Facility Cleaning & Maintenance

SERVING THE FACILIT Y CLE ANING & MAINTENANCE INDUSTRY

PA R T O F T H E

DECEMBER 2018

P A R T

O F

T H E

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HONEST LIVING Corporate Specialty Services’ Steve Martin builds brand loyalty through consistency, authentic engagement

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� CONTENTS DECEMBER 2018

PHOTOS BY ROBYN RUSSELL

SPOTLIGHT 14 Creating a Healing Environment Study suggests proper cleaning, disinfecting procedures key to controlling HAIs

by Mike Watt

nfect COVER STORY 8

Pursuit of Happiness Corporate Specialty Services’ Steve Martin sees value of integrity being at centre of both personal, professional life

by Clare Tattersall

IN EVERY ISSUE 4

Editor’s Letter Defining Moments

24 Expert Q+A

Fall Just an Embarrassing Slip-Up? 30 Clean Matters

Field of Honour

16 Mission Control Clean room cleaning requires adherence to GMPs to prevent potentially catastrophic contamination

by Peter Dellaportas

HEALTH & SAFETY 18 The Need for Speed Weekly on-site DNA testing can avert Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks

by Paul Lem 20 A Natural Solution

Science reveals hazards of chemical cleaners, offers alternative to rid surfaces of harmful germs

by John C. Moore 22 Soap Talk

The dirty details behind bulk dispensers

by Patrick Boshell

RESTORATION 26 After the Fire Removing smell of smoke, soot no easy feat

by Linda Cecchetto 28 The Raw Truth

Black water damage must be treated with care, handled quickly

by Jordan Foster

Some chemical ingredients used in cleaning products may cause cancer, reproductive complications, allergies, asthma and other respiratory effects, say scientists.

www.REMInetwork.com / 3

/ editor’s letter /

DEFINING MOMENTS

I

t’s hard to believe another year is behind us. The saying, “The older you get, the faster time seems to go,” certainly rings true. Psychologists say routine and repetitious events speed time perception up. So, if you want to ‘slow down’ those quickly passing years, create new experiences.

When interviewing Steve Martin for this issue’s company profile, I got the sense he abides by this adage. The founder and president of Corporate Specialty Services spoke passionately about his flourishing company and the importance of providing not just a great but a memorable customer experience each and every time. This helps create an emotional connection between the brand and consumer, which, in Martin’s opinion, has a direct long-term impact on the cleaning contractor’s bottom line. The industry veteran shares other business insights in Pursuit of Happiness, which also delves into his life and career rise.

A major theme throughout this issue is health and safety.

Articles explore the role environmental cleaning plays in preventing healthcare-associated infections; how best to avoid contamination in clean rooms; new testing technology that takes aim at Legionnaires’ disease; cleaning chemical hazards; the dangers of bulk soap dispensers; and tips to reduce slip, trip and fall accidents in winter.

Rounding out this issue is our focus on restoration. Two elements of nature — fire and water — can have disastrous consequences for people, property and the environment. After the Fire tackles a lingering hazard, including how to remove the smoke smell when the flames are gone, while The Raw Truth delves into the dangers of black water and cleanup procedures.

Before signing off on the final issue of 2018, I want to express how excited I am about the coming year. Earlier this month, MediaEdge’s Real Estate Management Industry (REMI) Network and ISSA, the worldwide cleaning association, announced a new trade show for the cleaning and maintenance industry, ISSA Show Canada. The new collaboration will offer educational seminars, networking opportunities and trade show exhibitors that will showcase a range of products, equipment and services to keep facilities clean, healthy, sustainable and operating smoothly. ISSA Show Canada will make its debut at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, June 11-13, 2019. Time flies so save the date now!

CLARE TATTERSALL claret@mediaedge.ca

Editor Clare Tattersall claret@mediaedge.ca

Digital Editor Zandile Chiwanza zandilec@mediaedge.ca

Publisher Liam Kearney liamk@mediaedge.ca

Senior Designer

Production Manager

Annette Carlucci Rachel Selbie rachels@mediaedge.ca

Sales Kelly Nicholls kellyn@mediaedge.ca

Contributing Writers

Patrick Boshell Linda Cecchetto Peter Dellaportas Jordan Foster Paul Lem John C. Moore Mike Watt

Circulation Anthony Campbell

circulation@mediaedge.ca

Facility Cleaning & Maintenance is published five times a year by:

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President

Kevin Brown kevinb@mediaedge.ca

Senior Vice-President

Robert Thompson robertt@mediaedge.ca

Director and Group Publisher

Sean Foley

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ISSA NEWS BROOKFIELD GLOBAL INTEGRATED SYSTEMS EMBRACES CLEANING STANDARD A leading provider of real estate management services has adopted ISSA’s Cleaning Industry Management Standard for Green Buildings (CIMS-GB) as part of its cleaning subcontractor pre-qualification requirements for future request for proposals, where possible.

“Environmental sustainability is a core part of (our) operating philosophy and values,” says Gord Hicks, CEO of Brookfield Global Integrated Systems (BGIS). “As an organization, we will continue to ensure our subcontractors and suppliers maintain high environmental standards, which may include the CIMS-GB certification for the cleaning industry.”

CIMS is the only standard specific to the cleaning industry in Canada and the U.S. The ‘green building’ component of the designation was established to help meet the growing demand for greener, more sustainable facilities and the achievement of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Implemented as the sixth dimension of the CIMS program, the CIMS-GB designation offers cleaning organizations a certification that is closely tailored to provide

6 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / DECEMBER 2018

customers with precisely what they need to secure points under LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance (LEED EB: O&M), while greening their overall operations. As such, CIMS-GB certification demonstrates an organization’s capability to assist customers in achieving LEED EB: O&M points and offers assurance that it is prepared to partner with them in the LEED process.

“We are excited with this opportunity to show leadership in our industry by recognizing the professionalism and quality assurance that an ISSA certification brings to the clients of the corporate real estate cleaning industry, and we are pleased to incorporate this standard as part of our cleaning subcontractor requirements,” says John Castelhano, AVP strategic sourcing, North America, at BGIS. Having been recently named to Canada’s Clean50 list for 2019, BGIS continues to raise the sustainability bar by providing innovative and sustainable solutions to its clients. The cleaning standard will form part of the evaluation criteria for BGIS’s future janitorial service contracts.

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/ cover story /

PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

Corporate Specialty Services’ Steve Martin sees value of integrity being at centre of both personal, professional life

by Clare Tattersall

G

rowing up in the small French village of Sainte-Anne-deMadawaska, N.B., Steve Martin dreamed of owning his own business. But with the forest sector being the main employer in the picturesque region, Martin knew he would eventually have to part his parents and 10 brothers and sisters to forge his own future.

