Albany latest

Albany’s growth into new areas of hygiene brings change of name

Albany Washroom Services, one of the best known companies in the washroom hygiene business, has formally changed its company name to Albany Hygiene Facilities, with effect from August 1st 2010. Managing Director Mike Burton emphasises that this is a change of name only.

“Albany Hygiene Facilities is the same company, with the same ownership, the same partners and the same broad range of services that we have been offering as Albany Washroom Services” he said. “In fact the name has changed precisely because Albany now offers so much more than just washroom services – although that remains a key area of our business.”

In recent years, Albany has grown to offer additional services such as hygiene audits, infection control and hygiene training, remedying sick building syndrome, clinical waste management, legionella control, specialist washroom and kitchen deep cleaning and the supply of safety matting.

“Albany is also directly involved in research into the control of infection” explained Mike Burton. “The Department of Health has recently approved part funding of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership “For the Health of the Nation”, between the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences at Queen Mary, University of London (QMUL) and Albany, under the academic supervision of eminent microbiologist Dr. Ron Cutler. The partnership is carrying out in-depth scientific research into the methodology required to break the chain of infection in schools.”

A new company logo has been designed as part of the change of name, and a new website for Albany Hygiene Facilities will be completed later in 2010. Anybody with any concerns about the change of name should contact the company on 0870 366 5777.

Breaking the chain of infection in School

In the midst of concerns about pupil and staff absence caused by sickness outbreaks, parents are being advised that their judgement of schools should be as much about the standard of the cleanliness as the amount of technology available in the ICT suite. This naturally takes some dedicated attention, so what can schools do to shift their priorities and be reassured that the correct hygiene measures are in place? Mike Burton.

The Truth About Germs in Schools

Hygiene control in schools is a steadily increasing concern following a surge in illnesses such as norovirus, swine flu and E. coli 0175 over the last year. The worst could be yet to come with the imminent outbreak of Community Acquired MRSA which has been sweeping through the US. The confined environments and high physical contact rate within schools means these viruses can easily take hold and spread quickly. The effects are far reaching, both for the school and the local community.

Germs can invisibly enter a school environment, becoming a hidden danger for children and staff. The main hotspots for infection within schools are primarily the toilets, followed by the cafeteria and the sports hall. Norovirus, which is estimated to affect 100,000 people a week, is often related to faecal contamination and if children fail to clean their hands sufficiently, the chain of infection begins and makes its way around the school.

Breaking the chain

Hygiene education and management in schools are the most effective ways to break the chain of infection. By adopting measures to protect children and staff, schools can reduce the number of school days lost each year due to avoidable illness.

Dr. Ron Cutler, Deputy Head of Biomedical Science at Queen Mary, University of London, and a Government spokesperson on infectious diseases, has the following advice: “Learning appropriate hygiene practices, such as cleaning hands, can be a powerful way of reducing the risk of cross infection and helping combat viruses”. Dr. Cutler also believes that schools would benefit from creating a dedicated role of responsibility for infection control and trying to enforce more stringent rules on children returning to school before the recommended incubation period is over.

The need to create a healthy and safe place to learn is paramount and a key objective of school staff. Insufficient hygiene awareness among pupils, dated washroom facilities and daunting cleaning responsibilities for staff, are areas which schools need to be particularly aware of, and, where necessary, seek external support and advice.

In association with Queen Mary, University of London, Albany Healthy Schools have created a free hygiene audit and website which offers additional advice and information on school hygiene. With Ofsted currently reviewing hygiene as additional measurable criteria, these can be of valuable support to inspection preparation.

Mike Burton is Managing Director, Albany Healthy Schools.

Breaking the Chain of Infection in School

Advice for schools. The following guidance is an abstract from information supplied by DCSF. The full document can be found at www.educationpages.net

What to do

• Implement good hygiene practice by washing your hands often especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
• If you have flu symptoms don’t go to work. If you become ill at work, inform your manager and go home. If your children show flu symptoms, keep them at home

Planning for head teachers

• Ensure you have up to date contact details for staff and parents
• Review your plan for dealing with above average staff absence
• Ensure you have adequate supplies of cleaning materials
• Ensure that hand hygiene facilities are adequate and working properly
• Consider the use of hand cleansers at the entrances to rooms
• Check you have procedures for isolating a child who falls ill during the day until their parents can collect them
• Ensure your staff are all aware of the relevant procedures

Reduce the risk

• Regular hand washing
• Minimise contact between your hands and mouth/nose
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, use a tissue when possible then dispose of it carefully
• Encourage your pupils to follow the above three points
• Staff should remain at home if unwell or go home if they display symptoms while at work
• Ensure hard surfaces are cleaned more regularly than usual using normal cleaning products

Teach children

• Teach and encourage children to follow the advice on personal hygiene
• Remind children about personal hygiene frequently
• Make use of the posters on general infection control that the Department of Health has made available. These can be obtained free of charge here
• Copies can be seen here

Simple Measures for Safer Schools

“Simple measures for safer schools”

Says Dr. Ron Cutler supporting the launch of Albany Healthy Schools Audit and Programme

At the Association of Teachers and Lecturers Conference last month, an eminent infectious disease expert, Dr Ron Cutler, unveiled new research on the quality of hygiene in schools and the preventative measures that schools can take to keep pupils healthy. During his speech, Cutler called for “simple measures’ for safer schools.”

The research shows that nearly half of the schools (40%), do not have soap available at every washbasin, 35% of schools do not have written infection control procedures in place, and 6 out of 10 schools do not proactively encourage and educate staff and children to clean their hands. Despite these findings, Cutler believes that effective hand washing and drying, ensuring provision of the right hand cleaning facilities, and enforcing incubation periods for ill children, can help avoid a US style culture of law suits from parents against infection outbreaks and illness.

Cutler, Deputy Director of Biomedical Science at Queen Mary, University of London, also believes that the future of infection control in schools will be the appointment of a dedicated hygiene guardian at every school. “Judging by these recent findings, there is certainly more we can do. However the answer remains one of vigilance and basic healthy practice; it’s about making sure preventative measures are top of the agenda for schools.” states Cutler.

The results are timely as schools are under increasing pressure to improve hygiene and infection control. New statutory requirements are being placed on schools to promote the health and well-being of their pupils, particularly to ensure that they reach healthy school status by 2011. Furthermore, with pressure from external sources such as The Good School Guides encouraging parents to visit the toilets when choosing a school, there is a shift in emphasis from all directions.

The Truth About Germs in Schools

Hygiene control in schools is a steadily increasing concern following a surge in illnesses such as norovirus, swine flu and E. coli 0175 over the past autumn term. It is proposed that the worst is yet to come as Community Acquired MRSA, which is currently sweeping through the US, could easily spread to the UK. The confined environments and high physical contact rate within schools means these viruses can easily take hold and spread quickly. The effects are far reaching, both for the school and the local community.

Germs can invisibly enter a school environment, becoming a hidden danger for children and staff. The main hotspots for infection within schools are primarily the toilets, followed by the cafeteria or lunch room and the gym or sports hall. Norovirus, which is estimated to affect 100,000 people a week, is often related to faecal contamination and if children fail to clean their hands sufficiently, the chain of infection begins and makes its way around the school.

Break the Chain of Infection and Improve Attendance Figures

Albany Healthy Schools has worked in partnership with Queen Mary, University of London, to create a holistic hygiene support programme designed specifically for schools. The programme starts with a hygiene audit of the school followed by a personalised recommendation tailored for each school’s specific needs, detailing cost saving opportunities as well as recommending the most environmentally sustainable products and solutions. Education is at the heart of the programme with supporting lesson plans, educational materials and a roadshow.

As leaders in the field, with a 100 year heritage, Albany Healthy Schools is working closely with education and health professionals to provide solutions to the growing concerns that infectious diseases create for schools. If you would like to book a free hygiene audit in your school for the Autumn term, or general advice and support on hygiene management contact, tel 0870 366 5777 or visit Albany Healthy Schools

Improve your attendance figures

Albany Healthy Schools Programme Launches School Hygiene Audits

As we all know, our schools are under increasing pressure to improve hygiene and infection control. Can schools be doing more to avoid unwanted infections? Now they can with the help of Albany Healthy Schools. This programme has been created specifically for the education sector and is designed to help schools improve their hygiene standards and reduce social, economic and environmental impacts.

