Our manmade environment should be a safe haven, be it a home, office, shopping mall or hotel. However, if the indoor air quality within the manmade environment causes health issues, it is time to sit up and address the problem before it is too late and we are forced to face the consequences.
Regular use of HVAC systems can cause an accumulation of dust and dirt inside the system ducts, while factors like pets, occupants with allergies or asthma, cigarette smoke, damage due to water, renovation work of the building can also adversely affect the air duct system.
The ill effects of poor Indoor Air Quality
The possible health concerns related to poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) are important when considering airborne viruses which cause Swine Flu, Avian Flu and SARS, all of which can develop into global pandemics. Airborne epidemics are becoming an increasing part of modern life, a trend which will continue into the future.
A US Government’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report states that IAQ can be as much as 100 times worse than outdoor air and a World Health Organisation (WHO) release notes that Gulf residents suffer from high rates of asthma and breathing-related illnesses due to the fact that they spend most of their time indoors due to the hot and humid weather conditions, relying heavily on air conditioning systems.
The EPA has stated that “If too little outdoor air enters a home, pollutants can accumulate to levels that can pose health and comfort problems.”
This is exactly what happens in the Gulf region. The problem stems from poor HVAC design, over-sizing of cooling loads and a lack of sufficient treated fresh air into the areas. It has become quite normal to minimise the amount of outdoor air that is allowed to enter buildings due to the additional load on the air conditioning system.
The air we breathe passes through a vast, enclosed HVAC system and is artificially cooled before it reaches us. This creates many additional opportunities for the air to become contaminated. HVAC ducts, particularly in large multi-storey buildings, are a breeding ground for mould, fungus, and other micro-biological organisms.
Mould and fungus, more specifically their airborne spores, can cause multiple health problems such as asthma and simple allergies such as rhinitis and sinusitis, to serious illnesses such as cancers, Lupus, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Municipality standards for Indoor Air Quality
Dubai Municipality has introduced a 70-point e-services system to check building safety in a single inspection this also includes air and water quality. Engineer Sultan Eisa Al Suwaidi, Head of the Public Safety Section, said: “With regard to air quality, we have to ensure that the components of the air inside the building comply with our standards. We check for pollutants, fresh air units and their proximity to potential pollution sources, regular maintenance of ventilation and air-conditioning systems and ducts.”
Air samples will be taken and analysed for physical and chemical pollutants such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, sulphur oxides, organic components and microbiological content. Under the 70-point system, each violation incurs certain fines according to Local Order No 11 for 2003.
Indoor Air Quality violations listed by Dubai Municipality include the following: indoor air pollutants in concentrations higher than acceptable limits; improper ventilation; IAQ requirements which have not been implemented; unsuitable, dirty or missing filters; dirty ducts and air duct insulation feeding micro organism growth; unsuitable locations of fresh air inlets (should be at least 25 feet away from potential pollution sources); occupancy rates higher than that recommended to keep good indoor air quality; poor maintenance of A/Cs; smoking rooms without separate air conditioning/ ventilation systems.
Epsco’s pioneering achievement towards health and safety
George Thomas and Colin Winning, Epsco Envirotech vice presidents and Royesten Gomes, the company’s Group Sales Manager welcome any moves or initiatives which will tighten the IAQ regulations. EPSCO pioneered the IAQ and restoration business in the Middle East, being founded by Kelvin Bruce in 1995 at a time when the concept of IAQ was very much an unknown subject in the Middle East. The company achieved ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OSHAS 18001 in 1998.
The company offers a wide range of specialised cleaning and consultancy services which include: indoor air quality testing; air condition system cleaning; indoor air purification; mould remediation, Fire and Flood damage restoration, kitchen exhaust and laundry duct cleaning; water storage tank cleaning as well as other general cleaning services.
Epsco is a regional training centre providing training and consultancy services for indoor air quality, asbestos management, and selected safety aspects.
Epsco is the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) accredited training centre for the Middle East and Indian Sub-continent. NADCA sets the internationally accepted standards for HVAC System cleaning.
Epsco is the first NADCA member in the region and presently with the highest number of NADCA certified Air System Cleaning Specialists (ASCS) in the world.
George Thomas confirms the rising importance of duct cleaning in the UAE, as more organizations and building owners are seen to place it among their set of priorities. “The UAE is taking a big step in prioritizing duct cleaning in all commercial kitchens, hotels and commercial developments like malls. We receive many enquiries from facilities visited by Dubai Municipality inspectors who in return contact us to have the air ducts cleaned.”
Large HVAC systems present challenges to engineers, building maintenance technicians and occupants alike, and only fully trained and experienced technicians should inspect the condition of central air-conditioning systems. It is difficult for the residents to carry out thorough inspections of their A/C systems, perhaps only noting that the grills looks dirty, which they may be able to wipe or vacuum clean, but this does nothing for the overall condition of the actual system in the building.
NADCA recommends thorough cleaning of the HVAC system, based on the results of inspections, which it recommends to be carried out once in a year. If there is visible dust, dirt or debris, the ducts should becleaned immediately. All of the components of the system: air ducts, coils, drain pans, registers, grills, air plenums, blower motors, heat exchangers and air filters should be cleaned. The failure to clean all components of the HVAC system can result in re-contamination of the entire system, thus minimizing the benefits of cleaning.
The build-up of the bacteria and fungi that inhabit air filters and ductwork within air conditioning systems are a major source of indoor air pollution. These microorganisms break down into minute organic fragments known as Macromolecular Organic Dust (MOD), which compromises building air quality.
