At Lawton Brothers we supply janitorial chemicals to a wide range of custodial teams. Some of our teams work in schools, others in hospitals, and still yet others are experts in keeping offices clean. Each of these facilities has unique ...

At Lawton Brothers we supply janitorial chemicals to a wide range of custodial teams. Some of our teams work in schools, others in hospitals, and still yet others are experts in keeping offices clean. Each of these facilities has unique requirements that make cleaning them a challenge. However, one aspect that ties all of these facilities together is a cafeteria. 

A recent report identified where bacteria and germs propagate in the food service industry. Because hospitals, schools and offices all have cafeterias, it’s important that the janitorial teams who keep these facilities clean be aware of the risks around food, and address them properly. Keeping patrons of hospitals, schools, and offices safe and healthy is the most important part of any janitorial team’s job.  

Here are the most contaminated places in the food service industry and what you can do to maintain their cleanliness. 

Condiment bottles and shakers – Condiment bottles are often simply refilled and not washed. Remind the dishwashing staff that the ketchup, mustard, and salt and pepper bottles need to be washed as soon as they’re empty instead of just topped off.

Sneeze guards – As a barrier between humans and food, sneeze guards do their job and harbor many germs. It’s important to disinfect these surfaces every day with the proper chemicals.

Ice machines – Many people forget about cleaning ice machines because they wrongly assume that it’s just frozen water and bacteria couldn't possibly form there. Ice machines are extremely susceptible to a bacteria infestation and should be emptied and cleaned at least monthly unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.  

By ensuring these seemingly innocuous parts of your facility’s cafeteria are properly cleaned, your team can help prevent the spread of bacteria and disease. If you have questions how to best clean, and what supplies are necessary, please give us a call today.

 

 

To best clean any surface, you must first understand what surface you’re working with. When it comes to carpets and fibers this can be tricky. Identifying what a material is comprised of before you begin can save time, money and ...

To best clean any surface, you must first understand what surface you’re working with. When it comes to carpets and fibers this can be tricky. Identifying what a material is comprised of before you begin can save time, money and the gut-wrenching feeling of cleaner’s remorse. 

Knowing the fiber content, or at least its class, is essential for knowing what approach to take when cleaning carpets. Synthetic fibers can handle more aggressive cleaning methods, whereas natural fibers require a more delicate approach. A simple way to quickly identify fibers is the “Burn test.”

• Explain to the client that you’re taking a small fiber sample from an inconspicuous location.
• Using tweezers to hold the sample, slowly bring the flame to the fiber.
• If the fiber pulls away from the flame’s heat, it’s synthetic; if not, it’s natural.
• Allow the fiber to burn while analyzing its composition, if it crushes in your fingers and leaves them dirty, it’s natural; if it doesn't crush, it’s synthetic. 

While knowing the basic differences between synthetic and natural fibers is certainly helpful, narrowing down what type of fiber you’re cleaning can drastically affect your chemical choice. Here are a few tips to identify some common carpet fibers during and after a burn test: 

• Nylon: The flame has a blue base and orange tip. There is little to no smoke and a white puff when extinguished.
• Olefin: Exhibits a blue base and orange tip when burning. Burns fast with minimal smoke.
• Polyester: Produces an orange flame when burning, will sputter, drip and emits a black smoke.
• Wool: Burns with an orange flame that quickly self-extinguishes and reduces to a crumbly ash. 

To best serve their clients, cleaning professionals should be able to identify the proper methods and supplies required depending one the type of fiber. By utilizing this simple test, your team will be able to effectively clean fabric without the threat of damage. There is no need learn the value of fiber identification the hard way. Call your janitorial supply company, Lawton Bros., if you have any questions. 

In our last blog we discussed the potential hazards of quat binding and the dangers they can pose at your job sites. Today we’d like to go over some best practices for janitorial teams who are currently utilizing quats, so ...

In our last blog we discussed the potential hazards of quat binding and the dangers they can pose at your job sites. Today we’d like to go over some best practices for janitorial teams who are currently utilizing quats, so you can ensure they’re being used correctly. 

To begin, cotton and quats just don’t mesh. The ion imbalance is simply too high. The best textile to use with a quat solution is microfiber. While it does bind with quats, the amount is insignificant and the solution remains on-label and effective for cleaning. 

