 x Green microfibre cloth • 1 x Set of Squeegee holder clips (2) *Window cleaning solution sold separately

RapidClean 02 4721 1993 https://rapidclean.com.au

True Blue Chemicals 1800 635 746 Truebluechemicals.com.au

Superbowl Superbowl has been specifically designed to efficiently clean toilet bowls, including the rim, bowl and seat. Superbowl can easily and quickly remove different soils and stains from toilets and urinals including rust, scale, hard to remove toilet stains and algae growth. It is septic safe and safe to use on porcelain, stainless steel, tiles and most surfaces. Superbowl is available in five litre and one litre bottles.

Whiteley Corporation 1800 833 566 marketing@whiteley.com.au

54 INCLEAN March / April 2021

PRODUCTS

NEW Rubber lead with RCD (20 meters) Cleanstar has added to its range of RCD safety switch products with the launch of its new, high quality 20 metre rubber extension lead (RCD-CER2010). Flexible and long lasting, the extension lead features an in-line RCD safety switch and 40cm piggytail lead.

Cleanstar 03 9460 5655 sales@cleanstar.com.au www.cleanstar.com.au

Oxivir® Excel Wipes Oxivir Excel Wipes are a one-step hospital grade disinfectant cleaner based on Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide (AHP®) technology to deliver fast, broad spectrum disinfection with enhanced cleaning power.

Oxivir® Excel Wipes kills viruses, bacteria, and yeast in one minute, including SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 virus), Norovirus, Herpes Simplex Type 1, Murine hepatitis virus, Adenovirus Type 5, Poliovirus, S. aureus, E. hirae, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, P. vulgaris, and Candida albicans. The ready-to-use pre-wetted wipes are designed for hospitals, aged care facilities, childcare and educational facilities and hospitality venues.

ARTG No: Aust L 343051 | Pack size: 24 x 100Wipes | Wipes size: (27x20cm)

Diversey Australia 1800 647 779 www.diversey.com.au

Train with the best Daniels Associates have been leading innovation and development TRAINING Australia’s cleaning industry since 2003.

Our range of courses and training products include: • Certificate III in Cleaning Operations CPP30316 • Certificate IV in Cleaning Management CPP40416 • Certificate III in Health Support Services HLT33215 • Online cleaning skills courses available through the BSCAA and Rapid Cleaning • 12 NEW Cleaning Management courses available through Daniels Associates • Corporate Learning Management and Staff Onboarding Systems • Resources to grow your cleaning business including Safe Work Statements, Company Profiles, Staff Handbooks and more.

Looking to grow your cleaning business but lack process, systems and procedures?

Speak to us today!

1300 783 757

danielsassociates.com.au www.incleanmag.com.au 55

PRODUCTS

Surfex Surfex is the world’s first dry surface biofilm remover and surface disinfectant. It is the result of collaborative research with Western Sydney University and Macquarie University on Dry Surface Biofilms. It is intended for use on environmental surfaces and for non-critical medical devices such as hospital beds and theatre trolleys. Surfex’s unique formula of buffered peracetic acid and surfactants ensures it will provide maximum disinfectant efficacy critical for healthcare environments. Surfex has excellent materials compatibility when compared with Bleach/Chlorine and has proven kill claims against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), Clostridium difficile, Norovirus, and Influenza. Available in 8.5g sachets for dilution in 500ml bottles and 85g sachets for dilution in buckets.

U.S. Battery DeepCycle Batteries Operate your floor machine reliably with U.S. Battery Deep-Cycle Batteries.

Available in 6 volt, 8 volt and 12 volt sizes, U.S. Battery have sizes and configurations for any type of floor machine. Switching to U.S. Battery will give you longer operating time with their ability to be deeply discharged and spend less time waiting with their faster recharge. Maintaining their peak capacity for long periods between charges means greater vehicle reliability and lower annual operating costs.

U.S. Battery Deep Cycle batteries are constructed with Diamond Plate Technology giving them a longer cycle life and durability, resulting in less replacements over your equipment’s lifetime. U.S. Battery, available exclusively from R&J Batteries stores or selected distributors across Australia and New Zealand.

Whiteley Corporation 1800 833 566 marketing@whiteley.com.au

Pullman Advance PL950 Lithium Cordless Backpack The Pullman Advance Lithium Cordless Backpack is engineered and designed specifically for commercial cleaners to provide convenient cleaning without sacrificing performance. Whether it’s cleaning homes, offices or classrooms, the Pullman Lithium Backpack can get the job done quickly, quietly, and conveniently.

