Why Your Sink Could Be Dirtier Than Your Toilet
If you were to ask someone which object in the bathroom is the most contaminated with bacteria and mould, the answer you would receive is probably “the toilet seat”.
However, a recent study undertaken by the bacteria testing department at antimicrobial experts BioCote, shows that bacteria don’t always thrive in the places we would expect.
BioCote took multiple samples from objects and surfaces in a public disabled toilet, and tested them for levels of bacteria and mould. Most people would assume that the toilet seat would be right at the top of the list for high levels of contamination, but, although it is in the top fi ve, the level of bacteria found on it was equal to that found on the hand rail and the tap. Topping the list was the sink itself, which showed more than 1,000 Colony Forming Units (CFUs).
Dr Richard Hastings, Technical Director at BioCote, said: “In many
cases germs are spread via touch, so we can see that objects touched after people have used the toilet, but before they have washed their hands, can be just as contaminated.”
The other interesting results were the levels of bacteria found on the less obvious objects and surfaces such as the fl oor, the wall and the underneath of the toilet. Richard explained: “This is probably because people only tend to clean the areas they can see, and the areas where they expect the bugs to grow. Unfortunately, bacteria and mould can be found everywhere and they will just keep multiplying. We know most rooms are full of germs and, although they may not necessarily be harmful, the higher the count, the greater the risk of illness.”
The only object in the bathroom on which no traces of bacteria or mould were found was the soap dispenser incorporating BioCote antimicrobial technology.
www.biocote.com/bathroom Nviro Secures Three-Year College Contract
Cleaning and FM specialist Nviro has won a three-year contract with MidKent College, supplying cleaning services to the Maidstone and the newly renovated Medway Campuses. The contract, worth in excess of £1.5million, will provide a night-time cleaning regime to both campuses.
A dedicated contract manager will work across both locations to give stability and consistency of high
standards to the contract. Nviro has introduced Team Cleaning across both campuses, and each team will be headed by a team leader. This method of cleaning in a group ensures maximum productivity from the whole team, as there are no lone working situations. Plus, it’s more energy effi cient due to lights being turned on and off in each area that is cleaned.
MidKent College is a further education establishment with around 8,500 students’ aged 16 and upwards, studying at both campuses. In 2009, £86million was spent on building the new Medway Campus, and, after opening in 2010, a £22million refurbishment in 2012 was carried out on the Maidstone Campus to bring its facilities up to the standard of the ultra-modern Medway.
As part of the contract, Nviro has introduced new, highly-effi cient
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machinery to improve productivity, thus driving down costs and improving quality. In total, in excess of £30,000 of new machinery has been installed across the contract.
Brian Warren, Managing Director of Nviro, said: “Nviro is proud to have been selected to provide our cleaning solution to the students and staff at MidKent College. We are committed to ensuring that the College benefi ts from our knowledge and expertise, which is vital in maintaining the upkeep of the £11million restoration works, recently carried out onsite. I look forward to us developing a lasting partnership with the College in the years to come.”
This contract is a major educational site in Kent for Nviro, and marks a new horizon for the company.
www.nviro.co.uk www.tomorrowscleaning.com
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