Nov-Dec ’112

It is common knowledge that India’s food problem is not of its production but of its distribution, and also of the lack of adequate food storage facilities. One of the major reasons for the shortfalls in effective food supply and hence sustained food inflation in India is the sheer wastage of food grains in our warehouses as a result of the menace of pests.

According to a report titled State of Food Insecurity in Rural India, which was jointly released by MS Swaminathan Foundation and the UN World Food Programme, India has more than a third of the world’s 146 million undernourished children. According to the UN World Food Program, our country accounted for 27 percent of the world’s undernourished population in 2009, and I am sure the situation has not drastically improved in the last couple of years or so.

In such a scenario, the appalling wastage of food grains in warehouses due to lack of effective pest control methods is simply shameful. However, besides leading to huge wastage of food grains and other products, rodents, insects and birds collectively create a mammoth clean & hygiene problem too through their frequent intrusions in our warehouses. The pest or bird contaminated foods can and does risk the health and hygiene of millions on a daily basis. It is high time that we have employed better pest and bird control methods in our warehouses.

However, there is no single rule of pest control in warehouses. Locations, weather, the age of a building and a number of other factors are important in determining the success of a pest control program in a warehouse. Here it deserves a mention that to control various types of pests different types of treatments are needed, depending on the way they act and respond to a given situation.

However, in general terms we can say that the assessment and identification of the pests in a given warehouse, gauging the extent of pest menace, introducing personalised pest control programmes, ensuring sanitation and environmental controls together does create a holistic approach towards protecting and ensuring that a warehouse is kept pest free. If fumigation and insecticides can eliminate pests, we should also remember that regular warehouse audit and maintenance of sanitation schedules are two effective methods to prevent pest intrusion in the warehouse in the first place. In our Cover Story, we have attempted to discuss the myriad issues of pest control in warehouses, which the readers from the industry are likely to appreciate.

With the mushrooming growth of the malls in our urban landscape, mall management has emerged as one of the huge employment and business opportunities. However, the paucity of trained professionals in the realm of cleaning, security and maintenance of malls is posing a huge problem towards their effective management in India; an issue which needs to be addressed urgently. The fact that many malls in India are yet to switch to mechanised cleaning or adopt standard operating procedures is a cause of concern. In our Business Story, we have covered the various facets and challenges pertaining to mall management in detail.

Besides these, our in-depth feature on the growing trend of green hospitality options in hotels, the story on the distinct advantages of polished concrete flooring, the role of mechanical cleaning in the food industry and many other relevant issues of clean & hygiene are discussed between the covers. I wish you would together find them as good read, as I also wish you all a happy new 2012. Let all of us pledge in the new year to become more responsive and responsible towards the concerns of our industry.

E d i t o r i a l

Publisher cum EditorRajneesh Sharma

Associate EditorSwarnendu Biswas

Resident EditorSharmila Chand (Delhi)

Ashok Malkani (Mumbai)

Sub-EditorTapapriya Lahiri

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Narender Kumar

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Clean & Hygiene Review is a bi-monthly magazine, printed, owned and published by Rajneesh Sharma from 313, Himgiri Apartments, J-Block, Vikaspuri, New Delhi. Printed at Print Creations, C-112/3, Basement, Naraina Industrial Area, Phase-1, New Delhi-110 028.

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3Nov-Dec ’11

SECTIONS 4 News Scan

10 Report

31 Feature

34 Pest Management

38 Product Preview

40 Interview

COVER STORY 12

LAUNDRY

24

18

BUSINESS

22

HYGIENE

CLEANING

28

Contents

Nov-Dec ’114

NEWS SCAN

Tribal Hostel’s Zero Waste CampusA tribal college has understood the concept of ‘zero waste.’ The Vasant Ashram

hostel of nondescript Kakanpur village, located in the Panchmahal district of Gujarat, is more concerned about its environment than upscale urban Indians. The tribal boys’ hostel of this village is the state’s first ‘Zero Waste Campus’ which never wastes its waste. All the wastes, including the human waste generated within the campus, is put to productive use.

The hostel was built in 2009 to provide accommodation to the tribal students who came to study in Mayur Patel Chhatralaya, run by Adhyatma Vidhya Mandir. Not a single drop of water or trash goes out of the premises of Vasant Ashram hostel that houses 70 primary and secondary tribal students.

According to trustee of Engineering Sewa Trust (EST) Shashi Shah, “We have built a unique chamber that stores all kinds wastes generated by human beings, cattle, agriculture, and also kitchen garbage. The waste is permitted to decay inside and then it is used to generate gas. The food are cooked from the gas produced in our gas plant. The slurry is developed in the vermi-compost plant for producing bio-fertiliser and even food grains and vegetables are grown inside the campus. In the campus, rain water is also stored in a tank, which is used for meeting the daily chores and for recharging the water table.

A New Automatic Laundry to Shine on Central Railway

Within a span of the next six months, an automated laundry of 12-tonne capacity will be commissioned by the Central Railway. The fully automated in-house laundry, known as ‘The Tunnel Laundry System’ entailing Rs. 15-crore investment, will be located at Wadi Bunder. Now, the travellers on long distance air-conditioned coaches on Central Railway can expect clean and sterile linen and towels. Girbau—a Spanish firm—has been selected to set up the laundry on 1,150 sq. mt. at Wadi Bunder, near Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.

Expected to be commissioned in six months, the plant will be set up on a Build, Operate, Own and Transfer basis for 15 years. The environment-friendly laundry will use one-third of the water, half the power and half the chemicals of other average laundry systems. It will generate less waste water with substantially less toxic compounds to be discharged into the ground. As the Central Railway daily operates 100 AC coaches from Mumbai, the authorities have decided to install the laundry for washing 12,000 bedrolls a day.

A senior CR official said, “After the full-fledged operations will start, the Central Railway will not depend upon the private contractors.” The senior official also added that the fully automated machine will require only 4 to 5 litres of water per kilo. The operators have also installed a water recycling and effluent treatment plant.

CBG to Run DTC Buses SoonCBG (Compressed Biogas) is going to become the newest fuel to run DTC buses

on the capital’s roads, within a span of a year. Within a year, 120 DTC buses will run on CBG. The biofuel will be generated from sludge, a byproduct of treated sewage at Delhi Jal Board’s sewage treatment plants (STPs). The MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) has been signed off by Indraprastha Gas Ltd. (IGL) and KG Renewables Ltd. to set up a pilot project at Keshopur STP.

Keshopur has a treatment capacity of 72 million liters per day. The project is being supported by the Swedish government and the ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

According to a DJB official, “We have initiated the biogas production at several STPs, which we use for operational purposes. The Indian and Swedish government are in a 50-50 cost sharing model of the estimated Rs. 25 crore project.”

Nov-Dec ’116

NEWS SCAN

EuroAble Packaged Drinking Water Plant to be Run by the Differently Abled

‘EuroAble-Packaged Drinking Water Plant’ has been recently inaugurated in Mumbai, by Eureka Forbes. The state-of-art packaged drinking water plant is spread across 3000 sq. ft. of area. Th e plant is a joint venture of NASEOH India (National Society for Equal Opportunities for the Handicapped) and Eureka Forbes. Th e singularity of the plant is that it will be run by the diff erently abled people.

Emphasising on the importance of the EuroAble Packaged Drinking Water, Shapoor Mistry, the Chairman of Eureka Forbes said, “We would like to further the cause of physically challenged people and NASEOH India. It is a unique attempt to showcase to the world a self-sustaining enterprise model by the diff erently challenged people.” Eureka Forbes will set apart the sales proceeds of this water sales for the development and enrichment of NASEOH India.

Pune Schools to Practice 4Rs of WMNow the waste management programme has a formula of 4

Rs—refuse, reuse, reduce and recycle. Twenty schools in Pune are going to practice the four Rs in the area of waste management, in their daily lives. Th e waste management endeavour comes after the SEARCH (sensitisation, education and awareness on recycling for a cleaner habitat), a program launched by TERI (Energy and Resources Institute) in these schools.

Th ese schools have a set up of waste collection chambers where the collected dry waste, recyclables and post-consumer tetrapak cartons are conserved. After that the dry waste is sent for recycling. Th e idea behind the programme was to encourage the students and the teachers to practice 4 Rs and make consumption choices that would ascertain sustainability of the property and environment in the coming years. Presently, the project is being implemented in Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Dhaka.

According to Taru Mehta, the Associate Fellow of Educating Youth for Sustainable Development, TERI, “Approximately 36.5 million tonnes of waste are generated annually in the country.” He also added that the programme conducts awareness and sensitisation drives in schools to infuse a sense of environmental responsibility and the habit of recycling amongst students of VI to XII standard. Its aim is to make the schools a ‘garbage-free zone.’ Th rough diverse activities such as workshops, fi lm screening, simulation exercises, competitions and students exchange programme, the project endeavours to reach out to students, teachers, parents and school administration,” Mehta affi rmed.

Nov-Dec ’118

QUALITYASSUREDCOMPANY

Milaap Extending the Reach of SanitationA Bangalore-based social enterprise named Milaap is

an online micro-lending platform, which enables anyone to give a household loan for the construction of a toilet or water connection for the poor in India. Milaap was founded in June 2010 by Sourabh Sharma, Anoj Viswanathan and Mayukh Choudhury. Currently, the two of Milaap’s fi eld partners provide micro-fi nancing for sanitation and water. Th ay are Guardian in Tamil Nadu, and Sakhi Samudaya Kosh (SSK) and Sakhi Retail, working in the state of Maharashtra.

US-based Kiva.org, was the fi rst mirco-credit crowd funding platform to improve the livelihoods of the poor, but the organisation expanded its scope to not only include micro-enterprises but also sanitation, water, healthcare, renewable energy and vocational training. Now Milaap is following the footsteps of Kiva.org. Milaap has gained approval from the Reserve Bank of India to enable lenders outside India (especially NRIs) to lend to India through their website.

As the lenders provide their loans interest-free, local micro-fi nance institutions (MFIs) with whom Milaap has partnered, can charge low interest rates of 12-18 percent or half the normal rate. After the loan has been repaid, it will be returned to the lenders as Milaap credits, which they can either withdraw or re-lend to other borrowers.

Roots Comes up With New-age Cleaning Products

Coimbatore-based Roots Multiclean Ltd., one of the prominent players in cleaning equipments and machines in India, has launched over 15 new products at the Clean India Show 2011, held in Mumbai. Some of them include the new battery operated walk-behind scrubbers, a new line of vacuum cleaners with energy saving feature, new ride-on scrubber (RootsScrub 800), new battery operated walk-behind sweeper among others.