When called in by customers, Epsco analyses the building indoor air quality using IAQ and air monitoring instruments, carrying out plate counts and air sampling as and when required. “We believe in finding out the cause and providing a solution to the allergies and health discomfort and we have procedures in place that allows us to measure the quality of the air people breathe,” says Royesten Gomes
The indoor air sample readings are sent on line to a laboratory in Canada for analysis and reporting. “The tests we do are for our own understanding, helping us take any necessary remedial actions. In cases where the clients request a laboratory analysis report, we act as facilitators and use a local laboratory approved by the Dubai Municipality.”
According to Royesten Gomes, “Visual inspection is key for mould remediation and in those cases where it is difficult to identify the source, thermographic imaging cameras are used. The growth of mould takes place due to the presence of moisture in the internal environment and fluctuations in the level of moisture. Epsco has set procedures in place that identify the source of moisture, be it a faulty air-conditioning unit, water seepage in the walls, or a structural fault in the building, etc”.
Gomes stresses the importance of being able to find a permanent solution for moulds. “It is equally important to educate the client and make them aware of the problem, its source and the remedies.”
Research suggests that duct cleaning, regular filter maintenance and air cleaning are essential to achieve good IAQ. In the GCC, on a practical level, the transient nature of the work force and lack of skilled and trained labour have an impact on the standards of HVAC systems, even in the finest buildings. Epsco has been able to create a niche market for itself with its procedural best practices and quality systems in place. Its success is based on a brand equity which is created around the belief that the customer should remain satisfied always. George Thomas states: “We are in a very specialized industry where cleaning is required for health and safety reasons and not for cosmetic purposes.”
Best practices in HVAC System cleaning
Best practices in air duct cleaning require that the entire air duct system be thoroughly cleaned. Royesten says: “There are companies who clean half the air duct system and declare a job as complete.” A video recording of ‘before’ and ‘after’ cleaning photographs of the cleaning process and a certificate given by the service provider will assure the client that the cleaning has been done to the correct standard.
Where access permits, Epsco uses its powerful Monster Vac for air duct cleaning. Monster Vac is a high powered-vacuum, truck-mounted, duct cleaning system with 21,000 CFM capacity. The Monster Vac is used to clean the ducts systems in villas and commercial establishments.
Monster Vac power gets to the heart of the cooling system. Skilled Epsco technicians, trained to the NADCA standard, attach the 10-inch vacuum hoseLittle thought is given at the design stage of buildings to care and ease of access to the ducts and other extraction systems.
Free of the havoc that a dirty duct system can cause to indoor air qualityFebruary-directly to the air ducts, at the core of the heating/cooling network. All the power is concentrated on each duct and the branch ducts are cleaned individually. Power tools are inserted into each duct, to loosen dirt and lift debris into the vacuum stream for removal.
In smaller locations , or where access in limited, Epsco uses mobile duct cleaning systems of 3-4,000 CFM capacity to clean the individual units of central air-conditioning systems.
Robotic video cameras are used mainly for inspections, though they can in certain circumstances, be fitted with rotating brushes and used for cleaning. Robots are also used to clean very small ducts where access is very difficult.
Many large buildings have ducts systems that are concealed and difficult to access safely and even more difficult to clean and maintain. The problems are be increased by poor or thoughtless design and construction defects. According to the EPA, “poorly maintained, designed or operated ventilation systems are one of the major reasons for poor IAQ, along with indoor pollution sources”.
Little thought is given at the design stage of buildings to the care and ease of access to the ducts and other extraction systems. The solutions seem to be simple: good design, proper installation, decent construction.
Research has shown that improved IAQ results in improved productivity in the work environment and similar benefits apply to schools and universities, where students showed up to 35% improvement in mental arithmetic and reading comprehension.
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Zoono hosts cleaning training session, launches ‘GermFree24’
Zoono, a New Zealand-based cleaning products and Solutions provider, recently launched its GermFree24 solution
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Zep in expansion phase, launches website for cleaning and maintenance equipment
Zep Inc. a leading producer, marketer, and service provider of a wide range of cleaning and maintenance solutions for commercial, industrial, institutional, and consumer end-markets; has launched a new web site which will feature its products portfolio.
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XIBU® The New Washroom Generation
Are you familiar with this situation?
You walk into a washroom and sense a pleasant atmosphere – a fresh scent is in the air, the fixturesa
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Who said it is difficult to keep kitchen floors clean?
How to achieve hygienically clean floors in a hotel kitchen
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West Coast receives certificate of appreciation from Dubai Municipality
The company celebrates its tenth anniversary as it emphasizes on growth and client expansion
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Viking Gulf Trading hands over twoTYMCO 435 Regenerative Air Sweepers to Ajman Municipality
Viking Gulf Trading, the authorized dealer of TYMCO in the GCC, handed over two Tymco sweeping machines
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Viking Gulf supplies cleaning machines to EMBM
Viking Gulf Trading recently won the contract for the supply of cleaning machines and equipments to Emirates Model Building Maintenance (EMBM), Abu Dhabi for the latter’s schools’ project for the Abu Dhabi Education Council with Musanada.
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Viking Gulf adds Glutton waste vacuum cleaners to its product portfolio
UAE’s Viking Gulf Trading is set to market and service the Glutton Waste Vacuum Cleaners in the UAE; after the company signed an exclusive partnership agreement with the machine’s manufacturers – Lange Christian S.A.
