Critical surfaces made safer

Unsafe food containing harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical substances causes more than 200 diseases - ranging from diarrhoea to cancers. Every year an estimated 600 million people fall ill from contaminated food, resulting in 420,000 deaths and $110b in productivity lost.

The short efficiency period of traditional sanitisers (such as chlorine) used on food production surfaces is a major weakness in the food sanitisation process, as the sanitisers regularly need to be reapplied to the contaminated surfaces.
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Powerful cleaning disinfectant approved as a medical device

Hypochlorous acid has for many years been used as a powerful disinfectant and, in particular over the past 18 months, has seen its use explode as a gentle but powerful alternative to traditional quat-based products.

But now hypochlorous acid has gone a step further with a product, manufactured by Aqualution Systems, now being approved as a Class 2a medical device further proving HOCl's efficacy as one of the most powerful and safe biocides available.
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Decitex - Smart textiles' new microbre mop comprises 100% recycled materials

The new Ultimate 3D Infinite is a short-life microfibre mop, eco-designed with 100% recycled material and certified by the Nordic Swan ecolabel.

The perfect marriage between textile innovation and respect for the environment, it is the ideal solution to the needs of hygiene & health professionals.
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New disinfection blue light system brings hope to hospitals' antibiotic resistance fight

Antibiotic resistance (AMR) and surgical site infections (SSI) currently pose a significant issue and increasing threat for hospitals. This innovation provides a safer operating room environment by reducing SSIs and helps to reduce the development of the AMR of microbes.

Halton, a technology leader in ultra-clean ventilation systems, integrates disinfection blue light to eliminate microbes from surfaces while being 100% safe for the staff and patients.
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Mitie strengthens partnership with NHS Trusts

Mitie has won four contracts, two to deliver facilities management and two to provide catering services for Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust and Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust. These services were previously managed by Interserve Facilities Management but were renewed following Mitie's acquisition of Interserve in November 2020.

The new contracts will be for five years, with the option to extend for an additional two, and will see Mitie provide services for 75 buildings, including mental health facilities and inpatient units, in Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex and Norfolk.
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BBI Solutions facilitating fast action to tackle Legionella risk

BBI Solutions has created a bespoke mobile solution for the what it believes is the world's first and quickest on-site Legionella test.

The rapid Hydrosense test comes at a critical time as many buildings such as offices, schools and commercial properties reopen in accordance with the easing of restrictions.

Using its patented Novarum technology, the company has developed a mobile app-based test reader and customisable data storage system solution for Hydrosense, a pioneer in the rapid testing industry committed to making widely available, fast, easy to use, accurate testing for Legionella SG1, the most dangerous strain of Legionella bacteria.
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Bulk HOCL disinfectant readily available from Centrego

As business, retail and entertainment venues get back to work, there has been a surge in demand for larger volumes of environmentally-friendly and effective solutions for disinfection, cleaning and fogging.
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European PPE demand to increase pressure on post-Covid supply chains

Demand for Personal Protective Equipment is expected to outstrip supply for some time to come, but for longer-term reasons unconnected with the pandemic.

This is according to ASAP Innovations, a leading manufacturer of medical PPE, which states that over the next year buyers should ensure they have a reliable supplier in place.
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Auto Pod: The new automatic reserve paper roll dispenser

The Auto Pod provides a hand drying experience with its automatic paper delivery via capacitive sensing: single-use paper portion - the paper self presents; and automatic paper follow-on feature - for presenting paper in advance of the next operation.
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Infection risk in care homes drops 41% thanks to robots

In a UK Government-funded trial, robots were used to clean the floors in 25 care homes and the results showed that pathogen levels dropped by 41% in just three days.