These recently launched battery operated walk-behind scrubbers are in two versions. One is with 45 liters fresh and dirt water tank, while the bigger version is endowed with two 60 liters tanks. For both versions, diff erent brush decks ranging from 45 to 60 cm, disk and roller brushes are off ered to accommodate a wide gamut of cleaning requirements. Th e state-of-the-art scrubbers are designed by the Roots R&D team to off er robust machines for Indian conditions, and for easy use. Th ey are environment friendly as they use materials which are recyclable. Th ey are designed to perform with least amount of water for optimal cleaning results. Furthermore, diff erent brushes and pads are available for best cleaning results.

Among the new line of vacuum cleaners, the top models are a 6 liter and 17 liter dry vacuum with a new energy saving feature. Many industry experts feel that they are among the most eco-friendly dry vacuum options in the industry. As far the new ride-on scrubber goes, Roots has designed a very robust but simple to operate ride-on machine with 125 liter tanks and with 80 cm working width. Th e new battery operated walk-behind sweeper features unmatched sweeping performance with ease of operation. It works according to the overhead throwing principle which ensures the hopper is fi lled to the full. With its unique hopper system, emptying of hopper is done with ease and without getting in touch with the dirt. Th e machine got maintenance free batteries and is endowed with a running time of approximately two hours, an on-board charger and side brush for sweeping long walls and edges.

Furthermore, Roots EZE Clean famous mop system, known for its profi ciency over 10 years across many institutions, shops, hotels and private households, has been extended.

Nov-Dec ’1110

REPORT

Conserve India, a Delhi-based NGO, has been giving a human face to fashion. Born out of a desire to reduce India’s mountains of waste, improve

energy efficiency, and help some of Delhi’s poorest from the city’s slums, Conserve India has been turning plastic bags into fashion accessories. Since its inception in 1998, the NGO is empowered by the vision of using high fashion to support better lives for the poor and striving to provide a cleaner environment for all.

By purchasing a Conserve India bag, belt, wallet, shoe, or necklace you not only get to enhance your fashionable image with a beautiful, funky piece of high fashion accessory, but also be helping some of the poorest people in the capital and our environment.

Anita and Shalabh Ahuja founded Conserve India as an NGO to recycle the waste in their neighbourhood that wasn’t being managed by local authorities. The NGO began its journey as a fledgling recycling project but quickly adapted to confront the biggest challenge it was facing, that is what to do with the huge quantity of plastic bags that could not be composted or recycled locally.

After much experimentation, the

Conserve India team hit upon the idea of not recycling, but ‘upcycling’ by washing, drying, and pressing the plastic bags into sheets. These plastic sheets were re-invented as fashion accessories. This upcycled plastic sheet was named Handmade Recycled Plastic. The handmade recycled plastic in turn paved the way for handbags, wallets, shoes and belts, etc. reflecting creative designs.

Here it deserves a mention that through Conserve’s unique upcycling process, handmade recycled plastic is made from polythene bags that are picked up from Delhi’s streets every day. As the bags already have colour, once they are collected, sorted, washed and compressed together, they require no dyes to achieve their vibrant look as fashion statements.

Today Conserve India trains and employs hundreds of people from Delhi’s most disadvantaged communities to clear their streets from the potential health threats of plastic bag waste. An average rag picker earns $25 a month, while a rag picker working for Conserve India does earn on an average $70 a month. But even with a better wage, no one would be happy to stay in this work, and Conserve India is not content to leave its workers at the bottom

of the employment pile. Once the waste bags are turned into

fashion accessories they are sold for profits. These profits are again channeled by the NGO into those same disadvantaged communities, for their education and welfare programmes. Moreover, the unique upcycling process uses much less energy than conventional recycling and causes no pollution.

The NGO also offers training to its workers so that they can do better job in the organisation or elsewhere. It also supports schools in the slums where many of its employees reside.

That is not all. We all know that despite their vital work of managing and recycling 20 percent of the city’s waste, Delhi’s 150,000 rag pickers are not recognised as being legitimately self-employed. Conserve India is calling for an official register for rag pickers in an attempt to give them the respect that their difficult work deserves.

The NGO has two targets – combating pollution and at the same time helping the least advantaged – which are those who suffer first and worst when the environment is abused. “We believe that if a small organisation like ours, which reinvests its profits into improving local communities, can respect and support rag pickers, then everyone can,” asserted Anita.

One can say that this endeavour by Conserve India has emerged as among the few rays of hope in an increasingly insensitive world where poverty and climate change are the biggest challenges that we are facing.

Nov-Dec ’1110

Turning Wastes to

Fashion Statement

Nov-Dec ’1112

COVER STORY

Warehouses Pest Management of

The role of warehouses in the global economy is immense. As an entrepreneur, whether you need to store goods for exports or for the domestic market, you need the support of warehouses. Especially, the role of effective warehouse management in the clean & hygiene and food & beverage industry simply cannot be overstated. In the context of these industries, keeping the warehouse free of pests like rodents, insects, birds, etc. is not only essential to avoid wastage of food products kept in these warehouses, but also to keep those food products clean and safe. Ashok Malkani takes a look at some of the methods used by pest control managers to fi ght this ever present menace in warehouses of India.

Warehouses Warehouses Warehouses Pest Management

Nov-Dec ’1112

13Nov-Dec ’11

COVER STORY

With the recent p l a n s f o r a food bill, the emphasis has o n c e a g a i n

shifted to the perpetual problem of food inflation, which can be effectively addressed if food supply in India can match the demand for foods. We all know that India has impressive levels of food production, but the incessant destruction of food grains in warehouses due to the nature’s travesty or the menace of pests like rats, meal moths, cockroaches, etc. leads to the curtailment of the effective food supply, and facilitate food prices to reach a level which millions can’t afford in India.

According to the World Food Program, more than one quarter of the world’s undernourished people are accounted by India. The country ranks a dismal 66th in the world in terms of battling hunger. Over 20 crore people in India go hungry to sleep, on an average night. In this context, wastage of food by pests is nothing short of criminal. However, because of our inability to control pests in warehouses, these criminal acts of negligence happen on a fairly rampant basis.

Appalling Wastage It is shocking that approximately

6348 tonnes of food grains stored in various government outlets across

the country were damaged during April 2010 to January 2011. In Gujarat, 2595 tonnes of food grains were damaged during that small time period. Close to 10 lakh tonnes of food grains were damaged during 1997-2007. Pest attack is one of the major reasons behind the damage of food grains. There is hardly any need to say the obvious that India’s food crisis is not a problem of food shortage but of food wastage.

Though we waste food grains of Rs.60000 crores annually on an average, in real terms the cost happens to be much higher. Of course, middlemen, transportation lacunae and dearth of cold storage facilities have also contributed to the prevailing food prices in India, but this monstrous problem can be countered to a great extent if we can signifi cantly lower the incidence of wastage of food products through

effective pest control measures. Of course, like most problems in India, the problem of food storage too is an old one. The Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) informed the central and the state governments about the problems of food storage in 1956, but still the problem eats way into our food grains.

Isn’t it high time that more attention was paid to having better warehouses with better pest control methods? Here I am talking about not only food grain warehouses but about warehouses in general. It is because, better pest control exercises in warehouses entail lesser wastage of food grains as well as other products.

Some of the myriad classifi cations of warehouses are data warehouse, food warehouse , au tomated warehouse, dry goods warehouse, refrigerated warehouse, importers’ warehouse, exporters’ warehouse, wholesalers’ warehouse, customs warehouse, third party logistics warehouse, cold storage warehouse, d r ug warehous ing , med i c a l warehouse among others.

Here it deserves a mention that each type of the above-mentioned warehouse is different in some respect from the other. The locations, weather, the age of a building and a number of other factors are important in determining the success of a pest control program in a warehouse. A wide-ranging inspection which includes having discourses with key employees, facilitates in effective pest control program which are tailored to the requirements.

Warehouses

Nov-Dec ’1114

COVER STORY

Warehouse pest control is an integral part of routine maintenance procedure. However, commercial storage warehouses present various challenges for pest control programs. There are various types of insects, birds, animals, etc. that can have their infesting influence on the warehouse. If the warehouse is dealing with food and perishable commodities, the challenges of storage become more taxing. But whatever may be the product or the product range stored in the warehouse, it is extremely important for the clientele of commercial pest control that their storage facilities and warehouses are effectively treated.

exercise in a warehouse. Assessment, ident i f i c a t ion o f the pes t s , personalised programmes, sanitation, prevention, environmental controls together create a holistic approach towards protecting and ensuring that a warehouse is kept pest free.

For effective pest control in warehouses it is essential to have a regular warehouse audit. Even if there is a single spotting of any pest during a warehouse audit it can be detrimental to the company’s finances and reputation. Of course, for that auditors should be very particular about cleanliness and safety of storage facilities. As per the audit norms, the presence of pests in warehouses is an indication of the company’s negligence or callousness towards adherence to proper sanitation procedures. Therefore, we can say that the prospect of regular audit can be an inducement or a pressure for housekeeping staff to maintain stringent pest control standards in warehouses.

In order to control various types of pests different types of treatments are needed, depending on the way they act and respond to a given situation. One of the effective ways of pest management in the warehouses is the maintenance of stringent sanitation schedules.

Overcoming the accumulation of pests both inside and in the vicinity of the warehouse does directly depend upon the sanitation schedules. They determine what remedies will be needed to address pest management issues germane to the concerned warehouse. Therefore we can say that maintenance of sanitation schedules and adhering to them without fail can help the company prevent many potential health hazards through pest infestation, and its associated legal and financial problems. Here it deserves a mention that several pests may be rampant in warehouses but the common targets of warehouse pest control services are insects, rodents, and flying insects/moths.