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UV protected textiles: Sun protection for the entire working day
Fritz Ulrich Eckert from RAL Quality Management and Hohenstein Laboratories Germany, talks about the many benefits of UV protected clothing, especially in the workwear segment
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UV disinfection a safer choice for pools according to US study
UV disinfection a safer choice for pools according to US study
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Univar to strengthen presence in the Middle East and Africa
Muhammad Sekagya reports on the chemical giant who is set to reinforce its personal care and household and industrial cleaning expertise in the region
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Ultimate logistics solution for handling and distribution of garments and uniforms from Natronic
High volume garment handling and distribution in any field, such as central laundries, army, hospitals, hotels, labor camps
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UK’s Care Quality Commission releases report on NHS performance ratings
Report shows improvement in compliance with hygiene code and reductions in MRSA and C. Difficle; Cleaning and Support Services Association urges NHS to use its expertise to improve cleaning
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Transguard signs housekeeping contract with Radisson Blu Hotel and Park Inn on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island
UAE-based Transguard Group, part of the Emirates Group Company, has signed a housekeeping contract with the newly-opened Radisson Blu Hotel and Park Inn on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
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Total Care Cleaning: Serving the challenging retail environment at Mirdif City Centre
Clean Middle East finds out how a contract cleaning company can provide valuable cleaning support to a retail environment
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The Address Downtown Burj Dubai Laundry: a profit centre offering five-star quality service
Asfia Khan visits the laundry to see how it is able to offer quality service and also maintain profitability
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Teupen Maschinenbau appoints Sahba Technology Company as exclusive agent for Iraq
Sahba Technology Company will market Teupen’s ‘Spider’ range of aerial access platforms in Iraq
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Tennant sponsors Climate Action platform
Tennant sponsors Climate Action platform
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Technical Chemical Laboratories wins Coral Group Middle East contract
Sanitation and hygiene products to be provided to all the hotels under the group in the Middle East
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Tasjeel to test and approve food transport vehicles for Dubai Municipality
Inspectors from the municipality’s Food Control Department will ensure that the vehicles adhere to the hygiene requirements depending on the types of food they transport.
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Tandeef commissioned to keep Sharjah clean for 15 years
Tandeef, the street cleaningand city beautification arm of Bee’ah - an intergrated environmental and waste management company
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Sureclean opens new base in Egypt to cater to cleaning
Sureclean opens new base in Egypt to cater to cleaning
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Subway outlet in UAE wins Menu-Safe HACCP and management certification
Subway Restaurants in UAE,
part of the world’s largest
sandwich chain with over
33,000 outlets worldwide, has
been certified with two food
safety accreditations: Menu-
Safe HACCP and Menu-Safe
Management.
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Speed Cleaning Company
Reacting just-in-time to changing
market forces
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Special cleaning equipment designed to clean the world’s tallest skyscraper
The maintenance teams faced the daunting task of cleaning 24,830 reflective glass panes to prepare the 828 feet Burj Khalifa for the opening
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Sharjah Municipality’s Food Control Section gets ISO 17020 certification
Sharjah Municipality’s Food Control Section gets ISO 17020 certification
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Shams 1 solar project secures financial close
Shams 1 solar project secures financial close
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Shamiana becomes UAE’s first Quick Service Restaurant to become Menu-Safe compliant
Shamiana, the flagship Indian Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) brand of Hotbrands
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Seven Stars-Buzil adopts go-green stance to cleaning
Sadhvi Sabherwal talks to Isabell Wagner, Managing Director of Buzil-Werk Wagner GmbH on Buzil’s Planta edition
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Serbot launches Gekko robot facade cleaning system
Robots slated to be cost-effective alternatives to traditional cleaning with the help of building maintenance units and abseilers
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Saudi Archeology Department to undertake chemical cleaning of Mecca Masjid
The Saudi Department of Archaeology and Museums is set to undertake repair works and chemical cleaning of the Mecca Masjid monument in India.
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Saudi Arabia’s King Saud hospital successfully deploys AiroCide air purifying technology
The NASA-developed AiroCide technology uses innovative various pathogen-killing techniques based primarily
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Saudi Arabia calls for stricter safety and quality standards in juice production
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has called for stricter food safety and quality practices in the global juice manufacturing industry, according to local reports. .....
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Sage Sanitizing Wash receives Dubai Municipality’s seal of approval
Sage Sanitizing Systems offer cleaning, sanitizing and hygiene solutions for commercial and institutional facilities.
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Safe access at heights
Teupen Maschinenbau explains why crawler-mounted access platforms solve all cleaning and maintenance issues, both indoors and outdoors with ease
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Rubbermaid Commercial Products scores big on healthcare
General Manager Katja von Raven underlines Rubbermaid’s commitment to supporting the healthcare cleaning sector
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Rubbermaid Commercial Products reinvents Mop Bucket with innovative integrated water filter
Newell Rubbermaid has globally launched its Hygen(TM) Clean Water System from its Rubbermaid Commercial Products® (RCP) brand. The Rubbermaid Hygen Clean Water System is the only floor cleaning system to feature a unique water filter integrated into the mop bucket to generate clean water, resulting in a cleaner mop and floor.
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Report raises concerns that Indian superbug is spreading
New research has raised fears that the superbug New Delhi metallo-1 (NDM-1) is more prevalent than previously thought. A report aired by Channel 4 News has suggested
that the spread of the superbug has extended to both the NHS and outside of the hospital
network in the bugs native India.
