Spectrum

New Recycling and Food Waste Regulations Take Effect on 31st March 2025

administration@spectrumcleaningsolutions.co.uk (Aaron Clark) — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 12:55:29 GMT

Starting 31st March 2025, businesses across England will face new regulations mandating the separation of dry recycling and food waste from general waste. In line with the UK government’s sustainability goals under the Environment Act 2021 , is a pivotal step toward minimising the environmental impact of commercial waste.

Under the new regulations, waste must be separated at the source before it is collected. This means businesses are responsible for ensuring recyclable and food waste is sorted appropriately on-site. Additionally, the use of equipment such as macerators and similar food waste treatment devices will no longer be allowed.

Key Waste Streams to Separate

Businesses must manage their waste according to the following categories:

Food Waste: All food waste should be handled sustainably.
Dry Mixed Recyclables: This includes paper, cardboard, plastics, metals, and other recyclable materials.
General Waste: Non-recyclable items fall into this category.

Businesses that fail to comply with these requirements may face financial penalties, reinforcing the importance of adhering to the new waste management standards. Starting in April 2025, members of the public and other stakeholders will have the ability to report workplaces that fail to comply with these regulations to the Environment Agency.

Who Needs to Comply?

This legislation applies to businesses, public sector organisations, and third-sector institutions with 10 or more employees. Affected entities include:

Restaurants and cafés
Offices and co-working spaces
Schools and educational institutions
Hospitals and healthcare facilities
Transport hubs such as train stations and airports

Smaller businesses, while not immediately required to comply, are encouraged to adopt these practices early to benefit from cost savings and reduced environmental impact.

Tailored Waste Management Solutions

Meeting the requirements of this legislation may involve updating waste management systems. Businesses will need to provide appropriate bins suited to their specific needs. Options may range from compact, customer-facing setups for front-of-house use to high-capacity containers for back-of-house operations. You can view our range of recycling bins by clicking the link below:

Why This Matters

The Environment Act 2021 underscores the UK’s commitment to sustainability, and these new regulations are a crucial component of that effort. By improving the separation and management of recyclable and food waste, businesses can contribute to significant environmental benefits, including reduced landfill use and lower carbon emissions.

For those affected, now is the time to assess current waste practices and prepare for compliance. A greener, more sustainable England depends on collective action. Let’s get sorting!

COSHH Frequently Asked Questions

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 11:54:30 GMT

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations are essential for maintaining a safe workplace, especially when dealing with hazardous substances. It is a legal requirement to comply with these regulations to ensure safety. Below, we address some of the most common questions surrounding COSHH to help you understand and comply with these critical safety requirements.

COSHH Assessment

Does my employer need to provide me with a copy of the COSHH assessment? Yes, employers are required to provide information about the hazards, risks, and control measures related to hazardous substances. If your employer has five or more employees, they must also record the significant findings of the risk assessment, and this record should be accessible for inspection by safety representatives and authorities.

My Spectrum FREE COSHH compliance web app. Find out more .

How should I carry out a COSHH risk assessment? To carry out a COSHH risk assessment, follow these steps:

Gather information on the hazardous properties of the substances, the work involved, and existing work practices.
Evaluate the health risks associated with these substances.
Determine the necessary control measures to comply with COSHH regulations.
Record the assessment (mandatory for businesses with five or more employees).
Decide on a schedule for reviewing the assessment to ensure it remains relevant.

How often should a COSHH assessment be reviewed? COSHH assessments should be regularly revisited to ensure they are up to date. The timing for reviews depends on the type of risk, the nature of the work, and the likelihood of changes in the workplace. Immediate reviews are required if there is evidence suggesting the original assessment is no longer valid or if significant changes occur in the work environment that could affect exposure to hazardous substances.

How do I conduct a COSHH assessment for a substance without a Safety Data Sheet, such as dust? Some substances, like dust, may be generated during work processes. If a substance is hazardous in its working form, you must evaluate the associated health risks and determine how workers might be exposed. For example, using a dry brush to sweep up dust could increase exposure. Consider using alternative methods, such as a vacuum cleaner, to minimise risks.

Safety Data Sheets

How can I obtain Safety Data Sheets and how should I use them? Suppliers must provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) when you first order a hazardous substance, if the formulation changes, or upon request. If the substance is not dangerous for supply, the supplier should include instructions for safe use. The SDS offers crucial information on the hazardous properties of the substance, associated health risks, and recommended control measures. However, an SDS is only the starting point for a COSHH risk assessment and does not replace the need for a thorough assessment tailored to your specific workplace conditions.