The “Spray and Wipe” method is the most effective way to clean with quat products because the solution is directly applied to the surface. However, this method may not be the most efficient for hard-to-reach areas, and creates the potential for over spraying and inhalation. 

The “Dip and Wipe” and “Soak and Wipe” methods of cleaning can be effective if you’re using the proper textiles. However, the potential for binding in both these methods is very high. To insure your solution remains at acceptable, safe levels use of a test kit is necessary. 

Quat-based chemicals are frequently used because they are very effective, but only if you’re using them correctly. It is important to check your application methods, cleaning tools, and cleaning chemicals to insure you’re not wasting money or unknowingly creating hazardous situations on your job sites.

Many cleaning supplies on the market contain Quaternary Ammonium Chloride, better known as “Quat.” In theory, this active ingredient is extremely effective. It has a long shelf life, low toxicity and is effective against germs, bacteria and viruses. The only ...

Many cleaning supplies on the market contain Quaternary Ammonium Chloride, better known as “Quat.” In theory, this active ingredient is extremely effective. It has a long shelf life, low toxicity and is effective against germs, bacteria and viruses. The only problem is that its tendency to bind to textiles can render it useless and even harmful in some circumstances. 

Quats are positively charged ions, and many cleaning textiles are composed of negatively charged ions. You can see where this is going, positive and negative ions are strongly attracted to each other. 

Studies have found that quat binding reduces the efficacy of these products. After binding, the solution contains less than half parts per million noted on the label. This renders the disinfectant “off-label,” and now violates federal law. Even worse, it’s not cleaning as it should and can create an environment where microorganisms can become disinfectant-resistant. For our janitorial teams who work in the health care setting this is extremely alarming. Many teams are unaware this chemical reaction happens and continue cleaning, blissfully ignorant. 

The lack of knowledge in this arena is troublesome. As a janitorial supply company, we find in necessary that all of our clients to understand why quats can be ineffective and potentially dangerous if not used correctly. In our next blog we’ll discuss best practices for cleaning with quats, what you can do to retain their efficacy and which materials are best suited for this powerful product. 

While it may seem like a far-away dream or a Sci-Fi fantasy, the possibility of self-cleaning surfaces are becoming new realities. Advances in nanotechnology are breaking historic ground in the cleaning industry, and as an article published in ISSA Today...

While it may seem like a far-away dream or a Sci-Fi fantasy, the possibility of self-cleaning surfaces are becoming new realities. Advances in nanotechnology are breaking historic ground in the cleaning industry, and as an article published in ISSA Today outlines, can have monumental impacts on the health and sanitation industries as a whole. 

One material, Titanium Dioxide, shows amazing promise in this new frontier. In its normal form, TiO2 is widely used as a white pigment in everything from sunscreen to paint and toothpaste. When it’s scaled down to nano-sized, literally one billionth of a meter, its properties are otherworldly. Nano TiO2 produces photocatalytic oxidization using nothing but light. It could be used to create surfaces that kill pathogens on contact by reducing organic compounds into their base elements of water, carbon and oxygen.

Even more impressive, this nano-particle also further oxidizes water molecules, which produce hydroxyl radicals. Hydroxyl radicals are lethal for microorganisms like bacteria, fungi and viruses. This process is completely oxidative. There is no risk of “super-bugs” mutating as a result of antimicrobial resistance, which is currently a huge problem facing health care facilities. 

The application of nanotechnology on surfaces in heath care and other facilities is not that far off. How it will affect our industry as cleaning professionals remains to be seen. As your preferred janitorial supply and equipment supplier, we’ll stay in front of this technology and be here for any questions you may have. 

Last month, OSHA’s policy on Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, or GHS, went into effect. As of June 1, 2015 manufactures, distributors and businesses that repackage hazardous chemicals must label each container being shipped downstream with ...

Last month, OSHA’s policy on Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, or GHS, went into effect. As of June 1, 2015 manufactures, distributors and businesses that repackage hazardous chemicals must label each container being shipped downstream with HCS 2012-compliant labels and SDSs. This left manufacturers, distributors and businesses that this change in policy affected scrambling to update existing stock.

