Why Is First Aid Important in the Workplace?

Many business owners and managers often wonder if they need first aid officers at work.

After all, a few first aid kits should do the trick, right?

This isn’t the case.

First aid is so vital in any workspace, it requires dedicated effort, commitment, and adequate resource allocation.

Another significant concern among many managers and owners is the cost implications of first aid for their establishments.

However, any cost associated with first aid is an investment rather than an expense.

Here’s why:

1. First Aid Saves Lives

This may seem obvious, which explains why many overlook first aid and downplay its role in the workplace.

Business owners often wonder what the odds are of a life-threatening incident taking place at work.

They fail to take precautions.

And they become part of the statistics.

Workplace fatalities (injuries sustained at work that result in loss of life) went up between 2018 and 2019.

Consequently, nearly 100 people lost their lives last year.

The sad truth is that many of these deaths are preventable.

In the event of an emergency, the only way to prevent loss of life is to have an elaborate first aid system in place.

Doing this ensures that injured persons receive treatment quickly, and in the proper manner.

It’s been established that first aid improves a person’s survival chances. Moreover, it offers better outcomes for recovery.

2. It Reduces Workplace Accidents

When something goes awfully wrong, people begin to ask themselves if anything could have been done differently.

They question whether the event(s) could have been avoided. Naturally, regret is rife at such a time.

While we can’t turn back time, we are quite capable of preventing things from going awry.

First aid helps reduce the frequency and intensity of accidents at work.

How does this happen?

For first aid to be administered effectively, there’s a need for elaborate training.

During the training process, employees are made aware of the ways in which they can make the workplace less prone to accidents.

Training emphasises caution, personal responsibility and provides insight into common hazards at work.

This helps everyone at work understand how to avoid them. In addition, people learn what they can do to get removable hazards out of the way.

For instance, first aid and safety training address the proper way to handle dangerous chemicals.

These should be clearly labelled and stored in designated cabinets to prevent accidental contact with them.

Common workplace hazards are classified as follows:

Physical

These are the most common workplace hazards. They include slips, trips, falls, exposure to excessively loud noise, and injuries sustained while using machinery.

Biological

These include contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids, insect stings, animal bites, and exposure to pathogens.

Chemical

Toxic and flammable chemical substances pose a risk of poisoning or burns. Examples include cleaning products, vapours and fumes.

Ergonomic

Ergonomic hazards occur due to physical factors that can harm the musculoskeletal system. Such hazards are caused by lengthy periods of discomfort. Examples include repetitive motion, poor lighting, and poor posture.

Psychosocial

This category encompasses matters at work that affect your emotional and mental wellbeing. Psychosocial hazards include victimisation, harassment, stress and violence.

3. First Aid Training Is Useful Outside the Workplace

Skills acquired or harnessed at work can be highly useful in other settings.

First aid isn’t any different.

The vital information obtained from first aid training can be of great use outside of work.

One valuable principle that demonstrates this is DRSABCD.

The acronym outlines the correct course of action to take, step by step, during an emergency.

Danger

First, look around for anything in your immediate surroundings that could compromise your safety as well as that of others.

This includes:

• Distressed persons that could harm themselves or cause further injury to affected persons
• Oncoming vehicles and bystanders
• Flammable or toxic chemicals
• Naked wires
• Poisonous fumes
• Fire and smoke
• Sharp objects (e.g., shards of glass)

Response

This step entails checking whether or not the victim is responsive.

Send for Help

Once the victim’s status is established, send for help immediately by calling 111.

Airway

Ascertain whether there is anything obstructing the victim’s airway.

Breathing

This step calls for you to check that the victim is breathing normally.

Compressions

If the affected person is not breathing properly, perform CPR compressions. Here’s how.

Defibrillation

Alsco’s managed Defibrillator rental services

This refers to normalising the rhythm of the heart or restarting it. Defibrillation requires the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Given the number of deaths caused by heart conditions in New Zealand, you should understand how to use an AED.

AEDs are common in many buildings across the country, from schools to residential complexes.

In the event that someone suffers from cardiac arrest, an AED triggers the heart to resume its normal rhythm.

4. First Aid Improves the Working Environment

When you provide employees with first aid training, you demonstrate concern for their well-being.

In turn, this can foster trust.

The training process boosts staff morale. When everyone is in good spirits, you can expect to see improvements in productivity.

Moreover, first aid training provides an ideal opportunity to enhance team spirit.

Employees get to bond, interact and create memories as it serves as a team-building exercise.

A good example of this would be safety games.

Check out the following links for ideas on fun safety games you could incorporate into your training:

• Careerstint
• Bizfluent

As a result of activities undertaken during training, the work environment gets better for everyone in it, from staff to clients.

The Hassle-Free Way to Improve First Aid at Your Workplace

Another concern shared by many who run businesses is the cost of acquiring a sufficient number of first aid kits.

Thankfully, there’s a cost-effective alternative to purchasing first aid kits: using a first aid kit rental service.

Alsco’s managed first aid kit service not only guarantees safety at your business. It also keeps you compliant with New Zealand legislation throughout the year.

Regardless of your type of business, Alsco provides first aid kits that can be adjusted to your needs – at no extra cost.

What Sets Alsco’s Rented First Aid Kit Service Apart?

Our first aid kits are:

• Regularly restocked with hospital-grade supplies every three months. We keep track of first aid kit contents so you don’t have to.
• Tailored to suit your business needs. Every industry has unique characteristics that call for different types of kits.
  Whether you’re in a white or blue-collar workplace, Alsco New Zealand has you covered.
• Affordable. Alsco’s managed first aid kit service is available at a single, all-inclusive annual fee with no extra charges!
• Logically organised with colour-coded modules. This makes for quick treatment of injuries with the right kit in the right order.
• Properly stored in sturdy, compact, highly-visible cabinets. We can install them anywhere in your workplace.

Plus, you don’t have to worry about environmental impact.

Alsco has a first aid redistribution program in place.

We sort reusable supplies instead of discarding them. They are then donated to voluntary and charitable organisations including:

• Animal shelters, zoos and SPCA branches
• MAA (Medical Aid Abroad)
• Rotary

Want to get limitless maintenance and restocking all year round at one fee? Get a quote tailored just for you.

What Are 10 Items in A First Aid Kit?

A well-stocked first-aid kit is a necessity in the workplace as it will enable you to handle an emergency.

There are first aid kits available for homes, businesses, vehicles as well as portable kits that you can take with you wherever you go.

According to the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, companies must provide protective gear in the workplace and rescue equipment for all its employees.

The other important provision is first aid facilities with a trained First Aid officer to manage and use in case of an emergency.

You must have at least one kit and first aid officer for every 50 employees on board. This will ensure that staff members are well taken care of during an injury or accident.

You can purchase or rent First Aid kits which are sturdy, easy to carry, and easy to use. You can opt for Managed First Aid kits which are easy to use, easy to maintain and replace when necessary.

What Should a First-Aid Kit Include?

