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Features January February
2008
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Are
you fuelling the UK’s £100M pollution problem?
By Andy Thompson, Market Development Manager, Kingspan Environmental
Division responsible for brands: Klargester Environmental and
Titan Pollution Control – leading manufacturers of oil separators
Did you know that the annual cost to UK businesses of cleaning
up oil and fuel pollution in water is estimated at a hefty £100m?
And it is believed that more oil ends up in the world’s
oceans from waste oil contamination via drains, and thence watercourses,
than from any other source.
Oil and fuel pollution in drains and water courses is most commonly
associated with contaminated surface water from vehicle use, so
sites which are most at risk include car parks, roads and petrol
forecourts.
New legislation from Europe (EN 858) and the Environment Agency
(PPG3) has been introduced which means that any site where there
is a risk of surface water contamination by oil must now have
preventative measures in place. Only separators that are on the
Environment Agency approved list can be sold in UK.
However, despite this, there are concerns that measures that have
been implemented are either inadequate, or are not being properly
maintained.
Separators
Low risk areas, such as small car parks (less than 15 spaces),
may need only a simple solution such as permeable surfaces or
infiltration trenches.
But areas such as large car parks and vehicle maintenance yards
require a more robust solution for dealing with oil spillages.
For all these situations it is now mandatory to install a separator
(formerly known as an interceptor).
Separators are large underground tanks that prevent any pollution
reaching drains or ground water by treating contaminated run-off
and safely retaining oil until it can be removed.
According to Mike Norton, our technical director, although separators
are now fairly commonplace, they are also very specialised. He
advises: “It’s important that the correct type and
class of separator is installed.
“A thorough risk assessment should always be conducted beforehand
and regular ongoing maintenance is also required to ensure efficient
working, best practice and safety.
“We have seen units installed in situations where operating
regimes permit more oil than water to be fed to separators. Clearly,
they cannot operate in this scenario.”
According to Norton: “All separators should be inspected
every six months, or in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions, to ensure that they are working correctly and to
remove any oil or silt.”
If a separator is not cleaned regularly, oil or silt will back-up
and it will stop working. In those instances, fuel and oil will
simply bypass the separator and discharge directly into groundwater
– which is both illegal and an environmental hazard.
One way to guard against any failure of the process is to fit
the separator with a warning system to prevent oil from overflowing.
Both PPG and EN858 recommend oil level alarms are fitted to all
separators.
“If in doubt about the presence or otherwise of a separator,
the site manager should review the site’s drainage layout
drawings. These will allow you to identify their exact location;
otherwise the only visible sign at ground level will be a manhole
cover,” adds Norton.
Details:
www.klargester.com
Klargester 01296 633 000
www.titanpc.co.uk
Titan 01264 353 222
Not
all FMs prepared for changes in waste law, says PHS Survey
Despite the fact that changes to the EU Landfill Directive on
30th October 2007 place a new, legal obligation upon organisations
to “pre-treat” waste sent to landfill (which in most
cases means segregating and recycling what we can first), only
a little over half of facilities managers are aware of this fact,
and knowledge of how to comply is sporadic, according to the 18th
PHS Quarterly FM Survey, published in November.
The Survey, in which 200 UK facilities management professionals
were interviewed in August 2007, investigated organisational awareness
of the surge in new and amended waste legislation in recent years,
and how FMs are responding to the challenges presented. It revealed
that we’re better informed about some laws than others,
and that FMs should be more pro-active in preparing for new laws
affecting waste management, before they come into effect. Especially
so, when there are plenty of government and other good websites
available to help.
In respect of the Landfill Directive, only 56% of interviewed
FMs were aware that a change had taken place, which would have
implications for their organisations’ waste management procedures.
Of these, 28% knew (or guessed) that they had to reduce the amount
of waste going to landfill, a quarter knew that they had to recycle
what had to be recycled, 20% knew that they had to segregate waste
and just 16% were familiar with the central point – the
need to “pre-treat” waste. And, despite the looming
deadline for compliance at the time of interview, over half the
survey respondents were either still planning or were unsure about
what they’d be doing about it.
Awareness of the Producer Responsibility (Packaging Waste) Regulations
2007 (AKA the Packaging Regulations) was slightly better at 63%,
which is a little surprising as not all businesses are equally
affected. They apply to any business producing more than 50 tonnes
of packaging a year, with a turnover exceeding £2 million.