At the last minute OSHA relaxed their policy for existing stock, classified as hazardous materials that were already boxed, palletized or shrink-wrapped, so that manufactures did not have to unpack, re-label and re-package those hazardous materials.  As some manufactures were not able to comply because they had not received necessary classifications, SDSs and labels from their upstream suppliers. They must, however, provide an HCS 2012-compliant label and SDSs for each shipment, or show signs of diligence and good faith that they attempted to procure and use the required materials. 

U.S. Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis has said, “Exposure to hazardous chemicals is one of the most serious threats facing American workers today. Revising OSHA's Hazard Communication standard will improve the quality and consistency of hazard information, making it safer for workers to do their jobs and easier for employers to stay competitive." 

It’s great that OSHA is taking steps to ensure worker’s safety around hazardous chemicals. It’s also refreshing to know that they relaxed their enforcement policy to give those manufactures, distributors and repackagers a chance to become compliant without penalizing them for existing stock. 

If you have any questions about how OSHA regulations will affect your facility, give us a call today. 

At Lawton Brothers, we're qualified to work on many brands of janitorial equipment, but we hate to see our clients inconvenienced by a trip to the shop when they should be out doing their work. 

The best way to ...

At Lawton Brothers, we're qualified to work on many brands of janitorial equipment, but we hate to see our clients inconvenienced by a trip to the shop when they should be out doing their work. 

The best way to insure you’re not put in an undesirable situation, that could hurt your bottom line, is to create an equipment maintenance plan. As suppliers, we know what manufacturers recommend and would be happy to help you out. Here are a few ideas: 

-Replace parts, such as: brushes, hoses, filters and belts when they show signs of heavy ware.

- Train everyone who will be using the equipment on proper use and cleaning procedures. Ensure they understand and follow those procedures with a logbook, or similar system.

- Schedule maintenance for the machine as a whole according to manufacturers specifications. By planning this out, you’ll be able to anticipate the equipment’s absence instead of being surprised when it breaks down. 

Making an equipment maintenance plan and adhering to it will spare your business the embarrassing and costly hassle of working around broken machines. You’ll be able to use the equipment for longer and won’t be surprised when it finally does need to be replaced. 

Microfiber, just like your other equipment, works best and lasts longest when it’s properly maintained. We’ve touted the benefits of microfiber before and if you’re laundering it with the wrong chemicals or wash cycle, you are not receiving the maximum ...

Microfiber, just like your other equipment, works best and lasts longest when it’s properly maintained. We’ve touted the benefits of microfiber before and if you’re laundering it with the wrong chemicals or wash cycle, you are not receiving the maximum benfet out of your investment. Here are some tips to properly launder your microfiber materials:

• Remove as much dirt and soil from the microfiber as possible before laundering begins. Some washing machines have settings specifically for microfiber and have a special spin cycle that does this for you. In other washer use the flush cycle.
• Microfiber should be washed in temperatures at least 140 degrees and not exceed 180 degrees.
• Microfiber should be washed with like material. Any textile that produces excess lint will be caught in the microfiber. Do not wash with cottons.
• Do not wash microfiber on a full load. The material is extremely absorbent and a full load will overload your washer. As such, a too-small load will not create enough agitation to properly clean the material.
• Read the label of your microfiber products to determine the best detergent to launder with. Bleach is a common go-to for cleaning cloths, but bleach will reduce the effectiveness and life of microfiber. The one thing experts can agree on is that fabric softener should never be used on microfibers.
• Dry microfiber between 130-140 degrees and take them immediately out of the dryer. 

As your trusted janitorial supply company, we care about the longevity of the products you purchase. If you have any questions about how to prolong the life of any of your equipment, please give us a call today. 

As your resource for janitorial supplies in Central Florida, Lawton Brothers enjoys keeping our clients informed of studies and findings that affect your operations. A recent article by Building Services Management , shed light on an often-overlooked issue: the cleanliness ...

As your resource for janitorial supplies in Central Florida, Lawton Brothers enjoys keeping our clients informed of studies and findings that affect your operations. A recent article by Building Services Management, shed light on an often-overlooked issue: the cleanliness of hand soap dispensers. 

Hand soap dispensers are installed in a majority of public restrooms. These dispensers are either top-loading bulk fill dispensers, or sealed soap dispensing systems. A study conducted in 2011, found that bulk fill soap dispensers in public restrooms could be, “A vector, contributing to the spread of pathogenic microorganisms.” 

