SDSs provide the information end users of cleaning chemicals need to make an appropriate risk assessment, as required by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH). They are essential and available, as standard, from reputable manufacturers and suppliers.  
 
It explains the SDS’s function, as stated by the Health and Safety Executive, is to “describe the hazards the chemical presents, and give information on handling, storage and emergency measures in case of accident.” The guide goes on to outline the content provided in each section.  
 
The intention is to help users understand what is to be expected in an SDS. The guide, and an SDS itself, are not a risk assessment. Full and appropriate risk assessments on the use of a specific product must be carried out using the information in the SDS.  
 
The guide is available on the CHSA’s website. For information on Safety Data Sheets and their interpretation, visit the Health and Safety Executive Website.  
 
 
@CHSACleaning 
For more information, visit: www.CHSA.co.uk 

Tel: 0800 243 919  

  

The donation follows the CHSA’s Annual Charity Gala Ball, held in April this year. Since 2019 the CHSA has raised £33,000 for Grief Encounter as its nominated charity.  

  

Grief Encounter supports grieving children, young people and their families to find hope, healing and build resilience following the death of someone close. 

  

Andy Watts, Head of Fundraising (Philanthropy) at Grief Encounter said: “Our aim is to walk by the side of every bereaved child or young person during their darkest moments. We make sure their grief is not the end of their story.  

  

"Grief Encounter relies on fundraising for almost all of our income. Support from partners like the CHSA is vital to help us support grieving children and young people during the darkest, most challenging days of their young lives. 

  

“The donation from CHSA will support Grief Encounter in its mission to give every child and young person access to the best possible support following the death of someone close. Our highly skilled team offer different types of support designed to meet the wide-ranging needs of grieving children and families. This might include one to one therapy, group workshops, residential camps and tailored information and resources.” 

  

One child in every UK classroom will experience the death of someone close by the time they reach 16 years old. Children suffering the death of a parent or sibling find their lives changed forever; their grief and sadness often being compounded by isolation and fear, which can have a significant impact on a child’s mental health. Studies have shown bereaved children can face long-term social and emotional difficulties if they do not receive the right support at the right time, following the death of someone close. 

  

Lorcan Mekitarian, chair of the CHSA said: “We are incredibly proud of our association with Grief Encounter. The charity makes a huge difference to young people struggling with the impact of the loss of someone close.  

  

“Giving something back to our community is in the DNA of the CHSA and we are very grateful to our members for their continued support of and contribution to our fund-raised activities.” 

For more information, visit www.chsa.co.uk

Image: Stephen Harrison, vice president of the CHSA, and Caroline Shaikh, community fundraising manager of Grief Encounter

The White Paper explains the evolution of chemical disinfectants, which began with Arabs’ use of mercury as an antiseptic in the 4^th century. It also highlights the importance of standardised test methods, which provided a way to remove fraudulent products from the market.  

Buyers are increasingly confronted with undefined phrases like ‘non-renewable chemicals’, ‘chemical-free’, ‘natural’, ‘five times filtered water’, and ‘non-toxic’. In this context, regulations guarantee safety, efficacy and transparency. Yet some providers claim technology is moving too fast for regulation.  

In his White Paper, Peter Thistlethwaite says: “Regulations are intended to ensure a cleaning product is safe for the user and the environment when used correctly. The aim of enforcing regulatory requirements is to ensure products on the market can be trusted and that the companies selling them maintain the highest standards of integrity. 

“Product innovation means testing and regulatory requirements in the biocide market are becoming more complex, and the costs to enter markets are rising. This is expected to lead to a rise in fraudulent products, bypassing or ignoring regulations. Many are making claims about safety and efficacy without the proper technical support from correct testing. They are also using eco-friendly language to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Buyers need to beware.” 

