ServiceMaster Clean Provides Cleaning Expertise The Private Sector Deserves
November 21, 2011
Fifty years of cleaning expertise combined with specialist skills and knowledge means we provide a quality service to commercial premises, retail outlets, industrial units, offices, and restaurants across the U.K.
First impressions in the private sector really count and the presentation of your facility says a lot about your organisation. Boardroom carpets, reception area hard floors and upholstered reception sofas should be regularly and professionally cleaned to give a positive message about the quality of your company. It makes economic sense too, as appropriate cleaning and treatment will lengthen the serviceable life of these surfaces. This will also provide a healthier environment for staff, helping reduce work absenteeism.
Specialised cleaning
The persons contracted to clean and maintain flooring and carpets must be competent to do so. ServiceMaster Clean is a trusted, national specialist cleaning company with over 50 years’ experience. Our full range of services include commercial carpet, hard floor and upholstery cleaning services and daily office cleaning; green cleaning; a specialist capture and removal cleaning system to remove dust, dirt and debris,; a range of infection control measures offering protection against harmful bacteria such as MRSA and E-Coli; and a specialist disaster restoration service.
Too often, individuals without any specialist training are given the task of cleaning. Different surfaces and fabrics all have varied cleaning requirements. For instance, with floorcare, some vinyl floor surfaces may require deep scrubbing using a rotary machine and a suitable brush head to properly clean the floor. Other floors may benefit from having damaged seals removed and fresh coatings applied. Our qualified experts have the expertise to remove scratches from marble, granite or limestone flooring or restore a high polish.
Frequency of carpet and upholstery cleaning
Without regular, expert cleaning, carpet or flooring that could remain fresh and bright for 30 years will be dull and worn after as little as ten years. Which is why investing in programmed maintenance from an expert cleaning service makes sound financial sense.
If the outside environment is particularly dusty or muddy it is more likely that dirt will be walked in, or carried through the air, which will increase the frequency requirement for cleaning.
• Vacuuming: A commercial grade vacuum cleaner should be used daily in all areas.
• Spot Cleaning: Our trained professionals use the correct techniques and ensure the right cleaning solutions and quantities are used.
• Interim Maintenance Cleaning: High traffic areas in the building may require either weekly or fortnightly cleaning.
Restorative Cleaning
It may be necessary for restorative cleaning to be carried out on a quarterly basis to remove deeply embedded dirt; improve the indoor air quality; remove any residues from interim maintenance cleaning procedures and refresh carpeting texture and fibres.
Refurbishment
The extent of refurbishment depends upon the level of damage and type and the location. For example, if the building is high-rise, in some cases truck mounted equipment may not be able to reach certain areas. The technology for dealing with surfaces that were previously considered beyond repair has improved dramatically, demonstrating the cost effectiveness of using trained professionals. Instead of tearing up damaged floors and throwing upholstery out and supplying and laying new materials, it is now possible to carry out full restoration.
Preventative measures
To minimise wear and tear, it is important to implement preventative measures to reduce the amount of dirt in the building. Soil and debris trodden into surfaces are often the main culprits of a dirty carpet or floor. Textured synthetic mats or metal grids should be placed on the outside of entrances to allow visitors to scrape off soil before they enter the building.
A unique offering if disaster strikes
Our Restoration Response® service is a unique 24/7/365 emergency response service with free membership for our customers. Offering peace of mind that in the event of a fire, flood or other peril, Restoration Response® is the helping hand to get your premises up and running again as quickly as possible.
Trying to sort out flooring that has been damaged after a fire or flood is an unappealing task.
ServiceMaster Clean adheres to professional standards of care combined with technical expertise and is a member of the British Damage Management Association (BDMA). We’ve helped private sector companies affected by flood water, using professional pumping equipment and powerful water extraction machines to minimise damage. If a carpet has been directly subjected to flames it may be a right off, but for smoke damage and odours, our specialist restoration can help.
How to choose a reputable provide – a checklist for the private sector
The day-to-day running of a business can be tricky enough without having to worry about the basics like cleaning. We understand that there are more important things to think about which is why our 50 years experience in cleaning some of the largest organisations in the world has made us experts in our field. When hiring a specialist cleaning service you should check the following:
• Ensure your supplier is competent to deliver the service they say they’ll deliver – request references and check out testimonials. Make sure the company is highly trained and has evidence of certification
• Choose a supplier who can offer you a comprehensive service, allowing organisations to focus on their core business. Increasingly, companies are looking for a single manageable contract for their building requirements, serviced by one reputable and dependable provider.