Many bulk fill hand soap dispensers are affixed to the wall, making them cumbersome to clean. As a result, soap is “topped off” as it gets low. The unit itself is rarely cleaned. When more soap is simply being added to a possibly contaminated batch, the proliferation of bacteria, biofilm and microorganisms is imminent. 

In the interest of public heath, the CDC now recommends facilities use soap dispensers that are either use sealed disposable refills, or able to be sanitized after they are emptied. A great option is to choose sealed soap dispensing systems.  These systems are comprised of a sealed cartridge of soap and a built-in nozzle. When these cartridges are empty, they are simply disposed of and replaced. Providing new, uncontaminated soap.  

At Lawton Brothers we understand that the cleanliness of your facility is a great value to your bottom line. Contact your resource for janitorial equipment and cleaning supplies to ask about your options in restroom cleanliness. 

When you’re running a facility like a school, there’s a lot to consider. Protecting your floors should be near the top of your list, because once they’re scratched--there’s no going back! Not to worry, we’ve got you covered! As your ...

When you’re running a facility like a school, there’s a lot to consider. Protecting your floors should be near the top of your list, because once they’re scratched--there’s no going back! Not to worry, we’ve got you covered! As your janitorial equipment supplier, we are in the business of protecting your facility floors, which is why we’d like to share some benefits of chair leg covers with you here. 

We’ve all been in a classroom and seen those horrid looking old tennis balls, jerry-rigged to the chairs as floor protectors and noise reducers. Eventually these tennis balls wear out, and you’ll soon be begging parents and teachers to bring in their spares once more. Fear not -- there is a better way. Floor protectors come in all shapes and sizes, specific to your particular need, not to mention their incredible durability! 

Lawton Brothers only works with the best name brands, which is why we proudly recommend using floor protectors from Expanded Technologies and Flexi-Felt. We offer a wide range of floor protectors to serve all of your needs including: Formed Felt Floor Savers, Clear Sleeve Floor Protectors, Safety Release Flip Down Doorstops, Clear Carpet Sliders, and Gripper Door Stops. 

If you’re looking for long-term floor protecting solutions, then consider how your facility would benefit from chair gliders. Contact our team here at Lawton Brothers today to find out which floor protecting solution will best suit your facility needs! 

Floor mats; we use them everyday without even thinking about the job that they’re doing for us. The fact is that there’s people out there whose job is dedicated perfecting an entire program designed to improve matting and prevent slips ...

Floor mats; we use them everyday without even thinking about the job that they’re doing for us. The fact is that there’s people out there whose job is dedicated perfecting an entire program designed to improve matting and prevent slips and falls. As your go-to janitorial supplies company we can’t say enough about the importance of walk-off matting, therefore we dedicated an entire series of articles to discuss it in depth.  

Comprehensive matting programs have the ability to reduce injury and reduce the costs related to those injuries. According to a recent CleanLink article, Steve Spencer, a facilities specialist at State Farm Insurance spends his days improving comprehensive walk-off programs, who explains that it’s not only about matting. Spencer also explains that his program is successful because of its three phases as described below. 

Phase One. Phase one begins outside of the building with a large scraper mat designed to scrape of any large debris or soil from shoes and keep it outside. 
Phase Two. Phase two takes place in the immediate building entrance where a scraper/wiper mat is recommended. This matting is less abrasive than the outdoor mat but removes and retains debris. Spencer recommends testing this particular mat before you select one for your facility. Look for water capture, retention, and sand capture. 
Phase Three. Phase three is the indoor wiper mat. This mats primary function is to dry the shoe of moisture to prevent slip and falls. It’s important to make sure that your matting is not only long enough, but as wide as your doorways so that it will wear evenly.

At Lawton Brothers we believe that implementing a matting program will not only improve overall facility cleanliness, but safety as well. If you’re interested in learning more about how to successfully integrate mats throughout your facility, contact your janitorial supplies company today. 

At Lawton Brothers we know that managing your facility can be overwhelming and we’re here to help in any way that we can. Whether you need janitorial supplies and equipment or tips for managing your facility smoothly, we’ve got you ...