An idea l in tegr a ted pes t management programme should commence with a detailed survey of the premises. Characteristic problem areas that most pest management services investigate

T h e p r o d u c t s s t o r e d i n warehouses are often susceptible to irreparable damage, chief among them being through infestation and contamination. Therefore it doesn’t deserve a mention that extreme attention needs to be paid to the sanitation of the warehouse due to the fact that business products, usually food, are stored here after manufacturing and prior to distribution, but sanitation alone, though necessary, is not the sufficient condition for comprehensive maintenance of a warehouse. Though sanitation should be the focus of every integrated pest management program, it is neither the beginning nor the culmination of a maintenance

Areas to Inspect Forbe InspectedOutside the Cleanliness, condition of roof, walls and Warehouse windows, security--fences, guards, locked doors and windows.Inside the Condition and cleanliness of ceilings, Warehouse floors and walls. Adequate ventilation. Placement of rodent baits / traps. Presence of hazardous substances such as chemicals and pesticides. Presence of fire extinguishing equipment, whose dates have not expired.Food Storage Distance between stacks, and between Area stacks and walls. Interlaced or bonded stacks. Use of pallets free of exposed nails or wooden splinters, which may tear bags. Segregation of damaged food. Insect infestations—visual and sounds. Rodent or bird infestations. Stale food which has been stored too long. Leaking, stained or discoloured containers, bulging or rusting cans and caking of food within bags. Germination of grain in sacks. Short-weight containers. Warehouse Cleanliness, adequate shelving. adequateOffice Area lighting, condition of office equipment.

Nov-Dec ’1116

COVER STORY

in warehouses before developing its pest management action plan are usually entrance point for pests, surrounding areas such as garbage stations, gardens, etc., and whether there are any spillages from torn boxes or broken containers of food. Spillages from torn boxes or broken containers attract pests, and storage of pallets or boxes adjacent to walls can provide secured hiding places for pests, thereby making their tracing a challenging task. There should be at least half a meter distance between stored goods and wall-floor junctions.

Rodent Menace Among pests of all types, rodents

deserve special mention. Rodents play a highly harmful role in the wastage of food products. In commercial factories that produce food for human consumption on a mass scale, the presence of rodents may be very hazardous and lead to increased costs. They not only lead to huge loss of food that they consume, but they also tend to contaminate the food in close proximity that they come in contact with. This is caused mostly through cross-contamination, droppings, urine and hair. Sometimes, the cost of removing the damage caused by rodents may outweigh the cost of food itself

Besides food, the negative influence of rodents on clothes, paper and furniture in the warehouse can also assume significant proportions. They have a capability and disposition to gnaw through everything, which besides wastage of food and health concerns can cause damages to water and gas supplies, thereby leading to a potentially mammoth hygiene problem in warehouses.

According to the statistics, more than 30 per cent of the food produced in the country is either eaten or destroyed by rats and other rodents. So now you know that besides our governments, whom to blame for widespread malnutrition and hunger in the country. On the one side the prices of food grains have reached astronomic proportions, on the other side there is a criminal wastage of food grains. Rather these two sides

are closely related. However, like most problems,

rodent menace can be countered to through proper state and corporate endeavours. According to facility managers, if sound storage procedures for commodities are followed, insect and rodent problems can be minimised. The pest menace or the rodent menace can be further checked through a comprehensive program of cleaning and inspecting.

The program, according to the USAID, should include (i) closing or removing open food containers, (ii) repairing damaged packages, (iii) removing and disposing food unfit for human consumption, and (iv)inspecting and cleaning the storage area regularly according to a planned, scheduled program. Here we are presenting some areas of the warehouse which, according to the USAID, needs to be inspected, and what facets, according to the same body, needs to be inspected for in these areas.

Toxic Affect on Pests For insect control, fumigation

is one of the methods suggested by the pest control managers. It means use of gas to decimate insects and other pests. However they suggest a few precautions for this. As the fumigants involve extreme toxicity, great prudence must be employed during their handling and administration. Moreover, fumigation will not decimate molds or bacteria, though their toxic influences can be effective against insects and rodents. Besides, the fumigation leaves open the door for immediate recontamination of the commodities by insects or rodents. It is because fumigation doesn’t involve residual kill. When sprays and fogs are being employed to eliminate insects, they should be adequately complemented by cleaning exercise, if one wants to ensure the protection of stored food.

To conduct an effective and safe fumigation, certain conditions need to be met. Before treating the area of warehouse with toxic chemicals which can be very dangerous to the products, people and environment,

one should take the following steps; step by step. They comprise caulking around utility lines, using insect and rodent sticky traps, modifying or installing insect light traps, making structural changes, and accurate reporting of insect sightings.

Insecticides can also be useful tools for pest control in warehouses, when used with stack rotation and thorough cleaning. However, one should not spray insecticides on the products. Insecticide sprays are applied to surfaces that will leave a residue. This residue would kill insects coming in contact with it. Besides the type of insecticide and the surface to which it is applied, temperature and humidity can also influence real life of residue. Insecticide fogs and mist through their transmission in air, can reach those insects which could not be reached by sprays, and therefore doors and openings of the warehouse should be c losed while using insecticide so that insecticide fogs and mist cannot escape.

Prevention and Trapping However, besides fumigation

and applying insecticides, there is a basic method of pest control, which entails simply cleaning to eliminate harborage and food in the warehouse and around the storage area.

Using preventive pest control measures like this is better than curative options involving toxic chemicals like fumigation and insecticide, provided they are taken in time. Simple preventive steps like ensuring that there is no crack or gap in or along the windows and doors, there is a mosquito net to cover ventilation and windows, keeping the toilets and locker rooms not within the warehouse, ensuring that there is no presence of garbage and open water disposal system in the warehouse will help to keep the pests at bay.

It is common knowledge that pest and animals are always looking for food and water for survival and the availability of food and water will induce them to come to a warehouse or any habitat for that matter. By maintaining cleanliness of the warehouse one can eliminate pest’s

17Nov-Dec ’11

COVER STORY

and animal’s food sources which are their sources of attraction. Moreover, to live and breed, animal and pests need a conducive environment. Generally they tend to enjoy the dark, damp, and warm environment. By providing an uncomfortable place for pests and animals to live, thrive and breed you can effectively prevent their invasion.

Besides prevention and elimination, trapping of pests is another way to keep the warehouse safe from their menace. In this regard, glue boards can become useful traps to trap mice. They can be distributed among the stacks of food to entangle the mice with glue. Glue boards should be subjected to frequent inspection in order to ensure that they are fresh and effective.

Meal Moths and Birds Besides rodents there are a

plethora of insects causing serious negative impacts on warehouse storage. Take the case of meal

moths, which are another menace as far as food warehouses are concerned. Meal moths include many species such as Indian meal moths, tropical warehouse moths, Mediterranean flour moths, Angoumois moths, almond moths and tobacco moth. Though they are not that difficult to eliminate, they keep on emerging. You will need to make proactive efforts to break their cycle.

The entry of birds in warehouses too can prove to be trouble. When birds occupy warehouses they have a propensity to defecate on stored goods, which creates a perpetual problem for the warehouse management when their customers refuse to accept those soiled goods.

There are various long-term measures which can act as deterrents to the birds’ entry to the warehouse premises. Simply covering large openings and doors with heavy door curtains of plastic strip can discourage the entry of pigeons. Even if they do get inside, they

should be provided disincentive to roost on ledges and light fixtures. It can be done by providing sloping surfaces over flat surface. Also close the space above the rafters with industrial bird netting, where the pigeons tend to roost and nest. Using anti-roosting spike strips on a place where the bird may want to perch on is another way of preventing the bird problem from assuming frightening proportions.

We can summarise that effective pest control measures in warehouses may seem to be an onerous challenge, and may depend upon warehouse to warehouse. But if these operations are done systematically and on a regular basis, our industries can have many more numbers of spic and span warehouses than they have now. And clean warehouses means less wastage of food grains and other stored products in the economy, which will entail preventing the pests of inflation from assuming the size and shape of a chimera. ■

Nov-Dec ’1118

BUSINESS

With the progress of the twenty-fi rst century, mall culture is making inroads into India with the mushrooming of malls in the urban

landscape, which not only includes metros, but also the tier-II and tier -III cities. Favourable demographics, organised retail and impressive expected benefi ts for each of its stakeholders is expected to drive the growth of malls. This gives rise to opportunities for facility managers, housekeepers, and security and maintenance staff. Ashok Malkani fi nds that along with the growth of the mall culture, the maintenance and cleaning of malls, like other facets of the hospitality industry,

is a fi eld brimming with opportunities, but still a lot needs to be done in terms of increasing the supply of skilled manpower in mall

maintenance. In this context, the facility managers who can provide trained housekeeping professionals will steal a march over others.

staff has to make the seven lakh sq.ft. mall spic and span by 10 am. Not a very easy job indeed! It explains the behind the scene arduous work to maintain a glamourous look.

The above scenario is not an aberration, but a day-to-day occurrence in almost all malls in India, where, buoyed by the retail revolution, there has been a recent mushrooming of malls in metros, and also in tier-II and tier-III cities.

According to a global real estate services firm, CB Richard Ellis, during 2010, 5 million sq.ft. of retail space was added in India, and during 2011-12, approximately 15 million sq. ft. of retail space is lined up to get operational.

It is no wonder that as a result of the growth of retail space and mall culture, the opportunities for facility managers are also on the rise as are their numbers, for an average

Mulling Over Mall Management

It is 8.00 am and though the mall is offi cially closed, there is hectic activity inside as scores of uniformed men darts around with their mops, busy with the routine

cleaning operations. Some are negotiating the fl oors with bright-yellow cleaning machines. The busy atmosphere is accounted for the fact that the said mall opens at 11 am and the 100-odd housekeeping

19Nov-Dec ’11

BUSINESS

mall having an area of 1 lakh sq. ft. requires the services of 15-20 vendors and rakes in about Rs.6 lakh worth of business for a Facility Manager. Besides opportunities in architecture and design, there are a galore of opportunities in security, air-conditioning, plumbing, windowpane cleaning, parking management, and decoration among others.

Mall management companies not only outsource cleaning operations to facility managers but also other services like parking, security, housekeeping, and cash management. Vipul Facility Management, a renowned facility management firm, offers a comprehensive suite of integrated or stand-alone services which transgresses the entire lifecycle of a building. There are firms handling electro-mechanical services like fire detection and suppression, power management, access control, water management plumbing, etc. The revenue depends on the number of services provided to all the malls in a given facility management company’s portfolio.

Here it deserves a mention that shopping malls and retail stores are typically open well into the night and some are open seven days a week. Therefore much of the cleaning operations in malls, which usually get heavy footfalls, are done during late night or early morning, calling for erratic time schedules for housekeeping staff engaged in

cleaning and maintenance of malls. As heavy footfalls, shopping carts and spilled food and drinks can make the floors messy at the end of the day, the challenge of cleaning and maintenance of these huge retail spaces becomes all the more onerous, which necessitates a large crew.

Looking Through the Glass Glass cleaning is an important

aspect of mall cleaning, as glazing glass façades and show windows add to the glamour of the glitzy malls and attract the shoppers. However, before undertaking glass cleaning in malls, it is sensible to heed to experts’ advice, which would facilitate to keep the glass façades and show windows spic and span.

