Cleaning & Maintenance - April 2021

The Official Partner of the Cleaning Show

APRI L 2 021

PLUS: • Industry news • People • Contracts • Products

Healthcare & Hospital Hygiene Cleanliness and the prevention of cross-contamination are crucial issues in all healthcare environments, from hospitals to specialist surgeries. It is therefore essential to adopt effective procedures and use appropriate equipment to guarantee maximum hygiene. This feature looks at some of the solutions available, as well as the ever-increasing role played by technology.

Face to Face Neil Nixon speaks with Erum Ahmed, director of sales at BioHygiene. >>> page 20

COVID-19 Update C&M provides a round-up of the cleaning industry’s continuing role in meeting the challenges posed by COVID-19. >>> page 16

>>> page 22

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

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EDITOR’S LETTER C&M

Back to work – but what does that mean?

At time of writing the government’s ‘road map’ to the end of COVID-19 restrictions appears to be largely on track. Building owners across the hospitality, retail, leisure, and office sectors are preparing to welcome back their customers, clients and occupants. Looking to the office sector in particular – a sector that is the bread and butter to many contract cleaning businesses – questions surrounding the future use and density of use loom large.

On a positive note, senior execs from many of the large banking groups – Goldman Sachs and Barclays included – have suggested a return to the office remains their objective. But will this be reflected in the wider world? Will office workers return full-time, part-time or not at all? And how will this affect cleaning businesses? Lee Andrews, CEO of DOC Cleaning, told me: “In terms of how this will all affect cleaning, the consensus seems to be around adopting the so-called ‘hybrid’ model of office usage, which of course covers a multitude of working arrangements. I suspect and hope that the changes will be positive for our industry. Whilst there may be slightly less floor space occupied on a permanent basis, any new style of working where the same number of people are using a smaller area, albeit not all simultaneously, must surely demand more intensive cleaning. Increased hot desking - not just where desks are used by a different person each day, but by many people within a day - will increase the focus on regular hygienic cleaning, as will more frequent team changeovers in call centre or other shift-style environments.”

I suspect Lee is right. A mix of full time and part-time/hybrid usage of office space might well be the adopted model, at least during the first period of returning to pre-COVID

working practices. Beyond that, who knows? People and corporations are reluctant to forget practices that have served them well for decades, so a slow return to full-time office working is not beyond the bounds of imagination.

But a hybrid model that makes better use of space and employee hours looks far more likely.

The opportunities for cleaning contractors in the post-COVID office environment remain strong and, arguably, more critical than ever. But the requirement, and methods of delivery, will almost certainly have changed. There’s no doubt our professional sector will rise to the challenge and out-perform expectations, just as it has during the past year of the pandemic. Lee Andrews concludes on a high note: “So it’s not all gloom and doom for contractors who rely mainly on daily office cleaning for their revenue. As the world adapts to a new rhythm of life where COVID is something we learn to live with, and where city centres that were once the preserve of office workers reinvent themselves as multi-faceted communities, it can only be good news for an industry whose job it is to ensure they remain as safe and hygienic places to study, work and play.”

I wish you a clean, tidy and healthy month ahead.

Neil Nixon, Editor Cleaning & Maintenance Magazine

@cleaningmag

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

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CONTENTS C&M

16 Special Report: COVID-19 Update.

C&M provides a round-up of the cleaning industry’s continuing role in meeting the challenges posed by COVID-19. This month, Kimberly-Clark Professional’s Steve Jones suggests that ‘not all germ spreaders wear masks’ and asks ‘how do you dry your hands?; and Richard Little, MD at Jenton International, asks why UV air disinfection is not being used in the fight against COVID-19, especially when there is a convincing argument.

APRIL 2021

06

11 12 20 32

Industry News.

In the news this month… All frontline support staff deserve key worker status – BCC, BICSc confirms dates for annual awards, GBAC STAR service accreditation now available for cleaning service providers, 13 million steps for a children’s charity, UK hand sanitiser market ‘has become a wild west’, Loo of the Year Awards, Sodexo launches 2021 ‘social impact pledge’

People.

Personnel news and new appointments from across the cleaning and FM sectors.

22

Contracts.

We take a look at all the latest contracts awarded across the industry.

Feature: Healthcare & Hospital Hygiene.

Cleanliness and the prevention of cross-contamination are crucial issues in all healthcare environments, from hospitals to specialist surgeries. It is therefore essential to adopt effective procedures and use appropriate equipment to guarantee maximum hygiene.

This feature looks at some of the solutions available, as well as the ever-increasing role played by technology.

Face to Face Neil Nixon speaks with Erum Ahmed, director of sales at BioHygiene.

New Products.

An overview of some of the new products available on the market this month.

03 Editor’s Comment

13 BICSc Comment

A look at the cleaning sector this month.

Key worker or essential worker?

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

14 BCC Comment Hospitality heroes show dedication and resilience during the pandemic.

Liz Smith-Mills reports.

15 A job worth doing – a contractor’s blog.

Lee Andrews reports.

APRIL 2021 5

C&M INDUSTRY NEWS

All frontline support staff deserve key worker status – BCC THE British Cleaning Council (BCC) has

engineers, personal hygiene services,

expanded on its major initiative to achieve ‘key

washroom and hygiene services, specialist

and essential worker’ status for employees in

services supplying disinfection services

the cleaning and hygiene sector.

that involves specialist equipment, and our colleagues who deal with the safe and hygienic

BCC chairman, Paul Thrupp, said: “As

disposal of waste.

everyone is now aware, the BCC has been

“The personnel involved are vital in the

very keen to get government recognition of the significant contribution that the cleaning

supply of fundamental services which are

and hygiene sector makes to the current fight

required throughout the cleaning process and so should also be given key and essential

against COVID-19 and for cleaning operatives to be recognised as key and essential workers.

important in ensuring that people who also

workers status. The members of our teams

By definition, cleaning and hygiene operatives

work on the frontline have high standards of

involved and their businesses in these areas are

are consistently at the sharp end of ensuring

health and safety during the current pandemic

all represented by member groups of the BCC

buildings are clean and safe.

and are also fully deserving of key and essential

and should be recognised as key and essential

worker status. For example, this includes drivers

workers, which has always been implicit in our

sectors of the industry represented by the

who deliver janitorial supplies of cleaning and

campaign so far.”

BCC that are absolutely essential and equally

hygiene products, machinery maintenance

WWW.BRITISHCLEANINGCOUNCIL.ORG

“However, in addition, there are many other

BICSc confirms dates for annual awards THE British Institute of Cleaning Science has

Taking a new approach, this year’s event

announced that its annual awards are planned

is planned to commence at midday, where

to return on Thursday 30 September at the

Team BICSc will welcome guests to enjoy a

Forest of Arden Hotel and Spa in Birmingham.

champagne drinks reception followed by a

This event has long celebrated industry

three course ‘best of British’ lunch and awards

excellence, and rewards those who strive to

ceremony. As always, the chairman’s charity

uphold BICSc standards. After the pandemic

prize draw offers guests the opportunity to win,

forced the 2020 event to be cancelled, BICSc

with all donations going to Dementia UK.

is hopeful that, with the recent government

“We are keeping everything crossed that we

be able to support our member, BICSc, and its awards by sponsoring the historic Eric Hill

‘roadmap’ announcement, it will be able to

will be able to host the awards this year,” said

Medal for the third time. After what has been

go ahead and host a live event, with plans

Michelle Iland, marketing and events manager,

a tough time for many cleaning and hygiene

to go virtual should the situation change.

BICSc. “Now more than ever it’s crucial that we

personnel, it is great to be able to look forward

Tickets for the event will be available closer

recognise and reward trained individuals and

to the return of this fantastic celebration of the

to the date.

organisations who incorporate the BICSc ethos

expertise of our sector.”

BICSc members can now apply within six

into their training programmes - they all play

The BICSc Annual Awards are sponsored

categories - including Outstanding Corporate

their part in raising standards for the sector.”

by Rubbermaid Commercial Products, British

Member, Excellence in Training and Assessment, and Candidate of the Year.

Jim Melvin, deputy chairman of the British Cleaning Council, said: “We are delighted to

Cleaning Council, Vinci Facilities, and Citation.

WWW.BICS.ORG.UK/AWARDS

GBAC STAR service accreditation now available for cleaning service providers THE Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a

prevention of facilities during the pandemic,

division of ISSA, has launched the GBAC STAR

and many are looking for ways to promote their

Service Accreditation Programme for building

expertise,” said GBAC executive director, Patricia

or working alongside established custodial

service contractors and other outsourced

Olinger. “Expanding GBAC STAR accreditation to

teams in facilities like schools, stadiums,

cleaning service providers. The newest member

these service providers enables them to expand

convention centres, and more. Now, building

of the GBAC STAR portfolio, GBAC STAR Service

their knowledge of cleaning, disinfection and

service contractors can pursue GBAC STAR

accreditation provides third-party validation

infection prevention, and to demonstrate to

Service accreditation to further enhance their

of a cleaning service provider’s cleaning,

customers and prospects that they can manage

service offerings and complement the GBAC

disinfection and infection prevention protocols

risks today and in the future.”

STAR Facility accreditation to which more than

and procedures.

“Building service contractors are on the frontlines of cleaning, disinfecting and infection 6 APRIL 2021

ISSA executive director, John Barrett,

4000 facilities around the world are committed

said: “Cleaning service providers are often

to achieving.”

responsible for managing cleaning programmes

WWW.GBAC.ORG WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

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C&M INDUSTRY NEWS

13 million steps for a children’s charity A team of 40 working for Samsic UK and

Rainbow Trust, which supports seriously

subsidiary JPC Cleaning has raised over £5000

ill children and their families. King continued:

for children’s charity, Rainbow Trust, by walking

“We chose the Rainbow Trust as our corporate

over 13 million steps in a month.

charity partner for this year because it provides essential support and care for families in acute

Employees including Anderson Ferreira, assistant cleaning manager, and Messalina

need, enabling them to make the most of

Manita, cleaning operative, from JPC by Samsic’s

precious time together.”

To help fund more hours of care for the Trust

Here East team (pictured) stepped up to the

during 2021, Samsic and JPC employees are

plate at the start of February and went on to beat

participating in events ranging from skydiving

the target of 10 million steps by 3.5 million. business, from the CEO and board members

and bungie-jumping to running double

over 300,000 steps to the tally. He said: “We’re

all the way through to cleaning and security

marathons and swimming for two miles across

absolutely astounded by the incredible effort

operatives, and from every region we operate

London’s chilly Serpentine.

of our people, and want to say a massive thank

in, from the south coast right up to Fife.”

