Technical Training Manual - Equipment

Transcription

1 Equipment...12 Manual Equipment...12 Brushes...12 Mops...13 Buckets...14 Hand cleaning tools...14 Mechanical Equipment...15 Introduction...15 Rotary machines...16 Machine Accessories...17 Care of Rotary Machines...18 Suction Cleaners...18 Cylinder Suction Cleaners...19 Canister or 'Tub" Suction Cleaners...19 Upright Suction Cleaners...19 Back Vacs...19 Wet Suction Cleaners...19 Filtration of Dust...20 Performance Criteria...20 Tools and Accessories for Suction Cleaners...20 Wet Suction Accessories...20 Dry Suction Accessories...21 Care of Suction Cleaners...21 Access Equipment...21 Trestles...22 Suspended Cradles and Boatswain Chairs...22 Copyright Dublcheck Cleaning Services Ltd. Aug-02 Page 11

2 Equipment Year by year cleaning equipment is getting bigger/smaller, faster, stronger, better etc., all with the aim of making the provision of a cleaning service easier, quicker and more efficient. Within cleaning, equipment falls into one of three categories: manual, mechanical and access. We shall cover all three in this section. However, before proceeding it is worth mentioning that it is advisable to devise and work to a system of colour coding for all equipment. The reasons for adopting such a system are to reduce the risk of cross infection, as explained in the hygiene section of this manual. There are no strict guidelines for this but Dublcheck works to the following system:- Red - is used in areas where there is a potentially high risk of germs being present. These would be areas such as toilets, washrooms etc. Blue - general areas of cleaning such as offices, classrooms etc., would be within this area. Green - this colour is used specifically in kitchen and canteen areas. Once a colour coded system has been established it must be adhered to. Manual Equipment Brushes A brush can be described as a piece of wood, plastic or metal, into which has been inserted horsehair, nylon or polypropylene bristles in a regular pattern and to which a long handle has been attached. Brushes come in three main types: hard, soft and scrubbing. There are certain directives dictating the types of brush that can be used in kitchen or catering areas, but essentially, they must be made of plastic or polypropylene. Hard brushes have coarse bristles which are well spaced and are usually used where the debris is coarse and/or wet. Soft brushes have bristles that are flexible and are closer together. Scrubbing brushes have short and well-spaced bristles. Most people invariably store brushes incorrectly in that they lean brushes against something with the bristles on the floor. By doing this they are weakening and bending the bristles, thus reducing the life expectancy of the brush. Dirty brushes can be washed in water with a detergent, rinsed and hung to dry. Copyright Dublcheck Cleaning Services Ltd. Aug-02 Page 12

3 Mops Mops come in a wide variety of sizes but fall into only two categories: wet mops and dry mops, used for dust control. Dust Control Mops There are many hard floor surface situations where to use a brush would create too much dust and would take too long. Typical areas would be the hard floors of many shops and retail outlets. In this situation dust and light debris can be removed using one of three types of dust control mop. Impregnated mops consist of a "glove of dense cotton fibres normally between 30 and 45 centimetres that are fitted over a metal frame. The cotton fibres are then impregnated with mineral oil, which attracts and holds the dust. When impregnated mops are stored, the cotton fibres should always be stored in polythene bags to prevent the evaporation of the mineral oil. The mop head should be cleaned regularly, usually after each use, by using a vacuum cleaner to suck up the dust and dirt. At regular intervals, the mop head will require washing and reimpregnation of the cotton fibres. Static mops work using static electricity to attract the dust and dirt to the mop head. The mop looks similar to an impregnated mop, but is made of synthetic fibres, but is made of synthetic fibres such as acrylic, nylon or polyester. The mop works by spreading out the fringes and pushing the mop across the floor. This action creates a static charge, which attracts and holds the dust. Static mops come in various sizes, from 30cm upwards with scissor mops up to 2 meters being used for large areas. They can be easily maintained and stored with only regular washing required. The major disadvantage of this type of mop is the reduction of in the static charge with the increase in air humidity. They should therefore not be used in high humidity areas. Disposable mops are made of cotton, polyester, and as the name suggests are designed to be used for short periods. The primary use of this type of mop is in areas where risks of cross infection are greatest. Mops can be used and discarded without the risk of bacteria being transferred from area to area. Wet mops, as the name suggests, are to be used with water and are therefore for the removal of spillages and soiling which has adhered to hard floor surfaces. The one other use of wet mops is for the application of polishes, seals and other types of similar dressings. Mop heads come in a variety of sizes and weights but there are three types of wet mop: socket, Kentucky and flat. Socket mops are the cheapest and most often used of mops. They are usually made of twisted cotton or mixed fibres, and are used primarily in conjunction with buckets that have an integral strainer. Copyright Dublcheck Cleaning Services Ltd. Aug-02 Page 13

