Soap Opera – Kimberly Clark Has the World Gone Completely Mad or am I Missing Something?

Keith Roser

I am today pleased to feature Guest Blogger Keith Roser , NEBOSH qualified health and safety consultant and HSE approved first aid trainer, performance management coach and self-proclaimed opponent of corporate arrogance, who talks about the price of soap.

A Short while ago I carried out an on line search, “Kimberly Clark Everyday Use Hand Cleanser Pink, Code KC6331” (liquid soap to you and I).

The product is packed in a case, 6 by 1 litre. I found an astonishing range of prices that went from, £43.12 from Galleons Supplies to a staggering £118.32 from Euro Office. What in heaven’s name is going on here? Even at the lower end of the scale that’s a staggering £7.18 per litre.

Who’s buying this stuff, are we not in difficult financial times? Are companies not laying off staff? Are businesses not going to the wall? What makes Facilities Managers think that is ok to pay these outrageous prices for what is after all only soap. Is the owner of the business aware of how much money is being poured down the sink?

No matter how much you hype up the product, the quality, the smell the cost in use, we are still talking about soap. I hear constantly about contractors who are being forced to drive down costs, look for savings, and cut staffing levels or staff hours. But the client is still prepared to pay an unbelievable price for soap, because people like the smell? They like the Dispensers? They have always bought that particular brand?

It’s bad enough when city bankers insist on what they perceive to be “the very best” but I have seen charities and schools do exactly the same, how dare they waste money like this when so much more could go to more needy causes.

I appreciate that some of the larger users will benefit from ship-through prices that will see them paying some 25% less than even the cheapest price on the net. But even at that price they are, in my opinion paying almost 50% more than they should be. I know this from other quality products that are out there in the market place.

Here are the prices I found;

Viking Direct £88.14
Office Direct £103.68
Euro Office £118.32
Mintprice.com £64.07
Stuff-UK.net £79.38
Galleon Supplies £43.12
Office All Sorts £114.18
Caretaker Supplies £67.98
Direct Hygiene 56.65

We have seen price rises in the last year on some branded products far exceed inflation. I find it difficult to understand why end users continue to accept these kinds of increases when everyone else in the business world is worried about putting prices up at all.

Price rises are often blamed on increases in raw materials, labour, and transport. While most other businesses are trimming margins the market leaders appear to be protecting margin.

To survive through these very difficult financial times we have all had to become more efficient and much leaner and those us who have done that, have even prospered. But when it comes to soap, the gravy train really must stop soon.

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5 Ways to Save Money and Improve your Customers Washroom Experience.

A washroom that you can share with confidence is good for your business. Your customers feel appreciated and keep coming back. Your employees and guests stay well and refreshed. Friendly washroom solutions are all about sensibility. And sensibility is about the details: details, which are important for everyone from washroom guests and cleaning staff to washroom designers and builders. With so many products on the market knowing which products and systems can help you achieve this is not easy. This Blog is intended to point out some of the most efficient and cost effective solutions currently available and also point out some of the pitfalls you may face.

1. Hand Drying

The electric hand dryers found in thousands of public toilets across the country can dramatically increase the number of bacteria on people’s hands after washing them and contaminate the washrooms and other users up to 2 metres away.

Scientists at the University of Westminster discovered the shocking findings during a study in which they compared the numbers of bacteria on subjects’ hands before and after they had washed them and then dried them in a public washroom using paper towels, a traditional warm air dryer or a new-style jet air dryer. See http://goo.gl/ZX4Js

Using interleaved paper towels has many advantages over traditional C-Fold towels. Large cost savings can be achieved because interleaved towels hang below the bottom of the dispenser and are presented singly with the entire surface of the towel visible.

C-Fold Hand Towel

Interfold Hand Towel

This means the drying area available to the user is greater than that of a C-Fold towel where the user has to reach inside the dispenser and ends up with a clump of towels that have very little of the surface available for dying. Tests have shown that interfold types towels have an average use per towel per visit of just under 3, whereas C-Fold towels are over 5. Changing to an interfold type towel can cut costs and help to protect the environment, to say nothing of the reduction in cross contamination due to not having to touch the dispenser.

2. Soap Systems

Avoid ridiculously high prices on some big brand names. No matter how much you hype up the product, the quality, the smell the cost in use, we are still talking about soap. I hear constantly about contractors who are being forced to drive down costs, look for savings, and cut staffing levels or staff hours. But some clients are still prepared to pay an unbelievable price for soap, because people like the smell? They like the Dispensers? They have always bought that particular brand?

