Servest Cleaning

Woman and child abuse increase at an alarming rate.

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Roots SA) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:40:00 +0000

Servest Cleaning is taking the initiative to educate their staff about abuse and not to keep it a secret, but to stand up and fight against it by supporting “16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children” with 24 hour I Care (082 603 0272) line available to report abuse or to assist victims. Servest Cleaning takes their staff’s wellbeing to heart.

South Africa is taking part in the global “16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women” campaign, which runs from 25 November to the 10 December 2011. Although the worldwide campaign focuses purely on violence against women, South Africa added children to its campaign due to the high incidence of child abuse, which has become disturbingly high in this country. The “16 Days of Activism” campaign declares a truce on violence against women and children.
Most people think it only happens in poor or disadvantaged communities and could never happen to them or their loved ones but the reality is, that it runs through all levels of society and ethnic groups. The Department of Justice estimates that one out of every four South African women is being abused, or is a survivor of domestic violence.

According to POWA, one in every six women who die in Gauteng are killed at the hands of an intimate partner. It is shocking to think that 90% of women interviewed by a research project had experienced emotional abuse, 71% had experienced sexual abuse, and 42.5% of women had experienced all forms of abuse. At present, the true extent of violence against women in South Africa is unknown as most of the cases are never reported.

Get educated! Many women are still unaware of the signs of abuse and their rights when reporting abuse.

Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure or wound another person.

Remember our youth! Those who have to witness the terror of living in an abusive household, and possibly becoming victims themselves. One child is raped in South Africa every three minutes. These are reported cases only.

Unfortunately, in South Africa, child abuse and child rape ranks the highest in the world. Almost one third of South African children have been exposed to, or actually been sexually abused before the age of 18. The truth of the matter is that our children are not safe with anyone... teachers, priests, police or social workers, or even their own parents in their own homes.

If we all stand together and fight this scourge of our society, we could put a stop to abuse against woman and children, not only for 16 days, but forever.

Servest Cleaning will keep you posted over the next “16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children”.

Clean Green: Servest and Green Cleaning Products

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Roots SA) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:03:00 +0000

In a world that is constantly under severe environmental pressure from industry, all businesses should be endeavouring to reduce their impact on the environment. At Servest Cleaning we believe that utilising green cleaning products is a natural and responsible step towards lowering our carbon footprint, as well as those of our clients.

Servest Cleaning has policies in place which ensure that we stay up to date with the latest green technology in our line of service. We are aware of what is new, safe and thoroughly tested; and we employ the use of this technology to minimise impact during our daily operations.

Using biotechnology, we are able to replace traditionally harsh cleaning products with those that incorporate the use of non-pathogenic bacteria. These are harvested from nature, and have no impact on plants, animals or people; and moreover they do not contaminate ground water. Acknowledging the level of impact that one’s own business has on the environment is the first step to sustainably managing business operations.

We choose to use products from Innu-Science, a globally recognised company established 18 years ago that adhere to strict enviro-performance guidelines. Aside from the key point of being certified as ‘environmentally safe’, products are highly concentrated, and pre-measured to avoid waste. Cleaning efficiency is not compromised on, and another big bonus is that the Innu-Science range can be used more broadly. Two products from Innu-Science will replace up to six conventional chemical products.

Using green cleaning products makes environmental sense, but at Servest Cleaning we feel that growing green awareness is part and parcel of using the associated consumables. Our operational staff are trained in the proper use of green cleaning products, and we make sure that all products are available to our staff members in consumer packaging for use in their own homes. Extending the principles of green living to the personal lives of our employees ensures that progressive environmental ethics are stimulated outside of our company too.

The benefits of using green cleaning products are massive. Firstly there are the obvious environmental benefits that are gleaned from using biodegradable, innocuous substances. To use an example which one might be able to relate to, it’s akin to flushing an eye with water, as opposed to bleach! The highly detrimental elements are removed, thus there is no compromise on the planet’s health or on standards of cleaning. Additionally, a healthier building leads to healthier employees with a lower absentee rate. There are also less inventory items, and less storage space is needed due to the high concentration of products (a 35ml sachet makes 10L of cleaning agent). The packaging is designed to be easy to handle and fully recyclable, with thought to environmental and human health from start to finish.

At Servest Cleaning we are committed to ever reducing our carbon footprint; from adjusting the way we personally live and clean our homes through to every aspect of our business. By reducing our impact and our client’s impact using green cleaning products, we are acting directly in line with the responsible global movement towards sustainable development.

