James Marston, Trainer and Inspector at the British Institute of Cleaning Science, reports.
In the commercial cleaning world vacuum cleaners are invaluable and one of the most important pieces of machinery for collecting dust and soil from floors and other surfaces in our built environment. The first vacuum appeared in the 1890s. In 1901 Hubert Cecil Booth pulled his horse drawn vacuum cleaner onto the streets of London. From that day vacuums were here to stay. Fundamentals of these machines have changed little since. Thank goodness we do not have to use horse drawn coaches to operate the vacuum these days. Modern technology has made the vacuum far more efficient, use less energy, and in the last 30 years begun to manage and drive themselves with advances in robotics.
Millions of vacuums are in service in the UK today. Sadly, a significant number of these machines are not maintained and in poor condition. Not only does this increase the risk of injury through operation of potentially dangerous equipment, it can distribute soil and dust we want to collect into the atmosphere which increases the risk of inhalation and dust accumulation. Sadly, filter bags are often filled to the maximum and internal filters become clogged reducing the machines air flow resulting in the vacuum heating up. This can cause long term damage reducing the working life of the machine and dust is no longer collected efficiently.
Vacuums in good working order have effective air flow capacity and working filters that capture the soil we want to remove. In good working order vacuums can reduce dust and small particles in the built environment significantly.
Regular safety inspections and checks on filters, bags or storage compartments will ensure both employers and staff are complying with health and safety regulations and your vacuum achieves the objective it is designed for.
Dust management in commercial buildings is not often discussed as a topic. Dust can be made up of various particles. By far the largest percentage is human skin flakes and hair. Depending on the environment, small food particles, grit, sand, salt during winter months can make up dust quantities. This is all good news for the dust mite, bed bug and the small insects that feast on them. Infestation can be quickly realised creating a vicious circle increasing contamination and potential infection to building users.
Dust levels are often recorded in audits and used when judging cleanliness. Dust levels can dictate the frequency of clean. Looking at dust behaviour, control and its removal in a holistic way might help create effective methods to remove it.
A great way to capture dust is trapping it on the way into a building such as main entrances and reception areas. Good primary and secondary matting will capture mud and soil on shoes. Providing the matting is regularly cleaned or vacuumed, they will continue to do an effective job. Less dust circulating the building and needing attention will be the benefit.
Knowing where your dust traps are can save a lot of time. Stairwells, behind doors in corridors and opposite entrances and exits are good examples. Regular checks and clean ups here will make a difference.
There are several methods of removal. For large hard floor areas then electrostatic or flat mops are efficient when used by trained staff. Disposable flat mops normally impregnated with oil or similar substance is quick and goes in the bin. Job done! For carpets and hard to reach areas the vacuum is the best solution. Dust collected in the bag and in the waste.
Whatever collection method you opt for, knowing your building’s dust behaviour, using the correct frequencies to remove with the best methods for your surfaces will supress and keep dust levels to a minimum.
About the contributor
James Marston
Trainer and Inspector
BICSc