Alsco’s Managed Rental Program for First Aid Kit Supplies

These are some of the items you can have in a First Aid Kit:

• an up-to-date first-aid manual
• a list of emergency phone numbers
• antiseptic wipes
• antibiotic ointment
• saline solution (like hydrogen peroxide)
• extra prescription medicines (perfect for staff on the road while on duty)
• Eye pads and sterile gauze pads of different sizes
• adhesive tape and adhesive bandages (Band-Aids) in several sizes
• a splint
• Tweezers, sharp scissors and safety pins
• disposable instant cold packs
• plastic non-latex gloves (at least 2 pairs)
• mouthpiece for giving CPR (available from reputable health organizations)
• A Defibrillator (AED)

How to Get The Most From Your First Aid Kits

• Read the first-aid manual to better understand the First Aid kit contents. These manuals must be checked regularly to check if they are up to date.
• When installing First Aid kits in the workplace, they must be easily accessed and well labelled. You can get clear signage that will direct First Aid officers and other staff members in the event of an emergency.
• Regular kit checks are important. Replace missing items or anything that has expired. Items such as gauze, gloves, solutions and bandages will lose their sterility over time and these must be replaced.
• Have regular training for First Aid officers and the staff on First Aid kits, procedures and emergency protocols. Remind staff members that even when the first aid kits are used for an emergency, they MUST call emergency services in case of a serious injury.

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Why is First Aid Important in The Workplace?

1. It is the first course of action in an emergency before calling emergency services. If a staff member is injured, say in the eye by corrosive substances, you must quickly wash out the eye. In the case of a cut, pressure must be applied to stop the bleeding. More serious cases like cardiac arrest must be controlled using an AED within the first 5 minutes of the emergency.
2. It saves time and money. Having well-stocked First Aid kits in the workplace will prevent staff members from missing work or staying away for days from duty. It also helps to boost morale in the workplace because First Aid kits show that their wellbeing is being considered.
3. It will prevent an injury from becoming worse. During any emergency, time is of the essence. Waiting for an ambulance or ignoring an injury can lead to an escalation of the situation. It can lead to a bigger health threat or can even prove fatal in some cases.
4. When staff members are regularly trained and able to administer first aid, they have already learned an extra life skill. With the help of the resident first aid officer, a staff member can take care of an injury in no time and report back to work.

How Do You Choose the Best First Aid Kits?

• First Aid kits must be suitable for the environment it will be used in. When choosing workplace kits, you should keep in mind the following factors:
  • The workplace size and layout
  • Number of staff members
  • Workplace hazards
  • Is the workplace in a remote place
  • How far the workplace is from an emergency room.

• Workplace First Aid Kits must be well-stocked and easily accessible. Aside from the regular bandages, saline solution, gauze and medicines, a workplace kit should have a defibrillator which are lifesaving in the event of a cardiac arrest. Some workplaces may have first aid rooms that contain more equipment and sufficient resting space for ailing staff.
  Company vehicles must also have first aid kits for the drivers and their passengers. They will usually be smaller and easy to store or carry and come in more sturdy storage to prevent any damages.
• First aid kits must be clearly labelled with the white cross against a green background. One of the main things that emergency drills teach in the workplace includes being able to find first aid kits and AEDs within the building in case of an emergency.
• When buying or renting the best First Aid kits, you must make sure that they are legally compliant. This means that is should follow workplace First Aid code by ensuring that all staff are aware of their location. A first aid officer should be present to assist in case of an emergency and it must be well-stocked as required.

Turn to  Alsco New Zealand for Managed Rental First Aid Kits at a minimal fee. We offer both vehicle and workplace kits that are compliant and well equipped. Alsco NZ will install them, conduct regular checks and restock them without additional charge.

How to Use a First Aid Kit

Almost everyone will need to use a first aid kit at some point in life.

First aid kits make all the difference in the first five minutes of an accident, especially in the workplace. There are a number of injuries that can happen to employees while on duty, and these must be well taken care of before emergency services arrive.

According to Worksafe Data, there have been over 31,026 injuries from Jul 2018 to Jun 2019 that have resulted in staff being out of work for a week or more.

In addition, there have been 750-900 workplace-related deaths in New Zealand.

The most common workplace injuries between Jul 2018 and Jun 2019 that kept employees out of work included muscular stress while lifting and carrying or putting down objects.

These statistics show the importance of first aid kits in the workplace.

First aid kits vary in size and content, which depends on the presence of first aid officers in the workplace as well as how far it is from the nearest emergency room.

Ready-made first aid kits are available from managed first aid kit services like Alsco.

First Aid Kit Basics

While at work, first aid kits are usually used for treating common injuries like:

• Burns
• Cuts
• Eye Injuries
• Splinters
• Sprains and strains
• Abrasions (scrapes)
• Bumps from falling objects

First aid kits should also be installed in company vehicles to enable employees on the road to take care of any injuries while on duty. Travel kits should have not only medical items but also medicine that can take care of common conditions like:

• Fever
• Coughs and flu
• Cuts
• Body pain
• Stomach conditions
• Skin ailments and allergies

Stocking a First Aid Kit

Download FREE First Aid Restocking Sign A5 poster

When stocking first aid kits for the workplace, you should ensure they are well-stocked and easily accessible to all employees.

You should have at least one officer and first aid kit for every 50 employees.

There are a few factors to consider when choosing and stocking a first aid kit:

• If the kit is being used in wet workplaces or on the road, opt for water-resistant, strong and sturdy cases or containers.
• When choosing and stocking a first aid kit in the workplace, these are some of the things to consider:
  • How big the workplace is and its layout
  • How many staff members are present
  • What the common injuries in the workplace are
  • How far the workplace is from the emergency room if needed

• The kits must be well-stocked and accessible to all employees. Depending on the type of workplace, you may have first aid rooms which come with more equipment and adequate space for patients to rest or wait for emergency services.
• When buying or renting first aid kits, ensure they are legally compliant. This means it should follow the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 that makes it mandatory for companies to offer first aid services in the workplace. The kits must be well-stocked with the necessary items, and there should be professionally-trained first aid officers in-house.
• Use latex gloves when handling the kits to protect yourself and others. Check for any unused items that lose their original state over time. You must also check all medicines and solutions to avoid using expired items.
• Always do a regular check of first aid kits and contents. You do not have to worry about this when using managed first aid kit services like Alsco because they will not only provide but stock your kits regularly for a minimal annual fee.

Must-Have First Aid Kit Essentials

Alsco’s Managed Rental Program for First Aid Kit Supplies

A workplace first aid kit should have these items:

• Adhesive tape
• Anesthetic spray or lotion – which is perfect for rashes, bites and burns
• Gauze pads, ace bandages and adhesive bandages in various sizes to cater for a number of injuries as well as holding splints together when needed
• Aloe vera topical gel or cream, perfect for burns
• Latex gloves that can be for protection from infection and also makes great ice packs when filled with water and placed in a freezer
• Antibiotic cream which can be applied to simple wounds
• Safety pins, tweezers and scissors. These are used for fastening bandages, removal of splinters or foreign objects in the skin and cutting what needs to be cut respectively
• saline solution for cleaning out wounds (like hydrogen peroxide)
• Extra prescription medicines for common ailments
• Eyewash Station to handle eye injuries that must be taken care of in seconds
• Defibrillator for cardiac arrest cases
• First aid manual
• Small flashlight
• Thermometer to check for fever

The Importance of First Aid Kits in the Workplace

Alsco’s managed first aid kit rental services

The first aid kit is the first course of action in the event of an accident. Quick action is required for cuts, eye injuries by corrosive substances and so on, as you must wash out the eye and control bleeding.

There are also more serious cases like cardiac arrest which must be handled using a defibrillator within the first five minutes to ensure survival.

Having well-stocked first aid kits in the workplace is a time and money saver. This is because it will keep employees from missing work or spending days away from duty.

