FEATURE ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANING RESEARCHING THE ALTERNATIVES Microfibre is the most obvious alternative to chemical cleaning. These materials are engineered to trap microbes as well as dirt and contaminants, which can then be washed away. They are not a practicable substitute for all chemical cleaners. For example, we still use a chemical descaler for toilets and hand basins on our Brighton contract. In other situations too, such as an emergency call-out where a surface is contaminated with blood or bodily waste, a disinfectant may be required. But advances are being made in bio-science and new products need to be assessed as they become available. We do need to beware of ‘greenwash’ however, and assess both the environmental impact and costeffectiveness of alternative cleaning substances and materials. Independent certification – as provided by the EU’s Ecolabel scheme – affords greater assurance that the main environmental impacts arising over a product’s life cycle have been minimised. These products are also tested for performance. Where they are supplied as super-concentrates, there can also be significant savings in the transportationrelated carbon emissions and packaging at the point of use. Other options need to be considered. Wall-mounted sanitisation units can decontaminate air and eliminate odours rather than mask them with chemicals. They use thermal convection to draw in air. The combination of UV light and ozone kills airborne micro-organisms before the air is re-circulated, creating a more hygienic environment in enclosed spaces from toilets to gyms and other areas. Traditional steam cleaning has moved from the factory into the mainstream with more efficient machines using ‘dry’ steam for a wide range of applications – from sanitising floors and hard surfaces to bedding and mattresses. Water ionisation, which filters tap water and turns it into a proven sanitising agent, offers environmental advantages that may prove practicable and cost-effective in other applications. After an infectious outbreak – or as a preventive cleaning measure – complete sanitisation may be advisable. While biofogging relies on a chemical, advanced biocides have been shown to be highly effective while posing no harm to the environment. We favour a water-based anti-microbial that is non-hazardous and odourless, and requires no special measures for handling or disposal. As clients or contractors we should not 12 MAY 2016 CLEANING HYGIENE TODAY forget the environmental benefits too of switching to day-time cleaning, as this avoids the energy use required in buildings after hours. COMMUNICATE AND PLAN Having devised a coherent green cleaning regime, it is vital to trial it first with the support of your client, and also to communicate more widely. Our local contract managers ensure that the client’s building managers are fully informed in advance and understand the rationale for changing cleaning practices. They can then cascade that knowledge to staff and building users, be they teachers or students, office workers or tenants. Nviro service managers consult colleagues who have managed the transition before as well as the suppliers of new cleaning products and materials, and their technical staff. During a trial, he or she will also hold regular review meetings with the team of cleaning supervisors and client representatives. Building users’ perceptions are also important. They can be fooled into thinking a cleaning service is no longer effective when the smell of disinfectants and other chemicals are absent. But generally, if communication is good, most people welcome the fact that chemicals are no longer being sprayed around them – so long as cleaning standards are maintained. PUTTING IT TO THE TEST When microfibre cloths – and the other alternative cleaning methods – are used properly and thoroughly, the cleanliness should be obvious, even in toilets. It is important that supervisors monitor performance and measure the results. Luminometers that detect adenosine triophosphate (ATP) – the signature molecule produced by living cells – give us a scientific measure of biological concentrations and health. Performing tests before and after the switchover provides hard evidence that can be used to determine the success of the green cleaning trial. A proper evaluation should also take account of costs, efficiency, and the views of cleaning staff and building users as well as hygienic testing. In Brighton and other cases, the changeover to chemical-free cleaning has resulted in a more cost-effective and efficient service, which is borne out by key performance indicators for the contracts. THE ROLE OF TRAINING The role of staff training in achieving a successful transition to chemical-free cleaning should not be overlooked. All Nviro employees receive environmental awareness training during induction and are schooled in Nviro’s colour-coding system for preventing cross-contamination between general areas and kitchens and washrooms. This is backed up by audits and quality monitoring. Additional training in the new cleaning methods is essential. The new procedures will, for example, include strict limits on the use of microfibre cloths and mops before they are replaced. A mobile support team collects the soiled materials and supplies fresh cloths and mops that have been The role of staff training in achieving a successful transition to chemical-free cleaning washed at 90 degrees. The cleaning team will also need to be coached in the proper use of alternative cleaning materials, equipment and products, including dosing. (When using traditional methods, this can avoid the common problem of over-usage of chemicals, as untrained staff tend not to dilute solutions correctly). Following these steps should lead to a smoother transition, and ensure everyone benefits from the greening of cleaning. should not be overlooked.”
Cleaning Hygiene Today May 2016
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