• With outsourcing there is no need to buy expensive equipment or supplies as a reputable company will bring all their own equipment. In addition, a growing number of companies provide green cleaning techniques which are safer for the environment and your staff.
• Make sure the selected service provider carries adequate insurance to cover any damage or other potential liability. Have they provided risk assessments, method statements and permits to work?
Further information about ServiceMaster Clean’s full range of services can be found at: www.servicemasterclean.co.uk or by calling 0845 762 6828.
Help Your Business Shine
October 28, 2011
Darren Rose, Continuous Improvement Director at CAM Specialist Support outlines the benefits of LED lighting and what you should consider when choosing a supplier.
Increasingly companies are implementing low carbon, sustainable options for their buildings. This not only reduces costs but uses resources in a manner that doesn’t damage the environment or people in it. To reduce energy consumption and associated costs companies should implement interior and exterior LED lighting.
The key benefit of LED lighting is that it generally uses one tenth of the energy required to power other lighting sources. This reduces electricity costs by up to 70 per cent, significantly reduces C02 emissions and energy bills. LED lighting is now available which can be used at 60 per cent consumption after midnight to help reduce energy even further. Savings can be made by choosing a company that is a Carbon Trust approved supplier. If companies want to reduce costs and save energy, unsecured interest free loans are available.
Fit and Forget
Substantial investment is required to maintain traditional lighting schemes. Traditional lighting has to be changed regularly and, if the lighting is in hard to reach areas, specialist equipment may be required, adding to maintenance costs. In contrast, the long life of LED lighting means that lamp changing and lamp failures are a thing of the past. LED lighting life is up to 100,000 hours. In a typical UK night time burning situation, this equates to approximately 25 years. No routine maintenance is required to ensure continued performance, thus costs are reduced and the possibility of missed maintenance is avoided.
Clarity and Security
Traditional lighting sources utilise monochromatic spectrums which do not allow identification of colours clearly. When viewing colours under sodium lights, the shades of orange appear normal, but other colours appear lifeless and dull. This is because only the colours that match the light being emitted are picked out.
In contrast, white LED’s provide superb optical control and colour definition.The current generation of white LED’s have high outputs and are ideal for external areas. If you compared the safety of a car park area lit with LED lighting with one lit by general lighting, you would feel safer parking in the one lit by LED lighting.
Health Benefits
Internal and external LED lighting does not produce ultra violet light which can be detrimental to health and cause potential damage to decoration. Nor do LED lights contain toxic heavy metals or mercury.
Life-cycle Sustainability
Some companies claim to be sustainable by offering LED lighting, but this may be imported from another country, such as China. Source your LED lighting from a company which manufactures and sources products locally. For example, CAM Specialist Support uses the services of Remploy, which increases the employment opportunities for disabled people, to manufacture locally sourced LED fittings.
Use a reputable provider
Use a supplier that uses quality LED lighting. Internal lighting should meet CE standards and standards for the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS). Lighting should also be manufactured to ISO and TUV accreditation. You should also choose a company which is able to consult about the various lighting options available and which would be the most appropriate option for your business requirements. Always choose a reputable company whose staff is trained and experienced in building maintenance whilst working at height.
LED lighting options available
There are a number of different external and internal LED lighting options available, depending upon the size of your business and your requirements. For example, if you need to identify walkway areas, the LED lighting bollard provides a safe, secure passage for customers, employees and other pedestrians. Other options available include the Marlin Street light which offers up to 70 per cent reduction in carbon and energy. For flood lighting, an option provided by CAM Specialist Support is the Stingray LED floodlight, which is an extremely high performance luminary.
For a free LED lighting assessment please contact CAM Specialist Support by telephoning 020 3411 7210 or email info@camsupport.co.uk.
See www.camsupport.co.uk for further information.
Alpha Waste Solutions online shop supplies Segezha range
October 28, 2011
Alpha Waste Solutions, specialist provider of waste container management, environmental services and waste recycling supplies, has the full range of Segezha Packaging biodegradable paper sacks now available via its new online supplies ordering service; www.awsltduk.com , following a new agreement with the Danish manufacturer to be its master UK supplier.
The full range of Segezha products includes paper sacks for commercial, confidential office and domestic applications where low environmental impact consumables are among buyers’ key prerequisites, without compromising their waste management systems.