It also boosts morale in the workplace because first aid kits show their wellbeing is being considered.

First aid kits will prevent an injury from worsening. During any emergency, time is crucial. First aid helps to manage an accident as you wait for emergency services.

When staff members are regularly trained and able to administer first aid, it will empower them to handle a crisis in and out of the workplace. With the help of a designated first aid officer, employees can handle an injury as quickly as possible.

Why choose Alsco managed rental first aid kits?

• Regularly restocked with hospital-grade first aid supplies free of charge.
• Our kits are matched with your business needs and stocked with the supplies you’d most likely need.
• All these services are available for a single, all-inclusive annual fee.

First Aid Kit Basics

Accidents tend to occur when you least expect them. To meet health and safety regulations, every employer must ensure they provide first aid kits in their workplace.

Failure to do so could result in hefty fines and lengthy, expensive legal battles.

First aid is defined as the initial care provided to a person who has suddenly fallen ill or has been injured until further medical care is administered.

Immediate and effective first aid promotes recovery by reducing the severity of the injury.

The workplace can present different kinds of potential risks and hazards to employees.

Worksafe (the regulatory body for New Zealand’s workplace health and safety) has laid out the following factors to consider when providing first aid equipment and facilities at a workplace.

• The location and size of the place of work. Is the workplace in a remote location? What is the distance to the nearest medical facility? Is there easy and fast access to first aid equipment in designated areas within the workplace? Are the workers within one location of the workplace or scattered?
• The potential and type of work being done. What is the nature of the work? Assess the potential injuries and illnesses that are likely to occur.
  • Low-risk work environment – This is a workplace where employees are not exposed to threats that may lead to serious injuries or illnesses.
  • High-risk work environment – These are workplaces that expose employees to potential threats that may lead to serious injuries or illnesses.
• The number of employees – Consider the number of workers during specific work hours and shifts.

A report by WORKSAFE states there were a total of 79 fatalities that resulted from work-related injuries and 10,317 injuries that resulted in employees missing more than a week of work.

A well-stocked first aid kit can provide easy and accessible first aid care to an injured person before having them transferred to the nearest medical facility.

First aid kit contents may vary from one workplace to another as there are varying factors to be considered. However, a basic first aid kit may generally contain basic equipment for administering first aid.

Workplace First Aid Kit Essentials

• Sterile wound dressing
• Roller bandages
• Ice pack – For sprains and strains.
• Disposable latex gloves – To prevent direct contact with someone else’s blood and other bodily fluids, protecting the casualty and first aider from infections.
• Face shields
• CPR mask – Used on casualties that are not breathing.
• Antiseptic wipes – For wiping the wound.
• Antiseptic liquid – For cleaning the area around the wound.
• A pair of scissors – For cutting gauze, dressing and bandages.
• Hemostatic dressing – To stop excessive bleeding.
• Eyewash solution – For rinsing the eyes.
• Alcohol wipes – Used to clean the skin around the wound before putting the dressing on it.
• Hypoallergenic paper tape – Holds the dressing and bandages in place.
• Bandages
• Cotton swabs – Used with the liquid antiseptic to clean out the wounds.
• Arm sling – To hold the arm in place in case of a fracture.
• Biohazard bags – To dispose of the used items that have come into contact with bodily fluids such as blood.
• Burn gel – For relieving minor burns.
• Gauze bandage – Used to cover larger wounds and absorb any blood and bodily fluids that would come in contact with the wound.
• Band-aids – For small cuts and bruises.
• A list of all the items and their expiry dates – To easily identify what contents are in the kit.
• Instruction booklet – Advises on how to use the items in the kit and what to do in an emergency.
• Emergency phone number

Click here to learn more about New Zealand’s Labour Health and Safety laws.

Is a First Aid Course Important?

First aid knowledge can mean the difference between life and death. Only a frighteningly small amount of individuals know what to do during an emergency.

Taking a first aid course is the only way to ensure that a person can confidently use the items in a first aid kit during an emergency.

Ensure there is a comprehensive plan in place in case of an emergency.

First Aid Course Benefits:

• Helps to minimise workplace accidents. The training enables the employees to be more cautious and mindful of safety at their place of work. They can identify potential hazards and threats before they happen.
• First aid training offers valuable skills to your employees. These skills are not only useful in the place of work but their everyday lives. This will allow them to be confident enough to perform first aid in an emergency where their family is involved.
• Giving first-aid training to all your workers cultivates a positive work environment. It shows that you care about your employees’ safety and well-being.

Maintaining the First Aid Kit

First aid kits tend to be neglected because a majority of people assume they might never really need to use them. However, just like most products, the contents in a first aid kit wear out and expire.

The only way to guarantee the contents in a first aid kit is safe to use and are in working order is to check them regularly.

To ensure the items in the first aid kit are safe to use, you must:

• Conduct regular inspections on all first aid kits in the workplace (at least once every month).
•  Replace the used items as soon as possible after using them.
•  Make sure the items are not faulty and are in good working condition.
•  Ensure all the contents are current.
•  Keep a record of when the items in the first aid kit are expected to expire.
• All sterile products must be sealed.
• Get rid of any damaged or opened items and replace them with new ones.

Where Should You Store the First Aid Kit?

Emergencies are never pleasant and often come about unannounced. Therefore, immediate attention is normally required.

In an emergency,  panic might cause people to forget how to react and deal with the situation. Therefore, it is advisable to make sure the first aid kit is stored in an easily accessible location.

You should also ensure that all the employees know where it is kept. Ideally, it should be positioned in a cool and dry location away from direct sunlight.

Should You Buy or Rent a First Aid Kit?

Alsco’s Managed Rental Program for First Aid Kit Supplies

Purchasing a first aid kit can be a time-consuming and costly affair in the long run. This is because the contents wear out and expire over time, meaning that you will be required to buy another.

An easy and cost-effective solution is to rent instead of buying one.

Alsco NZ offers a range of compliant first response services and products to suit your requirements. Their first aid rental services guarantee that your workplace first aid kits are restocked regularly using hospital-grade supplies with access to their full range of kits for any kind of workplace, whether high- or low-risk.

Why choose Alsco?

• They have a hassle-free, scheduled, first aid maintenance service saving you the time and trouble of having to constantly inspect the first aid kits.
• They are eco-friendly and have a programme for recycling unusable worn out or expired first aid supplies.
• Their kits meet Safework New Zealand standards.
• Alsco offers unlimited restocking and maintenance of the first aid supplies on a one-time-only fee payment.

Contact us today to get a quote!

4 Sure-Fire Ways to Keep Your Workplace Fragrant

The sense of smell is one of the strongest in the human body. Did you know that it’s linked to our memory and perception? That’s right! Humans first have an emotional reaction to scent and then identify it shortly after.

Paying attention to details in a workplace is mandatory. Few workplace managers know this, but that’s why high-ranking businesses stay at the top.

So, why does workplace odour matter? For one, smells in the office can either make or break your business reputation.

There are many scientifically proven benefits to maintaining a fragrant workplace environment. Let’s have a look at them:

• Reduces the frequency of typos made by workers
• Increases client’s intentions to buy products/services
• Influences longer office visits from suppliers
• Boosts the perception of service quality
• Increases clients’ willingness to pay for products

Why not enhance your customer experience today? You’re in the right place. These tips from your local experts are the best-proven ways to end workplace odours fast.