In 1979, he made the move, leaving the Maritime province for London, Ont., where he enrolled at Western University. Martin sought to first earn a bachelor of arts and then study law, with the goal of perhaps one day opening his own practice. But after just one semester at the post-secondary institution, he abandoned his plan.

“It just didn’t feel right,” says Martin, noting his mounting student debt helped him decide not to continue on with his studies. “I wasn’t comfortable sinking money into schooling when I wasn’t enjoying it and no longer knew what I wanted to do with my life.”

In the winter of 1980, shortly after completing his first round of exams, Martin

8 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / DECEMBER 2018

packed his bags and made his way to Toronto, where he settled in with extended family and immediately started to look for gainful employment. Over the next 10 years, Martin bounced from one job to the next, serving as a bank customer service representative, administrative assistant, graphic artist, retail store manager, marketing and sales representative for the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (his longest stint at eight years) and eventually a flight attendant. Then, in 1990, he was hired as a telemarketer for a local cleaning company, which provided a second source of income and kept him busy when he wasn’t flying high in the sky.

“You can only work up to 90 hours a month as a flight attendant,” explains Martin, who soon after starting with the cleaning company transitioned into the role of a full-time sales account manager when the airline he was employed with went belly-up.

For the next four years, Martin was content and so was his employer — both had exceeded each other’s expectations, with Martin being crowned

/ cover story /

�

CORPORATE SPECIALTY SERVICES’ STEVE MARTIN IS FOCUSED ON GROWING HIS BUSINESS IN THE GREATER TORONTO AREA, WHERE THE COMPANY HAS BUILT A REPUTATION AS A RELIABLE AND TRUSTWORTHY COMMERCIAL CLEANER.

the company’s number one salesperson time and again. However, his career rise suddenly came crashing down in 1995, when the company drastically cut his commission.

“I tried to negotiate to return to what we had originally agreed upon in my contract but they wouldn’t hear of it,” says Martin.

So, he left and followed his entrepreneurial calling, founding Corporate Specialty Services that same year.

What started off as a company of three (Martin and two carpet and upholstery cleaning technicians) soon grew as its client list expanded, thanks in part to customer relationships Martin forged at what was now his competitor’s cleaning company.

“Since I had signed a non-competition agreement I couldn’t solicit past clients but it didn’t stop them from reaching out to

“They know I respect and value them, and that they can pick up the phone and call me whenever they need me.” me,” explains Martin, noting those who moved their business with him more than two decades ago are still with Corporate Specialty Services today.

Martin credits this to his commitment to providing exceptional, reliable service, which has kept customers loyal to the company.

“After every service, with the exception being janitorial (which gets regular inspections, not just daily), we are there the next morning to personally check the work,” he says. “If the client is not 100 per cent satis-

10 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / DECEMBER 2018

fied, for whatever reason, then re-servicing is immediately arranged at no extra charge.

Clients can also cancel their contract at any time, no notice required.”

Not surprisingly, this hasn’t happened. In fact, the opposite has been true. Thrilled with the company’s high quality standards, many clients have not only requested services beyond carpet and upholstery cleaning, says Martin, but they have implored the business to expand beyond its current service region of the Greater Toronto Area

(GTA). While Corporate Specialty Services has added post-construction cleanup, housekeeping, glass cleaning, janitorial, painting, specialty blind and solar shade supply and cleaning, and wood refinishing and refurbishing services to its list of offerings, Martin is reluctant to pursue Canada or even province-wide growth for fear of not being able to deliver on his promises.

“A lot of our competitors claim to be national organizations but they’re simply subcontracting the work to companies in other provinces,” he says. “I’m not comfortable doing this as you’re no longer hands-on and there’s a good chance customers will suffer as a result. Instead, I’d prefer to focus on the GTA market as there is still much business to be had here.”

The company’s exceptional growth in the past year is a good indication Martin

is right. Despite the fact that the commercial cleaning industry in Toronto is oversaturated, making the prospect of landing new customers increasingly challenging, Corporate Specialty Services saw a 20 per cent increase in its business in 2018. The company now serves more than 300 clients across 600 locations, totalling more than 16 million square feet of cleanable area.

While commercial office buildings up to 300,000 square feet of space still form the bulk of Martin’s business, the company’s solid reputation has resulted in more work in the hotel and condominium sectors.

What’s more, Martin is no longer spending all his time chasing down clients; facility managers now approach the company to quote on jobs because of its customized solutions, competitive rates and, most importantly, dedication to service.

To ensure that its clients receive customer service second to none, Corporate Specialty Services only employs technicians who have successfully completed the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification training program. More commonly known as the IICRC, the nonprofit organization sets international standards, monitors educational programs and teaches people to operate at a higher level in the business.

Martin’s investment in his staff, through proper training and paying a living wage, coupled with his mantra, “treat others the way you want to be treated,” has created a loyal workforce comprised of many technicians that have been with the company for more than 10 years, and even some whose employment dates back to its inception.

“My vision when I started the company was to treat employees like family and watch them grow,” says Martin about the more than 90 staff that are the backbone of the thriving business.

“They know I respect and value them, and that they can pick up the phone and call me whenever they need me,” he continues, adding the same goes for his clients, as he’s always readily available to address any issue or problem. “You’d be surprised by how many companies overlook the simple things like this. But that’s just what I do.”

And the company has been better for it. /

> SOCIAL MEDIA COLUMN Sponsored by MediaEdge

Tips for effective B2B hashtag use, part two

By Steven Chester Each social media platform views hashtags through a different lens.

Effective hashtag use can boost your audience reach, but overdoing it in some cases can lead to a wasted marketing effort.

Twitter’s advice from its own blog states that “one or two relevant hashtags per tweet is the sweet spot.”

There’s no known penalty for overuse, but if you’re looking to be engaging, keep it natural.

Facebook is entirely different. There have been many studies of Facebook’s ever-changing algorithm over the years that have indicated the same thing: Any more than two hashtags actually decreases post engagement.

Instagram is the opposite. The more hashtags you use, the more reach you can achieve, but more than 10 hashtags in your text can lose the user. Quick tip: you can stuff a number of hashtags as the first comment on your post so that they’re not bunging up your text. Those hashtags still apply to your original post, and it will look much cleaner. Instagram caps posts at 30 total hashtags – add any more and your post will not upload.

LinkedIn is somewhat new to the hashtag game, though many users were still adding hashtags prior to them having any effectiveness on the platform. Try not to use more than three or four tags, and be sure that they’re professional in nature and relevant to your company, as this platform is built for a business audience.

Steven Chester is the Digital Media Director of MediaEdge Communications. With 17 years’ experience in cross-platform communications, Steven helps companies expand their reach through social media and other digital initiatives. To contact him directly, email gosocial@mediaedge.ca.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

A CLEANER FIRST IMPRESSION Insights from the ISSA seminar

Public perception can make or break a business, and that perception can be magnified at such venues as sports arenas and other large facilities where first impressions and good experiences go a long way towards ensuring repeat visits.