Hygiene education and management in schools are the most effective ways to break the chain of infection. By adopting measures to protect children and staff, it will ultimately reduce the number of school days lost each year due to avoidable illness. In consultation with Dr. Ron Cutler, Deputy Director of Biomedical Science at Queen Mary, University of London, Albany Healthy Schools has developed a holistic hygiene management programme and website. The programme includes a hygiene audit followed by personalised recommendations and solutions for all hygiene management needs in school. This incorporates advice on products and educational materials, with an additional offering of a roadshow to bring to life the hygiene messages to staff and pupils.

Mike Burton, Founder of the Albany Healthy Schools Programme explains; “The government’s National Healthy Schools Programme currently allows 4 million pupils to enjoy the benefits of attending a “Healthy School” but, unfortunately, this programme does not sufficiently cover the hygiene of the building environment which the pupils, staff and teachers inhabit. Also, it does not encompass the critical area of infection control within the school. Our programme aims to work with and support the schools needs.”

If you would like to book a free hygiene audit in your school for the Autumn term, have help creating your infection control policy or require general advice and support on hygiene management, then contact 0870 366 5777 or visit Albany Healthy Schools

Good Hygiene:Without the Soap Opera

At the Association of Teachers and lectures Conference today, an eminent infectious disease expert Dr Ron Cutler, unveiled new research by Albany Healthy Schools on the quality of hygiene in schools and the preventative measures that schools can take to keep students healthy.

During his speech, Cutler called for “simple measures’ for safer schools.” The research shows that nearly half of the independent schools (40%), do not have soap available at all washbasins, 35% of schools do not have written infection control procedures in place, and 6 out of 10 schools do not proactively encourage and educate staff and children to clean their hands.Despite these findings, Cutler believes that effective hand cleaning and drying, ensuring provision of the right hand cleaning facilities, and enforcing incubation periods for ill children, can help avoid a US style culture of law suits from parents against infection outbreaks and illness.

Cutler, Deputy Director of Biomedical Science at Queen Mary, University of London, also believes that the future of infection control in schools will be the appointment of a dedicated hygiene guardian at every school. “Judging by these recent findings, there is certainly more we can do. However the answer remains one of vigilance and basic healthy practice; it’s about making sure preventative measures are top of the agenda for schools.” states Cutler. The results are timely as schools are under increasing pressure to improve hygiene and infection control.

New statutory requirements are being placed on schools to promote the health and well-being of their students, particularly to ensure that they reach healthy school status by 2010. Further more with pressure from external sources such as the Good School Guide encouraging parents to visit the toilets when choosing a school, there is a shift in emphasis from all directions.

Albany Healthy Schools has worked in partnership with Queen Mary, University of London to create a holistic hygiene support programme designed specifically for schools. The programme includes educational resources and a free hygiene audit for independent schools.

Cleaning up

To support schools in breaking the chain of infection, Albany Healthy Schools has developed a programme that offers a holistic approach to hygiene management. Produced in consultation with Dr Ron Cutler, Senior Microbiologist at Queen Mary, University of London, it provides measures to protect children and staff, and can ultimately reduce the number of school days lost each year due to avoidable illnesses.

If you would like a hygiene audit in your school or general advice and support on hygiene management, visit Albany Healthy Schools

Air purifier eliminates bacteria and destroys smells

Just announced by Albany Hygiene Facilities is the availability to Albany customers of the unique Air Steril washroom air purifier, a low-energy unit that kills 98% of airborne and 58% of surface bacteria throughout the washroom that eliminates the smells caused by bacteria*. Washrooms accumulate high levels of harmful bacteria and viruses and can also be breeding places for mould. Air Steril not only kills bacteria but also viruses and moulds.

With coverage of 30 square metres from a single Air Steril unit, just 13W/hr electricity consumption ensures freedom from odour and bacteria throughout an average sized washroom. The unit can be adjusted to deal with various levels of contamination. A lower power unit is available from Albany for smaller facilities and there is also an optional debris protection system for higher pollution sites such as airports and railway stations.

The Air Steril air purifier takes in contaminated air and uses five separate technologies working together to provide clean air all day long, improving washroom hygiene and reducing infection risks for staff and visitors. Albany’s Managing Director Mike Burton emphasises the wide-ranging benefits of having an air purification system in the washroom.

“Nearly all washroom odours are caused by bacterial action” he said. “Washrooms accumulate substantial concentrations of harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause flu, colds, gastro-intestinal infection or hepatitis. Masking the smell may make the washroom more pleasant, but it does not eliminate the danger. Only efficiently killing the pathogens can do that.”

Albany Hygiene Facilities is undertaking a leading role in educating children to understand the necessity of frequent hand cleaning, particularly after visiting the lavatory. As part of a drive to improve washroom hygiene standards, the Albany Healthy Schools Programme is helping children to learn what viruses and bacteria are and to understand their role in causing illness while also teaching how frequent hand washing and healthy drying help keep everybody well. The Air Steril unit will have a major role in school washroom hygiene as schools recognise its ability to make washrooms safer for children and school staff alike.

Albany provides its customers with hygiene consultancy services nationwide, and includes a valuable free hygiene audit to identify hygiene problems and any non-compliance issues. The audit also includes advice on innovative washroom hygiene products such as Air Steril.

*Research at the Health Protection Agency Laboratory, Porton Down, September 2006

Cleaning up

To support schools in breaking the chain of infection, Albany Healthy Schools has developed a programme that offers a holistic approach to hygiene management. Produced in consultation with Dr Ron Cutler, Senior Microbiologist at Queen Mary, University of London, it provides measures to protect children and staff, and can ultimately reduce the number of school days lost each year due to avoidable illnesses.

If you would like a hygiene audit in your school or general advice and support on hygiene management, visit Albany Healthy Schools

Washrooms and Staff Education

"The key to lower costs and a healthy workforce"

Mike Burton of Albany Hygiene Facilities makes some suggestions.

There are hundreds, possibly thousands of dangers lurking in your company washrooms. From tiny crevices overlooked by, or unreachable to even the most efficient cleaner with the best cleaning equipment, bacteria, viruses, bacilli and mould spores cause disease, absenteeism, loss of production, reduced efficiency and lost profits. Which is why modern washrooms are designed not to have tiny crevices or places unreachable to cleaning.

Tackling the sources of infection makes sound financial sense. A significant outbreak of norovirus or swine flu can damage profitability and alienate customers. Although contagious bacteria and viruses are always with us, they can be contained and the damage they cause reduced. The keys are in education of the workforce, in sensible aseptic procedures and in the design and maintenance of the washrooms.

Endless health propaganda over decades has not significantly altered public acceptance of basic hygiene. Only three in every hundred people wash their hands in soap and water after going to the lavatory. Many still do not use a tissue when they sneeze or do not dispose of tissues hygienically.

Commuters take infection to work on their hands - it has been shown that 1 in 4 public transport commuters have traces of human faeces on their hands when boarding buses and trains and around 1 million people each year are affected by the winter vomiting bug, norovirus. Small wonder, then, that during the working day, pathogens are added to desk surfaces, the arms of office chairs, keyboards and equipment. It has been calculated that UK business loses £4.0 billion per year to avoidable illness.

Design the washroom scientifically

Just the choice of hand dryers in the washroom can significantly reduce the pathogen count on hands after washing – the latest Dyson hand dryers have been shown, in a study conducted at the University of East London, to leave some 10% fewer pathogens on hands than the nearest competing hand dryer, and some 12% fewer than paper towels.

The need for scientific understanding and practice extends to every area of washroom design. High technology, ventilation and air purification systems help keep pathogen counts low, and designing washrooms with no door and coved flooring greatly improves cleaning efficiency and effectiveness. Washroom costs can be reduced by water management and recycling of grey water. Effectiveness of asepsis procedures and cost-cutting measures can be monitored by regular audits and improved by precisely controlled maintenance. An effective hand hygiene policy can reduce absenteeism by up to 50%.