Freshen up Your Office Washrooms

Washrooms are the number one culprit of emanating malodour. Without proper care, the bad smell diffuses into workspaces. As a result, employees feel uncomfortable. Nobody likes obnoxious smells, so this affects their morale and concentration levels.

Do your office washrooms often smell? There are several possible reasons why:

• Poor ventilation systems
• Unclean toilets and urinals
• Clogged drain pipes
• Improper cleaning methods
• Low-quality cleaning products

If any of these occur in your washroom, it’s time to turn things around.

Install our amazing wall-mounted Air Fresheners in your washroom

Begin by ensuring there is always good air circulation in your washrooms. This is as simple as opening up the windows to let the clean air push the bad air out.

If your washrooms have vents, see to it that they are free from dirt that could spread in the air.

Don’t underestimate the powers of good air circulation:

• Washrooms become less humid.
• Fresh air is nature’s odour control method.
• Stagnates the growth of mould spores.

On top of that, contact the best local supplier of automatic air fresheners. Place them in strategic areas to release a burst of scent every few minutes.

The best part is you don’t need to worry about them running out. Servicing these air fresheners occurs every eight weeks and you don’t have to lift a finger.

Biological Washroom Treatment Products

To supplement this, verify there is regular cleaning of your workplace washroom. Make biological treatment a priority to extend the washroom’s long-lasting fragrance.

Your employees’ enjoy this as the service disinfects washrooms, leaving them sanitary.

Say goodbye to clogged drains and bacteria build-up. This treatment is the answer to all your washroom problems.

Stagnant water attracts flies and generates bad smells. These aren’t a good look for your office washroom, so purchase wet area mats as well.

They play a key role in absorbing splashbacks and minor water spills. Not to mention they provide a strong grip on your employees’ shoes. Make slip-and-fall accidents a thing of the past.

Create a Break Room

Hand Sanitisers eliminate 99.99% of bacteria and efficiently prevent their spreading around your workplace

Otherwise known as a lunchroom, this is a space in the office set aside for having meals and drinks.

To some managers, this may appear as an extra expense. Worry not, for this is a great investment.

Without an appropriate room, your employees may have no choice but to eat in the office workspace. When this happens, bits of food fall all over the work equipment, attracting ants.

Other than that, pungent smells from food and drinks stick onto cloth fabrics and linger in the air for a long time.

How can you go about this? Begin by opening up space with fresh air for your workers to take short breaks. Fit seats and tables onto a patio or balcony away from the workspace. This prevents them from eating at their workstations.

After handling food, the smell sticks to their hands. Without cleaning them, your employees spread the odour from one place to another.

Alsco’s Deep Clean Services eliminates all mould, mildew and fungi.

Thus, after breaks and in-between working sessions, encourage the use of hand sanitiser. Provide them at the entrance of the breakroom and common hallways.

Plus, consider incorporating scent diffusers into workstations. They release scents of natural oils and improve the productivity of your employees.

Over and above, the break rooms and workspaces remain immaculate through deep cleaning. This eco-friendly process gets into the nooks and crannies of your office. As a result, there’s no stubborn filth that contributes to general malodour.

There’s no way bad odour will survive these thorough efforts.

Empty the Rubbish Bins

Bins are notorious for harbouring bad smells. Failing to attend to this waste causes the production of enzymes that produce malodour. So, without proper hygiene maintenance, bins can discourage visitors from your office.

The best way forward is to take the trash out at least twice a day. This stops the various forms of litter from creating a cocktail of smells in your office.

Thereafter, clean the bins and dry them to get rid of the residue that may have stuck to the interior surfaces. This is best done using a pressure washer to get rid of dirt stuck at the bottom.

This should be done with gloves on to prioritise the health of your cleaning staff. After this, ensure you line each bin with a fresh garbage bag.

Moving forward, confirm that each bin has a cover. This prevents unpleasant odours from slipping out.

Do this for both deskside bins and centralised bins to upkeep a tidy workplace image. They each play a part in keeping your workplace clean.

Follow this rubbish recycling and disposal guide to care for waste the correct way.

Wipe Down Surfaces

Accidental spills make workplace exteriors sticky. Without proper care, they emanate unpleasant smells.

The wrong kind of cleaning products doesn’t solve this problem. Hence, clear your supply closet and fill it with exemplary hygiene products.

These effective chemicals verify that your surfaces remain fragrant and stain-free. You can upkeep the office’s hygiene standards with ease.

Anti-bacterial products stun the growth of harmful enzymes that cause malodour.

Pour a small amount onto a wiping cloth and wipe the office surfaces. After allowing the product to settle, rinse it off with a damp cloth for the best results.

Over and above, verify that you clean your office carpets too. Dirt and food crumbs are not a pretty sight. The fabric harbours these materials and makes the office appear unkempt.

Image is everything in business, so see to it that the workplace carpets are clean at all times.

Here are a couple of effects of exceptional carpet maintenance:

• Enhances the quality of air
• Proper maintenance extends carpet life
• Prevents the growth of harmful bacteria
• Improves employee productivity and morale
• Maintains a clean office image
• Upkeeps carpet quality

Let Alsco Assist You

“…took care of all our requirements, in one hit, fantastic!” — Miranda Sage, Administration and Marketing Manager, Delta Stock Crates Ltd.

As trusted workplace hygiene providers, Alsco New Zealand always fulfils your office needs. In an instant, your workplace benefits from professional, honest and reliable expertise.

Are you ready to set the mood for productive business operations? If so, leave the dirty work to the experts and enjoy our high-grade products and services. Through the company’s rental services, managers don’t need to worry about hygiene matters.

Call us today to take your workplace fragrance to the next level.

Photo: Pexels

4 Fascinating Ways to Deal With Washroom Odour

Taking care of your workplace washroom is a necessity. By doing so, you protect your staff from health risks, such as infections.

Above all, you also keep the environment smelling clean and fresh.

It’s no secret that bad smells may repel clients, suppliers and visitors from your business.

It deters them from stepping into your washrooms, making them search for a cleaner option.

This shouldn’t be the case.

So, how can you deal with workplace malodour?

Doing it on your own can be difficult, which is why there’s the option to hire professional assistance. This is how top-ranking businesses stay ahead of the game.

Taking the needs of your staff into consideration ensures they remain loyal.

These four brilliant tips will help you tackle bad washroom odour in no time!

Use the Best Urinal Products Available

The key to maintaining a constant fragrance is by using high-grade cleaning products.

For starters, purchase urinal cakes.

Did you know the term ‘’urinal cake’’ originates from Benjamin Franklin? While using the Franklin stove, John Hancock knocked cakes into a urine pot, which absorbed the smell. Imagine that!

Today, they protect urinals from lingering odours and the accumulation of bacteria. These perfumed urinal blocks come in tabs to retain the product quality.

Below are instructions on using urinal cakes:

• Open the pail packaging.
• Wear gloves and take one tab out.
• Place the blue cake at the bottom of the urinal.
• Re-seal the packaging and store in a cool, dry place.

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Bastion Latex Powder Free Gloves

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Fresh & Clean Urinal Tabs

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Also, these tabs comprise of dichlorobenzene, which keeps insects away from your closets and washroom urinals.

The heavy-duty tab deodorises your urinal for up to 30 days. After this period, it begins to dissolve and the fragrance diminishes. Such visual indicators are great reminders to replace the cake with a new one.