Is it necessary to carry out a COSHH risk assessment if I have Safety Data Sheets for all hazardous substances? Yes. While Safety Data Sheets provide essential information on the substances used, they do not account for specific conditions in your workplace. A COSHH risk assessment is necessary to evaluate how these substances interact with your particular work environment and to implement appropriate control measures.

Keeping Records

What should be included in a health surveillance record? Health surveillance records should include the following:

The employee’s name and National Insurance number
Details of the substance they are exposed to and the frequency of exposure
The type of surveillance test conducted and the tester’s details
The outcome of the test, such as passed, retest, or failed

It is important to note that health surveillance records differ from medical records, which are confidential and managed by health professionals.

What should be done with medical records if a company goes out of business? If your company ceases operations, medical records can be transferred to the HSE’s Employment Medical Advisory Service or given directly to the employee or their GP, with the employee’s consent.

Is there a specific form required for recording COSHH assessments? There is no mandatory form for recording COSHH assessments, as the complexity of the assessments can vary. However, it is important to ensure that your records cover key points such as the hazards, affected individuals, tasks involved, and the control measures in place.

Working with Hazardous Substances

What qualifies as a substance hazardous to health? A substance hazardous to health can include any material or mixture with the potential to cause harm when inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. The COSHH regulations apply to substances that are toxic, harmful, corrosive, or irritant, as well as dusts, biological agents, and other chemicals that present a health risk due to their properties or usage.

Do cleaning chemicals need to be stored in a locked cupboard? Locking up cleaning chemicals is advisable, particularly if vulnerable individuals, such as children or those with learning disabilities, could potentially access them.

What should I do if my employer has no procedures in place to control exposure to hazardous substances? If your employer has not implemented adequate control measures for hazardous substances, you should report the situation to the HSE’s Concerns and Advice Team or your local authority’s Environmental Health Officer. Reports can be made anonymously.

What are the ventilation requirements for working with hazardous substances? General building ventilation should achieve five to ten air changes per hour. For specific processes, local exhaust ventilation (LEV) may be necessary to remove airborne contaminants at the source. The effectiveness of LEV systems depends on the design and setup, so consultation with a competent professional is recommended.

Training

What qualifications or training are required to conduct COSHH assessments? While no specific qualifications are required, the person conducting the assessment must be competent, which means they should have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience. This includes understanding the hazards and risks associated with hazardous substances, knowing how these substances can expose workers, and having the authority to gather and assess relevant information.

Understanding and following COSHH regulations is crucial for maintaining a safe workplace. For further guidance, always consult the relevant HSE publications and consider seeking advice from health and safety professionals.

Are Hospital Surfaces Really Clean?

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:39:00 GMT

A recent study reveals that despite strict adherence to recommended disinfection protocols in hospitals, microbial contamination persists on high-touch surfaces.

Conducted by researchers at the Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, the study involved sampling 400 high-touch surfaces, such as workstations, breakroom tables, bed rails, resuscitation training dummies, and computer keyboards at nurse’s stations.

The analysis uncovered a total of 60 different types of bacteria across all samples, including Enterococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella aerogenes.

Remarkably, all 400 surfaces examined harbored bacteria, with the highest diversity found on the resuscitation dummies and bed rails. Additionally, approximately half of the identified bacteria were also detected in clinical samples obtained from patients.

Piyali Chatterjee, a research scientist at the Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System and the senior author of the study, expressed frustration over the persistence of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) despite rigorous disinfection efforts.

Piyali stated “Our study clearly shows the bioburden associated with high-touch hospital surfaces and indicates that we must do better in protecting the health of our patients and hospital employees.”

Published in the American Journal of Infection Control, the study underscores the necessity for innovative disinfection strategies to combat microbial contamination effectively.

Tania Bubb, president of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, highlighted the importance of addressing the shortcomings in current disinfection practices. She stressed the significance of developing more effective protocols and educational initiatives to mitigate the spread of harmful organisms and safeguard individuals from HAIs.

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Flooring that Shines

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 10:23:00 GMT

Flooring that Shines

Maintaining clean floors is a crucial aspect of any cleaning routine, with floors facing significant wear and tear from foot traffic, wheeled equipment, and spills. The challenges of floor cleaning and ways to lighten the workload for cleaners are explored in discussions with various companies.