Peter Vernon, MD Alpha Waste Solutions said of the deal, “It is our objective to be the UK’s leading one-stop shop for commercial and household waste recycling supplies. Working with Segezha, to ensure its products reach the widest possible market, represents a step closer to that goal.”
The confidential waste EcoSack is available in bundles of 25 to 200 bags per pack. The single ply 100gsm white EcoSacks are perfect for the storage of shredded confidential waste prior to disposal. The key advantage of using this product is that both bag and content can be destroyed without having to separate out the two different materials. This makes the EcoSacks a much more secure and cost effective solution than plastic bags. Handling time is also reduced. High volume users have the option of printing their logos or other details on to the bags.
Garden waste sacks and 140/240 litre wheelie bin liners are two more products within the range. Domestic users and small businesses can benefit from small bundles of only 25 sacks per pack, with other bundles available with up to 200 sacks per pack. The sacks are moisture and puncture resistant and provide a sturdy transportation solution for users. They are also strong enough to withstand the rigours of kerb side collections. Local Authorities can order both garden waste sacks and wheelie bin liners in large quantities and have them supplied in pallet loads. These volumes can also be custom printed to order.
Local Authorities running food waste collection schemes know that householders value kitchen caddy liners because they reduce odours by enabling the caddy to be closed easily between uses and making transportation to the kerb side easier. The major benefit for local authorities is that the paper is completely biodegradable and adds structure into compost by providing Lignine rich material into a largely Nitrogen rich waste: both are vital in the composting process. Available in 8, 10 or 25 litre versions, the paper sacks can also be used as a standalone solution.
ENDS
For further information about Alpha Waste Solutions, contact Peter Vernon via email: pvernon@awsltduk.com or call him on telephone 01634 838 540. The company’s website can be found at www.awsltduk.com
For press enquiries please contact Mary Collins – Ceris Burns International m: +44(0)7769 670516
t: +44 (0)1825 714329 e: mary@cbimarketing.com www.cbimarketing.com
Editor’s notes:
Alpha Waste Solutions is a wholly owned company with over ten years’ experience in the industry, providing expertise in the areas of waste management products and consumables, plus wheeled bin cleaning and maintenance services.
It undertakes large nationwide servicing contracts in addition to local projects in London and the South East using its specially fitted industrial bin cleaning lorries. It provides services to all waste producers, facilities managers, local authorities, the NHS, private medical practices, leisure centres, hotels and all other large commercial organisations.
Additionally, Alpha provides an online shop selling recycling and waste sorting products plus an extensive range of low environmental impact waste consumables such as the EcoSack.
The company is a master distributor for Busch Systems and Segezha.
Alpha operates to the highest standards, is fully licensed by the Environment Agency, and works with other regulatory bodies including The National Association of Wheeled Bin Washers and the Water Authority, to ensure a safer, cleaner environment for everyone.
Money in the Recycling Bank – Where’s the Beef in the Waste Policy Review
October 28, 2011
Many were pinning hopes on the present coalition government supporting the burgeoning resources management and waste sector – after all, this business area has 100,000 people working in it according to its own figures and performs a vital role in diverting waste away from landfill preventing it from breaking down and adding to greenhouse gas emissions with Methane, or gradually disintegrating with deposits either entering the food chain or water courses, or, with inert materials, bulking out valuable space when much of the time the resource could be reused.
Added to this, David Cameron stated in May 2010 that he had ambitions to head the ‘greenest government ever’ when he addressed a meeting at the Department of Energy and Climate Change during the 10:10 campaign to reduce emissions by 10% in 2010 (which it did, actually reducing emissions by 13.5% that year).
However, the publication ‘Government Review of Waste Policy in England 2011′ disappointed the sector and proponents of the environmental agenda across the UK. Only the CBI offered general support of the government’s focus on harnessing waste as a resource, pointing out that it is a “much wider issue than household bin collections”. It would seem that although the government wants to be seen as ‘Green’, the complexity of the matter has stopped it making any true progress. It knows ‘there is no silver bullet to solve the waste issue’ (as Environmental Secretary, Caroline Spelman, states in the policy foreword) so what the government really wants is to get businesses, charities, voluntary groups and other civil society groups to deal with waste, while it gets the fiscal debt under control.
Indeed it would appear to be a reasonable standpoint because, as the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and Environment Minister Lord Henley pointed out at a recent meeting; ‘Twice as much waste comes from commerce and industry than householders’, meaning businesses are firmly in the sights of government when it comes to dealing with the waste problem. In short, the government is saying – we’ve got our hands full; what are you doing about your bit?