The ins and outs of carpet cleaning

noreply@blogger.com (Tarnia Roots SA) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 07:00:00 +0000

It’s pretty hard these days to find an office that doesn’t make use of carpeting. It retains heat in colder rooms, acts as sound proofing and can be very aesthetically valuable in hard surroundings. However, there is a tendency to forget that like anything else made of fibre, carpets need to be cleaned effectively on a regular basis.

Dirty shoes, spilt food, dust accumulation, animal hair and many other kinds of miniscule particles are driven through our footsteps deep between the fibres of carpeting. Additionally, sticky oils are trekked in off the streets and bond to carpet fibres, creating the perfect tacky surface for hidden dirt to stick to. This process is known as oxidation, and the potent combination of oil and dirt manifests noticeably as dark patches, particularly in areas that receive a lot of foot traffic.

Not only are dirty carpets unsightly, but with the build up of muck comes the foundations for pollutants and germs to make an ideal home. Pollen, dust mite debris, fungus, mould and bacteria all thrive in dirty carpets, and can have serious negative effects on employee health, particularly staff with allergies. In fact, pathogens known to have been found on carpets include E.coli as well as Salmonella, something which may have a few less scrupulous employees reconsidering the ‘5 second’ rule when debating the cleanliness of a dropped sandwich.

In the same capacity that carpets act as dirt traps, they are also beneficial in that they ‘filter’ dust, mould and other nasties from the air. One of the first clues that suggests your carpets are too ‘full’ of dirt is when the air in a room starts to smell stale. However, it would be wise to never let a room get to this point with a regular carpet cleaning management system.

Aside from the grubby appearance and health problems associated with carpets that are not cleaned regularly, dirt and sand are abrasive agents that cut fibres as they are pressed underfoot. The longevity of a carpet is severely compromised when not cleaned properly, and replacement will be necessary far quicker than expected.

While one may think that daily vacuuming is enough to keep carpets dirt free, regular vacuum cleaners do not have the capacity to strip oils from fibres or to pull deeply engrained grime right from the base of the carpet. Using a professional office cleaning service like Servest Cleaning means customers benefit from the relevant technology and machinery needed to properly maintain carpets. It is suggested that in smaller offices that carpets should be cleaned every six months; but in larger offices with very heavy traffic, every four months would prove beneficial.

At Servest Cleaning we understand the importance of advising our clients on how best to take care of their carpets through regular cleaning. Spotless carpets preserve the company image, lead to better general office health and extend carpet life by many years.

Five ways keeping clean keeps the office safe

noreply@blogger.com (Tarnia Roots SA) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 07:00:00 +0000

Using a professional cleaning service should guarantee you of a spic and span, sparkly clean office. Indeed, that’s what you’re employing the service for! But did you know there are many other indirect safety benefits from using a company like Servest Cleaning?

1. A professional cleaning service supplies contracted staff to perform cleaning duties. As such, staff are trained specifically to deal with the hazards of cleaning offices, including the use of chemicals and the moving of heavy furniture. Injuries related to cleaning (think slipping on a wet floor, back strains, chemical burns etc) are thus few and far between, and medical issues are dealt with by the parent company.

2. In contemporary times we live between one health scare and the next. If it’s not swine flue or SARS terrifying office workers, it’s the attack of the fuzzy-head flu or another bout of debilitating gastro. Using a professional cleaning service that only uses high quality anti-bacterial cleaning agents is imperative for limiting the spread of illnesses; with particular emphasis on places where dozens of hands touch daily, like door knobs, toilet seats, and keyboards. This results in less employee absenteeism allowing businesses to keep running smoothly.

3. In the same vein that you’d rather not have your staff falling ill due to germs at work, it is equally important that your clients feel comfortable when visiting the office too. A grubby work environment can reflect very poorly on the company image, and unfortunately people do tend to remember the stain on the carpet or the loo that didn’t have any toilet paper! Ensuring your office is always neat, comfortable and most of all clean is part of modern business savvy.

4. With cleaning comes the use of chemicals that can be hazardous if used by non-professionals as mentioned earlier. However, it is not just the use but the storage of these chemicals which is crucial to maintaining proper health and safety standards. Having a cleaning service that either brings and removes the cleaning agents with every service day, or is responsible for locking them away onsight is a very convenient way of preventing regular office staff from accidentally injuring themselves.

