Restoring through response
Alan Lewin, of ServiceMaster Clean, emphasises the importance of acting quickly when it comes to removing graffiti and restoring property in the event of damage.
No matter how well buildings are maintained and kept hygienic and clean, there are sometimes unforeseen events which can cause extensive damage to both building structures and the environment, such as flood, water, fire or even malicious damage.
Act fast One type of malicious damage that can have a negative impact on your business or service is graffiti. First impressions count in any business. Visitors such as customers, clients, suppliers and staff expect premises to be kept in an immaculate condition and an unsightly office or shop could lead to a loss of business.
When malicious damage such as graffiti is allowed to remain on a property and is not promptly removed, it invites yet more markings and criminal activity creating an environment that deteriorates the quality of life further and fosters a general fear of crime. Experience has shown that dealing with damaged property quickly is the best way of preventing further malicious damage.
Using a damage management company is the best way to return back to ‘business as usual’ in the event of damage. The key benefits of using a specialist service are that there are no delays waiting for your insurers to appoint a supplier, whilst ensuring the restoration works are compatible with loss adjuster and insurer processes.
ServiceMaster Clean provides a specialist service, Restoration Response™, which guarantees fast response within a few hours of
an emergency to start putting the property back to pre-damage condition. Registration is free, so that if an unexpected emergency occurs then help can be quickly provided. Customers registered to the scheme are guaranteed on site service within 2-4 hours of an emergency.
How to choose a reputable provider So how do you know you can trust the company that you decide to use? Firstly you should look for a contractor that is a member of the British Damage Management Association (BDMA). This will indicate the provider adheres to professional standards of care and codes of practice, underpinned by technical and corporate training.
The formation of the British Damage Management Association (BDMA) marked a milestone in relations between the insurance industry and those who provide recovery and restoration services. Prior to the existence of the BDMA, insurers and loss adjusters had no means of judging the competence and expertise of the recovery and restoration contractors they appointed.
Safe and effective methods Whether graffiti is on a small or large scale, using the correct products and techniques is vital in its removal and prevention.
There are several different techniques and products that can be used for indoor and outdoor graffiti removal. The main objective with removal is to preserve the condition of the area as much as possible and to prevent future vandalism.
60 | TOMORROW’S CLEANING | The future of our cleaning industry GRAFFITI & GUM REMOVAL
To ascertain the appropriate removal technique you need to identify, if possible, the type of product or instrument that was used to apply the TAG or graffiti. You will also need to consider the actual structure of the area affected and the material of the surface. Common techniques for graffiti removal include painting, sanding, scraping, disinfectants, chemical graffiti removers, power washing and abrasive blasting and graffiti removal gel.
Graffiti prevention Prevention is often the best cure. The most common method for prevention is to use specially designed Anti-Graffiti paint and products on surfaces. These protect and minimise the damage caused and can be used on most surfaces, however it is always important to check the guidelines as some surfaces are not recommended. Anti-Graffiti coatings will allow for an easier removal of graffiti.
If graffiti is a recurring problem at your premises you should consider installing security lighting and CCTV cameras. You should also report the problem to the local community police as this identifies areas that are graffiti hot spots and will make them aware of the situation.
www.restorationresponse.co.uk
The future of our cleaning industry | TOMORROW’S CLEANING | 43
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70
