Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 20th December 2012 Issue no. 551
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  International News
Products Danger: chemicals! New online toolkit alerts workers and employers to hazard pictograms A new toolkit highlighting the changes to the labelling of chemical substances has been launched by EU-OSHA, the European Agency for Safety & Health at Work. The toolkit helps employers and their workers handle dangerous substances with care and keep themselves safe at work. The High Seas Hobbit toilet wins the 2012 Lepicol Home Throne Award
BICSc to discontinue COPC qualification The British Institute of Cleaning Science has announced that the Cleaning Operator's Proficiency Certificate (COPC), along with Food Premises Cleaning Certificate (FPCC) and Healthcare Professionals Cleaning Certificate (HPCC) will be discontinued and withdrawn from use from 31st March 2013 following the establishment of the Cleaning Professional Skill Suite (CPSS). Swedish hospitals failing toilet hygiene guidelines The majority of hospitals in Sweden are not following the country's guidelines for toilet hygiene, with many only cleaning the toilets once a day or less, according to an investigation by the Dagens Nyheter newspaper (DN). The investigation revealed that only seven of Sweden's 53 biggest hospitals adhere to the national guidelines, which suggest at least two toilet cleanings a day. Blaklader to launch multi-certified product range designed for tough conditions
Bacterial test results provided within seven hours Hygiena International has further developed its highly successful ATP bioluminescence system to specifically measure bacterial contamination, giving results within a working day or shift. The development involves the company's low cost but highly sensitive EnSURE hand-held luminometer, combined with its new versatile MicroSnap Total test. This system enumerates bacteria on solid surfaces as well as in raw, cooked and liquid foodstuffs, such that results are available in seven hours or less. Tests of Canadian hotels indicate high levels of contamination
An investigation by the Canadian Broadcasting Company has uncovered significant levels of contamination in a variety of hotels throughout Canada. Global product launch from KGS
The Swiss manufacturer says that its KGS Flexis pads are the only pads in the world to contain Ferrzon, which in turn is thought to be the only substance that can scratch a diamond - and that because of its structural properties, Ferrzon technology is superior to diamond when used on steel and other very hard materials, as well as being more versatile and efficient than diamond for floor maintenance, grinding and polishing. NCL introduces Ultra Concentrated Speed Stripper
Bolt quickly penetrates and easily removes even extreme floor finish build-up, with application time and labour cut to a minimum thanks to its excellent wetting and slow drying features. |
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Coming up to Christmas we editors receive lots of information about predicted trends for the coming year and a press release that arrived today, which perhaps I shouldn't have looked at (as it was unlikely to be anything to do with cleaning) was headed up: 'IBM reveals five innovations that will change our lives within five years'. The first paragraph read: 'Breakthroughs will mark the era of cognitive systems when computers will, in their own way, see, smell, touch, taste and hear'... At first I thought the idea was ridiculous but then I recalled how far computers have come in the past five years, so perhaps it wasn't as daft as it sounded, so I read on. IBM scientists are already sensing environmental conditions and gases to preserve works of art. And apparently this innovation is beginning to be applied to tackle clinical hygiene - one of the biggest challenges in healthcare today. Take for example, antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as MRSA, which is commonly found on the skin and can be easily transmitted wherever people are in close contact. We are well aware that one way of fighting MRSA exposure in healthcare institutions is by ensuring staff follow clinical hygiene guidelines but for various reasons these guidelines are often ignored. IBM believes that in the next five years, technology will 'smell' surfaces for disinfectants to determine whether rooms have been sanitised. Using novel wireless 'mesh' networks, data on various chemicals will be gathered and measured by sensors, and continuously learn and adapt to new smells over time. And in urban environments, this technology will be used to monitor issues with refuge, sanitation and pollution - helping city agencies spot potential problems before they get out of hand. It's quite a thought, isn't it?