Samsic UK CEO, Jonathan King, contributed

you to everyone who took part and everyone who donated. We had people right across our

This challenge is just the start of a year of fund-raising by Samsic for charity partner,

To donate please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/samsic WWW.SAMSIC.UK

Loo of the Year Awards 2021 THE cleanliness, maintenance and management

the annual Loo of the Year Awards is a way

of washrooms has never been more important

of receiving an independent assessment and

unique and integral part of Loo of the Year Awards

than now during the COVID-19 epidemic. When

recognition of the standards achieved based on

but relate specifically to the cleaning staff that

customers and staff need to use the loo they

‘the washroom standard’ for the UK.

look after facilities, rather than the washrooms

need to know the washrooms they use meet

Mike Bone, awards managing director, said:

The Washroom Cleaner of the Year Awards are a

themselves. All attendants and/or cleaning staff

their needs, and importantly they should not use

“Companies and institutions of all sizes and in

employed by the entrant and working at the

washroom facilities in premises that do not.

all market sectors throughout the UK use their

entry location will automatically be entered for a

annual entries in the Loo of the Year Awards

Washroom Cleaner of the Year Award.

How does your company assess how clean

Entries are now being received for the 2021

and well maintained the washrooms that

as a proven, cost effective and independent

you are responsible for are? Do you have an

annual assessment of their standards. We

Loo of the Year Awards (closing date for entries

independent assessment based on up to 101

provide the assessment, recognition and

is 30 June). Unannounced inspections will be

criteria for those toilets you are responsible for?

promotion of their success in washroom

completed during July, August and September.

How do you benchmark your achievements

provision, cleaning and this vital element of

There are a range of national and overall winner

against your competitors? Does your company

facilities management. Leading cleaning and

awards and trophies which will be presented at

and its cleaning staff receive recognition for

FM companies compete for a range of national

an event to be held on Friday 3 December.

a job well done? Entering washrooms into

awards and UK/Ireland trophies.

WWW.LOO.CO.UK

UK hand sanitiser market ‘has become a wild west’ THE safety of children and vulnerable adults

Byotrol is urging the government to recognise

Dr Trevor Francis, chief technology officer

is under threat from a wave of unsafe, mis-

the need for higher standards and more

at Byotrol, said: “Hand sanitising is now

sold and under-regulated alcohol-based

rigorous enforcement, which could include

an essential part of everyday life but we’re

hand sanitisers, without any government

providing further resources to agencies such as

exposing the most at risk in our society

acknowledgment of the alternatives, according

the Health and Safety Executive and Medicines

to various dangers thanks to a wild west

to a UK manufacturer.

and Healthcare Products Regulation Agency

regulatory regime with loose standards and

(MHRA) that are currently overwhelmed by

even weaker enforcement. The government

other demands.

must take action to see that regulations

Chester-based Byotrol plc, which makes Invirtu alcohol-free hand sanitiser, is calling for an urgent review into controls on the market to

Despite the dangers of ingestion by children,

are fit for purpose and that the agencies

prevent unscrupulous suppliers from distributing

some hand sanitisers in the UK are being marketed

responsible for protecting the public have the

ineffective, misleading and potentially dangerous

with the scents and images of sweets. University

powers and resources to act. We would very

products to the public. The call comes as 10

of Oxford research found that the number of

much welcome the opportunity to contribute

cross-party MPs have written to Health Secretary,

poisoning incidents involving alcohol-based

constructively to that from a scientific and

Matt Hancock asking for an urgent review of the

products in the first nine months of 2020 was more

industry perspective.”

guidelines for hand sanitisers.

than double the number in 2019 (155 to 398).

WWW.INVIRTU.CO.UK

8 APRIL 2021

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

INDUSTRY NEWS

C&M

Sodexo launches 2021 ‘social impact pledge’

SODEXO UK and Ireland has

are focused on four social impact

publicly stated its commitment

pathways: people, planet, places,

to a series of pledges forming its

and partners.

KILLS

99.99 % OF GERMS

ethical manifesto for leading the

Sean Haley, Sodexo regional

way to improve quality of life for

chair, UK and Ireland, said: “It has

society and the planet. These

never been more important than

pledges include: gifting up to

it is right now to operate with

25% of its apprentice levy to SME

purpose and responsibility. Last

• Ideal in educational, hospitality &

suppliers, enabling them to create

year, despite the unprecedented

• Contains powerful antimicrobials

100 new apprenticeships; cutting

circumstances, we fulfilled our

• Food safe, ideal for food prep areas

food waste by 50% across all its

commitments laid out in our 2019

sites by 2030; and ensuring 40% of

ethical manifesto, meeting and

the company’s spend is with SME

even exceeding the ambitious

and VCSE suppliers - above the

targets we had set ourselves. You

government’s own target of £1 in

are, however, only as good as your

every £3.

last performance, so our challenge

This launch represents the

now is to continue to do even

fourth iteration of Sodexo’s Social

better. COVID-19 has touched every

Impact Pledge. First published

aspect of our work and personal

in 2015, the business has

lives, so this year our pledges

faithfully reported on its progress

reflect the impact the pandemic

against the pledges each year,

has had, and directly contributes

demonstrating with evidence and

to improving the communities we

examples the positive impact it

work within.”

is creating. This year, the pledges

WWW.SODEXO.COM

ECHA to return in Spring 2022

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• • • • • • • •

THE European Cleaning and

April 2022 at Le Plaza Hotel

Hygiene Awards will return in

in Brussels.

Spring 2022.

The awards will open for entries

Following the cancellation of the

in April 2021. Businesses and

2020 event due to the ongoing

individuals from across the continent

COVID-19 crisis, the organiser

are encouraged to share their stories

has now confirmed that the fifth

of success from 2020 and beyond.

awards event will take place on 28

WWW.ECHAWARDS.COM

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A PRIL 2021 9

C&M

INDUSTRY NEWS / PEOPLE

Essity teams up with the Global Handwashing Partnership hygiene companies and manufacturer of Tork soaps and hand towels, we feel uniquely placed to team up with GHP to promote hand hygiene.”

Established in 2001, the Global Handwashing Partnership organises the annual Global Handwashing Day which takes place on 15 October. Local and national leaders use the occasion to demonstrate the value of clean hands, spreading the handwashing message and supporting communities with facilities such as sinks and tippy taps.

The aim of the Global Handwashing Partnership’s Hand Hygiene for All initiative co-led by WHO and UNICEF - is to ensure that hand hygiene products and services are made available to everyone, particularly those in TORK manufacturer Essity has teamed up

“The Global Handwashing Partnership

with the Global Handwashing Partnership,

brings together the expertise, experience,

an organisation that aims to bring hand

ideas, resources, and reach of both the

normalised and habitual, thus achieving

hygiene within everyone’s reach. Essity

public and private sectors all over the world

the vision of hand hygiene for all by 2030,”

has become a strategic partner of the GHP,

to promote handwashing with soap,” said

said the Global Handwashing Partnership’s

whose steering committee members include

Magnus Groth, Essity’s CEO and president.

secretariat director, Ron Clemmer. “Essity

UNICEF and the London School of Hygiene

“Hand hygiene is essential for our well-

is an important partner with us in this

and Tropical Medicine. Essity has been a

being - and in the midst of an ongoing

initiative, sharing the company’s thought

member of the GHP since 2017 and is one

pandemic we need to do more to increase

leadership to support hand hygiene in

of a select few organisations to have been

our hygiene practices both now and in

schools and work environments.”

offered a strategic partnership.

the future. As one of the world’s leading

WWW.TORK.CO.UK

disadvantaged countries.

“We want hand hygiene to become

New head of sales at SafeGroup SAFEGROUP has appointed Mark McGowan

and ambition throughout the business so I am

as its new head of sales as the business looks

looking forward to what 2021 and the years

to build on rapid growth achieved in 2020.

ahead will bring.”

SafeGroup’s growth in 2020 has been driven

McGowan was previously head of strategy and implementation at recycling and waste

by demand for specialist cleaning and hygiene

specialist Viridor and has more than 15 years of

support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

experience in sales in the waste and recycling

SafeGroup now delivers COVID-19 electrostatic

industry. He has been given responsibility to

spray disinfection and ozone decontamination

develop and manage SafeGroup’s sales team

for a wide range of clients, including Transport

across all service streams - cleaning, waste and

for London, the NHS, manufacturers, schools,

pest solutions - reporting to managing director,

and leading retailers.

McGowan continued: “The pandemic

Mike Drake.

Mike Drake said: “Mark brings proven

Mark McGowan said: “SafeGroup is a

has dramatically changed the cleaning and

experience in developing and implementing

remarkably agile and entrepreneurial business,

hygiene landscape, I think for good. High

successful national sales strategies and building

with an impressive service portfolio and exciting

standards of cleaning and wellbeing in the

sales teams that deliver them. We’re delighted

opportunities for growth, especially in the

workplace are now inextricably linked. Even

to welcome him to SafeGroup. The business

cleaning and waste sectors. It also has a strong

when the pandemic is beaten, as we hope it

has grown by over 43% in 2020. We’re looking

reputation for delivery among key clients. My

will be with the vaccine programme, there will

to maintain that momentum in 2021. We’re

objective is to work with colleagues to scale up

be a need for new types of specialist hygiene

building a strong and talented team that

our sales and business development capability

services, and we believe SafeGroup is well

can drive that, and Mark’s appointment is a

while developing further an already strong

placed to deliver them.”

reflection of our ambition.”

brand. This is a team effort, and there is talent

WWW.THESAFEGROUP.CO.UK

10 APRIL 2021

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

PEOPLE C&M

Ecobat’s Sheppard retires AFTER more than 20 years with Ecobat Battery

distributes in excess of 1.6 million batteries

Technologies, managing director, Steve

annually. Operating with the challenges of the

Sheppard, has stepped down from his position,

COVID-19 pandemic during my last year with

six years after his Parkinson’s diagnosis.

the company will naturally stay with me. I have

Sheppard joined the business - which was

obviously been less involved as the transition

then Manbat - in 1999, as the company’s sales

to the new management has taken place, but

director, overseeing the opening of the Bristol

I have watched the employees pull together in

branch and going on to help Roger and Mike

a fantastic manner to ensure that the company

Pemberton to transform the business from a

continues to provide a high level of service

regional distributor into a major player in the

and performance, whilst having to adapt to

battery distribution sector.

new working practices in order to keep each other safe. The Manbat/Ecobat community

In 2009, the business was sold to industrial lead giant, Ecobat Technologies, and Steve

has always been a close one, and I will be

Sheppard was appointed MD of Ecobat

recollecting experiences and smiling to myself

Battery Technologies UK and Ireland, the

for many years to come.”

Divisional managing director, Russell

name of the Ecobat Group’s new battery distribution division.

Over the last decade, Sheppard has been at the helm as the company has grown, both organically and through several acquisitions,

business has grown from four to 14 branches,

McBurnie, who takes over as MD, said:

including specialist industrial sites and a main

“Steve knows everyone within our business

UK distribution hub, based in Shrewsbury.

and will afford time to anyone who needs

“My greatest achievement,” said Sheppard,

it. A great people person, he has formed

and expanded into other complementary

“has been to install a belief in the people, at

strong and lasting relationships, engaging

battery sectors, but always pursuing the original

all levels of the business, we could become

staff, customers and suppliers alike. Steve’s

Manbat ethos of providing expert knowledge

a major player, so they have shared in the

contribution and dedication to Ecobat has

and work with its customers to grow their

ownership of the vision. This is what has made

made it what it is today.”

battery business. Under his direction, the

Ecobat into a £70 million plus business that

WWW.UK.ECOBAT.TECH

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

APRIL 2021 11

C&M CONTRACTS

Welsh Water cleaning contract awarded A&R Cleaning and Security Services has been

to be working with a company that is both

awarded a multi-year contract to provide

responsible and sustainable.”