Unlike other surfaces primarily soiled by dust and fingerprints, floors in public spaces endure constant contact with dirty shoes, leaving behind marks, grooves, and potential hazards. This makes floor maintenance a substantial part of cleaning routines, but the time it consumes varies depending on the environment. Christian Mrowka, Kärcher’s floorcare product manager, notes that floor cleaning in spaces like logistics warehouses may take a whole day, while offices might allocate around 50% of a cleaner’s time due to additional tasks like cleaning desks and glass surfaces.

Effective floor cleaning is pivotal for enhancing air quality in dusty environments, thereby ensuring a safer workplace for employees. Studies indicate that bacteria present on the floor can become airborne, posing a risk of contaminating hands, surfaces, or being inhaled or swallowed. Consistent cleaning practices significantly contribute to maintaining a low level of contamination.

A well-maintained floor not only fosters cleanliness but also positively impacts employee morale and productivity, as emphasised by Mrowka. In settings like warehouses, where forklifts navigate around spills and debris, productivity may suffer. The presence of obstacles, such as rubbish, increases the risk of accidents when machines need to manoeuvre. Therefore, a clean floor plays a vital role in promoting a safe and efficient working environment.

The time needed for floor cleaning varies based on several factors, including the facility’s type and size, the flooring type, the level of traffic, and the cleaning frequency. In areas with high traffic, such as hallways, entrances, reception areas, and washrooms, the task becomes notably time-consuming to ensure both cleanliness and safety.

The advent of user-friendly scrubber dryers has proven beneficial, and the increased prevalence of autonomous floor cleaning robots adds even more flexibility to the cleaning process.

These innovations serve to reduce the time dedicated to floor cleaning, allowing employees to focus on more intricate tasks, notes Mrowka. Furthermore, these automated systems offer the advantage of night-time cleaning without requiring staff presence. Additionally, digital systems contribute by recording and monitoring the quality of cleaning performance.

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Christmas Opening Times 2023

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 09:45:00 GMT

Christmas Opening Times 2023

As the festive season approaches, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support throughout the year.

Over the festive period, we will be closed on on the following dates:

During these special moments, our team will be taking the time to enjoy the festivities and recharge for the upcoming year.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to serving you with renewed energy and commitment when we reopen. Wishing you a joyous holiday season filled with happiness and prosperity.

Best regards,

The Spectrum Team

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The Challenge of Washrooms at Christmas

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 10:00:00 GMT

The Challenge of Washrooms at Christmas

With the holiday season approaching, individuals worldwide are gearing up for Christmas celebrations, social gatherings, and reunions with friends and family. Unfortunately, this festive period also coincides with the heightened risk of colds, the flu, and the emergence of new COVID variants. Lee Radzki from Essity, the manufacturer of Tork products, emphasises the importance of minimising cross-contamination in public restrooms during the winter holidays.

This Christmas season holds significant stakes as everyone aims to maintain good health to fully enjoy the holiday break with loved ones. The vivid memories of the challenges faced in 2020 serve as a reminder of how disheartening it can be when Christmas plans are abruptly cancelled, whether due to widespread restrictions or a family member falling ill.

With the ongoing emergence of new COVID-19 variants and the onset of the flu season, concerns about falling ill are entirely justified. However, completely eliminating these risks is a tall order, short of isolating oneself at home throughout the Christmas period.

Nonetheless, there are specific measures that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of contracting infections or viruses. Handwashing has been recognised as a highly effective means of reducing the risk of various illnesses. At home, most of us have easy access to running water, soap, and towels, making handwashing a straightforward practice.

The scenario differs in public places like restaurants, pubs, and hotels. Festive celebrations often involve increased alcohol consumption, resulting in more frequent restroom visits and overcrowded facilities. It’s challenging to maintain physical distance in busy restrooms, making infection risk higher. Additionally, people are less likely to practice thorough hand hygiene when they must endure long restroom queues.

When restrooms in venues become crowded, cleaning teams face added pressure. They are tasked with thorough cleaning to minimise cross-contamination, but achieving this in a bustling restroom where space is at a premium can be challenging. The constant need to replenish soap and paper supplies exacerbates congestion and poses difficulties for staff to stay on top of refilling tasks.

Similarly, in retail centres, stores experience high foot traffic during the Christmas season, further straining restroom facilities. Staff must efficiently maintain the restrooms to prevent disruptions and bottlenecks.

Ensuring a steady supply of soap and paper during the busy Christmas period is essential to prevent run-outs. For example, the Tork SmartOne toilet paper system dispenses a single sheet at a time, reducing consumption by up to 40%, which in turn reduces the need for frequent maintenance checks. In bustling restrooms, soap systems should be user-friendly, quick to refill, and resistant to running out.

