Studies show that using a speed canister vacuum in a 5,000-square-foot facility can save an average of $2,112 a year in labor costs over using a traditional single-motor upright. Day Cleaning has become a popular workplace practice as companies can save thousands of dollars a year on electricity by making cleaning part of work-day hours. Vacuums that allow the operator to switch to a quiet mode are perfect solutions for conquering dirt, noise and cost pollution in the workplace. Such innovation makes these types of vacuums ideal tools for Day Cleaning. Cordless backpacks can help increase productivity in rooms larger than a cord can reach and in places lacking power outlets, such as stairwells and elevators. Also, having a cord stretched across a busy lobby for Spot Cleaning can not only be distracting, it can be dangerous. Cords easily get hung up or wrapped around cubicle wall panels, furniture, indus-trial machinery and retail store display racks. This can add time and tedium to a work-erʼs shift. Quality cordless vacuums are capable of up 50 minutes of continuous runtime of effective cleaning. Look for companies that meet the requirements of the U.S. Green Building Councilʼs (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. The USGBC is a non-profit organization composed of leaders from across the build-ing industry working to advance buildings that are environmentally responsible, prof-itable and healthy places to live and work. To receive a credit in the LEED Green Cleaning: Sustainable Cleaning Equipment category, a vacuum must: Be certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) “Green Label” Testing Program; be ergonomically designed to minimize vibration, noise and user fatigue; and operate with a sound level of less than 70 dB. To qualify for CRI approval, manufactur-ers must meet the requirements for soil removal, dust containment and carpet appearance retention. Some manufacturers provide other third-party testing results that measure both air-flow rates and extraction levels. Since there are so many choices of vac-uums on the market, your vacuum of choice should adapt to the terrain itʼs clean-ing and should work with whatever cleaning system you have in place. The cleaning staff should find them com-fortable and easy to use. The vacuum that will increase IAQ and productivity the most has a combination of high-powered suction, an exceptional filtra-tion system, superior ergonomics and an extensive warranty on parts, labor and motor. Happy shopping! CM Are you in the dark when it comes to finding equipment and supplies? • Search by product category to get an overview of available options • Search by brand or company name to locate your favorite product or vendor Let us guide you to the resources you want. Click on SUPPLIER SEARCH at www.cmmonline.com Convenient and reliable information for the cleaning and maintenance industry Circle Product Information no. 206 on page 34 www.cmmonline.com 37
CMM – Archives Apr 2009: 37