5. Lastly, keeping with the theme of putting things away in their right places, a cleaning service will make sure that any hazardous objects are moved from corridors, walk ways or areas where they may be dangerous. This includes things like boxes and bulky objects, and items such as power cables or loose carpets which look likely to trip people. Professional cleaners are trained to look out for hazards that a staff member may not notice, upping the general safety of your work premises.

At Servest Cleaning we offer a standard of service that is very hard to match, thinking beyond simply cleaning your office. Using a professional cleaning service like Servest ensures that your office stays a safer place, increasing productivity and improving your business image.

Eco-Friendly Ways to Improve Office Cleanliness

noreply@blogger.com (Tarnia Roots SA) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:00:00 +0000

Having a clean and pleasant office is a very important element of any business, however in contemporary times sustainability is a priority throughout all corporate avenues. Consequently achieving high standards of hygiene should be done in as eco-friendly a way as possible.

There is a common misconception that in order to ensure a germ-free area one has to make use of the harshest chemicals possible. While it is true that not many germs are fans of hard-core bleaches, traces of these highly toxic cleaning agents become evident in ecosystems surrounding the office area via run-off, faulty drain systems and even simple misuse. A single offices’ effluent may seem minimal, but it is the combined waste of many offices that cause toxins to build up substantially and cause damage to the local environment.

Today there are many eco-friendly and biodegradable cleaning products available that are extremely effective in the large scale cleaning industry. Keeping abreast of these products and making sure they are used whenever possible is part of the process of being environmentally aware, and something that any professional cleaning service should adhere to. By choosing a cleaning service that prioritises eco-friendly cleaning, your office takes a step towards reducing their impact on the environment in the bigger picture.

Another brilliant way in which to sustainably improve office cleanliness is by utilising office plants. Office plants thrive on cleaning the air that we breathe, and are an excellent means of filtering ambient toxins produced by machinery and cleaning products, as well as dust and dirt. Plants in the fern and palm family are particularly effective choices, a wide range of which are available through our Office Plant Service.

To further reduce an offices’ carbon footprint, moving towards maximum energy efficiency is a solid step in the right direction. Using products such as energy saving light bulbs and presetting all computer equipment to run on ‘energy save’ mode are simple yet effective measures, and easy to implement. Using timer plugs is also a convenient way to stop power drainage during non-office hours, as even when equipment is in standby mode a substantial amount of energy is lost.

Additionally, upgrading very old equipment saves energy in the long run as more modern electrical products have been built with energy efficiency in mind. Using laptops as opposed to PCs will also provide a dramatic drop in energy use, with laptops drawing up to 80% less power than their heftier desk top counterparts.

Environmentally sustainable cleanliness in offices is an important consideration for any business. When choosing a cleaning service that is environmentally responsible like Servest Cleaning, inherent sustainability practices are passed directly on to the hiring company. This reduces their own carbon footprint and results in tangible staff health benefits.

Getting Rid of Mould in your Office and Home

noreply@blogger.com (Tarnia Roots SA) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 08:46:00 +0000

Mould really is one of those painfully annoying things. No matter how many times you wipe it away, a few days go by and those irritating black dots have started to take shape again. For something so small, mould sure does take a lot of effort to get rid of!

There are different kinds of mould, but all of the ones you find in your home or office are part of the fungi family. Some moulds are innocuous, while others (referred to as toxic mould) can produce mycotoxins. If mycotoxins appear in concentrated volumes where people spend a lot of time, they can cause illness in the form of allergies, respiratory inflammation and in some cases neurological problems.

Moulds do not need light to live and grow, they simply need moisture and a certain temperature to be able to feed off whatever they can sink their opportunistic little spores into. Some moulds start to become active in as low as 4 ̊Celsius, but the clincher is that if temperatures are not ideal, mould can simply lie dormant until things warm up again. In fact, moulds have been known to survive Arctic snow and even being doused in jet fuel. Yep, mould is the Chuck Norris of the fungi family!

Mould can creep into any area where there is consistent moisture, so places like bathrooms and kitchens are prime mould habitats. However it is also design faults in buildings that can lead to mould growing in places that you would not expect, like in ceiling boards, carpeting and dry walls.

Fear not though, as there is some hope! It does not matter what you choose to wash it away with (some people advocate bleach, but it has been proven to be no more effective than plain old soap and water), the key to shooing mould out the door once and for all lies in getting rid of the source of the damp. Aside from obvious things like fixing leaks, improving ventilation in rooms where moisture builds up is a must. Inserting extraction fans to suck hot air outside is very effective, as is using deep sealants on untreated walls and floors, stopping moisture from penetrating deep into the bones of a building.