The trial used advanced ATP testing equipment, commercial robotic vacuums and antiviral surface cleaner.
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Pilot study demonstrates that hand drying method can have significant impact on transmission of microbes from hospital toilets to wards

A pilot study to investigate whether microorganisms that remain present on poorly washed hands can be transferred beyond the washroom environment to clinical and patient areas has found that drying hands with paper towels as opposed to jet air dryers results in lower rates of virus contamination on hands and clothing.
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New antimicrobial laundry product kill germs on fabrics uses same technology as Covid-killing spray

A new laundry product that eliminates germs and odour-causing bacteria on clothes between washes, reducing the spread of disease and keeping clothes and other laundry fresher and safer for longer, provides up to one month's (or five wash cycles) protection against bacteria and germs on laundry.
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Probiotic surface cleansers could significantly reduce hospital acquired infections

A study into a major cause of hospital acquired infections has begun. The work is exploring how contagion bacteria survive even deep cleans with chemical products and is evaluating a novel approach to reduce HAI through the use of probiotic hard surface cleaners.
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Mitie helps businesses breathe easy with new UV air disinfection service

Mitie has launched a new air disinfection service, in partnership with Luxibel, using ultraviolet light to help eradicate bacteria, viruses, funghi and mould from indoor air.
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Is Purelight the future of infection control?

Hospitals and other healthcare facilities are now looking to new technology to stop the spread of infection in the ongoing battle against Covid-19. Unlike conventional cleaning this method uses an entirely hands-free approach and is delivered through beams of UV light.
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ViroGuard: Cleantec Innovation's sanitiser and disinfectant range gets a new look for 2021

Now a permanent group of products in its portfolio, Cleantec Innovation's ViroGuard range was launched in April last year in direct response to market demands for high performing and trustworthy sanitising and disinfection products.
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UK hand sanitiser market has become a 'Wild West', risking fatalities among young and vulnerable, says NHS supplier

The safety of children and vulnerable adults is under threat from a wave of unsafe, mis-sold and under-regulated alcohol-based hand sanitisers, without any Government acknowledgment of the alternatives, according to a leading UK manufacturer.
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Why isn't UV disinfection being used more in the fight against Covid-19?

Richard Little, managing director, Jenton International, asks why UV air disinfection is not being used in the fight against Covid-19 - especially when there is a convincing argument, backed by sound evidence - for using it to improve air in a range of buildings and work environments.
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Latest testing success for Greyland against SARS-CoV-2

Leading independent cleaning chemical manufacturer Greyland has announced that Spray & Wipe Ultra, its multipurpose antiviral surface cleaner launched last year, has now been tested against the SARS-CoV-2 virus using the NEN 14675 Standard Method.
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Bupa and NHS choose virus-killing air purifiers that can be used in occupied spaces

AirxPro air purifiers are being used within NHS vaccination centres and by Bupa, to protect staff, patients and visitors, having received full certification from a Government-audited laboratory. Safe to use in occupied areas, they boast a virus removal rate of 99.97%.

The units are offered in five different versions, with the size of the machine dictated by the volume of air purification required. The concept remains the same across all models, whereby polluted air is drawn into the rear of the unit, where it is filtered and cleaned using a combination of negative Ion particles.
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Vitalacy adds SmartBadge to hand hygiene monitoring portfolio

Designed to fit behind a healthcare provider's ID badge, Vitalacy's new SmartBadge captures and delivers individual-, unit- and facility-level hand hygiene performance data to hospital leaders responsible for quality, safety, and infection control and prevention.

The latest addition to the Vitalacy Patient Safety Platform, this entry-level device enables healthcare systems to meet the Leapfrog Group's hand hygiene standards at a competitive price point. The SmartBadge provides a cost-efficient, yet accurate and effective way of improving hand hygiene compliance, which research studies have linked to lower healthcare-acquired infections.
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Healthcare, hospitality and other cleaning staff facing 'burnout' due to severe staff shortages

Industry leaders have warned that cleaning staff in healthcare, hospitality and other parts of the sector are facing burnout because of increased workloads due to the pandemic and severe staff shortages.

The extra procedures and protocols put in place during the pandemic to protect people's health along with the current severe staff shortages in the sector, compounded by staff absences due to winter illnesses and the disease itself and increasing numbers of personnel leaving the industry, have created a dangerous cocktail which has raised concerns for the health of staff.
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SoftBank publishes a study on the effects of air quality through the deployment of cobotics

Given the ever-increasing focus on the quality of the air we breathe, especially heightened over the past two years, SoftBank commissioned a study to establish what effects the simple task of vacuuming has on airborne particulates.