The contract incorporates cleaning, janitorial

commercial cleaning services to 52 Welsh Water offices, water treatment facilities and visitor

and hygiene services along with vital proactive

centre sites across Wales and Herefordshire.

and reactive COVID-19 hotspot cleaning. A&R

Rayner Davies, managing director of A&R,

will use its bio-misting technology to provide additional infection and viral control during the

said: “This is a major milestone for our business.

Securing Welsh Water is a huge achievement during a global pandemic, and we are delighted

Rayner Davies, MD (left) and Ashely Davies, FD, co-founders of A&R Cleaning and Security Services.

pandemic to help protect Welsh Water’s 3500 staff.

WWW.ARCS-CLEANING.CO.UK

Brayborne re-awarded Southampton campus cleaning contract BRAYBORNE Facilities Services is to

Appointed to City College’s sites in 2018,

provide cleaning services to City College

Brayborne has subsequently resolved staffing

Southampton for a further two-year term

issues, revised scheduling and introduced

without re-tender. City College is a general

efficiencies to reduce cost. The 25-strong

further education facility providing career-

cleaning staff provide vertical and horizontal

led courses, apprenticeships and education

day-to-day cleaning together with periodic

particularly supportive during lockdown. We

for young people and adults. Located in

deep cleans.

benefit from a friendly and effective team whose

Southampton city centre, the campus has

“Brayborne have been brilliant,” said City

improved morale is reflected in standards and

undergone a huge investment in new facilities

College estates and procurement manager,

willingness to help. We had no cause to re-

and equipment, allowing students to learn

Jackie Nicholas. “They have improved our

tender for this contract and offered the two-year

and work in real life working environments

cleaning process, readily offer flexibility that

extension to Brayborne.”

using industry standard equipment.

meets our changing needs, and have been

WWW.BRAYBORNE.CO.UK

NFU Mutual contract renewal for ISS Restoration ISS Restoration and its Rainbow International

Key account manager at ISS Restoration, Nick

James Oram, claims supplier specialist at

brand is celebrating the successful renewal of its

Griffiths, said: “This is excellent news for ISS

NFU Mutual, said: “NFU Mutual and Rainbow

contract with NFU Mutual Insurance for disaster

Restoration and Rainbow International, and it is

International have very similar values and

recovery and restoration services on behalf of

testament to the great work our technicians do

ethos and that is why we continue to work

its household and commercial policyholders for

out in the field, and our outstanding customer

so well together. We have been in business

a further three years. Rainbow International’s

service delivered by our head office function. It

with each other now for 11 years and knowing

partnership with NFU Mutual began in 2010.

is the world class service that we aim to provide

our customers are in extremely safe hands

From that start, Rainbow has supported over

at every touch point that has enabled us to

with Rainbow International is of the utmost

40,000 of NFU Mutual’s members in their time

continue with our contractual partnership with

importance to us.”

of need.

NFU Mutual.”

WWW.RAINBOW-INT.CO.UK

Samsic appointed by Northern Ballet SAMSIC UK has been appointed to provide

centre outside London. Built in 2010, the

office in close proximity to the Northern Ballet

cleaning services to the Northern Ballet and

purpose-built, six-storey facility on Quarry Hill

estate, commences with accelerated learning

Phoenix Dance Theatre, the UK’s largest dance

in central Leeds is a premier dance facility with

provision elevating existing staff to Samsic skill

seven studios, including one of the largest in

standards, induction, contract and equipment

Europe. The building also incorporates a 230-

knowledge, and task-based training followed by

seat studio theatre, a health suite, wardrobe

on-site training, e-learning and mentoring for the

facilities, office space and meeting rooms, and a

duration of the three-year contract. The contractor

public exhibition space.

is also implementing its ISO 14001-accredited

Samsic has been contracted to provide

Image © Northern Ballet/Cloud 9 photography.

12 APRIL 2021

‘total green solutions’ methodology to support

horizontal and vertical cleaning to Quarry Hill and

client sustainability objectives and reduce

the company’s technical support site at Bramley.

environmental impact across the contract.

The contract, managed by Samsic’s Leeds

WWW.SAMSIC.UK WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

BICSc C&M

Key worker or essential worker?

THERE has been a lot of

between essential workers and key

did not include people working in any area of facility services and therefore did not include cleaning

discussion during the COVID-19

workers. Essential workers keep the

pandemic about ‘key workers’

country running and key workers

operatives. A day after publication, questions were

and ‘essential workers’. The

protect or treat people who have

asked in parliament and the government replied

cleaning operative has not

contracted the virus.

that the list was not exhaustive. People working

This may appear to be

been recognised as either

in security and cleaning operatives were also

by government and the use

semantics but obviously those

considered to hold a crucial occupation - with the

of two different terms is also

workers who are key are more

schools closed they could bring their children to

at risk of being in contact with

daycare or provisional opening of primary schools.

not helpful.

On 25 June 2020, the Dutch government ruled

In business, you can insure against the

infected individuals. It is clear for all to see that

incapacity or loss of key workers or essential

the cleaning operative is a key worker. If they do

that all frontline care and healthcare workers

workers. To examine this matter further we

not turn up for work at facilities where they are

would receive a one-off bonus of €1000 net. This

can look back to the effects of the Spanish Flu

at the frontline of containment or prevention of

also applied to all cleaning operatives working in

pandemic in 1918, where the death toll globally

this disease, sooner or later the facility ceases

that area. For the second lockdown in December

was in the region of 50 to 100 million people. The

to function. This is obviously true of healthcare

2020, a list was published by the government of

number is difficult to establish accurately (not due

workers as well, but cleaning operatives are not

crucial occupations, this time explicitly including

to spreadsheet problems, but due to inaccurate

considered as key workers which I believe is a

cleaning operatives.

reporting of worldwide deaths). The issue here is

major oversight.

that essential workers - police officers, postmen,

As you can see from the above illustration,

If we look at the recognition of cleaning

the Netherlands not only recognised cleaning

utility workers etc - were affected to such a degree

operatives by the Dutch government, a totally

operatives but moved away from the terms ‘key

that, for example, in London, the Metropolitan

different approach has evolved. In the Netherlands,

workers’ and ‘essential workers’ and adopted the

Police force was unable to perform its role in

three occasions mark the recognition of cleaning

term ‘crucial occupations’. Perhaps it is time for

keeping law and order on several occasions due

operatives as a crucial occupation in times of

us to reconsider John Bull’s call to action: ‘Wake

to depleted numbers of officers who were sick or

COVID-19. At the start of the first lockdown in March

up England’.

absent from duty. My view is there is a difference

2020, a list was published that was quite limited and

WWW.BICS.ORG.UK

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APRIL 2021 13

C&M BCC COLUMN

Hospitality heroes show dedication and resilience during the pandemic Liz Smith-Mills FIH, FBICSc, deputy chair of UKHA Yorkshire and North East Region, and ambassador for Hospitality Action, reports.

OVER the past 12 months, the hospitality industry has experienced turbulence and unpredictability. From forced closures to everchanging government guidance, the COVID-19 crisis has had a severe impact on businesses and customer confidence.

Some hotels, such as the Athenaeum Hotel in London, remained open throughout lockdown to care for their elderly, permanent residents and accommodate other guests who were stranded. Other hotels accommodated key workers while some establishments took on the responsibility of ensuring safety and compliance with new norms and regulations.

When hotels have remained open, instilling confidence and reassurance that their establishment has been cleaned to the highest standard has fallen on the shoulders of the often unsung heroes in housekeeping.

Housekeepers have faced real challenges but have also achieved much during the pandemic.

For example, a family who were flooded out of their home stayed at the Salutation Hotel in Perth and were moved to tears when housekeeping put a Christmas tree in their room. A consultant physician staying the Athenaeum Hotel was too scared to see his family for weeks and weeks but was able to reunite with his wife and daughters after being reassured about the stringent cleaning regimes in place and lack of COVID-19 cases.

The Milestone Hotel in London adjusted to a totally new way of working but still retained

a five-star Forbes listing as well as being certified COVID-19 confident by the AA. The Principal Hotel, York, brought in thorough and efficient processes to ensure the safety of guests involving lengthier cleaning times, despite the challenges of busy periods and increased guest expectations.

In all properties, my colleagues got used to following new procedures to prevent infection, such as using certified chemicals to ensure effective disinfection and sanitising. We initially followed NHS guidelines then ISSA GBAC Star accreditation was introduced. The UKHA COVID tool kit was also an invaluable tool.

Housekeeping teams have also had to take on new duties and multi-task. At the Yew Lodge, a skeleton housekeeping staff wore different hats daily to help in varied roles ranging from serving breakfasts, cooking pizzas for guests, working on reception, and even painting corridors and rooms.

During this time of fear and anxiety, uncertainty and powerlessness, we used messages, group chats and Zoom calls to keep furloughed colleagues engaged and motivated. Working colleagues had to balance family life and home schooling whilst often being at work more than at home. Those travelling to work on public transport had to overcome their fears or turn to taxis, with staff feeling a sense of relief once the journey was completed.

Elsewhere, there has been the tough job of making redundancies - a heartbreaking process causing many sleepless nights.

Despite all these challenges, housekeepers at these hotels continued to deliver the best standards possible, helping create exceptional and memorable experiences, resulting in great comments on social media and the raising of TripAdvisor scores. Throughout this difficult period, housekeeping has been recognised as a positive influence in maintaining business as usual and providing customer confidence.

We’ve learnt to communicate by smiling with our eyes while wearing masks.

We are now preparing for hotels to fully re-open from 17 May, when hygiene and safety procedures within the industry will be under the microscope. Thorough and frequent cleaning will be paramount to ensure both guests and team members feel safe in your establishment.

So now is an excellent time to applaud these housekeeping and hospitality heroes and thank them for their amazing dedication and resilience in looking after both colleagues and guests and preventing the spread of COVID-19, with many still finding time to support worthy causes including Cancer Research and Hospitality Action.

The UKHA is a member of the British Cleaning Council. The views of Council members are their own.

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01/06/2020 13:12 WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

A JOB WORTH DOING - A CONTRACTOR’S BLOG C&M

How will working from home affect our industry?

Lee Andrews, CEO of DOC Cleaning, reports.

I was interested last month to read a fairly blunt quote from David Solomon, CEO of Goldman Sachs.