Awareness was greater in the private sector portion of the sample
(70%) than in the public sector (55%), most likely because more
private sector respondents manufactured or distributed products
that need packaging (43%) compared to public sector respondents
(9%). However, again, nearly a quarter (22%) of ‘aware’
respondents were still unsure about what they had to do to comply.
The Waste Electronics and Electrical Equipment Directive (the
WEEE Directive), which came into effect on 1st July, was better
known - by 83% of the survey sample. This stipulates that organisations
may no longer dispose of redundant IT equipment like printers,
computers and fax machines with their general waste and, encouragingly,
the specialist nature of this type of waste was recognised by
most. Sixty five percent of ‘WEEE aware’ respondents
said they passed their redundant IT equipment to a dedicated computer
recycler.
The survey also indicated the emergence of a strong organisational
recycling culture in the UK, with recycled waste ranging from
paper (88%), cardboard (74%) and cans (50%) through to printer
cartridges (7%), oils (2%) and polystyrene (1%). Added to this,
a healthy 42% of respondents said they had a waste compactor or
baler on site, which probably reflects the rise in taxation –
including Landfill Tax - employed by the Government, alongside
legislation, to change our waste disposal habits.
Peter Cohen, chief executive of the PHS Group plc, comments, “The
PHS Quarterly FM Survey was launched for the benefit of our customers,
to reveal interesting and relevant facts for Facilities Managers
about their industry and about the practices and opinions of their
peers. We hope the results of this survey will inform and support
the business community in reviewing waste management practice,
in line with current legislation.
For further information please contact: KellyAnne Ralph, PHS Group
plc, tel: 029 2080 9090, email: kellyanneralph@phs.co.uk
Sent
to Coventry!
Carpex & Windex 2008
dates & smart new venue announced
Carpex & Windex, the UK’s largest specialist exhibitions
for professional carpet and window cleaners have announced dates
for 2008. A new state of the art venue has been chosen and to
top it all, exhibitor numbers look set to give the last events
held in 2006, a real run for their money!
Taking place on 27th and 28th March next year, the shows, both
organised by Quartz Publishing & Exhibitions Limited, (organisers
of The Cleaning Show and publishers of C&M magazine) will
be held for the first time at the multi-purpose Ricoh Arena in
Coventry. Since opening for business in the summer of 2005, the
£113 million development has proved a huge success attracting
more than 1 million visitors in the first 12 months.
Carpex is sponsored by the National Carpet Cleaners Association
(NCCA) and will provide a unique opportunity for everyone involved
in carpet cleaning, maintenance, restoration and flooring to conduct
business, network and to keep up to date with the latest industry
developments. Products and services for all aspects of carpet
cleaning will be on show including cleaning machinery, fire and
flood restoration products, carpet cleaning chemicals, steam cleaners,
vacuum cleaners and more.
Windex will be co-located with Carpex and is sponsored by the
Federation of Window Cleaners. Targeted at window cleaners, contract
cleaners and facility managers, the show will bring together the
window cleaning industry’s decision makers all under one
roof. Showcasing abseiling equipment, ladders, squeegees, waterfed
pole systems and safety equipment, Windex will also be host to
product demonstrations and the popular window cleaner of the year
competition! Both exhibitions will include an extensive free seminar
programme over the two days.
Back in 2006, the shows saw around 50 companies exhibit covering
a vast array of products and services all specific to the two
fields. Not just local either, Carpex and Windex welcomed attendees
from several countries including Zimbabwe, the U.S.A, Israel,
Nigeria, Germany and the Netherlands to name just a few.
Exhibitors were delighted with the number and quality of visitors
at both shows. Commenting on Carpex, Peter Holt, managing director
of Truvox International said: “We had a terrific reaction
to the revolutionary new Cimex Encapsulation at Carpex. There
was a near-constant flow of quality visitors to the Truvox stand
throughout.” Meanwhile, Matt Hodgkins, National Sales Manager
at Unger UK said: “Windex 2006 was even better than 2004.
It was an extremely busy show and was well attended by window
cleaners from all sectors, independents through to national organisations.
We made sure we were one of the first companies to book our stand
for 2008 as we are really looking forward to the next show.”
Amongst other big industry names to have booked space already
are Prochem Europe, Envirodri, Vax Commercial, Sebo, Tucker Pole
Systems and Dry Fusion.
Martin Scott, Event Director, commenting on next year’s
shows said: “Having started to talk about Carpex and Windex
just 14 days ago, over 20 stand spaces have already been sold.