The government’s review highlights some particular sectors where it would like to see businesses picking up the mantle: hospitality, textiles (including the supply chain for retail) and construction, but overall it wants a general change of attitude to waste and resource management.
The review’s main point then is this: Waste prevention is key to reducing the waste problem and it wants everyone to repeat the mantra Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Dispose. This waste hierarchy can be considered best practice for resource and waste management; supported by many in the environmental sector, from WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Plan) down.
The Waste Policy Review also points out that there is a great deal of confusion over what is law, what is best practice and what is practical when it comes to dealing with waste. Added to which it highlights the previous government’s move to criminalising the disposal of waste if done incorrectly, something that the Coalition believes is often disproportionate to the crime. It is likely that there will be a move away from criminal to civil penalties for transgressors, but with businesses signing up to Voluntary Responsibility Deals (more on this later) there should be no need for new regulations on waste during this government’s office. So out goes the idea of ‘bin snooping’ and taxation if you don’t recycle and in comes the ‘harm to local amenities test’ (Although details are a little vague at the moment on how this is measured.) and the targeting of persistent offenders such as people that fly tip or illegally take in waste onto land without proper licences.
Taking this on board, the government is pushing for ‘life-cycling thinking’ – resource efficient product design and manufacture as well as targeting high carbon impact waste streams such as food, metals, plastics and textiles. It plans to reward innovative initiators for businesses wanting to do the right thing (i.e to follow the code)
So what does this mean for businesses in facilities management, office managers reading this will be asking?
As you would expect from a largely Conservative government, a reduction in red tape and legislation which will make it easier for you to do ‘the right thing’. The most interesting element of the policy is that there is more expectation for local authorities to help local businesses meet waste management responsibilities and to recycle more.
Under the previous administration, local authorities prevented business from disposing of their waste or recycling in household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) – even though these were clearly the most well run facilities and able to dispose of a greater range of waste arisings. This was because of the Landfill Allowance Trading Scheme that local authorities are measured on, allowing the trade of biodegradable waste between authorities. (business waste essentially skewed the figures making it harder to trade spare capacity). The LATS is being scrapped from 2012/2013, effectively removing a barrier for business recycling at a local level. You will still have to work within the legal framework that lays out what can and cannot be disposed of, or how to dispose of types of waste, but the upshot of this move should mean lower disposal costs for smaller businesses (because you can take your waste to the HWRC rather than have it collected).
Another barrier to recycling is seen as the confusing array of legal requirements for different types of waste. Although the framework remains, training and advice will be readily available from the Environment Agency, WRAP and via schemes run by local authorities, delivered by experts in the field.
The other major idea in the review is the Voluntary Responsibility Deal, which is hoped will raise awareness of waste prevention and sustainable waste management, as well as helping businesses explore ways of increasing the take up of recycling services. The heart of the Deal is educating businesses in designing out waste from the start of a project – either through better design, or processes. Using the reduce, reuse, recycle guide, a new code of practice will be jointly developed between Defra and private enterprise. Defra is also carrying out early research on how the code is working in the real world and from its findings, it will decide if the code of practice will become mandatory.
Most of this new code relates to waste sorting by local authorities, but this is very likely to percolate down to businesses too: Waste sorting prior to recycling is a simple method of getting the best prices for materials, so the incentive for all businesses is to carry out sorting on site and hopefully, reduce the costs for removal and disposal.
One other element contained in the review is getting paid for your business recycling. WRAP is currently looking at this option for businesses that manage retail or business parks, shopping centres or operate cash and carry retail operations. Tesco has already committed to taking full responsibility for municipal recycling banks it houses on its sites and car parks. It has worked out that the sorted waste it controls is a revenue stream with a low overhead. You could say they are the only UK banks that are providing money for business.
Generally, business does pretty well with recycling. Defra’s 2010 survey shows that recycling rates are around 52% from industry and commerce compared to the 2002/3 figures of 42%. Householders only managed a 40% recycling rate in 2010. The idea of the Voluntary Responsibility Deal is to cover all areas of resource management but it does highlight three main waste streams where more can be done by businesses to reduce environmental impacts.
Paper
This is by far the most easily recyclable material in the UK with well developed systems available for removal and reuse. Defra believes there are still improvements to be made, particularly in targeted areas such as direct mail. The Direct Mail Association is working on a new industry standard for sustainable production in this sector aimed at reducing unwanted, unsolicited direct mail and calculating the carbon impact of what is being sent.