Partnering with Infogrid - the smart building expert - utilising its air monitoring sensors, over 400,000 data points were taken in several sites, monitoring airborne particulates under normal activity and subsequently following the deployment of automated cobots.
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ACI and Trades unveil new factsheet on role of enzymes in detergent products

The American Cleaning Institute - in collaboration with International Association for Soaps, Detergents & Maintenance Products, Association of Manufacturers & Formulators of Enzyme Products, and the Household & Commercial Products Association - developed a factsheet on the role of enzymes in detergent products.

"The aim of this factsheet is to explain the role of these important ingredients, their environmental benefits and specific applications in a straightforward way, suitable for all audiences, both technical and non-technical," explains Dr Francis Kruszewski, ACI senior director, human health & safety.
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Chloe the robot joins Sodexo cleaning team at Stoke Mandeville Hospital

Sodexo's cleaning team at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, part of Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, has a new recruit of the robot variety who has been named Chloe by young patients on the children's ward.

Chloe the robot will be helping the team who keep Stoke Mandeville hospital a clean and safe space for all by ensuring the floors of communal areas, corridors, entrances and the children's wards are kept spotless, whilst her human colleagues concentrate on sanitising touch points around the hospital which is crucial to preventing the spread of infections such as Covid-19.
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Pioneering Far-UVC technology that kills 99.98% of pathogens including Covid, to be trialled in business park

A forward-looking business that was launched in spring 2020 in response to the pandemic has been awarded a £271,000 grant by Innovate UK, the UK's innovation agency, to enable it to develop and manufacture products using pioneering FAR-UVC light technology.

222Protect is a safe Far-UVC light fixture which can be installed in overhead lighting and air handling units to destroy Covid-19 found in exhaled microdroplets in indoor environments.
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Mitie secures new £92.5m contract to support the John Radcliffe Hospital

Mitie has been awarded a new contract to provide cleaning, portering services and catering for patients and staff at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. Worth £92.5m over five years, the contract has the option to extend for up to 15 years at five-year intervals.

The appointment follows a value testing exercise carried out between The Hospital Company Limited (THC) and Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) NHS Foundation Trust, as part of the existing John Radcliffe PFI arrangement.
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Microban International announces a new range of antiviral technologies

Microban International has announced a new range of antiviral technologies that are proven to reduce viral loading on products and surfaces.

Microban has long been a trusted partner in a wide range of sectors - from consumer and healthcare to industrial and construction - and this announcement adds to the versatility of the company's technology portfolio.
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Christie to mass produce CounterAct with Care222, a safer, filtered far-UVC disinfection technology for use around people

As we prepare for a post-pandemic world where reducing pathogens and viral spread is essential, global visual technology company Christie has announced the mass production of its Christie CounterAct line of commercial UV disinfection products with patented Care222 far-UVC light technology.

CounterAct fixtures are designed for use in occupied indoor spaces, from cinemas, theme parks, museums and sports complexes, to retail facilities and restaurants, as well as transit hubs at airports, train and subway stations.
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21st Birthday celebrations for Zybax

21 years ago, Zybax was launched with a clear goal of delivering world-class solutions to tackle problems such as unpleasant odours and blocked drains. Zybax gets nature to work for you by using non-toxic, non-pathogenic micro-organisms to digest the problems at source.

The company is continuing to develop new products providing sustainable and environmentally-friendly solutions and will shortly be launching a range of super concentrates with reduced packaging and clever dosing options.
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New surface and air sanitisers ideal for post-Covid era

Hospital-grade microfibre said to eliminate risk of recontamination

UMF Corporation says its Micrillon microfibre is setting a new standard as the first hospital-grade microfibre that can be converted into a wide range of long-lasting, reusable products, including towels; cubicle curtains; socks; gloves; walk-off mats; reusable N95 rated face masks, and colour-coded microfibre cleaning products.

Leading manufacturers are using these high-performance microfibre yarns to develop a new standard for materials targeting infection prevention in hospitals, hotels, cruise lines, long term care, and many other industries.
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Telford company targets £multi-million opportunity after launching 'breakthrough' sanitising solution

A new alternative antiviral sanitising solution that is free from alcohol and chemicals is being launched by a Telford hygiene specialist.

Room Shield has signed a joint venture agreement with a North Staffordshire manufacturer to bring its HOCL (hypochlorous acid) products to the commercial marketplace.
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ISS strengthens leadership position in the healthcare segment in Turkey

ISS A/S has acquired Rönesans Facility Management Company in Turkey from Rönesans Holding, a Turkish contracting company.