“You only get one shot at a first impression,” says Steve Spencer of Spencer Consulting. “If their first impressions are good, customers are likely to come back. If their impressions are bad, you may not see these customers again; and if they do return, they’re going to remember that bad impression.”

A facility’s entrance, the lobby/reception area, and restrooms are the areas most likely to inform that first impression. Not only should these areas be well designed and attractive, but they need to be well maintained on a continual basis.

OVERCOMING LARGE VENUE CHALLENGES The specter of negative publicity can give nightmares to those in charge of facility maintenance. However, there are many opportunities for janitorial or sanitorial (jan/ san) distributors who are hired to help these providers overcome such obstacles.

This year, Joe Davis, a senior account executive with Procter & Gamble (P&G) Professional joined Steve Spencer to tackle the topic of “Public Spaces and Sports Arenas: What They Say To The Public,” during a recent ISSA seminar for cleaning industry professionals. Here, he outlined several unique challenges to maintaining large venues, such as sports arenas and other public spaces: • Multiple sectors within one location (e.g., hospitality, foodservice, and athletic facilities); • the need for a large cleaning staff, which can lead to greater employee turnover challenges and additional training requirements; and, • larger risks of public infections.

“Whether it’s a university, professional sports stadium, or another large facility, there are a number of reasons why scale is important,” said Davis. “This includes added health and safety concerns and the addition of many touch points. Think of all the different places visitors can be found within a public facility after they have paid for their tickets and are ready to be entertained.”

PREVENTING A PR DISASTER It makes economic sense to operate a properly cleaned and maintained public facility. When spectators experience a good

stadium environment, for example, they tend to purchase more food, return more frequently, and have a more enjoyable experience.

“Image is everything when maintaining a large venue, as is finding efficiencies that save both time and money without sacrificing the cleaning process,” Davis said. “That’s why it’s essential to work with the right partners to ensure quality.

Implementing a proper cleaning program with the right partners is not only a cost saver for many companies, but it can also be a profit saver as well.”

Davis also highlighted the unique demands placed on large-scale cleaning operations for such venues as the Olympics. If anything goes wrong, such as a viral outbreak, the negative publicity could be magnified throughout the world.

Take, for example, the 2014 Winter Olympic games in Sochi, Russia, where maintenance crews cleaned after 5 million people, took care of 2 million square feet of surfaces, and washed more than 30,000 linens every day.

“Imagine all the impressions made on visitors at this event. Then imagine if a pathogen had been able to spread through the foodservice area where so many international travelers were staying and enjoying the Olympics,” Davis said.

No doubt, business can be negatively impacted if things go awry. And indeed, noted Davis, there have been several restaurant chains in recent years that have had to overcome negative publicity resulting from foodborne illness outbreaks.

“It’s important to make sure a venue’s cleaning staff is well trained, and that there is a contingency plan in place if something bad does take place,” he added, noting, “It’s not always about the cost of a (cleaning) program, but rather what you invest in to make sure that program (or lack thereof) doesn’t cost you more in the long run due to negative publicity.”

GETTING IT RIGHT (THE FIRST TIME) There are several considerations for getting a large-scale job done right the first time.

First, Davis stressed, is to simplify training programs, where possible, for those staff

members in charge of keeping a large-scale facility clean. As well, its important for jan/ san distributors and anyone in charge of facility maintenance, to truly understand and teach the difference between “cleaning” and “disinfection.” He noted that “cleaning” is the act of removing soil from a surface. “Disinfecting,” on the other hand, is the act of killing/reducing microorganisms from a surface that can cause disease, odors and/or spoilage.

“Many people do a great job of cleaning surfaces, but it’s better to use a disinfectant to complement the cleaning power of a detergent. This is done to remove pathogens that can make people sick,” he explained, adding, “Multipurpose products that can clean and disinfect in a single step may provide the best value.”

Lastly, Davis suggested maintenance professionals in charge of large venues work to streamline products used by their staffs to make the cleaning process simpler and more efficient.

Jan/san distributors can help through recommendations and training.

Davis concluded his presentation with advice gleaned from Jan Matthews, who was head of cleaning and catering at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Words of wisdom included: • Select vendor partners who bring addedvalue to a business, not just cost savings; • be clear on requirements and expectations when contracting; • develop a strong measurement model and ensure it is enforced; • put a mechanism in place for customer feedback, and then act on this feedback; and, • ensure that workers understand, and are recognized for, the importance of their jobs.

“Cleaning can be an unpleasant task, and it’s sometimes a thankless job. The more these staff members are given good training and products to work with, while having their work accurately measured and are properly rewarded, the greater the chance there will be a positive outcome,” added Davis.

Contact Steve Spencer at stvspg@hotmail.com and Joe Davis at davis.jj@pg.com for more information.

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CREATING A HEALING ENVIRONMENT Study suggests proper cleaning, disinfecting procedures key to controlling HAIs

by Mike Watt

14 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / DECEMBER 2018

/ spotlight /

H

ealthcare-associated infections, commonly referred to as HAIs, are the most frequent adverse event from healthcare delivery and a leading cause of preventable deaths. The Public Health Agency of Canada reports that more than 220,000 patients contract a HAI every year in Canada, resulting in as many as 12,000 deaths annually. This means that approximately one in nine patients acquire a HAI, making it the fourth leading cause of mortality in the country.

What’s more, these numbers are on the rise. A 2014 study by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) cites that Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) increased 17-fold between 1995 and 2006 in Canadian hospitals, in part because some strains of MRSA have grown resistant to antibiotics.

Along with the personal toll borne by patients, their families and caregivers, HAIs also carry an economic burden, says Canada’s largest union, costing the federal government an estimated $1 billion annually.

IN SEARCH OF ANSWERS

Mounting research suggests that the most effective way to combat HAIs in hospitals is to implement infection control practices that focus on careful cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces. A 2016 study by John M. Boyce, a clinical professor of medicine at Yale University, found traditional manual cleaning and disinfection practices in hospitals are often suboptimal, generally due to a variety of personal issues that many environmental services departments encounter.

According to Boyce, only 40 to 50 per cent of surfaces that should be cleaned by hospital housekeepers are actually wiped clean. These include high-touch areas such as doorknobs, bed railings, nurse call buttons and even TV remotes, all of which likely come in contact with multiple people throughout the day.

He also found that cleaning performance of housekeepers varies depending on the amount of time spent cleaning a hospital room, number of surfaces to be cleaned and whether measurement systems are used to determine level of cleanliness achieved.

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) technology,

for instance, allows users to measure potentially harmful living organisms on surfaces before and after cleaning, which helps determine the efficiency of cleaning processes in removing bacteria.

Further, housekeeping turnover is as high as 50 per cent in some North American hospitals. This means the same job position must be filled by two people every year. Such high turnover can negatively impact cleaning training and effectiveness.

