Raising standards an interclean launch from BICSc
April 1st 2004

Raising standards in the cleaning industry underpins every activity of BICSc The British Institute of Cleaning Science; the international provider of training and education for Europe. Raising Standards 2004 (parts 1&2) is the title of a new BICSc CD Rom and VHS video to be launched at Interclean. At only 95 each or 175 together this is the best value in basic training skills that money can buy, claims BICSc. It should be regarded as the textbook training tool for use in conjunction with BICSc training programmes and all those studying for the Cleaning Operatives Proficiency Certificate (COPC). This is approved material for use prior to learning levels 1&2 NVQs and SVQs. This is produced in a punchy, to the point style, in simple English with subtitle bullet points, so that those with language difficulties can learn from it. BICSc friends at Matthew Boulton College have been extremely helpful in providing premises and equipment and even star in this production. Mike Sweeney, chief executive of BICSc said when releasing this important new product: Raising Standards 2004 parts1&2 are designed for those on COPC courses, for cleaners new to the profession and as a refresher for others at all levels of the in the business. Initial interest is excellent and I can see a re-run of both the CD Rom and the VHS version being needed soon. Throughout the video it hits home key messages about the importance of wearing sensible shoes and safety clothing; how to mix cleaning solutions and the importance of not mixing cleaning agents together. It contains guidance advice like ensuring ventilation and safety warning signs while operating; it illustrates the importance of colour coding; the need to observe risk assessment and basic tips such as never adjusting machinery before they are unplugged. It is hard to believe that nobody has produced something as necessary as already. This two-part programme covers 20 of the key issues that most cleaning operatives will encounter. Part 1 includes safe use and care of machines; storage of equipment; mopping sweeping, dusting/damp wiping and polishing; cleaning toilets and urinals, cleaning baths/basins and bidets; waste clearance, disposal of sharps and a lot more. Part 2 focuses on buffing floors; spray cleaning to remove light and medium floor soiling; stripping and reapplying emulsion polish; cleaning stairways, landings, hand rails and balustrades activities we all thought we knew how to handle, but there is plenty more to learn from this production. Wall washing; control of body fluid and contamination; cleaning telephones and personal computers are covered too if you saw the recent report on what lurks in the average keyboard, you will study this section very closely. To get your copy of Raising Standards 2004 parts 1&2 please send your cheques to BICSc. Delivery takes approximately 10 days.

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