CMM – Archives • Nov 2009 • 19

Not only can these injuries present legal, financial and reputation troubles, fatigue and other setbacks to productivity arise as well. As mentioned, traditional, mundane cleaning practices were ineffective and often spread germs and bacteria through-out the facility rather than remove the risk. In addition, restroom designs of the past welcomed excessive waste, vandalism and other unsustainable acts. Over the past decade, cleaning depart-ments and building service contractors (BSCs) have been asked to do more with less. However, with recent news of pandemics, and as the public is becoming more aware of cross contamination issues, restroom cleaners are asked to do much more — under budget constraints — with much less. Where’s The Focus? “Several years ago, our industry realized we do much more than put a shine on floors — we [have the ability to] keep peo-ple healthy,” asserts Mike Nelson, vice president of marketing for Pro-Link Inc. “This realization has been intensified in recent years because of concerns about H1N1 and other threats to public health, especially in the cleaning and maintenance of restrooms.” While properly disinfecting high-touch surfaces is required to protect human health and minimize cross contamination, function and aesthetics are still critical. “Basically, 50 percent of all complaints associated with a building are centered [on] the restroom,” notes Paul Offutt, vice president and general manager of the pro-fessional products division for SonicScrubbers LLC. “Half of those com-plaints typically have to deal with supply issues,” including paper products, soap, seat liners, etc. Odor control is also a top issue. Malodor can negate a customerʼs posi-tive perception of clean, especially in rest-rooms. Furthermore, bad odors could be a sign of bacterial growth or foul, faulty drain lines. uations accounts for the majority of expenses. And, as cleaners depart as a result of cutbacks, fewer employees must get the job done. An investment in your current employ-eesʼ health will reap productivity, morale and infection control benefits. “If youʼve got fewer people to do the same amount of area, the only way you can effectively clean and maintain a sanitary building is by investing in tools that will allow you to increase productivity, while still decreasing costs,” says Offutt. One modern innovation, cites Offutt, that can help achieve high productivity and lower costs in several areas is the hand-held mechanized cleaning tool. “Logic dictates that if you use mechanization versus a manual process, youʼll have increased productivity,” says Offutt. According to industry studies, a 42 per-cent increase in productivity was realized when using a mechanical hand-held process. The industry also features several other product innovations that are helping to keep workers safe from developing MSDs. “When it comes to labor savings, [end users] should look into ways to auto-mate restroom cleaning using touchless transport systems,” adds Nelson. “There are many benefits to these types of systems — speed, health, cost savings [and] performance — that many managers and facility service providers see not as an expense, but as an investment in facility care.” Restroom care product technology has been rapidly evolving in recent years. Users who are still using antiquated ways to clean are not only ineffective, but behind the times as well. CM THE NEW STANDARD IN TOUCHLESS CLEANING CONVENIENCE ICS SERIES BATTERY POWERED MOBILE CLEANING SYSTEM The ICS Series Mobile Cleaning System utilizes automated touchless technology for daily cleaning applications. Ideal for use in: s 3CHOOLS  5NIVERSITIES s (EALTHCARE &ACILITIES s &ITNESS #ENTERS -6 3 2 1 ) 2 s 3UPERMARKETS  2ETAIL s 4HEME 0ARKS AND -ORE 0 8 % 0 = 6 ) 7 4 3 2 & 0 7 -) ' 0 ) % : )2 2 It Still Comes Down To Labor The cost of labor in most restroom care sit-&OR & OR MORE INFORMATION&#0c; INFORMA TION&#0c; PLEASE CONTACT CONT TACT US AT&#1a; A T&#1a; www.hydro-ics.com www .hydro-ics.com or call: 1-800-543-7184 Circle Product Information no. 202 on page 32 www.cmmonline.com -2 = 7 8 ) 1 + 7 19