Boyce cites widespread improper or misuse of disinfectants as another problem. For instance, he uncovered that dwell times are often not adhered to, sometimes the wrong disinfectant is used or the disinfectant is over or under-diluted.

Then there’s the issue of quat binding, which occurs when quaternary ammonium disinfectants (quats) are absorbed into the cleaning cloth or mop. When this happens, the antimicrobial efficacy of the disinfectant is reduced and often results in false conclusions. Housekeepers may believe they correctly disinfected a surface but due to quat binding, the pathogens on the surface were not killed. As well, when quat binding occurs, there’s the possibility that the saturated cloth or mop will spread pathogens from one surface to another, which could increase the risk of the occurrence of HAIs. RIGHT TYPE OF CLEAN

While there is not much the professional cleaning industry can do about the high turnover of hospital housekeepers, many of Boyce’s findings can be addressed and rectified, potentially reducing the number of HAIs in Canadian hospitals.

For instance, along with more thorough and ongoing training of hospital housekeepers, ATP readings should be taken in hospital rooms and common areas on a regular basis. High readings should obviously be viewed as a red flag. However, ATP testing can also be used as an educational tool to show staff the importance of thorough cleaning, where it has been performed ef-

fectively and where improvements can be made, if necessary.

Then there’s the need for proper understanding and implementation of disinfectant protocols and practices, based off Boyce’s research.

Surfaces should always be cleaned first and then disinfected. Cleaning removes soils on a surface; disinfecting kills pathogens. A disinfectant will work more effectively if soils have been removed first.

Auto dilution systems should be installed in all janitorial closets. Some have pre-set dilution ratios, which are designed to dilute disinfectants and other cleaning solutions precisely, ensuring the product performs effectively and helping eliminate waste.

While each disinfectant has a ‘kill claim’ on its label that indicates the types of pathogens the disinfectant will kill on a surface, housekeepers that are unsure of the pathogens on a surface should use a wide spectrum or broad-spectrum disinfectant instead.

Cleaning cloths, mops and mop buckets should be changed after each room is cleaned. Alternatively, disposable disinfecting and sanitizing wipes should be used. A disinfecting wipe is engineered to kill all pathogens on a surface when used properly (and based on the disinfectant in the wipe).

A sanitizing wipe will kill most pathogens on a surface.

Cleaning efficacy may be improved with the use of microfibre cleaning cloths and mops. However, not all microfibre products are created equal. High-quality microfibre products not only help eliminate pathogens but tend to last longer, too.

Many healthcare facilities are now experimenting with other types of cleaning systems to help in the fight to reduce HAIs, including engineered water, high-temperature vapour cleaners and UVC light devices, which emit light into a patient’s room to eliminate pathogens. When combined with careful cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces, this is perhaps a hospital’s best defence against HAIs. /

Mike Watt is director of training and new product development at Avmor, a leading Canadian manufacturer of professional cleaning solutions. He can be reached at mwatt@avmor.com.

www.REMInetwork.com / 15

/ spotlight /

MISSION CONTROL

Clean room cleaning requires adherence to GMPs to prevent potentially catastrophic contamination

by Peter Dellaportas

T

here are few places that need to be more pristine than a clean room. Used for medical purposes or the assembly of items such as computer parts, even the smallest foreign particle can destroy an entire line of production of pharmaceuticals or microelectronics that rely on a clean manufacturing environment.

All clean rooms are sensitive to dust, vapours, airborne particles and other foreign matter. In these environments, the challenge is to maximize cleanliness and minimize contamination. This requires establishing and implementing best cleaning protocols, employing specially trained cleaning personnel, and using the right equipment, tools and supplies to safeguard and maintain the process or product yield.

SETTING THE STANDARD

Sanitation of clean rooms must meet stringent requirements that are aligned with good manufacturing practices (GMPs).

Developed by government and regulatory bodies, these detailed, written procedures are followed to ensure products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards. If contamination occurs, the entire product batch will have to be quarantined or discarded. A single microscopic microbe can be the cause of recalls, delay in product delivery and ultimately the removal of product from store shelves.

SKILLED TO DELIVER

The most important factor for the successful implementation of any GMP is hav-

ing educated and skilled staff. Cleaners need to be schooled on both preventative (regular) cleaning as well as emergency cleaning procedures. Training includes: introduction to basic microbiology; personnel conduct; equipment and materials flows; cleaning application methodologies; disinfection frequencies; cleaning and disinfecting agents; cleaning/disinfection logbooks; standard operating procedures; health and hygiene status; and clean room gowning requirements.

Depending on the industry, all employees should pass a medical clearance assessment as part of their training. As well, training should be ongoing, not a one-time event. An annual refresher course will go a long way to ensuring the highest standards of quality assurance are met and keep staff up-to-date on new cleaning methods, techniques and regulatory compliance.

GETTING INTO GEAR

To ensure a hygienic environment, cleaners must wear protective covering before entering a clean room and demonstrate proper gowning techniques.

Once inside, only sterile tools can be used. Buckets, mops, jugs and wipes must

be solely dedicated to the space and labelled as such to eliminate cross-contamination.

As an added precaution, all equipment and tools should be inspected before and after use for damage to guarantee cleaning efficacy. If damage-free, they should be cleaned, disinfected and properly stored after each use to protect them from future contamination. Live and non-live equipment should be stored separately, mop handles placed upright on custom racks and buckets set on shelves. All equipment and tools should also labelled according to where it is be stored.

It’s important that staff follow a threestep cleaning application process that involves cleaning, disinfecting and sporicidal agents when sanitizing clean rooms. Cleaning agents are first used to remove chemical deposits, atmospheric pollutants and soils.

Disinfecting and sporicidal agents are then applied to all surfaces to minimize bacterial hazards and eliminate the risk of product contamination.

While use and care of the appropriate equipment, tools and supplies is vital when working in clean rooms, all may be for naught if cleaning practices are not properly recorded in logbooks. Record-keeping is key to keeping in compliance with GMPs. /

Peter Dellaportas is president of Kleenzone Ltd., a janitorial services company that specializes in commercial, industrial, clean room and good manufacturing practices (GMPs) cleaning.

Established in 1985, Kleenzone has grown from a small family business into a successful full-service cleaning company with more than 300 employees across Canada. Peter can be reached at 1-866-209-6891 or pdellaportas@kleenzone.ca.

16 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / DECEMBER 2018

SPONSORED CONTENT

The power of prevention Think ahead this cold & flu season

It’s estimated that adults suffer from 2-5 colds per year, making it one of the leading causes of missed days at work.1 Considering this, there is good reason to keep disinfection practices top of mind all year round.

The cost of being sick Beyond the physical toll the cold and flu can have on an individual level, the financial burden is also great on Canadians as a whole.