There are also products available that can be used for absorbing moisture, generally using Calcium Chloride as the main ingredient. It should be noted though, that with very serious mould infestations professional cleaning services should be used. That way the proper safety precautions can be taken to restrict cross-contamination to other buildings and to prevent unnecessary health risks.

At Servest Cleaning our clients can be rest assured that mould has a very capable adversary in our cleaning services. Not only do we know exactly how to zap any mould infestation in any space, but we are eager to advise clients on how they can best control moisture problems effectively and affordably to prevent health issues among staff and long-term damage to their buildings.

The Advantages of a Commercial Cleaning Service

noreply@blogger.com (Tarnia Roots SA) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 08:55:00 +0000

For every business there are two choices when it comes to deciding how to tackle the cleaning of an office. The first is the DIY approach with hiring an in-house general cleaner and the second is contracting a commercial cleaning service.

While the first one may seem like a practical option initially, there are quite a few advantages to the second that you may have not thought about.

When you hire professionals you are gaining the benefits of having the best equipment, techniques and cleaning products used to clean your office, as true professionals will only use the best. They are also experts in their field, which means part of their service is customising a cleaning regime to best suit your cleaning needs. For example, if you have carpets versus tiles, or unisex loos versus separate male and female bathrooms, it affects what staff will need to be used, and what products and equipment are necessary to do the job properly.

Financially, clients also benefit as there is no need to budget extra salaries for further permanent staff, and they do not have to invest in training or expenses of the equipment and cleaning products. With the concern of office cleanliness taken out of their hands, management is free to focus on the business element of the office without the niggling worry of when the bathrooms were last mopped, or who was supposed to buy the toilet paper.

Additionally, when working with cleaning chemicals that are more advanced than household detergents, it is much wiser to use trained staff who are well versed in the dangers of chemical exposure and correct mixing techniques. It is not worth taking the risk of inexperienced staff being burnt by cleaning agents (or any number of other incidental injuries); but at the same time for passable standards of hygiene one needs to use chemicals that are stronger than your average bottle of toilet cleaner.

In general, using a commercial cleaning service is going to ensure higher standards of cleanliness, which is majorly beneficial on many levels. Not only is it healthier for your employees, it makes the office a much more pleasant place to be when it is magically made clean without having to even think about it! When staff are not charged with hygiene and cleaning tasks it is proven to be a morale booster too, adding towards a positive office vibe.

At Servest Cleaning we take our service delivery beyond serious. When a client chooses us we know it is because of the above benefits that they have given us their business. We continually aim to prove exactly why they made the right choice, putting us at the front of the commercial cleaning business sector.

The Prerequisites of a Successful Office Cleaning Service

noreply@blogger.com (Tarnia Roots SA) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 14:03:00 +0000

Have you ever thought about what you should be expecting from your cleaning service? Sure, the obvious thing that jumps to mind is a bright, shiny, germ-free office, but that is the end product that should come after a number of important foundations have been laid down. Foundations that you shouldn’t ever have to compromise on.

The establishment of a professional cleaning service should start quite literally at the folks doing the cleaning. No one wants to nip into the bathroom to be faced by an annoyed looking cleaner fortified with a ferocious mop. Yes they are there to do their jobs, and we’re pleased they want to do it efficiently, but well trained staff understand the importance of customer relations. Letting a desperate office worker pass unscathed to the toilet stall with a friendly hello should be standard staff behaviour.

Another important thing clients should expect from their cleaning service is that staff are paid according to industry standards and in a legally compliant way. A staff member who is protected by contract and paid a proper wage will be far more dedicated to their work and a lot happier than an employee who is not. Aside from the ethics, choosing a cleaning service that is on top of legal compliance means you will receive better service too.

Being punctual and reliable are two ‘time is of the essence’ basics that are fundamentally significant. A cleaning service should be fitting in with a regulated schedule, and be almost painfully punctual to make sure that workflows are not disrupted. People also tend to subconsciously rely on the arrival of the cleaning service, ‘Ah man, so glad the cleaners are coming tomorrow, my office looks like a dog’s breakfast and I am under such a tight deadline!’ If they don’t pitch up – the dog’s breakfast can only go from strength to messy strength.

Being a professional provider of a cleaning service means making sure that staff are adequately armed to wage war on dirt and germs in your office. State-of-the-art equipment is prerequisite, as is an inherent flexibility to tackle emergency jobs at a moments notice. Imagine a paint spill on the boardroom white carpet; can you leave that there until the cleaning service arrives next week? Our answer is a resounding “No!”