Foam Soap is one way of getting better value; trials suggest that foam goes up to 3 times further than the liquid equivalent and costs about the same to produce. Not only can the usage be cut but there are some amazing savings to be had by choosing the right brand I am aware of a trail at a well know airport where costs were reduced by a staggering 60%. Your target price should be sub £3.50 per litre and less for large users. See http://goo.gl/6nVNe

3. Aircare Units

Duet Dispenser Double Refill

Look out for new Aircare Units that take 2 separate refills with 2 different fragrances which can be alternated for a better customer experience.

These units only need refilling on a 3 monthly basis rather than monthly as with traditional Aircare dispensers, this can cut down rental service costs.

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4. Uric Scale and Bad Odours

Most long-term bad odours problems in gents’ washroom areas are due to bacteria that form in the uric scale in waste pipes.
Auto Sanitizer’s are highly cost-efficient, saving you money by reducing the need for other cleaning products, including toilet cleaner, limescale remover, bleach, sanitizer, deep cleansers, and blocked drain cleansers, by offering you a series of all-in-one, easy to maintain systems to choose from.

A proven solution which breaks down uric-scale build up and prevents further build up from occurring, a major cause of bad odours in washrooms, especially where urinals are infrequently flushed or water saving systems are in operation. A descaler removes and prevents limescale and hard water deposits which cause leaks in trap washers forming. See http://goo.gl/A4Fm9

5. Toilet Tissue Systems

Most modern commercial buildings tend to opt for system toilet rolls rather traditional products, which are not suited to high usage washrooms A good system will restrict the amount paper that can be dispensed and prevent free flowing and therefore over usage and waste. It’s a good idea to check that the system you choose has an option to do this.

Although sheet for sheet systems are generally more expensive they can work out more cost effective and more convenient than traditional toilet rolls. Some older systems designed for high usage areas are in my opinion messy and inefficient. I am not a fan of Bulk Pack systems which tend to be wasteful with a large amount of paper ending up on the floor. This system uses individual sheets that are tightly packed together and usually results in clumping and can lead to blockages in pipes.

Bulk pack products are normally packed in case that contains about 9000 sheets. My preference would be something like the Katrin System roll. A box of this product contains 36 rolls each of which has 801 sheets making a total of 28,836 sheets per case; some 3 times more than bulk pack.

The Katrin System consists of a two roll dispenser where the rolls sit one on top of the other, when one roll runs out the other drops down. This is more efficient than the Jumbo or Mini Jumbo systems where the cleaner normally ends up throwing away the stub roll every morning for fear of running out during the day.

Another reason for choosing the Metsa System is the availability of Free on Loan dispensers which in some cases come with free fitting included.

For further information please email: sales@janitorialexpress.co.uk or call 020 7700 3322.

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How the Emergence of National Buying Groups is Changing the Balance of Power in the UK Janitorial Market.

The buying power of national groups is a significant factor to consider when choosing a supplier of cleaning products.

For a number of years the buying power of one multi-national company ensured that there was no viable alternative for large to medium sized cleaning contractors to consider when purchasing Janitorial products. That company’s market share was such that no mainstream manufacturer would dare to supply other distributors at pricing levels that would allow them to compete, thus making choice almost non-existent for the contractor.

The Power of Group Buying

The recent emergence of two prominent national buying groups made up of smaller owner-managed businesses has changed the balance of power and ultimately given the independent cleaning contractor a choice of three, rather than the one previous option.

Those two consortia are Nationwide and the Jangro Group. Both have a turnover in excess of £100m and both organisations are very successful in their own right, but both have taken a different approach to supplying the market: whilst Nationwide has chosen to stick with traditional manufacturers, Jangro has decided to develop its own quality brand.

Perceived value is what makes any brand successful; large companies will spend tens of millions of dollars shaping the mind-set of the consumer and making their brand number one. The money spent has to come from somewhere and this is normally reflected in the price of the product.

The Jangro tack has been very different from others in the marketplace, the group approached quality manufacturers and set about developing its own brand, the idea was to match the existing brand leader’s quality but sell at a much more realistic price point. This policy paid off and has seen Jangro grow into the largest independent group of janitorial supply companies in the UK with 41 members turning over in excess of £153m.

The Jangro product range has been supported by The Jangro Solution which is a training package covering all aspects of health and safety within the workplace.