He said: ‘Working from home is an aberration that we are going to correct as soon as possible’. Okay, so his company might be one that drives its staff pretty hard, but I’ve also heard that Barclays in Canary Wharf is recalling all staff to the office in July for an unspecified period, prior to a review of how best to move forward. I’ve also seen research that suggests the majority of office-based staff want to work at least three days in the office when things are back to normal - related, maybe, to the job security worries of those who think that ‘out of sight is out of mind’ when it comes to career development.

On the other hand, many commentators have been saying that the pandemic merely accelerated a process that had already begun - how to structure office work more flexibly to meet people’s wider needs, whilst maintaining productivity.

What’s interesting, however, is that not only has this process now taken place more rapidly than was expected, it has taken place on a massive scale, meaning that the results of the experiment will now be known much earlier than might ever have been expected and with much more

confidence. Just how well did companies succeed in monitoring, managing and motivating their staff to achieve results without the social interaction, debate and informal communication that make so many companies tick? HR and management magazines will soon be brimming with insights into how corporate Britain responded to the ‘stay at home’ message of the last 12 months.

In terms of how this will all affect cleaning, the consensus seems to be around adopting the so-called ‘hybrid’ model of office usage, which of course covers a multitude of working arrangements. I suspect and hope that the changes will be positive for our industry. Whilst there may be slightly less floor space occupied on a permanent basis, any new style of working where the same number of people are using a smaller area, albeit not all simultaneously, must surely demand more intensive cleaning.

Increased hot desking - not just where desks are used by a different person each day, but by many people within a day - will increase the focus on regular hygienic cleaning, as will more frequent team changeovers in call centre or other shiftstyle environments.

Even more intriguing are the emerging new ‘lifestyle’ or ‘live-work’ locations, of which a few are already being developed in London. Here, buildings that might previously have been used purely as offices are being replaced by mixed-use blocks, or even mini building campuses containing a mix, under single property management, of traditional office, co-working space, residential, leisure, retail and hospitality facilities. As contractors, we may soon be looking at a new challenge of providing cleaning services to multiple environments in one location.

So it’s not all gloom and doom for contractors who rely mainly on daily office cleaning for their revenue. As the world adapts to a new rhythm of life where COVID is something we learn to live with, and where city centres that were once the preserve of office workers reinvent themselves as multi-faceted communities, it can only be good news for an industry whose job it is to ensure they remain as safe and hygienic places to study, work and play.

WWW.DOCCLEANING.COM

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www.prochem.co.uk APRIL 2021 15

C&M

SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19

COVID-19: Small steps forwards Neil Nixon reports.

Following on from the features in previous issues of C&M looking at the frontline role the cleaning sector is now playing in helping the country along the ‘road map’ towards an end to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, I am continuing to post news, new product information or video interviews/webinars online to allow for the more immediate dissemination of any updates. Please take a look at www.cleaningmag.com – content is changing on a daily basis.

As previously, I will continue to use the pages of C&M to focus on the importance of cleaning and hygiene during and post-pandemic in detail and, as with this month’s column, to seek advice on best practice from recognised industry experts, and to learn from the experience of others.

NOT ALL GERM SPREADERS WEAR MASKS The COVID-19 pandemic has increased consumer awareness around the importance of hand hygiene and the risks posed by the spread of germs. Nearly 95% of adults do not wash long enough to thoroughly clean the bacteria and viruses from their hands, so germs can remain on hands after washing [1]. While there has been a focus on regular and adequate hand washing, Steve Jones, general manager UK and Ireland, Kimberly-Clark Professional is asking: ‘How do you dry your hands?’

Science proves that paper towels are the

people are fully-informed of the hygiene risks

linger in the air for up to 15 minutes. In fact, the

most hygienic option for hand drying, but

presented by jet-air dryers and are aware of the

science shows that jet-air dryers can increase

the dangers presented by alternative drying

science of hygiene before they use or purchase

levels of bacteria on fingers by up to 42% [3].

methods raise concerns. Jet-air dryers can

an air dryer.

Therefore, it is no surprise that paper towels are

spread germs and unhealthy bacteria if they are

the recommended hand-drying method of the

present on wet hands. In these unprecedented

What’s flying under the radar?

World Health Organisation ‘Guidelines on Hand

times, tackling every germ hotspot is critical

A jet-air dryer blows water droplets that can

Hygiene in Health Care’.

for providing a safer and more hygienic

contain germs from the hands into the air as far

environment. We believe it is important that

as 2 metres [2]. Those aerosolised bacteria can

16 APRIL 2021

“

“

Using Scott Hand Towels will leave your hands and washroom cleaner than air dryers,

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19

C&M

even with the use of HEPA filters and diligent

approximately the height of a small child’s

bacteria on surfaces and inside dryers. This

cleaning of air dryers. In fact, using a jet air

face [6]. Drying with paper towels reduces

could lead to cross contamination if users reach

dryer can disperse 1300 times more germ

bacteria on fingers by up to 77% [7].

inside and touch the surface of the unit or that

particles than drying with paper towels .

[4]

Research shows even after 15 minutes, 100

Research shows that the inner surfaces of

times more particles remain in the air when

bacteria than the average toilet seat [8]. Findings

using jet-air dryers versus single-use paper

from a University of Westminster study found

towels [5], which alarmingly could end up at

high-speed and warm air-dryers can harbour

TOOLS Line

bacteria could be carried in the airstream and deposited on wet hands [9].

jet air dryers can have up to 48 times more

Paper towels are critical to proper hand hygiene, as they offer the best solution when Continued on Page 19.

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APRIL 2021 17

C&M

SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19

WHY ISN’T UV DISINFECTION BEING USED MORE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19?

Richard Little, managing director at Jenton International, asks why UV air disinfection is not being used in the fight against COVID-19, especially when there is a convincing argument - backed by sound evidence - for using it to improve air quality in a range of buildings and work environments, as well as HVAC applications.

A McGill University paper published in The

Jenton International has been promoting UV air disinfection against bacteria and viruses

Lancet demonstrated, in 2003, that UVC on

for many years. UV itself has been used for

its own in ducting in HVAC equipped offices

disinfection applications for over 100 years and

could reduce sickness in buildings due to colds

there is a massive body of evidence supporting

and flu by a useful 40% [3]. This was without all

its efficacy. It is main stream for air disinfection

the handwashing and mask wearing required

in HVAC in the USA, Asia and the Middle East

during the pandemic, so it is logical that

with many installations in schools, hospitals,

combinations will be synergistic. In addition,

offices, and homes.

a 2020 paper from Signify demonstrates what

In the past, we were always astonished at

was achieved in tests using UVC disinfection

how unresponsive the European market was in

of SARS-CoV-2 at Boston University [4]. This

accepting the concept of simple wall units for

backs up previously calculated effects based

NHS doctor’s waiting rooms, schools etc. The

on UVC’s performance against SARS-CoV-1 and

proven proposition was to stop people catching colds, flu and TB from each other - with regular

surrogates which proved to be correct.

Fresh air is important for diluting SARS-CoV-2

It is evident that SARS-CoV-2 can be easily

coverage on the BBC as a ‘new concept’ and

and reducing the risk of getting COVID-19.

disinfected with UV. Jenton’s products supply

papers published in The Lancet and other

The HSE website clearly recommends that

more than enough UVC to disinfect any SARS-

publications to support this.

recirculating air conditioning is turned off [1].

CoV-2 passing through to 99.99% and also

This is further supported by a new government-

many other viruses and bacteria. Jenton has

issued film .

also developed modelling software to allow

However, this is nothing to how surprised we are this year, especially now that airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has been

[2]

There is no doubt that fresh air through an

prediction of performance in different situations.

highlighted, with how reluctant UK state

open window is best. Our proposition has been

agencies are to use our simple and effective

that where fresh air isn’t available, or practical,

but an expert in the development of high

UV units in waiting rooms, schools and offices.

in a food factory for example, UV disinfection is

performance UV disinfection systems, with

Plus, we have much bigger UV disinfection

the next best thing as you effectively ‘make your

patents, products and partnerships with

systems for HVAC and food processing plants.

own fresh air’.

companies like Heraeus and Philips. Clearly UV

Jenton is not a start-up taking advantage

disinfection can’t do everything but it can make an effective contribution.

WWW.UVDISINFECTION.ORG.UK References [1] www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/equipmentand-machinery/air-conditioning-andventilation.htm [2] www.gov.uk/government/news/new-filmshows-importance-of-ventilation-to-reducespread-of-covid-19 [3] www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/ PIIS0140-6736(03)14897-0/references [4] www.researchsquare.com/article/rs65742/v1 18 APRIL 2021

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SPECIAL REPORT: COVID-19

C&M

things you touch - from car steering wheels to lift

of the Potential for Virus Dispersal During Hand

buttons. Ask not just how many times you have

Drying: A comparison of Three Methods’, Journal

it comes to both hand and overall washroom

washed and dried your hands - but how have you

of Applied Macrobiology 120 (2016).

hygiene. Compared to jet-air dryers and

washed and dried your hands and for how long?

[3] [8] Eurofins-Inlab study (2012).

other hand drying options, single-use paper

The science is clear - and the official guidelines

[6] E.L. Best, K. Redway, ‘Comparison of Different

towels are recommended by the World Health

from WHO are clear: ‘dry hands thoroughly with a

Hand-Drying Methods: The Potential for Airborne

Organisation (WHO) and the Mayo Clinic

single-use towel; use the towel to turn off the tap;

Microbe Dispersal and Contamination’, Journal

Proceedings as the best hand drying method for

your hands are now safe’ [13].

of Hospital Infection 89 (2015).

good hand hygiene [10].

WWW.HOME.KCPROFESSIONAL.COM

[7] [9] University of Westminster, ‘Changes in

Continued from Page 17.

the number of different types of bacteria on

Our position on jet-air dryers is informed by these and other facts supported by some of the

References

the hands before and after drying using paper

world’s leading public health organisations.

[1] Borchgrevink, C.P., Cha, J. and Kim, S., 2013.

towel, continuous cloth roller towel, warm air

The facts speak for themselves. Interestingly,

Hand washing practices in a college town

dryer and jet air dryer’ (2010).

despite the increase of jet air dryers across the

environment. Journal of environmental health,

[10] Huang C, Ma W, Stack S, ‘The Hygienic

world, a recent observational study found that

75(8), p.18.; Hand Washing Practices in a College

Efficacy of Different Hand-Drying Methods: A

90% of people using washrooms prefer paper

Town Environment, Journal of Environmental

Review of the Evidence’, Mayo Clinic Proceedings,

towels when given the choice between single-

Health; Boyce JM, Pittet D, Centers for Disease

2012; 87(8): 791-798. And World Health

use paper towels and jet air dryers [11]. Indeed,

Control Guideline for hand hygiene in health-

Organisation ‘Global Hand Washing Guidelines’.

a recent study showed that paper towels

care settings. Recommendations of the

[11] ETS Observational Study, ISSA/Interclean

consistently out-performed all other drying

healthcare infection control practices advisory

Amsterdam (May 2016).

techniques, especially with regard to bacteria

committee and the HICPAC/SHEA/APIC/IDSA

[12] Snelling AM, Saville T, Stevens D, Beggs CB,

left on the palms and fingertips [12].

hand hygiene task force. Society for Healthcare

‘Comparative evaluation of the hygienic efficacy

epidemiology of America/Association for

of an ultra-rapid hand dryer vs conventional

hand hygiene, we think it is critical to share the

professionals in infection control/infectious

warm air hand dryers’, Journal of Applied

facts, based on scientific studies, so customers

diseases Society of America. MMWR Recomm

Microbiology 2010; 110: 19-26.

can make informed decisions. Consider your

Rep. 2002;51 (RR–16):1–48.