What’s more, invest in urinal screens. Place this thin and round product above the cake block.

It contributes to odour control and doubles as a preventative measure to stop debris, such as chewing gum, from clogging urinals. As a result, it offers an effective means to keeping your workplace urinals free-flowing.

Remember to replace the urinal screen every 30 days.

Ensure There Is Adequate Washroom Ventilation

Ever wonder why your washroom is stuffy? Well, poor ventilation is a popular cause of musty washroom smells. This keeps the bad odour in and makes your workers feel uncomfortable.

The best way forward is to keep your washroom windows open at all times. Fresh, outside air flows into the washroom and diffuses any bad smells.

Great air circulation also prevents a humid washroom environment. With better humidity control, your workplace washroom will no longer get stuffy. In turn, this creates a pleasant washroom experience.

Fresh & Clean Citrus Power

Along with that, the growth of washroom bacteria minimises. Harmful bacteria that cause infections and sore throats are common in high-traffic washrooms. In a cool environment, they are less likely to thrive and harm your employees.

Do you have mould in your washrooms? This is also brought about by having a humid washroom.

To stagnate its growth, keep your washroom humidity levels to less than 50%. This lowers the chances of your workers contracting respiratory illnesses.

You can also reduce mould spores by scrubbing surfaces with exceptional disinfecting products. Together, these efforts free your washroom from common bacteria and fungi.

Last but not least, for all the above to happen, you need to maintain functional air vents.

Clean them often to prevent moisture retention. This guarantees the air flowing into your washroom is safe.

Flush Your Urinals

It’s easy to underestimate the benefits of flushing. This shouldn’t be the case.

Flushing toilets and urinals can either make or break your workplace washroom.

For one, it improves sanitation.

Washrooms have as much foot traffic as the workspace, meaning it’s imperative to keep them clean. Regular flushing eliminates leftover waste and germs from the interior of urinals.

Flushing also terminates pungent smells. The swirling water distributes the smells up into the air. Free-flowing air from open washroom windows carries the bad odours up and out of the washroom.

Do you need to supervise urinal flushing? No, you don’t.

With an automatic flushing system, all you need is to activate the sensor and it flushes on its own.

An auto-flushing system is:

Install our amazing wall-mounted Air Fresheners in your washroom

• Economic. They are pocket-friendly and consume less energy than traditional means of flushing.
• Cleaner. Flush handles are a common touchpoint. Eliminating physical contact reduces the risk of germ transfer.
• Easier to use. All you need to do is stand nearby the sensor and it activates the flushing mechanism.
• Eco-friendly. When the sensor isn’t active, the urinal doesn’t flush. This prevents an unnecessary waste of water.

Over and above, let the professionals install automatic air fresheners in your washrooms.

With delightful scents to choose from, these air fresheners subtly release their scent. They keep your washrooms fresh-smelling at all times.

No need to worry if they run out, as there’s regular servicing every eight weeks at your convenience.

Clean Your Urinals Well

Splashbacks are a common urinal incident. They are notorious for staining washroom floors and attracting insects.

But, with outstanding cleaning products in your possession, there is no need to panic. These products serve to cut sticky stains.

Use these products to wipe down your walls, floor tiles and urinal exteriors. Rinse the surfaces to leave them sparkling and perfumed.

Remember to include wet-area mats near urinals to absorb waste that may splash over. These are a high-quality solution to your stained floors.

Without any hassle, these mats are tailored to fit your workplace washroom needs. For a single annual fee, your worries of dirty and worn-out mats are long gone, leading to a sanitary washroom.

Take the Next Step

Biological Treatment

It’s important to have professional cleaning services that provide deep cleaning and biological treatment services. These eco-friendly processes disinfect hard-to-reach washroom areas, keeping them free from grime.

That being so, give your washroom the five-star treatment it deserves. Contact your local experts today and liberate your urinals from clogged drains.

Through the use of our green products and processes, you are sure to enforce your company’s values. From this, you attract similar-minded business partners and clients.

So, what are you waiting for? Get a fast and free quote from Alsco New Zealand today!

Photo: WikiMedia

The Ultimate Guide to Workplace Washroom Urinals

Most business owners have scarce knowledge of their workplace washrooms.

First, did you know that employers should follow national health and safety guidelines? These are policies guiding workplaces on washroom facilities and health standards.

So, keep yourself up-to-date with workplace matters to understand your obligations better.

Urinals can be a problematic aspect of a washroom. Although they may appear like any other washroom necessity, there’s still a lot to learn.

Workers spend large amounts of time in washrooms during a work day. Urinals often emanate malodour and provide a home for bacterial outbreaks.

Without thorough hygiene knowledge, you expose your employees to an unsafe working environment. As a result, they are unable to work well and continue with projects.

Without appropriate urinal hygiene awareness, your business stands a chance of suffering losses. Focusing on important details helps sustain the high-grade status of your workplace washroom.

The best way forward is this informative guide below. It is the best way to begin your urinal transformation journey.

What You Need to Know

To begin with, you need to understand where urinals originate from.

Contrary to popular belief, a woman is believed to have come up with the first urinal invention in the 1800s. Yet, she couldn’t get a patent. So, in 1886, Andrew Rankin received the first urinal patent with her help.

Today, urinals exist for both men and women. By installing both toilets and urinals in washrooms, there is gender inclusivity.

Let’s have a look at the different types of urinals.

First, there are male urinals, which are more popular.

There are three main types of male urinals:

• Trough Urinal
• Bucket Urinal
• ‘’Wee-Against-the-Wall’’

Today, these designs are tweaked to form the basis of the variety of male urinals that exist. As a result, it’s easier to design urinals to fit your washroom decor and accessories.

Though female urinals are scarce, they are a fast-growing trend in the market. This survey concludes that 23% of women believe they minimise health risks.

The first designs for female urinals began to emerge in the 1900s. They borrow features from male urinals.

The three popular female urinal designs are:

• Lady P
• Lady Loo
• Girly

How will you know if female urinals are what your workers need? That’s easy.

Take their opinions into consideration through questionnaires. By doing so, female staff can express themselves about which washroom facility they prefer.

Either way, it is best to provide both toilets and urinals in workplace washrooms.

How many urinals and toilets do you need to make your employees comfortable? To get a rough idea, use this toilet calculator. It determines the number of washroom facilities according to building capacity.

Besides that, the Building Code requires workplaces to have enough washroom fixtures. This includes washroom facilities for persons with disabilities.

Here are the general requirements for the number of urinals:

Unfortunately, the code doesn’t include female urinals, but have a look at the number of female toilets you need in your workplace:

If you’re looking to buy a urinal, they cost around $60 to $100. They have a lifespan of up to 30 years or longer.

Consider hiring expert plumbing services to install the urinals.

Waterless urinals are a popular go-to design. They save between 57,000 and 170,000 litres of water per urinal, per year. Each fixture takes up to two hours to install.

Here’s a list of local professional plumbers to consider:

• In Residence
• Plumbline
• Acero

Hire Professional Service Maintenance

Alsco’s Deep Clean Services eliminates all mould, mildew and fungi.

It’s essential to have a sanitary and well-equipped workplace washroom. Unclean washrooms emit pungent smells and are a breeding place for bacteria.

This research study concludes that there are traces of more than 77,000 types of viruses in these spaces.

When you fail to clean urinals the right way, they attract silverfish, mites and flies. These insects transfer bacteria, creating a major health risk. Their presence makes workers feel unsafe and undervalued.