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Ras Al Khaimah’s Food Control Lab increases capacity
Inspections of supermarkets in Ras Al Khaimah are now more effective
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QInvest acquires stake in UAE’s Intercat Hospitality and Butlers Dry Cleaning and Laundry Services
QInvest acquires stake in UAE’s Intercat Hospitality and Butlers Dry Cleaning and Laundry Services
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Qatar in the limelight
Construction activities will soon follow Qatar’s National Vision 2030 which will be monitored closely by the people in the cleaning business
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Purus award finalists announced
Organisers of the CMS professional cleaning exhibition, which takes place in Berlin this September, have announced the 14 finalists for the final round of the Purus Award, which will be presented during the fair, industry media reported.
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Prime Automatic Laundry installs Abu Dhabi’s first tunnel washer
The laundry also has the UAE’s first hot oil boiler
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Premium Cleaning Services successfully achieves ISO 9001 – ISO 14001 – ISO 18001 certifications
Premium Cleaning Services based in Doha, Qatar, has been granted certification to international standards ISO 9001 – ISO 14001 – ISO 18001. The assessment was done by Quality Austria Training, Certification and Evaluation Ltd.
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Pillsbury Consulting: Advancing food safety in the UAE
Asfia Khan finds out how Dr Ali Danesh uses a hands-on, ‘Safe Food, Better Business’ approach to his training and auditing modules in order to achieve food safety for his clients
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Persil Gel reaches out to consumers
Persil Gel reaches out to consumers
-
Nominees for Amsterdam Innovation Award 2012 announced
The jury of the 9th edition of the ISSA/ INTERCLEAN Amsterdam Innovation Award has selected nine nominees from a total of 71 entries. The awards are part of ISSA/INTERCLEAN, one of the largest international trade fair for the cleaning industry.
The overall
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Nilfisk Advance: Advancing technology where green meets clean
Jorgen Jensen, President and CEO of the Nilfisk-Advance Group explains the group’s aim of providing sustainable, practical solutions that clean
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Newmatic launches Girbau’s new 6 Series washers
Available in two versions- HS and MS series, it combines innovation with a simple control system
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Newmatic brings the new PulseFlow technology for tunnel
Newmatic brings the new PulseFlow technology for tunnel washers to the Middle East
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New food safety law to come up in Egypt
Alexandria Chamber of Commerce holds lecture to provide more information on new food safety law
-
New cleaning and hygiene products dominate FM and Hotel Show
The close nexus between the facilities management sector and the cleaning industry stems from the fact that cleaning is one of the important services provided by an FM service provider.
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NCTH Abu Dhabi announce cleaning supplies contracts
NCTH Abu Dhabi announce cleaning supplies contracts
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Nanotechnology-based energy saving solutions get green light in Qatar
Nanotechnology-based energy saving
solutions get green light in Qatar
-
Musanada wins global industry accolade
Musanada wins global industry accolade
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Musanada applauds team effort in winning award from British Institute of Cleaning Sciences
Musanada applauds team effort in winning award from British Institute of Cleaning Sciences
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MT Khoory appointed as distributor for Nilfisk-Advance sweepers
Nilfisk-Advance and MT Khoory & Sons Waste Management Division (MTK) have entered into an agreement to provide outdoor cleaning equipment in the UAE.
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Modern Laundry: Providing effective and efficient retail services
Modern Laundry was established in Ras Al Khaimah in 1972 as a service provider in the laundry business with a capacity of 3.5 tons a day.
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Mobile Gastro Konzepte brings Delabie taps with kitchen applications to the region
Armani Hotel Dubai is first to install Delabie taps which are fitted with an anti-Legionella flush system to inhibit bacterial growth
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MBM wins massive contracts to clean schools and mosques in Abu Dhabi
MBM, (Modern Building Maintenance), one of the region’s leading total FM service providers recently won two massive contracts to clean the schools and mosques located in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
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Magic Touch to set up office in Abu Dhabi
Established in 2006 in Dubai, Magic Touch specializes in cleaning and disinfecting services of water tanks, swimming pools, air-conditioning ducts, kitchen exhaust, furniture, carpet, bed and mattress.
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Lower cleaning cost with proper training
Asfia Khan speaks to Elizabeth Baumholzer, author of time studies conducted in Germany’s cleaning sector, shows how a little training can go a long way to create a more productive and cost-effective workforce
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Local HVAC system cleaning contractor achieves NADCA certification
Local contractor James Day of Smashing Cleaning Services has successfully completed the examination process to be certified as an Air Systems....
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Linencraft’s modern Central Laundry focuses on specialised services to hospitality and health sectors
Linencraft, part of the Emirates Flight Catering Group, have completed commissioning their new central laundry in Dubai Investments Park (DIP),
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LG launches new set of air purifiers
LG Electronics, a global innovator of air conditioners, in conjunction with Saudi-based Al-Hassan Ghazi Ibrahim Shaker Co recently launched a new range of air purifiers ......
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Lack of food safety measures in Algeria leading to health hazards
90 percent of restaurants, shops are not aware of food safety measures – Head of Algerian Consumer Federation
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Kuwait Municipality organizes sanitation awareness campaign
Under the supervision of its director general, Ahmad Al- Sebeeh, the Kuwait Municipality and its branches in six provinces recently organized field trips and awareness campaigns among youths and students on the importance of cleanliness of Kuwait’s environment.
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Kuwait Housekeepers Group meets to discuss market trends and review products
The Kuwait Housekeepers Group recently met at the newly opened Hotel Missoni where the housekeepers were shown around the property by director of rooms Elsa Lahoude and executive housekeeper Renato Molaco. The group also had a fruitful discussion on current market trends.
