Facility Cleaning & Maintenance

SERVING THE FACILIT Y CLE ANING & MAINTENANCE INDUSTRY

DECEMBER 2019

� HAVING A BLAST: PRESSURE WASHERS � HOW BUSINESSES CAN UTILIZE CONTRACT MANUFACTURING � INNOVATION REIGNS IN LAS VEGAS

IN GOOD COMPANY PM#40063056

Kleenzone’s customer-first approach evident in every aspect of family-run business

PA R T O F T H E

SHOW ’20 June 10 & 11, 2020 P A R T

O F

T H E

� CONTENTS DECEMBER 2019

PHOTOS BY MIGUEL HORTIGUELA

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 14 Seven Steps to Change Adopting integrated systems approach provides satisfaction to staff, customers and complete picture of effective cleaning service

by Tim Poskin

EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES 18 The Manufacturer Behind the Logo Popular type of outsourcing proven to be beneficial beyond partnership

by Robert Kravitz 20 The Power of Water

Pressure washing improves building image, maintains structural integrity

by Mike Watt

COVER STORY 8 Relative Values

Dependability, sincerity and integrity run deep in the Dellaportas family and their thriving cleaning business, Kleenzone

by Clare Tattersall

IN EVERY ISSUE 4

Editor’s Letter Onward and upward

22 Clean Matters

Field of honour

In addition to removing dirt and grime, pressure washing can improve a building’s curb appeal, prevent repairs, clean associated spaces, protect against injury and promote health. www.REMInetwork.com / 3

/ editor’s letter /

ONWARD AND UPWARD

T

he end of one year and beginning of the next is a time of reflection for any business. It’s an ideal opportunity to determine what worked well, which approaches need to be retooled and to set achievable targets for the ensuing 12 months.

For Kleenzone, Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) certification is a key objective, along with cannabis industry growth. (Marijuana production facilities have specific cleaning requirements.) The janitorial services provider knows improving overall operations and demonstrating its commitment to quality customer service through standardization is essential to its continued success, as is expansion in new and existing markets. You can read all about the family-run company’s approach to business and its accomplishments in this issue’s cover story, Relative Values.

We then turn to Seven Steps to Change, in which author Tim Poskin discusses how an integrated systems approach can help companies achieve their goals. His strategy, comprised of several guiding principles, has many positive outcomes, including an engaged workforce, increased efficiency and productivity, employee ownership and empowerment, quality output, consistency and accountability.

In our equipment and supplies sector focus, we explore the benefits of contract manufacturing and the power of pressure washing.

Rounding out this issue, we showcase the winners of the 2019 Innovation Awards in Field of Honour. Congratulations to the manufacturers behind the leading-edge products.

CLARE TATTERSALL claret@mediaedge.ca

Editor Clare Tattersall claret@mediaedge.ca

Publisher

Jonathan Tosti jonathant@mediaedge.ca

Senior Designer

Production Manager

Annette Carlucci Rachel Selbie rachels@mediaedge.ca

Sales Kelly Nicholls kellyn@mediaedge.ca

Contributing Writers

Robert Kravitz Tim Poskin Mike Watt

Circulation Anthony Campbell circulation@mediaedge.ca

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

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PREMIER CLEANING INDUSTRY EVENT SURPASSES EXPECTATIONS ISSA Show North America 2019 was a huge success by all accounts. Held Nov. 18-21, in Las Vegas, the four-day event brought together more than 16,000 registered cleaning industry professionals from 75 countries for nearly a week of networking, education and innovation.

The 2019 show at the Las Vegas Convention Center witnessed a surge in attendance. It attracted 16 per cent more registered attendees than the previous year’s hosted in Dallas. Of the 652 exhibitors, 97 were newcomers. Further, 58 per cent of registered attendees were new.