Then there’s the corporate image

Well designed and properly maintained washrooms improve your organisation’s corporate image. Just as people judge hotels by the standard of the bedrooms and bathrooms, as much as by the food, visitors to your company will judge your standards by the quality, comfort, atmosphere and appearance of your washrooms. If the loos don’t smell right, customers will wonder about your quality assurance as applied to your products and services.

It is essential that facilities managers look again at what their cleaning contractors are doing and how they use quality assurance procedures to monitor effectiveness. Cleaning companies and teams, who understand the importance of hygiene in the washroom and lavatories, have to become as much aware of user’s perceptions as of the hard facts of cleanliness.

Outside the washrooms, greater awareness of less obvious sources of cross-infection is essential - the handles and finger-plates on doors, the receptionist’s desk and the computer keyboards. Workers must stop regarding disinfection as somebody else’s job, and use disinfectant wipes on furniture and equipment during the day. People must be made to realise that they do not clean their hands thoroughly enough or often enough.

My company, Albany Hygiene Facilities, sponsors the annual ‘Loo of the Year’ competition as part of its national drive to raise standards of washroom hygiene. Now, on the age-old Jesuit principle ‘Give me the child until he is seven years old, and I will give you the man’, Albany has undertaken a leading role in educating children to understand the necessity of frequent hand cleaning, particularly after visiting the lavatory.

The Albany Healthy Schools Programme

The Albany Healthy Schools Programme is helping children to understand that viruses and bacteria cause illness and how frequent hand cleaning can help to keep everybody well. Albany is making learning about infection and hand cleaning fun for children by running the Albany Max Roadshow, which has been touring independent preparatory schools since 19th October 2009 with a live animated character – Albany Max – to get the message across to the children.

Albany is also offering schools a free A+ Hygiene Audit, which includes a report highlighting non-compliance with legislation, recommendations for hygiene improvement and suggestions for saving water and energy.

Washrooms help cut costs

We advise companies how to save thousands of pounds with effective water management systems, by eradicating paper towels and using the new generation of hand dryers to save energy and reduce pathogen counts. When times are tough, companies must adopt smart solutions. For further information please visit Albany Facilities or call 0870 366 5777.

Hands on hygiene approach

Your washroom may be awash with infection-trouble is, you can’t see it. So what do you do? Mike Burton of Albany Hygiene Facilities offers comment and advice.

Bacteria and viruses are just about everywhere. Some of them, like common cold viruses, do us little harm. Others, like E.coli or pneumococcus, can be downright dangerous in the wrong circumstances, and many, like the winter vomiting virus norovirus, or H1N1 swine flu, are, in most cases, short-lived but extremely unpleasant. Most cause absence from work, lost production and inefficiency if communicated by cross-infection. A serious outbreak of norovirus or swine flu can endanger a company’s profitability and lose it customers because of compromised service.

The problem for companies is that, despite endless publicity on the dangers of inadequate hygiene, the majority of people do not clean their hands after going to the lavatory, do not ensure that they use a tissue when they sneeze and, even if they do, do not dispose of the tissue hygienically after the sneeze.

People bring infection on their hands into work - it has been shown that the majority of public transport commuters have traces of human faeces on their hands when boarding buses and trains and that only 3 people in every 100 clean their hands after visiting the lavatory. During the day, pathogens are added to desk surfaces, the arms of office chairs, keyboards and equipment. It has been calculated that UK business loses £1.4 billion per year to avoidable illness. It is essential that those in charge of cleaning look again at the real purpose of what they are doing.

Clean and infection-free

There has to be a shift of emphasis away from ‘polished and tidy’ and a move towards ‘clean and infection-free’. Cleaning companies and teams, who understand the importance of hygiene in the washroom and lavatories, have to become more aware of the less obvious sources of cross-infection, such as the handles and finger-plates on doors, the receptionist’s desk and computer keyboards. Workers must stop regarding disinfection as somebody else’s job, and use disinfectant wipes during the day. People must be made to realise that they do not clean their hands thoroughly enough or often enough.

My company, Albany Hygiene Facilities, sponsors the annual ‘Loo of the Year’ competition as part of its national drive to raise standards of washroom hygiene. Now, on the age-old Jesuit principle ‘Give me the child until he is seven years old, and I will give you the man’, Albany has undertaken a leading role in educating children to understand the necessity of frequent hand cleaning, particularly after visiting the lavatory.

The Albany Healthy Schools Programme

The government’s National Healthy Schools Programme does not sufficiently cover the hygiene of the built environment that the pupils, staff and teachers inhabit. It also fails to encompass the critical area of infection control within the school.

The Albany Healthy Schools Programme has been launched to help children to understand about viruses and bacteria that cause illness and how thorough and frequent hand cleaning can help to keep everybody well. Albany is making learning about infection and hand cleaning fun for children by running the Albany Max Roadshow, which has been touring independent preparatory schools since 19th October 2009 with a live animated character – Albany Max – to get the message across to the children.

Albany Hygiene Facilities is also offering schools a free A+ Hygiene Audit, which includes a report highlighting non-compliance with legislation, recommendations for hygiene improvement and suggestions for saving water and energy.

Near-aseptic washrooms vital

With norovirus and swine flu at the forefront of people’s minds, maintenance of washrooms, lavatories and kitchens in near-aseptic condition is as vital as teaching children to keep their hands clean. Efficient modern washrooms are easier to clean and keep infection-free than older ones, but whatever their age, they must be maintained effectively to minimise infection.

More and more companies are looking to their washrooms to make savings. We advise many companies on how they can save thousands of pounds with effective water management systems, by eradicating paper towels and using the new generation of hand dryers which are far more energy efficient. When times are tough companies need to be smart about the solutions they use. Albany offers a free consultation service and cost savings analysis to advise customers on the most cost effective and sustainable way forward. We also offer a comprehensive rental package which means that there is no initial outlay – a particular benefit in the current economic climate.

Albany provides its customers with hygiene consultancy services nationwide, offering advice on sustainable washroom design, maintenance and education. For further information please visit www.albanyfacilities.com or call 0870 366 5777.

Rayleigh hygiene specialists funding research to bring safety to Britain’s washrooms

Most people think of the washroom at work as a place of brief solace, the place where some of life’s problems are thought through and a moment of peace can be found. In fact, as Mike Burton, Managing Director of Albany Hygiene Facilities, based in Rayleigh, points out, the washroom can be a downright dangerous place if it is not designed to inhibit the transmission of bacteria, viruses and moulds, and if it is not maintained properly to keep anti-infection measures at their peak of efficiency.

Albany, one of Britain’s leading suppliers of washroom services, has spent years investing in an independent research programme that is constantly seeking new and better data on the risks of cross infection that washrooms inevitably bring to a workplace and how best to counter those risks. Albany works closely on a day-to-day basis with both academic and industry partners to benefit from their research and knowledge and the company’s close co-operation with the product design faculty at the UEL (University of East London) has been essential to the development of a range of environmentally sustainable washroom products. For the last three years Albany has been working with Dr Ron Cutler of Queen Mary, University of London, constantly testing and evaluating the most effective hygiene strategies and systems. “We have proved in practice that these relationships enable us to develop environmental, microbiological and product design expertise that we could never have achieved working in isolation” explained Mike Burton. “Constantly updated scientific understanding enables us to recommend the latest independent hygiene advice and provide commerce and industry with the most effective hygiene solutions”. Latest academic partnership Albany plans shortly to employ a full-time bioscience post-graduate, mentored by Dr Cutler, under the Knowledge Transfer Partnership Initiative. With this graduate working full-time for three years under this scheme, Albany will gain scientific insight and hygiene advice on a daily basis and will be able to pass the benefit of greater understanding of hygiene management on to the company’s customers. Albany Hygiene Facilities is a company that has expanded and diversified to a formidable degree from comparatively humble beginnings as a family laundry business a hundred years ago. Constantly innovating and developing new applications within the broad field of hygiene technology, the company nonetheless is an efficient objectives-driven organisation, recruiting high quality graduates, training staff to help companies keep infection at bay with the latest washroom services technologies and currently running a nationwide programme to teach children about infection and the importance of cleaning their hands. Mike Burton has launched its mission to raise awareness of the hidden dangers within Britain’s washrooms, and to develop scientifically valid solutions to nullify those dangers, with the purest of business intentions – and yet, just under that buzz of profit-orientated fervour, there is a constant academic drive to find better scientific solutions and to help to create a safer workplace. One senses that Mike Burton would be just as happy running an organisation whose objectives were concerned only with blue skies research. A short film about the dangers lurking in washrooms can be seen at www.albanyfacilities.co.uk. Washrooms accumulate high levels of harmful bacteria and viruses and can also be breeding places for mould. Air Steril kills not only bacteria but also viruses and moulds.

