TOMORROW’S CLEANING AUGUST 10


Training for a cleaner tomorrow


STAN ATKINS, CEO OF BICSC, EXPLAINS HOW THE INTRODUCTION OF THE INSTITUTE’S NEW ACCREDITATION SCHEME WILL IMPROVE TRAINING AND THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICE PROVIDED IN THE CLEANING SECTOR.


In the current trading conditions and in an ever changing infection control market, the cleaner needs a professional understanding of all methods and solutions and, critically, how best to use this knowledge.


And this is where Stan Atkins, CEO of The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc), sees massive potential for a set of recognised standards, the training element of which would improve the perception of our industry and the delivery of a first class service. Whether a healthcare, business or local authority environment, such as a school, all areas share the same requirement: to be clean and hygienic.


Accordingly, the BICSc has introduced a new accredited standard for its corporate members’ equipment, products and systems. Independently tested and verified,


the standards are a measure of quality and effectiveness.


Stan Atkins sets out his thoughts on the future: “With almost four decades’ experience of improving industry knowledge of cleaning science, BICSc is the natural leader in the education of those in the cleaning industry. Our mission is to sustain and protect the safety of the built environment and to ensure that equipment and systems used for cleaning are safe and effective for the users and the occupants of the buildings being cleaned.”


The Institute is currently inviting manufacturers and suppliers of cleaning equipment to submit products for field testing, to establish reliability, efficiency and safety, and to obtain BICSc Accreditation. Once the rigorous testing regime is complete and all requirements have been met, a certificate is awarded and the manufacturer or supplier can use the BICSc Accreditation logo in promotional and point- of-sale material.


This accreditation has been designed to inform the end user and provide assurance that the equipment operator has the


32 | TOMORROW’S CLEANING | The future of our cleaning industry FEATURE


appropriate skills, offering peace of mind and an assurance of quality in an environment where standards are critical.


BICSc is a leading authority on training and works to ensure that standards are adhered to. Stan explains why the accreditation was introduced: “We are all looking for a product that enables a high quality standard finish to be available, which in turn aids and promotes best practice. The accreditation system is also a valuable source of reference for the cleaning sector, as it identifies/aligns their products with the above requirements.”


Stan points out that there are many benefits to a recognised industry-wide scheme, not least an empowered and knowledgeable workforce. “From an FM point of view they talk of assets, so if the building is cleaned correctly then you maintain your asset. More importantly if the operative knows how to clean properly then problems such as musculoskeletal injuries


www.bics.org.uk


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