In our opinion, any service provider should be working in the most environmentally sustainable fashion too. Using non-toxic and biodegradable cleaning agents wherever possible is a must, as is the sparing use of water through advanced technology. Encouraging and helping implement office recycling should also be top of mind, proving a real concern about the state of the planet. Moreover, they understand the needs of busy offices that quite often have good intentions but little time to initiate recycling.

The last foundation one should consider is reputation. To ensure a positive return on your investment, it is advisable to choose a cleaning service that has solid experience and a base of client success stories. Working with Servest Cleaning who has all these critical foundations in place can only lead to a clean building, happy employees and a long-lasting professional relationship.

Ster Kinekor - Cleaning at the Silver Screen

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Roots SA) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 14:34:00 +0000

Going to watch a movie on the big-screen is always a special experience. There’s something exciting about finding the correct row in the dimmed theatre and settling into your seat with an over-sized Coke and a box of popcorn wedged between your knees. Whether it’s fast-paced action, a cheesy rom-com or art house deluxe, it’s hard to find someone who doesn’t like the movies.

Isn’t it incredible though that when the lights come on after the credits; a battle field of crushed Smarties, popcorn, wine gums and spilt drinks create a virtual obstacle course to the exit! Once we’ve dodged the debris, we leave the cinema to visit the bathroom, and as the door swings shut behind us – that’s the last we think of the movie house until the next block buster worth watching comes out.

The point where you waltz out the bathroom door is where we take over, as Servest Cleaning are the cleaning agents for all Ster Kinekor (http://www.sterkinekor.com/site.php) cinemas across South Africa. That’s 57 movie houses nationally, and Servest are responsible for cleaning everything from the popcorn salting station to the bathrooms and the darkest, hardest-to-reach corners of the movie house where rogue popcorn kernels hide.

One of the areas that Servest manages stringently across their entire portfolio of business is staff selection and training. As such, cleaning staff that work at Ster Kinekor have been appropriately trained in the highest standards of cleaning and know how to apply this from theatre to toilet stall. But even so, a cinema complex has a high volume of people moving in and out closed rooms which makes it challenging to manage consistent cleaning operations. How do they make sure you won’t be sitting on someone’s upturned Slush Puppy from the show that ended fifteen minutes before?

Ster Kinekor’s General Manager of Operations, Ake Demetriou, says “This is one of the challenges that we face at complex level, but we successfully manage the cleaning process by staggering the start and end time of performances, thereby allowing sufficient time for the cleaning process to take place. Managed correctly by our Complex Managers, this process is completed equally well in and out of peak times, utilising our strategic partners Servest and their appointed staff”.

Additionally, Servest is particularly focussed on working with clients on carbon footprint reduction, and any movie goer will know that the long queues for snacks and drinks result in over flowing bins made up mostly of cardboard. Ake added that “We are currently investigating the recycling of all paper and plastic materials discarded, in a bid to go even greener within our complexes”.

Servest is proud to manage the cleaning at Ster Kinekor across South Africa, and we work hard to make sure your movie experiences are always as memorable (and clean) as they should be.

Allergens in the workplace

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Roots SA) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:04:00 +0000

A large proportion of our population suffers from allergic diseases on a daily basis. The form and severity these allergies take are wide ranging and there can often be a number of contributing factors. For example, a hay fever sufferer can experience violent sneezing attacks, itching eyes, and breathing difficulties when taking a simple walk in the park. However, were you aware that you are at the biggest risk of developing allergic diseases from factors located in an indoor environment? These factors mainly arise in the form of dust mites and animal allergens. Allergies are usually developed due to overexposure to such allergens. It is worthwhile being aware of the allergens that can inhabit indoor environments, as even people with mild allergies can start to suffer from more serious illnesses if exposure persists.

Depending on your occupation, you can be exposed to different allergens in your workplace that can lead to health difficulties. Wood dust can affect woodworkers and carpenters in the same way that continual exposure to food dust and flour can cause difficulties for chefs, bakers and kitchen staff. For those people who work outdoors, such as road maintenance crews, landscapers and greens keepers, seasonal pollen allergies (hay fever) can cause irritation. For those of us that handle food on a daily basis or work in a clinical environment, latex gloves are an occupational requirement. However, some people can develop a latex allergy that causes skin irritation and breathing difficulties.