• 1.5 million: The number of workdays lost each year due to the flu virus 2 • $1 billion: The estimated cost to the Canadian system due to the flu virus (in healthcare and lost productivity) 2 • $300 million: What Canadians spend each year on cold and flu virus treatments, making them the second most commonly used medications in Canada 3 Based on the numbers, it’s in everyone’s best interest to be proactive when it comes to the cold and flu.

Predictably unpredictable While we’ve come to expect colds and flu to hit at certain times of year, the reality is that pathogens don’t observe our calendar.

Anyone can catch a cold or flu at any time. And when a new flu strain takes society by surprise, the consequences can be significant on a global scale.4 Whether defending against a pandemic, dealing with seasonal outbreaks, or performing daily disinfection, safeguarding our environments plays an important role in protecting public health.

Disinfection as preventative measure Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that can carry pathogens should be part of any plan to not only combat cold and flu outbreaks but also to help avoid them.

As a prevention tactic recognized by Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Canada, the Government of Canada, and the CDC, it’s clear that proper cleaning and disinfection can help reduce the spread of these illnesses, especially in public settings. 5-7

Rethink disinfection. Here’s how.

If an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, it’s worthwhile to rethink the way we approach disinfection. Some things to keep in mind:

Check for kill claims Use Health Canada-registered disinfectants with a rhinovirus and influenza claim like Clorox ® germicidal bleach and hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectants.

Think about use Choose a format that you and your team feel confident using, as improper use can compromise efficacy. Ready-to-use formats are advantageous as they reduce the room for error.

Stay regular Ensure regular and frequent cleaning and disinfecting, especially of high-touch surfaces, rather than managing incidents reactively.

Leave no surface uncovered Don’t let pathogens hide on the underside or back of surfaces.

Disinfect hard-to-reach surfaces with Clorox® Total 360 ® – the only disinfecting solution that wraps around surfaces to kill 23 pathogens in 2 minutes and cover up to 18,000 ft 2 an hour.

References: 1. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety. Common Cold. https://bit.ly/2R0xBK7. Accessed September 24, 2018. 2. Canadian Healthcare Influenza Immunization Network. Influenza Facts. https://bit.ly/2QY73ZF. Accessed September 24, 2018. 3. Workplace Safety & Prevention Services https://bit.ly/2Q69GY5. Accessed September 24, 2018.

4. World Health Organization. Pandemic Influenza: An Evolving Challenge. https://bit.ly/2NAXUbD. Accessed September 24, 2018. 5. Infection Prevention and Control Canada.

Seasonal Influenza, Avian Influenza and Pandemic Influenza. https://bit.ly/2QX4neU. Accessed September 24, 2018. 6. Government of Canada. Prevention of Flu (Influenza). https://bit.ly/ 2OQRphw. Accessed September 24, 2018. 7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Flu: Preventive Steps. https://bit.ly/2dKjd7e. Accessed September 24, 2018.

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Get in touch to arrange for a free demo of Clorox ® Total 360 ® and other Clorox ® disinfecting solutions at your facility. Our representative will help optimize your disinfection practices – for cold and flu season and beyond.

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/ health & safety /

THE NEED FOR SPEED Weekly on-site DNA testing can avert Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks

by Paul Lem

S

ince the discovery of Legionnaires’ disease in 1976, facility managers have been plagued with the risk that their buildings will become contaminated with legionella bacteria. Legionella can infect man-made water systems, including domestic hot water systems, fountains, showers and cooling towers that are part of large HVAC systems. There are serious consequences when outbreaks occur, including hospitalizations and fatalities. In addition, outbreaks often receive significant negative media attention.

For cooling towers, the traditional method used to detect legionella contamination has been monthly culture testing. But outbreaks have continued even in jurisdictions with mandatory testing regulations. For example, in 2012, Quebec made monthly testing mandatory for all cooling towers in the province but failed to prevent the death of a Gatineau man from Legionnaires’ in September 2018.

One reason for these continued outbreaks is that legionella can reach levels of 1,000 colony forming units per millilitre in as few as seven days; this is the level at which the World Health Organization has found that outbreaks typically occur. So, a frequency of monthly testing is inadequate, especially

considering culture testing can take up to 14 days to yield results. In addition, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a proficiency study and found that culture testing underestimated actual legionella levels by an average of 17-fold.

After decades of continual legionella deaths, there may finally be a solution. An Ottawa company has developed the world’s first on-site legionella DNA test that provides accurate quantification of live legionella bacteria from a water sample in 45 minutes.

Weekly testing of water sources such as cooling towers, humidifiers and domestic hot water systems has the potential to quickly identify legionella contamination and allow facility managers to treat the problem before legionella grows to outbreak levels.

To validate the test, the company collaborated on a scientific study with Public Services and Procurement Canada. The study compared weekly on-site legionella DNA testing with monthly legionella culture testing for 51 cooling towers in Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal over 12 weeks.

One finding was particularly striking: Eight per cent of cooling towers tested positive for legionella greater than 100 bacteria per millilitre. This is significant because most regulations call for a cooling tower to be disinfected at 10 bacteria per millilitre. The study also found that weekly DNA testing detected legionella significantly faster and more accurately than monthly culture testing.

Around the world, there are hundreds of thousands of cooling towers that are at risk of legionella contamination. There are also millions of domestic hot water systems, fountains and humidifiers that are at risk. Infectious disease experts estimate that tens of thousands of people become infected with Legionnaires’ disease every year in the U.S. alone. Weekly on-site DNA testing is the first practical way to address the risk of legionella contamination in water systems. With regular, widespread testing, there is a real opportunity to dramatically lower the incidence of Legionnaires’ disease. /

Paul Lem is CEO and founder of Spartan Bioscience, a world leader in portable DNA-based diagnostics. He holds a medical degree from the University of Ottawa.

18 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / DECEMBER 2018

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A NATURAL SOLUTION Science reveals hazards of chemical cleaners, offers alternative to rid surfaces of harmful germs

by John C. Moore

I

n 2016, 55 U.S. poison control centres provided telephone guidance in more than two million cases of human poison exposure, or one exposure for each U.S. poison control centre every 14.6 seconds. Children under the age of six comprised nearly half the cases.

Chemical cleaners have been the single most frequent cause of the pediatric fatalities reported to poison control.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, unintentional poisoning has been the leading cause of injury and death in the U.S. Since 2016, it has even surpassed motor vehicle traffic fatalities.

The bleaches, detergents and disinfectants made from chemicals are also toxic to dogs and cats. When inhaled, they can cause serious gastrointestinal distress and irritation to these animals’ respiratory tract. Additionally, cats are vulnerable to poisoning when they lick their paws after walking on a floor treated with standard cleaners.

PERILS OF TYPICAL DISINFECTANTS

The most common disinfectants in the market today are bleach, quaternary ammonia compounds and sodium hypochlorite. These powerful chemical antimicrobial agents can kill virtually 100 per cent of all germs when they are diluted and applied in accordance with their label’s directions. However, even if killing all germs is a viable objective, it should not be. Research has shown that less than 0.01 per cent of germs are harmful and many bacteria provide nutrients that support the immune system.