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Kimberly-Clark raises health care prices
Kimberly-Clark raises health care prices
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Kimberly-Clark Professional launches ‘Take Control of Poor Hand Drying’
Kimberly-Clark Professional, the leading supplier of hygiene products, has launched a new campaign to highlight the impact that different hand drying facilities
-
Kimberley Clark launches global green initiative
Kimberly-Clark Professional (KCP) announced the launch of a global environmental-sustainability campaign, during the recent ISSA/INTERCLEAN North America tradeshow.
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Kiehl organizes workshop for cleaning professionals
Kiehl Middle East organized a workshop on 4-5 May, 2010 at the Crown Plaza Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The two-day workshop was organized by Kiehl Middle East
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Kärcher’s cleaning
Equipment for industrial applications gaining ground
As Dubai continues to abound in warehouses and industries in the region continue to grow, Kärcher reports a 50 percent growth in this business field over a period of three years
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Kärcher to launch new AP 100/50 M multifunctional cleaning device in region
The all-in-one pressure cleaner and wet vacuum
cleaner can be used in rooms with no drainage
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Kärcher launches new class of cold and hot water ultra high-pressure cleaners
The machines enable cleaning and renovating at 600 to 2500 bar pressure
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Kalima distributes ‘Abu Dhabi Alternative Energy Bags’ to schools in Western Region
Kalima distributes ‘Abu Dhabi Alternative Energy Bags’ to
schools in Western Region
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Jotun to use ‘Green Single Source Solution’ concept across Egypt’s construction projects
Leading paints and coatings manufacturer to support sustainable buildings and infrastructure projects in EgyptSpilfyter
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Jeddah old city to be cleaned
The Jeddah Municipality,
Saudi Environmental Society
and the Saudi Commission for
Tourism and Antiquities have
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January 22 is deadline for Amsterdam ISSA
INTERCLEAN Innovation Award entries
-
IRENA stresses the importance of measurable results in delivering clean energy solutions
IRENA stresses the importance of measurable results in
delivering clean energy solutions
-
Iraqi engineers learn about German best practices in forensic lab and cleaning technology
Sahba Technology facilitates transfer of know-how from Thalheimer Kühlung, GmbH, Germany to Iraqi engineers working in this field
-
International Centre for Food Safety initiates distinctive food safety course with Canadian University of Dubai
Professor Eunice Taylor, Director - International Centre for Food Safety initiates distinctive food safety course with Canadian University of Dubai
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Intercare to supply Taylor Continental waste bins
Intercare to supply Taylor Continental waste bins
-
Intercare takes on Dubai Metro challenge
September 9 2009, was a historic day in the annals of mass transportation in Dubai.
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Intercare organises Vendor B. V. customer presentation
Intercare Limited, pioneers in professional washroom hygiene services, recently held a customer seminar at the Al Bustan Rotana hotel in Dubai, to present the new range from Vendor in the Netherlands.
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Innovative and ecological cleaning power from Gregomatic
The entrepreneurial story of success of cleaning surfaces, floors, walls and ceilings began almost thirty years ago. In the 1980s inventor Gottfried Gremminger developed a high-performing yet structure preserving vacuum-washing process.
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Indoor smoking cabins for indoor air quality
It’s a universally accepted principle that indoor air quality in work places and facilities is a valuable component that almost all employers and maintenance service providers..
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Implementing a new vision at Snowhite
Additional and enhanced services, a corporate restructuring and strictenvironmental regulations are some of most recent developments
-
Hygienilac Middle East opens office to distribute new biocidal range
Hygienilac Middle East has recently opened a local office to cater to the ever-growing requirement of the sector.
-
Hospital cleaning:In-house versus outsourcing
Dr Sohayb Al-Niaimi (BDS, MSc) Vice President of
Sahba Technology Company talks about the pros and
cons of in-house cleaning versus contracting out, in
the third of a series of articles on hospital cleaning
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Home cleaning and cleaning agents
businesswomen. The little time left for them is better spent in bringing up children and tending$ important family affairs and social activities. Maids cannot respond to the
-
Holiday Inn Al Barsha awarded with HACCP system certificate
Holiday Inn Dubai - Al Barsha has been awarded the HACCP System certificate,
signifying that the hotel operates in line with the top health and hygiene
regulation for hospitality services.
-
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah adopts JohnsonDiversey's Microfibre Cleaning System
The Jonmaster system triggered a reduction in water by six percent and chemical usage by 60 percent
-
Highfield opens office in Dubai
Highfield opens office in Dubai
-
High level access cleaning: demanding yet safe
Whilst strict adherence to IRATA rules minimizes risks, cleaning structures like the Burj Khalifa is a challenge in itself. Sadhvi Sabherwal finds out why.
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HEALTHCARE
Cost per user is
what matters most
-
Heading towards sustainable growth of the laundry industry
As the laundry industry continues to remain
in the grip of market-driven factors,
-
HAKO and PowerBoss strengthening Viking Gulf’s grip on regional market
HAKO and PowerBoss
strengthening Viking Gulf’s
grip on regional market
-
HACCP Menu-Safe system arrives in the UAE
Food control officials from Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi observed the first one-day training courses which were attended by enthusiastic food businesses
-
Gulfmate Solutions: Specialist in Indoor Air Quality
Worldwide, we are becoming more and
more aware of the importance of clean air
-
GROHE rolls out New Tempesta showers offering water and energy savings
Engineered in Germany, GROHE has come up with New Tempesta showers, designed to significantly reduce the annual running costs of any premises without compromising user enjoyment. By optimising the waterways inside the shower head, the collection offers two levels of GROHE EcoJoy™: 5.8 l/min on two-spray models and 9.4 l/min on three and four spray models.