Firstly, housekeeping staff should refrain from cleaning glass when it is exposed to direct sunlight. It is also preferable to soak the glass surface with clean water and soap solution as this would loosen dirt and grime and thereby facilitate cleaning. Use a mild, non- abrasive window washing solution and apply it with a non-abrasive applicator. Immediately after washing the glass, remove the cleaning solution with a squeegee, taking care not to allow any metal surface of the cleaning equipment to come in direct contact with the glass surface.

If even after undertaking glass cleaning there are any other marks, such as little insect marks or grubby finger marks that refuse to go away,

give it a rub with the clean part of the micro-fibre cloth. Dry the cleaning solutions from window gaskets, sealants and frames. Also, make sure that the abrasive particles are not trapped between the glass and the cleaning material. Window and door gasket, sealants and frames are susceptible to degradation if the water and cleaning solutions are not dried away immediately after cleaning. It is also preferable to not use scrapers for cleaning glass.

Get Floored While entering a departmental

store or a mall or for that matter any facility, one of the first things that tend to come to the notice of the customers is the appearance of the floors. The degree of cleanliness of the floors develops a perception among the customers about the overall cleanliness of the building. There would be hardly anyone who would like shopping in a shop whose floor is dirty. Floor care in retail environments does pose challenges for cleaning managers. However, a comprehensive cleaning program and the help of a skilled contractor can address these challenges to a great extent.

The retail housekeeping staff generally invests 50 to 80 percent of its working hours dealing with floor care, and labour is generally the most expensive input in floor care. One of the main challenges of floor care of the huge public areas like malls

Nov-Dec ’1120

BUSINESS

is its cost. Cleaning, maintenance, restoration and avoiding liabilities are the primary cost factors of floor care in malls. Thus selecting low-maintenance floor materials is one of the important steps towards lowering floor care cost, and also making floor care more efficient in malls.

There is not one rule of floor cleaning that can fit all floors. Floor surfaces in malls or otherwise tend to be different from each other, and their cleaning procedures will naturally vary.The treatments required for different types of floors are different from each other, though there are some cardinal principles. For example, for facilitating safety standards, it is essential to ensure that the floor is not left even slightly wet after cleaning or mopping operations. But overall, to clean your floors the right way you need the appropriate products and techniques required for your type of floor.

Nowadays, there are a wide variety of floor cleaning machines available, which include floor buffers, automatic floor scrubbers and carpet extractors, which can afford deep cleaning of almost any kind of hard floor or carpeted flooring surface with much more efficiency and much less time than the traditional cleaning methods.

However, choosing the right cleaning equipment for your floor care still entails challenge. Floored with so many choices, one can tend to get confused about the right options for his type of floor care. For facilities like malls, you need to use that or those floor cleaning equipments which not only enhance the glaze of the floors of the malls, but which doesn’t facilitate in ruining the floor in the long-run. Well-trained

labour force, the right floor care equipments, and adherence to the right timing and proper procedures can together facilitate a successful floor care program.

Especially for the retail sector too there are some generic guidelines for floor care that most facility managers do agree upon. They involve daily maintenance, interim maintenance and restorative maintenance. Daily maintenance includes frequent dust mopping, followed by damp mopping or auto-scrubbing. The removal of dust and grime should be followed by burnishing the floor, which ideally should be done daily. A mop-on restorer can be applied prior to burnishing once a month or with more frequency for facilitating extra shine and to preserve the finished look.

Scrubbing and recoating are the important facets of interim floor maintenance, particularly when floors reflect a worn out look. However, this happens to be a time taking and expensive exercise, and should be undertaken once in every three to six months, depending on the footfalls that the facility attracts.

There is no denying the fact that restorative maintenance, which involves stripping and refinishing floors, is the most expensive part of the floor-care program or for that matter of any cleaning exercise in a

commercial facility, largely because it entails the areas to be restored or renovated to be closed for shoppers, which of course translates into potential for comparatively lesser revenues accruing from the given facility. However, applying proper care in daily and interim floor maintenance can significantly lower the frequency for restorative care in facilities.

Tackling Mall Pollution Cleaning of malls does not mean

merely keeping the glass façade or the floors clean. There is always the recurrent threat of pollution which can be caused by several factors. The stores showcasing leather products and the fast-food courts are often susceptible to pollution and which malls doesn’t have those these days? The piling of plastic bags in and around the malls can also be a major source of pollution. Malls are also huge consumers of energy and thus are an important emitting source for greenhouse gases.

These polluting challenges can be only addressed through better waste management exercises, with particular focus on plastic wastes. Proper collection and disposal of plastic bags and the replacement of plastic bags with paper bags or fibre-based bags is the need of the hour. They need to be complemented by adoption of more efficient lightening system in the malls. But all these need the cooperation of the mall management with the facility managers.

Issues of Concern Comprehensive and proper

maintenance of malls requires the joint efforts of the mall management and the facility managers. In this

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regard, a built-in strategy, geared to attain long-term cleaning solutions is necessary. For joint endeaviours between mall management and facility managers it is always better to have a proactive management than a reactive management, as the former is more likely to take preventive steps quickly, leading to the lowering of operational costs.

The fact that there is a dearth of requisite skills among contractors is another issue of concern in mall management. According to Jonathan Yach, the CEO of Mantri Square, Bangalore, as mall management is a nascent industry in India, “there is a need for new skills for which there is paucity in the country.” He views that India is facing a situation similar to what South Africa faced two decades ago. Then, according to him, most of the contractors in South Africa didn’t understand the enormity of business of servicing a mall. Then there were shopping centres in South Africa with severe dearth of qualified people to carry their operations.

Manoj Agarwal, the Associate Vice-President (India Operations) at Inorbit Malls India Pvt. Ltd. also views that “most malls in India do feel the skill deficit in contracting business, in the purview of mall management.” He agrees that joint efforts of the facility operations and contractors ensure effective mall maintenance.

The need for training contractors to su i t the requ i rement o f maintenance of malls in keeping with the standard operation procedures (SOPs) is very much there in India,

and Yach took this issue one step further when he called for the mall management to encourage their contractors to set up training schools for their janitors. Of course, a skilled army contractors and janitors who are specialied in mall cleaning are urgently needed, so that the malls, despite their huge depreciation-inducing footfalls and widespread presence of littering, continue to remain spic and span. Malls should be cleaned, secured and managed only by people who are trained to do so, in order to maintain their glamour and utility quotient over a long period of time.

At the same time, it should be kept in mind tha t ma l l management personnel and mall service contractors require different skill sets but there should be a close cooperation between the two. However, it is lamentable that even today a number of malls are yet to adopt mechanised cleaning or even adhere to set SOPs for maintaining impeccable cleanliness.

These scenario needs to be improved drastically and urgently, otherwise the huge opportunity for the housekeeping industry at large, presented by the ongoing retail revolution, would be lost. The industry would miss the bus. At a time when India is turning to be an international retail destination and consequently supermarkets and malls are booming, there is ample scope for facility managers to aim for the sky. But they should be trained enough to take the challenge and also have to have trained people in their team. ■

Nov-Dec ’1122

HYGIENE

Cleaning entails removal of undesirable soil f r o m a s u r f a c e . Cleaning effi cacy is determined by mainly

four factors namely temperature, act ion, chemica ls and t ime. Mechanical cleaning comprises the principle of applying high action with low detergent, low temperature and low time. This will in turn save other utilities like water, detergent, manpower, etc.

It is very important for the food industry to maintain high levels of cleaning and hygiene. But this simultaneously makes this industry labour-intensive in its character. As one food factory may produce various products or can have various lines of one product, process scheduling becomes challenging, as manpower availability and other resources availability needs to be taken into account while doing process scheduling.

Many a time it becomes diffi cult to clean hard to reach areas like the roof, cable trays, overhead pipings, exhaust fans, etc. Vertical equipment surfaces are equally difficult to clean, as applied detergent flows down and practically leaves zero contact time between detergent and surface soil. Especially in the

Indian scenario, growing consumer awareness and increasing regulatory control have made cleaning and hygiene maintenance a serious task for the food industry. This has led to the increasing usage of ‘mechanical cleaning’ in the food industry. Mechanical cleaning generally uses equipments which are easy to handle, operator-friendly and have improved safety system for the operator.

Mechanical Advantages It is a wrong assumption that

mechanical cleaning is costlier than manual cleaning. The returns of mechanical cleaning should be calculated while keeping in mind the following factors:

(i) Cost of machine(ii) Consumable costs (iii) Annual maintenance costs (iv) Cost of running the

machine (v) Operators’ salaries (vi) Cost of manual cleaning in

the absence of mechanical cleaning(vii) Number of total employees

employed for similar mechanical c leaning operations and their salaries

(viii) Opportunity cost for the savings in terms of labour hours.

Generally better cleaning results,

savings of water and detergent, reduction in ETP load, reach to inaccessible areas, etc. are assorted benefits of mechanical cleaning over manual cleaning. By applying mechanical cleaning techniques on a more large scale the food industry has likelihood to benefi t in terms of both costs and labour.

M e c h a n i c a l C l e a n i n g Equipments for the Food Industry

There a re f ew impor tant mechanical cleaning equipments, which does have useful application in the food industry. They are as follows:

(i) Foam Cleaning Machine: These machines are designed to provide better access to inaccessible areas and provide reasonable contact time between detergent and vertical surfaces. These machines generate foam with specialty chemicals, which are designed specifi cally for foaming purpose. This generated foam stays at vertical surfaces for a reasonable time period, which provides sufficient reaction time between detergent and soil.

(ii) Vacuum Cleaners: As the name suggests, these equipments are used for vacuuming. Two kinds of machines that are available

Food IndustryFood IndustryMechanical Cleaning for the Mechanical Cleaning for the

By Anil Nair

23Nov-Dec ’11

HYGIENE

under this head are dry vacuum machines, and wet & dry vacuum machines. Dry vacuum machines can be used for dry applications like dust, powder, fl our vacuuming, while wet & dry vacuum machines can be used for both dry and wet applications. These machines are available with different accessories like micron filter that prevents discharging contaminated air to the environment. Industrial vacuum cleaners are also available, which can be used for the applications of 24 x 7 kind.

(iii) Scrubbers: These machines are used for scrubbing the fl oors with detergent. They have to be assisted by vacuum cleaner, which has to dry/clean the fl oor after scrubbing. The scrubbing machines can also be used for polishing or buffi ng the fl oor. Various pads and brushes are available depending on the kind of fl oor to be cleaned.