Addressing restroom congestion is one way to reduce the risk of illness during the festive season, but other measures can enhance restroom safety. Proper ventilation with fans, open windows where possible, and partitioned outer doors can help maintain good airflow. Strategically placed signs and posters can remind people of the importance of hand hygiene and the risks of touching contaminated surfaces. Hand sanitiser dispensers should be easily accessible and consistently replenished to complement handwashing facilities.

While the risk of falling ill over Christmas is a concern, public restrooms can mitigate cross-contamination risks by promoting good hand hygiene, managing crowds effectively, and ensuring a consistent supply of soap and paper products.

The post The Challenge of Washrooms at Christmas appeared first on Spectrum .

COVID is on the Rise, Again!

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 13:45:00 GMT

COVID is on the Rise, Again!

The research, spearheaded by Imperial College London, marks the inaugural connection between the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on individuals’ hands and frequently touched surfaces, and the subsequent risk of infection among close contacts. These findings underscore the importance of implementing effective measures when someone is infected. Specifically, they advocate for practices such as frequent hand-washing, regular disinfection of commonly touched surfaces, maintaining physical distance, and the use of masks as essential strategies to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Professor Ajit Lalvani, author of the study, said “Our real-life study in London households provides the first empirical evidence to show that the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on people’s hands and surfaces contributes significantly to spread of COVID-19. Since we didn’t systematically sample household air, we cannot rule out airborne transmission occurring in parallel.”

Source: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/244251/covid-19-spread-households-linked-virus-hands/

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Spectrum Does Strictly

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 15:02:00 GMT

Spectrum Does Strictly

Get ready to cha-cha for a heartwarming cause, as Spectrum’s dynamic duo, Jo and Matt, shimmy their way onto the dazzling stage of “Strictly Come Dancing”! With less than a fortnight to go, the excitement is palpable as ten dazzling couples prepare to sashay and twirl at the magnificent Scarborough Spa.

The stage is set, the costumes are bedazzled, and the dance floor awaits their every move. It’s not just a dance competition; it’s a passionate endeavor to support St. Catherine’s Hospice. As the countdown begins, the sparkling promise of an unforgettable evening filled with glitz, glamour, and most importantly, boundless generosity, lights up the town.

So mark your calendars for an enchanting night where the rhythm of the dance joins hands with the rhythm of compassion, all in the name of a truly deserving cause.

You can purchase your tickets online for just £10 each – but be quick!

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Kilimanjaro Virtual Climb

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 14:30:00 GMT

Kilimanjaro Virtual Climb

This week we embarked on our virtual climb of Kilimanjaro, all in the name of supporting the Urgent & Emergency Care Appeal Scarborough. Your sponsorship has the power to contribute towards enhancing healthcare facilities beyond the scope of the NHS. Your valuable assistance can help the Urgent & Emergency Care Appeal secure the additional resources needed to make a significant difference in patient care.

In our endeavor to conquer the summit, we have chosen to employ a cross trainer as our means of ascent. Throughout the week, our dedicated staff members will take turns, each completing their respective sections of the climb. By utilizing the cross trainer, we can replicate the physical challenges and rigor of the journey, symbolizing our collective effort to raise funds for our cause. Join us in this inspiring feat as we come together, step by step, to make a positive impact and reach new heights.

Together, let’s make a lasting impact by funding the extras that can transform healthcare facilities and improve the overall well-being of patients. Your sponsorship in this virtual climb enables us to provide the necessary enhancements that go beyond the standard healthcare provisions. By joining forces, we can create a healthcare experience that surpasses expectations, ensuring patients receive the exceptional care they deserve. Join us on this journey and let’s work together to make a positive difference in the lives of those in need.

Donate now

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The Costly Consequences of Unpleasant and Unhygienic Washrooms

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 10:46:00 GMT

The Costly Consequences of Unpleasant and Unhygienic Washrooms

Recent research indicates that British businesses face significant consequences when their washrooms are smelly and unclean, as negative reviews can cause a considerable drop in Tripadvisor ratings for hospitality establishments, averaging one full star.

Analyzing over 80,000 Tripadvisor reviews of 200 hospitality venues across the UK, the survey discovered that 92% of respondents have encountered unpleasant odors in public washrooms, with 78% expressing that this would discourage them from revisiting the same place. On the other hand, 76% revealed that a positive washroom experience would increase their likelihood of spending money at a business.