-
GreenEarth Cleaning
signs Wotek Corp as master licensor in Middle East, India
-
Green Technologies forms tie-up with
Nasser Pharmacy, Bahrain's leading healthcare product and equipment supplier, has partnered with Green Air Technology to introduce AiroCide, a unique and patented airborne contamination control device, to the Bahrain market.
-
Green is just the beginning
Interview with Patrick Hanhart, Global Industry Expert BSC & FM at Diversey
-
Grako awarded Burj Khalifa contract for 3 years
As skyscrapers have begun to be intrinsic to the landscape of the cities of the UAE, companies like Grako specializing in high level cleaning has found their work increasing.
-
Going green with eco-friendly chemicals
The buzzword is ‘green’ these days; and the concept is here to stay. The importance of going green in every sphere has been realised worldwide and taken
-
GE spotlights cleaner and smarter energy solutions at Dubai Global Energy Forum
GE spotlights cleaner and smarter energy solutions at Dubai
Global Energy Forum
-
GCCE and Kärcher: Improving cleaning standards over a decade
The Gulf Centre for Cleaning Equipment (GCCE, Kärcher AG’s competitive partner in the region has been able to build up an ideal customer-satisfaction model with products and services within the corporate environment
-
From simple to sophisticated: how technology played a major role in improving the laundry business
Frtiz Ulrich Eckert follows the path of technological innovations that helped the laundering business become established as a sophisticated industry today
-
Frightened pupils avoid school toilets, a survey finds
Children are deterred from using school toilets in secondary schools because they are dirty
and occupied by smokers and bullies, an extensive survey has revealed. A quarter of the
300 children surveyed by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said they
avoided toilets if possible.
-
Foreign investment in Iraq forecasted at USD 200 billion over the next decade
Iraq is poised to be one of the fastest growing emerging markets in the world, registering a 4.3 percent economic growth in 2009 which increased to 6.69 percent in 2010. The country’s GDP is expected to reach USD 106 billion by 2012.
-
Food safety training in the Middle East can now incorporate certified qualifications by HABC
The certified courses from HABC have been ratified by the Government of Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)
-
Food Safety Conference to deliberate on enhancing food safety culture
A four-day international conference, scheduled to be held in Dubai next February,....
-
Food safety at the centre of Al Manzil and Qamardeen kitchen operations
Asfia Khan talks to Corporate Chef Geoff Haviland about how the TempTrak Monitoring System helps to control temperature-time abuse in order to achieve HACCP compliance
-
First Kuwait Housekeepers Olympics whips up sports camaraderie
On July 20, 2011 Wednesday, Kuwait housekeepers did not end their day by cleaning their hotel rooms and setting up their trolleys. Instead, they participated in a fashion parade, played toilet roll basketball and competed in several other events at the First Kuwait Housekeeping Olympics.
-
Excel opens new showroom in Dubai
In order to cater to their rapidly growing customer base Excel has opened a new showroom at Al Khaimah Building in Port Saeed, Deira. The location is easily accessible and has ample parking facilities.
-
Excel International group launches environment-friendly facade cleaning solutions from Baudoin Wash-Systems, Netherlands
Clean Middle East attends the launch following week-long demonstrations across Dubai
-
Eternity Technologies sets up battery manufacturing facility for cleaning machines
The company plans to develop its export market to the US, Europe and Asia,
apart from servicing the UAE and GCC countries
-
Epsco to launch Sebo’s Dart 3 vacuum cleaner in the Middle East market
Epsco to launch Sebo’s Dart 3 vacuum cleaner in the Middle East market
-
Epsco organizes campaign to underline
Epsco organizes campaign to underline
importance of clean HVAC systems
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EnviroShield:A safe and effective disinfection system
The Jan-Pro team successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of the system at the Clean Middle East premises
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Environment-friendly cleaning product formulations made at home
In the following pages of this article, I intend to give some inexpensive- environmentally friendly cleaning solutions that can be easily prepared and used at home.
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Emirates Model Building Maintenance opens new headquarters in Abu Dhabi
Emirates Model Building Maintenance (EMBM), a provider of total integrated facilities management solution, set up its new headquarters in Abu Dhabi.
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Emirates Glass Launches ‘VitroGlaze’ in the UAE
Emirates Glass Launches ‘VitroGlaze’ in the UAE
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Emirates Gas LLC hosts CNG conference to promote alternative energy sources
Emirates Gas LLC hosts CNG conference to promote
alternative energy sources
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Elgin street sweepers deployed to keep Qatar clean
Elgin street sweepers deployed to keep Qatar clean
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Electrolux Laundry Systems
Electrolux Professional Laundry Systems is a leading supplier of professional laundry solutions worldwide, and has a significant presence in the Middle East covering thirteen countries.
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Economic report lauds hospital cleaners and waste management staff
A study by UK’s New Economics Foundation quantifies the social, environmental and economic value of hospital cleaners and waste management staff
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Ecolab introduces new Clean-In-Place (CIP) cleaning formulations for food and beverage producers
Ecolab Inc., a global leader in cleaning, sanitizing, food safety and infection prevention products and services, has announced the introduction of Mip, a product line of 10 new cleaning formulations that deliver maximum cleaning efficacy and optimal environmental performance in the Food and Beverage industries.