With a start like that I’m expecting a very busy event indeed
with exhibitor and visitor statistics to surpass those of previous
years.”
Martin continues: “I believe that the new venue will be
a great plus for the shows too. The Ricoh Arena is really quite
unique. Its modern facilities are very impressive and the exhibition
halls have been designed to meet the needs of the most demanding
exhibitor… even the longest window cleaning pole won’t
prove a problem there! Joking apart, a major advantage is the
arena’s location. Within two hours drive for almost 75%
of the population in England, set at the heart of the motorway
network and less than 30 minutes from major train stations and
international airports, the venue will be easy to reach for exhibitors
and visitors alike wherever they are coming from.”
Carpex and Windex are free for qualifying businesses to attend.
Visitors to both events will be able to pass between the shows
providing the very broadest business forum of its kind for these
two market sectors.
For further information about the shows see www.carpex.co.uk or
www.windex.co.uk. Alternatively call Martin Scott on telephone
01895 454438 or email him at martinscott@quartz.uk.net
Windex Exhibitors
Aquafactors Direct Limited
Tucker® Poles Systems UK has been a trading name for Aquafactors
Direct Limited for nine years. However, the company has decided
to revamp its corporate identity around the Aquafactors name to
be more representative of the high level cleaning equipment market’s
shift to a wider range of technologies and water treatment systems.
The new image will be seen at Windex together with a number of
other changes.
A new carbon fibre pole will be on show. This has received much
adulation during independent trials.
Also, on the Aquafactors stand will be details about the correct
set up and operation of water treatment equipment. Visitors are
invited along to the Aquafactors Direct stand for a no obligation
evaluation of their water treatment equipment.
Bayersan Ltd
Bayersan Ltd is a window & floor cleaning equipment manufacturer
based in Istanbul, Turkey. The company will exhibit a full selection
of its products including; Floor and window squeegees (swivel
and stainless steel), scrapers, blades, telescopic poles and handles,
floor pads, mop & mop holders and T-holders.
Cleaning Spot
Cleaning Spot is a London based company which specialises in the
supply of the widest range of water-fed cleaning poles within
the UK.
During Windex 2008, Cleaning Spot will launch its new Pro-Compact
II trailer system in addition to the new WASH2O Compact II trolley.
Visitors will also discover the unique Variflo+ electronic controller
and much more…
Clear View Plus
At Windex 2008, Clear View Plus will be showing their newly released
Infinity series 2, heated pure water system. The system is complete
with a new digital pump controller and an upgraded water heater.
Despite their designer looks, the three tank sizes of concept
2O™ systems are all capable of delivering well in excess
of 3 million litres of pure water in their lifetime.
Further to the release of the infinity series 2, visitors will
also be able to benefit from special show offers and save significantly
on Concept 2O™ system purchases.
Ettore Window Cleaning Tools Ltd
If you are a professional window cleaner, Ettore Window Cleaning
Tools Ltd not only offers great tools for the job, but also provides
free membership of the rapidly-growing Ettore Members Club.
The club which was launched at Windex 2006, provides members with
exclusive offers and advice totally independent of turnover, number
of employees or spend. Proving to be very popular, the club has
over 100 new members joining every month.
Member benefits include exclusive offers and advice, regular prize
draws and access to the Ettore online forum where members can
exchange information and experiences with fellow window cleaners.
The Ettore range will be on show and includes Squeegees, T-Bars
and Washers, Reach Poles, Scrapers, Buckets, Belts and Holsters,
Dusters, Cloths and Soap.
Established Products & New Launches
Pure Freedom will be showcasing its ever growing product range.
Many years of engineering experience enable Pure Freedom to design
and build what are possibly the best value for money window cleaning
and valeting products available.
On display will be well established products such as the market
leading Freedom Trolley and vehicle mounted systems together with
new launches.
Pure Freedom’s products are known for durability, ease of
use and superb value.
Unger UK Ltd
Unger UK Ltd will be showing a selection of innovative and award
winning cleaning tools on its stand at Windex 2008.
Pride of place will go to Unger’s HiFlo CarbonTec water
fed pole system, winner of the coveted Innovation Awards, Hand
Tools Category at the UK Cleaning Show in March 2007.
Unger will also be showcasing its new HiFlo Advanced and Advanced+
telescopic pole ranges. The new poles have been launched by Unger
to expand its range of water fed poles and complement the flagship
CarbonTec pole system.