At Lawton Brothers we know that managing your facility can be overwhelming and we’re here to help in any way that we can. Whether you need janitorial supplies and equipment or tips for managing your facility smoothly, we’ve got you covered. A proficient janitorial staff is only possible through a proficient manager. Recently Services Magazine shared how to avoid five common management mistakes and we’d like to discuss the first three with you here: 

1. Not listening to your staff or valuing their input. Your staff members are your eyes and ears within your facility. They also practice what you implement on a daily basis, and can provide vital feedback regarding the policies in place. Should you listen to their concerns, you must also be willing to act on them. 
2. Not delegating. Delegating can be difficult because it requires a certain level of trust. Your job as a manager is to develop your staff’s goals and strategies, so delegating certain tasks to your responsible team members will allow you to do so more effectively. 
3. Acting like a friend rather than a boss. While having a friendly demeanor is a great way to gain respect from your staff members, it’s important not to overstep any bounds. Friendships actually have the ability to hinder your facility’s process. You can also cause unrest among other employees if they perceive any favoritism is taking place. 

As your go-to company for janitorial supplies and equipment we hope that you find this information helpful in managing your facility. Check back soon to learn about the two management mistakes you should avoid regarding your time. 

At Lawton Brothers we recognize the importance of protecting our janitorial staff members. As they are often on the frontlines of not-so-desirable restroom cleaning scenarios, it’s vital that we take the appropriate steps to ensure their health and safety. 

A ...

At Lawton Brothers we recognize the importance of protecting our janitorial staff members. As they are often on the frontlines of not-so-desirable restroom cleaning scenarios, it’s vital that we take the appropriate steps to ensure their health and safety. 

A recent Building Services Management article highlighted the role that janitorial staff members play in disinfecting against disease. In the wake of the recent Ebola outbreak, several industry leaders have gone the extra mile in helping facilities prepare their staff. The following several steps should be implemented for safer cleaning practices for janitorial staff members: 

• Pick up all liter and trash using a Ettore Grip’N Grab litter pick up tool.
• Spray all surfaces with a hospital grade disinfectant  before cleaning the restroom. Realize that any surface within the restroom might be contaminated. 
• Don’t place anything on the floor or the counters of the restroom to avoid transferring any contamination. 
• Stand several feet away from a flushing toilet to avoid being splashed.
• Always take precautions like wearing gloves, goggles.
• Rather than traditional cleaning methods, use ISSA spray-and-vac cleaning systems in order to avoid direct surface contact. 
• Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning restrooms and have paper towels easily accessible. 

As your janitorial supplies company, we hope that you find these tips helpful in protecting your janitorial staff. Please contact the team at Lawton Brothers today for more information regarding how our staff can help your staff improve their disinfectant process. 

At Lawton Brothers we recently shared a blog intended to answer your questions regarding how often your janitorial crew should vacuum different areas of carpet within your facility. While the actual process of vacuuming is vital to the cleanliness of ...

At Lawton Brothers we recently shared a blog intended to answer your questions regarding how often your janitorial crew should vacuum different areas of carpet within your facility. While the actual process of vacuuming is vital to the cleanliness of your facility and the health of your guest and staff, vacuums require regular maintenance in order to keep up with daily demand. If you manage a facility or janitorial crew, chances are you’ve experienced the drama of an equipment failure just when you needed to use it most. That’s why routine maintenance is vital to keeping your facility running smoothly.

The vacuum has several components that require routine attention including bags, filters, belts, and brush rollers. The bags should be replaced once the bag reaches two-thirds full before needing replacement, as when the bag becomes full, the vacuum loses suction and decreases in efficiency. Over time the belts of the vacuum will wear out and get loose. In order to keep the belts in working order, they must be replaced routinely. The brush roller will also need to be monitored regularly to clear any build-ups of hair or other items that could impede its efficiency. Once the brush roller is worn down and no longer makes contact with the fibers of the carpet, it will require replacement. 

As your resource for janitorial equipment and supplies here in Central Florida, we hope that your janitorial staff finds this information helpful in keeping your janitorial process running smoothly. Please contact the staff at Lawton Brothers today for assistance with your janitorial staff and products.   

Do you know what kind of paper towels you’re ordering and are in your facility’s restrooms? As your resource for janitorial supplies and paper goods, we strive to help facilities and their janitorial staffs improve their value per dollar when ...