Food
16 million tonnes of waste are produced a year, a landfill nightmare when it rots producing greenhouse gases. No wonder there is a focus on reducing this. The hospitality sector produces around 3.4 million tonnes of food waste and is seen as a major contributor to the problem. Government departments and agencies such as WRAP are tasking this sector to find more efficient food management techniques (such as better portion control and other preventative measures) and alternative methods to landfill disposal such as anaerobic digestion. WRAP’s recent report provides details of the issues and recommendations in how the hospitality industries could be saving £740 million a year for themselves with better management. Other options for food waste include composting systems for soil conditioning or drying systems prior to burning for energy production.
Packaging
According to the Environmental Agency, 7.7 million tonnes was recycled in the UK last year, beating the target of 6.8 million tonnes set by the government. The government is working with businesses to increase the use of recycled content in packaging as well as to make it more recyclable. A new consultation process will also take place, getting businesses to reduce packaging use over 2013 to 2017. A series of impact assessments will be run before the consultation and these will determine the scale and reach of packaging reductions. There is also a focus on a sub category of packaging; glass. Various groups are looking for reuse applications for this material including re-melting it for new product manufacturing. There should be more details about technologies and opportunities for this in the 2012 budget.
Other areas of concern are textiles and construction. For the former, a roadmap for sustainable clothing is being proposed covering design, clothing use behaviours and reuse/up-cycling. The supply chain is likely to come under scrutiny too. For the latter, the current downturn means less waste is coming from this sector, but there is still a great deal to do. The advent of site waste management plans on developments of over £300,000 has enabled better categorisation and sorting of waste and help with recycling.
ends
Truvox Burnisher Goes on Safari
August 22, 2011
The white lions and rhinos that surround Spring Grove House, the sumptuous banqueting suite set in the grounds of West Midlands Safari Park, have been joined by a Truvox Orbis Cordless Burnisher. Having recently reopened after a £5m rebuild following a devastating fire nearly five years ago, the job of keeping a fine marble black and white chequer-board floor in its entrance hall at its best has been passed to the Orbis Cordless Burnisher.
To maintain a full high gloss on the marble floor, while carrying out maintenance during daylight hours, the management of West Midlands Safari Park purchased one of the recently introduced Truvox Orbis UHS Cordless Burnishers through Janitorial Direct in nearby Kidderminster. Janitorial Direct Managing Director Julian Gaze explained that the West Midlands Safari Park has been a regular customer for janitorial supplies for years, and contacted him when the huge task of rebuilding Spring Grove House, which, among other roles, is the head office of the company running the safari park, was almost complete.
The company’s essential requirement was for a reliable high-speed rotary burnisher capable of maintaining a high gloss on the marble reception floor area, without posing health and safety risks to staff or visitors, who were present while polishing was being carried out. Recognising this description as that of the Truvox Orbis Cordless Burnisher, Julian quickly organised a demonstration, which was carried out by Bob Orrock, Midlands Regional Sales Manager for Truvox International, based in Southampton.
Battery powered
Bob Orrock showed them the Orbis UHS Cordless Burnisher, the model was eventually bought for the task at Spring Grove House. Equipped with two 12 V rechargeable batteries, and with a built-in charger and charging lead, the machine is powered by a 480 Watt motor that routinely propels the 43 cm diameter head at 1500 rpm while maintaining a pad pressure of 3 gm/cm², ideal for polishing marble, for 2 hours on one single charge. With sound emission of only 56.6 dB(A), the Orbis UHS can be used while people are working or visiting without problems – and, should somebody rush by while the machine is working, there is no risk that they will trip over a power lead, because there isn’t one.
“The Truvox Orbis UHS delivers a great finish and is superb for our needs” said Paul Hewesterne, Park Services Manager at Spring Grove House. “The entrance hall gets more traffic than you would expect with all the conferences we host during the week, weddings at the weekends, and everybody coming to the restaurant. It takes a good machine to maintain a high gloss despite all that”.
Conference Centre
As well as being the headquarters of the business that runs the West Midlands Safari Park, Spring Grove House is a fully equipped conference centre and wedding venue, with a first-class restaurant, an excellent chef and catering staff and even a bridal suite. The presence of a great variety of African wildlife just outside offers major potential for pleasure to delegates at conferences during lunch breaks and non-business hours.
The Safari Park provides opportunities for families to see rhinos, rare white lions and white tigers, timber wolves, cheetahs, giraffes, meerkats, African wild dogs and creepy crawlies galore. There is an African village, with free-range Somali sheep and pygmy goats. In the African Village, people can visit an exciting exhibit called ‘Walking with Lemurs’. Details of the safari park are at www.wmsp.co.uk.