Additional highlights from Unger’s Professional Glass Cleaning
range include the lightweight ProTrim10 Scraper with a 10 cm blade
and integrated blade protection for user safety.
Unger will display cleaning solutions for windows, high access
areas, floors and outdoor cleaning.
Window Cleaning Warehouse
Window Cleaning Warehouse will be launching three innovative cutting
edge products at Windex 2008. All three products will be new to
the U.K and exclusive to Window Cleaning Warehouse.
ULTRA PURE R/O is the ultimate pure water delivery system. It
produces an incredible 500 litres of ultra pure water an hour
which is equal to 12,000 litres a day!
The DURApole is a rigid lightweight carbon fibre telescopic pole
with a lifetime guarantee on its DURAclamp locking system.
Finally the interLOC Tank System will be unveiled exclusively
at Windex 2008! This exclusive new interlocking and pumping water
transportation system will be available for the first time in
the U.K.
Carpex Exhibitors
Ashbys Cleaning Equipment
Ashbys Cleaning Equipment will show their new carpet cleaning
equipment for the first time. Ranging from dual operator truck-mounts
through to high performance portable extractors and hand-held
spotting machines, the entire range incorporates innovations unique
to Ashbys. A steam-boosted hot water extraction option is available
on every machine including the small spot cleaning extractors.
Ashbys have also established a pure-water reach and wash window
cleaning division which offers portable or van-mounted equipment
using either reverse osmosis or de-ionising resin systems. Demonstrations
and full details will be available at the show.
Dry Fusion
Dry Fusion UK will launch two innovations at Carpex 2008.
The Dry Fusion Cleaning System has been developed to include the
‘Pure’ range of cleaning products. The ‘Pure’
range is odourless, colourless and more environmentally friendly
yet still produces the best cleaning results around!
As with all Dry Fusion approved cleaning solutions, the new Bactoshield
OV formulation has been independently tested by the Woolsafe Organisation
and has been certified as ‘Woolsafe Approved’. This
allows Bactoshield OV to be used on a wide range of natural and
synthetic floor coverings.
Nilfisk-Advance
The Nilfisk–Advance portfolio includes a comprehensive range
of carpet care, industrial vacuum cleaners, floor machines, walk
behind and ride on scrubber/dryers and sweepers which all offer
greater levels of productivity and cleaning power.
At Carpex 2008 Nilfisk-Advance will be exhibiting their extensive
range of carpet extractors including the fast and effective AX
410 model. This model is mains operated and has a dual function,
renovation or maintenance mode plus on-board accessories. Also
being exhibited will be the battery powered AX 650 walk-behind
model and ride-on BRX 700.
Amtech UK Ltd
Amtech UK Ltd will give visitors the chance to see and test the
all new patented technology “PERFECT HEAT” from CFR
& POWR-FLITE carpet extraction systems. The new systems boast
cleaning pressure of 500psi and temperatures never seen before
from a portable extractor.
Also on show will be the Patented CFR Pro 500 Ozone Assisted cleaning
system which is industry recognised as the most effective chemical
free system effective in the control of Allergens, Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOC’s) and organic Micro Contaminants.
Other highlights will include the all new ONE STEP Premium Line
and RID-A-GUM.
Prochem Europe
Prochem Europe is one of the country’s most prominent developers
and suppliers of professional cleaning systems.
While showcasing its comprehensive programme of machines and chemicals,
Prochem Europe will focus this year on its new Procaps solution.
This soil encapsulating spray cleaner for interim carpet maintenance
leaves carpets clean and dry in 20 minutes and gives enhanced
soil resistance.
Company personnel will be on hand to field visitor enquiries about
truck mount cleaning as well as training.
SEBO UK
Key highlights of SEBO’s stand will be:
SEBO BS 36 & 46 twin motor uprights which are purpose built
for heavy duty use. Durable and reliable they are easy to maintain
and offer high cleaning productivity.
SEBO DART twin motor uprights will also be on show. They are designed
to be lightweight and
comfortable to use for prolonged periods.
Last but not least is the DUO brushing machine. The DUO has
contra-rotating brushes which work SEBO DUO-P carpet cleaning
powder into the carpet pile.
Spray Systems
At this years Carpex exhibition, Spray Systems will be introducing
the new stainless steel ‘Airofog’ sprayer range. These
high-grade, industrial strength 5L & 10L sprayers are fitted
as standard with a full repair kit, chemically resistant Viton
seals and a solid brass pump assembly.