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DuoMax: An environmentally safe and high efficacy cleaning product
We find out why DuoMax is the only product to be used in the cleaning of National Health Service (NHS) Blood Transfusion vehicles across the UK
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Dulsco conducts food hygiene campaign for blue-collar employees
Dulsco, a UAE-based company offering human resource solutions and waste management services to customers in the UAE and Qatar
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Dulevo street sweepers to clean Muscat streets
Dulevo street sweepers with Mechanical Power Suctions are set to play a fundamental role in cleaning up the streets of Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman.
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Dubai’s Professional Housekeepers Group discusses sustainability with Diversey Gulf
Issues such as green check lists, waste management and recycling were discussed at the roundtable meeting held at The Palace, The Old Town hotel
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Dubai Taxi Corporation upgrades vehicle cleaning facility
New technology enables cleaning of 50 vehicles per day with the use of limited amounts of water
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Dubai Municipality’s Food Inspection Section inspects educational institutions; interacts with clients
Dubai Municipality’s Food Inspection Section inspects
educational institutions; interacts with clients
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Dubai Municipality uses GPS for food inspection operations
The Food Control Department of Dubai Municipality is currently using GPS devices
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Dubai Municipality updates inspection system for food institutions
In the framework of the efforts made by the Dubai Municipality to develop and raise the technical and health level of the food institutions and keep up with global developments in the inspection, Engineer Khalid Mohammed Sharif Al Awadhi, head of Dubai Municipality’s Food Control Department called for forming a team to update the inspection system for food institutions.
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Dubai Municipality tightens food safety; enforces PIC program
Dubai Municipality tightens food safety; enforces PIC program
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Dubai Municipality tests solar energy system in public toilets
Juma Khalifa Al Fuqae, director of General Maintenance Department at Dubai Municipality, said that the department is under the process of operating public toilets using solar energy on experiment basis through a pilot project.
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Dubai Municipality launches Marasina campaign
1,000 volunteers participated in beach cleaning operations
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Dubai Municipality launches campaign to clean tanks and drinking water coolers
Dubai Municipality launches campaign to clean tanks and drinking water coolers
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Dubai Municipality intensifies inspection of animal products
The animal products monitoring section of Dubai Municipality’s Food Control Department had organized different inspection campaigns in the first half of this year.
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Dubai Municipality campaign lists 4% food establishments as defaulters
161 non-compliant companies issued with fines, notices to 78
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Dubai Internet City is region’s first to offer Green Offices
ICT Cluster develops programme to create environment-friendly offices with TECOM Investments’ SEED Division
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Dubai Central Laboratory extends scope of accreditation; number of approved tests rise from 93 to 185
Dubai Central Laboratory extends scope of accreditation; number of approved tests rise from 93 to 185
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Drydocks World-Dubai settles for robotic cleaning technology
The Envirobot removes coatings from vessels by applying ultra high pressure water to the surface
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Doctors under fire in Scotland for poor hand-hygiene
Incriminating report published by the Journal of Hospital Infection
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DM launches hygiene campaign for beauty parlours
The Public Health and Safety Department of Dubai Municipality has embarked on a health awareness campaign.....
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Diversey shares cleaning expertise with Kuwait Housekeepers Group
Diversey shares cleaning expertise with Kuwait
Housekeepers Group
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Diversey Gulf launches new fruit and vegetable sanitizer
The sanitiser called Oxytech D50/500 was launched at the recently concluded Gulf Food exhibition
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Diversey Consulting organizes Saudi Arabia’s First International Food Safety Conference and workshops
The conference was held first in Riyadh followed by Jeddah while the workshops were held in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar, Dammam
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Diversey and Intercare launch new generation of Taski floorcare machines
Automatic scrubber driers Taski 755B and 150E and Taski upright vacuum cleaners Jet 38 and 50 were presented to industry professionals at the launch
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Dhofar ‘cleans-up’ at Arab Investment Awards
It was a case of ‘Dhofar so green’ for an Omani-based company which was honoured for reducing its carbon footprint recently at the Arab Achievement Awards - the social highlight of the 2nd Arab Investment Summit in Abu Dhabi.
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Data Clean opens office in Saudi Arabia
Data Clean opens office in Saudi Arabia
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Danfo pioneering the drive for Multi Automatic Public Toilets in UAE
After the successfully installing a series of Multi Automatic Public Toilets (MAPT) in Abu Dhabi
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Continental Trading to represent ISAL power sweepers
ISAL is an Italian company specialized in manufacturing industrial and urban sweepers.
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Continental Trading to introduce FAST cleaning products in the region
Continental Trading to introduce FAST
cleaning products in the region
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CMS Berlin 2009 showcases new and innovative products
Environmental protection and cost saving benefits were the salient features of most of the equipment which set the trend for the show
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Cleaning of forensic laboratories
Dr Sohayb Al-Niaimi, vice president of Sahba Technology Company focuses on the cleaning protocol and health and safety guidelines that need to be followed in a forensic laboratory
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Cleaning facades with pure water cleaning systems
Viking Gulf Trading and Megarme teamed up to
clean the facade of the Financial Centre metro
station in Dubai using Ionic’s Reach and Wash
pure water cleaning system
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Cleaning buildings of national heritage: processes and practices
Dr Sohayb Al-Niaimi, vice president of Sahba Technology Group provides a detailed overview of the different types of methods used to clean monuments and their pros and cons
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Clean 2010: Showcased a plethora of innovative and new products
The exhibition
welcomed over 62 brands and 2300 visitors
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Chr Hansen and Fanar Al KHaleej hold seminar for Sharjah Food Control Department
The focus of the event was on the use of natural food colours and the use of probiotics for better health and food safety
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Carbonic International introduces 3G Cryogenic blast cleaning technology to the GCC
UAE-based Carbonic International, a dry ice cleaning solution provider in the GCC, has confirmed itself as one of the first companies in the Middle East to introduce the mobile 3G Cryogenic Blast Cleaning Technology
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Carbonic International comes up with Eco-Fridge using dry ice
Carbonic International comes up with Eco-Fridge using dry ice
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Cairo’s growing hotel market reflects positively on Egypt’s professional cleaning industry
As the economy picks up signaling the growth in the hotel market, the presence of major manufacturers of cleaning equipment at Hace Hotel Expo 2009 indicates that the time has come for good business in Egypt
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Burnus’ cleaning formulations deliver optimal environmental
Burnus General Trading LLC, a subsidiary of BurnusHychem – a leading Germany-based developer and manufacturer of industrial cleaning, disinfection and finishing products (powder and liquids) for textiles, has announced that Burnus’ range of detergents and chemicals, which are already known for their cost-effectiveness and high performance, are also highly biodegradable and environment-friendly.