“We’re extremely pleased the show brought with it a lot of excitement and increased attendance and engagement,” said ISSA executive director, John Barrett. “Exhibitors were energized about showcasing new solutions and attendees once again had the opportunity to learn about the latest advances in the cleaning industry, network and further develop their skills at education sessions. We truly believe the show was among the best we’ve produced.”

For the 10th consecutive year, the show hosted co-location partner, the Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI), and its 2019 Contracting Success Conference.

Additionally, ISSA welcomed the Healthy Schools Campaign and its Green Clean Schools education track, the Restoration Industry Association’s Technical Fire Restoration Summit, the International Facility Management Association, Green Sports Alliance, leading distributor sales and marketing groups, and other industry organizations and their constituents.

“BSCAI was thrilled with the growth of our Contracting Success Conference,” said Todd Hopkins, 2019 BSCAI convention chair.

“Las Vegas has typically been a successful location for our events but attendance and engagement exceeded our expectations.”

ISSA Show North America 2019 featured several new attractions on the show floor, which proved to be popular with attendees and exhibitors alike. Highlights included the Solve for X area, where attendees collaborated on their business challenges in an interactive setting; the specialty cleaning area and theatre, which offered unique exhibitors and education sessions for healthcare, residential and restoration cleaning professionals; the international and Italian pavilions that featured exhibitors from more than 26 countries; and the firsttime exhibitor area and Startup Village, where many of the show’s new exhibitors from commercial cleaning and adjacent markets like safety, industrial and software and technology displayed their products and services.

“We made a significant investment in expanding the education and specialty market opportunities on the show floor based on attendee and exhibitor feedback,” said Kim Althoff, ISSA’s vice-president of trade shows, sales and media. “We were encouraged to see how well these new areas were received and look forward to building on them in the future to ensure the event remains highly relevant and impactful for our growing and evolving audience.”

6 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / DECEMBER 2019

ISSA Show North America 2019 was held Nov. 18-21, in Las Vegas.

The event’s 100-plus education sessions provided something for everyone with curated tracks for distributors, building service contractors, in-house service providers and residential cleaning professionals. Education kicked off Nov. 18, with a stimulating session from spotlight speaker Marvelless Mark (sponsored by Tork, an Essity brand) and included panel discussions, show floor theatre sessions and certification workshops.

The show proudly celebrated the 10th anniversary of the ISSA Innovation Award program with the ISSA Innovation Showcase and Innovation Centre, where attendees could see the 42 entries firsthand and witness live product demonstrations. As the show concluded Nov. 21, ISSA presented the 2019 Innovation of the Year to Entry, a chloride-free de-icer product from Secure Winter Products. Honourable mention recipients for Innovation of the Year were Bona Resilient Floor Renovation by Bona US; GP PRO Pacific Blue Ultra, 100% Use, High Capacity Coreless Toilet Paper System by GP PRO (Georgia-Pacific); AutoVac Stretch by Kaivac; Hoover Commercial MPWR 40V Cordless System by TTI Floor Care; and Vectair P-Screen 60 Day Triple Action Urinal Screen by Vectair Systems Inc. The category award winners were Foam Soap by SC Johnson Professional (cleaning agents); foamyiQ by Spartan Chemical Co. (dispensers); Whiz

by SoftBank Robotics (equipment); OptiSolve Surface Imaging Technology by OptiSolve, a division of Charlotte Products (services and technology); and Entry by Secure Winter Products (supplies and accessories).

Along with recognizing these innovative solutions, ISSA presented three individual industry achievement awards to Jay R. Vonachen, founder of Vonachen Group (Jack D. Ramaley Industry Distinguished Service Award); Bill Hemann, vicepresident of sales and marketing, Hospeco (Manufacturer Representatives Distinguished Service Award); and Alex Pak, national account manager, Home Depot Pro (ISSA NextGen Rising Star Award in Honour of Jimmy Core).

ISSA Show North America returns to McCormick Place in Chicago, Oct. 26-29, 2020. More information is available at www.issa.com/2020.

