The archetypal dirty factory floor is quite rightly a thing of
the past. But how can companies keep up with the demand
for ever cleaner premises and ensure that cleaning
processes are competent, environmentally friendly and cost
effective? Ben Quirk of Nilfisk-CFM offers suggestions

Industrial cleaning is undoubtedly the
sharp end of the cleaning sector. Pressure
for companies to conform to current
health and safety regulations and improve
visual standards is constant and customers,
shareholders and employees increasingly
expect clean facilities.

A cleaning consultant is likely to advise
companies to start at the beginning. Identify
the cleaning need and related factors before
considering the cleaning methods available
in the market place today.

For example is the waste to be collected
hazardous in any way? Simple dusts like
aluminium, fibre glass dust, titanium, epoxy
powder paint, fine sugars, starch, whey and
chocolate powder etc. are known explosion
risks. When mixed with copious quantities of
air as a cloud these dusts only require a
simple ignition source to produce devastating
results. Furthermore when collected by a
conventional vacuum cleaner the machine is
also at risk of exploding.

Conventional vacuum cleaners produce
static electricity as the dust passes through
the machine. The motors of such units also
produce sparks from carbon brushes
providing an ignition source to potentially
light the touch paper.

Facilities operating in this arena have legal
duties under the ATEX 137 Directive to
conduct a risk analysis on cleaning processes
and to then select ATEX approved equipment
intended for use in high risk areas. This
includes Safety Vacuum Cleaners that are
designed for the collection of combustible
dusts. The ATEX approval will be specific to
the category of equipment and nature of the
risk (combustible gas, vapour or dust etc)
considering the particular hazardous zone
(eg. zone 21, zone 22, zone 1 or zone 2.)
Nilfisk-CFM is one of the specialists in this
field and will gladly consult on individual
requirements within an industrial facility.

Chemical free cleaning is another
important consideration as companies
calculate not only the environmental impact
but the cost of water, power and chemical
agents. Chemical free however is not always
possible if the level of soiling is high.

Establishments vary; an industrial factory
floor can hardly be compared to a
commercial kitchen or a hospital corridor.

Nilfisk has a ‘Green meets Clean’
philosophy which has driven product
development over recent years. Designing
equipment which can clean to the same high
standard, but use fewer resources has
therefore been a challenge.

The Ecoflex system was born out of this
philosophy. The Ecoflex concept allows the
operator of the machine to match the
machine’s performance to the level of soiling
and the amount of cleaning necessary to
effect a good result.

All machines start in Ecoflex mode which
uses minimal amounts of water, chemical
and power. On encountering a soiled area
the operator activates a one minute burst of
power for extra performance. The machine
then moves automatically back into Ecoflex
mode retaining the capacity for more
aggressive cleaning when required. Such
flexibility is suitable for a facility where
cleaning hot spots or regular spillages are
common place.

The Nilfisk CS7000 is a multi-functional
sweeper-scrubber that includes the Ecoflex
system as an option. The unit is available in
three models: LPG-Hybrid, Diesel-Hybrid &
ePower Battery and is designed to reduce the
cost of operation, labour and maintenance,
while increasing fuel economy and run-time
efficiency.

The simple power of hot water should not
be underestimated so the CS7000 has the
optional extra of water heating to 55°. The
unit also has a 150 bar high pressure washer
function.

Pressure washers are also well suited to
industrial cleaning. The Nilfisk-ALTO range,
for example, has a wide range of options
enabling it be used in tough industrial
applications.

Nilfisk-ALTO has recently launched the
Poseidon range of industrial pressure
washers which feature a 30mm steel frame.

Poseidon 6 and 7 models are heavy duty
options. The Poseidon 6 FA has the new
industrial NA6 ceramic piston pump with
the Poseidon 7 FA using the C3 four, ceramic
piston pump for intense applications.

All models in the Poseidon 5 and 6 series,
have a twin detergent suction valve so the
operator can switch between detergents
dependent on the application. Two different
tasks can then be completed without the
need to return to base to change chemicals.

Standards for industrial cleaning will
continue to rise alongside the advent of new
manufacturing systems, materials and waste
components. Those responsible for cleaning
are advised to seek advice on all fronts.