(iv) Auto-Scrubbers: Floor scrubbing along with drying can be achieved with these machines. Auto-scrubbers are available in varieties ranging from push-behind driven to ride-on versions. These can be used with various kinds of brushes/pads depending on the requirement of the fl oor.

Latest models in this range are spruced with CSD (Controlled

Solution Dosing), which controls the dosing of water with the speed of the machine. This reduces water and detergent consumption by approximately 33 percent. Both battery operated and electricity operated versions are available in the market today. Batter y operated versions of auto-scrubber are considered to be safer and environment friendly than electricity operated ones. However, one needs to take into account of the layout of equipments in the area during selection of this machine, as practical capacity may vary signifi cantly with theoretical capacity.

(v) Sweepers: Exterior areas of a plant or an establishment can be cleaned using sweepers. These machines are designed to pick heavy dust including small stones, pebbles, etc. Push-behind versions can be used for smaller areas while ride-on versions can be used to clean larger areas. These machines can be useful for plants having very big open areas. Here it deserves a mention that open area cleaning is very critical from quality point of view as well from the esthetic point of view.

(vi) High Pressure Jets: Sticky soils can be easily removed by using high pressure jets. These jets can normally deliver up to 200-bar pressure. Detergent can also be dosed in feed water to improve the effi cacy of cleaning. These machines are very effective in cleaning inaccessible areas like heights, tank interiors, etc. Along with saving water, they signifi cantly reduce the total time required for cleaning.

Hot water jets can be used where high temperature is required for removing soil. Generally these machines are diesel operated and are thus recommended to be installed outside the production hall and be used by taking the hose inside the production hall. The selection of these machines depends on their washing power and the type of motor. Washing power is simply the product of pressure and flow rate. High washing power cleans the application area more effi ciently.

The author is the Director BREG, Diversey India Pvt. Ltd. ■

Points to Ponder While Selecting a Cleaning Machine(i) Total area to be cleaned(ii) Time required for cleaning(iii) Type of electricity available (e.g.110V/220V, 50/60Hz)(iv) Frequency of cleaning in a day (e.g. once a day, once every shift, etc.)(v) The extent of power consumption(vi) Water requirement(vii) Suitable detergent disinfectant(viii) Durability, reliability(ix) Ergonomics(x) Maintenance(xi) Warranty(xii) Service.

Nov-Dec ’1124

LAUNDRY

Thorough Cleaning of Your

The value addition that immaculately washed c lothes can bring to the hospitality industry can be appreciated

when one witnesses the guests bringing the clothes close to their chest out of affection. That slight squeeze on the lips and a little glow in the eyes that spic and span linen manage to bring among the customers or the guests, often go a long way in establishing a mutually enduring relationship. Creating spotless cleanliness that drives away the dark clouds of doubts from the minds of the guests about the cleanliness and hygiene quotient of the clothes in an instant, however, requires meticulous organisation and great dedication.

For all types of cleaning, be it clothes, carpets, blankets, bedding and towels, a host of factors always need to interact closely to produce the optimum results. The relationship between sorting of laundry, chemical actions, detergents, water — hot and cold— and time taken for the washing process, affects the fi nal outcome to a great extent.

Soiled laundry is generally

Laundry

25Nov-Dec ’11

laundered in programmable, stainless steel passes through washers that use non-ionic, biodegradable surfactants and conditioners. Wash formulas are tailored to suit the type of item, fabric, and soil levels of the garments being washed. Careful attention is also paid to ensure that machines are evenly loaded to prevent wearing of garments, and that alkali approximates skin PH levels prior to drying. Heavily soiled and foul laundries require a different set of parameters as do the woolens and the delicate fabrics. Top loading washing machines generally cannot accommodate these requirements and often damage woolens and delicate fabrics.

Succinctly, it requires utmost care before applying a given cleaning process on the material to be washed. Some simple and yet time-tested steps for the best laundry care results involve sorting out clothes by colour, wash temperature and fabric type,

consulting the fabric label for specifi c washing instructions and setting the load size, wash and rinse temperature dials on the washer, etc.

It is very essential to allow the washer to fill with water before adding detergent or any laundry additives. Add your clothes only at the last! Leaving space for clothes and detergent to move freely in the machine ensures that stains and soil are released and removed from the garments. Therefore one needs to understand the quantity of clothes that the machine can happily accommodate, as overloading the machine may leave the traces of stain on the clothes. For achieving the best results, it is better to remove the clothes from the washing machine and dry garments as soon as the wash cycle gets completed. Reading the labels of the garments carefully and following recommended drying procedures may also help the clothes to reach or even extend beyond their normal term of usability.

Sort and Succeed Sorting the laundry is the fi rst

step to a clean wash that helps to keep clothes, linens, and other household items remain their best through repeated washings. It is important to fi rst sort the laundry by colour. One needs to put all the white coloured articles in one pile, the light colours and pastels in another pile, and the bright and dark

Laundry

Nov-Dec ’1126

LAUNDRY

colours into the third. For getting the optimum results,

you may well demarcate the dark pile into two more piles; one for colourfast items and the other for non-colourfast items. To complete the process, you may further separate each pile into three smaller piles based on how dirty they are. The three smaller piles may comprise of lightly soiled, moderately soiled, and heavily soiled clothing. You may thus have up to 12 piles of laundry. Sort them until you come up with a reasonable number of compatible, washer-size loads.

The following combinations may go down well with your final sorting:

• Separate the synthetics, blends, and permanent-press fabrics from natural fabrics.

• Create a separate pile for delicate items that should be hand-washed.

• Separate the white synthetic articles, and wash them only with other white fabrics.

• Combine the white and light-coloured items that have similar degrees of soil into the same pile.

Prior to loading the machines, garments should also be inspected and sorted to remove trash and other non-suitable materials that may often cause laundry disasters.

Mechanical Dexterity In a front loading automatic

washing machine, the mechanical action is created by the drum rotation. The paddles on the inside of the drum lift the washable clothes to the top of the drum from where it

falls to the bottom of the drum with a thump. This creates the squeezing action on the fabrics in the washing machine, which removes the dirt and soiling from the fibres.

These particles and grease globules are then held in the wash water and detergent solution, until the drain cycle begins. If you were to observe your machine in action, you would hear a thump as the clothes fall to the bottom of the drum during the cotton wash. This will be much less evident during delicate or woolen washes where the mechanical action entails only a movement in the drum with a high level of wash water and a diluted detergent mix.

Time is the KeyThe second factor in how-to-do-

laundry is time. The longer you beat, sweep or squeeze, cleaner would be the garment. In a modern washing machine, time is controlled by

either a mechanical clock timer or a modern micro-processor, which can be updated with the latest programmes at any future date. In a cotton wash, the time taken to complete the main wash process is normally ten minutes more than other garments after the desired temperature is reached.

The Right Chemistry Chemical action is another

important factor in laundries. Chemical action in the modern washing machine removes the soiling and holds it in suspension until being drained out at the end of the wash and rinse cycles, so that it is not re-deposited back onto the fabric.

The modern fully built biological detergent has brighteners that are held in the wash water unused until the temperature goes over 60 degrees Celsius. So if you use a lot of low temperature programmes, you may get a build up of unused detergent in the pipes, which may require pumping of your machine.

It is best to use a hot wash on a regular basis to clear out any unused detergents lurking at the bottom of your machine. The temperature is the most important element in disinfecting and killing of any nasty pathogens that may be in the laundry. This is most important when dealing with foul laundry in the nursery or in hospital and care operations.

There are now special sluice programmes available on commercial

27Nov-Dec ’11

LAUNDRY

machines to deal with this type of soiling so that everything that is washed is thermal-disinfected at a temperature of at least 65 degrees Celsius, maintained for at least two minutes. This provides the time to eliminate most known bacteria and viruses, but in certain circumstances, a boil wash of at least 82 degrees Celsius is required.

High and Cool Temperatures

Temperature is the final and in some circumstances the most important factor in how-to-do-laundries. Where grease or wax soils are concerned, a high temperature will be needed to dissolve them so that they can be held in the detergent solution. However, using hot water at the initial stage may make many stains permanent, especially the blood stains. This factor needs to be taken care of for housekeepers engaged in hospital laundry. However, for cleaning of certain clothes use of cold water is only recommended.

If we think of the wash programme

for cottons or heavily soiled, robust fabrics, we will require great mechanical action, complemented by strong chemical solution, for a long time, at very high temperatures. For example, a boil wash for cottons can be recommended.

After the Wash In international level hotels,

after the washing, garments get transferred to ULPA filtered steam-heated dryers. Drying times and temperatures are tailored to suit the

item and fabric type of the load. Garments are then allowed a cool-down cycle to prevent binding or shrinkage of seams, and to prevent wrinkling.

During the folding process, items are again inspected for damage. Items that fail inspection are removed from the process flow and sent for repair or replacement. Finished garments are sealed inside individual poly bags. The packets are then organised, and packaged before making the final delivery. ■

Nov-Dec ’1128

CLEANING

Polished concrete is fast becoming the u l t imate no-wax flooring material. Thanks to recent

advances in polishing equipment and techniques, contractors are now grinding concrete floor surfaces, whether new or old, to a high-gloss finish that never needs waxes or coatings.

Factor in the superior durability and performance of concrete, and it is no wonder why more retail, warehouse, and office facilities are seen opting for polished concrete flooring as an alternative to marble, granite, tile, linoleum, or coated concrete flooring. Even homeowners are catching on to the appeal of these smooth, high-lustre floors, which can be stained to replicate the look of polished stones.

Concrete Po l i sh ing Basics

S i m p l y p u t , polishing concrete is similar to sanding wood. Heavy-duty polishing machines

e q u i p p e d w i t h progressively finer grits of diamond-

i m p r e g n a t e d s e g m e n t s o r disks (akin to s a n d p a p e r ) a r e u s e d t o

gradually grind down surfaces to

the desired degree of shine and smoothness.

The process begins with the use of coarse diamond segments bonded with a metallic matrix. These segments are coarse enough to remove minor pits, blemishes, stains, or light coatings from the floor in preparation for final smoothing. Depending on the condition of the concrete, this initial rough grinding is generally a three to four step process.

The next steps involve fine grinding of the concrete surface using diamond abrasives embedded in a plastic or resin matrix. Crews use ever-finer grits of polishing disks (a process called lapping) until the floor has the desired sheen. For an extremely high-gloss finish, a final grit of 1500 or finer one may be used. Experienced polishing crews know when to switch to the next-finer

grit by observing the floor surface and the amount of material being removed.