ISSA NEWS ISSA CANADA TAKES ANOTHER STEP TO UNITE INDUSTRY ISSA Canada has forged a strategic partnership with The Infection Prevention Strategy (TIPS), in its efforts to connect with the healthcare and hospitality industries.

“TIPS has a tremendous following in the infection control and prevention sector,” said ISSA executive director, Mike Nosko. “I see this alliance as being a huge opportunity for us to work together and move the industry forward from a health and wellness standpoint.”

Formed in 2015, TIPS is a non-profit worldwide collective that “extends globally and touches locally.” The 100 per cent volunteer-based organization came into existence to advance innovations, ideas and processes that make a difference in global health.

TIPS provides a variety of peer-reviewed articles, white papers and industry support. Its advisory board also brings together leading industry professionals well-versed in infection control and prevention.

“The main goal of TIPS is to communicate and we need partners in order to do this successfully,” said TIPS co-founder and executive director, Michael Diamond. “We see our alliance with ISSA Canada as an outstanding opportunity to tap into a new market and grow our outreach.”

According to Nosko, TIPS isn’t just focused on infection control and prevention in hospitals, but the entire health and wellness of the building environment.

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“(This) is why this alliance is so important,” said Nosko.

ISSA Canada will work with TIPS in order to deliver on its goal of “changing the way the world views cleaning.” The association’s healthcare and hospitality members will not only have access to this knowledgeable resource, but TIPS will also be front and centre during industry trade shows and conferences by providing top-notch speakers targeting relevant issues to this industry sector.

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/ cover story /

RELATIVE VALUES

Dependability, sincerity and integrity run deep in the Dellaportas family and their thriving cleaning business, Kleenzone

by Clare Tattersall

M

any entrepreneurs believe they have to put work ahead of family to be a success but this is not the case for Peter Dellaportas.

Husband to Diane and father to daughters Magdalene and Joanna, Peter has always strived to balance his personal and professional lives, a job made easier now that all three women play pivotal roles in the business. The entire household’s involvement in the burgeoning cleaning company has also allowed for a seamless transition at the top while Peter is on longterm sick leave. Kleenzone’s vicepresident Diane, GMP and controlled environments manager Magdalene, and operations manager Joanna, have stepped up to move the company forward.

“Despite not being physically in the office on a day-to-day basis, Peter still makes major company decisions,” says Magdalene.

“He’s very passionate about the cleaning industry and wants to see

8 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / DECEMBER 2019

Kleenzone continue to succeed,” adds Diane, who married Peter in Athens, in the mid-80s.

Both originally from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Diane and Peter met in high school after their families moved back to Greece. In 1986, soon after the two wed, they decided to leave Greece and go it alone in Canada, in pursuit of a better life. Then 24 years old, Peter quickly settled into his ‘new’ job at the cleaning company his father, John, established decades prior and now managed from afar. The work was familiar, having cleaned carpets as a young teenager for John and Anthony Building Services to earn a bit of pocket money; however, Peter had bigger aspirations that involved starting his own business.

“He didn’t want to benefit from his father’s success but instead wanted to achieve his own,” says Diane about her husband and Kleenzone’s president.

Peter proactively sought out accounts to build his clientele. This also

/ cover story /

“Certification requires a sincere commitment of time and resources, but each step in the process helps validate our skills and creates a pathway to advancement. We are always up to the task of improving and evolving into a better version of ourselves.”

served to supplement his income, which was needed given his rapidly expanding family. (Magdalene and Joanna were welcomed into the world by their doting parents in 1989 and 1990, respectively).

By the mid-2000s, Peter decided it was time to officially branch out, and so Kleenzone was born — the name chosen in part to reflect the company’s main focus: cleanroom cleaning.

“As an astute entrepreneur, Peter recognized the needs of this niche market at a time when it wasn’t properly being serviced,” says Magdalene.