• Superior performance 43.2v lithium batteries providing up to 1 hour of runtime • Patented blower port transforms your backpack into a powerful blower • Easy adjustable harness with a three-stage height adjustment to ensure weight is correctly centred on your hips • Low noise which is ideal for daytime cleaning in noise sensitive areas

Godfreys 1800 815 270

R&J Batteries

corporate@godfreys.com.au

1300 769 282

www.godfreys.com.au

rjbatt.com.au

New cleaning products from Central Cleaning Supplies Central Cleaning Supplies has created three new cleaning products to help keep areas cleaner and fresher.

Carpet Cleaner - a premium liquid detergent which contains fast-reacting cleaning agents for single-pass water extraction carpet cleaning and leaves a lingering fresh fragrance.

Grease Release - a superior foaming cleaner formulated for the removal of cooking fats, grease and build up found in kitchens and on floors.

Odour Eliminator – releases a pleasant fragrance that indulges the senses.

Containing a blend of emulsified essential oils to mask odours and kill germs.

Central Cleaning Supplies 1300 347 347 www.centralcleaning.com.au 56 INCLEAN March / April 2021

PRODUCTS

OATES Hypro MF Single use microfibre mop pads are considered the ideal solution for healthcare environments and Hypro MF is no exception. With no need to wash and clean, Hypro MF is always available and provides effective hygiene and high cleaning productivity every time. Other benefits include:

Viraclean Viraclean is your best infection prevention defence against SARSCoV-2(COVID-19) present on healthcare surfaces. Manufactured in Australia, Viraclean is ready to use with a pleasant fragrance.

With a pleasant fragrance. It is pH neutral with excellent materials compatibility. Viraclean is proven to kill: Acinetobacter, Candida albicans, Coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), Enterococcus faecalis (VRE), Escherichia coli (E coli), Hepatitis B Group virus, Herpes Simplex virus, Influenza virus, Klebsiella pneumoniae (CPE/CRE), Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella choleraesuis, and Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA or Golden Staph).

Viraclean is available in 500ml, 5 litre and 15 litre pack sizes.

• Full colour coding • Anti-fray overlocked edges • Ultrasonic cut • Validated 99.85 per cent, 99.89 per cent and 99.85 per cent reduction against MRSA, VRE and spores of C. difficile, respectively (Eurofins Analytical Report: AAC57381) • Floor coverage greater than 20m2 • Custom printing option available, i.e. hospital name (reduced risk of theft) or application area such as operating theatre (to reinforce operating procedures)

Oates, a brand of Freudenberg www.oates.com.au

Whiteley Corporation 1800 833 566 marketing@whiteley.com.au

www.incleanmag.com.au 57

PRODUCTS

Pullman Commander PV900 Backpack Vacuum A high-powered commercial backpack designed for maximum user comfort in any commercial setting. Featuring the world-first Comfort System harness complete with three height settings, anti-vibration and air ventilation systems, a turbo suction mode and HEPA13 filtration for a healthier environment.

• Transforms into a powerful blower • Eco and Turbo modes for tailored suction strength • Professional-grade HEPA13 filter ensures clean air output

Godfreys 1800 815 270 corporate@godfreys.com.au www.godfreys.com.au

NEW Verla Skin Care Verla’s range of soaps, gels, and foams are made and developed 100 per cent in Australia and are specially designed to be simple and easy to use on all skin types. Formulated with premium ingredients and botanical inspired, products are available in liquid, foam, gel, and lotion. Verla also offers two convenient dispenser size options: Verla Mini 500ml and Verla Standard one litre, available in three colours (white, black and blue).

Verla Skin Care 1800 635 746 verla.com.au

®

SAFETY FIRST 20 METRE RUBBER EXTENSION LEAD WITH IN-LINE RCD SAFETY SWITCH

RapidClean Sani-Gel Sani-Gel is an alcohol-based hand sanitiser gel which kills bacteria within 30 seconds. Contains Glycerine moisturiser, natural Aloe Vera extract and Vitamin E to soothe, protect and support your skin tone. It leaves your hands soft and smooth. This product is ideal for use in homes, offices, childcares, aged cares, nursing homes, hospitality areas, outdoor areas, public places and more. Other features and benefits include: • Fast drying, with no washing or rinsing required • Phosphate free • Biodegradable and septic safe • Water saving • Australian made and owned

RapidClean 02 4721 1993 https://rapidclean.com.au 58 INCLEAN March / April 2021

FLEXIBLE RUBBER

15 YEARS STRONG

CONTACT US FOR YOUR NEAREST STOCKIST  (03) 9460 5655  sales@cleanstar.com.au

www.incleanmag.com.au

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