September 2010 Product Solutions

Floor care

Flexible floor-cleaning routine helps school prevent spread of staph bacteria

Advance. The floors at Washington High School (WHS) in Sioux Falls, S.D., may not be obvious surfaces for exposing students to bacteria. However, students are in frequent contact with the floor in the school’s 330,000-square-foot gymnasium. After staph bacteria were discovered in the main gym, Robert Underberg, WHS’ building manager, needed to ensure that it didn’t spread.

Knocking back the staph bacteria required cleaning with a stronger and less-diluted detergent than Underberg typically uses. The school’s Advance auto scrubber with the EcoFlex System made the detergent switch an easy proposition.

"It certainly is possible the bacteria wouldn’t have spread, even if cleaned the same way we always do," Underberg says. "But with the flexibility we get from our Advance scrubber with the EcoFlex System, we don’t even think twice about making decisions like this—especially when it concerns the health of our students and staff."

To ensure the staph bacteria didn’t spread, Underberg increased the dilution ratio. Because the system dispenses water and detergent separately, he didn’t have to mix a new batch of solution when changing the detergent and dilution ratio. Although he never intended for his floor scrubber to be a tool to prevent staph infections, he says using it as such was effective in helping allay fears about the staph back on WHS’ gymnasium floors and in knocking back the infection itself.

Select the September 2010 issue RSN number 157 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.

Utility fan catalog

Greenheck.A new 52-page catalog features the complete line of utility fans. Models SFD and SFB are forward-curved utility fans designed for supply-, exhaust- and return-air applications requiring low to medium air volumes and pressures. Model SWB is a backward-inclined utility fan with higher operating efficiencies and higher pressure capabilities. The catalog includes standard construction features, options and accessories, air-performance data for all model sizes and typical specifications.

Select the September 2010 issue RSN number 150 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.

"Dare to Dream" sweepstakes

MovinCool.With the difficult economy in mind, the company’s "Dare to Dream" sweepstakes contest will award $25,000 in cash to the winner, selected randomly from among all eligible entrants. The contest entry period ends Sept. 30, 2010, and is open to adults 18 years of age and older. Participants may enter once per week, and no purchase is necessary. Entry forms are available at www.movincool.com/daretodream.

Select the September 2010 issue RSN number 151 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.

Computer floor product

SMARTdesks.Powerflor, the raised- access computer floor product, is available in response to technology changes, budget constraints and the adoption of green building practices. The FFITness Program coordinates furniture and computer floor outlet locations to serve the needs of the architectural space. The floor includes UL-approved power and outlets, enabling furniture installers to install the floor and electrical outlets without an electrician.

Select the September 2010 issue RSN number 152 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.

Towel dispenser/accessory

Bobrick Washroom Equipment, Inc.The new TowelMate dispenser retainer accessory installs in existing towel dispensers and dispenses one towel at a time. This results in a reduction of paper-towel usage of more than 20 percent, eliminating multiple towel dispensing and towels falling to the floor. Additional savings can be achieved by changing from C-fold to more economical multifold paper towels, including a variety of non-proprietary folded paper towel sizes and weights, and 100 percent recycled paper. The LinerMate liner retainer accessory eliminates unsightly liner bag overhang for improved restroom appearance, ending the custodial habit of draping liners over the top of waste receptacles.

Select the September 2010 issue RSN number 153 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.

Product portfolios with Tag technology

Tandus Flooring. New product portfolios have redesigned spines with Microsoft Tag Technology, which offers instant access to Tandus.com. When the tag is photographed with a smartphone camera, users are directed to the website on the mobile device, giving customers a direct link to Tandus.com simply by taking a photo. The technology offers schools the opportunity to get more information instantly on a product, feature or service.

Select the September 2010 issue RSN number 154 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.

Virtual lab solution

Dell.The Virtual Lab solution is designed to help higher-education organizations address time, space and budget challenges while providing students the freedom to access lab-based software anytime, anywhere and from any device. The product also mitigates challenges related to forecasting and accommodating lab utilization rates, accessibility and security. Three customized offerings are available: Adaptable Virtual Lab, Mobile Virtual Lab and Hosted Virtual Lab.

Select the September 2010 issue RSN number 155 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.

Floor finish

NCL

24-7 Extended Performance Floor Finish is a highly advanced finish with a superior "off-the-mop" initial gloss. This ultra-high-solids formula provides exceptional film clarity, repels soils and scratches. It is classified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for slip resistance, and extends the time between stripping cycles from 18 to 36 months.

Select the September 2010 issue RSN number 156 on AS&U's Product Information site for more information.