[13] World Health Organisation, Global Hand

hand hygiene throughout the day and how many

[2] [4] [5] P.T. Kimmitt & K.F. Redway, ‘Evaluation

Washing Guidelines.

With the current focus on the importance of

This area is being cleaned and disinfected for your safety.

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APRIL 2021 19

C&M FACE TO FACE

Face to Face Neil Nixon speaks with Erum Ahmed, director of sales at BioHygiene Following a move to BioHygiene in late 2019, Erum Ahmed’s first full year in charge of sales at green cleaning company BioHygiene coincided with the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic an exceptionally busy time for sales and the industry in general.

What was your background before joining

either - it was all about volume and availability.

BioHygiene?

Thankfully, as things have settled down we

My career started in wastewater and effluent

have seen a refocus to environmental values,

treatment which, as an industry, incorporated

with customers once again asking questions

biotechnology as a final solution treatment

about manufacturing processes, CO2 emissions

process. So, from early on, biotech, enzymes and

and the impact of products on the wider

microbiology were more than just an interest.

environment. In fact, due to issues surrounding

Following a spell running my own business,

some products, I would go as far to say that

I began working in sales, spending eight

customers have educated themselves further

years at a well-known cleaning brand. This

than before the pandemic. We’re certainly

taught me a great deal and gave me a good

seeing more people asking us questions around

foundation in terms of cleaning principles,

concerns, and environmental impact from

raw materials and supply chain - which can only

account management and what the end user

manufacturing processes. This is the first time I

be a good thing for the industry as a whole.

wanted at the time. At that time, customers

saw traditional procurement behaviour - which

were asking about environmental solutions,

focussed almost entirely on pricing and efficacy

and due to panic buying, something that

but being at a larger company, they were

- move to questioning environmental factors.

wasn’t so good for the industry was the influx of

fairly slow to move. It was clear from then

We had a growing number of end users asking

un-tested products and unrealistic, dangerous

there was a real desire developing among end

questions about plastic, CO2, carbon footprints,

claims. Following the WHO derogation that a

users to move in that direction.

and manufacturing. Quite quickly, companies

hand sanitiser needed 70% ethanol to work,

started to have CO2 plans and targets to hit on

there were people with no experience in the

environmental output.

industry turning up at breweries and making

In order to have a more rounded understanding of the market, I moved to a leading distributor. This furthered my

In my opinion, this completely changed

Unfortunately, at the start of the pandemic

hand sanitiser.

understanding of what customers wanted, and

the way the industry works. A few years ago, a

vastly increased my knowledge of cleaning

corporate social responsibility (CSR) post would

unsubstantiated claims about residual protection

products in the market, as I was distributing

have been non-existent, or only found in the

from sanitisers. I saw companies claiming residual

multiple products and brands rather than just

most progressive of companies - now it is a

protection from three days to a full year - there is

one. It was here that questions from customers

fundamental part of business operations. It isn’t

no EN testing criteria for this! And we have already

regarding the environment really started, with

unusual now for the CSR or health and safety

begun to see the fallout of some of these claims.

enquiries about products, paper, waste, and

executive to have the final say on a product,

more. Eventually, this led me to join BioHygiene

rather than the procurement or cleaning

What was your reaction when seeing so

towards the end of 2019.

operations teams. This is a huge change.

many manufacturers making so many bold

How have you seen the cleaning and hygiene

Has the market seen a change in buying

the pandemic?

market change during this time?

behaviour due to COVID-19?

Well, it’s never good to hear things like this

As mentioned, whilst I was working at the

The short answer is yes, the market and buying

- and it can be frustrating. But these claims

distributor I saw behaviours begin to change,

behaviours definitely altered. At the start of

inevitably get found out. As a manufacturer,

and then the ‘David Attenborough effect’

the pandemic, buyers were in sheer panic!

all we could do was to get everything we claim

surfaced. His series of documentaries, often

The environmental and efficacy arguments

independently tested and approved and stick to

demonstrating the damage we are doing to the

for purchasing products that I previously

our core values of manufacturing products that

environment, made buyers start to think further

mentioned went out the window, and people

have the best cleaning and sanitising efficacy -

about single use plastics, raw materials, safety

didn’t seem particularly bothered on price

giving people confidence.

The other danger was massively

claims about their products at the start of

20 APRIL 2021

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FACE TO FACE

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of questions about the best way to use our products to combat this.

Following a rather tumultuous year, what are your long-term objectives at BioHygiene?

And do you envisage changing customer needs in a post-COVID world?

Our long-term objectives haven’t changed.

Ultimately, we are still aiming to make How has BioHygiene adapted during

environmental alternative to traditional

environmental cleaning solutions that work

the COVID-19 pandemic to remain at the

sanitising technology and continue to educate

for the market, and in doing so, change the

forefront of the market?

our users of the benefits. For example, the

landscape of the cleaning industry to drive

At the start it was all about fulfilling demand!

manufacturing process for a typical quat based

these products and make sure they are

Our distribution network increased tenfold

surface sanitiser releases 313kgs of carbon per

available to everybody in the marketplace -

and, being a UK based manufacturer that uses

tonne. When manufacturing our All-Purpose

not just those who actively seek to use them.

renewable, alternative technology we had a

Sanitiser, 42Kg of carbon is taken from the

huge advantage over our competitors.

atmosphere per tonne.

To do this, we must continue to evolve our technology and look at areas where we can improve. People throughout the industry are

Whereas traditional sanitisers generally

Another important change we had to

revolve around QUATs, ethanol, chlorine, and

make was to how the sales team worked.

looking to predict how the industry might

hydrogen peroxide, ours do not. This meant

Rather than focusing on purely selling,

change post-COVID but for us we are just looking

there were lots of manufacturers pulling

we adapted their roles to consultants -

to carry on our work and continue to deliver high

from the same pool of raw materials, causing

providing the end user with additional

efficacy, environmentally responsible products,

shortages. Due to our technology, we had an

support. Obviously, this had to be done

adapting our supporting proposition to deal

abundance of raw materials, backed by a robust

remotely, which meant lots of phone and

with external factors. But ultimately, we want to

UK supply chain.

video calls. We felt this was essential at

continue our mission to help operations become

a time when end users were concerned

cleaner, leaner and greener.

about the spread of the virus and had lots

WWW.BIOHYGIENE.CO.UK

We have delivered a number of innovations to the market in order to provide a true

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

APRIL 2021 21

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HEALTHCARE & HOSPITAL HYGIENE

High-tech healthcare Liam Mynes from Tork manufacturer Essity looks at the various ways in which technology is being used to reduce cross-contamination and improve hand hygiene in hospitals during the COVID-19 crisis.

HOSPITALS tend to be hectic, crowded places - and this is particularly the case during a global pandemic. Doctors spend their time rushing from one ward to the next, delivering diagnoses and checking on their patients. Nurses, meanwhile, are responsible for a range of tasks from taking routine tests to changing dressings and generally providing a reassuring presence.

Catering staff members appear on the wards at regular intervals bearing trollies of food and refreshments for patients. And the hospital porters, technicians, paramedics, and cleaning teams are also ever-present while armies of delivery people are constantly bringing in essential supplies from outside.

The fact that many of these people will be interacting with unwell patients means the potential for cross-contamination is immense.

interaction. For example, a floor-cleaning robot

or not healthcare staff are washing their hands.

And the risks are even greater during the current

named Ella that can tell jokes and sing songs

Many of these solutions involve a badge or

COVID-19 crisis when we are all expected to be

is being trialled on a children’s ward in Kent.

bracelet worn by staff members that light

practising social distancing.

The aim is to put a smile on the young patients’

up green when the wearer has washed their

faces while freeing up cleaning operatives for

hands and vibrates or flashes red when they

other important tasks.

have failed to do so. Data concerning the

Inventors around the world, however, have been coming up with ingenious new ways of

So technology is proving invaluable

employee’s compliance is then uploaded to

And this they have been doing with the aid of

during the current crisis. But the presence

the Internet. During the COVID-19 pandemic

technology. For example, a remote-controlled

of people is also essential for attending to

such systems have also been used to carry out

robot that can test patients for COVID-19 is being

those all-important details and delivering

contact tracing. Sensors embedded in these

trialled in Egypt. Cira-03 can also draw blood and

compassionate care. The touch of a nurse will

staff badges allow managers to create a virtual

perform EKGs and X-rays, with the results being

provide reassurance to a distressed patient

‘historical’ map of where staff members have

displayed on the robot’s chest-screen.

delivering healthcare services more safely.

in pain, while the cleaning operative who

been. And if someone then receives a COVID-19

Meanwhile, engineers in Taiwan have

thoughtfully moves a glass of water within the

diagnosis, administrators can better identify

developed a robotic arm that can perform

patient’s reach is worth any number of robot

their recent contacts. This occurred at the

nasal swab tests autonomously. And a robot

floor cleaners - no matter how good their jokes

Edward-Elmhurst Health Facility in Illinois, USA,

dog named Spot that can take a patient’s pulse

might be. And cleaning operatives are also vital

where 75 employees were obliged to self-isolate

and temperature is currently being deployed

for sanitising the frequently-touched surfaces of

for 72 hours after the system detected that they

in the US. A tablet mounted on Spot’s ‘face’

a hospital ward, which is something machines

had come into contact with an infected patient.

allows doctors to speak with their patients from

would find it difficult to achieve.

a distance so that those who need immediate

In fact the human hand plays a vital role in

Of course, in order to carry out good hand hygiene, staff need to have an in-depth

care can be quickly triaged. Besides carrying

healthcare and may be used for everything

understanding of why they should do so and

out essential medical tasks, technology can also

from examining wounds and changing

when it is strictly necessary. At Essity we have

have other healthcare uses. For example, a robot

dressings to taking pulses, administering

launched a virtual reality app designed to

called Moxi is being used in Texan hospitals to

medication and delivering meals. It is

teach good hand hygiene habits and clarify to

deliver PPE, COVID-19 tests and lab samples.

therefore clear that good hand hygiene is

healthcare staff when hand washing is vital. The

crucial in healthcare in order to avoid cross-

Tork VR Clean Hands Training and Education

‘bedside manner’ associated with medical

contamination. And again, technology is

app is free to download and provides realistic

personnel. However, scientists understand the

helping to improve hand hygiene compliance.

scenarios where hand washing needs to be

Some may consider robots to lack the

value of a reassuring staff presence and are now working on machines that can simulate human 22 APRIL 2021

There are now any number of electronic systems that use sensors to determine whether

carried out.