The most prevalent workplace allergen we come in to contact with is dust mites. Mould spores, mildew, pollen, as well as animal dander and excrement are also common pollutants. In the work place, carpets, curtains, sofas and other soft furnishings harbour dust mites and other airborne allergens. Whenever these locations are disturbed, either by being sat upon or moved, the allergens are released into the air and can be breathed in by anyone in the office.

In the fight against workplace allergens, the number one concern should be maintaining a clean environment. Daily cleaning will assist in keeping dust mites, pollen, mould, mildew, animal dander and other allergens at bay. Limiting these allergens will certainly assist in reducing your allergy symptoms. A regular deep cleaning schedule should also be put into place, as dust mites in soft furnishings can be particularly difficult to eliminate. When cleaning is taking place, often the cleaning products used contain harsh chemicals and give off odours that can aggravate the allergy symptoms of those in the office. Servest Cleaning endeavours to ensure the cleaning materials used are appropriate for allergy sufferers.

The Consequences of Inadequate Cleaning

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Roots SA) — Mon, 30 May 2011 08:36:00 +0000

There is nothing worse than spending time in an environment that is unclean. Whenever we’re in a shopping centre, office building, sports stadium or the like, we often take it for granted that the area is going to be well maintained, clean and generally suitable for us to go about our business. But in any space with high occupation or high human traffic, an incredible amount of work goes into making sure these ideal conditions are met.

So instead of taking it for granted, lets take a look at some of the consequences we may encounter if adequate cleaning services aren’t put in place.

The general appearance of the area suffers

This is an obvious one, but to almost every visitor, the first impression of your building is its general cleanliness (or uncleanliness). Dirty floors, soiled carpets, or an abundance of litter, say one thing to a visitor: These people do not take care of their surrounds, and can’t be expected to take care of me.

Work Productivity suffers

We have covered this in another article (http://www.servest.co.za/News-Blog/View_Page_A-Clean-Working-Environment:-More-Efficient-and-Healthier.asp) but it’s worth a mention here given how important it is. A clean work environment makes for a happy, focused and energised workforce. Clutter and mess gives your staff or workforce the excuse to produce work that matches. And no business wants that.

Pests take over

Getting rid of pests be it roaches, rats, flies or the like can be a difficult and costly exercise. The simplest solution is prevention. Discarded food waste attracts pests like moths to a flame. Proper waste removal stops the problem before it starts.

Smells and Odour

Rotting food aside (which we know can reek), the cumulative effect of having a lot of people spending days in an out of one place can be quite significant. Shoes carry in dirt and mud onto carpets, counter tops gets sticky and unsightly, and even shared furniture can get odourous with the accumulation of skin particles, dust, perfumes and general dirt. Thorough and regular cleaning, with effective machinery and detergents, is a must if you want the environment to remain fresh smelling and pleasant to inhabit.

It’s wonderful to be able to take a clean environment for granted. And with a quality cleaning service, like Servest Cleaning, you can ensure that no matter what the workload or cleaning requirements, the environment you’re in is kept clean and attractive by an unobtrusive, yet effective cleaning staff.

Responsible Waste Management

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Roots SA) — Tue, 24 May 2011 07:55:00 +0000

A study in 1999 revealed that South Africa generated a total of 43millions cubic metres of waste, with every citizen contributing close on a kg per year. These figures are thought to have doubled over the last decade, meaning there is a tremendous amount of waste being generated every year that needs to be managed and disposed of correctly.

Servest Cleaning division offers full waste management solutions to a broad range of industries including commercial, industrial, healthcare, cleaning, food production, and transportation cleaning. We handle everything from staffing, equipment, administration as well as environmentally friendly chemical use, and customize every solution to best suite our client’s requirements.

But it’s also up to the average citizen to make sure that they do their part in keeping South Africa clean, and our waste in check. Here are a few tips for the small office that by abiding by the commonly standardised three R’s (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) collectively will make a huge difference to the environment.

Reduce

Only print documents that are entirely necessary
Redesign your proposals and documents to avoid unnecessary covers sheets and appendixes.
Share copies amongst staff instead of printing individually.
Use both sides of paper if possible
Do all your proofing and previewing of documents on screen before printing off a final copy.
Invoices, letters, statements and mailers can be moved to entirely electronic distribution. Do it!
Post announcements in a central spot or notice board instead of sending around numerous copies.