During the final polishing step, some contractors spread a commercial polishing compound onto the surface to give the floor a bit more sheen. These compounds also help clean any residue remaining on the surface from the polishing process and leave a dirt-resistant finish.

C a n A l l C o n c r e t e B e Polished?

Almost any structurally sound concrete floor, whether new or old, can be polished. But there are some exceptions.

For new concrete floors, no special mix design is required to achieve the desired results. However, the floor should be in place at least 28 days before polishing begins. This will

The Advantages of Polished

Concrete Flooring By Deepak Baluja

29Nov-Dec ’11

CLEANING

ensure a comprehensive polishing exercise. Some retail and warehouse facilities that plan to polish their concrete floors after placement may specify the installation of as smooth a floor as possible to minimise the polishing steps required.

Existing concrete floors typically require some surface preparation prior to polishing for the purpose of removing dirt, grease, coatings, or blemishes. However, floors that are wavy need extensive patching, and those which are extremely porous may not be good candidates for polishing. An experienced contractor can usually determine a floor’s suitability for polishing.

To help solidify and densify polished concrete surfaces, some contractors apply penetrating hardeners to the concrete, normally after the first step of the grinding process. These products, which can be applied to new or existing floors, work by reacting chemically with the concrete to form a hard, crystalline structure. They also prevent dusting of concrete and offer extra protection from water penetration and staining.

P o l i s h e d C o n c r e t e Standards

There are no published standards for polished concrete that I know of, but it is generally agreed that the concrete must be polished through the sequence of disks ending with 1800-3500 grit diamonds to be considered as polished concrete. At this level the concrete will exhibit a glossy sheen and high reflectivity without the use of a topical coating.

Here it deserves a mention that polished concrete is not simply exposing the rock in the concrete mix and then applying a sealer. During the polishing process of concrete an internal impregnating

sealer is applied. The sealer sinks into the concrete and is invisible to the naked eye. It not only protects the concrete from the inside out, it also hardens and densifies the concrete. This eliminates the need for a topical coating, which reduces maintenance significantly as compared to if you had a coating on it.

When kept clean and dry, pol i shed concrete f loors are generally no slicker than plain concrete surfaces. And they tend to be less slippery than waxed linoleum or polished marble floors. But public facilities that want to provide extra protection against slip-and-fall accidents can treat polished floors with anti-slip conditioners. These products contain special additives designed to improve traction and make wet surfaces safer. They must be re-applied periodically, but they can simply be mopped on during routine cleaning exercise.

P o l i s h e d C o n c r e t e Applications

Because polishing is a multi-step process, customers tend to choose the level of sheen from satin to high-gloss that meets their maintenance and aes thet i c requi rements . Polishing concrete entails a wide gamut of such possibilities. This versatility makes polished concrete an ideal flooring material for a variety of applications. Polishing contractors for concrete say their primary customers include:

(i) Large warehouses and warehouse outlets

(ii) Retail stores(iii) Hotels and restaurants(iv) Office buildings(v) Auto showrooms(vi) Private residencesEase of maintenance is the

key reason why many warehouses

and retail facilities are opting for polished concrete. Not only are polished concrete floors easy to clean, requiring only occasional damp mopping, they hold up well to heavy forklift and foot traffic. They also eliminate the need for messy waxes or coatings as well as the associated labour, time, and expense to apply them. Besides, the glossy concrete surface resists the marks of forklift truck tires and staining from oil and chemical spills.

The high light reflectivity of polished concrete is another important benefit, especially for office buildings, hotels, restaurants, and other public facilities that want to project a bright, clean, and professional image.

Maintaining the ShineAlthough keeping polished

concrete shiny requires minimal effort and expense, some regular care is necessary. We recommend a simple maintenance program of occasional dusting to remove grit, and damp mopping with a neutral c leaner to enhance the shine. Klindex also has special cleaners and conditioners for polished concrete that not only clean the surface, but also leave behind a dirt-resistant film. These products can be applied with a mop or auto-scrubber and do not require buffing.

Even with bas ic c leaning operations, polished concrete should keep its lustre for years. Eventually though, the shine can dull, especially in high-traffic areas. Fortunately, it is easy to restore the gleam of polished concrete. Sometimes simply buffing the floor with a commercial polishing compound will do the trick. If more touch-up is necessary, the floors can be lightly re-polished with a fine-grit abrasive.

The author is the Country Head, Kleendex India.

Nov-Dec ’1130

CLEANING

Available in a wide spectrum of design optionsIn addition to adding colour with dyes and integral pigments, you can use the polishing process to reveal colorued aggregate and other decorative embedded objects. You also have a choice of sheen levels, from a subtle gloss to a brilliant, mirror like shine.

Longevity and performancePolishing produces an extremely dense, abrasion-resistant surface that will last a lifetime with proper care. Carpet, tile and even wood floors eventually need replacement, which uses up resources and creates disposal problems.

Ease of maintenanceNot only are polished floors easy to clean, requiring only occasional damp mopping, they hold up well under heavy forklift and foot traffic. The glossy surface also eliminates the need for waxes or coatings while resisting stains.

Can radiate heat and store solar energyConcrete flooring is often a central component of passive solar home designs, because the slab absorbs the heat of the sun during the day and releases the stored heat as needed at night. Concrete is also ideal for use with radiant floor heating systems.

Vulnerable to humidity and moisture damage

Can harbour mould, mildew, dust mites and other allergensConcrete is a great alternative to carpeting for people who are allergic to animal dander and dust mites. Concrete also is an inorganic material and won’t support the growth of toxic moulds).

Is a sustainable flooring alternativeIn addition to using sustainable materials, polished concrete does not require the use of hazardous chemicals, coatings, adhesives or cleaners. Another green advantage: Polished floors are highly reflective and can save energy by reducing artificial lighting requirements.

Average cost per square foot installedDepends on the level of finish, decorative options and complexity of the project. Polished concrete is an economical alternative for homeowners or businesses that can’t afford marble or granite but want the same mirror like finish.

Average lifecycle costWith low maintenance costs, savings in energy costs, and a super-long lifespan, polished concrete is one of the least costly floors you can own over time

Wall-to-wall Ceramic tile Vinyl or Wood or Natural stone Polished carpet linoleum wood laminate (such as slate concrete or marble)

Yes Yes Yes Yes No Unlimited

Poor Good Good Good Excellent Excellent

Poor Good Good Good Good Excellent (needs (linoleum (linoleum frequent may need may needvacuuming; occasional occasionalstains easily) waxing) waxing)

No No No No Yes Yes depending on the material

Yes No Yes Yes No No

Yes No No Yes No No (moulds and mildew, if the flooring becomes wet)

No Yes Maybe Maybe Yes Yes (if using (if made from linoleum reclaimed or made from FSC-certified all natural wood) materials)

$3.38 - $11- $2.64-5.64* $8-10 $20-50+ $3-7 6.61* 22* (for a 3,000 - grit finish and the use of an impregnating sealer)

High Low Intermediate Intermediate Low Extremely Low

Decorative polished concrete offers a number of advantages that other flooring materials can’t match, particularly when it comes to durability, performance and sustainability. Here, we compare polished concrete floors with some of the alternatives.

By Anne Balogh, The Concrete Network

31Nov-Dec ’11

Green hospitality may seem to be a f a sh ion statement, but actually it is a necessity of our

times. The growing eco-friendly attitude among people at large is reflected in greater spread of the culture of eco-tourism and eventually more green hospitality options, as tourism and hospitality, at the end of the day, is essentially about people. And that is what is becoming evident these days, both globally and domestically.

Indian hotels too are opting to go the green way, in a big way. Moreover, today major hospitality chains are opting for a host of eco-friendly practices to attract green travellers. Today, business and leisure tourists travelling to or within India can find a host of eco-friendly hospitality options to suit their needs and lifestyle. From five-star properties to luxury tented accommodations, to eco villages and idyllic resorts, now one has lots of options to explore sustainable luxury, in picturesque locales.

N o t o n l y d o these places offer a refreshing approach to tourism, but they are also located in some of the most beautiful and scenic

parts of India. With the growth of eco-tourism, we are finding that the number of environmentally friendly hotels in India is increasing.

Refreshing as Lemon Lemon Tree Hotels, a prominent

chain of upscale business and leisure hotels with domestic presence is also a prominent name in the realm of India’s eco-friendly hospitality industry. Lemon Tree Hotels, which operates 14 upscale hotels across 12 destinations in the country, with presence in Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, Aurangabad, East Delhi, Indore, Bangalore, Goa, Muhamma — located in west of Kumarakom, Chandigarh, Pune and Gurgaon, has over the years implemented many eco-friendly processes for energy and water preservation, responsible waste management practices as well as measures to control water, noise

and environmental pollution.The energy conservation measures

implemented by Lemon Tree Hotels include using Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) technology for air-conditioning, which gives 30 percent more efficiency and superior comfort than conventional technologies in air-conditioning. The hotel chain has also introduced CFL lighting, which provides as much light as a conventional bulb, while consuming far less energy. The hotels of the chain have been designed for maximum exploitation of natural light; leading to conservation of electricity.

The properties of Lemon Tree Hotels have installed key tag energy saver system. The key card switches are installed in all guest rooms to conserve energy in unoccupied rooms. The moment a guest leaves the room, all lights and air-conditioners switch off automatically. All windows of

the properties have glazed vacuum-sealed glass to minimise external sound levels. Moreover, all guest room windows are glazed with heat reflective film on the panes. This reduces the load on the air-conditioning system, as heat t rans fer f rom out s ide i s minimised.

Another energy s a v i n g m e a s u r e a t L e m o n Tre e hospitality properties is the use of auto

By Swarnendu Biswas

FEATURE

Green Hospitality

The Park Hyderabad

Nov-Dec ’1132

time management for lighting and ventilation fans. Timers are provided in the lighting systems used at corridors, gardens, building illumination, etc. for saving energy. Ventilation fans are put on timers to avoid wasteful running. Furthermore, a lighting plan is in place (based on usage and requirement) for certain public areas of the hotels. Besides, solar water heating systems are in use by the hotel chain.

With regard to water conservation, the plumbing faucets are fitted with aerators for water conservation. All public urinals of the properties of the hospitality chain have auto flush system. There are automatic sensors for flushing to minimise water wastage. The hotel chain has also employed rain water harvesting system, which protects and replenishes the water table.