A cleanroom is a controlled environment that is ordinarily utilized as part of specialized commercial or industrial production, including the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and computer parts.

It is designed to maintain extremely low levels of pollutants, such as dust, airborne organisms, vapourized particles and other foreign matter. These ‘zones’ have to be kept pristine because even the smallest amount of contamination can destroy an entire line of production and be very costly. Sanitation must meet stringent requirements that are aligned with good manufacturing practices, or GMPs, which are detailed, written procedures developed by government and regulatory bodies to be followed to ensure products are consistently

produced and controlled according to quality standards.

Cleanroom and GMP cleaning accounts for more than half of Kleenzone’s business. Other core offerings include janitorial services, window cleaning, and carpet and upholstery care. The scope of each service is adjusted based on the customer’s existing and targeted level of cleanliness.

At present, Kleenzone services 120 clients, which amounts to five million square feet of cleanable space. Most can be found in the GTA and Southern Ontario, though the company’s presence is countrywide. Kleenzone expanded nationally in 2010, alongside some its key customers, most notably a large undisclosed pharmaceutical company that has been a client of Peter’s for more than 30 years.

“As they grew, we did too,” says Diane.

To keep pace, Kleenzone increased its employee base, which is now 320 strong.

Cleanroom technicians receive specialized training over and above ‘regular’ cleaning staff. It includes an introduction to basic microbiology; personnel conduct; equipment and materials flows; cleaning application methodologies; disinfection frequencies; cleaning and disinfecting agents; record-keeping; stan-

10 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / DECEMBER 2019

dard operating procedures; health and hygiene status; and cleanroom gowning requirements. Training is ongoing, not a one-time event, to ensure the highest standards of quality assurance are consistently met. Subsequently, staff is updated on new cleaning methods, techniques and regulatory compliance.

Magdalene says Kleenzone’s skilled staff has been instrumental to its success. So, too, has the company’s commitment to maintaining face-to-face contact with clients regardless of account size. This has proven more challenging in recent years given they are geographically dispersed and not necessarily in close proximity to Kleenzone’s head office in Greenwood, Ont., a small rural hamlet within the city of Pickering.

“A work day requires greater travel distances but we believe in the hands-on approach. Developing personal relations is important to us,” says Magdalene, who joined the business full-time in 2014, after a short stint with the Department of Foreign Affairs in Gatineau, Que. “We have a personal stake in the company, so we don’t want to let our clients nor each other down,” says Joanne, the most recent addition to the family business.

�

OPPOSITE PAGE: KLEENZONE’S PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER, PETER DELLAPORTAS. ABOVE: DAUGHTERS MAGDALENE AND JOANNA, AND WIFE DIANE (CENTRE) PLAY PIVOTAL ROLES IN THE FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS, SERVING AS GMP AND CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENTS MANAGER, OPERATIONS MANAGER AND VICE-PRESIDENT, RESPECTIVELY.

This is unlikely to occur given K leenzone’s performance record — its customer retention rate is above 88 per cent.

While no one knows what the future holds, the recent legalization of cannabis in Canada has boded well for Kleenzone. Federally regulated holders of a licence must meet good production practices set out by Health Canada. To ensure they’re in compliance with the requirements, many have turned to Kleenzone to properly employ a sanitation program in their facilities. This has resulted in a 15 per cent increase in sales since the Cannabis Act was enacted in October 2018.

Magdalene hopes to see greater growth in this sector, among others, and anticipates adding the Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) to the company’s certification arsenal will prove beneficial. Administered by the worldwide cleaning industry association, ISSA, CIMS is the only standard specific to the cleaning industry in Canada and the U.S. It applies to an organization’s management practices, internal operations and delivery of service to customers.

Conformance demonstrates a company is structured to provide consistent, highlevel janitorial and maintenance services.