Also on show will be a variety of cold ULV misters and thermal
foggers. The foggers will all be on the stand, enabling visitors
to get ‘hands-on’ with the products.
The ‘Verispray’ is a 20 Litre, portable, stainless
steel electric spray unit, designed for the application of treatment
chemicals such as stain resistant and anti-static.
‘Going
Green’ - a priority with firms
- Mark Austin, Business Development Manager for leading office
design and fit-out specialists Advanced Interior Solutions says
“this is a subject that is obviously growing in importance
to employers; we know from the help that our clients are requesting
that “going green” is becoming as much of a priority
as improving staff productivity and creating the right impression
in the workplace.”
- As Mark says, “we all realise the importance of protecting
the environment for future generations but thinking “green”
will improve your company image, reduce your operating costs and
impact positively on productivity with a happier, healthier workforce.
And remember, there is 100% enhanced capital allowance in the
first tax year on investments in energy saving equipment.”
- Some simple steps can help greatly with reducing your company’s
energy usage. Use high efficiency fluorescent lights; more of
the consumed energy is converted to usable light and less to heat,
which also means less work for the air conditioning unit. Dimmable
and individual controls help to reduce unnecessary usage, or consider
automatic switching by movement sensor in open plan areas where
practical. You can also lower energy use by making the most of
the natural light available with good design, maybe even light
pipes and light shelves, rather than relying totally on artificial
lighting.
- A building prone to heat gain can reduce reliance on the cooling
system with the use of specialist paints. You could always go
literally “greener”, the right trees and shrubs outside
can provide shade for a building where heat gain is a problem
and of course indoor plants will aid air purification. Often overlooked
but an effective measure is to simply check your systems’
timers are adjusted to the optimum for how the building is actually
used. Fresh air can be introduced to your workspace with the use
of passive ventilation systems with heat recovery, extracting
heat from warm moist air to pre-warm cooler incoming air.
- Washrooms can now be more efficient with the use of low flush
toilets and waterless urinals. Reduced flow taps will save on
water consumption and sensor taps that cannot be left running
by mistake are becoming increasingly popular. Remember energy
efficient kitchen equipment as appliances are replaced and even
simpler; avoid overfilling kettles when preparing tea and coffee.
- If you are planning an office refurbishment or fit-out ask your
office designers to provide you with floor plans that allow for
flexibility and future change. Investigate the possibility of
re-using existing furniture, refurbished items or furniture produced
from recycled materials. Office furniture should be hardwearing
and easy to maintain to ensure longevity plus you can do your
bit for the environment and those less fortunate by donating unwanted
furniture, IT equipment and appliances to charity. Your designers
can also specify carpet and flooring that is produced from recycled
materials and advise you on patterns that will create the least
amount of wastage.
- The team at Advanced Interior Solutions can help you achieve
your “green” aims with their award-winning office
design and fit-out services. With nearly 30 years experience of
delivering efficient workplace solutions they are well placed
to advise on sustainability within your office environment.
- Further Information is available from:
- Advanced Interior Solutions Limited
- Tel: 01494 450722
- solutions@advancedinteriors.net
- www.officerefurbishment.co.uk
28%
Growth in construction deaths sparks new inspections
Stephen Williams, HSE Head of Construction
Last year the number of deaths in construction rose by a massive
28% to a total of 77 workers. Although this figure is still lower
than five years ago, worryingly it is the first time in five years
that the downward trend in deaths has been reversed, and most
of these deaths were in the refurbishment sector.
Last year alone 39 workers died in refurbishment, accounting for
just over half of all construction deaths and representing a 61%
rise from 24 deaths in 2005/06.
Throughout February our inspectors will be carrying out a rigorous
‘Falls and Trips inspection initiative’ focused directly
at refurbishment construction sites across the UK. Inspectors
will arrive unannounced and take enforcement action where they
find unacceptable and unsafe work practices taking place.
In Summer 2007, during another similar inspection initiative,
we carried out over 1586 inspections and the results were startling.
We took enforcement action at nearly one in three sites inspected
and 244 prohibition notices were served, stopping work on site
instantly. We certainly do not wish to see the same level of bad
practice this time around, however, if we do, we will not hesitate
to take firm action against those who flaunt safety precautions.