There are also pragmatic limitations to what these substances do. A series of studies conducted at Purdue University (published in 2017 in the American Journal of Infection Control ) investigated this. Following the EPA procedure MB-25-02, and applying each of the disinfectants to a stainless steel surface, the inf luence of contact time and concentration on bactericidal efficacy was found to be signifi-

20 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / DECEMBER 2018

cantly less than represented on the label (remain wet on a clean surface for 10 minutes before wiping off ). In other words, the moisturized surface dried before the chemicals had time to work. As a practical matter, under non-experimental conditions, few individuals, if any, are going to spray and then wipe up a substance 10 minutes later. It takes too much time and effort. For these reasons, deviating from the label instructions is likely to be quite common.

Disinfectants are also dangerous because they can eliminate the effectiveness of antibiotics in use today. Antibiotic resistance represents a highly undesirable side effect of chemical cleaning, with pathogens (bad bacteria) rapidly expanding in recent decades. Evidence suggests that although well-intended, disinfectants and sanitizers can no longer guarantee a truly healthy environment in the same way as was previously understood.

/ health & safety / Even so-called ‘green’ or natural cleaners are not innocent; they typically contain biocides that act as a trigger to allergies, asthma and skin irritations. For example, lemon scented ‘green cleaners’ often contain limonene, which reacts with the ozone in the air to produce formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen.

SWAPPING CHEMICALS FOR SCIENCE

To understand how any cleaning product works, it is important to know that dirt is composed of layers of fine film made up of grease, oils, fats, bacteria, germs, dust mites, nonorganic material and organic microorganisms.

These films are bonded to each other and to surfaces by amino and fatty acids. Conventional chemical cleaners remove only the top layers of the film; the base layers are left to collect ‘bad germs’ within minutes, resulting in spaces that are never truly clean or safe.

Thanks to increasing consumer demand for safer, more effective cleaning products, there are now alternatives to

traditional disinfectants. Once such option is microbial cleaners.

The overall rationale for using microbes is similar for all types of products. Spores germinate on surfaces, producing specific enzymes that safely degrade dirt, food residues, grease and other objectionable matter (or soil) and bad odours. The enzymes are like ‘knives and forks’ cutting up the bacteria and germs into little pieces for the microbes to digest in the same way that food is broken down in the stomach into harmless fatty acids.

Microbial enzymes clean more effectively because they digest the host material where dangerous germs and odour-causing bacteria live and they leave the beneficial bacteria untouched.

Microbes remain on surfaces for days, preventing harmful germs from growing back. Traditional cleaners, in con-

trast, only emulsify (mix together) these films, which means harmful bacteria can reappear within a few hours.

Microbial cleaners are also safer than their conventional counterparts because they use simple and organic ingredients like corn, baking soda and sugar, along with a microbial/enzyme blend that is naturally existing and not modified or manipulated in any way.

Unlike abrasive chemical cleaners, they are non-corrosive to surfaces and machinery. More importantly, there are no side effects to their use, whereas most conventional chemical cleaning products contain corrosive ingredients that can irritate eyes, skin and the mucous membrane and cause allergic reactions. In addition, long-term exposure can increase the risk for dermatitis and asthma, birth defects, lung disease and cancer. /

John C. Moore is an American lawyer/entrepreneur and developer of Professor Microbe, a 100 per cent organic, food-safe, earth-friendly, people and pet-safe, all-purpose, chemicalfree, fragrance-free cleaner. John can be reached at healthycleaninginstitute@gmail.com.

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/ health & safety /

SOAP TALK The dirty details behind bulk dispensers

by Patrick Boshell

R

estroom cleanliness has a significant impact on people’s impression of a business, its sanitation priorities and concern for public health. Yet many facility managers continue to opt for bulk soap dispensers, which can be infected easily with disease-causing bacteria.

Why? Because of their affordability, though the long-term costs of a bum restroom rap are sure to outweigh any initial monetary savings.

GERMS IN BULK

Hands are the main pathways of germ transmission, which is why practicing good hand hygiene throughout the day is so important in keeping everyone healthy.

But since bulk soap systems are not sealed, they leave the exposed cleanser vulnerable to contamination from the environment, as well as the hands of the person refilling and handling the dispenser. Restroom users may also tamper with the contents inside, which can make these soap systems a safety hazard in public environments.

The widely applied practice of topping off dispensers — refilling them before they have been completely emptied and cleaned properly — means the old soap in the reservoir may also already be exposed to germs, resulting in contaminated new soap. Even when the equipment is cleaned frequently with aggressive products such as bleach, researchers have identified a high risk of

recontamination due to biofilms, which are microorganisms that stick to each other and adhere to surfaces.

Supportive studies leave no doubt about the seriousness of this problem. In one, 25 per cent of bulk dispensers were found to be excessively contaminated. A separate study, conducted in Japan, found no fewer than 17 different types of bacteria in soaps that came from bulk dispensers.

CASE CLOSED

Unlike bulk soap dispensers, ‘closed’ systems, by virtue of their design, help lock out germs and protect the health of restroom users. To refill, a sealed soap cartridge is simply inserted into the dispenser. This method eliminates contact between the product and the environment before the soap is used to wash hands, minimizing the risk of bacterial contamination. Sealed cartridge systems also ensure users can’t access the soap inside, making it a safer solution for high traffic establishments and schools.

In contrast to the often messy re-filling procedure of bulk dispensers, closed cartridges are quick and easy to change, too.

Spills are no longer an issue and sealed dispensers require minimal cleaning and maintenance, saving both time and money.

Some cartridge dispensers are even designed to dispense exactly the right amount of a specific product at any given time, whereas bulk dispensers tend to deliver the same quantity no matter the cleanser. This alone makes sealed cartridge dispensers a more economical option.

Sealed cartridge dispensers also make it possible to use highly effective foam soaps instead of traditional liquid or lotion cleansers. Up to 36 per cent less foam soap is needed for effective handwashing in comparison to lotion soap, with a standard one litre cartridge yielding more than 1,400 hand washes.

In addition, foam soaps can contribute to significant water savings, with one study estimating a 45 per cent reduction in water consumption with their use. A range of foam formulations also currently carry Ecologo or Green Seal labels, which means they are certified for reduced environmental impact while retaining their primary purpose of being effective and pleasant to use. /

Patrick Boshell is the Canadian director of marketing for SC Johnson Professional, which provides expert skin care, cleaning and hygiene solutions for industrial, institutional and healthcare users. Part of the SC Johnson brand includes the Deb range of specialist occupational skin care products.