Rayleigh washroom services company on a mission to improve child hygiene

Albany Hygiene Facilities, one of Britain’s leading suppliers of washroom services, based in Rayleigh, is leading a campaign to increase school childrens’ awareness of hand hygiene and its role in reducing infections and illness. Launched on Global Handwashing Day – 15th October 2009 - The Albany Healthy Schools Programme was created to help generate awareness of the importance of hygiene in schools and to help schools throughout Britain to overcome any hygiene problems. To this end, Albany is offering schools a free hygiene audit to highlight any non-compliance with regulations or areas of possible hygiene or infection risk.

Albany has made it fun for children to learn by launching the Albany Max Roadshow, which has been touring schools since October 2009. Initially active in the private sector and designed for younger primary-age children, the roadshow features an animated character, Albany Max, to get the message over to the children. Each school visited receives a School Resource Pack including Key Stages 1 & 2 lesson plans, colouring sheets, games, badges, stickers and other educational delights for the young, and the programme will include state and independent schools at both primary and secondary level, all over the UK later in 2010. Albany is currently developing appropriate hygiene education programmes for different age groups, all following the theme ‘Improving the health of the nation’s schools’.

The initial roadshow featuring Albany Max is only one aspect of the varied programme planned to help schools become healthier places, and school children more aware of the importance of hygiene. All events included in the Healthy Schools Programme nationwide will present a focused and exciting activity for the school, not only providing an engaging vehicle to educate the pupils and teaching staff but also sending out a message to parents and the community that the school takes hygiene standards seriously.

Dr. Ronald. R Cutler, Deputy Head of Bio Sciences at Queen Mary, University of London, supports the initiative.

“Starting hygiene education from a young age is important to creating a safer school environment. Learning appropriate hygiene practices, such as cleaning hands, can be a powerful way of reducing the risk of cross infection and helping combat viruses” he commented. “I welcome a dedicated initiative for the education sector that will support their specific needs and even make hygiene education an enjoyable experience.”

Mike Burton, Managing Director of Albany Hygiene Facilities, believes that education is central to achieving good hygiene standards in schools. He is personally dedicated to developing a scheme to help children and young people learn correct hand hygiene practices to reduce the risk of cross infection and help combat viruses such as swine flu and norovirus.

A Scientific Approach

Albany Hygiene Facilities has been building up to this close involvement with hygiene education for several years, and works with both academic and industry partners to benefit from their research and knowledge. Close co-operation with the product design faculty at the UEL (University of East London) has been essential to the development of environmentally sustainable washroom products.

For the last three years Albany has been working with Dr Ron Cutler of Queen Mary, University of London, constantly testing and evaluating the most effective hygiene systems.

“These relationships provide us with essential environmental, microbiological and product design expertise” explained Mike Burton. “This enables us to recommend the latest independent hygiene advice and deliver the most effective solutions to our customers, whether their requirement is high level school sanitation and hygiene education or on-site hygiene practice in schools.

Knowledge Transfer

Albany is now about to employ a full-time bioscience post-graduate, mentored by Dr Cutler, under the Knowledge Transfer Partnership initiative. With this graduate working full-time for three years under this scheme, Albany will gain scientific insight and hygiene advice on a daily basis and will pass this on to schools and educational establishments.It is as a result of broader understanding of health and hygiene in schools gained over the past three years that the company has launched its mission to raise awareness of the hidden dangers within Britain’s washrooms, whether in industry, commerce or education. It is hoped that intensified activity in this area will enable Albany to further improve washroom hygiene in schools and the workplace. A short film about the dangers lurking in washrooms can be seen at Albany Healthy Schools

Mirfield school Joins health revolution

A local school has joined a scheme to avoid infections.

Holly Bank, at Mirfield, is one of several across the region taking part in The Albany Healthy Schools Programme.

The Project’s roadshow is set to visit Holly Bank on Tuesday, January 22, with the animated character Albany Max taking centre stage.

Albany will be arriving at the school in his Healthy Hands van to teach the children about the importance of washing and drying their hands through songs and activities.

The programme aims to provide the children and staff with enough information on hygiene to prevent school days being lost through unavoidable illnesses caused by swine flu, E. coli and norovirus.

Holly Bank head teacher Mrs. Pam King welcomed the project.

She said: “The importance of good hygiene is a vital message we aim to convey to the children and staff everyday and we take our responsibilities in this area very seriously.”

“All the children rely on carers to help with hand cleaning and by introducing a character like Albany Max it is an effective new way of ensuring hand washing and drying becomes an important and fun experience”

Other key factors of the programme include posters, DVDs, animated screen savers, games, lessons plans, stickers and badges.

Keeping Schools and Children healthy

Dr. Ron Cutler, Deputy Head of Biomedical Science, Queen Mary, University of London, answers schools pertinent questions about infection threats and hygiene management.

What are the current risks of infection in school?

Schools are high risk areas as they are confined environments and children are very vulnerable to certain diseases such as norovirus (winter vomiting), a common illness linked to children often related to faecal contamination. The recent outbreaks of E coli 0157 have also shown how easy these diseases can spread in the young. It is estimated that norovirus affects between 600,000 and a million people in the UK each year. These illnesses are spread through poor hygiene, and people not cleaning their hands after using the toilet.

The dangers of spreading colds and flu (including swine flu) are obvious at this current time, how can a school help reduce the spread of infection?

First of all if you have the flu – stay home. Often however by the time the symptoms appear you will have already spread the disease. The most effective way to respond to an outbreak is to disinfect all hard surfaces and teach children and staff about good hygiene measures including regular hand cleaning, limiting hand to nose contact and covering the mouth and nose when sneezing. It is worth introducing hand cleansers inside and outside the classroom and displaying reminders for personal hygiene around the school.

Are there any high risk areas in a school to which we should pay particular attention?

The spread of infection is high within schools, because children have contact with everything. A child can leave the toilet without cleaning their hands and infections can spread from their hands to anything they touch, be it the door handle, a friend’s hand, or a work book. In this chain of disease, germs from toilets can be spread throughout the school and then into the community. Good hygienic, well designed toilets and proper hand washing facilities will help reduce the spread of these infections and in today’s crowded, busy environment this is more important than ever.

Dr. Ron Cutler is supporting the Albany Healthy Schools Programme, designed to help schools improve their hygiene standards and reduce social, economic and environmental impacts. For your FREE hygiene audit visit Albany Healthy Schools or call 0870 366 5777.

Bad Hygiene Risk

Mike Burton, managing director of Albany Hygiene Facilities, and Dr Ron Cutler of Queen Mary, University of East London, explained in graphic detail the risks of poor workplace hygiene, and some remedial measures to reduce their impact, at a meeting of the Home Counties Region of the British Institute of Facilities Management in Winnersh, Berkshire recently.

The audience of Facilities managers and their guests heard Dr Cutler, a leading microbiologist and expert of infectious diseases at the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, explain the mechanisms of cross infection and describe how the latest techniques of hand drying, as well as better hand cleaning techniques, can take a major role in prevention and control of infection. Dr Cutler, who has been seen recently on Sky TV and BBC Breakfast News offering expert opinion on the problems of E. Coli infection arising from children’s petting farms, described what remedial action should be taken following an outbreak of infection.

Mike Burton then spoke about the measures that can easily be taken to improve the hygiene of business premises and thereby the health of those who work there. He explained that effective hygiene can achieve a reduction in absence from work of up to 50% while saving thousands of pounds in unnecessary costs per year. He also demonstrated how to reduce a building’s environmental impact by adopting some simple practices and using the correct products and services.