Each of the 11 sections offers a complete back up service for your training requirements and comes in a variety of media including:
• Training Video or CD
• Training Manuals
• Video Presentations
• PowerPoint Presentations
• Training Courses
• Wall Charts
• Certificates

The unconventional route Jangro pursued means it has been perceived by many as a maverick. This situation has been not helped by adverse propaganda emanating from those who would benefit from the group’s demise; it painted a picture of low quality products from a group of amateurs, how wrong they were.

Like every successful business Jangro has had to reinvent itself: two years ago it took the brave step of introducing a limited range of branded products. Because of the group’s undoubted success some of the bigger brands were now offering substantial discounts which meant Jangro could offer competitive pricing to its customers.

However, some manufacturers still insist on pricing levels that are totally disproportionate to production costs and in these cases the group has pursued relationships with more forward thinking manufacturers, with brands such as Katrin, Rubbermaid and 3M etc.

The service levels provided by Jangro have been another major factor in the success of the group; the consequence of having an owner manager in almost every branch is undoubtedly a contributory factor and should not be underestimated.

Manufacturers who dictate who companies can buy from by their pricing policies are doing nothing for competition in the UK janitorial market. A local or national buyer of janitorial products now has three choices in terms of their supply chain and that has to be good for business.

For further information on how you can from benefit from these changes and a free appraisal of your current pricing, please email: gary@janitorialexpress.co.uk

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Uric Scale in Waste Pipes – A Major Contributor to Bad Odours in Washrooms

Promoting good hygiene, often means finding solutions that systematically ensure both the seen surface and out-of-view areas, such as drains and pipes, on and around toilets and urinals are consistently clean and sanitary, eliminating germs and tackling the root source of bad odours.

The Problem: Surface stains and deposits build up quickly around toilets and urinals, leading to an unsightly and unhygienic washroom. Most long-term bad odours problems in gents’ washroom areas are due to bacteria that form in porous floors and the uric scale in waste pipes.

Auto Sanitizer’s are highly cost-efficient, saving you money by reducing the need for other cleaning products, including toilet cleaner, limescale remover, bleach, sanitizer, deep cleansers, and blocked drain cleansers, by offering you a series of all-in-one, easy to maintain systems to choose from.

The Solution: An Auto Sanitizer automatically dispenses measured doses of a powerful cleaning and hygiene solution, cleaning both visible surfaces and out-of-sight areas like pipes and drains, keeping toilets and urinals clean, fresh, and presentable.

A long-lasting, concentrated sanitising foam kills up to 99.3% of bacteria and germs in the first flush, removes unsightly surface stains, and attacks hard water deposits.

A proven solution which breaks down uric-scale build up and prevents further build up from occurring, a major cause of bad odours in washrooms, especially where urinals are infrequently flushed or water saving systems are in operation. A descaler removes and prevents limescale and hard water deposits which cause leaks in trap washers forming.

An Auto Sanitizer will Dispense a the solution at pre-programmed periods in consistently measures doses, the Sanitizer provides unique programming options to suit your exact hygiene requirements – and whatever the setting, each refill will always deliver 3,000 metered doses, meaning a cost-efficient solution.

The systems can be installed into every type of toilet and urinal setting, whether they are served via cistern, sparge pipe or automatic flushing unit. Dispenser installation kits are available.

Products Available

BL015                Autosanitizer Dispenser in White                  1       BL015-C            Autosanitizer Dispenser in Chrome              1
BL086-30         Bio Purinell Autosanitizer Refill 300ml       x6

 

For further information, pricing  and availability please email: sales@janitorialexpress.co.uk or call 020 7700 3322.

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New BS-8599-1 Compliant First Aid Kit, Not A Legal Requirement

Despite the claims of many first aid kit manufacturers that the new standard BS-8599-1 for compliant First Aid Kits is the only way for an employer to meet their legal obligations, it is simply not true.

The HSE on their web site make the following statement: There is no mandatory list of contents for first-aid boxes and HSE does not approve or endorse particular products. Deciding what to include should be based on an employer’s assessment of first-aid needs. As a guide, where work activities involve low hazards, a minimum stock of first-aid items might be

• A leaflet giving general guidance on first aid, eg HSE’s leaflet: Basic advice on first aid at work;
• 20 individually wrapped sterile plasters (assorted sizes), appropriate to the type of work (you can provide hypoallergenic plasters, if necessary);
• Two sterile eye pads;
• Four individually wrapped triangular bandages, preferably sterile;
• Six safety pins;
• Two large, individually wrapped, sterile, unmedicated wound dressings;
• Six medium-sized, individually wrapped, sterile, unmedicated wound dressings;
• A pair of disposable gloves, see HSE’s free leaflet

But why did we need a new standard?