The primary factors leading people to avoid public washrooms were perceived uncleanliness and dirty toilets (68%), unpleasant smells (62%), the presence of human waste on the floor (52%), wet floors (47%), and a lack of soap (41%).

When asked to identify the types of businesses that generally offer the highest-quality public washroom facilities, hotel accommodations ranked the highest (47%), followed by banks and estate agents (9%). High street restaurants (30%), local pubs (23%), and bars (20%) were found to be lagging behind in this aspect.

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Help Us Raise Money for Target Ovarian Cancer

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 08:22:00 GMT

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Are You Getting Ready to Reopen Your Business Post-Coronavirus?

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 12:14:00 GMT

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Stay Home and Use Spectrum’s Delivery Service

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 17:03:00 GMT

Stay Home and Use Our Delivery Service

In light of the Government’s announcement on 23 ^rd March 2020, we are reviewing our services to ensure we adhere to the most up-to-date rules and keep all our staff and customers safe.

We are temporarily suspending our walk-in Trade Counter service to protect the health and safety of our team and our customers.

We want to assure you that we are still here to provide cleaning and hygiene supplies in this time of need. Many of our existing customers operate in essential areas such as healthcare and simply cannot go without these supplies.

For our domestic customers across the local area, it has also never been more important to create a clean and hygienic environment for your family and we will continue to support you in this by supplying everything you need to stay safe at home.

From Monday 30th March 2020, will be offering completely contactless deliveries in place of our trade counter. We are waiving our usual delivery charges for local customers and offering next day delivery free of charge . Simply order before 2pm to guarantee your delivery the next working day.

Introducing our Partners, The Cleaning Collective

To make ordering your cleaning supplies as simple as possible, we are working alongside The Cleaning Collective to offer an online service. The Cleaning Collective currently deliver the same great range of products to customers nationwide, however if you order online from Scarborough you will be entitled to free delivery and your order will be fulfilled and delivered by Spectrum the next day (for orders placed before 2pm.)

How does it work?

Free delivery service is available for customers local to the Scarborough area, including Filey, Ayton, Eastfield and Cloughton.

Stay home and buy your cleaning products in bulk online

You don’t have to worry about unnecessary contact, getting out to the shops or arranging multiple deliveries, many of our products are available in bulk quantities. We have a huge range of cleaning products suitable for commercial settings and also for use in the home.

Cleaning essentials

View the full range available on www.thecleaningcollective.co.uk

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Introducing Oxy-Gen Powered Air Fresheners

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 11:00:00 GMT

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Coronavirus Advice

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 15:01:00 GMT

This article was last updated on the 19th November 2020.

Coronavirus Advice – February 2020

Following the outbreak of Novel Coronavirus, please find our guidance on best practice to keep safe.

You can find detailed information about how to prevent the spread of infection from Public Health England on Gov.uk: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-infection-prevention-and-control

Hand Hygiene

The overriding advice for the public is to observe good hand hygiene, ensuring you wash hands correctly and frequently. The NHS advises to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds:

Use soap and water to build up a lather in your hands. Ensure all surfaces of the hands are cleaned, including the thumbs, palms, between fingers and fingertips. When you’ve finished washing your hands, rinse off the soap and dry your hands thoroughly. Hands left damp can quickly attract and breed germs.

You can also use an alcohol-based hand rub after washing your hands or in place of soap and water if you cannot get to a sink. Alcohol-based hand sanitisers are not effective at cleaning visibly dirty hands but at levels over 60% alcohol, they are effective at killing 99.9% of bacteria.

GOJO Antimicrobial Foaming Handwash and Purell Advanced Hygienic Hand Rub meet EN 14476+A1 (v.2015), giving you confidence that you’re in safe hands.

Surface Cleaning

For infection control, the PHE recommends using a neutral detergent followed by a chlorine-based disinfectant and cleaning surfaces regularly, at least daily if caring for someone who is suspected to have contracted Coronavirus. Always use adequate PPE and ensure any staff members caring for a patient are trained in the safe use of PPE.

Bio Productions Chlorine Sanitising Tablets – 1 tablet dissolved in 1L of water gives 1,000 ppm of available chlorine suitable for disinfecting surfaces such as bathrooms, kitchens, door handles etc.

Safe Zone Plus is a ready to use virucidal disinfectant, easy to use when Chlorine is not suitable.

For further information please read the Public Health advice at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-infection-prevention-and-control

Alternatively the World Health Organisation advice can be found here: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

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