22 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / DECEMBER 2018

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/ health & safety /

FALL JUST AN EMBARRASSING SLIP-UP? Q+A: Prepare for winter-related accidents to stay upright this season

I

t’s that time of year when facility managers see a spike in slip, trip and fall claims. While lawsuits can happen year-round, snow, ice and slush can raise the risk.

Here, Mouna Hanna, an associate lawyer with Dolden Wallace Folick LLP, discusses steps that can be taken to weather such claims this winter.

How can facility managers avoid slip, trip and fall lawsuits?

Although there is no exact science to avoiding slip, trip and fall claims, the best defence is making sure accidents never happen in the first place.

Facility managers should also manage their properties as if there is going to be a lawsuit. They should think about

what they will need to prove they took reasonable care to ensure building occupants and guests were safe while on the property. This is essentially what is required under the Occupiers’ Liability Act, keeping in mind that the standard is they acted ‘reasonably,’ not ‘perfect.’

Record-keeping of efforts to ensure building occupants and guests are safe will help tremendously. For example, if the building’s entranceway was plowed, shovelled and/or salted after a heavy snowstorm, or a wet floor sign was put up to caution occupants and guests to be careful, then this should be documented. In the event that this type of service has been outsourced, an agreement or contract should be in place that specifically details who is responsible for

24 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / DECEMBER 2018

what. Facility managers may also want to consider a type of ‘hold harmless’ agreement with their subcontractor, so that if there is a slip, trip or fall lawsuit, the subcontractor is required to defend and indemnify building ownership/facility management for any lawsuits that may arise.

If someone does report a slip, trip or fall claim, facility managers should gather as much information as soon after the incident as possible. For instance, take pictures of the area in question and document exactly when they were taken. This will help later on if and when the claimant tries to exaggerate how ‘dangerous’ or ‘hazardous’ the property was when the fall incident occurred. /

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AFTER THE FIRE Removing smell of smoke, soot no easy feat

by Linda Cecchetto

A

fire is a traumatic event that has lasting consequences for both people and property. After it has been doused and the fire trucks have departed, facility managers are left with an unsightly and potentially hazardous aftermath. Though cleaning the damage caused by fire is a difficult task, what’s often more challenging is making sure the odour from smoke and soot is removed and, more importantly, it doesn’t come back.

SCENTS AND SENSIBILITY

The fire restoration and cleanup process can be very involved. Steps to be taken depend on a variety of factors, including cause of the fire (electrical or protein), how it was extinguished (water or chemical), type of damage and materials affected (porous or nonporous). There is, however, one constant with every fire remediation project. No matter how many hours are invested in the restoration, if

the smell of smoke and soot persists, the job has failed.

Odour is very real yet, at the same time, subjective. Take perfume, for instance. Some people find the fragrance intoxicating, while others are repulsed.

Although few, if any, find the odours from fire pleasant, people have different thresholds for smell. Some experience a strong reaction to scent while others barely notice. Then there are those that have heightened awareness odour, a term used to describe people who smell odour based on previous experiences, suggestions or past impressions rather than the actual presence of odour. An example of this is when someone knows there was a fire in a room and they think they smell smoke.

Generally, if an odour is perceived by all regardless of potency, it is a real odour; those experienced by a few falls into the psychological or ‘heightened awareness’ category.

26 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / DECEMBER 2018

SOFTENING THE STENCH

The most difficult aspect of restoring a property to its pre-loss condition after a fire is the psychological component; however, there are ways to manage this and bring the project to a successful conclusion.

The introduction of early odour mitigation, which may include air scrubbing or masking agents that temporarily deodorize until a permanent solution is completed, can set the tone for the outcome of the fire restoration. The goal here is not to swap one odour for another but to establish early on a reduction and change in odour. This can lead to reduced anxiety and increased confidence that the process will work.

The use of powerful or heavily scented masking agents can actually have the opposite affect by introducing another unpleasant odour to the equation.

Information obtained from the building occupant on scent likes and dislikes

/ restoration /

ODOUR AND OUT

When it comes to odour elimination, fire restoration contractors follow four principles to ensure that no matter the individual’s sensitivity, the stench is stamped out. These are removal, cleaning, recreating conditions and sealing.

Whenever possible, the source of the odour should be removed. This may involve tear out of building materials and/ or disposal of contents that contribute to odour production. The removal of the source is the most important step as it eliminates the odour-causing problem. If removal is not possible, containment becomes necessary and the other principles take on greater importance in the odour elimination process.

Cleaning should commence at the site of heaviest contamination and continue until all visible signs of soot are gone.

The cleaning of salvageable surfaces re-

moves the potential for odour-causing residue. Methods used will depend on the material and finish and may involve heavy-duty abrasives and/or dry ice/soda blasting. This cleanup process extends to the HVAC system to prevent cross contamination of odour and contaminants from circulating to unaffected areas of the building.

Recreating the conditions of odour penetration, or smoke chasing, is the process of replicating the way the odour travelled through the affected area. This is where specialized equipment and chemicals are often required. Wet (cold) fogging, thermal fogging, hydroxyl units and pressure spraying allow odour counteractants to penetrate materials, including interior wall cavities, in the same manner the smoke did in order to neutralize it.

In some cases, odours may have penetrated structural elements to the degree that it is impossible or impractical to remove them completely. The use of sealants is then required. The charred material is removed and an odour blocking primer applied to prevent odour causing molecules from escaping into the air. The type of sealer depends on the nature of the material and odour source, and degree of penetration into the material.

As in any type of emergency property restoration situation, time is of the essence. The sooner the process is started, the less likelihood for secondary damages and the greater possibility the fire restoration contractor will meet the facility manager’s expectations and deliver a successful end product. /

Linda Cecchetto is the production manager at Con-Tech DKI. The company provides 24-7 property insurance emergency response, and residential and commercial property recovery, repair and restoration services across the Greater Toronto Area.

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THE RAW TRUTH Black water damage must be treated with care, handled quickly

by Jordan Foster

F

loods cause more damage to homes and businesses than any other natural event. Flooding can occur by seepage or flow through the walls or foundation floor, from surface water sources or by a sanitary or storm sewer backup.

Sewer backup can be caused by a number of factors, including cracked pipes, tree roots, broken pipe joints, plugged floor drains and insufficient system capacity due to residential or commercial growth. It usually involves sewer pipe blockages in either the municipality’s main sewer lines or in the private sewer service line that the landholder owns and maintains.

Sewer backup can result in a great deal of damage, precipitating an insurance claim or a major out-of-pocket expense. It can also introduce harmful bacteria, germs and diseases into a building, which poses a major health risk to occupants. Accordingly, this flood type, known as black water in the restoration industry, requires immediate proper clean up. The greater time that passes, the more difficult and costly it is to control the spread of sewage and repair the resulting damage.

A MESSY JOB

Emergency clean up involves many steps to successfully eliminate the potential impacts

of this type of flooding. Everything black water comes in contact with must be considered a threat to public health.