Please get in touch either by emailing me or posting a comment on our Facebook page. www.facebook.com/Cleanzine Yours,
      This Week's News
Christmas energy saving tips for businesses Christmas is an expensive time of year for everyone and for businesses it's a period when energy costs typically rocket according to IMServ Europe, the independent energy data management provider. Putting up the Christmas lights, installing the energy sapping inflatables and turning up the thermostat to combat the recent arctic weather will all combine to push up electricity and energy costs. Employees also tend to be lapse at this time of year when it comes to energy saving at work, with The Carbon Trust estimating that UK businesses alone lose around £9 million over the festive period by failing to turn lights and equipment off. The recent energy price rises will also add to this festive burden, with many businesses in for a shock when their bills arrive in the New Year. European cleaning industry reaffirms drive towards efficient, sustainable cleaning A.I.S.E., the International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance products, celebrated its 60th anniversary earlier this month. As part of a conference held in Brussels, a number of high level speakers focused their attention on the theme: "Visions for the future, tackling societal and sustainability challenges." Bunzl makes acquisitions in Canada and Australia Bunzl announced yesterday that it has made two further acquisitions in Canada and Australia. The company has acquired the business of McCordick Glove & Safety in Canada. Based near Toronto, McCordick is a distributor of gloves and other personal protection equipment to a variety of industrial and retail customers as well as to redistributors. Revenue in the year ended 31st December 2011 was C$53.0 million. LOTY 25th Anniversary winner is Staffordshire County Council
UKCPI Council welcomes new leaders
Hunters, farmers and a steady diet of new cleaning accounts
If I can save myself some time, then I figure I am ahead of the game. I have to explain hunting and farming almost every day so now I can just send this post and save some time. Vileda Professional launches flexible and disposable high level cleaning solution
New partnership to find work for unemployed people in Wales Industry skills body Asset Skills has formed a partnership with a specialist training provider in Wales to train and find work for 50 unemployed people. Hull firms in court for worker's death in roof fall
Techniclean Supply acquires business of AIM Trading Techniclean Supply (TCS) has taken over the business of AIM Trading, trading as Lowermart. Stuart Garman of TCS explains:
"Techniclean Supply heard that AIM trading was in administration and was looking for a buyer. TCS has been looking for an acquisition for some time as it has excellent cash resources and is backed by a multi-million company which also has extensive cash resources. Carlisle awarded Arriva contract
Weathering through the Winter with Aquatread and Scraper II mats
Housing and care provider appoints eight contractors Housing and care provider Midland Heart has selected eight contractors to take forward its Environmental Services. The £6m, three-year agreement with the potential to be extended for an additional two years will be serviced by contractors such as John O'Connor and Oakleaf who'll be responsible for internal cleaning of shared areas within properties, and Pinnacle, TLC and Greenscape who will be responsible for maintaining shared gardens and open spaces. The Cleanzine Archive Search We keep an extensive archive of news stories and product information that have featured in past issues of The Cleanzine. If you would like to run a search of the The Cleanzine web site using the search tool below please just go ahead by entering in the name of the person, product or company or any other key words that you are looking for. How to contact us at The Cleanzine:
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Our weekly updated Hospital Hygiene features current developments and product solutions cleaning and hygiene industry manufacturers are coming up with. Read More. Recent UK News
Vectair partners gynaecological cancer research charity to launch its Femcare MVP range
Synergy Health shows support for MRSA Action UK
As part of the sponsorship agreement, Synergy Health's Infection Prevention & Control division will also be making a donation to the charity of five pence for each UK purchase of its 50ml or 600ml alcohol free Assure hand sanitizer. UBM Live unites Facilities Show and FM Event for 2013 UBM Live, the organiser of Facilities Show and The FM Event, announced this week that the FM Event will merge with Facilities Show for 2013. Taking place from 14th -16th May at Birmingham's NEC, Facilities Show 2013 is the annual flagship event dedicated to those working across the full spectrum of facilities management. Avoid the perils of window cleaning in frozen wintery conditions
CHSA announces changes to secretariat from 1st January 2013 The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association has this week announced that it will be outsourcing its secretariat to the Cleaning & Support Services Association from 1st January 2013. Would you like salt with that? Colder than average months in October and November are already driving sales at workplace equipment supplier Slingsby's purpose built salt facility as increasing numbers of businesses and organisations choose to prepare early for bad weather. Autumn Statement leaves green economy out in the cold, says CIWM With the green economy representing one of the few areas of economic growth and potential for the UK, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management is disappointed to see it so poorly supported in the Chancellor's Autumn Statement that was made yesterday. LCC Support Services signs up for ICE's new rental model Industrial Cleaning Equipment , the Southampton-based cleaning equipment and service specialist, has welcomed LCC Support Services as a valued new client - in what is believed to be a groundbreaking 'first' for the industry. Conference to hear from expert behind British athletes' 2012 success Facilities management employers are invited to a free conference next Wednesday, 5th December, which will look at the talent strategy behind the British athletes' success this Summer. Ambitious plans announced for Facilities Show 2013 What is said to be the world's largest dedicated facilities management event will return to Birmingham's NEC in May 2013. Facilities Show 2013 will run from 14th - 16th May in association with the British Institute of Facilities Managementd. The annual flagship event hosts a plethora of free educational content that includes the CPD Seminar Theatre, Facilities Show Seminar Theatre and the Energy Solutions Theatre. ICE's new ServiceSmart Lite makes keeping track of cleaning contracts easier Industrial Cleaning Equipment , the Southampton-based cleaning equipment and service specialist, has launched ServiceSmart Lite - a new asset management tool that provides comprehensive on-line tracking and support to clients.
Don't trouble with computer spreadsheets that will either crash, or keep bringing up last year's arrangements, plan it all out at a glance - with the free Greyland Wallplanner! Genie will reappear in different form Genie Management Group, the Aylesbury based contractor support company, will be rebranding to OrangeGenie Group and realigning its operational brands to Genie Umbrella, Genie Accountancy and HSE Passport. |
This is our final broadcast of 2012 (or our final broadcast ever if those that believe the world will end tomorrow turn out to be right!) We reckon we're still going to be around though and whether you celebrate Christmas or not, we wish you peace, good health, joy and goodwill to all men (and women) until our next broadcast onThursday, 10th January. Do have a very happy start to 2013 and keep an eye on our website for breaking news.