Reuse

Use used paper as draft paper for other projects.
Donate any of your trade journals, industry publications etc can be used by local schools or libraries.
Print on both sides of documents

Recycle

Get a collections agency to come and pick up your waste and recycle it for you.
Create an initiative with other businesses near you to combine your waste.
Make it easy for employees to recycle. Put bins by their desk or have a central collection point.
Clearly label the appropriate recycling bins and put them in convenient places
Don't buy paper that is a contaminant in recycling, e.g. glossy/plastic coatings, plastic windows, bright colors including laser printer inks, adhesive products etc.

The Benefits of Green Cleaning

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Roots SA) — Wed, 04 May 2011 18:00:00 +0000

Many industrial cleaning detergents contain chemicals that are damaging to the environment. It would be nice to think that when the residue from these detergents disappear down the drain they simply disappear or are magically neutralised. But the reality is that these toxic chemicals often end up in water systems and other ecosystems where they can wreak terrible environmental damage. For instance, ingredients containing phosphorus or nitrogen can have adverse effects on water quality and contribute to nutrient-loading in water bodies. Other chemicals can actually contaminate waterways and cause illness and even death in creatures living in these environments.

The good news, however, is that there are alternatives to these toxic cleaning chemicals - detergents that contain no toxic ingredients, no optical brighteners, no solvents (except for water) and no enzymes. In an effort to reduce environmental damage to our water systems, Servest Cleaning has committed to using green and sustainable products wherever possible, but the benefits of green cleaning detergents go far beyond environmentalism. 

Health Benefits

Whether sprayed onto surfaces or applied with a mop or some other applicator, cleaning products often leave a residue on home and office surfaces. As a result, people often absorb these chemicals into their bodies, whether through the inhalation of fumes, through skin contact or by eating off surfaces that are in contact with the chemicals. When toxic chemicals are used, this can have a damaging effect on people's basic body systems, affecting immune and respiratory systems, and possibly even leading to organ or brain damage. A simple look at the warning labels on most household cleaning products will give you a clear indication of the dangers posed by non-green cleaning products. By using non-toxic cleaning products, the risks of illness and health damage are greatly reduced.

Tackling Allergies

Millions of people suffer from basic allergies such as asthma, hay fever, eczema and dermatitis. The chemicals used in many non-green cleaning products can aggravate these conditions. Conversely, cleaning with green products can assist in alleviating these problems by controlling the build up of dust mites and pollen grain, which often aggravate these symptoms.

By using environmentally-friendly cleaning products in your office or home, you will not only be helping preserve the integrity of our planet for future generations, you will also be safeguarding the health of your family, friends or work-force.

Sick Building Syndrome: The Importance of Indoor Air Quality

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Roots SA) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 18:00:00 +0000

Sick building syndrome (SBS) describe a scenario where occupants experience health issues from spending extended periods of time within a building. The term is used regardless of the extent of the problem area and can be applied to a room, a floor or an entire structure.

The syndrome refers to situations where no specific contaminant or source causing the symptoms can be identified, but occupants still suffer from symptoms of ill health.

Symptoms are varied and can include eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, dry coughs, dizziness and nausea, difficulty in concentrating, fatigue, dry skin, sensitivity to odours, itchy skin and rashes. However, once an occupant has left the building for a period of time these health complaints tend to clear up.

There are many causes linked to SBS, most of them involving the handling and removal of toxins generated by the environment, man-made or otherwise. These include chemicals, volatile organic compounds and bacteria. These could come from internal sources like furniture or office equipment or be externally introduced via faulty ventilation. While not significant problems in and of themselves, the accumulation of these components over time can lead to ongoing, persistent health issues with building occupants. SBS becomes problematic when staff illness becomes cyclic and contagious, creating a gradual downward spiral of health. This can be due to poor air filtration, insufficient ventilation, inadequate cleaning and a lack of maintenance.

Causes can include:

- Poor building design or layout.

- Using a structure for a purpose other than it’s originally intended function.

- Biological contaminants from poor pest control.

- Inadequate waste management.

- Poor maintenance.

- Ongoing cycles of contagious illness.

Fortunately, with enough effort the situation can be reversed. By making a frank assessment of the situation and the causes, SBS can be countered by targeting the most prolific culprits. This means identifying the most harmful elements and either removing or neutralising them. Improved ventilation and filtration goes a long way to removing harmful toxins from the atmosphere, while a rigorous cleaning and maintenance regime can prevent the harmful buildup of bacteria and contaminants to dangerous levels. Prevention is the name of the game, and in addition to a daily cleaning regime, scheduling frequent “deep cleans” will drastically improve the working environment.