To obtain certification, a contractor must undergo a comprehensive assessment

conducted by an accredited, third party testing agent. Prior to this, the contractor must conduct an internal review to be sure it meets CIMS certification requirements. This is an extensive task that Kleenzone is presently undertaking. After achieving certification, the company will be subject to reassessment every two years to keep the designation in good standing.

“Certification requires a sincere commitment of time and resources, but each step in the process helps validate our skills and creates a pathway to advancement,” says Diane. “We are always up to the task of improving and evolving into a better version of ourselves.” / www.REMInetwork.com / 11

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The true cost of colds & flu It’s estimated that over 1.5 million workdays are lost each year from absences and reduced productivity due to the flu virus alone. 2 When considering the healthcare resources required to treat these infections, the total cost each influenza season is estimated to be $1 billion per year in Canada. 2 Perhaps it’s time to consider a more proactive strategy – one that involves preparation and acknowledges its power to protect.

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2. Ting E, Ungar WJ. Systematic review of the cost-effectiveness of influenza immunization programs: A Canadian perspective. 2015. https://lab.research.sickkids.ca/task/wp-content/ uploads/sites/66/2018/06/2015-04-Influenza-FULL-REPORT.pdf. 3. Public Health Agency of Canada. Statement on Seasonal Influenza Vaccine for 2014-2015. https://www.canada.ca/ en/public-health/services/immunization/national-advisory-committee-on-immunization-naci/statement-on-seasonal-influenza-vaccine-2014-2015.html. Accessed October 8, 2019.

4. CBC News. What you need to know before flu season hits in Canada. October 12, 2019. http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/flu-shot-flu-season-1.5318796. 5. Kramer A, et al. How long do nosocomial pathogens persist on inanimate surfaces? A systematic review. BMC Infect Dis 2006;6:130. 6. Clorox Professional Products Company Survey. May 2015.

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SEVEN STEPS TO CHANGE

Adopting integrated systems approach provides satisfaction to staff, customers and complete picture of effective cleaning service

by Tim Poskin

14 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / DECEMBER 2019

/ business management /

O

perating a mission-driven cleaning company is a pillar of good business practice. Yet, an organization can spend an endless amount of time debating the necessary operating systems required to achieve the overall mission.

There’s good reason for cleaning companies to create tightly integrated operating systems. At any given moment, an operational opportunity or emergency can arise requiring a quick decision. A clear and well-integrated operating system allows employees to filter a change or opportunity using the company’s operating principles to make sure they stay on course toward the successes their organization wants to achieve. It also empowers leaders by encouraging them to keep moving to their desired outcomes without having to check in at every fork in the decisionmaking road.

Utilizing a holistic seven-step approach, overwhelmed cleaning departments can find the right solution that fits their needs.

While each answer is unique to the organization, the components are the same. The interconnectedness of all components is what makes cleaning change possible.

Since an operating system enables organizations to stay on track, they can create goals to determine if they are successful in delivering what they agreed to do. Leaders may then set objectives to make sure they are working toward their goals. The importance of good direction with a properly implemented operating system cannot be understated because of the guidance and autonomy that is often the result.

tools and equipment chosen allows organizations to align resources with the people that do the work. Workloading creates a calendar of expectations for staff and provides communication with end users.

Work gets assigned based on a building’s cleaning needs and budget. Simplified workloading for custodians and supervisors creates a transparent process that can be agreed upon. Any retooling of an organization should include input from all levels of employees. Ask what they believe is possible to capture valuable insight.

mission reboot allows easier adoption of change. Equally important, management must be open to listening and engaging with employees who demonstrate that empowerment in a positive way. Disempowered employees are more likely to hide performance issues from their leadership, causing financial and human resources problems. Custodial companies hamper their own productivity when employees feel they must just do as they’re told.

STEP SIX: CULTURE CHANGE

STEP THREE: TRAINING OF WORKERS

Training workers on the tools they will use establishes a standard for how work is to be performed. Specific knowledge on all workloaded tools and equipment also allows cleaning workers to be proficient and excel at their work. This empowers employees to be successful.