For more information about the Truvox Orbis UHS Cordless Burnisher, phone 023 9070 6600 or go to www.truvox.com.
For more information about Janitorial Direct Ltd, phone 01562 512870 or go to www.janitorialdirect.co.uk.
ENDS
For press enquiries please contact:
Ceris Burns – Ceris Burns International t: +44(0)1825 714329 e: ceris@cbimarketing.com
http://www.cbipr.com
Invest in Tech
August 3, 2011
In this edition, Bradley Reames, managing director of Peartree Cleaning Services explains how specialist iPad software is helping to transform the cleaning industry
Why is new technology key to the cleaning industry?
New and innovative technology is being introduced all the time for many different aspects of the cleaning industry to ensure facilities receive a consistently high level of quality cleaning and support services. As with any industry, technology is constantly improving and advancing to keep up to date with current industry demands, be it equipment to assist with cleaning tasks, such as vacuums and scrubber dryers, or software programs specifically designed for the cleaning sector.
How can software programmes be used within the cleaning industry?
We are the first company in the UK to implement the CleanLink iPad application, which has been specially designed for contract cleaners, via the iPad 2. Specialist cleaning software via the iPad can help to easily monitor operational performance and provide a structured approach to quality monitoring for facilities managers, against agreed service levels. Software has been purposely developed for contract cleaning companies to efficiently manage all locations remotely, which means the head office can constantly monitor progress at the site, keep track of updates and maintain client satisfaction.
Many other applications are available to businesses such as training software or financial auditing processes and e-ordering for cleaning products and consumables.
How is iPad technology having an impact on performance monitoring?
Traditional methods of quality monitoring have often been time consuming with room for human error, as collective data needs to be analysed manually. With the use of iPads, live quality monitoring inspections can be carried out with clients in attendance, collecting scores, comments and signatures. Performance reports can easily be extracted, instantly analysed and emailed to the head office for review.
Operation managers can perform onsite audits, record additional services provided, place orders for supplies, log any complaints or requests from the customer, receive instructions, record client satisfaction rates and take photographs onsite.
The software application also provides managers with staff details, client and site details, specification, pay rates and hours allocated, and access to emails, enabling them to have all this information at their fingertips.
What other technological breakthroughs is the cleaning industry implementing?
The cleaning industry is perceived by some as old-fashioned, yet much is being done to improve the image and standards of the cleaning industry. Incorporating iPad application technology is a huge step for us, and for the industry as a whole.
Technology will continue to develop and improve, and the cleaning industry will continue to benefit from new innovations. There have already been many other breakthroughs in technology with regards to equipment and machinery.
‘Green technology’ has been introduced into the cleaning industry as people are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of protecting the environment and saving energy. iPad technology is helping to reduce paper wastage. A lot of the equipment implemented for cleaning now runs much more efficiently and as such is having an improved impact on the environment. Technologies have also been introduced to reduce or eliminate chemicals used in cleaning products.
Contact
For a broad range of quality cleaning services using innovative technology contact www.peartreecleaning.co.uk.
Working at Height Best Practice
August 3, 2011
Matthew Johnson, managing director of CAM Specialist Support reviews working at height practices, which are being professionalised through training and modern standards
Changes to working at height
New, safer and more technically advanced methods of working at height have been developed since the Work at Height Regulations 2005, amended by the Work at Height (Amendment) Regulations 2007 came into force. For example, water fed pole systems have replaced cleaning with ladders for work of up to 60 feet and technically advanced suspended access equipment such as cradles, mobile elevated work platforms, temporary scaffolds and rope access enable buildings to be cleaned and maintained safely.
One of the key legal requirements of the regulations is for competent, well trained people to plan, organise, supervise and carry out work at height. The Regulations “apply to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury.”
Breadth of work at height
Cleaning and maintaining buildings often involves the need to work at height. The obvious requirement that springs to mind is window cleaning; however there is a much broader range of complex building support services which involves the need to work at high levels. This includes gutter clearances, bird proofing, roof repairs, cleaning of extractor vents and building inspections including surveys and specialist reports.
Risk assessments and emergency planning
The Work at Height regulations include planning for emergencies and rescue situations, which has made operating at height safer and more professional.