Rayleigh hygiene specialists funding research to bring safety to Britain's washrooms

Most people think of the washroom at work as a place of brief solace, the place where some of life's problems are thought through and a moment of peace can be found. In fact, as Mike Burton, Managing Director of Albany Hygiene Facilities, based in Rayleigh, points out, the washroom can be a downright dangerous place if it is not designed to inhibit the transmission of bacteria, viruses and moulds, and if it is not maintained properly to keep anti-infection measures at their peak of efficiency.

Albany, one of Britain's leading suppliers of washroom services, has spent years investing in an independent research programme that is constantly seeking new and better data on the risks of cross infection that washrooms inevitably bring to a workplace and how best to counter those risks. Albany works closely on a day-to-day basis with both academic and industry partners to benefit from their research and knowledge and the company's close co-operation with the product design faculty at the UEL (University of East London) has been essential to the development of a range of environmentally sustainable washroom products.

For the last three years Albany has been working with Dr Ron Cutler of Queen Mary, University of London, constantly testing and evaluating the most effective hygiene strategies and systems.

"We have proved in practice that these relationships enable us to develop environmental, microbiological and product design expertise that we could never have achieved working in isolation" explained Mike Burton. "Constantly updated scientific understanding enables us to recommend the latest independent hygiene advice and provide commerce and industry with the most effective hygiene solutions".

Latest academic partnership

Albany plans shortly to employ a full-time bioscience post-graduate, mentored by Dr Cutler, under the Knowledge Transfer Partnership Initiative. With this graduate working full-time for three years under this scheme, Albany will gain scientific insight and hygiene advice on a daily basis and will be able to pass the benefit of greater understanding of hygiene management on to the company's customers.

Albany Hygiene Facilities is a company that has expanded and diversified to a formidable degree from comparatively humble beginnings as a family laundry business a hundred years ago. Constantly innovating and developing new applications within the broad field of hygiene technology, the company nonetheless is an efficient objectives-driven organisation, recruiting high quality graduates, training staff to help companies keep infection at bay with the latest washroom services technologies and currently running a nationwide programme to teach children about infection and the importance of cleaning their hands.

Mike Burton has launched its mission to raise awareness of the hidden dangers within Britain's washrooms, and to develop scientifically valid solutions to nullify those dangers, with the purest of business intentions – and yet, just under that buzz of profit-orientated fervour, there is a constant academic drive to find better scientific solutions and to help to create a safer workplace. One senses that Mike Burton would be just as happy running an organisation whose objectives were concerned only with blue skies research.

Infection control in public buildings

It may seem obvious that infection thrives in dirty places, and finds it tougher to survive in freshly cleaned places, but a large proportion of the population does not seem to have grasped it. Despite endless publicity on the dangers of inadequate hygiene, the majority of people do not clean their hands after going to the lavatory, do not ensure that they use a tissue when they sneeze and, even if they do, do not dispose of the tissue hygienically after the sneeze.

People bring infection on their hands into work- it has been shown that the majority of public transport commuters have traces of human faeces on their hands when boarding buses and trains. Bacteria and viruses are smeared constantly over office entrances, reception chairs and staircase handrails by staff and visitors alike. During the day, pathogens are added to desk surfaces, the arms of office chairs, keyboards and equipment.

It is no better in leisure centres, swimming pools and gymnasiums – in fact, where pools are concerned, it is arguably worse, as some infections are at their best when water-borne. Outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis, a parasitic bowel infection, have been frequently associated with swimming pools in recent years. Even public libraries fare no better. Although the Public Health Act of 1935 forbids anyone taking ‘out of the library any book for use by any person suffering from a notifiable disease (i.e. cholera, plague, relapsing fever, smallpox or typhus’ or returning ‘to the library any book which has been exposed to a notifiable disease’, none of the legislators seems to have thought of insisting that people about to read a library book should clean their hands.

The essence of the problem seems to be that, if the public is unwilling to change its behaviour, the efficiency of daily cleaning must be stepped up in all public buildings – and that daily cleaning, however efficient, is not enough in times of crisis. Staff in public buildings are going to have to contribute to reducing contamination, partly by cleaning their own hands frequently, but also by using disinfectant wipes for frequent rudimentary disinfection of furniture and equipment.

Recent increases in the scale and frequency of outbreaks of infection have made managements more aware of the crucial role of cross infection in causing illness and staff absence. That in turn has made it essential that those in charge of cleaning look again at the real purpose of what they are doing.

There has to be a shift of emphasis away from ‘polished and tidy’ and a move towards ‘clean and infection-free’. Cleaning companies and teams have to become more aware of the less obvious sources of cross-infection, such as the handles and finger-plates on doors, the receptionist’s desk and computer keyboards. People working in public buildings must stop regarding disinfection as somebody else’s job, and use disinfectant wipes during the day. People must be made to realise that they do not clean their hands thoroughly enough or often enough.

A key approach to improving matters is to expose people to good hand hygiene practice at an early age, and this is where the Albany Healthy Schools Programme plans to start.

According to Mike Burton, Managing Director of Albany Hygiene Facilities, the government’s National Healthy Schools Programme currently enables four million pupils to enjoy the benefits of attending a healthy school.

“Unfortunately, this programme does not sufficiently cover the hygiene of the built environment that the pupils, staff and teachers inhabit” he said in mid-October when launching his company’s Albany Healthy Schools Programme. “The government programme also fails to encompass the critical area of infection control within the school”.

The Albany Healthy Schools Programme has been launched to help children to understand about viruses and bacteria that cause illness and how thorough and frequent hand washing and drying can help to keep everybody well. Albany is making learning about infection and hand cleaning fun for children by running the Albany Max Roadshow, which has been touring independent preparatory schools since 19th October with a live animated character – Albany Max – to get the message across to the children.

Albany Hygiene Facilities is also offering schools a free A+ Hygiene Audit, which includes a report highlighting non-compliance with legislation, recommendations for hygiene improvement and suggestions for saving water and energy.

Without wishing to seem heretical, it could be that it is time for local authorities to be a little less doctrinaire than usual where its list of preferred suppliers is concerned. The usual principal is that, once a firm is on the preferred suppliers list, little short of treason or an earthquake can dislodge them. That, where the control of infection is concerned, may have to change.

Local authorities should consider asking all cleaning contractors to provide details of how their aseptic measures can be improved to reduce the risk of reservoirs of infection in public buildings transmitting disease. Cleaners should perhaps be required to detail their quality control measures (for example the use of ultraviolet lamps to show where there is organic matter in places where it should not be), and to use them consistently. There is nothing like lighting a freshly cleaned lavatory pan with a UV lamp to convince people that traditional cleaning methods can be unreliable.

In short, the effectiveness of cleaning and asepsis, particularly in kitchens and washrooms, should be closely and continuously monitored, and quality control procedures should be defined and practised.

With norovirus and swine flu at the forefront of people’s minds as winter sets in, maintenance of washrooms, lavatories and kitchens in near-aseptic condition is vital. Efficient modern washrooms are easier to clean and keep infection-free than older ones, but whatever their age, they must be maintained effectively to minimise infection. The essence of infection control is more frequent and more efficient cleaning and disinfection of frequently used surfaces: and to make sure everybody takes a role in doing just that.

Albany Healthy Schools programme

The Albany Max Roadshow has been touring independent preparatory schools with an animated character to get the message across to children.

An event held in the University of East London on Global hand-washing day- 15th October- Albany Facilities announced a major new programme to improve hygiene in schools, reduce cross-infection risks and train a new generation in better hygiene.

The Albany Healthy Schools programme aims to teach children both the importance and techniques of good hand cleaning. Albany is making it fun for children by launching the Albany Max Roadshow, which has been touring independent preparatory schools from 19th October with an animated character to get the message across to children.

“The government’s National Healthy Schools Programme currently allows 4 million pupils to enjoy the benefits of attending a Healthy School”, explained Mike Burton, founder of the Albany Healthy Schools Programme and managing director of Albany Hygiene Facilities. “Unfortunately, this programme does not sufficiently cover the hygiene of the building environment that the pupils, staff and teachers inhabit. It also fails to encompass the critical area of infection control within the school. Our programme aims to work with and support the school’s needs”

A large proportion of all the cross-infection that is featured so much in the news comes from hand to hand contact. A major part of the flu, E. Coli and winter vomiting virus (norovirus) infections that plague schools can be avoided simply, by frequent hand cleaning. Only 3 in 100 people in Britain wash their hands properly after visiting the lavatory. If they are the people bringing up our children, unnecessary infections in schools are virtually ensured.