Do you know what kind of paper towels you’re ordering and are in your facility’s restrooms? As your resource for janitorial supplies and paper goods, we strive to help facilities and their janitorial staffs improve their value per dollar when it comes to paper products.  

At Lawton Brothers we take pride in providing facilities with quality, affordable paper products. Recently, a CleanLink article focused on the possible profitability of shifting from cheap, poor quality paper towels to more costly, higher quality paper towels. Several industry leaders discuss how an increase in absorbency has the potential to decrease the need for several towels, and can decrease overall usage. Different facilities have different needs, therefore you should speak with your resource for janitorial supplies in order to determine the right paper products for your specific facility. 

If you’re interested in upgrading your paper products and improving your efficiency, then contact your resource for janitorial supplies today. We look forward to helping you reduce waste and of course decrease cost.  

At Lawton Brothers we are proud to offer green cleaning products and equipment to help your facility’s cleaning process become environmentally friendly. Sports facilities have recently been looking more towards a green cleaning future, and as your resource for janitor ...

At Lawton Brothers we are proud to offer green cleaning products and equipment to help your facility’s cleaning process become environmentally friendly. Sports facilities have recently been looking more towards a green cleaning future, and as your resource for janitor supplies, we couldn’t be more excited. 

New stadiums seem to be going up left and right for teams of the Major League Baseball and National Football League, which is providing them with an opportunity to think and clean more green. According to a recent CleanLink article, sports venues are using their position in the public eye to raise sustainability awareness. With ample power and money at their fingertips, newer sports facilities will aim to surpass the guidelines for the U.S. Green Building’s Council’s LEED certification. While several major sports leagues have made efforts towards greener practices, new facilities provide an even better opportunity for green cleaning improvements. 

The following are just examples of local arenas that we are presently working with to take their cleaning products and process to a "greener" level: 

• Orlando Amway Center
• Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts 
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers Raymond James Stadium

We truly enjoy helping facilities realize how their daily processes can impact environmental sustainability. If you’re interested in how the staff at Lawton Brothers will improve your facility’s practices through green cleaning methods, products and equipment please contact your resource for janitor supplies and cleaning equipment today. 

As your resource for janitor supplies in Central Florida, we take a special interest in how your janitorial staff can improve your company’s bottom line. Often, CleanLink shares helpful insights regarding increasing efficiency and in turn your profitability. 

The most ...

As your resource for janitor supplies in Central Florida, we take a special interest in how your janitorial staff can improve your company’s bottom line. Often, CleanLink shares helpful insights regarding increasing efficiency and in turn your profitability. 

The most recent insight offered by cleaning consultant Mickey Crowe suggests that Team Cleaning Specialists can take on more than one “role” or cleaning tasks and improve overall efficiency. The article discusses how assigning certain janitors to specific roles and tasks can result in higher productivity than zone cleaners assigned all tasks in a area. 

Crowe discusses how to assigning role, task and work appropriately in order to promote the most efficiency possible. For example:

• Assign one person the role of Vacuum Specialist to use a backpack vacuum for carpet, rugs, and hard floors in addition to edging, vents and other work on a predetermined schedule. This Specialist may have ample time to perform some of the tasks usually performed by the Utility Specialist.
• The Team Cleaning Specialist with the backpack vacuum follows the Light Duty Specialist who pulls the trash and performs other daily cleaning tasks. They can also completely service the building while having ample time to maintain the break room and the areas designated for janitor supplies. 
• The third person in Team Cleaning is the Restroom Specialist and they service all the restrooms with a double bucket and collapsible or butterfly microfiber flat mop system. The person in this role is usually the most detailed person on the team so additional task that require a detailed person would best be assigned to this specialist.
• Finally, the forth role in Team Cleaning is the Utility Specialist. This specific worker will clean stairwells, entrances, door glass, and hard floors that require buffing. Remove the trash pulled by the Light Duty Specialist from the building and inspect for quality.

The key to gaining efficiency is to assign a single role to a specialist with a clear cleaning schedule. Once that role is complete that same person can take on a second role. I a small facility like a bank or doctors office one cleaner can perform all four roles, however it is important to perform only one role at a time.

At Lawton Brothers we not only work with your facility’s janitorial staff to improve the health and cleanliness of your facility, but we also enjoy helping you improve your bottom line. Contact your resource for janitorial equipment and supplies today with any questions about how our team can help your team. 

