most frequent service and repair. This leads us to one of the key price considerations when selecting a vacuum cleaner: Beyond the purchase price, what is the overall cost of ownership of the machine? Typically, this is determined by the quality of the machine’s construction. In many cases, a poorly constructed machine will not only require more service and repair, but its lifespan may also be shorter than a better built machine. Worse, a poorly built machine may be sucking up dust and dirt at one end, while it spews it out on the other. One way to select a quality machine is to research whether or not it has earned the Seal of Approval from the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI). Experts Voice Their Opinions Along with turning to trade publications and knowledgeable JanSan distributors, another way to piece together an effective vacu-um cleaner purchasing plan is to follow the advice of industry experts. For instance, Alan Bigger, the former head of facility management for Notre Dame University, where he was responsible for the cleaning operations of more than 160 campus buildings, says that his vacuum cleaner purchasing plan involved looking for machines that were powerful, lightweight and ergonomically designed in order to prevent injuries and improve worker productivity. Another prime consideration when select-ing a vacuum cleaner is the location in which the machine will be used. Bigger notes that backpack models are ideal for vacuuming stairways, multiple floor surfaces and under desks and furniture. Uprights, on the other hand, are a bet-ter option for hallways and larger carpeted rooms. Daniel Frimml, technical service coordina-tor at Tornado Industries Inc., agrees with Bigger that the ergonomics of the machine should be a key consideration. “An ergonomically designed vacuum cleaner is engineered to work with the user, not the other way around,” asserts Frimml. “We know from working with hotel house-keepers that this can improve worker produc-tivity significantly, as it reduces fatigue and the possibility of injury.” While Frimml agrees that backpack mod-els do offer considerable versatility, he sug-gests that FSPs should also consider the new generation of canister vacuum cleaners now available. “Canisters not only offer the versatility of a backpack, but some of the newer machines are also light, ‘whisper quiet’ and have very advanced HEPA filtration systems, making them a perfect choice for both day cleaning and green cleaning situations,” notes Frimml. At the end of the day, making the right vacuum cleaner choice can make the clean-ing worker’s job easier, safer and far more productive. CM Product Information no. 201 on page 24 www.cmmonline.com 31
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