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Burnus wins Linencraft laundry contract
Under the 3-year contract, Burnus will supply Linencraft with laundry chemicals and dosing equipment
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Burnus looking to tap into medium range laundry sector
Burnus General Trading LLC, a subsidiary of BurnusHychem - a leading Germany based developer and manufacturer of industrial cleaning, disinfection and finishing products (powder and liquids) for textiles, has announced the introduction of its medium range of laundry detergents and chemicals in the UAE.
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Britain takes the top eight places in a survey of the dirtiest hotels in Europe
Britain takes the top eight places in a survey of the dirtiest hotels in Europe
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Breathing-related allergies increase in MENA region - research
Breathing-related allergies increase in
MENA region - research
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Blue Stream offers new solutions for cleaner and waste-free environments
In a bid to promote clean and waste-free environments,
Blue Stream Environmental Technologies
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Bio Environmental Services Technology: Taking the leap to Qatar
The company has been able to provide its specialized environmental services to Qatar as well, a country having one of the highest carbon footprints in the Middle East
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Berkeley Group bags Sunset’s cleaning, laundry and support services contract
Berkeley Cleaning Services will function as an integral part of Sunset’s comprehensive facilities management system
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Belhasa Biotek Solutions ties up with Arpal Gulf to market BioSafe in the UAE
Arpal Gulf will be able to offer the UAE market the choice of using an environmentally friendly disinfectant for sanitizing fruits and vegetables versus other traditional methods
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Bag it…bin it
There is an increasingly tremendous level of sanitary safety that is quite often desired and necessary in public and health environments
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averda to turn Abu Dhabi into world’s cleanest city
averda to turn Abu Dhabi into world’s cleanest city
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Australian manufacturer of cleaning equipment opens ME office
Spanish compact equipment and telehandler manufacturer, AUSA, has opened a subsidiary in Dubai (UAE) to strengthen its sales presence in the Middle East. The company also looks to promote its line of cleaning and maintenance products in the region, citing strong market prospects in Kuwait, Oman, Saudí Arabia and Iran.
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Arab Health 2010 to focus on better air quality and cleaning in healthcare settings
The Arab Health 2010 exhibition will provide the biggest ever interface between the visitors and the exhibitors.
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Albariq Equipment launches Comac’s CS140 Twin Action sweeping machine in the UAE
The “twin action” sweeping machine has been designed for sandy areas and cement works and foundries where water cannot be used
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Al Bustan Centre & Residence receives appreciation certificate from US International Executive Housekeeper’s Association
Al Bustan Centre & Residence receives appreciation certificate from US International Executive Housekeeper’s Association
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Al Bariq expands service network in Oman
Al Bariq expands service network in Oman
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Al Bariq Equipment takes on Sutter Professional cleaning chemicals
Al Bariq Equipment takes on Sutter Professional cleaning chemicals
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Al Bariq Equipment organizes annual Open Day at Dubai and
Al Bariq Equipment held their annual Open Day event in October at the Dubai and Abu Dhabi showrooms. The event was a great success with huge interest from the cleaning and construction industries.
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Al Babtain Group, Green Air Technology to introduce Airocide in Kuwait
Al Babtain Group, Green Air Technology to introduce Airocide in Kuwait
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AiroCide air purifying systems: resulting in food safety
The photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) technology kills all airborne containments and provides a sterile environment for food, applicable throughout the ‘farm to fork’ supply chain
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Abu Dhabi restaurant shut down after
Tonnes of low quality food destroyed last month
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Abu Dhabi Government Contact Centre demonstrates high standards of performance in 2010
Abu Dhabi Government Contact Centre demonstrates high standards of performance in 2010
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Abu Dhabi conducts INFOSAN’S first global food safety meeting
Abu Dhabi conducts INFOSAN’S first global food safety meeting
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3M predicts opportunity out of Middle East unrest
3M predicts opportunity out of Middle East unrest
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3M introduces environmentally friendly floor finishing pads
Scotch-Brite Surface Preparation Pads can be used with water-based or oil based finishes and require only neutral cleaners or water to effectively remove floor finish
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3M Innovations for cleaning and maintaining facilities
3M claims that its products have long-term cost benefits for facility management companies and for facility owners alike. Editor Asfia Khan finds out how the products substantiate the claim.
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Meydan Racecourse hosts :Fimap machines spruce up parking area in good time
Cleanco used several Fimap FS 80 Sweeping machines, provided by Al Bariq Cleaning Equipment, to clean the vast parking area behind the grandstands