If sewage has backed up, it is imperative that the drain be cleared and repaired or replaced. This should be completed by an emergency mitigation and restoration contractor even if the black water has receded.

To begin, the contractor will shutdown the main HVAC system for inspection. It will only be turned back on when this phase of the clean-up process is complete and a report on the flooded area has been carried out. Air returns and open ductwork in all affected spaces are covered with plastic and taped. Containment barriers are constructed using heavy plastic or a tarp-like material to isolate or separate the danger zone from unaffected areas. Specialized mats are then laid on the path to the work area.

Next, HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arrestance) air purifier machines (or air scrubbers) are installed to clean the contaminated air. Air is pulled inside the machine where it passes through filters using the power of a circulating fan. As air moves through each filter, airborne particles are filtered out at a rapid rate, which improves air quality and dust collection. The machines are typically vented outside to create negative pressure inside the contained or af-

28 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / DECEMBER 2018

fected area. This ensures contaminated air cannot escape from the negative pressure area to other parts of the building.

Proper dehumidification units are then installed to help keep the overall humidity down in the contaminated area and start the structural drying process.

Once any standing water and/or raw sewage has been removed, the contractor will separate contaminated from unaffected materials. Content needs to be dealt with carefully and quickly. Items that have not been affected by black water are removed and possibly cleaned, following which they are placed in a ‘clean zone.’ All damaged content is photographed and inventoried before being disposed. Items that are deemed questionable or are of higher value should be separated and appraised at a later time.

Electronics, appliances and hot water heaters should be removed and inspected for damage to ensure they are safe for use.

The contractor will then remove contaminated building finishes, beginning with the flooring. Regardless of flooring type, a sample should be saved for evaluation by a third party, if necessary. Most insurance companies require an evaluation so this step should not be overlooked. Baseboards, doors, framework, drywall and insulation materials are checked for moisture intrusion

/ restoration /

using a moisture meter or infrared camera.

These tools verify the moisture level, which is recorded or logged to aid in the documentation of the flood.

During the tear-out phase, it is standard practice to remove all affected building materials in two-foot increments, provided the water was well below the cut line. This is the minimum height in which building materials such as drywall, panelling and trim must be removed to expose the framing. The standard rule of thumb is to remove materials six to eight inches above the affected area.

All materials are then bagged and removed.

Following this, the contractor will conduct a detailed cleaning. Wearing personal protective equipment (from the outset), which includes a disposable hazmat suit, full-face respirator, heavy gloves and boots, the contractor uses a HEPA vacuum cleaner to effectively remove debris and contaminated dust from the area, including all surfaces that came in contact with building materials.

The concrete floor and framework are aggressively cleaned with detergent, pressure washers and hand scrubbers. Hard surfac-

es, such as walls and woodwork, should be washed by hand. Once completely cleaned, an antimicrobial spray is applied to all affected surfaces with a fogging machine or heavy-duty sprayer. This ensures complete coverage. Often, a hand-scrubbing with the antimicrobial spray is also required and a second spray applied.

Once the area has been disinfected, it is ready to be completely dried. Typically, this process takes three days and involves the careful placement of air movement and dehumidification machines. During this time, the contractor will visit the site multiple times to check equipment, take readings and document humidity levels. Equipment is moved about the space to ensure all areas are progressing with drying at a similar rate.

Moisture readings indicate the appropriate time to finally remove the equipment.

NO TIME TO LOSE

If the damage is being covered by insurance, the remediation contractor will draw up f loor plans and often conduct a site visit with the building owner’s insurance provider during the drying process.

Clear communication with the insurance company typically translates into quick decisions and, ultimately, faster restoration or rebuild times. A good restoration contractor will work to gather all reports, photographs and documentation to submit a proper invoice and, more importantly, a complete detailed estimate for the restoration or rebuild phase of the loss. Once the estimate is approved, the contractor can then work on scheduling and reinstating the property to pre-loss condition. /

Jordan Foster is owner/general manager of Restoration 1 Waterloo Inc., which serves the Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph and Cambridge regions of Ontario. Jordan has 30 years’ experience in the field of disaster restoration and mitigation. He can be reached at jordan@restoration1.ca.

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1-800-295-5510 uline.ca

www.REMInetwork.com / 29

/ clean matters /

1 INNOVATION

OF THE YEAR

2

FIELD OF HONOUR On the final day of ISSA Show North America 2018, the trade show floor was abuzz as vendors and conference-goers alike anxiously waited to learn the identity of the winner of the prestigious ISSA Innovation of the Year Award. After much anticipation, Hydro Systems Co. was announced as this year’s recipient for its EvoClean dispenser for on-site laundry applications. The venturi-based, water-powered laundry chemical dispenser employs an eductor that restricts water flow to 0.5 gallons per minute (GPM) or 1.0 GPM (nominally) and forgoes the use of AC and DC motors, which require more power to operate. The system can deliver three to eight chemical products and will not drift or under-dose chemicals due to squeeze tube wear, reducing downtime and providing predictable results with every wash. The EvoClean is also 50 per cent lighter than other traditional peristaltic pumps and takes up less space within a laundry facility, leading to simplified installation and maintenance.

ISSA’s annual Innovation Award program recognizes the cleaning industry’s most innovative products and services from top manufacturers and suppliers. Entries are organized into five categories — cleaning agents, services and technology, dispensers, equipment, and supplies and accessories — with winners determined by an online voting process in the months leading up to the ISSA Show North America 2018. The Innovation of the Year Award was selected by combining the results of online voting with the evaluations of a five-person judging panel.

1

Cleaning Agents. Enviro-Solutions Terrazzo and Concrete Floor Care Program.

Charlotte Products.

2

Services & Technology. KOLO Smart Monitoring System. GP PRO.

3

Dispensers. The Complete Menstrual Care System for Your Facility. Hospeco.

4

Equipment. KIRA B50 Intelligent Cleaning Robot. Kärcher North America.

5

Supplies & Accessories. Unger Excella. Unger Enterprises.

30 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / DECEMBER 2018

3

4

5

Elegant Design Meets Maintenance Ease PURELL® ES8 Dispensing System The new PURELL ES8 system for hand sanitizer or soap addresses the two biggest service issues —empty dispensers and worn out batteries, providing hand hygiene that’s always ready.

AT-A-GLANCE™ Fully Transparent Refill Design

Breakthrough Energy-on-the-Refill Technology

SMARTLINK™ Communication Technology

Clear refills make it easy to monitor product levels with one quick look, saving time and labor.

Each refill comes with a coin cell battery built in. So when you change out an empty refill, you’re also getting a fresh energy supply.

Optional PURELL SMARTLINK™ modules allow you to track and monitor usage and can send service alerts to your phone.

Learn more at PURELLSOLUTION.ca/info.

C 2018. GOJO Industries, Inc. All rights reserved. | 26706 (10/2018)

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