4 Kentucky mops are designed for greater contact between floor and the mop head strands. This means that soil and water can be removed with less effort because of the greater absorption. Weights of Kentucky mops generally vary from 8oz(226gms) to 24oz(680gms). The most commonly used are 16oz. Flat mops are made of cotton and or synthetic fibres and woven together to form a pad that is then inserted over a metal frame. The flat mop is used with a fixed frame or flat mop press or a break frame so that the mop head may be rung out in a roller bucket or a conventional mop wringer. Flat mops can be used to clean the more difficult areas such as stair risers, behind pipes etc. Traditionally, few cleaners have cared correctly for wet mops after use. All too often they are left standing in a wet and dirty condition, ideal for the development of bacteria and fungi growth. This leads to smelly and unhealthy mops that can actually cause a building to be more unhygienic after cleaning than before. Equally bad are those operators who leave mops in water with detergent, bleach or disinfectant, as this rots the fibres of the mops, causing it to disintegrate. Mop heads should be cleaned and rinsed after each use and then stored with the mop head in an upright position in a well-ventilated location. Ideally, once a week the mop heads should be laundered. Buckets Buckets come in a variety of sizes and are made of either plastic or metal. There are three main types: colander, roller and wheeled. Colander buckets are made from either plastic or metal. Metal buckets have greater ability to withstand knocks and are therefore more durable. The disadvantage of them is that they can mark certain hard floor surfaces if they are filled with very hot water. Both types are relatively cheap and are useful where a location s mopping requirements are not too great. Colander buckets are usually used with socket mops. Roller buckets have a built in roller press for squeezing mop heads. They can be used with flat and Kentucky mops, and are operated by standing on a footplate to keep the bucket stable, and operating the press. Wheeled mop buckets can be one, two or three buckets in association with a geared wringer that can be used with a flat or Kentucky mop. Hand cleaning tools Edging tools, sometimes known as doodle bugs, are used to clean hard surface edges and corners. They consist of a rectangular head mounted on a universal joint with a choice of abrasive nylon pad for cleaning the hard surface. Floor scrapers are used for the removal of chewing gum and sticky labels from hard floors. Care must always be used to ensure floor surface is not damaged. Copyright Dublcheck Cleaning Services Ltd. Aug-02 Page 14

5 Squeegees are used to move water from one location to another, either on a floor or window. Blades should be kept in contact with the surface to avoid leaving water deposits. Blades should also be washed, cleaned and dried after use. Damaged blades must be replaced. Cleaning trolleys are designed to avoid wasted time in fetching and carrying if an operative is likely to be away from a central store. Operatives can carry all the equipment and materials that will be needed to provide service within the time frame allocated. Spray bottles are used to provide small quantities of solution in a variety of strengths. Spray nozzles can be adjusted to control the flow and spread of dispersion. Spray bottles must always be labelled or clearly marked to show the contents. Polish applicators. The following methods are used to apply polish:- A socket mop and bucket is the easiest and cheapest way. Natural or synthetic lambs wool wrapped around a frame and a flat tray. A cotton fringe mop and wringer, usually used in the application of floor wax. Kentucky mop and wringer. A belfin applicator. Polish flows from a reservoir on the handle to an applicator head. After use they must be thoroughly rinsed in clean water, wrung out and stored with the head upwards. Polish applicators must only be used for the application of polish and for no other purpose. Mechanical Equipment Introduction Safety must always be a major consideration and equipment should always have the necessary marks of quality assurance. These are as follows:- Britain British Standards Institution BS5415 Parts 1 &2 Germany Technishcer Uberwachungsvererein (TUV) e-v Tested to V.D.E.0700 Part 1 / 2.81 and Part 205 / 2.87 Norway Norges Elektriske Materiellkontroll Nemko NEMKO / 82 NEMKO / 75 The above certification is a guarantee that a quality standard has been met in production and should ensure that the products are safe. Copyright Dublcheck Cleaning Services Ltd. Aug-02 Page 15