Many EU states have a national standard for workplace first aid kits, until now, the UK did not. The BHTA guidelines, established in 1997 were in need of revision because training protocols has changed, there are heightened concerns with infection control, and new technology is now available at affordable prices.

The New BS-8599-1 Compliant First Aid Kit meets customer demand, and more.

BS-8599-1 kits have been designed to be more user friendly in a way that makes the contents instantly visible and more secure, this in turn has helped to improve and simplify selection for employers and specifiers.

What size is required?

Employers are required to make a risk assessment to decide what the hazard levels are and how many employees are involved in the area to be covered.
There is a useful guide provided to help match this risk assessment to an appropriate size kit.

What the law says

The Health and Safety (First Aid) regulations 1981 states:-
“An employer shall provide or ensure that there are provided such equipment and facilities as are adequate and appropriate in the circumstances for enabling first aid to be rendered to his employees if they are injured or become ill at work” …The new BSI first aid kits are a safe and clear way for an employer to meet their obligations…

While it is always good to follow “best practice” don’t be duped into replacing your old kits simply because they don’t conform, that would be a waste of money. If you are concerned you can always buy additional contents to top up your kit, see http://www.janitorialexpress.co.uk/Health_&_Safety/First_Aid

For further information and availability please email: sales@janitorialexpress.co.uk or call 020 7700 3322.

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Recycling – Have Rubbermaid got this completely wrong?

Practical guide to set up your recycling programme

I never been one for shying away from naming names, when a company does something well I am going to Blog about it, but likewise when in my opinion they do something badly I am also going to tell you about.

The information below is taken from a number of sources including Rubbermaid’s own marketing material; you make up your own mind.

Did you know?
• Every employee generates 75 kg of paper waste in a year
• Possible examples:
- paper – plastic cups
- cardboard – cans
- plastic bottles – general waste
• Identification of contractors who pick up recycling waste

1. Analyse Needs
■ Choose appropriate recycling products
■ Identify key areas for recycling points and put up adequate signage
■ Contract with recycling contractors and define frequency

2. Set Objectives
■ Measure the volume of each single waste type
■ Negotiate with your contractors who pick up recycling waste
■ Define if recycling will be a profit centre
■ Track volume trends, track material trends
■ Measure these results against main objectives
■ Get buy-in from your management

3. Choose Products and Implement Recycling
Rubbermaid offers Sustainable Products
Not only do our recycling solutions help you to increase recycling rates and reduce waste to landfill, they are designed and manufactured as sustainable products themselves, helping to further reduce overall environmental impact.

Rubbermaid offers a wide range of products to help you actively manage and recycle your waste. This includes everything from desk side containers for paper recycling to complete indoor and outdoor recycling stations and mobile collection equipment for handling larger loads with ease.

How can Rubbermaid Commercial Products help you recycle?

■ Quality and Durability: Longer lifespan products improve sustainability. Rubbermaid’s products are designed and tested to be of the highest quality and durability-Lower replacement costs.

■ Recyclable: Rubbermaid’s sustainable plastic, aluminium and steel products are engineered with the environment in mind. When a product does finally reach the end of its useful life, it is recyclable.

■ Recycled Content: Many of Rubbermaid’s sustainable plastic, aluminium and steel products have a significant recycled content.
This lessens environmental impact by reducing the demand for raw materials.

Manufacturing, Sourcing and Packaging
Rubbermaid Commercial Products has made a real and significant commitment to clean, sustainable manufacturing. The company search the world over to find the best resources that will meet our stringent quality and environmental standards and continually strive to make our packaging more sustainable, using less material and a higher recycled and recyclable content.

Did you know?
Zero factory emissions on all Rubbermaid products
100% of their Nonconforming product is reground and reuses.

Environmentally Responsible Products
■ Post-Consumer Resin (PCR) content
Rubbermaid offers a full line of recycling products that contain 30% post-consumer recycled resin.
■ Environmental Stewardship – environmentally conscious recycling products enhance facilities’ sustainability.
Products made with PCR close the recycling loop by incorporating recycled material into new products!

In my opinion Rubbermaid have got it spot on, they tick all the boxes from a recycling and quality perspective and the products look fantastic.