The rainwater from the properties is being recharged into the ground through recharge wells. The hotel chain has also introduced energy-efficient hydro-pneumatic systems for water supply, which not only give constant pressure but also reduce the load on the pump automatically in case of low demand. This is achieved by using pressure transducers and variable frequency drives for pumps.

The emission norms of DG sets of the hospitality properties of Lemon Tree Hotels conform to CPCB norms. In addition, the DG sets also have acoustic insulated canopies for controlling noise to permissible limits. All the hotels of Lemon Tree Hotels have a sewage treatment plant (STP) each, having a capacity of 60 KL per day. They work on a system of extended aeration technology systems. All waste water from the kitchen, guest rooms, public areas and service areas is treated in the STP, filtered and then used for gardening and irrigation of surrounding areas of the hotel.

Some of the operational green practices adhered to by the hotel chain include the usage of laundry paper bags instead of plastic bags, use of recycled bio-degradable garbage bags, and placing of water glasses in an inverted way on a cork surface thereby doing away with the need of plastic covers. Moreover, at Lemon Tree Hotels, plastic pens are being replaced by pencils and waste papers are recycled.

Chains Going the Green Way

The internationally renowned hospitality chains with presence in India are also initiating green practices in a significant manner. In the recent past, the Pune Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre has also been awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). With its various green initiatives, The Marriott Hotels & Resorts branded property is the only hotel in Pune and the first Marriott International hotel in India to receive this distinguished honour.

Here it deserves a mention that LEED is an internationally recognised program for the design, construction and operations of high performance green buildings. By using less energy and water, LEED certified buildings contribute towards saving money and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and play a constructive role towards a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.

Since its opening in November 2010, the property has strived

towards saving and preserving natural resources and the environment. The Pune Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre has incorporated and adapted low VOC emitting materials, reduced landscape water usage by using indigenous plants, made usage of rapidly renewable materials, achieved 42 percent energy savings for the building operations, and installed vegetated green roofs. These are a few of the many other green initiatives introduced by the hotel.

Owned by the Panchsheel Group, the hotel has been built in a manner that ensures 75 percent of the property enjoys natural day lighting during the day, thus saving on energy and providing for a better working environment. The Pune Marriott has always used 100 percent chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) free refrigerant materials for air-conditioning; contributing towards a reduction in ozone depletion. Also, as a policy, the property uses only ‘Green Seal’ certified chemicals in all its housekeeping activities.

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels is another hospitality group that is quite serious about its green visions. Take the case of The Park Hyderabad, a seven-star luxury boutique hotel with a stunning façade. Designed by Chicago-based architectural and engineering firm, Skidmore Owings and Merrill, the property reflects Hyderabad’s local craftsmanship, and rich cultural legacy. The hotel’s contemporary design derives inspiration from Hyderabad’s traditional lineage as a historical nerve centre and a modern day capital of design and production of precious stones and rich textiles. The breathtaking façade references jewelry settings reminiscent of the Nizam’s legendary jewellery collection.

However, what makes this modern Indian palace really singular is that it is India’s first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certified green hotel. Wrapped by over 6200 aluminum panels that endows a shading effect and facilitates in energy conservation, the hotel represents the best of responsible luxury. The façade of perforated metal helps to protect the

FEATURELe

mon

Tree

Hin

jew

adi,

Pune

33Nov-Dec ’11

building’s high performance windows from the natural wraths of sun and rain. The firm entrusted to design the hotel, in collaboration with the Stevens Institute of Technology’s Product Architecture Lab in Hoboken, New Jersey, had worked on energy conservation system of the hotel, which has contributed to 20 percent decrease of energy usage in the hotel.

Local climate, day lighting, solar gain were only some of the factors which were taken into account during the design of the building, with the objective of optimising the light and heat gain. The rooms of the property afford wonderful scenery of Hussain Sagar Lake, and also of the fast-paced city of great past and promising present, but at the same time are also shielded from receiving much heat of the Sun. The 270-room hotel has been built by adhering to the construction norms of the US Green Building Council, and it manages to raise the standard of contemporary boutique hotels in India. Succinctly, in this hotel, high-end technology has been creatively used to address the needs of energy conservation. The grandeur of the hotel in no way comprises on its sustainable character.

Taj Group has also married its century-old legacy of classy opulence with the trendy eco-friendly culture of the times, which in the coming years may lead to the emergence of an unbeatable hospitality combination. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces has launched EARTH (Environment Awareness and Renewal at Taj Hotels), a movement that works to minimise the impact of its businesses on the environment. The initiatives under this umbrella include environmental training for all employees of the hospitality group, energy audits every three years, and a phased reduction of freshwater consumption.

Many of the properties of Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces have made noteworthy green endeavours. Taj Coromandel, Chennai generates electricity from a grid which is propelled by windmills, solar water heating systems at the Taj West End, Bangalore had managed to save over

51,000 litres of fuel in three years, and a biogas plant was set up at Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, which facilitates in cutting energy costs. Battery operated boats connect Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, to the mainland. They have replaced gasoline-run boats. Here it deserves a mention that the grandiose property stands at the middle of the famous Pichola Lake. In order to increase its energy supply, the Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi, has installed solar panels on its rooftop.

Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Maldives has applied a range of initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, whilst ensuring that its guests continue to experience a high level of comfort, luxury accommodation, culinary offerings, spa and recreational facilities, as well as impeccable service.

The property is one of the very few in the Maldives to have installed a unique hot water system, which instead of using electric geysers, uses three DG sets (Diesel Generator Cooking Paths) to assist in heat recovery and reducing diesel output. Taj Exotica has invested in the installation of insulated pipes all around the island, pumping the water around at a constant pressure of 2kg. The result is an annual saving of 10,9500 litres of diesel. In the area of water consumption, the property has installed a rain water harvesting system.

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts is also embracing environmental practices in a big way. The water of the swimming pool of The Leela Palace Bangalore is heated with solar panels, which are installed on the roof of the porch. At The Leela Palace, New Delhi, wastewater is treated through a multi-stage process, by the state-of-the-art sewage treatment plants. Treatment of the wastewater is followed by its reusing or recycling.

The Cost and the Benefits However, all said and done, despite

such noteworthy above mentioned examples in green hospitality, an opinion floats in some select sections of the Indian hospitality industry that eco-friendly hospitality is a costly proposition entailing huge initial

investment. Thus many think they take longer time than conventional not so eco-friendly properties to become profitable realities. At the same time, thankfully many in the industry believe that the apparent and latent benefits of green hospitality properties would eventually override the factor of increased initial investments.

“Green hotels generally have less water consumption, less electricity consumption, less AC load, and improvement in ground water level through rain water harvesting, as compared to non eco-friendly hotels. All these factors together help in decreasing costs and consequently, improving the bottom line,” asserted Sareena Kochar, General Manager-Housekeeping, The Lemon Tree Hotel Company. Sareena also believes that in the long-run “the green hospitality properties are not a costly proposition at all, as by then we can easily recover the additional incremental cost invested by us on a green hotel.”

We can say that though eco-friendly hospitality options may require a greater investment than non green hospitality properties of similar nature and level at an initial stage, but their benefits in the long-run, both in terms of corporate image and bottom lines for the concerned hoteliers, can make them brim with tremendous business potential. No wonder, the trend of green hospitality is gaining currency in India, as our global village is getting more and more environmentally conscious with the passing years.

This healthy trend would eventually bolster the image of India as a tourist destination before the discerning outbound as well as domestic tourists, of both leisure and business varieties. This in turn would again give an impetus to the Indian hospitality industry at large in the near future. However, going by the trend, as more and more tourists would prefer green hotels and resorts, the non green hospitality properties would have to fast imbibe the green hues in their character and operations, or feel the heat of competition in a much more intense manner than before. ■

FEATURE

Nov-Dec ’1134

PEST MANAGEMENT

spores in the air. Spores that land on moist objects may begin to grow. Spores are generally round or ovoid single cells, though in some cases they can be multi-cellular too. They vary in size, and can be colourless as well as pigmented. A spore is almost one hundredth to one twentieth of a human hair in diameter.

Moulds are found anywhere on the biosphere and they can grow on any dead organic matter, if they get the requisite moisture and oxygen. Moulds can grow on wood, carpet, paper, foods, and insulation. Moisture gives an impetus to mould growth. Despite their omnipresence, their presence gets noticeable to the untrained eye only when mould colonies emerge.

By Swarnendu Biswas

Countering

It is not uncommon to see households as well as commercial buildings being affected by moulds. The mould menace, if goes overlooked, does have the

potential to mar the décor of many stately buildings, and can give rise to ill health among its occupants. Moulds are microscopic fungi which grow in the form of multi-cellular fi laments, called hyphae. Like all fungi, moulds get their energy from organic matter which they inhabit, and not through photosynthesis.

These microscopic absorptive organisms, which are generally characterised by threadlike bodies called mycelium, reproduce sexually as well as asexually, by producing

Nov-Dec ’1134

CounteringMoulds

35Nov-Dec ’11

PEST MANAGEMENT

The moulds comprise almost 25 percent of the earth’s biomass, so there is no escaping them; but they can be controlled through proper clean & hygiene practices.

Affecting Décor and Health Water is an essential element

in clean & hygiene, but moulds can dampen the aesthetics of your room or building, by making the building look and smell bad. They can deface the walls and fi nishing with clusters of dungy green patches, which permeates a nauseating stench through the indoors.

Mould pollution can occur in commercial buildings as well as residential complexes, and eventually they potentially adversely affect the health of their occupants, and in some cases, can even lead to the damage or destruction of the structure itself. The health problems from moulds occur generally because of inhaling of the mould spores. A prolonged exposure to moulds and other assorted microbes can get you

headaches, asthma, nausea, allergies, running nose, eye irritation, and skin rashes among other ailments. Moulds produce allergens, which can facilitate allergic reactions or asthma bouts. People with weak immune systems, newborns and the elderly, can be seriously affected by moulds.

Then there are some toxic moulds which excrete hazardous toxic compounds known as mycotoxins. Research indicates that these toxins infl uence memory loss and serious lung problems among the infants and the elderly. However, mycotoxins are produced usually under specifi c environmental conditions.

Sustained exposure to very high dosages of mycotoxins can give rise to neurological disorders in some cases, and even assume lethal proportions. Fortunately, such high exposures of mycotoxins rarely occur in normal exposure scenarios. Even residents of those residences which have been encountering serious mould menace for years together

are not likely to encounter such high exposure to mycotoxins. The most common and infamous of the toxic moulds is Stachybotrys chartarum. This greenish-black mould grows on moisture-laden materials which contain cellulose, such as wood, paper, etc. and such other similar products.