First impressions are important and they affect how people view your business.

Bugs deter them from visiting your washrooms for fear of getting sick. Don’t let this happen to you.

Exceptional washroom hygiene speaks volumes. That’s why you should rely on your local hygiene experts. Put your trust in skilled professionals to lift the burden off your shoulders.

Purchase urinal tabs that contain a strong chemical. One tab contains urinal cakes to ensure your urinals stay squeaky clean. Replace them every 30 days when they dissolve.

But, what are urinal tabs for anyway?

• Deodorise urinal drains and soaks up pungent smells
• Repel bugs
• Prevent build-up of uric acid

Washrooms are one of the significant workplace facilities. Leaving a positive impression is a piece of cake with regular maintenance.

Biological Treatment – intensive cleaning that eliminates all germs

Thus, deep cleaning and biological treatment are noteworthy processes for urinal sanitation.

These revolutionary services produce outstanding results. They leave your urinals fungi-free, and regular maintenance is included in your price. Isn’t that amazing?

Through a four-step process, all the nooks and crannies of your urinals will remain spotless.

As such, conduct these eco-friendly processes quarterly to remove stains and disinfect drains.

Without hesitation, furnish your washrooms with automatic air fresheners to keep them fragrant.

Lay out wet area mats nearby urinals to absorb any splashback that may stain the floor. They comprise of a comfortable material that keeps your workers from slipping. This is instrumental in preventing accidents.

Wash these mats often to rid them of waste and dirt residue. Thereafter, dry them well to prevent the growth of mould.

Enforce Workplace Urinal Etiquette

Poor use of urinals minimises the effects of cleaning and maintenance.

To supplement cleaning efforts, consider encouraging your workers to exercise excellent washroom etiquette.

How can you do this? Begin by placing informative posters in strategic areas in the washroom.

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For instance, stick them above sinks and nearby the urinal area. They remind workers to leave the washroom as clean as they found it.

They remind your employees of washroom practices that provide a comfortable environment.

With time, this fosters a healthy and positive workplace culture.

Also encourage courtesy flushing after every washroom visit. The rush of water carries the pungent smells away.

Supplement this by conducting frequent urinal etiquette workshops. Inform your employees by displaying appropriate videos and distributing newsletters.

For ideas on what to include in your newsletters, have a look at this list of workplace etiquette do’s and don’ts.

Better hygiene practices lead to fewer sick days and healthier employees. This means they will have more energy to go about their daily duties.

What Are You Waiting For?

Immaculate washrooms are every business owner’s dream. So, why shouldn’t your dreams come true?

With Alsco, all your dreams can become reality. With over 27,000 satisfied businesses in New Zealand, they are bound to take your washroom to the next level.

Pay attention to your washroom and establish your core business values. Buy their premium cleaning products and services to open the door to endless success.

Contact Alsco’s experts today, sit back and let them do the heavy-duty work for you.

Photo: Pixabay

Don’t Let Your Money Go Down the Drain: 5 Ways High-Efficiency Water Saving Urinals Can Help You

Daily Show host Trevor Noah believes everyone is at their most vulnerable state when in the bathroom.

That even all the greats have had to use the bathroom and it is the one thing that unites us all.

Do you agree?

If yes, then washrooms must have high-security and biometrics right? Not necessarily.

Your washroom says a lot about you and the way you run your business.

There are a few fundamentals that go into having the best washrooms around. Hygiene, maintenance, and ambience definitely make it to the top of the list.

Buckle up and let’s see if high-efficiency urinals easily work alongside these attributes and save you money.

What Are High-Efficiency Urinals?

Urinals are sanitary plumbing fixtures meant for urination purposes only.

It can take the form of a container or simply a wall, with drainage and automatic or manual flushing. Some are even operational without any water involved, as is the case for waterless urinals.

Urinals come in different designs. The most common urinals are either intended for a single user or provide a trough design for multiple users. They are used in a standing position.

Whereas urinals are generally intended for male use, there are designs for females on the market.

A high-efficiency urinal is a fixture that functions at 0.5-gallons per flush (gpf) (1.9 litres per flush (lpf) ) or less.

The process for flushing the flushometer valve is no different from conventional and ultra-low flush urinals.

It only requires a higher pressure and higher velocity for the supply water and a smaller opening in the midsection of the flush valve.

This is great because it is a threshold that provides 50% less water usage than the current U.S. national standard (maximum) mandated by the U.S. Energy Policy Act in 1992, which became effective in 1994.

There are still more innovative urinals coming into play, and water authorities/designers use this 50% threshold as a measure of their plumbing fixture retrofit programs.

1. Get Your Money Back

If your washrooms experience a lot of traffic (let’s assume you have staff working a five-day week and using the facilities four times a day), can you begin to imagine the water and energy going to waste here?

You can choose to retrofit your washrooms with high-efficiency or even waterless urinals to save on cost.

Retrofitting is the act of modifying equipment that still works using parts that were developed or made available after the time of the original manufacture.

You can choose to put up a full fixture replacement or simply upgrade the valves with flushometers.

There are rebate programs involved when some establishments make the switch to high-efficiency toilets.

For example, the New Zealand Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (NZWELS) scheme helps New Zealanders evaluate the water efficiency of varied fixtures.

NZWELS-regulated products include washing machines, toilet suites, urinals, showers, taps dishwashers and flow controllers. Retailers must display the efficiency ratings of these fixtures in easy to see areas.

The mandatory labels are available for download in a variety of formats.

Water is not necessarily free. It needs to be processed and delivered before it gets to you.

You are charged by your local utility every time you use water. The greater the demand for water, the higher the cost. By conserving water, you will save money both in terms of the price per unit and the quantity used

2. Save on Maintenance

If your high-efficiency urinals are well looked after, then your maintenance costs will be much lower than the cost of maintaining conventional urinals.

“Urinals are designed to last for long periods of time. Usually, the only part that breaks down is the flush valve, and this can be fixed relatively easily. Because urinals can remain functional for many years they rarely go out of style. Facilities seldom need to replace them unless a washroom is being remodelled,” states Klaus Reichardt, founder and managing partner of the manufacturer Waterless Co.

A high-efficiency toilet contains fewer moving parts. This means fewer breakdowns and servicing on your end.

Make a point of inspecting the valves and checking for worn parts at least once every year.

Extensive flush cycles and running valves may indicate a clogged bypass opening in the valve or improper sealing.

If it does break down, you will have to hire someone qualified to fix it. This is because it might be difficult to obtain some parts and you could make matters worse trying to DIY your way out of it.

3. Water Conservation

The idea is to save as much water as possible!

Saving water helps preserve our environment. The supply may seem abundant, but water is not a limitless resource. Especially the fresh potable water most necessary for human survival.

Did you know? It’s been estimated that by 2050, 9.7 billion people will live in water-stressed areas according to research conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

With newer urinal inventions on the market, you could even choose to upgrade to fixtures that will help you conserve more water. If you’re switching from a 1-gallon version a 0.5 gpf model, it will cut your water use in half.

And it gets even better…

You could choose 0.25 and 0.125 gpf versions, which can make do with a pint of water to flush!

These make high-efficiency urinals quite, well, efficient, seeing as the flushing system can be quite forceful. You don’t need to flush twice and toilet clogs are quite rare, even in older plumbing pipes.

4. Energy Consumption

Energy tends to go to waste when water is overused.