Risk assessment should always be carried out to ensure the safest way of working and any rescue plan should be site specific and detailed. CAM Specialist Support has been working with a diverse range of companies to anticipate and prevent their particular potential working at height risks. By its very nature, a rescue plan is only called upon in an emergency, so contractors must carry out regular practice sessions and refresher training to ensure that their operatives will react swiftly and appropriately should an emergency situation arise.
Duty holders need to satisfy themselves when appointing a specialist contractor that these emergency procedures are in place and well resourced. This is essential for the safety of themselves and the general public.
Accredited Training
There are a number of associations that promote a safe environment for the operation of specialist work at height equipment such as the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA), the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) for powered equipment and PASMA, the lead trade association in Europe for the mobile access tower industry. Duty holders should choose a reputable provider which holds these training accreditations, indicating that it has invested heavily in training and safety.
CAM Specialist Support arranges a wide range of training courses, provided by a team of experts including Ladder Association training courses, Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP) Operator and Demonstrator Courses and IOSH accredited Federation of Window Cleaner’s courses. In addition, our company provides professional consultancy services including site audits, cleanability audits, access strategy reports, risk assessments and method statements written to help operatives work safely and minimise risks identified in the risk assessment.
Industry best practice is providing safer methods of cleaning and maintaining buildings whilst working at height, ensuring that the cleaning industry meets complex building support requirements with expertise and trained, professional staff.
Hat Trick for Alpha Waste Solutions Reflects Waste and Recycling Growth
August 3, 2011
Specialist provider of waste container management, environmental services and waste recycling supplies Alpha Waste Solutions has recently enjoyed a trio of important developments that illustrates positive growth for the waste and recycling industry. The company provides waste recycling products and services to all commercial sectors from facilities management and education to local authorities.
The first development at Alpha involves a strategic name change for the company that has been involved in the cleaning, maintenance and refurbishment of wheeled refuse containers for over 10 years. Originally known as Alpha Bin Care, the new name of Alpha Waste Solutions reflects the dual offer that it has developed; service coupled with a range of complementary waste recycling supplies.
It is the company’s objective to be the premier one stop shop within its field and as such it offers all manner of waste recycling supplies from waste containers and eco paper sacks to office and household recycling and document destruction products.
In line with this objective, last month Alpha acquired recycling bin manufacturer Astor Waste Systems. Commenting on the acquisition Peter Vernon managing director of Alpha Waste Solutions said:
“We are delighted to introduce the Astor product range to the Alpha family. This acquisition is part of our long term growth plan and in immediate terms means that we are able to add secure document shredding products and service to our portfolio to further strengthen our integrated offer.”
The third component of the hat trick is Alpha’s appointment as UK master distributor for two leading manufacturers namely Busch Systems and Segezha Packaging. Alpha will distribute Busch Systems’ range of plastic recycling products and from Segezha’s quality paper refuse products range it will drive sales of ‘EcoSack’ biodegradable paper sacks.
For further information about Alpha Waste Solutions contact Peter Vernon on telephone 01634 838 540 or email him at pvernon@awsltduk.com www.awsltduk.com
ENDS
For press enquiries please contact:
Ceris Burns – Ceris Burns International t: +44(0)1825 714329 E: info@cbimarketing.com www.cbimarketing.com
Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners Launch 25th Anniversary Summer Charity Ball
May 27, 2011
The Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners is celebrating its 25th anniversary of the Company achieving full Livery status with a Summer Charity Ball on the evening of Saturday 9th July.
Friends and colleagues from the cleaning industry are invited to the fundraising event, which takes place at the luxury Grange St Paul’s hotel, London. It opens with a champagne reception from 6.30pm, followed by a four course meal; entertainment, including a live band and an Auction hosted by a celebrity auctioneer.
During the 25th anniversary year, the Worshipful Company hopes to raise at least an extra £25,000 for its charity fund which makes grants to support the advancement of education and training within the industry. There are opportunities to advertise in the programme for the evening as well as sponsorship of individual elements of the evening.
The Summer Ball will be attended by the recently Installed Master, Peter Holt and many members of the Livery and their guests.
Tickets are available at £98.50 per head or tables of 10 for just £900.
Please contact Junior Warden, Maureen Marden to reserve your tickets by calling mobile 07785 700 523 or email maureenmarden@btconnect.com
The Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners is one of 108 Livery Companies which are based upon trades, industries and professions and carry on the ancient traditions of the Guilds and Livery Companies which started in the 12th century. The Company aims to encourage and maintain high standards of practice and integrity while promoting and supporting education, training and research projects within the cleaning industry.