Download A Practical Guide to Recycling in Offices

For more information contact Janitorial Express on 020 7700 3322 or email sales@janitorialexpress.co.uk

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Increasing the Slip Resistance of a Floor Surface

All buildings incorporate a range of floor coverings. For instance, offices are usually carpeted, kitchens and toilets usually contain sheet vinyl or stone tile. Whatever the floor type, each has its own particular characteristics, one of which will be their ability to resist slips when people travel across them.

Generally, the efficient application of a floor seal or polish will increase the slip resistance of the floor surface. However, if the seal or polish is not applied correctly, or is allowed to become contaminated with soil or grit, it will not adhere to the surface properly, therefore reducing the slip resistance of the floor. Similarly, the slip resistance of a floor will reduce if they are allowed to become wet.

If anti-slip flooring is polished, its slip resistant qualities will be reduced, due to the polish smoothing out the surface. The slip resistance of polished floors is measured using the “Coefficient of Friction”.

What is a Coefficient of Friction?

There are two types of friction and friction coefficients; static and dynamic. The static coefficient of friction measures the amount of energy required to move a stationary object across a surface. The dynamic coefficient of friction measures the energy required to keep an object moving. If you have ever moved furniture you will understand the difference. Getting a bookcase moving from a stationery position and getting it across a room require different levels of energy.

Both types of friction can be quantified as follows:
Measuring the coefficient of friction of flooring is the most common way to determine the expected safety of the surface. Most manufacturers of floor coverings publish this data and make it available to customers. However, comparing data from different manufacturers isn’t as straightforward as it might seem.

Most manufacturers of floor coverings measure the static coefficient of friction. Any two surfaces, like a rubber platform shoe and dry deep-pile carpet, will have a relatively constant static coefficient of friction; replace the rubber soled shoe for new leather sole and the friction between the two surfaces is significantly reduced.

Likewise, different testing conditions used in the various test methods yield different results. This is due to the fact that there are at least seven different methods for testing coefficients of friction for floors and floor coverings.

The most common method of measuring slip resistance uses a 50lb weight placed flat on a leather shoe heel, which is then placed flat on the floor surface being tested. The heel-and-weight assembly is pulled across the stone with a spring or electronic scale. The maximum amount of force (measured in pounds) needed to start the assembly in motion is recorded. This measurement is divided by the weight (50 pounds) and gives the coefficient of friction value.

Tests to measure slip resistance were developed primarily for man-made materials, with the earliest from the 1940s, when Sidney James conducted experiments to rate floor polishes and other floor maintenance chemicals. From these experiments
came the James Machine (ASTM D-2047) and the 0.5 static coefficient of friction as the threshold was established as the safety benchmark for normal walking across a surface.

Unlike other test methods, the James Machine can only be used in a laboratory for testing smooth, dry surfaces, and test results cannot be compared to those of other test methods. However, portable test meters, more commonly referred to as “pull meters” are available that can measure the levels of friction which incorporate the same principles. Many cleaning contractors carry out their own tests on polished floors for safety purposes.

There are several procedures that building owners, cleaning companies and others can take to minimize the risk of accidents involving slips and falls, examples of which are as follows:

• Pay attention to areas where water is present or spills can occur. Barrier mats should be placed inside the entrance of doors before and during wet and inclement weather. Spilled food and drinks can create slippery conditions on the floor, and any spills should be cleaned up as soon as they occur.

• Floor maintenance procedures involving wet mopping or stripping and redressing floors should be undertaken outside of normal working hours in order to minimise the amount of pedestrian traffic.

• Always place “Wet Floor” signs at the extremes of the work area where cleaning is taking place, regardless of the time of day or night. Floor cleaning personnel should also verbally warn people who may walk across the floor that it might be slippery.

• Keep accurate records on the maintenance of floor surfaces. Include in your records the brand names of all products used on the floor, specific procedures that are performed on the floor and how often and who performed these procedures.

• Keep a daily log of maintenance procedures. Designate one individual to keep track of the log, perform routine inspections of the floor and record findings during inspections.

It is important when caring for floors to be fully aware of the make-up and characteristics of the floor itself. The best way to do this is, if possible, retain the name and address of the flooring supplier and any information provided by them following installation. This information will contain a detailed explanation of the materials used to construct the floor along with directions for cleaning.

For more information contact Janitorial Express on 020 7700 3322 or email sales@janitorialexpress.co.uk

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