The Albany Max Roadshow plans to change that by helping children understand about viruses and bacteria that cause illnesses and how thorough and frequent hand washing and drying can help to keep everybody well.

School cleaning managers and staff are also targeted by the Albany Healthy Schools Programme, which explains to them the key roles of the healthy cleaning techniques, healthy washroom design and infection control in preventing the disruption and unpleasantness caused by outbreaks of infection. Ideas for cutting schools’ washroom costs by eliminating paper towels and unnecessary flushing of urinals when the school is not in use can save thousands of pounds per year.

Albany Hygiene Facilities is offering schools a FREE A+ Hygiene Audit, which includes a non-compliance report and recommendations for hygiene improvement.

Albany Healthy Schools programme launched to target and reduce infection in Schools

At an event held in the University of East London on the Global Hand Washing Day, October 15th, fast growing Albany facilities announced a major new programme to improve hygiene in schools reduce cross infection risks and train a new generation in better hygiene. The Albany Healthy Schools Programme aims to teach children both the importance and the techniques of good hand cleaning. Albany is making it fun for children to learn by launching the Albany Max Roadshow, which is touring independent preparatory schools from the 19th October with an animated character to get the message across to children.

“The government’s National Healthy Schools Programme currently allows 4 million pupils to enjoy the benefits of attending a “Healthy School” explained Mike Burton, Founder of the Albany Healthy Schools Programme and Managing Director of Albany Hygiene Facilities. “Unfortunately, this programme does not sufficiently cover the hygiene of the building environment that the pupils, staff and teachers inhabit. It also fails to encompass the critical area of infection control within the school. Our programme aims to work with and support the school’s needs.”

A large proportion of all the cross-infection that is featured so much in the news comes from hand to hand contact. A major part of the ‘flu, E. Coli and winter vomiting virus (norovirus) infections that plague schools can be avoided simply by frequent, effective hand cleaning. Only 3 people in 100 in Britain wash their hands properly after visiting the lavatory. If they are the people bringing up our children, unnecessary infections in schools are virtually ensured.

The Albany Max Roadshow plans to change that by helping children understand about viruses and bacteria that cause illnesses and how thorough and frequent hand washing and drying can help keep everybody well.

School cleaning managers and staff are also targeted by the Albany Healthy Schools Programme, which explains to them the key roles of the healthy cleaning techniques, healthy washroom design and infection control in preventing the disruption and unpleasantness caused by outbreaks of infection. Ideas for cutting schools’ washroom costs by eliminating paper towels and unnecessary flushing of urinals when the school is not in use can save thousands of pounds per year.

Albany Hygiene Facilities is offering schools a FREE A+ Hygiene Audit, which includes a report highlighting non-compliance with legislation, recommendations for hygiene improvement and suggestions for saving water and energy.

Start thinking about the financial and legal implications of inadequate cleaning

Facilities managers need to consider how blame for the consequences of infection could be apportioned.

Illness in commerce, industry and education can be expensive. People absent from work, students in bed instead of the classroom or lecture hall, teachers and lecturers unable to work – an increasingly familiar picture, likely to become even more familiar if the swine flu pandemic really takes a hold! This is a scenario that would cost business lost earnings, and education lost opportunities. Absence due to norovirus, e.coli, flu and other fast-spreading infections has been increasing and is likely to get worse this winter.

So what has that got to do with facilities management? Aren’t illness and absenteeism problems for the HR brigade?

The answer is cross-infection. Cross-infection is everybody’s problem, and everybody has a role to play in its reduction. However, facilities management has a bigger role than most and a potentially larger share of blame to carry if its job is not done well. The incidence of cross-infection is directly related to the quality and efficiency of workplace cleaning, the design of washroom facilities and the way they are maintained. Start with the hands, because that is where most cross-infection begins.

Fewer than three adults in a hundred in Britain wash their hands properly after visiting the lavatory or changing a baby’s nappy - it has been shown that the majority of public transport commuters have traces of human faeces on their hands when boarding buses and trains. The next load of passengers grips the same handrails, and the infection is transferred to their hands. When they get to work, they push on the entrance door and leave infection there for everybody coming in. Come lunchtime, if they all eat sandwiches without thoroughly cleaning their hands, some will acquire a communicable infection. And some will further communicate it to their colleagues or families at home.

If every surface in the building is not cleaned and disinfected thoroughly and frequently, and if a mutant H1N1 swine flu virus emerges this winter, office workers or school children are likely to die. An inquiry into such deaths would be likely to focus on the quality of cleaning and could apportion blame to those responsible for it. Such a conclusion would trigger claims for compensation. Facilities managers and their employers need to be sure they could respond to that situation. Or, better still, that it does not arise.

Clean hands are vital

Children brought up in homes where hand washing is not taught by example are likely to carry infections to school and pass them on to others, just as their parents do at work. Many bacteria can survive for days on surfaces that have not been cleaned and even viruses can remain active for longer than 24 hours. One hand touching another, regardless of whether it is that of a child or an adult, is likely to pass infection unless hand washing and drying is both frequent and efficient.

According to Mike Burton, Managing Director of Albany Hygiene Facilities, the government’s National Healthy Schools Programme currently enables four million pupils to enjoy the benefits of attending a healthy school.

“Unfortunately, this programme does not sufficiently cover the hygiene of the built environment that the pupils, staff and teachers inhabit” he said in mid-October when launching his company’s Albany Max Programme. “The government programme also fails to encompass the critical area of infection control within the school”.

The Albany Healthy Schools Programme has been launched to help children to understand about viruses and bacteria that cause illness and how thorough and frequent hand washing and drying can help to keep everybody well. Albany is making learning about infection and hand cleaning fun for children by running the Albany Max Roadshow, which has been touring independent preparatory schools since 19th October with a live animated character – Albany Max – to get the message across to the children.

Albany Hygiene Facilities is also offering schools a free A+ Hygiene Audit, which includes a report highlighting non-compliance with legislation, recommendations for hygiene improvement and suggestions for saving water and energy. Hygiene audits can play a major role in asepsis in commercial and public buildings, and every facilities manager should consider having a hygiene audit carried out to pinpoint key areas of infection risk and prioritise action that is needed to reduce that risk.

Improving adult hygiene

Convincing adult staff, whether in schools, offices or factories, of the need to change their approach to hygiene is not as straightforward as taking the message to children in schools, but it is just as necessary. Facilities managers should be working with their HR colleagues to devise approaches to education about cross-infection and asepsis, and to establish guidelines for infection control in commercial premises. But do it soon. Re-education of adults is a slow process, and we may not have much time before a mutant swine flu pandemic takes hold.

If companies don’t take action to improve infection control, it may count against them as public and media attitudes change during a time of pandemic. This would be especially true if legal actions for compensation following death from workplace-acquired infection become common.

Think about the small print

It is likely that, in such a nightmare scenario, the wording of contracts to which your company is a party could become crucial. Particularly significant might be contracts with cleaning contractors. At present, the contract between your company and the cleaning contractor may not even touch upon the issue of liability in the event of death due to a workplace-acquired infection that could be shown to be linked to a residue of infection that had survived because of inadequate cleaning. Even if the issue is referred to, it may not be covered in a way that could be relied upon to protect your company in the event of judgment against it.

Then there is the question of insurance against such a risk. Have you or your finance department discussed with your insurers whether your company is covered if found liable for death caused by workplace-acquired infection? Insurance companies tend to be very good at excluding risks at renewal before their customers have spotted the potential problems.

Has your HR department thought about how contracts of employment might be modified to include reference to a company policy on hand hygiene? Or considered a policy that provides employees with free disinfectant wipes and requires them to disinfect their own desk surface, chair, keyboard and phone each evening?

Maybe you or your colleagues should be asking a lawyer to take a close look at the wording of contracts, to which your company is subject to review your possible liabilities. You should certainly conduct a very detailed appraisal of your cleaning contractor’s quality assurance and the ways in which you check that cleaning has been carried out efficiently and to contract. If you don’t, it could get expensive.