6 Rotary machines Two/three brush machines consist of two heads rotating in opposite directions and are usually used for polishing and carpet cleaning in domestic situations. Single head machines are most commonly used in cleaning. There are a variety of types that need consideration. Electric motors are used to drive the head and can vary in power from.5 to 1.5-horse power. Machines vary in size from 11" (280mm) to 19" (480mm), with 15" and 17" being most common. The head is driven by one of three methods:- 1) Gears. The motor is centrally fixed to the base plate, and is fitted with an epicyclic drive containing helical nylon gears, which require no periodic adjustment or maintenance. Machine speeds are controlled by the size and ratio of the drive pinion and gears. 2) Belt driven. These machines have an offset motor to the left, the right or behind the centre of the base plate. The head is driven by a toothed belt with the ratio of number of teeth on the belt to drive pulley being the determinant of the drive speed. 3) Direct drive. These machines operate at a much higher speed because of the direct connection to the motor. The machines often have wheels at the front to prevent the machine head resting directly on the floor, and are therefore sometimes called 'divided weight machines'. Machines vary in speed as follows: 1) Slow or standard speed. Operate from rpm. They are used for wet scrubbing, polish stripping, scarifying and carpet shampooing. 2) High speed. Operate at rpm. They are used for high speed burnishing or spray cleaning. They can be used for wet scrubbing in some situations but spraying can be caused by the fast centrifugal speed. 3) ultra-high speed. Operate at 1000 rpm and above. They usually have wheels at the front and are used for rapid dry burnishing of large areas when a 'wet look' finish is required. Occasionally they can be used for spray burnishing and cleaning. 4) variable speed. Can be used in areas where the costs of obtaining a standard and high-speed machine is not justifiable, but both are needed. Rotary machines have a number of safety devices:- 1) There is usually a cut off switch that prevents operation when the handle is in an upright position. 2) The 'dead man's handle' ensures that the machine stops when the handle is released 3) Most machines have a voltage cut out protector that will cause the machine to stop if the head jams or is forced to stop for any reason. Copyright Dublcheck Cleaning Services Ltd. Aug-02 Page 16

7 Operating a standard or high speed rotary machine is relatively simple providing the following procedure is followed:- 1) The handle must be lowered to just below waist height, so that the arms are at full length. 2) The operator s hands should be pulled upwards to force the head to rest evenly on the floor. 3) When the pad is resting evenly, the machine can be started. Progress is made through lateral movement. This is achieved by raising and lowering the handle a small amount. Operators should not try to push, pull or force the machine in a lateral direction - this can be achieved simply and easily through the vertical movement of the handle. Operating an ultra high-speed machine is made simpler to use because of the addition of the wheels. The machine should be pushed forward at walking pace and should not be operated when the machine is stationary. This may cause overheating and damage both floor and equipment. Machine Accessories The following are examples of accessories that can be used with rotary machines to enhance their use and efficiency. Brushes - mainly used for polishing and burnishing floors and also carpet shampooing, wet scrubbing and scarifying heavily soiled floors. Here are a few examples: Silicon Carbide brush - used for spray burnishing or spray cleaning Bassine brush - used for dry burnishing or spray burnishing. Scarifying Brushes - used for light duty or heavy duty types for specialised tasks. Gumanti Polishing brushes - used for dry polishing. Nylon or Polypropylene Scrubbing Brush - Used for wet scrubbing of concrete, quarry tiles etc. Bonnet Mops. As discussed earlier in the chapter bonnet mops are used as required on hard floors and carpets. Solution Tanks. Their purpose is to make easier scrubbing floors and shampooing carpets. A lever is attached to the side of the rotary machine, which allows the operator to control the amount of cleaning solution applied to the task. Drive Plates and Pads. Today most floors are treated and maintained with an emulsion polish that is applied with a drive plate and pad. The pad is held in position to the drive plate by velcro strips of "instalok". Various pads are available which have uses for various machines and tasks; they are manufactured from nylon or polyester Copyright Dublcheck Cleaning Services Ltd. Aug-02 Page 17