Lorcan Mekitarian, Chair of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association, said: “Buyers and end users need to be able to trust the product and sales and marketing claims. MSL Solution Providers are experts in regulation and testing of biocides. We teamed up with them as they are independent of the CHSAand to provide our members and their customers with the knowledge they need to make safe, effective and sustainable choices.”  

MSL Solution Providers 

MSL Solution Providers was established primarily for the cosmetics, personal care, and household cleansing markets. MSL offers an integrated regulatory and laboratory testing service. Its in-house accredited microbiology and virology labs provide a comprehensive range of standard tests, including efficacy testing against bacteria, fungi, spores, viruses, mycobacteria, legionella, and algae. It also offers tailored solutions for specific testing needs, to support clients’ individual requirements. Its expertise includes disinfectant testing, cleanroom validation, and claim support for the Biocidal Product Regulation, as well as claims substantiation, auditing, and user trials. 

The CHSA 

Every member of the CHSA has signed its rigorous Code of Practice, which demands members trade ethically. Amongst other stipulations, it requires members to: 

• Conduct business dealings in an open, honest, fair and proper manner and in accordance with the laws, rules and regulations of the UK and EU. 
• Ensure all public statements made by and on behalf of the Member are decent, honest and truthful. 
• Ensure no false or exaggerated claims are made verbally, in literature, electronically or in any other way. 
• Hold and provide evidence on request for product and service claims, particularly with reference to legislation, certifications and accreditations. 

The CHSA Code of Practice also includes the Competition & Market’s Authority’s Green Claims Code. Its principles are summarised as: 

• Claims must be truthful and accurate. 
• Claims must be clear and unambiguous. 
• Claims must not omit or hide important relevant information. 
• Comparisons must be fair and meaningful. 
• Claims must consider the full life cycle of the product or service. 
• Claims must be substantiated. 

Finally, every member of the CHSA’s Accreditation Scheme for manufacturers of cleaning chemicals has signed the CHSA’s own ethical marketing code. 

@CHSACleaning 

For more information, visit​ www.CHSA.co.uk

REFLECTING ON the past, the world has transformed dramatically. From the days of having just four television channels to now having hundreds, and from dialling a 5-digit number to call my grandma to teaching her how to use emojis on WhatsApp, the pace of change is staggering. The company I work for, founded 105 years ago, has witnessed this evolution firsthand.

The driving forces behind these changes are evolution and innovation. These two concepts are intertwined: innovation fuels evolution, leading to continuous improvements. The cleaning industry exemplifies this relationship. From ancient water-based cleaning methods to the discovery of biocidal ingredients like phenols and chlorine in the 19th century, and now to sustainable resources and data-driven solutions, innovation has propelled the evolution of cleaning products.

Research into the effects of chemicals has advanced significantly. Our industry protects millions of people daily from disease, ensuring pleasant and hygienic living and working environments. When selecting cleaning products, should we opt for the newest innovations or stick with tried-and-tested solutions? The answer lies in both, but with a crucial caveat: validated data must support these solutions.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization recommended bleach solutions and alcohol-based hand disinfectants due to their proven efficacy. The chemical industry had ample data to support these solutions, leading to widespread production. More complex products, like QAC-based disinfectants, emerged later, but the initial response relied on well-established basics.

Innovation and emerging technologies must adhere to the same principles of data-driven results to inspire confidence. Reputable companies share comprehensive data behind their products, including safety data sheets, microbiological profiles, and supporting information. Transparency is key; when data is not readily available, it raises doubts. Intelligent customers scrutinise product labels and claims, ensuring data comes from reputable sources like UKAS-accredited laboratories.

Sustainability in cleaning products has become another challenging area. Companies often market products based on sustainability, posing a challenge for uneducated buyers. The CMA’s Green Claims Code provides six rules to navigate this landscape:

1. Be truthful and accurate.
2. Be clear and unambiguous.
3. Do not omit or hide important information.
4. Only make fair and meaningful comparisons.
5. Consider the full life cycle of the product.
6. Be substantiated.