Work at height remains our biggest concern and falls from height
will be the focus of inspections. Over half of the enforcement
action taken during the summer inspection initiative was against
dangerous work at height, which last year killed 23 workers and
was responsible for over 1000 major injuries. Inspectors will
also expect to see good site order to lower the risk of trips,
which accounted for over 1000 major injuries.
If you are a principal contractor, you should:
Have a system for the procurement and control of contractors that
includes arrangements to check the competence of workers
Actively monitor the work of your subcontractors
Ensure their safety standards are the same as yours
All duty-holders need to
Identify jobs that involve work at height and ensure that appropriate
safety precautions are in place
Have procedures for the selection of correct equipment and ensure
that the selected equipment is actually used
Communicate risk control measures to the workforce
Ensure workers are competent to use the equipment that has been
correctly installed / assembled
Arrange inspection and maintenance of equipment as appropriate
Have a risk assessment in place that applies the Work at Height
Regulations hierarchy available on the HSE website.
Plan how the site will be kept tidy
Traffic routes should be segregated from pedestrian routes
The logistics of material supplies and movements should be considered
(what is to be delivered, when, and where it is to be stored),
alongside waste control
Walkways and stairs should be kept free of tripping hazards such
as trailing wires and loose materials. This is especially important
for emergency routes
Work areas should be kept as clear as possible of unnecessary
materials, equipment, debris and other hazards
21% of accidents reported to the Electrical Contractors Association
by members were caused because of a slip or trip. Good order is
an issue all contractors can work together to improve.
My advice to all duty holders, and especially site managers and
contractors, is to plan work carefully; use competent workers;
if working at height use the right equipment; use it safely and
keep walkways on site clear of obstructions.
Everyone on site should look out for the hazards they encounter
and take a moment to help manage the risks sensibly. A fall could
be fatal or change lives forever.
Network,
community or fortress?
New research from Johnson Controls examines the workplace of 2030
The office as we know it is going to be transformed over the next
20 years, according to a new report published today by Johnson
Controls Global WorkPlace Solutions. The Workplace Futures report
examines how and why the global workplace is to change by 2030,
helping industry to form a clear understanding of the forces driving
workplace change.
In a unique look at the future of the workplace, the report shows
that our working environments are set to continually adapt and
will allow for more remote working, make use of technological
advances and use renewable energy sources. The research explores
the driving force of change on the global workplace within the
fields of demography, economy, governance, environment, society
and technology. One of the most likely prospects would see the
2030 employee increasingly restricted by time constraints in a
workplace which will incorporate space for social interaction,
be a place of equality and offer employees a greater choice of
when, where and how to work. However, the outlook is not entirely
positive and business could be facing some tough, worldwide conditions.
The report has been produced in collaboration with Professor John
Ratcliffe, Chairman of The Futures Academy at the Dublin Institute
of Technology, and explores three feasible scenarios of how the
workplace could look in 2030. These scenarios were created using
the Futures Methodology, which has been used extensively to understand
tomorrow’s business mind by considering issues, trends and
challenges. The first, ‘Jazz’, describes a competitive
global village where the workplace is a network; ‘Wise Counsels’
depicts a secure, responsible workplace with a focus on work/life
balance and the workplace as a community; and the third scenario
‘Dantesque’ is a fragmented world that values profit
over employees and views the workplace as a fortress.
Both Jazz and Dantesque predict that global conditions will mean
a turbulent time for business and their employees, with a dominating
focus on profits rather than employees and an increasingly complex
marketplace that is vulnerable to illicit activities. In these
scenarios the world will see•increased poverty, isolation,
the need for heightened workplace security, environmental problems
and mass economic instability. Entrepreneurs and contingent workers
replace multi-nationals, who fall out of favour due to their business
approach, which results in environmental degradation and social
neglect. The most probable future, of course, is likely to be
a combination of events and conditions from all three scenarios.
From looking at all three scenarios, those responsible for providing
working environments can understand and prepare for the challenges
that the future could hold, including employee response to change,
supporting globally fragmented clients, internal communication
and aligning migration patterns with the changing market and the
workplace.
The report‘s findings are based on in-depth research, ‘strategic
conversations’, survey questionnaires, and a ‘futures
workshop’, where academics and industry professionals discussed
and analysed the emerging concepts, challenges and uncertainties
surrounding the workplace change debate.