ENDS
Press enquiries:
Michelle Eastty – Ceris Burns International t: +44(0)1825 714329
e: michelle@cbimarketing.com www. cbimarketing.com
Editor’s Notes
Formed in 1972 as the Guild of Cleaners and subsequently known as the Guild of Master Cleaners, the Company was granted full Livery Status in 1986 as the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners, the 97th Livery Company of the City of London. HRH The Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh is an Honorary Freeman of the Company.
New Infection Control Research Launched by Albany Hygiene Facilities
May 4, 2011
Keeping school facilities clean and hygienic is imperative for all cleaning and facility managers, to reduce the spread of viruses and infections. New research by Queen Mary, University of London and Albany Hygiene Facilities will investigate infection risks in schools, funded by a Knowledge Transfer Partnership. The findings will inform the development of practical solutions to help break the chain of infection and decrease cross-contamination.
The new research will take a phased approach. Phase one will involve instigation of screening the toilet facilities of London based schools. Interim findings are planned to be released in May 2011 before phase two widens the examination to outside the washroom area. Infection control policy guidance, based on the outcomes of the research, is hoped to be released by the end of the year.
To date, no documented scientific research has been undertaken in schools that accurately identifies the level of infection and type of bacteria breeding. In addition, there is currently no clear guidance on what schools need to clean with, how often and when.
Postdoctoral researcher, Dr Hermine Mkrtchyan has been appointed to investigate infection risks in schools. Dr Mkrtchyan was selected from approximately sixty candidates who applied for the 30 month post and will be working with Dr Ron Cutler, principal investigator of the project and director of Biomedical Science at Queen Mary. Dr Mkrtchyan has over seven years of experience in the field of natural product chemistry, microbiology and molecular biology research, mainly in the context of infectious diseases, with a number of published papers and patents.
Infection outbreaks and illness have a significant economic and educational impact on schools. It is hoped that Dr Mkrtchyan’s research will uncover the real state of infection risks in schools, which will then help to develop a guide for schools on how to manage infection control effectively.
Annual statistics show 11.7 million school days were lost in the spring 2010 term alone due to child illness including flu, norovirus and E.coli.
According to Dr Ron Cutler this illness rate is only going to increase, stating: “Infection threats to schools are influenced in part by external changes, such as increased international travel and antibiotic misuse and resistance. Climate change may also create the catalysts for increasing levels of infection as well as more unpredictable infection threats in the future. This research appointment will go a long way in helping us provide schools with the insights and guidance they need.”
Dr Mkrtchyan explains her role and vision for the new research: “The rise in antibiotic resistant bacteria is becoming a widespread issue resulting in a major worldwide cause of morbidity and mortality. This means that when schools are cleaned they are assuming that they are reducing the risks of infection spreading, when in fact the bacteria is not being removed and remains live and spreading. We want to accurately define which bacteria are live in schools, where they are harbouring and then to create a practical and targeted plan for schools to fight the infection and reduce sickness levels for both the children and the teachers.”
The research concept was inspired by a recent study/abstract accepted by 4th FEMS Congress of European Microbiologists that will take place in Geneva, 26-30 June, 2011, which identified multiple drug resistant coagulase negative Staphylococci in general toilet facilities. It further posed the question, if these bacteria are alive in this public venue what does the school toilet germ community look like?
Mike Burton, managing director of Albany Hygiene Facilities comments: “The Government’s National Healthy Schools Programme currently allows four million pupils to enjoy the benefits of attending a ‘Healthy School’, but unfortunately this programme does not sufficiently cover the hygiene of the building environment which the pupils, staff and teacher’s inhabit. Also, it does not encompass the critical area of infection control within the school. Our programme aims to work with and support the school’s needs. The scientific knowledge gained from the research will allow us to share comprehensive and bespoke advice to schools about infection control best practice.”
Hygiene education and effective hygiene management are the best ways to break the chain of infection and stop the spread of illness throughout schools and commercial premises. Albany Hygiene Facilities are able to provide you with a professional review of your facilities and will identify the most effective solutions to reduce cross contamination in your building. For your free hygiene assessment please visit www.albanyfacilities.com or call 0870 366 5777.
ENDS
For press enquiries please contact:
Michelle Eastty – Ceris Burns International t: +44(0)1825 714329 e: michelle@cbimarketing.com; www.clean.cbimarketing.com
- RT @TruvoxInt: Truvox article "Slips, trips & falls - Preventing the problem" http://t.co/DpId2QTP @TomorrowsHS
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