Water in your home or business must be heated for several uses, such as bathing and cleaning, and this takes up energy. It also takes energy to flush urinals.

High-efficiency toilets are energy efficient because they depend on water velocity instead of removing waste by using water volume.

You can use this energy cost calculator to evaluate how much water and energy goes to waste in your establishment.

5. Odour Control

Install our amazing wall-mounted Air Fresheners in your washroom

Without proper care, the state of your washroom can quickly deteriorate. This is bad for your business, especially if you have potential clients visiting the premises.

Splashbacks are a common occurrence in the urinal area.

Poor cleaning and odour can lead to an unhygienic environment. This is not only bad for business but could potentially harm the health of your employees if they contract bacteria.

Consider investing in urinal tabs.

These are blocks of perfumed crystals used primarily in urinals as a deodoriser.

Urinal tabs are heavy-duty products that also repel silverfish and moths. All you have to do is place the tab at the bottom of the urinal and replace them often.

Alsco New Zealand offers odour control services tailored to your washroom.

While the Alsco sanitisers kill off odour-causing bacteria, your air fresheners will boost your air quality with scents. It’s quite the duo.

You won’t need to worry about the maintenance and replacement of dispensers for your washroom once we install them. This service is customised to your business needs as part of Alsco’s managed rental service.

Let us do the worrying for you.

Take it from one of our clients:

“On behalf of Education Action, we would just like to say a huge thank you to your employee Margaret, who completes this service to the very best of her ability.

We very much appreciate the work she does, and if it was not for her, we would have never had known what was wrong with our urinals. It was on her recommendation that we get them looked at.

By doing this, she could help us fix the problem before it got much worse, and for that, we want to say thank you.

We appreciate all that Margaret and the Fresh and Clean team at Alsco do, and we look forward to working with your team in the future.

Thanks a million.”

Shaan Antunovich, Manager, Education Action

Photo: Creative Commons

Benefits and Maintenance Requirements for Waterless Urinals

In the 21st century, one of the biggest issues of our time is the efficient use of natural resources. Water consumption and conservation are at the heart of sustainability conversations.

Waterless urinals are the answer to the extravagant use of water due to flushing.

In appearance, waterless urinals look like flushing urinals. The main difference is the absent flush valve that should sit right above the urinal. This is because waterless urinals have no need for water and thus no need for piping.

They are built with a vertical trap design that has a cylinder filled with liquid sealant. It sits atop the drain area of the urinal. Urine goes through the cylinder and sealant, draining into the waste line, and passes through the barrier layer.

The dry urinal surface inhibits bacteria growth and odour, making the waterless urinal easier to clean and maintain. The lack of water also prevents rust buildup, unlike a conventional flushing urinal.

Why Waterless Urinals Are Great

There’s been a surge in installing waterless urinals, especially in recent years where many states have raised water rates. The higher rates come from upgraded facilities or the rising costs of gathering, treating, delivering and removing water.

This has inspired many office blocks, schools and hotels to install waterless urinals. They look a lot like traditional urinals but don’t need any water. This saves institutions thousands of dollars in annual water bills.

• Waterless Urinals Are Odour Free

  Odours are not an issue when it comes to waterless urinals. The cause of odour in flush urinals is when urea and water react. In the absence of water, no reaction takes place and no odour will exist. Furthermore, the sealant liquid prevents any odour from coming back into the washroom atmosphere.

• Cost Savings on Environment and Water

  How much water do waterless urinals save? All of it, as they don’t need any water at all to work. The only water you may need is about 20 litres during periodical maintenance to flush down the drain line. This drain line flush prevents the buildup of limescale.

  In a building with a few dozen male employees using the flushing urinal about three times a day, the estimated water consumption of a single flush urinal is 75,000 to 170,000 litres of water annually. The average toilet uses about one to three gallons (3.17-11.3 litres) of water for each flush. Newer models tend to use less so the exact cost saving for your building depends on the flush units you are replacing.

  Waterless urinals pay for themselves in water bill savings alone in the first one to three years. All the water used by flush urinals costs money depending on the metered rates for the municipality and the level of use. Individual waterless units cost around $250 to $500 per urinal.

• Cost Savings on Installation and Maintenance Installation

  Waterless urinals are less prone to malfunctioning due to the absence of moving parts. They are easy to clean and offer savings on maintenance. The only maintenance costs are the replacement of sealant liquid and cartridges every three to six months.

  These maintenance costs savings come as a result of the following:

  • There are no mechanical parts to buy or repair.
  • There are reduced opportunities for vandalism since flush mechanisms, commonly stolen items, are absent.
  • The waterless urinals are less costly to buy and install compared to traditional urinals.
  • No special plumbing is required since they drain into the standard two-inch drain.

• Waterless Urinals Allow Urine Reuse for Ecological Benefits

  Waterless urinals have unexpected ecological benefits. You can collect pure and undiluted urine for reuse as fertiliser in urban farming after proper treatment and storage. If your facility has a high usage urinal, this can be an alternative revenue source for your building.

• Waterless Urinals Give You Green Building Rating Points

  As a great marketing tool to eco-conscious clients, waterless urinals can earn you up to six points on LEED, or an equivalent green building certification in your country. This creates a positive image for your brand and building, increasing your reputation and eventual profits. Consumers do business with people and companies they like.

How to Care for Waterless Urinals

• Use Proper Cleaning Agents

  

  Alsco’s Deep Clean Services eliminates all mould, mildew and fungi.

  Despite your best efforts, regular cleaning always leaves something behind. You need occasional systematic cleaning to reach difficult areas or clean any build-up. Plan for thorough cleaning to keep your buildings and offices clean with healthy employees.

  Alsco’s deep cleaning service offers what you need. Our systems rely on powerful chemicals and high-tech equipment. Both have been designed for the complete elimination of dirt, filth, uric acid build-up and germs. All that is left is a spotlessly clean, sanitary and healthy washroom.

  The best way to remove dirt and germs is to find something that eats it. That’s precisely what Alsco offers. Our amazing biological solution is packed with harmless “bugs” that eat bacteria and other germs without damaging the washroom surfaces.

  While toxic chemicals are not environmentally friendly, they are also only a one-time solution. With our “hungry microbes,” those horrible, smelly build-ups are a thing of the past. The effects last longer and the environment is saved.

  Alsco uses the bio solution to clean your washrooms. We also leave blocks to maintain hygiene. Our representatives come regularly to clean and replace the solution or blocks.

• Train Maintenance Staff on How to Handle Waterless Urinals

  Regardless of the slight variations that different manufacturers use, cleaning a waterless urinal follows the same process. Here are the important steps that your staff should follow:

  • Put on gloves (and goggles) to clean any restroom.
  • Start by removing any foreign objects in the urinal. The trap is designed to prevent larger objects from entering the drain area.
  • Avoid abrasive cleaners, towels, or brushes.
  • Mist urinal surfaces with a neutral or all-purpose cleaner.
  • Allow for dwell time (if indicated by the chemical manufacturer).
  • Wipe clean with a soft sponge or a cleaning cloth.
  • Dry the surfaces with a soft cloth.
  • Do not pour excess or soiled water down the waterless urinal trap, as it can flush the sealant out of the trap insert.

• Never Put Water Down Waterless Urinals

  Putting water down a waterless urinal can spoil it. They are made to function without water and are not built to handle it. Instruct your staff to avoid pouring water or cleaning solution down the urinal.