STEP FOUR: LOGISTICS AND SUPPORT

In logistics, everything looks good on a spreadsheet. When the rubber hits the road, the translation of documents becomes reality. Support is required for custodians and supervisors throughout the change to avoid overwhelming them and burnout. All old systems and tools that are not included in the program must be removed or replaced.

STEP FIVE: LEADERSHIP

The outcomes from making change leads to improved communications with stakeholders. Each leader gains a better understanding of roles and theirself. The

Nothing changes and stays changed without buy-in. An organization needs to understand the current culture to make change easy and lasting for all employees. Even with good direction, problems arise when leadership and management set the mission for themselves and then expect front line workers to comply and support the mission because it’s their job.

These leaders expect employees to jump onboard with the mission without considering what it takes to empower their workers to adopt the same beliefs. This oversight of cleaning workers’ beliefs and values creates a disconnect in the mission-shaping process.

STEP SEVEN: QUALITY ASSESSMENT

Collecting updated quality assessment data provides evidence of change from the baseline data. Organizations that complete routine assessment go from reactive to proactive, and supervision moves from finding faults to providing tools for success. /

STEP ONE: INITIAL ASSESSMENT

An initial assessment establishes important baseline data to document where a company is today and where the beginning of the journey to change starts. Focus on people processes, appearance and logistics that underpin the program.

STEP TWO: WORKLOADING AND SUPPLY

Tim Poskin is president of Cleaning Management Concepts LLC, a systems integration and consulting company for the commercial cleaning industry. Tim is one of the world’s leading authorities on custodial workloading, converting area cleaning to specialist cleaning and transitions from polluting programs to cleaning systems. He currently serves as chair of the ISSA Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) workloading and benchmarking committee. Tim can be reached at 206-384-6967 or tim@cleaningmanagementconcepts.com.

Proper workloading that is specific to the www.REMInetwork.com / 15

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THE MANUFACTURER BEHIND THE LOGO

Popular type of outsourcing proven to be beneficial beyond partnership

by Robert Kravitz

T

here is a term many are unaware of in the professional cleaning industry: contract manufacturing. Also known as contract blending, contract manufacturing is somewhat similar to outsourcing, which is when a manufacturer (lead manufacturer) enters into an arrangement with another manufacturer (subcontractor) to make parts or components for its products. Where the two differ is that with contract manufacturing, the subcontractor may not only make product parts and components but develop, test and provide product suggestions to the lead manufacturer. In other words, the contract manufacturer is in charge of the entire manufacturing process from start to finish, including quality control, even though the finished product bears the name of the lead manufacturer.

CHANGING TIMES

Historically, most manufacturers made their own products. The ingredients and manufacturing processes were often considered top secret. Over time, however, high production and labour costs have hampered janitorial and sanitation manufacturers’ efforts to produce new products.

“The entire process of hiring and training new people, finding the space to manufacture products, setting up a production process, checking quality control, among many other items, has become cost-prohibitive,” says Mattie Chinks, president of Avmor, a 70-year-old Canadian manufacturer of professional cleaning products, as well as contract manufacturer.

As a result, many manufacturers have determined their time and resources are better spent testing and developing new products, in addition to conducting product

18 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / DECEMBER 2019

research. They then turn to the sales and marketing of those products.

Manufacturers are also increasingly looking to work with contract manufacturers because of the current regulatory environment. Many manufacturers want to market their products in Canada, the U.S. and Europe. Each region (or even country) may have different rules and regulations for the same products. An astute contract manufacturer will be aware of these, which is a significant time and cost-saver for the lead manufacturer.

WORK PERKS

Contract manufacturing is not only beneficial to the lead manufacturer but to the cleaning industry as a whole. It enables janitorial and sanitation companies to spend more time on developing innovative products that are more effective, healthier and of higher quality.