It’s a tough world out there, and the aggrieved are not inclined to be merciful.

Hygiene for a new generation

In the midst of concerns about loss of educational time and staff absence caused by sickness outbreaks, educational establishments are requiring a shift of emphasis in the way cleaning is tackled away from keeping the place looking smart towards planned cleaning and disinfection to eliminate sources of cross- infection.

There has always been a rather housewifely approach to cleaning in schools; a feeling that the task in hand is to make being at school as pleasant, or even more pleasant, for the children who are there every weekday as being at home. School must be a dusted, polished and tidy environment to make learning nicer – and of course it must have beautifully clean toilets and washing facilities, because keeping the lavatories and basins clean is what keeps germs at bay. Isn’t it?

Nobody could really argue with any of that. Keeping schools, colleges and university buildings clean has always had a major role in keeping students happy, healthy and keen to live life to the full. But trouble has a way of focusing the mind. The recent increases in the scale and frequency of outbreaks of infection in educational establishments, hospitals and on farms visited by children have been alarming. Just about everybody in education and health is now more aware of the crucial role of cross infection in causing loss of educational time and staff absence. That in turn has made it essential that those in charge of cleaning look again at the real purpose of what they are doing.

There has to be a shift of emphasis away from ‘neat and tidy’ and a move towards ‘safe and infection-free’. Studies carried out by those monitoring cleaning efficiency in schools have shown that, even after normal efficient cleaning, residues of infection persist in the most unlikely places. One school where microbial counts were taken recently proved to have a substantially greater bug count on the school secretary’s desk than in the lavatories, and more infection on a newly cleaned kitchen work top than in the wash basins. Cleaning companies and teams have to become more aware of the less obvious sources of cross infection, such as the handles and finger plates on doors, the receptionist’s desk and the chairs in the assembly hall. Staircase handrails are a major source of trouble, as is equipment in play areas. And why? Because there is a regrettable tendency for adults and children alike not to clean their hands thoroughly enough or often enough.

Fewer than three adults in a hundred in Britain wash their hands properly after visiting the lavatory or changing a baby’s nappy - it has been shown that the majority of public transport commuters have traces of human faeces on their hands when boarding buses and trains. Children brought up in homes where hand-washing is not taught by example are likely to carry infections to school and pass them on to others. Many bacteria can survive for days on surfaces that have not been cleaned and even viruses can remain active for longer than 24 hours. One hand touching another, regardless of whether it is that of a child or an adult, is likely to pass infection unless hand washing and drying is both frequent and efficient.

This is why, in times of epidemic infection – or the current swine flu pandemic – cleaning is in the front line of maintaining attendance at school and at work. Effective anti-microbial action has a key role in corporate and educational efficiency.

The Albany Healthy Schools Programme

According to Mike Burton, Managing Director of Albany Hygiene Facilities, the government’s National Healthy Schools Programme currently enables four million pupils to enjoy the benefits of attending a healthy school.

“Unfortunately, this programme does not sufficiently cover the hygiene of the built environment that the pupils, staff and teachers inhabit” he said in mid-October when launching his company’s Albany Max Programme. “The government programme also fails to encompass the critical area of infection control within the school”.

The Albany Healthy Schools Programme has been launched to help children to understand about viruses and bacteria that cause illness and how thorough and frequent hand washing and drying can help to keep everybody well. Albany is making learning about infection and hand washing fun for children by running the Albany Max Roadshow, which has been touring independent preparatory schools since 19th October with a live animated character – Albany Max – to get the message across to the children.

Albany Hygiene Facilities is also offering schools a free A+ Hygiene Audit, which includes a report highlighting non-compliance with legislation, recommendations for hygiene improvement and suggestions for saving water and energy.

Near-aseptic washrooms vital

In the current climate of opinion, with norovirus and swine flu at the forefront of people’s minds as winter approaches, maintenance of school washrooms, lavatories and kitchens in near-aseptic condition is vital – just as vital as teaching children to keep their hands clean. Efficient modern washrooms are easier to clean and keep infection-free than older ones, but whatever their age, they must be maintained effectively.

Cleaning companies also have to start thinking more about the complex issues of potential liability, said Burton.” Imagine a scenario in which an aggressive mutant of swine flu hits a large college, school or organisation. If the source of the infection is shown to be in an area that has been cleaned inadequately, and if two or three people die as a result of the infection, cleaners shown to have been negligent could be in big trouble. Maybe cleaning firms should consult a lawyer to take a close look at the wording of contracts. Perhaps you should also conduct a very detailed appraisal of your quality assurance and the ways in which you check that cleaning has been carried out efficiently and to contract.”

More information can be found at Albany Healthy Schools or from 0870 366 5777.

New cleaning resources help reduce cross infection in school toilets

Professor Hugh Pennington has called for local authorities to set up a programme of audits to ensure that all schools have adequate toilet and hand washing facilities. The recommendation comes in his report into the September 2005 outbreak of E. coli in Wales and has been welcomed by hygiene consultant Mike Burton.

Professor Pennington’s report acknowledges the vital role that good hand hygiene and appropriate school toilet facilities play in preventing the spread of infection. Yet many schools have inadequate toilets that lack toilet paper, soap and hand drying facilities. Standards of cleaning by contactors were also variable.

Mike Burton said: “We have developed a set of national cleaning standards designed to help schools ensure that toilets are cleaned appropriately,” said Mike. “These standards have been produced on behalf of Bog Standard, the campaign that promotes better toilets for schools, and will be available by the summer. They clearly set out acceptable standards of cleaning, the frequency of cleaning and a detailed description of how toilet facilities should be cleaned in schools.

“We have also produced a short free film, entitled Hidden Dangers, that is being used as a training resource in schools and demonstrates how cross infection can be spread with the wrong cleaning materials and techniques.”

Mr Burton added: “I have been working with schools for many years and it is clear that good design, maintenance and hygiene education are key to helping schools reduce cross infection rates and provide the sort of facilities that are necessary to maintain children’s health.”

New film helps improve standard of school washrooms

A free new film resource to help schools and colleges improve the cleanliness of their washrooms and reduce hidden dangers is now available.

The short three minute film uses brightly coloured paints to demonstrate how poor hand hygiene and inadequate cleaning and maintenance can lead to cross contamination in washrooms.

The film has been developed by Albany Washroom Services as a training resource and comes as a number of schools throughout the country have been forced to close due to outbreaks of the winter vomiting bug.

Albany’s managing director, Mike Burton, explained: “Washrooms are a breeding ground for germs that thrive in unclean environments. These hidden dangers can’t be seen and semi-enclosed places such as schools face particular problems in trying to reduce infection rates.

“It’s vital that washrooms are effectively cleaned and maintained. Properly designed and specified washrooms can reduce days lost through illness by up to 50 per cent. Children and teachers also need to pay particular attention to their hand hygiene and ensure that they wash their hands properly.”

Albany has also developed some dos and don’ts to help schools to stay healthy.

Do

1. wash hands properly after visiting the loo and before eating
2. educate children on how to wash their hands properly
3. dry hands thoroughly to further reduce the risk of cross contamination
4. ensure cleaning staff are properly trained and use the correct cleaning materials and methods
5. deep clean washroom facilities regularly – three times / year is optimum
6. ensure that hand washing and drying facilities and toilet flushes are non touch to reduce the spread of bacteria where possible
7. involve pupils in checking toilets throughout the day and record checks visually within each washroom facility
8. seek specialist advice about adopting the most hygienic products, services and solutions
9. ask for help and specialist advice when designing new facilities

Don’t

1. be reactive and wait for an outbreak to hit
2. wait for parents to point out that there is an issue
3. neglect washroom facilities – this looks like you don’t value pupils’ health and welfare. Uncared for facilities are a health hazard and a magnet for anti-social behaviour

Beware the Hidden Dangers

A new video uses brightly coloured paints to demonstrate how poor hand hygiene and inadequate cleaning and maintenance can lead to cross contamination in washrooms. The three minute video was launched at the Loo of the Year Awards by headline sponsors Albany Washroom Services to highlight the hidden dangers that lurk in our washrooms.