Continued on Page 24.

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C&M

HEALTHCARE & HOSPITAL HYGIENE

Cleaning robots to the rescue IT’S safe to say the last year has been bleak

water-saving technology, they are claimed to

for everyone, never mind people who have

use up to 70% less water than other robots

been in hospital, both COVID-19 and non-

whilst still achieving the same high cleaning

COVID-19 related. The rising number of patients

standards. With active dry-tec, they also leave

in hospitals has become a scary statistic so

the floors dry.

After a demonstration at Tunbridge Wells

hospitals and their cleaning operatives are under more pressure than ever to ensure high

Hospital in Kent, it was clear that Ella was

standards of cleanliness.

a firm favourite with the patients as well as leaving areas clean and safe. As a result of this

Enter Ella, a wisecracking cleaning robot that has been used in hospital wards to not only

success, the paediatric wards in Maidstone and

assist in the fight against the current pandemic

Tunbridge Wells Trust have shown interest. Ella

but to put a smile on patients’ faces. Ella is an

will be loved by all the children (and adults)

autonomous cleaning robot built by LionsBot,

as she tells jokes, sings songs and talks to

a Singapore-based company that creates

passers-by - a great way of lightening the mood.

cleaning robots as a service for commercial,

operator is free from constant maintenance

These robots are injected with personality

industrial and public spaces. Dylan Ng, the CEO

concerns as the cloud infrastructure allows

to humanise them, and they won the 2020

and founder, said: “Driven by innovation and

the robot to be operated from any location, at

Innovation Award at Interclean.

the desire to advance lives, all our LeoBots are

any time. The app allows real time updates, a

purposefully designed, built with cutting edge

compiled report of the robot’s tasks and 24/7

different variants - a scrubber dryer, a vacuum

technology and brilliant expertise to enhance

service support.

cleaner, a mop, and a robot that is able to

our quality of life.”

Not only are these robots designed to help

The Lionsbot’s LeoBot range has four

pull 450kg of waste. All are available in the UK

the cleaning force, they are designed to be eco-

from Killis.

with the LionsClean app meaning that the

friendly and safe for the environment. Utilising

WWW.KILLIS.CO.UK

Continued from Page 22.

can then tap into refill data remotely via their

Each robot is LionsOS operated which works

Technology can also be used to ensure that hand hygiene products are available at all

The cleaning operative’s job is particularly

smartphone or tablet, removing the need to

crucial during the COVID-19 crisis because

physically check each washroom for run-outs.

everyone’s safety depends on the ability of the

There are many other ways in which

staff to sanitise every surface. At Essity we now

times wherever they are needed. Good hand

technology can be used to enhance safety in

provide online training for operatives to help

washing and drying practices depend on the

healthcare. For example, automatic cleaning

them keep on top of the tasks in their remit.

ongoing provision of soap, sanitiser and hand

machines that sanitise floors using UV light are

Tork Interactive Clean Hospital Training takes

towels and these vital supplies should never

being introduced in hospitals around the world.

operatives through various real-world scenarios,

be allowed to run out. Tork EasyCube helps

These help to free up human cleaning operatives

methodically detailing each step of the process

to ensure an ongoing supply of consumables

so that they can carry out more important tasks

from picking up debris to emptying the bins,

via sensors placed in each dispenser. Cleaners

such as sanitising frequent touchpoints.

wiping down refuse containers and carrying out other ward-cleaning tasks. The module is available in more than 15 languages including Spanish, Arabic and Somali.

People are vital in healthcare, and factors such as human compassion and reassurance provide a huge boost to patients. But during a global pandemic when cross-contamination is a real issue and social distancing is a necessity, technology has a vital role to play in supporting the work of medical staff, improving hand hygiene, carrying out general cleaning tasks - and freeing up more time for healthcare workers to spend with patients.

The Tork VR Clean Hands Training and Education tool is free to download via App Store and Google Play.

WWW.TORK.CO.UK/CLEANCAREHEALTHCARE

24 APRIL 2021

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HEALTHCARE & HOSPITAL HYGIENE

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Perceptions of clean in healthcare environments CLEANING teams in hospitals and care homes put a huge amount of effort into their housekeeping operations. The aim is to create and maintain safe facilities that provide a pleasant environment and protect patients, guests, staff, and visitors against infections.

But doing the work is only part of the equation - people also need to ‘feel’ safe and that often comes down to ‘perceptions’.

Healthcare facilities have long understood the relationship between hand hygiene and surface disinfection and how these can break potential chains of infection. The choice of products on offer is large and facilities have developed - with support from suppliers like Diversey - robust and efficient routines to meet their objectives. Rates of hospital associated infections have fallen steadily in recent years.

Cleaning teams may have confidence in

accessible. Dispensers mounted on walls or

This success is excellent news but why

their processes and products, but perceptions

floor-stands in key locations are an ideal long-

are perceptions important? We know from

are still important. One way to improve them

term solution, but additional portable pump

studies in hospitality that guests appreciate

is to clean more visibly and explain why. Many

dispensers or personal bottles can maximise

cleanliness above almost any other factor

facilities have for reasons of practical necessity

accessibility and compliance in the short-term.

when making decisions about where to stay,

adopted processes such as daytime cleaning

the recommendations they make and the

that are carried out when people are present.

a positive impression. Modern trolley systems,

reviews they leave. There are, perhaps, fewer

The latest infection prevention ‘best practice’

for example, allow cleaning team members to

commercial considerations in the UK healthcare

goes further by ensuring that hand hygiene and

carry all their products, tools and equipment

sector although similar factors are likely to be

surface disinfection are carried out with high

neatly and tidily around a facility while also

important when patients, guests, visitors, or

frequency and targeted at critical touch points

being highly visible. The modular Taski Trolley

staff form and share their opinions. Very few

and tasks. Concepts such as the Five Moments of

system allows almost infinite configurations so

similar studies have explored patients’ reactions

Hand Hygiene and the Five Targeted Moments of

that teams can create the ideal workstation for

to cleanliness. One that did a few years ago

Environmental Disinfection (5 TMED) are simple

ergonomic, efficient and productive working.

concluded - mirroring hospitality studies - that

and effective and easy to understand. They are

patients formed perceptions of cleanliness

also easy to explain to patients and visitors and,

or backpack vacuum cleaners are ideal for

using evidence largely based on sight, sound

as they are often carried out when a patient is

busy and confined spaces because they are

and smell.

present, can be a highly effective way to reinforce

unobtrusive. They can be used when people are

positive perceptions.

present with less disruption. Cordless battery

The first, and perhaps most significant factor in perceptions is appearance. People

Hand hygiene plays a central role because

Choice of cleaning equipment can also make

Equipment such as compact scrubber dryers

powered models remove the need for a trailing

will understandably be more likely to believe

person-to-person contact or touching

mains cable which aids mobility and removes

a facility is clean if it looks clean. The study

contaminated surfaces are two of the main

a potential trip hazard from the working area.

mentioned above suggested that people

ways most infections spread. Regular hand

Larger scrubber dryers, especially the ride-

always expect a hospital’s floors, walls,

disinfection has been critical in healthcare

on models used in corridors and open areas,

ceilings, doors, and toilets to be clean. There

facilities since this link was understood but

also offer an opportunity to highlight cleaning

is however plenty of evidence to show that

has been reinforced even more during the

processes. In themselves these advanced

pathogens can linger on surfaces that appear

COVID-19 pandemic. Washing hands with soap

machines demonstrate a professional approach.

to be clean. This is why it is important to have

and water is effective but in healthcare settings

Many hospitals have added special branding and

a consistent cleaning regime that includes

disinfectant hand rubs that meet relevant

messaging to their machines to make them more

regular surface disinfection - especially of

standards such as EN14476 can offer additional

user friendly, explain what they are doing or to

frequent or multi-person touch points - even if

protection and reassurance. Disinfection

encourage people to ‘wash your hands’.

there is no apparent soiling.

points need to be readily available and easily

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Continued on Page 27.

APRIL 2021 25

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HEALTHCARE & HOSPITAL HYGIENE

The best defence against cross-contamination CROSS-contamination is a crucial issue

soak mops with the correct amount of cleaning

in all healthcare contexts, from hospitals

solution since it can be adjusted from 50 to

to specialist surgeries: in these delicate

350ml, guaranteeing optimum moisture levels

environments, it is essential to adopt effective

specific to the mop in use and the surface area

procedures and use appropriate equipment to

to be cleaned.

In all traditional cleaning systems, the

guarantee maximum hygiene.

Correct management of flat mops is the

chemical solution is added to buckets or

basis for reducing the proliferation of germs,

mops many minutes or hours in advance,

as well as cross-contamination. This is why,

which dramatically decreases its efficiency,

particularly in the hospital environment, clean

increasing at the same time the risk of cross

mops and cloths are used for every single

contamination. Soaking mops just before

room and they are prepared according to the

their use keeps the active ingredients of

highest standards. Since the transport and

the chemical more effective, ensuring the

storage of wet mops creates an environment

highest level of hygiene. Dosely prolongs the

favourable to the proliferation of germs, it is

chemical’s active properties and principles since the cleaning solution is kept in a

recommended to use dry mops, soaking them shortly before actual use.

Pre-soaking has always been one of the

reason, years of research have led to the creation of Dosely, a totally mechanical soaking station

hermetic tank.

It is recommended to use Dosely with

main systems to prevent cross contamination,

that’s easy to use, taking only seconds to prepare

microfibre from the extensive range of TTS

although it requires demanding procedures and

a fresh mop for every new area to be cleaned and

flat mops, cloths and disposables to ensure

management of pre-soaked mops, which have

eliminating the need to transport wet mops.

deep cleaning. The mechanical action that

to be washed and pre-soaked again if not used.

The TTS soaking station simplifies and

characterises their very thin fibres effectively

Moreover, all mops are pre-soaked with the

speeds up the procedure for soaking individual

removes dirt and up to 95% of bacteria from

same quantity of cleaning solution that may not

mops - it allows the mops to be prepared on

the surface, reducing the amount of chemical

to be suitable for all conditions.

demand and directly on the trolley, raising

needed to ensure optimum hygiene and thus

hygiene standards with ease. Additionally, it

minimising the risk of creating disinfectant-

TTS as it believes it is the most effective system

ensures the greatest flexibility and control of

resistant bacteria.

in the fight against cross-contamination. For this

chemical. With Dosely, it is finally possible to

WWW.TTSYSTEM.COM

Soaking on demand has always been a goal for

Floorcare solutions for healthcare hygiene ROTOWASH knows that high cleaning

entrance matting, or escalator steps and is equally

standards in healthcare environments are

effective for scrubbing and buffing flat surfaces

essential and it has an important part to play.

such as vinyl, terrazzo and wood. On carpets, the

With 650rpm and up to 36kg of brush pressure,

versatile brushes extract the dirt, lift the pile and

a Rotowash machine ensures that hygiene

leave the carpet clean, well-groomed and dry

standards within healthcare establishments can

within minutes.

be maintained at optimum levels.