/ equipment & supplies /

“If the contract manufacturer has its own laboratory, then it’s like having a second pair of eyes to examine a new product, which often leads to additional enhancements,” says Chinks.

Some companies that now work with contract manufacturers have changed their entire business model. They have gone from manufacturing their own products to making product development and innovation their core competency.

When one company is focused on innovation and another on production, the product is delivered to the end-customer faster. As well, since the contract manufacturer is already set-up for production, cost savings can be attained and then passed on to the consumer by the lead manufacturer.

SAFE CONDUCT

to contract manufacturing. Prioritization can be a problematic issue, for instance.

Many contractor manufacturers are creating products for several different lead manufacturers. In some cases, certain companies will be given higher priority due to size, scale and profits for the contract manufacturer. This can be a big drawback for a smaller lead manufacturer.

What should be more concerning to lead manufacturers is hiring the wrong contract manufacturer. Chinks advises companies to ascertain whether the contract manufacturer is certified to ISO9001, a set of international standards verifying quality management practices;

follows current good manufacturing practices; assigns a drug identification number (DIN) and/or natural product number (NPN) to all products, confirming they’re safe, effective and authorized to be sold in Canada; is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration licensed establishment; and has obtained Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism certification, which is designed to protect the entire supply chain by ensuring products transported around the world do not contain materials that could be used for a terrorist attack. If a contract manufacturer does not meet these standards, then it’s best to look for another. /

Robert Kravitz is president of AlturaSolutions Communications, a communications and digital marketing company. He is also a frequent writer for the professional cleaning industry.

As with anything, there are disadvantages www.REMInetwork.com / 19

THE POWER OF WATER

Pressure washing improves building image, maintains structural integrity

by Mike Watt

M

ost facility managers realize the value of interior cleaning but some fail to appreciate how important it is to clean their building’s facade, too. Over time, dust, soot, grease, grime and pollution collects on exterior surfaces.

These contaminants often become mixed with moisture. When this happens, bacteria, mould, fungi and other microorganisms can develop and slowly eat away at the facility from the outside in. This not only negatively impacts the building’s appearance but it can also have structural consequences.

The mortar used to hold building materials like brick and stone together can weaken and may even crack or crumble, allowing for easy water penetration.

Tuckpointing may be necessary to repair deteriorated mortar joints. This process, where old mortar is removed to a certain depth and replaced, will go a long way to re-waterproofing the building and making it structurally sound; however, it is timeconsuming, costly and labour intensive.

To avoid this (or at least delay tuckpointing), facility managers must care for their building’s facade. One of the most effective ways to do so is through pressure washing.

This involves the use of high-pressure water spray to remove grime buildup on a building’s exterior.

Pressure washers are relatively easy to operate, allowing for the process to be performed in-house or outsourced, if preferred.

20 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / DECEMBER 2019

The machine is equipped with a hose and trigger wand that allows the user to control and direct the water flow, as well as a regulated motor, which determines the force of the water stream.

Here are eight more facts about pressure washers every facility manager should know.

1 Pressure washers are gas or electricpowered. Gas machines are ideal for cleaning taller buildings as they are more powerful — they have much higher pressure and f low rates, which speeds up the cleaning process. Electric models are better suited to smaller buildings simply due to their convenience (they’re lighter weight).

/ equipment & supplies /

2 Some pressure washers generate both hot and cold water, while others only produce the latter. A cold water-machine can be effective in many applications but hot water tends to clean faster and better, so having both water options is ideal.

Because this work is performed outdoors, a green-certified cleaning solution will minimize impact on the environment.

Some heavy-duty degreasers contain 2-butoxyethanol, for instance, which can prove harmful to vegetation.

3 Often terms such as PSI and GPM

5 Don’t purchase a pressure washer

are used by manufacturers to describe their pressure washers. PSI, or pounds per square inch, refers to the pressure or force of the water generated by the machine. In many cases, the higher the PSI, the more effective the pressure washer.