These rules emphasise the need for clear, evidence-based claims. Terms like “eco,” “environmentally friendly,” “greener,” and “sustainable” require meaningful comparisons and data to validate their use. For instance, “environmentally friendly” suggests no harm or positive impacts on the environment, while “greener” requires a comparison to previous methods or formulations.

New EU legislation, the Green Claims Directive, addresses these issues by combating greenwashing, enhancing customer trust, and promoting sustainability. Companies must use clear, evidence-based criteria to substantiate environmental claims, verified by independent, accredited third parties. Transparent labelling and adherence to ISO14024 rules ensure only truly environmental products and claims reach the market. As a British company, these rules will apply to products exported to Europe and likely influence UK legislation within the next five years.

In conclusion, innovation is essential for progress, but it must be grounded in reliable data. Evolution and innovation work hand in hand, improving existing products and introducing innovative solutions. When making purchasing decisions, rely on data that meets your requirements and trust reputable sources. By doing so, you can confidently choose the best products for your needs.

Vikki Morris is environment & sustainability manager at Evans Vanodine, a CHSA member

For more information visit​ www.CHSA.co.uk

The Bursary is open to the children of CHSA members’ employees.  

The four recipients will each receive £6,000 over the course of their university career.  It will be paid in three installments, £2,000 being paid at the start of each academic year or the first three years if the degree is longer.  

  

Emma Hinks is to study Children and Adolescent Mental Health at Edge Hill. Her father works at Evans Vanodine. Sander Morris is planning to study History at Durham University. His father works at Karcher Limited. Harry Thomas is planning to study Mathematics, also at Durham University. His father works at Arco Limited. Molly Vaughan is to study Learning & Teaching at the University of Northampton. Her mother also works at Karcher Limited. 

Since it was first awarded in 2016 in its current form, 21 young people have benefitted from the financial support offered by the Bursary. It has made it possible for them to engage fully in their university careers, paying for books and study materials, field trips and club memberships. It has also provided the freedom to enjoy the full range of social opportunities.  

Applicants were assessed by a Judging Panel, led by CHSA Vice President and Treasurer David Garcia, according to need, worthiness endeavour, and overall performance.    

  

David Garcia explained: “It is a pleasure to be able to give something back by offering valuable financial support to the children of our members’ employees.   

  

“Every year we find it incredibly difficult to make the final decision, and this year was no different. It is an extremely rewarding experience to meet the talented young people and hear about their hard work and aspirations for the future. They are always impressive. I wish we could award the bursary to them all.   We very much hope the final four, and all the applicants, enjoy their time and university.”    

 For more information visit​ www.chsa.co.uk 

ETHICAL PRACTICE is at the heart of the CHSA. Our Code of Practice demands our members trade ethically. At its heart, this philosophy encompasses the way our members do business. They sign up to conducting business in an ‘open, honest, fair and proper manner’ and have to comply with the ethical principles set out in the Competition & Markets Authority’s Green Claims Code. 

This approach to business is fundamental, but our ethical approach extends further. Giving something back to our community is in our DNA. We believe it matters. 

Our industry can struggle to attract and retain the right talent. Contract cleaners find it difficult to employ well trained cleaning operatives. The CSSA’s Clean Start initiative is designed to help tackle this problem. Its goal is to change people’s perception of the cleaning industry, transforming the ‘mop and bucket’ perspective into the more realistic view of an industry rich in technology and career opportunities. Giving something back also has a big role to play in securing the right talent. It’s influential in building loyalty and boosting employee morale. In a highly competitive market, with tight margins, it sets organisations apart, differentiating them from the competition. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it’s the right thing to do. 

At the CHSA we give something back in two main ways: our undergraduate Bursary and fund raising for our nominated charity.