8 fibres and bound together with a resin mixed with a suitable dye and sometimes an abrasive material. The most popular use of the pads are for stripping, scrubbing, polishing or burnishing and spray maintenance, which all have individual pads for each specific task. They can be used on high and standard speed machines and UHV machines. Vacuum Units. These units are designed not to pick up litter, but to pick up dust, which has been left behind by high-speed burnishing or spray maintenance procedures. They are fitted to most high-speed machines. Before using a rotary machine with a vacuum unit attached it is still necessary to mop sweep or suction clean floors. Spray Units. Used when spray burnishing or spray cleaning some machines have them built in. however it is more common for an operative to use a hand held trigger spray. Anti-Splash Ring. An anti-splash rings purpose is to prevent the skirting or fixtures being splashed when wet scrubbing. They fit around the base of the machine; usually a high-speed machine. Care of Rotary Machines Cables, flexes and plugs should be inspected at regular intervals. If an extension cable has to be used make sure it is appropriate to use with the machine. Before fitting or removing brushes and drive plates always switch the power off at the socket Always remove drive plates and brushes from the machine after use. After use wipe dry all parts of the machines including the cable, and wash out pads and brushes. Cordon off the area when carrying out wet operations or leave a dry passage so access is not blocked. Try to stand in a dry are when wet scrubbing, however this is not always possible. Never leave the machine resting on its brushes or drive plates even for a few seconds. Suction Cleaners Commonly known as vacuum cleaners, they were firstly designed to pick up dry soil only. Nowadays some machines can pick up wet spillages or both wet and dry machines are available. Dry Suction Cleaners These machines have a fan that is fitted to a direct airflow motor. When the machine is switched on the fan draws air into the machine together with dust and grit collect in the airflow. The air passes through the motor to be discharged over the motor Copyright Dublcheck Cleaning Services Ltd. Aug-02 Page 18

9 windings for cooling before being exhausted through a diffuser grill, while the soil is contained in the machine by filters. Soil is collected in the machine by two methods that are: Container principle: this is where a cyclone effect is created as the airflow and the soil pass directly into a container. This allows the soil to be deposited in the container and the air passes through various filters to then be exhausted. Sac principle: this is where soil and grit are trapped in disposable paper filter bags. The flow of air passes through both filters, leaving the soil behind and the air is then exhausted through a vent or diffuser. Cylinder Suction Cleaners Commonly used in a domestic environment, they are designed for light cleaning duties using the sac principle. The problem with these machines is that it they have a tendency to blow bacteria and dust back into the area that has just been cleaned. Canister or 'Tub" Suction Cleaners Commonly referred to as "cylinder" vacs due to their close similarity, they are more robust in construction, more manoeuvrable and versatile. They are generally used in the majority of commercial and industrial premises. The machines with the motor placed in the base or the head, which operate on the sac principle are the most common. Those that use the container principle are much larger industrial machines, having up to three motors used for heavy duty cleaning. Upright Suction Cleaners Mainly used in domestic or commercial buildings. They use the sac principle but operate in upright position. The soil is removed from the carpet by a belt driven beater bar or rotating brush, which agitates the soil that is then sucked away. The action of sucking and beating can be driven by just one motor or two separate motors. The most efficient machines are those that fill the bag from the top. Those which fill from the bottom have to overcome the increasing weight of soil as the bag fills. Back Vacs These machines are worn on the back of the operator and operate on the sac principle. They have a padded harness and back support for the the operatives comfort during use. The advantage of these machines is that they give the operator freedom of manoeuvrability when working in confined areas such as aircraft, cinemas and also high level cleaning duties on access equipment in boiler rooms or factory areas. Wet Suction Cleaners Wet suction cleaners operate on the container function. There are machines solely for removing wet spillages or machines that can remove both wet and dry material. Copyright Dublcheck Cleaning Services Ltd. Aug-02 Page 19

