EXPERT ADVICE


NO SKIN OFF MY BACK


While vacuuming is an essential part of floor maintenance, it can be backbreaking work. Here, ProTeam explain to us the benefits of making the shift to backpack vacuums in terms of both increased productivity and reduced workload.


ProTeam introduced the first lightweight backpack vacuum in the United Kingdom about 15 years ago, but cleaning professionals are still relatively unaware of the benefits of switching to backpack vacuums from tank canisters or uprights. When used in a cleaning system, ProTeam backpacks clean up to 929m2


an


hour, as opposed to tank canisters that clean 273m2


vacuums that clean 265m2


an hour and upright an hour.


Like any new tool, backpack vacuums require education and training to ensure proper use and maximum benefit. Follow the below tips to ensure you get the greatest benefit from backpack vacuums in your cleaning operation.


FIT ProTeam backpack vacuums are lightweight, with an ergonomic harness design based on the harnesses of mountaineering backpacks. The 6.6 litre Super QuarterVac® HEPA has a slim profile that hugs close to the torso and weighs only 4.5kg, but even a lightweight backpack vacuum still needs to be adjusted to the individual user to be comfortable for hours of vacuuming.


Start by loosening all the straps, then fasten and tighten the waist belt so that the weight of the vacuum rests on the hips of the user. This ensures that the strong muscles of the legs will carry the weight of the unit. Then adjust the shoulder straps just enough so that the unit sits close to the body, but not to the point where the weight of the unit transfers to the shoulders. Lastly, fasten and adjust the sternum strap.


The two primary points of contact should be at the base of the spine just above the hips and between the shoulder blades. A poor fitting


backpack vacuum can create fatigue of the neck, shoulders, and back. When properly fitted, the backpack keeps the spine straight and forces the user to bend at the knees, helping to protect the wearer from injury.


TECHNIQUE Instead of pushing the wand back and forth like an upright, keep the wand as close to the body as possible. The further the wand gets away from the body, the more likely the user will get fatigued. By twisting the torso and sweeping the wand in wide arcs like a windscreen wiper, the cleaning path widens from the width of the floor tool to well over a metre, covering more ground per step. When using correct technique, backpack vacuums require less than half the energy and effort to clean the same facility as an upright.


HARD FLOORS A backpack vacuum is equally adept at cleaning hard flooring as it is at cleaning carpeting, making it a more efficient and effective alternative to a broom or dust mop. According to independent tests, a ProTeam backpack vacuum cleans 52% faster than a dust mop and keeps dust bunnies away for 72 hours, as opposed to 24 hours after dust mopping.


BEYOND THE FLOOR The benefits of backpacks don't stop at the floor. This suction-only approach can be applied to all dusting tasks with the same speed and effectiveness. ProTeam backpacks include an accessory belt that keeps all necessary attachments within reach, allowing quick detail cleans without a trip to the supply closet. Windowsills, shelving, blinds, ceiling tiles, and other architectural details


28 | Tomorrow’s Cleaning Floorcare Supplement


can all be backpack vacuumed using the standard attachments instead of using rags or dusters that stir up dust. There are even stacking extension wands to address high ceiling fans, air return vents, and ducts.


CORDLESS FREEDOM A cordless backpack vacuum from ProTeam, the GoFree® Flex Pro, is coming soon to the United Kingdom. Cordless backpacks improve productivity in routine vacuuming by an additional 30% or more over a standard backpack. They also offer a solution for cleaning in areas with limited outlets or around building occupants.


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