Lastly, improving the education and awareness of building inhabitants is a key preventative measure. By understanding how interaction with each other and the environment has consequences for their health and wellbeing, people are able to make better decisions about their day to day work habits, creating healthier, happier staff. Looking forward, the concept of Green Building seeks to eliminate the possibility of SBS altogether by creating structures that preemptively deal with the causes before they can become a problem. When cleaning and maintenance personal, management and building occupants understand the causes and consequences of poor air quality we can work effectively together to prevent sick building syndrome from occurring.

A Clean Working Environment: More Efficient and Healthier

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Roots SA) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 18:00:00 +0000

When most people "clean" their office, what they actually do is de-clutter - removing stacks of paper, putting away files or books, and throwing away any unwanted objects that they've accumulated. But actually cleaning an office goes much deeper than merely putting things away.

Office workers are often as prone to illness as school children, and this is largely due to the close working environment and poor ventilation. By following these simple cleaning suggestions, you will greatly reduce your and your colleagues' chances of getting sick while at the same time improving your work environment's aesthetic and streamlining your efficiency.

1. De-clutter

This seems obvious, but you cannot give your office a thorough clean if it is cluttered with paper, files, or anything else that needs to be put away. Don't just stack whatever is on your desk in new piles. Find a place for it and put it away, and if you don't need it anymore then get rid of it. This process may take a while, but it is necessary to clean an office.

2. Start With Your Desk

Your desk is where you spend most of your time and the object that you are most regularly in contact with physically. It is the place where you put your hands, where others probably put their hands, and where food or drink is possibly consumed. It can be a breeding ground for bacteria and one of the dirtiest parts of your office.

Using a soft cloth and any spray cleaner, spray your cloth and wipe down every surface on your desk, including the computer, monitor, keyboard, telephone, pencil holders, paper stackers, and anything else. Make sure your computer and monitor are turned off before cleaning.

3. Other Furniture

Next is all your offices additional furniture - bookshelves, work tables, chairs etc. Wipe these down making sure to do the edges as well, not just the surfaces. If there are books on your bookshelves, take them down one at a time and dust them off with a dry cloth or with a duster.

4. Bins and Waste Baskets

We use our bins for waste and often forget that they can become some of the dirtiest places in our homes or offices. Every so often, give your waste basket a good cleaning with soap and water or cleaning spray.

5. The Floor

If your office has a carpet be sure to vacuum often as carpets can collect dust, dirt and germs. Regular vacuuming will keep this as clean as possible. If you have tiled or another type of hard floor, keep it swept clean and mop at least once a week.

Outsourced Office Cleaning - Less Headaches, More Focus

noreply@blogger.com (Candice Roots SA) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 18:00:00 +0000

In today’s tough economic climate, the trend towards outsourcing key business functions to independent specialists is one that continues to grow year on year. Businesses need the time and flexibility to make sure that their resources are focused on core business tasks. This means the management, and even the day-to-day execution, of non-core but vital business functions is transferred to specialist external suppliers or service providers.

Outsourcing expert Ben Camelas shares some insight as to how a specialist cleaning company can help a hypothetical medium to large business. “A good first impression in business is vital, and thus an impeccably clean, well-kept commercial environment will immediately create an impression of a company that is professional, organised and successful. Managing the staff to achieve that state though is no easy feat. And that’s where the benefits of outsourcing are evident.”

Let’s take a look at some more of these benefits.

Quality cleaning companies are held accountable to making sure your business is clean and hygienic at all times. To achieve and manage this they need to hire vet and train their staff to meet your businesses needs. These are very time consuming tasks to manage in-house.

The cleaning and hygienic servicing of even a medium size business property can require a small army of staff. Outsourcing your requirements mean you don’t have to worry about sick days and leave planning, or any other staff issues. It’s the responsibility of the cleaning company to ensure that any absent or sick staff members are replaced or substituted in time to meet your requirements.

Quality cleaning companies take away the stress and responsibility of purchasing and managing cleaning equipment and materials. With continual innovation, and the obligation to supply you with the latest technologies, an outsourced cleaning company will remove the need for you to stay abreast of industry developments, or spend large amounts of time dealing with reps or suppliers pushing a new product.

You also have the right to demand that your cleaning company practices green cleaning principles, showing priority and regard to the environment by using non hazardous materials and responsibly disposing of your waste. Reducing your carbon footprint via green cleaning is not difficult to achieve, but a good cleaning company will bring it to the table as a matter of course.

All in all the case for outsourced cleaning services is clear. You’ll save money, you’ll save time, and you’ll have your premises sparkling. All important things to consider in deciding, In-house or outsourced?