Clean The Prairies - September 2008
(click here for full magazine in Adobe pdf format)

ON THE COVER: Green Cleaning
The Green Cleaning Movement In The Food Service Industry
By Matt  Del Vecchio, Vice President Foodservice, Avmor Group
It is only a matter of time before the green cleaning movement hits the food service industry. There are a couple of interesting trends that will see operators of foodservice facilities take a proactive role in implementing sustainable cleaning solutions.

First, the restaurant industry is beginning to see signs of a green movement with the increasing popularity of organic food; environmentally friendly take out packaging; and energy and water saving equipment. However, the industry remains largely untapped by the green movement. As the largest consumer of electricity in the retail sector, this industry has a large impact, not only on the food we eat, but also on the water we drink, and the air that we breathe. Therefore, there is great potential for greener practices and policies in this industry.   Read more...

Hawthorne and Hand Hygiene (Part Two)
In the August 2007 issue of Clean The Prairies, an article was published introducing the “Hawthorne Effect.” There is no one precise meaning for the term Hawthorne Effect, since it’s interpretation continues to be sporadically debated. At its core, it refers to the way that an experiment can be affected when participants are aware that they are the subject of an intervention. For example, how hand hygiene performance increases during the period that it is being surveyed in the restaurant or hospital, only to return close to the original baseline when the study concludes. One reasonable conclusion is that the workers were pleased to receive attention from the researchers who expressed an interest in them.   Read more.. .

Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria
An Issue for Everyone
Surfactants Can Cause Resistance
Reducing the development of antibiotic resistant bacterial populations is no longer just an issue for hospitals. We all need to do what we can, because the same conditions that promote resistance operate not only in hospitals but in other environments as well.

Petroleum based detergent surfactants are used for cleaning many indoor environments. They have toxic effects on microbial populations; since most are either bactericidal or bacteriostatic. When bacterial populations are exposed to sub-lethal doses, as can happen during routine cleaning and by the action of residual cleaning compounds left on environmental surfaces, and in our waste water, they can become resistant to the antimicrobial effects of the cleaner.   Read more...

CSSA Stampede Barbeque Rustles Up A Good Time!
Howdy folks,
Well another stampede has passed and with doing so concluded the CSSA fifth annual stampede BBQ.

On Wed. Jul. 9, it was our industry’s time to dust off the cowboy hats, put on the cowboy boots and rustle up some fine Alberta grub. Every year the CSSA BBQ become bigger and better. This year’s event saw over 1000 people in attendance to enjoy some CSSA hospitality under sunny skies, listen to some country music and fine fellowship. We even managed to rope CSSA President, Bruce O’Neil into working the grill. I would like to thank all the people and sponsors who helped make this a wonderful day – you know who you are.    Read more...

Are You Certified?
By Bill Garland, Senior Partner, Daniels Associates Inc.
There are now two industry certifications available to service providers and in-house operations.

The ISSA Cleaning Industry and Management Standard (CIMS) certification and the Green Seal GS-42 certification are indications that the cleaning industry is maturing and achieving credentials like many other industries. These certifications are also a further indication that price has ceased to be the major criteria by which contract decisions are made. There is now further emphasis that clients are looking for service providers who can provide not only the best possible service in terms of a quality management operation, but also a healthy one.   Read more...

Choosing Cleaning Management Software That Works For You
Over the past 20 years we’ve seen many attempts to utilize computing power to improve the management of cleaning operations. There must be dozens if not hundreds of programs that promise to reorganize your operation, save money, save time and make your boss think you are a genius. There are single use systems that only do one thing, such as supply or equipment inventory or quality inspection tracking, estimating packages that promise to help you price out contracts and increase your profits, all in one package that cover everything from supplies to payroll and everything in between and any combination of these. But which is best for you? Before you invest in a program you should know what parts of your operation will benefit from the system and how much time you are able to invest in maintaining the program data.   Read more...

Deb Canada
The World’s Leading Away From Home Skin Care System Company
Deb Canada has long been recognized as the Canadian market leader in the development of innovative foaming technology, skin cleansers, protective and conditioning creams, showering and bathing products, and patented dispensing systems for all occupational hygiene markets.

As the company approaches its 40th anniversary in Canada, there is much reflection on its humble beginnings in England just shortly after the end of the second World War by Audley Bowdler (A.B.) Williamson. The name “Deb” came into being as a shortened version of “debutante,” a reference to signify that both the company and its products were new and innovative to the market.    Read more...