As a result, ISS will provide facilities management services, including cleaning, security, food, pest control, landscaping, reception, patient transport, laundry services and waste management, in a Public-Private-Partnership at four newly built hospitals (Adana, Elazı, Bursa and Yozgat) in Turkey until 2045.
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Vapourtec's easy-HC10 delivers significant cost savings

A cleverly-designed handheld sprayer has been launched, which turns mildly salty tap water into a powerful disinfectant that kills 99.9% of germs, bacteria and viruses, including Covid-19.
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CK Consumables to exhibit at Infection Prevention Society (IPS) Annual Conference and Exhibition 27 - 29 September 2021

CK Consumables, the supplies division of leading cleaning and specialised healthcare deep cleaning contractor CK Group, will be exhibiting at this year's Infection Prevention Conference, held in Liverpool.

A significantly important year for the NHS and the world, the packed conference programme discusses Covid-19 epidemiology, Hospital Acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection, the dangers of measles re-emergence, other infections during a pandemic, what we can learn from other countries and other viruses, and much, much more.
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LightStrike UV robots eliminated superbug contamination in Japanese hospital reports new peer-reviewed study

Researchers from Hiroshima University Hospital in Hiroshima, Japan, recently published a study confirming the efficacy of LightStrike pulsed xenon ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection technology on surfaces contaminated with the superbug vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE).

This is the 45th peer-reviewed and published study validating Xenex Disinfection Services' patented pulsed xenon UV room disinfection technology, and the third published study verifying LightStrike's efficacy against VRE, a deadly pathogen that can live on hospital surfaces for days to weeks.
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Confidence in NHS grade UV-C light robots boosts care home infection prevention & control

SARS-CoV-2 remains an ongoing threat in care homes across the country, but that's not just the only dangerous pathogen for older and vulnerable residents including the various mutated strains of SARS-CoV-2. What do you do if you manage a care home and there is an outbreak?

Infection prevention control (IPC) is the cornerstone and needs to be thorough, fast and safe. A traditional deep clean is time consuming, uses chemicals, and rooms and facilities are not always returned immediately, as often the space will need more time to clear. What if there were to be an outbreak and there was an easier and more efficient way to deal with it?
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ISS launches ‘science of cleaning’ research project

ISS Healthcare has commissioned an innovative project that will take a scientific and behavioural approach to healthcare cleaning and drive the nation's healthcare journey in our places that heal.

ISS worked closely with NHS England and NHS Improvement in the development of the recently published National Standards of Healthcare Cleanliness 2021.
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Global Hygiene Summit to take place in Singapore in 2022

Covid-19 has brought hygiene - and, more specifically, the role it can play in our health, into sharp focus and further reinforced the fact that prevention is better than cure.

However, despite hygiene being the preventive component of the global fight against infectious diseases, it has languished as a minority scientific and political interest for decades.
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Excel Dryer UK launches XLERATORsync: A revolutionary leap in washroom technology that elevates hygiene, safety and efficiency to new levels

Excel Dryer UK has announced the launch of XLERATORsync, a washroom solution that combines soap, water and air with a custom washbasin in a single location.

The XLERATORsync dryer is the latest innovative deployment of Excel Dryer's cutting-edge technology. Beneath its modern exterior, the dryer houses technology developed with NASA rocket scientists to ensure optimal hand drying performance.
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BICSc adds healthcare skills to the Cleaning Professional's Skills Suite

At a time when the healthcare sector is under immense pressure, the British Institute of Cleaning Science, known for its clear approach to raising standards within the cleaning industry, has adapted and launched Healthcare Cleaning Skills.
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New handheld electrostatic device helps professional cleaners fight Covid-19

Professional cleaning companies can now further enhance their cleaning regimes to protect against the threat of Covid-19 with a new handheld electrostatic fogger.
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British breakthrough GermErase kills SARS-Cov-2 in 30 secs; provides protection for a month

GermErase, a new brand at the frontline of protecting against Covid-19, infections and superbugs, has launched its first product range, guaranteeing the highest levels of protection against pathogens for up to a month.
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Deactivate handheld disinfection device; proven to destroy SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces in 30 seconds

