ProTeam Inc. University Of Washington Cleans Green With Innovative Efficiency By implementing Team Cleaning practices with ProTeam vacuums, the university has witnessed significant productivity gains. T The University of Washington (UW) is on a green mission. In 2010, the College Sustainability Report Card gave UW an overall grade of A minus, a distinguished achievement reserved for schools with deep-rooted, comprehensive green programs and goals. UW has focused on improving the health of the indoor and outdoor environ-ment since 1986, when they first began to gradually eliminate harmful chemicals from their cleaning regimen. Now, a university-wide green cleaning policy mandates the use of environmen-tally friendly cleaning products, and sus-tainability is a main goal in strategic plans from the maintenance department. Yirgalem Tesfaldet, manager of pro-gram operations at UW, oversees the maintenance of seven buildings, each with its own distinct set of challenges. “Each custodian is responsible for around 42,000 gross square feet and usu-ally has many tasks to complete before the buildings open,” says Tesfaldet. “Having the right equipment, including that which is reliable, is important for the custodians to complete their work and be efficient.” Tesfaldet has implemented Team Cleaning in all the buildings she oversees. “Team Cleaning creates a cleaner envi-ronment using less equipment and fewer staff,” notes Tesfaldet. “We have noticed enhancements in productivity, but we have really appreciated the ability to allo-cate our resources better and be more efficient with our equipment and staff.” One of the mainstays and powerhouses in the Team Cleaning system at UW is the ProTeam ® backpack vacuum, a multifunc-tional tool that allows cleaning staff to move from tile to carpet to stairwells, even elevator tracks and high-detail areas with-out having to stop and switch equipment. “We cover more square feet per hour and capture more dust by using ProTeam backpacks,” says Tesfaldet. “Upright vacu-ums don’t have as much suction and can leave debris behind, resulting in more detail work.” Studies have shown a ProTeam back-pack vacuum is 43 percent more effective in removing soil and more than three times as productive as a commercial upright. When used in a system like Team Cleaning, the ProTeam backpack cleans up to 10,000 square feet an hour without placing strain on the operator. “I manage 25 custodians, all of whom are very different in size and shape. Backpack vacuums provide an ergonomic advantage over upright vacuums,” says Tesfaldet. “Uprights have been known to be strenuous on your back and arms by requiring continual pushing and pulling. They’re also only able to clean carpeted areas, whereas backpacks can transition from carpet to tile to stairways, which makes them a multifunctional tool.” Indoor air quality is also a concern at UW, so the custodial department now uses backpack vacuums with high-effi-ciency particulate air (HEPA) filtration. Each ProTeam backpack features Four Level ® Filtration that traps 99.9 percent of particulates — dust mites, dander and other allergens — measuring 1 micron or larger. With the HEPA filter included, the back-pack captures 99.97 percent of indoor allergens measuring 0.3 microns and larger. “Staff and customers are happier because we can help those who have allergies,” Tesfaldet comments. “The HEPA filter has been a great benefit.” CM Circle Product Information no. 153 This content was provided by ProTeam Inc. as part of a paid advertisement. For more information, please contact ProTeam at 1-866-888-2168 or www.pro-team.com. www.cmmonline.com 29
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