As your janitorial supplies company we’re not only concerned with the safety of our employees but with the safety of your employees as well. While a safe workplace is great in theory, achieving one takes a great deal of commitment ...

As your janitorial supplies company we’re not only concerned with the safety of our employees but with the safety of your employees as well. While a safe workplace is great in theory, achieving one takes a great deal of commitment on multiple levels. According to a recent article by Cleaning & Maintenance Management there are three requirements necessary in order to provide a safe work environment.  

• Management staff commitment. Your employees rely on your management team to offer a safety strategy and to lead by example. As a manager you have the ability to prevent injury and illness while reducing costs. 
• Compliance with OSHA and develop, implement and maintain a written hazard communication program in effect. The program should outline how hazards will be communicated to employees. For example, all chemical containers need to be labeled adequately, employees need access to Safety Data Sheets, and employees need to be trained on safe chemical handling. A thorough risk assessment should be completed to identify and decrease risks.  
• Employee involvement. Employees need to follow the plan each and every day. It’s up to managers to make employees feel included so that they will speak up when something is amiss. 

At Lawton Brothers we are proud to serve as your janitorial supplies company with locations throughout Central Florida, with locations in Orlando, Clearwater, Ocala and Melbourne. If you’re interested in how our staff can help your staff achieve a safer workplace, contact our team today. 

 As your resource for janitorial supplies and equipment in Central Florida, we are taking the threat of the Ebola virus very seriously. The first line of defense against the often deadly virus is the janitorial staff, therefore we feel the ...

 As your resource for janitorial supplies and equipment in Central Florida, we are taking the threat of the Ebola virus very seriously. The first line of defense against the often deadly virus is the janitorial staff, therefore we feel the need to help inform facility managers of tips to enhance the safety of both staff and customers. 

Clean Link recently shared a few tips for safer restroom use and sanitizing from Matt Morrison, Communication Manager for Kaivac. These tips include: 

• Washing your hands with hot and soapy water before and after using or cleaning the restroom. 
• Act as if the surfaces have been contaminated. 
• Avoid placing items onto the counter or floor incase that is a point of contamination. 
• Don’t directly touch door or flush handles. 
• Utilize the ISSA’s “spray-and-vac” cleaning systems in place of traditional cleaning methods in order to avoid direct contact with any surface. No Touch cleaning systems like the Hillyard’s C3xp Cleaning Companion can prevent worker contact with contaminated surfaces while cleaning better and faster.

At Lawton Brothers we consider it our job to help facilities prepare for prevention of infectious diseases. If your facility staff needs training, hospital grade disinfectants or alcohol-based sanitizers to help battle the spread of the Ebola virus, please contact your resource for janitorial supplies and equipment today. 

As your resource janitorial equipment and supplies we have constantly been keeping up to date on the Ebola outbreak within the United States and how best to help your facility’s staff to prevent the spread of the virus. The World ...

As your resource janitorial equipment and supplies we have constantly been keeping up to date on the Ebola outbreak within the United States and how best to help your facility’s staff to prevent the spread of the virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have provided several guidelines for facilities to follow in order to disinfect against the Ebola virus properly. 

Because of air travel and extended incubation period (2-21 days) of the Ebola virus, the epidemic has the capability of affecting a large percentage of the population in a short amount of time. According to WHO, the recent outbreak of Ebola is the biggest and most complex outbreak since the discovery of the disease over 38 years ago.  While the majority of cases have been reported in Africa, the disease has landed on American soil. Making sure your facility is following guidelines recommended by the CDC and WHO will allow your staff to play a part in preventing the disease from spreading further in your region. While there is no disinfectant specifically formulated to kill the Ebola virus, alcohol-based sanitizer is the best-known disinfectant and should be used accordingly. 

While the implantation of the CDC and WHO guidelines is very important to the prevention and the spread of any infectious decease, they are only general guidelines. Effective hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting protocols that fill in the details to those general guidelines is critical. Once protocols are established proper training of your staff will be necessary in order for them to be effective. 

At Lawton Brothers we take the health of your staff, customers and community seriously. If your janitorial equipment and supplies needs a restock to properly battle against the spread of Ebola, please contact your resource for janitorial supplies in Central Florida.