Xenex Disinfection Services has announced the launch of Deactivate, a high-powered, handheld LED device designed to quickly disinfect surfaces in confined spaces.
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Jangro launches new antiviral range to tackle Coronavirus

Jangro, the UK and Ireland's largest network of independent janitorial suppliers, has recently expanded its 'Professional' range with the launch of three antiviral products, in an effort to help organisations keep their facilities clean, healthy, and Covid-secure.
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Co-19 Virucidal Disinfectant boasts 60 second contact time

Co-19 is an easy-to-use virucidal disinfectant cleaner and degreaser, designed to kill viruses and bacteria within 60 seconds, on a range of surfaces including floors, tiles, sinks, plastics, microwaves and refrigerators.
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Covid-19: Samsic cleaning vaccination and plasma centres

Samsic UK is fielding support to a growing number of Covid-19 NHS Vaccination and Plasma Donor Centres being opened across southern England.
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Beware of hot air in new ventilation guidelines

The Government's recommendation that all new buildings which are not dwellings will require specialist systems to help to reduce the spread of airborne diseases such as Covid-19 doesn't go far enough, according to a leading infection mitigation specialist.
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New disinfectant wipes are 100% new biodegradable

Vira-Care’s new 100% biodegradable disinfectant wipes comprise an effective broad spectrum disinfectant-cleaner which is double negatively charged for suspending, interacting and destroying particles; impregnated into a viscose material for a superior clean.
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UMF announces impressive lab results

UMF Corporation has announced that testing from award-winning contract research organisation Integrated Pharma Services confirms that UMF's Micrillon sheath and core fibre demonstrates significant antiviral properties against Human Coronavirus, which causes Covid-19, and Human Influenza A H1N1 virus in just minutes.
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Improving air quality key to making consumers feel safer

Improving air quality in the fight against Covid-19 could give businesses the edge over their competitors and attract more customers, according to a top UK university scientist.
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Spotta knows 'pest'

Spotta Smart Pest Systems has capped a strong first year of commercial operations with accelerated product development and market reach for 2021.
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BICSc to launch NHS compliant cleaning skills

The British Institute of Cleaning Science has announced the imminent launch of a selection of NHS compliant cleaning skills, which have been adapted from the Institute's long-established Cleaning Professional's Skills Suite.
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Purify-One’s UV Disinfecting Wand receives clinical validation for Covid-19 eradication

Purify-One, manufacturer of ultraviolet disinfecting devices, is in receipt of final audited test results from Microbac Laboratories, (a US-based CDC certified lab) confirming the Purify-One UV Disinfecting Wand is highly effective in destroying SARS-CoV-2, known as Coronavirus, which causes Covid-19.
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Is UVC the answer to UK infection control against Covid-19?

With the UK entering its third lockdown this week, the question many of the population are asking is 'what more can we do?' With the one year lockdown anniversary fast approaching, are we really at a loss how to slow the spread?
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Using chemicals and indiscriminate biocides for cleaning? Are we on the right track?

In this article, Joe Flanagan, LCIBSE, director of Essex-based Ingenious Probiotics, explains how probiotic cleaning works, and why, we as an industry, should consider its potential impact on the health and wellbeing of cleaning operatives as well as that of the occupants of the buildings we clean…
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Xenex introduces the next generation of coronavirus-killing robots

To provide quick, effective disinfection against SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes Covid-19, healthcare disinfection specialist Xenex Disinfection Services, has announced the availability of LightStrike6, the highly-anticipated new version of its patented germ-zapping robots.
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Santoemma system safely sanitises ambulances, using dry fog 7 micron technology

Ambulance interiors require regular and comprehensive cleaning and sanitising. The work though is demanding and needs to be carried out as quickly as possible, as vehicles can be in constant use and teams have to react rapidly to emergencies, which may interrupt cleaning operations.

The presence of life-saving objects and electronic instrumentation, means that sanitising chemicals cannot be sprayed in liquid form.
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Challenge: Build Covid-19 Mass Test Centre. Deadline: 11 days. Achieved: 10 days

When University of London, Goldsmiths College, famed for its creative departments (former graduates include Britain's richest living artist Damien Hirst, and film director Sir Steven McQueen), needed to erect a Covid-19 Mass Test Centre quickly in time for students return, it naturally turned to its FM company CK Facilities Management for help and advice.
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