The CHSA Bursary has made a huge difference to young people at university. It was refreshed into its current form in 2016. Since then, we have supported 25 young people, including the four talented recipients who are starting their university careers this autumn. Few students have the resources to capitalise on all the opportunities university offers. For the children of our members’ employees, the Bursary can make the crucial difference, enabling them to take part in field trips, join clubs or simply buy the books and resources they need to successfully complete the course. The four successful applicants in 2024 will each receive £6,000 over the course of their time at university. 

Thanks to the generosity of our members at our Annual Charity Gala Ball, we are also able to make a significant donation to charity every year. This year we donated £10,000 to Grief Encounter, adding to the over £33,000 we have already donated since nominating them as our official charity in 2019. 

Grief Encounter supports bereaved children and their families to help alleviate the pain caused by the death of someone close. One child in every UK classroom will experience the death of someone close by the time they reach 16 years old. Children suffering the death of a parent or sibling find their lives changed forever; their grief and sadness often being compounded by isolation and fear, which can have a significant impact on a child’s mental health. Studies have shown bereaved children can face long-term social and emotional difficulties, if they do not receive adequate support following a bereavement. 

We are proud of these initiatives, which receive the full and enthusiastic support of our governing Council. Our Bursary and support for Grief Encounter, in very different ways, make a huge and very valuable difference to young people. 

Lorcan Mekitarian is chair of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association

For more information visit​ www.CHSA.co.uk

The CHSA operates Accreditation Schemes for manufacturers of soft tissue, plastic refuse sacks, cotton mops and cleaning chemicals. It also operates Accreditation Schemes for distributors and for general manufacturers. 

By 30 June 2024, 90 audits had been completed. This involved reviewing 22,250 product lines in the Accreditation Scheme for distributors. Across the Schemes for soft tissue, plastic sacks and cotton mops, over 1,153 product labels have been checked and 622 individual products have been tested.  Compliance exceeded 90% across all Accreditation Schemes.  

To meet the Scheme specifications the label must indicate the required information, which includes the manufacturer and the precise specifications of the product within the box. Depending on the product, this involves checking the sheet count, width, duty, weight and or performance of the product. The Inspector also assesses the member’s quality assurance procedures. For distributors he confirms if product is from a CHSA Accredited Manufacturer and where it is not, that it conforms to the specification of the relevant scheme.  

Nicky Biggart, Chair of the CHSA’s Accreditation Schemes, explained: “We guarantee ‘what’s on the box is what’s in the box’. Working closely with our inspector to make sure our members meet the required specification underpins our guarantee. This means buyers can trust the CHSA mark wherever they see it, recognising the Accreditation Scheme logo as a guarantee of quality.  

“The audit results for the first half of 2024 give buyers the evidence they need to trust the CHSA Certification Mark.” 

Every CHSA member has also signed the CHSA’s rigorous Code of Practice, which includes the Competition & Markets Authority’s Green Claims Code.  

The combination of the Code of Practice and Accreditation Scheme membership means every member: 

·        Trades ethically and sustainably; 

·        Provides supporting information for claims made; 

·        Provides quality, fit for purpose products; and 

·        Makes sure what’s on the box is what’s in the box. 

Committed to the integrity of the Schemes, the CHSA’s governing Council will expel any Scheme member who, despite being offered the guidance required to correct issues, consistently fails to conform to the relevant Scheme Standard. 

@CHSACleaning 

www.CHSA.co.uk 

Compliance with formal UK Government, European Union and industry-standard regulations is essential if buyers are to be certain product claims are legitimate and proven. Adherence to regulations guarantee safety. They underpin transparency and ensure consistency. They support buyers’ informed decision making by providing a framework for comparison, so a buyer really knows if they are getting the product or solution they need. They also provide accountability, giving buyers a route to recourse if needed.  In short, they underwrite an ethical approach. 

Buyers and end users can also turn to regulations to be certain they are not misled by environmental claims in the rush toward sustainable solutions. 