The Rotowash industrial floor cleaning machine

The company offers free training to all operatives for the lifetime of the machine.

has been designed to tackle all types of flooring,

This means that any new user can be properly

which traditionally rotary cleaning machines often

trained to both use and maintain machines,

struggle with. The patented brush system can

which effectively safeguards them and protects

reach deep down into the irregularities of profiled

the longevity of the machines.

floors such as grouted tiles, studded rubber,

WWW.ROTOWASH.COM

26 APRIL 2021

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Continued from Page 25.

The use of floorcare machinery leads to another factor in perceptions: sound. Everyone is familiar with, for example, the sound a vacuum cleaner makes and hearing one will reassure that an area is being cleaned. But excessive sound can be unpleasant and unwelcome. The latest generation vacuum cleaners and floorcare machines are more powerful yet far quieter than previous-generation models which makes them better suited to busy areas. for example, contain patented Accelerated

switches, or other surfaces can easily give the

smells that will affect perceptions. Even odours

Hydrogen Peroxide, which offers advantages

wrong impression. A typical cause is using a

with pleasant associations - such as food - can

over traditional disinfectants. These include

product incorrectly or at the wrong concentration.

be overpowering if they are too strong. Modern

broad spectrum efficacy against a wide range of

This is easily remedied by choosing the right

cleaning products contain ingredients that can

pathogens, suitability for more surfaces and no

products and using them properly.

eliminate or neutralise bad odours and their

unpleasant or overpowering odours.

Hospitals and care homes are often full of

causes to help create a pleasant environment.

Cleaning and hygiene are critical aspects

Many hospitals and care homes have

of any healthcare facility’s daily routine. The

While the chlorinous smell of disinfectant

reduced or eliminated their reliance on

main requirement is always to create a safe

might suggest a clean environment, it can be

cleaning products altogether. Microfibre

environment for patients, guests, visitors, and

rather unpleasant and, in the worst extremes,

cloths and mops, for example, can clean hard

staff. Configuring processes properly and choosing

overpowering. Many facilities continue to use

surfaces effectively when used with water

the right combination of products is critical. This

chlorine-based products and strong odours

alone. Scrubber dryer pads impregnated with

will help cleaning teams to meet their objectives

should not be a problem when they are used

microscopic diamonds offer a chemical-free

consistently to meet and maintain the highest

correctly for the appropriate task. However,

alternative for cleaning hard floors.

possible standards. And that will always improve

there are times when alternatives might be suitable. Products in Diversey’s Oxivir range,

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

Touch can also be a factor on perceptions.

Sticky table tops, bed rails, door handles, light

reputation and perceptions.

WWW.DIVERSEY.COM

APRIL 2021 27

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HEALTHCARE & HOSPITAL HYGIENE

How the pandemic has changed hand hygiene in healthcare Chris Wakefield, managing director UK and Ireland, GOJO Industries-Europe Ltd, reflects on how hand hygiene in healthcare has changed over the past year and what to consider when purchasing products.

TO avoid overwhelming the NHS, the focus

dermatitis due to an increased use of personal

in healthcare hygiene over the past year has

protective equipment (PPE) and frequent

had to be on solutions that combat COVID-19.

hand washing [1]. The same study revealed

Infection prevention measures have always

that 18% required time off work as a result of

been of the utmost importance in healthcare

occupational skin problems.

settings, but had to be stepped up. As a result,

As well as being painful, damaged skin poses

we have seen the frequency of cleaning and

a significant infection risk. The sufferer is both

levels of hand hygiene compliance increase.

more at risk of catching infectious diseases, and

This has had a direct impact on the cleaning

more likely to transfer these to surfaces and

industry, driving a huge surge in demand

other people, as it becomes harder to remove

for antimicrobial surface and hand hygiene

germs from all the cracks and flakes in the skin.

products. This has, in turn, prompted an influx of companies manufacturing hygiene products,

Product selection is key

some of which may not be fit for purpose.

It is clear then that choosing the right products

effective against the virus [3], according to EN

Indeed, in recent months, several products

is critical in healthcare settings, but the huge

14476 standard. Moreover, they passed with a

have been pulled from French markets due to

array of choice currently available is confusing.

contact time of just 30 seconds, which is vital in

compliance and safety issues. In the UK, the

So what should healthcare managers look for in

a busy healthcare setting.

CHSA has been campaigning on this issue.

order to sort the wheat from the chaff?

The risks of choosing incorrectly can be high,

Firstly, consider the formulation from a skin

The combination of high-quality products that both care for and protect skin, together

resulting in insufficient efficiency levels, poor

health perspective. Opt for products that are

with enhanced hand hygiene behaviour that

user adherence, or dry, damaged skin. In fact,

enriched with nourishing agents to care for

has become standard practice over the past

skin irritation is an increasingly common barrier

hands - because if they dry out or irritate skin,

year, can only spell good news for infection

to hand hygiene. Although repeated washing

adherence is likely to decline and infection rise.

control teams in the future. After all, these

or sanitising hands has always been routine

Perfect for when hands are not visibly soiled,

protocols prevent the spread of not only the

in healthcare, the virus has caused a dramatic

santising gel can actually be a kinder choice to

coronavirus, but other harmful healthcare

uplift in compliance. Unfortunately, this has also

skin than soap and water. Studies have shown

associated infections, like MRSA and c.difficile,

had a knock-on effect on skin health.

that when nurses used an alcohol-based hand

too. However, they are only effective as long as

rub with moisturising effect for two weeks, skin

people continue to practise them, so we must

workers seen in occupational skin disease

irritation and dryness decreased [2]. Following

work hard to ensure people don’t become

clinics, set up during the COVID-19 pandemic,

two further weeks of the nurses using medicinal

complacent and slip back into bad habits.

were found to be affected by irritant contact

soap and water instead, it was concluded that

WWW.GOJO.COM

Reports have shown that 59% of healthcare

modern moisturising hand sanitising rub causes less skin discomfort.

The second - and most important - factor

[1] ‘Occupational dermatoses during the

is to look for products that have proven

COVID-19 pandemic: a multicentre audit in

antimicrobial efficacy. Choose products whose

the UK and Ireland’. I. Narang,1 H. O’Neill,1

efficacy against germs has been proven and

D.A. Buckley,2 T.A. Phillips,3 C. Bertram,4 G.A.

conform to key hospital norms EN 1500, EN

Johnston,5 D. Thompson,6 T. Bleiker,1 N.

14476, and EN 12791. This provides assurance

Stone,7 J.E. Sansom,8 S. Abdul Ghaffar,9 M.M.U.

that they are safe for use in healthcare settings.

Chowdhury,10 L. Kiely,11 S.M. Cooper12 and P.

Some trusted brands have even had

28 APRIL 2021

References

Banerjee13

their products tested against Coronavirus

[2] www.purell.eu/en/blog-en/hand-

specifically, such as Purell Advanced Hygienic

disinfectants-moisturising-ingredients-make-

Hand Rub and Purell Surface Sanitising Spray

the-difference.html

and Wipes. Last year, they were proven to be

[3] Surrogate virus BCoV WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

HEALTHCARE & HOSPITAL HYGIENE

C&M

Probiotic surface cleanser to reduce HAIs A study into a major cause of hospital

by creating synthetic dry biofilms similar to

acquired infections (HAI) has begun. The

those found in hospitals. Researchers will then

work is exploring how contagion bacteria

examine how effective probiotic cleaners, like

survive even deep cleans with chemical

those created by Genesis, prevent dry biofilms

products and is evaluating a novel approach

from forming onto a surface and whether the

to reducing HAIs through the use of probiotic

probiotic cleaners can decrease both biofilm

hard surface cleaners.

coverage and pathogen surface loads.

The collaboration between Genesis

Genesis Biosciences has invested millions

Biosciences and the University of Huddersfield

of pounds and years of research to develop

has received funding from the National Biofilms

products that contain natural beneficial

Innovation Centre (NBIC) and will examine

microbes which can reach deep into surfaces,

build an active biofilm of beneficial bacteria on

infection-causing dry biofilms and assess the

potentially eliminating harmful bacteria and

the application surface - therefore preventing

efficacy of preventative probiotic cleansers.

offering long lasting cleaning results. In recent

the re-establishment of harmful organisms and

hospital trials carried out using Bacillus-

prolonging cleaning efficacy. This study is very

witnessed a significant increase over the

based probiotics in Italy, a simple swap out of

exciting and once we confirm the effectiveness

past year due to COVID-19 and represent an

traditional chemical cleaners with probiotic

of the probiotic solutions over their corrosive

unrelenting and urgent threat to the NHS.

variants reduced the numbers of organisms

and toxic chemical counterparts, this new way

Despite regular and thorough cleaning,

detected on surfaces, resulting in a 52%

of cleaning can be rolled out across healthcare

potentially infectious organisms can survive

reduction in HAIs and a 75% reduction in costs

facilities across the country, minimising hospital

on hard surfaces within healthcare facilities by

associated with the prescribing of antibiotics.

acquired infections and potentially saving lives.”

Although historically high, HAIs have

forming a dry biofilm which acts as a barrier

Genesis Biosciences general manager, Emma

The joint project ultimately aims to extend

between infectious microorganisms and

Saunders, said: “Microbial pathogens that

the knowledge base and understanding of dry

sanitising agents, as well as forming a reservoir

cause HAIs can survive on surfaces for long

biofilm structures and the genetic aspects of

for surface reinfection.

periods of time which obviously increases the

their existence whilst providing a robust test

risk of cross-contamination through indirect

method for surface cleanser developers to

Cardiff-based Genesis Biosciences and

contact with the patient. There is evidence that

better assess the viability of their products in

the University of Huddersfield’s Microbial

probiotic cleansers can reduce both surface

this demanding area.

Therapeutics and Infection Control Centre will

bound pathogens and antimicrobial resistance

WWW.EVOGENPROFESSIONAL.COM/

investigate the form and function of biofilms

(AMR) genes in the environment, and help to

PROBIOTIC-CLEANING-PRODUCTS.

The concerted research project between

Vacuum cleaners for healthcare - power with responsibility THE XP range of upright vacuum cleaners

that the pushing force required to manoeuvre

that it is retained in the vacuum cleaner and

from SEBO is ideal for use in healthcare

it is close to zero, helping to make it light and

not released back into the air. The Health and

environments, featuring independently proven

easy to use for extended periods, but also giving

Safety Executive recommends that one never

filtration, hygienic dirt disposal using sealable

deep cleaning performance. The integrated

assumes that any dust is safe and that all

bags and quiet and light operation.

wand and hose mean that cleaning above the

uncontrolled dusts are potentially hazardous.

floor and reaching into awkward places is easy.