Dr Marie Puybaraud, Facilities Innovation Director at Johnson
Controls Global WorkPlace Solutions, comments: “Workplace
change and innovation are critical to the future of organisations
in a dynamic, economy-driven and knowledge-based society. Managing
change is a vital dimension underpinning the successful transition
to new work styles, patterns and locations.”
Joint author of the report, with colleague Ruth Saurin, and Chairman
of the Futures Academy, Professor John Ratcliffe, adds: “In
the uncertain world of today and tomorrow, one major risk to business
is being caught out by inevitable surprises. To avoid this, a
new mindset reinforced by fresh ways of thinking about the future
is needed by all those involved in constructing, occupying and
managing the workplace. This report will enable the industry to
face the challenges and grasp the opportunities that lie ahead
over the next few decades. Businesses that can embrace these foreseeable
changes will be at a competitive advantage.”
This report is the first in a series of three to be published
by Johnson Controls in collaboration with The Futures Academy
of the Dublin Institute of Technology. The second will focus on
tomorrow’s sustainable workplace and the third on the future
of technology.
This work complements the new vision recently launched by Johnson
Controls - ‘Ingenuity Welcome’ – which recognises
that people welcome innovation. Through WorkPlace Futures, Johnson
Controls is identifying and understanding future trends for business
and, as a result, the company will be able to provide ingenious
solutions for its customers to meet the challenges of changing
business environments.
Details:
•To purchase the full report, contact Marie.C.Puybaraud@jci.com.
• To find out more about research into facilities management
and workplace innovation, visit www.facilitiesinnovation.co.uk
More
funding needed for hospital cleaning
The CSSA and its members are concerned that the current, much
publicised hospital “deep clean” programme will be
an expensive waste of time if it is not followed up by concerted
action to increase the frequency of day to day cleaning in hospitals.
Speaking today, following the unveiling of the Department of Health’s
infection control strategy, the CSSA Director General Andrew Large
said:
“Unless there's sustained funding of day-to-day hospital
cleaning, then these deep cleans will prove to be a £50million
flash in the pan”
The CSSA has recently established a healthcare task force to examine
the whole area of healthcare cleaning. A major focus for that
task force is research to estimate the cost of introducing a more
frequent cleaning regime that would enable lasting improvements
in the overall cleanliness of the NHS estate and support the fight
against hospital acquired infection.
The recent Government announcement of up to £270 million
per year, by 2010-2011, to improve infection control does not
fully reassure the CSSA, as it is focused on medical staff increases
and not on cleaning.
Andrew Large concluded:
“Contract cleaners believe that a substantial proportion
of that extra funding should be directed towards increasing cleaning
frequencies in hospitals so as to maximise the contribution of
cleaning to the fight against hospital acquired infections.”
“We note that the NHS Chief Executive will be holding a
cleaning Summit in the near future. The CSSA looks forward to
being able to play a full part in that summit and to discussing
how more frequent cleaning can aid the fight against MRSA, C diff
and the other hospital acquired infections.”
If you would like to know more about the benefits that the association
can bring to your business or are interested in becoming a member
of the CSSA, please contact Andrew Large on 020 7920 9632 or email
alarge@cleaningassoc.org. Alternatively, further information can
be found on the website at www.cleaningindustry.org
Total
Training Working At Height
The UK’s leading Industrial Rope Access specialists Total
Access (UK) Limited, were recently employed to conduct vital cleaning,
inspection and repair of this iconic structure.
The team of Industrial Rope Access Technicians abseiled down the
South face of the clock to begin inspection, repair and cleaning
work, to ensure the pristine condition of Big Ben for the 150th
anniversary in 2009.
The hourly chimes and quarter bells ceased to ring while engineers
replaced the bearings on the mechanism which operates both the
hour bell and the clock itself, the first time that this has been
done since it was installed at the Palace of Westminster in 1839.
This is only the 4th time in the clocks history that it has been
silenced for repairs, in 1934, 1956 and 1990 and is the final
phase of a refurbishment and cleaning process in the run up to
the anniversary.
Mike McCann, Keeper of the Great Clock said: “We’ve
never conducted this work programme before, there are no manuals,
no drawings, and it should be interesting to say the least”.
The clock started keeping time again later into the first Saturday
of the project when a back-up electrical system was installed
to keep it running during the overhaul.
Total Access’s Managing Director and Chairman of IRATA Graham
Burnett said: “We are delighted to have been involved in
and trusted with this vital and historic work. For our company
and the Rope Access Industry as a whole, this contract represents
a milestone. The team were truly professional.”
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