Mike Burton, MD of Albany, said: “Good washrooms are good for business. In 2006 it cost the UK economy £4 billion in lost productivity through illness, according to the Confederation of British Industry. On top of that billions of gallons of water are wasted in poorly designed and maintained washrooms.

“Washrooms are a breeding ground for germs such as protozoa and parasitic worms, which can be transferred by hand to hand contact. Coliforms found in faeces, contain germs that thrive in unclean environments. Crucially, washrooms also need to be effectively cleaned and maintained. Properly designed and specified washrooms can reduce days lost through illness by up to 50 per cent.”

Albany is on a mission to improve the standard of Britain’s washrooms. The company has recently teamed up with the Bog Standard campaign which promotes better toilets for school pupils and the Max4Health campaign which aims to improve children’s hand hygiene. Albany will be working with both campaigns to help raise awareness of the issues and improve hygiene education for children.

Mike added: “Research shows that only three out of every 100 people wash their hands properly after visiting the toilet. Each year more than 600,000 people contract diseases such as the winter vomiting bug due to poor hand hygiene and cross contamination. We believe that if we can teach people about good hand hygiene we can keep people healthier.

“Our message is clear: good washrooms are good for everyone.”

To view the video or to join Albany’s mission please click here to find out more or call 0870 366 5777.

Washroom efficiency cuts costs

Albany Washroom Services is offering companies the opportunity to cut costs and save money with its new recession–beating package.

Managing Director Mike Burton said: “As the credit crunch bites deeper more and more companies are looking to their washrooms to make savings. We have advised a number of businesses in recent months on how they can save many thousands of pounds through effective water management systems, eradicating paper towels and using the new generation of hand dryers which are far more energy efficient.”

Spiralling costs have seen wholesale energy prices increase by 50 per cent since February this year and inflation busting water price rises are on the way. The cost of paper has increased by more than 10 per cent and landfill costs continue to rise.

Mike Burton added: “The state of a company’s washrooms say a lot about a business. When times are tough companies need to be smart about the solutions they use. Albany offers a free consultation service and cost savings analysis so we can advise customers on the most cost effective and sustainable way forward. We also offer a comprehensive rental package which means that there is no initial outlay – a particular benefit in the current economic climate.”

Albany provides its customers with hygiene consultancy services nationwide, offering advice on sustainable washroom design, maintenance and education. For further information please visit www.albanyfacilities.com or call 0870 366 5777

Designing the washroom of the future

Where do you put your baby when you need to use the loo in a public washroom? Where do you place your luggage – to keep it safe and clean - when using an airport washroom? How do you create a light and refreshing environment in a public lavatory?

These were just some of the questions considered by product design students from the University of East London (UEL) when they competed to design the washroom of the future.

Six teams of first and second year students took part in a competition, supported by Albany Washroom Services, to design a washroom that meets the needs of its users.

Mike Burton, managing director of Albany, said: “Understanding the needs of consumers is vital. The teams spent time engaging with the public to establish their views on how to create a positive experience within ‘away from home loos.’”

Two teams shared first place with innovative designs for leisure centres and parkland spaces. Their prize is to exhibit their designs at the largest gathering of decision makers in the design, provision and management of washrooms – the British Loo of the Year Awards in December.

Mike Burton added: “The British Loo of the Year Awards recognises the highest standards in the provision of away from home toilets, whether it’s a public loo or toilets provided by key industries for staff and visitors. Designing and maintaining public toilets that are hygienic and sustainable are key challenges for both the private and public sectors. The designs that the students came up with were exciting and made use of materials with a low environmental impact.

“Albany is instrumental in sponsoring a number of these students to visit Japan to look at their approach to washroom design which is very different to that in the UK. We have also recently commissioned the University of East London to undertake a clinical study into hand hygiene to consider how to minimise the risk of cross infection so that we can advise commercial and public toilet providers on best practice.”

UEL Senior lecturer Alison Prendiville, said: “Working closely with businesses like Albany provides students with a greater understanding of the commercial realities of product design. It also gives them a clearer understanding of the needs of consumers.”

Albany provides its customers with hygiene consultancy services offering advice on sustainable washroom design, maintenance and education.

Albany and Dyson partnership offers outstanding value

Albany Washroom Services has teamed up with Dyson to offer customers a cost effective, hygienic hand drying solution – the Dyson Airblade™ hand dryer.

Albany’s platinum service is a comprehensive rental package with a fixed cost that includes installation and a five year guarantee on parts and labour. Customers also benefit from free consultancy which demonstrates the reduction in their carbon footprint and cost savings.

Mike Burton, managing director of Albany, said: “We are delighted to be working with Dyson and our aim is to offer flexible rental options for the Dyson Airblade™ hand dryer. The Dyson Airblade™ hand dryer uses 80% less energy than warm air hand dryers and eliminates paper waste going to landfill, meaning it costs less and is better for the environment. It takes just 10 seconds to dry hands making it the quickest and most hygienic hand dryer available – something that we at Albany are particularly interested in and an area in which we have commissioned our own research.

“We believe our packages for the Dyson Airblade™ hand dryer will help businesses reduce costs, improve profitability, demonstrate their commitment to the environment and deliver enhanced user health and satisfaction. Our work with customers, professional bodies and a leading university has helped us gain a thorough understanding of consumer needs and hand hygiene. We can tailor solutions to our clients needs so customers interested in the Dyson Airblade™ hand dryer should talk to Albany to see what we can offer.”

Albany Marathon Heroes

Anne Burton and Sarah Kingham completed this year’s London marathon and raised thousands of pounds in the process.

Anne and Sarah ran for Haven’s Hospices and finished the gruelling 26.2 mile course in a very respectable 4 hours 47 minutes.

Anne said: “I would like to say a big thank you to everyone at Albany for sponsoring me. The money will go towards an excellent cause.”

Albany sponsor the Loo of the Year Awards 2008

Albany Washroom Services has agreed to be Headline Sponsor of the 2008 Loo of the Year Awards – the annual competition to find the best places to ‘go’ throughout the UK.

Mike Burton, Managing Director, said: “Albany is delighted to be associated with the Loo of the Year Awards. It is important to recognise organisations which take the provision of high standard washroom facilities seriously and reward the unsung heroes who work hard to maintain those standards.

The message from previous Award winners is clear – good toilets are good for business. Albany understands this, which is why our hygiene consultancy service offers its customers advice on sustainable washroom design, maintenance and education aimed at improving the health of their consumers and their business.”

Albany has also signed up as a Corporate Champion member of The British Toilet Association, the campaigning body promoting the Loo of the Year Awards, which has had a major impact in helping raise standards of ‘away from home’ washroom hygiene over the last twenty one years.

The 2008 Loo of the Year and associated Attendant of the Year Awards are now receiving nominations and entries via the Awards website www.loo.co.uk which also contains a range of information relating to the 2008 Awards scheme.

Nominations and entries can be submitted up until the end of July and every entry receives an unannounced visit from an authorised Loo of the Year Awards Inspector.

The main 2008 UK Awards Presentation is being held at The National Motor Cycle Museum, near Birmingham on Friday 5th December.

Staff to share in business success

Albany Washroom Services has launched a share scheme designed to reward and incentivise all of its employees.

Managing Director Mike Burton explained: “Our staff are our most valuable asset, indeed we refer to them as partners. Anyone can make a profit but long term success depends on customer satisfaction and that is where our partners make all the difference.

“We believe this share scheme is unique because it is for all partners not just managers or senior staff. Everyone at Albany plays a part in the business and I want to reward their commitment.

“Albany has always tried to raise the bar – we offer set service days and a money back guarantee. We cannot deliver on those promises without well trained, motivated staff. I am proud to say that our staff retention rate is 95 per cent.

“We have always endeavoured to achieve high standards and giving our partners real ownership in the business is a continuation of that investment.”

Albany Washroom Services is an independent company that employs more than 50 staff. Over 3,000 business customers throughout London and the South East of England benefit from Albany’s hygiene solutions. Albany is committed to working with the local community and supports environmental sustainability in its operations.

The Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) scheme is approved by the Inland Revenue and allows companies to offer shares to staff in a tax efficient way.

To view examples of media coverage for the Albany share scheme, click on the links below

www.cleaning-matters.co.uk

www.thecleanzine.com

Building & Facilities Management