Measured Moisture A building which is affected by

water seepage, leaks from roofs,

Moulds

Nov-Dec ’1136

PEST MANAGEMENT

frequent flooding and condensation is likely to be attacked by moulds. Generally, fifty to one hundred different types of moulds are found in water-damaged buildings. There is a high likelihood of mould growth on moist walls, frequently wet carpets and wet furniture.

One of the easiest ways to control moulds is to control moisture in your indoors, as moulds are active under high humidity and running surface water. Not only the moulds, but a vast array of microbes needs moisture to survive and thrive. A room with high humidity will attract much more moisture and consequently would attract a much greater number of moulds and other microbes, in its woods, fabrics and carpet than a room with less humidity. Hence controlling of humidity is an effective solution towards addressing mould problems.

Ideally, the indoor humidity should be controlled within 30-60 percent in order to prevent the possibility of untoward microbial growth. A high degree of humidity and moisture in the buildings is often the result of poor construction methods of the buildings. The lack of waterproofing or improper water proofing of the walls facilitates seepage of the walls, which in turn encourages moisture and moulds.

A p o o r l y d e s i g n e d a i r -conditioned system can also be the reason behind high humidity in the rooms during the monsoons. Improper drainage systems, leading to frequent clogging up of water in bathrooms and other places of

the buildings can also give rise to moulds. Such unwelcome deposits of water can also be a breeding ground for other microbes, posing potential health hazards for its inhabitants.

Water problems in buildings can also occur as a result of leakages from roofs or plumbing problems, condensation, and flooding. These problems, on their occurrence, need to be addressed with due urgency to prevent the invasion of moulds. The ventilation of many rooms, particularly of bathrooms, often leaves a lot to be desired, and improper ventilation is another cause of mould pollution. The rooms in general should be preferably sunny and airy, which would discourage mould growth.

A house or a building made of wood can be particularly prone to mould problems, if proper and sustained care is not taken. If the structural wood in buildings is continually exposed to wetness, it encourages the growth of particular types of moulds known as dry rot moulds, which are the natural decomposers of leaves, stems and trees. The protection of the wood can be ensured through the application of chemicals like creosote or through the usage of sealants.

Prevention and Cure Prevention is always better

than cure and refraining from

carpeting the perpetually damp rooms, insulating pipes and other cold surfaces with an objective to prevent condensation, and installing storm windows to e l iminate condensation on glass are some of the pragmatic precautionary steps to counter the mould menace. Controlling the indoor humidity within above mentioned ideal levels, keeping the air-conditioners and refrigerators clean and dry are other precautionary measures.

However, sometimes cure does become necessary. If a building or a house or a room is affected by mould pollution, the obvious remedy towards it is to correct its cause. As discussed before, the moisture or water related problems are in most cases the reasons behind the occurrence of moulds in the first place, and thus firstly correct steps should be taken to eliminate the water or moisture related problems.

The solution should depend upon the nature and the extent of the problem. For example, if there is no standing clogged water in the room with only damp conditions prevailing due to some strange reason, a simple dehumidification of the room would be enough to drive the moulds and other microbes away. Installing a dehumidifier in a perpetually moist room is also one of the enduring solutions to keep the mould at a safe distance. However, in some other cases, urgent mending of leaking pipes, leaking roofs, seepages, etc. needs to be done.

After sorting out the water related or moisture related issues, the next step is to wash off the mould colonies from the mould-infested areas, using proper protection. After washing the affected areas with detergent and water, clean the area and then let it dry. In some cases, the heavily mould-infested materials or structures need to be demolished or replaced. If the mould problem is severe, professional help is advisable. It is always better to know the types of moulds present and the extent of mould pollution before undertaking the cure of a mould infested property or a room. ■

Nov-Dec ’1136

Nov-Dec ’1138

PRODUCT PREVIEW

The information published in this section is as per the details furnished by the respective manufacturer/distributor. In any case, it does not represent the views of Hammer Publishers Pvt. Ltd.

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Facilitating Industrial Cleaning Front Load Industrial Sweepers of Inventa Cleantec Pvt. Ltd. has applications in cement industry, thermal power plants, heavy metal works, ceramic industry, and also in large outdoor areas. The special features of the machine include electric dust shaker, which eases up the deposits on the filters, thereby making it easy to discharge the build up of dust particles on the filter. This greatly improves the vacuuming performance of the machine. The ergonomic seating and controls of the machine facilitates the operator to control and discharge the dirt collection. The front loading hopper mechanism, direct throw sweeping system, automatic pressure control on main brush, dust control by indirect vacuum fan on filter, and hydraulic transmission forward and reverse are only some of the many important features of this innovative machine. Inventa Cleantec Pvt. Ltd.karan@inventa.in

Cleaning Drains to Attain Sanitation The Partek Drain Cleaner is an innovative machine from the Nutech Group which is endowed with several user-friendly features. They include mobile high pressure waterjet drain cleaner, trailor mounted unit for self-contained operations, robust high pressure pump driven with engine, and on-board water tank and hose reels for LP & HP among others. The machine can be customised as per the needs and is highly suitable for cleaning of drains, pipes, waste pipes, etc. The efficiency of the machine reflects the impeccable credentials of Partek in the purview of clean and hygiene solutions.Nutech Jetting Equipments India Pvt. Ltd. info@nutechgroup.org

39Nov-Dec ’11

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PRODUCT PREVIEW ......................40

Nov-Dec ’1140

INTERVIEW

By Sharmila Chand

Nov-Dec ’1140

With more than a decade of rich experience in housekeeping, Ather Raza, the Executive Housekeeper, Sheraton Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, enjoys the 24x7 schedule of the housekeeping department. “Our work is not just about cleaning the property but we ensure a lot more for the overall well-being of our guests and that is what keeps

us on our toes all the time, ” he asserted. A great motivator for his team, he has no regrets and no complaints. Raza began his career with The Trident, Jaipur in 2000, as a Housekeeping Associate. Then he moved on to join the Marriott chain of hotels and was involved in the opening of the fi rst JW Marriott property in India, in Mumbai. Now leading the team at the fi rst newly built and managed Sheraton in India — Sheraton Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway in Bengaluru — Raza is excited about the many challenges which he combats everyday. The excerpts of the interview follow:

How important in your opinion is housekeeping to hospitality?

Housekeeping is the department that deals essentially with cleanliness and all ancillary services attached to that. It is vital to have a strong housekeeping department in your hotel, for the guests’ health, safety and comfort.

The housekeeping department takes care of all the rooms in the hotel and is often the largest department in hotels. The standard of housekeeping plays an important role in the reputation of the hotels. Housekeeping can set a hotel apart from its competitors.

What is the method of housekeeping operations at your hotel?

The professional purview of the housekeeping department at Sheraton Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway is basically divided between the rooms, public areas, laundry, linen and uniform, and fl owers.

We have standard operating procedures for each area, which are followed and monitored closely. Our housekeeping department works in close contact with the front offi ce, in order to maintain room inventory and other guest requests. We also work in tandem with the engineering department in order to make sure that hotel as a product looks immaculate at all times.

We also have developed spring cleaning schedules for different sections in the hotel, which are followed rigorously.

Do you perceive any new trends in housekeeping? Please comment on the latest housekeeping scenario in India.

The housekeeping department, perhaps the most critical department with least customer interface in a given hotel, is also the most signifi cant back-offi ce function

in the hotel. In this fast changing scenario, this department has undergone major evolutions, resulting in a whole new outlook towards housekeeping management.

Some of the trends which I have seen emerging over the time include the changed profi le of the Housekeeping Associates, who are generally the fresh graduates in hotel management, with increasing number of male housekeeping associates entering the industry.

Rec yc l ing o f was t e and o the r environment-friendly programs has gained prominence in housekeeping, as is the importance towards cost-effectiveness. The housekeeping segment has become more productivity-driven over the years, and new advanced machineries have entered the industry.

Succinctly, I would say that over the years housekeeping in India has taken a big leap forward in terms of standards, quality, technology and well-trained professionals.

I t goes without saying that housekeeping requires rigorous training. How much of an emphasis does your hotel as well as the Starwood hotel chain place on this?

Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. understands how important the role of training in housekeeping is, and hence it has developed a detailed training program named ‘The ABC of Housekeeping’ for its housekeepers.

At Sheraton Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, it is mandatory for each housekeeper to go through this training program and train her/his team accordingly. The program has provided much needed consistency and quality in the area of housekeeping, and has also enhanced our guests’ satisfaction.

We believe that if an associate is trained well he is going to deliver her/his best, thereby enhancing guests’ experience and satisfaction. At Sheraton Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, training is the backbone of housekeeping and we invest a lot of time and effort in making sure that each associate is trained well.

We have training tracker tool called NATPC (New Associate Training Profi le and Certifi cation) for each of our associates and TAO (Training Activity Outline) for each training topics, which provides our associates with all the relevant trainings in a very exhaustive manner.

What elements you take into account to recruit staff in the housekeeping department?

At Sheraton Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, we have recruited freshers from hotel management institutes. Before selecting them we ensure that they have the right attitude and aptitude towards housekeeping. We then train them and mould them according to the Starwood culture and turn them into good housekeeping professionals.

What is the role of the housekeeping staff in the context of security?

Housekeepers are the eyes and ears of a hotel, and we strongly believe in this. All the associates in our hotel have been trained to be vigilant and report of any suspicious activity on the guest fl oors and other hotel areas.

The importance of safety and security is shared every day by means of training and daily briefi ngs. We also brief associates about safety and security concerns, at the time of Associate Induction program. Moreover, the security team of the hotel also conducts regular training for housekeeping associates.

Housekeeping Impacts a Hotel’s Reputation

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neighbouring countries. Supershine offers TURNKEY SOLUTIONS for any kind of Laundry projects. It represents world’s leading brands

specialising in Laundry and Drycleaning equipments. The company has pan-Indian presence to provide quality services and spares

as per the requirements of the clients. The list of our clients range from the best in Hospitality Industry - Oberoi, Taj, Hyatt, Sheraton,

Le Meridien, Radissons, Marriots, Leela etc., Healthcare Industry - Apollo, Escorts, Medanta - The Medicity, Bombay Hospital, AIIMS, etc.,

Defence - Major Hospitals, AFMC, various establishments and units of Army, Navy, Air Force & Assam Rifles and

Garment Exporters & Commercial Laundries.

One Stop Solution ForSUPERSHINE World Class Laundry Equipment