  In the event water is poured down a waterless urinal, the calcium in the water will react with uric acid to create limescale deposits. Traditional urinals can counteract this effect because of the continuous flushing. In waterless urinals, all it takes is a small amount of water for a limescale reaction to occur. Without flushing, the limescale builds up and blocks the urinal.

What Can You Do?

If you’re investing in waterless urinals, it’s critical that you invest in training and education. If you clean your urinals correctly, they won’t smell. With all the great benefits associated, you will wonder what took you so long to invest in a waterless urinal.

Since cleaning waterless urinals is different from traditional urinals, ensure your cleaners understand this. Use the correct cleaning agent for daily maintenance. A bio cleaner is a sustainable and thorough solution for cleaning waterless urinals. Alsco NZ provides a top of the line bio-cleaner at an affordable monthly fee.

Alternatively, use a cleaning partner that understands public washrooms and how to clean different units. Partners like Alsco NZ are great for the occasional deep cleaning to reach the corners where dirt builds up.

If you have old, stubborn stains and uric acid build-ups, they are almost impossible to get rid of. Almost! With Alsco Deep Clean, their four-step process eliminates all sorts of dirt, grime and filth. It is effective on toilets, showers and other washroom elements.

With some planning, maintaining a hygienic and functional restroom is within your reach. Get reliable partners like Alsco NZ so you can focus on what you do best.

Photo: Creative Commons

3 Surprising & Verifiable Facts About Urinals

Did you know the fear of using public restrooms is known as Paruresis? Also known as bashful bladder syndrome (BBS), shy bladder or urophobia, Paruresis is a logical fear that can affect individuals of all ages and genders.

A research study by BioMed Central indicated that

“Proper hand hygiene may not always be achievable when using public washrooms… Public restroom environments are frequently contaminated and show potential transmission of bacteria or viruses, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria”.

This phobia is therefore commonly brought about by the fact that some public restrooms can be unhygienic, bacteria-infested dens.

So here are some surprising facts about a piece of public restroom equipment that is often overlooked – the urinal.

1. A Urinal Altered the Course of Art History in the 20th Century

This may sound astonishing, but would you believe something as basic as a urinal would be deemed art? French artist Marcel Duchamp revolutionised the art world in April of 1917 when he submitted an art piece to the Society of Independent Artists’ salon in New York.

The Society of Independent Artists’ salon was accepting any work of art as long as the application fee was paid by the artist. The artwork Duchamp submitted was a standard urinal turned upside down and signed “R. Mutt, 1917”, with the title ‘Fountain’.

‘Fountain’ was made to shift the focus from typical works of art to interpretive symbolic art. Because of this work and a few others, Duchamp became known for a style of art known as DADA-ism. This became a movement which many artists channelled their inspiration from.

According to expert art historian Simon Wilson, Fountain

“Reflects the dynamic nature of art today and the idea that the creative process that goes into a work of art is the most important thing, the work itself can be made of anything and can take any form”.

A 2004 poll of 500 art experts from a variety of fields found Duchamps Fountain to be the most influential work of art of the 20th Century.

2. Urinals were Made Popular by the American Industrial Revolution

According to the British Association of Urological Surgeons, the demand for proper hygiene systems dates back as far as the Roman era.

According to legend, a Roman officer was on his way back home from duty and needed to relieve himself. He ended up doing so in a duct that supplied clean water to the town he was passing through. As a result, the legend says that he was arrested, found guilty, castrated and a sanitation system was crafted while the officer lived out his days as a eunuch.

During the 19th Century expansion of American cities, fears concerning the outbreak of diseases due to overcrowding led to the construction of a bigger and more sophisticated sewer system which could accommodate the burgeoning population.

In factories, multiple urinals could occupy the same amount of space as a single sit-down toilet cubicle. This reduced the space needed for men’s washrooms.

Theories in the 1800s concerning worker productivity, such as Taylorism, pointed out the demand for

“Determining the best way for the worker to do the job, to provide the proper tools and training, and to provide incentives for good performance while maximising efficiency”.

As a result, factories were redesigned to include restrooms indoors and closer to the workspace. Installing urinals meant that less time was spent using them compared to single-stall sit-down toilets which were previously located outside.

Women Also Played a Role in the Popularisation of the Urinal

The first upright flushing urinal was patented by Andrew Rankin on March 27th, 1866 in the United States. Although it is rumoured that

“a woman was behind the invention of the upright flushing urinal during the civil war” by the Waterless Co Inc. CEO Klaus Reichardt.

After the end of World War 2 women began streaming into the workforce in greater numbers. The urinal reignited issues of gender equality as men’s washrooms became spots for water cooler privileges to which women were denied.

As women petitioned for equal rights, they unknowingly popularised the use of urinals as men became convinced that urinating while standing up made them superior, which boosted their egos.

The Female Urinal

In a bid to further the fight against gender inequality and decrease the long queues observed in women’s washrooms, female urinals were explored around the same period. However, their awkward designs, potential obstruction of certain female clothing items and little to no marketing caused their popularity to decline.

In recent years, newer models have sprung up but are only in use in specific locations worldwide despite their growth in popularity.

3. The Modern Water-Free Urinal Is One of the Latest Washroom Innovations

The Waterless company first introduced the modern waterless urinal in 1992. Initially, this innovative bathroom equipment faced heavy scepticism. There was strong resistance from the general public, the piping industry and even building owners when it was first launched because of the idea that traditional urinals were more hygienic.

However, it has become increasingly popular over the years as the green building movement has taken place.

Waterless urinals use a removable plastic cartridge filled with a biodegradable liquid sealant that traps gasses and odours as the urine passes through it.

The concept was based on the principles of ecological sanitation to help in preventing environmental challenges that are caused by conventional flush sanitation systems.

Fresh water is becoming increasingly scarce across the globe with residents in major cities dealing with water shortages daily.

Millions of litres of water a day get flushed down the drain in the lavatories of commercial and public facilities like airports, malls and restaurants. One waterless urinal uses about 100 litres of water yearly, compared to their conventional counterparts which can use 75,000-170,000 litres of water per year.

Benefits of installing a waterless urinal include:

• Low maintenance cost
• Reduces infrastructure required for water supply and wastewater treatment
• Cleaner and more hygienic compared to flush urinals
• Conservation of water
• A unique odour trap mechanism which allows it to function without requiring water

Alsco Has You Covered

Commercial facilities face numerous operational challenges with their bathrooms leading to:

• Immense water wastage
• Stains
• Foul odour
• Clogging of drains
• Bad customer experience

Providing a clean and healthy work environment is essential in ensuring the well-being of your employees, clients and visitors. Hygienic conditions keep the working atmosphere healthy and motivating. A dirty work environment can negatively damage the reputation of your business.

Alsco’s Deep Clean Services eliminates all mould, mildew and fungi.

Alsco NZ provides an array of cleaning services at reasonable costs and guarantees consistent, high-quality cleaning services that keep all your surfaces and bathrooms clean while you stay focused on your business needs and concerns.

Their deep cleaning service uses state of the art cleaning equipment ensuring that every surface is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected therefore minimising the spread of germs and bacteria.

This ensures that every part of your organisation becomes vibrant and service-oriented.

Alsco NZ will make upgrading your cleaning service experience smooth and efficient.

Are you dissatisfied with your current cleaning services? Looking to upgrade?

Contact us today to get a clean and germ-free workplace!

Photo: WikiPedia