10 The major difference is within the by-pass motor of wet machines, where air is drawn in through a centre hole in the base of the motor. The air is discharged through cooling fins of the motor casing and ducted to prevent it coming into contact with the motor winding, before being exhausted through grills in the motor head. There is an essential safety feature of wet machines, which involves a float valve, which rises up until it shuts off the aperture leading to the motor housing. This will cut off the airflow to the machine and prevents water from entering the motor housing and the machine will stop picking up material. To use a wet suction machine for dry suction it must be fitted with a dry filter for this purpose. Filtration of Dust The level of filtration will depend upon the level of dust in the area. In dry suction machines the filter system is usually divided into three parts. Firstly there is a filter consisting of cloth or a man made fibre. The second filter will either be a re-usable cloth bag or disposable paper bag. The third stage, which may be used, is a polyester or foam material on the inlet to the motor. A few machines have an exhaust filter or diffuser fitted to the exhaust vent. The efficiency of filters is measured by testing equipment in the removal of a predetermined amount of particles of a known size. Filtration efficiency of 60% is usually acceptable in normal conditions. However if the dust is of a more dangerous nature, such as asbestos, then a filtration efficiency of % is required. Where a highly efficient filter is required, use a H.E.P.A. (High Efficiency Particulate Air) Filter. When cleaning dangerous dust the according legislation must be followed, and the operation must be carried out by specialised staff. Another use for HEPA's is in computer rooms or other clean air buildings. Performance Criteria Performance of the filter is dependent on airflow and suction pressure generated by the motor Suction pressure. This is a vacuum that is measured in mm of water, in other words the height of water that would be supported by the difference in pressure with the inlet closed. The size of nozzle or tool used will affect the machine, and can be affected by split or damaged hoses, or other leaks. Air Flow. Measured in litres per second. Usually for an 850 Watt machine might be 48/1sec for direct air flow motors and 40/1 sec for by-pass motors. Tools and Accessories for Suction Cleaners Wet Suction Accessories Wet Carpet Tools - used on carpets, they have a fish tail shape. Copyright Dublcheck Cleaning Services Ltd. Aug-02 Page 20

11 Wet Suction Tools - used with hose and tubes. Hose and Extension Tubes - used in areas with limited access. Dry Suction Accessories Power Heads - consisting of a rotating brush driven by a belt powered by a separate motor. It has a similar motion to that on an upright machine. Turbo Head - a cheap rotating brush or belt driven, powered by the flow of air through an impeller in the head. Pelato Brushes - Used for removing dust from the upper surfaces of pipes by their swivel heads. Lightweight Hose and Extension Tubes - used to improve accessibility, they are straight or angled in shape. Gulper Tools - used for removing industrial waste, such as iron filings, they have wide apertures. Scraper and Crevice Tools - used in industrial settings or for accessing narrow crevices they consist of steel or plastic. Care of Suction Cleaners The following precautions need to be followed to ensure that suction machines are well maintained and in good working use as replacement can be expensive. Always check the disposable paper or reusable cloth bag before and after use. When selecting accessories for the machine make sure they are appropriate to the surface, location and soiling. Do not use the machine if bag or container is full. Before and after use check the electrical lead and plug and report and damage. To prevent a dust hazard always empty bags and containers with care. Cloth filters must be cleaned regularly. Wet suction cleaners tanks must be clean and dried after use. Always use the correct wet or dry filter. After use remove all the machines accessories and tools before storage and keep them clean. Never use the same hose for wet and dry purposes. Be careful not to trap hoses in doors or to run over them with the machine After use always hang a hose up. Regularly renew the disposable paper bag. Access Equipment In some circumstances an operative may be required to work at height, which if care is not taken can be dangerous. Falls from access equipment usually occur if the wrong equipment has been selected, maintained, erected, or used. Materials resting on a platform should be carefully stacked. Copyright Dublcheck Cleaning Services Ltd. Aug-02 Page 21

12 A working platform should have handrails and be fully boarded to prevent a person falling over. The working platform should have safe and adequate access. Amateurs should not attempt to make any alterations to the structure once it has been erected. Trestles A trestle has two hinged frames with cross bearers to support a platform or scaffold boards which are made of aluminium or wood. Trestles should only be used for short periods of work and the following points should be observed when they are in use. The trestle should always be placed on firm and level ground. They should be regularly inspected to ensure they are free from faults. The platform should be fully covered with scaffold boards. The operative should not overreach when working from the platform. The safest means of access should be by means of stepladder. Suspended Cradles and Boatswain Chairs These are suspended by ropes and wires from outriggers, from the top of a building. A boatswain chair is a seat with the ability of lowering or raising itself. A suspended cradle consists of a working platform with the ability of lowering and raising itself then suspended from a roof outrigger. The following points should be observed when either is in use. Checks by competent persons should be regularly carried out. Experts should only erect and install the equipment. Never exceed the marked safe working loads. Before the equipment is used the brakes and stops should be checked. Before the equipment is used all defects must be rectified. The platforms must have a fitted edge protection to prevent equipment and persons from falling over. The operator should have safe access to the equipment. Operatives and supervisors must be fully trained for this equipment in case of an emergency. Copyright Dublcheck Cleaning Services Ltd. Aug-02 Page 22