Virtually all the dust and dirt which is picked up

is to clean. The XP range harnesses the power of

The computer can also advise when the bag

by an XP vacuum cleaner is safely trapped in

an on-board computer to measure performance

needs changing, or when there is a blockage,

the high filtration bag, which can be sealed and

on the floor and continuously adjust the

and the multiple access points and cassette

hygienically disposed of. The filtration of the XP

floor head to the optimum cleaning height,

style brush roller make the XP easy to maintain.

has been independently tested by the DMT Test

Clearly, a vacuum cleaner’s number one task

completely automatically. The powerful brush action pulls the vacuum cleaner forward so WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

Of course, once dirt is picked up, it is essential in hospital and healthcare scenarios

Institute in Germany to filter 99.97% of Continued on Page 30.

APRIL 2021 29

C&M

HEALTHCARE & HOSPITAL HYGIENE

Maintaining supply for the healthcare sector WITH increased rates of cleaning and the need

fabric to reduce waste. It also comes with

for impeccable infection control processes

colour-coded sockets to aid the reduction of

amplified by the pandemic, maintaining

cross-contamination. At the end of 2019, we

excellent cleanliness and hygiene and the

sold about 175,000 of these a week. Now we

supply of quality products to healthcare

are averaging 322,000 each week. While these

settings is imperative.

mops can be used for single-use cleaning, they are also reusable if desired, so they bridge

While Brexit has caused some delays to supply chains of products manufactured

the gap between single-use and multi-use

internationally, choosing British makes sense

cleaning products.”

at this time. And choosing a reputable British

Infection control and maintaining rigid

manufacturer means you can be sure that the

cleaning processes are set to remain high on

products you choose are of the highest quality

the agenda for cleaning in 2021, and nowhere

and can be relied upon to meet the needs of the

more so than in the healthcare sector. Earlier

healthcare sector.

this year, Robert Scott announced the results of its latest customer research which showed

Gill Ireson, head of sales at Robert Scott, explained: “The healthcare sector is operating

that these two priorities would remain of

at an incredibly high demand at the moment,

vital importance this year, with increased

and some suppliers are struggling to keep up.

cleaning frequencies and use of new cleaning technologies remaining commonplace.

This may potentially cause frontline cleaners working in key industries not to have the stock

quickly to sudden increases in demand.”

Ireson added: “There is no doubt that there

Meanwhile, a trend towards disposable

is a lot of pressure on those operating cleaning

have long been proud to manufacture a number

cleaning products in response to tightened

businesses in healthcare settings. It will remain

of our core products in Britain to maintain a

infection control processes has boosted sales

incredibly important that cleaners adhere to the

good supply and to guarantee the quality of the

of single-use wipes and similar products. Gill

most rigid processes regarding infection control

end product for our customers. As we’ve seen

Ireson continued: “We have seen a change in

and cross-contamination, but also that they

the initial impact that Brexit is having on supply

approach to sustainable cleaning products

have timely access to the products they need to

chains from other countries in the context of a

over the last year, as orders of single-use

do their jobs properly. There will be no excuses

global pandemic, it’s vital that our customers

products shot up in contrast to previous years.

for breaching infection control processes, so

can access high quality products at short notice.

An example of this is the big white mop, which

cleaning managers must make sure their supply

As the UK’s largest manufacturer of mops,

is ideal for pandemic cleaning as a disposable

chains are strong and that they can source

Robert Scott can offer guaranteed supply to

product and is manufactured in a more

equipment without delays.”

these important sectors, and also respond very

sustainable way using offcuts of non-woven

WWW.ROBERT-SCOTT.CO.UK

Continued from Page 29.

which the human ear is sensitive. This has

of vital cleaning equipment they require. We

the result that with any form of background particles of 0.3 micron. Above this particle size,

noise, the sound from the XP virtually

the filtration level is very close to 100%.

disappears, making it suitable in many cases

Healthcare facilities generally operate 24/7.

for daytime cleaning.

It is not always possible to vacuum when no

Last, but not least, SEBO believes that

one is around and the health and wellbeing

vacuum cleaners should be built to last,

of the cleaning staff and inconvenience to the

and should be easily repairable. Its vacuum

public have to be considered. Although there

cleaners are built to be durable and reliable,

are regulations limiting the sound power

and to have a long service life using few

level that a vacuum cleaner can reach, the

replacement parts. Component parts are

quality of that sound can still be unpleasant,

identified with the material they are made

even where the vacuum cleaner meets the

from, so that they can be recycled more easily

regulations. SEBO sound engineers have

when their service life is over.

successfully muted the harsh frequencies to

WWW.SEBO.CO.UK

30 APRIL 2021

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

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Products & Services directory To reach your potential customers advertise in C&M’s new Products and Services Directory.

Contact us today to discuss your requirements: Contact: Michelle Andrews on Tel: 01737 855086 • Email: michelleandrews@quartzltd.com

C&M PRODUCT NEWS BOTHONGO Hygiene Solutions UK has launched a new range of cleaning products formulated for the post-COVID era under its new

Post-COVID Zuppclean range launched

Zuppclean and Zuppclean Eco brands - a comprehensive range of over 60 products, suitable for all built environments. The range has been produced to ensure a full range is available for all built environments, including hospitality with an extensive kitchen range, housekeeping, education, offices, retail, and leisure. Some examples of the range include the Zuppclean Eco Multipurpose cleaner and oven cleaner, a bactericidal washroom cleaner and a range of dishwasher products.

“The launch of Zuppclean and Zuppclean Eco is really exciting for us, as we now provide our valued distributors and their

customers with a range formulated for cleaning in a post-COVID world,” said Nick Winstone, CEO at Bothongo Hygiene Solutions. “As a team we bring all the lessons we’ve learnt visiting thousands of customer sites, where we’ve refined training and knowledge of what the end users of our customers need.”

WWW.BOTHONGOHYGIENE.COM PROFESSIONAL cleaning companies can now further enhance their cleaning regimes to protect against the threat of COVID-19 with a new handheld electrostatic fogger. Hygiene and pest control products manufacturer Pelsis Group has launched the Hurricane ES, an electrostatic fogger that disperses disinfectant across potentially contaminated surfaces to provide widespread coverage.

It uses electrostatic technology to charge tiny droplets of disinfectant solution to create an ultra-low volume fog. The

Handheld electrostatic fogger

electrostatically charged micro particles repel each other as they are dispersed into the atmosphere at high speeds, delivering consistent coverage and stronger contact with all surfaces for optimum cleaning.

WWW.PELSIS.COM

JANGRO has made several enhancements to its innovative training platform, The Learning Management Solution (LMS). The site now features badges,

New features for Jangro LMS

enabling users to track their progress, as well as an update to the COSHH module to make it more user friendly.

As well as receiving a CPD-accredited certification on completion of each course, badges are awarded to users as they progress through the training courses. Once three modules have been successfully finished, the user receives a bronze ‘medal’. For silver status, seven courses are required to have been achieved. Only once all 12 training modules have been accomplished is the gold badge awarded.

Joanne Gilliard, CEO at Jangro, said: “Customer expectations of cleanliness and hygiene are currently higher than ever. Ensuring that professional cleaning staff receive high quality and relevant training is essential. It not only helps uphold these standards, but also helps to keep them safe, whilst continuing to work with coronavirus in general circulation. We hope these new badges will help motivate users to complete training courses and share their successes as they progress through the programme, ultimately enabling them to stay safe and achieve a high quality clean every time.”

WWW.JANGROLMS.NET

32 APRIL 2021

WWW.CLEANINGMAG.COM

PRODUCT NEWS C&M

OXIVIR Wipes offer a fast and convenient way to clean and disinfect surfaces

Single wipe kills viruses ‘in just 30 seconds’

against a wide range of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and yeasts. The wipes

EDITOR

Neil Nixon neilnixon@quartzltd.com 07957 713316

contain Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide as the

active ingredient and meet the EN14476 virucidal standard. They are fully virucidal and effective in just 30 seconds against coronaviruses like the one that causes COVID-19.

WWW.DIVERSEY.COM

SALES DIRECTOR

Stuart Dacre stuartdacre@quartzltd.com 01737 855041 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Michelle Andrews michelleandrews@quartzltd.com 01737 855086

Racksack helps workplaces stay clean and tidy

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Carol Baird carolbaird@quartzltd.com 01923 437619 MANAGING DIRECTOR

Tony Crinion CEO

Steve Diprose CO-CHAIRMAN

RAPID and effective collection and segregation of waste in distribution centres and warehouses is

Paul Michael

provided with the racksack, now available from Beaverswood. Manufactured from hard-wearing

DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP ENQUIRIES

woven polypropylene to withstand the rigours of the warehouse environment, the racksack hangs neatly off the ends of shelving and racking systems that are between 900mm to 1100mm wide locators simply hook into the holes of the side profile of the end frames and allow the sack to be

Elizabeth Barford elizabethbarford@quartzltd.com 01737 855028

quickly removed and emptied. Sacks, which measure 800mm high x 920mm wide x 400mm deep, are available in several design options.

WWW.BEAVERSWOOD.CO.UK

GERMERASE, available via Denis Rawlins Ltd, is a new brand aimed

Germerase provides long-lasting protection

at protecting against COVID-19, infections and superbugs, and has launched its first product range, offering protection against pathogens for ‘up to a month’.

Manufacturers claim that GermErase is the first and only multisurface protector proven to kill SARS-CoV-2 in under 30 seconds, and a broad

PUBLISHED BY

Quartz Business Media Quartz House 20 Clarendon Road Redhill, Surrey RH1 1QX 01737 855086 www.cleaningmag.com

range of other pathogens, with up to 99.9999% efficacy. Available as a multi-surface cleaning spray and hand spray with wipes, it provides a protective barrier against bacteria and viruses up to 48 hours. Bonding to any treated surface, it remains – according to the manufacturer effective at log-4 for 28 days.

WWW.RAWLINS.CO.UK

ISSN: 1473 723X © Quartz Business Media, 2021 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, without prior permission of the copyright owner.

Printed by Pensord Press Ltd, Cardiff, UK

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APRIL 2021 33

THE

CLEANING SHOW 2021 2-4 NOVEMBER • EXCEL • LONDON

BY THE INDUSTRY, FOR THE INDUSTRY Attracting more than 7,200 visitors, the London Cleaning Show is the UK’s largest cleaning and hygiene event.

Organised by the British Cleaning Council and Quartz Business Media, the London Cleaning Show taking place on 2-4 November 2021 at Excel London, has become the ultimate destination for the cleaning and hygiene sector to connect, learn and discover new products, services and suppliers.

At the Cleaning Show you can: • Save time by connecting with 100s of suppliers in just one day

• Test and source new and exciting products

• Create fantastic business relationships and strengthen existing ones

• Benefit and learn from a free to attend conference programme

• Discuss industry challenges and network with new and existing clients

WHAT'S ON 3-Day Exhibition

2-Day Conference

BCC Seminars

Organised by

REGISTER NOW CLEANINGSHOW.CO.UK/LONDON/REGISTER-NOW

Networking Events

Official Media Partner