GPM, or gallons per minute, refers to the volume of water (in gallons) released by the machine every minute it is used.

Typically, the higher the GPM, the faster the cleaning process.

online. While the machines are relatively easy to use, there are many variables to consider in the selection process. It is often best to work with a pressure washer distributor to ensure the right purchasing decision is made.

4 While the high pressure generated by the machine provides the agitation necessary to remove soil and contaminants, a heavy-duty degreaser cleaning solution should be used along with it. This will help loosen and dissolve any soot, dust or dirt built-up on the building exterior.

6 To ensure years of service, the machine needs appropriate care. Pressure washer hoses have O-rings on the ends.

With time, these wear-out and can tear, negatively impacting the effectiveness of the machine and potentially causing injury. Because of this, O-rings should

be checked regularly and replaced when necessary. Nozzles and wands, among other machine components, should also be routinely cleaned and tested to ensure they’re working properly.

7 Do not leave gas stored in a gas-powered machine for long periods. This is not only a safety issue but if impurities get into the fuel, they can possibly damage the machine. It’s best to use fresh gasoline only.

Further, keep an eye on spark plugs as they can corrode, resulting in sluggish pressure washer performance. If a gas-powered machine becomes increasingly harder to start, this is a good indication the spark plugs need to be replaced.

8 Regardless of type of pressure washer used, make sure it has an adequate amount of water at all times. Otherwise, the machine can become damaged. /

Mike Watt is head of training and new product development at Avmor, a leading Canadian manufacturer of professional cleaning solutions.

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/ clean matters /

INNOVATION

OF THE YEAR

FIELD OF HONOUR ISSA Show North America 2019 ended on a high note as attendees and exhibitors gathered on the trade show floor Nov. 21, to meet the team behind the Innovation of the Year. Secure Winter Products took home top prize for Entry, which also won in the supplies and accessories category. Entry is a chloride-free liquid product that melts ice and snow without the mess of salt. The fast-acting formula keeps working to temperatures as low as -53 C, and is safer for surfaces, floors, metals, animals and the environment.

This year’s awards program featured 42 of the cleaning industry’s most innovative products and services, and included three and a half months of online voting from industry professionals. In addition to Entry, category award winners were Foam Soap by SC Johnson Professional; foamyiQ by Spartan Chemical Co.; Whiz by SoftBank Robotics; and OptiSolve Surface Imaging Technology by OptiSolve, a division of Charlotte Products.

The overall winner and honourable mentions for Innovation of the Year were selected by combining the results of online voting with evaluations from a panel of industry expert judges.

The five honourable mention entries recognized were Bona Resilient Floor Renovation by Bona US; GP PRO Pacific Blue Ultra, 100% Use, High Capacity Coreless Toilet Paper System by GP PRO (Georgia-Pacific); AutoVac Stretch by Kaivac; Hoover Commercial MPWR 40V Cordless System by TTI Floor Care; and Vectair P-Screen 60 Day Triple Action Urinal Screen by Vectair Systems Inc.

1

Supplies & Accessories. Entry. Secure Winter Products.

2

Cleaning Agents. Foam Soap. SC Johnson Professional.

3

Equipment. Whiz. SoftBank Robotics.

4

Dispensers. foamyiQ. Spartan Chemical Co.

5

Services & Technology. OptiSolve Surface Imaging Technology. OptiSolve, a division of Charlotte Products.

22 / FACILITY CLEANING & MAINTENANCE / DECEMBER 2019

SHOW ’20

IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS

June 10 & 11, 2020 Canada’s premier Real Estate Management Industry network (REMInetwork.com) presents 2nd annual forum and trade event for Building Owners, Facility & Property Managers. www.REMISHOW.com Supporting Partners

Supporting Associations (2019)

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