Lorcan Mekitarian, Chair of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association, said: “Buyers and end users need to be able to trust the product and sales and marketing claims. They need to be certain of the balance between efficacy and sustainability and they need to make sure they are using the right product for the job in hand. They are not chemists, however, so may be misled by seductive sales and marketing messaging. 

“Our advice is to talk to your manufacturer and ask for evidence to support their claims. This will come in the form of their technical data sheets, third party verifications and certifications and, importantly, proof of regulatory compliance.”

Gobble-de-gook or undefined phrases to be wary of include: ‘non-renewable chemicals’, ‘chemical-free’, ‘natural’, ‘five times filtered water’, and ‘non-toxic’. ‘Biodegradable’ is also a confusing term. As applied to cleaning products, it is defined in current legislation (Detergent Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 and corresponding UK post Brexit legislation). Something claiming to be ‘organic’ should be certified by, for example, the Soil Association. ‘Net-zero’ claims should be based on the international net-zero standard (https://sciencebasedtargets.org/net-zero) or another reliable third party verified certification.

Every member of the CHSA has signed our rigorous Code of Practice, which demands our members trade ethically. Amongst other stipulations, it requires members to:

• conduct business dealings in an open, honest, fair and proper manner and in accordance with the laws, rules and regulations of the UK and EU.
• ensure all public statements made by and on behalf of the Member are decent, honest and truthful.
• ensure no false or exaggerated claims are made verbally, in literature, electronically or in any other way.
• hold and provide evidence on request for product and service claims, particularly with reference to legislation, certifications and accreditations.

The CHSA Code of Practice also includes the Competition & Market’s Authority’s Green Claims Code. Its principles are summarised as:

• Claims must be truthful and accurate.
• Claims must be clear and unambiguous.
• Claims must not omit or hide important relevant information.
• Comparisons must be fair and meaningful.
• Claims must consider the full life cycle of the product or service.
• Claims must be substantiated.

Finally, every member of the CHSA’s Accreditation Scheme for manufacturers of cleaning chemicals has signed the CHSA’s own ethical marketing code.

@CHSACleaning

www.CHSA.co.uk

The CHSA operates Accreditation Schemes for manufacturers of soft tissue, plastic refuse sacks, cotton mops and cleaning chemicals. It also operates Accreditation Schemes for distributors and for general manufacturers. 

By 30 June 2024, 90 audits had been completed. This involved reviewing 22,250 product lines in the Accreditation Scheme for distributors. Across the Schemes for soft tissue, plastic sacks and cotton mops, over 1,153 product labels have been checked and 622 individual products have been tested.  Compliance exceeded 90% across all Accreditation Schemes.  

To meet the Scheme specifications the label must indicate the required information, which includes the manufacturer and the precise specifications of the product within the box. Depending on the product, this involves checking the sheet count, width, duty, weight and or performance of the product. The Inspector also assesses the member’s quality assurance procedures. For distributors he confirms if product is from a CHSA Accredited Manufacturer and where it is not, that it conforms to the specification of the relevant scheme.  

Nicky Biggart, Chair of the CHSA’s Accreditation Schemes, explained: “We guarantee ‘what’s on the box is what’s in the box’. Working closely with our inspector to make sure our members meet the required specification underpins our guarantee. This means buyers can trust the CHSA mark wherever they see it, recognising the Accreditation Scheme logo as a guarantee of quality.  

“The audit results for the first half of 2024 give buyers the evidence they need to trust the CHSA Certification Mark.” 

Every CHSA member has also signed the CHSA’s rigorous Code of Practice, which includes the Competition & Markets Authority’s Green Claims Code.  

The combination of the Code of Practice and Accreditation Scheme membership means every member: 

• Trades ethically and sustainably
• Provides supporting information for claims made
• Provides quality, fit for purpose products
• Makes sure what’s on the box is what’s in the box. 

Committed to the integrity of the Schemes, the CHSA’s governing Council will expel any Scheme member who, despite being offered the guidance required to correct issues, consistently fails to conform to the relevant Scheme Standard.