Garbage Bag – Can Liner Keys

1. Select the smallest thinnest bag that does not significantly fail to carry the trash to the collection container
1. Remember you are buying a block of plastic that happens to be blown into bags.  The weight of the case is the most important indication of what you are buying
2. Manufacturers cheat the spec and the case does not always contain what the label says.  The weight never lies.
2. Most people use too big and too thick a liner
1. Most common liner is a 38×58 liner that only fits a empty steel drum.  Have you seen any 5ft tall garbage cans?
2. If you gather the top of the bag and pull it will have it’s maximum strength.  A 1 mil bag will pull more than 75lbs of trash.  How many of you can pull that weight up with your arms over your head?
3. What type of trash
1. Sharp objects – must use LLDPE
2. General trash use HDPE – less plastic for the same pull strength
4. How do you want them packed
1. Flat bulk pack – if case is damaged they can get wasted
2. Coreless rolls – 10-25 in a nice compact roll for easy dispensing and use

                                                               i.      Drop one in the bottom of the can for easy replacement

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Testing Reveals High Contamination Levels of Everyday Objects in Major U.S. Cities; Gas Pump and Mailbox Handles are Among the Dirtiest

Kimberly-Clark Professional* Findings Also Show People Encounter Armies of Germs Just Getting to WorkEach Day; Results Reinforce Importance of Proper Hand and Surface Hygiene as Critical to a Healthy Workplace ROSWELL, GA [DATE] –Just in time for cold and flu season, new testing in six major U.S. cities reveals that gas pump and mailbox handles may be among the dirtiest surfaces Americans touch. The results, released today by Kimberly-Clark Professional*, show that more than 60 percent of gas pump and mailbox handles and more than 40 percent of escalator rails and ATM machine buttons can be highly contaminated, potentially exposing people to illness-causing bacteria. Illness in the workplace is not just a health issue, but can also have a major economic impact. Each year companies lose $1,685 per employee due to absenteeism and presenteeism (employees coming to work while sick). 

 The testing was conducted by trained hygienists in high traffic locations in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami and Philadelphia. Using a Hygiena System SURE II ATP Meter, a device commonly used to monitor sanitary conditions in industry, Hygienists swabbed the objects to measure levels of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). ATP is present in all animal, vegetable, bacteria, yeast and mold cells. Detection of ATP indicates the presence of contamination by any of these sources. Everyday objects with an ATP reading of 300 or higher are considered to have a high risk for illness transmission. In all, more than 350 separate swabs were taken and analyzed.

 The percentage of public surfaces tested and found to have high levels of contamination (an ATP count of 300 or higher), includes:

•  71 percent of  Gas Pump Handles
•  68 percent of  Mailbox Handles
•  43 percent of  Escalator Rails
•  41 percent of  ATM Buttons
•  40 percent of  Parking Meters/Kiosks
•  35 percent of  Crosswalk Buttons
•  35 percent of  Vending Machine Button

“People do not realize the amount of contamination they are exposed to going to work each day and doing everyday things like filling their gas tank or riding on an escalator,” said Dr. Charles Gerba, Professor of Microbiology at the University of Arizona. “This new testing is compelling because it underscores the importance of hand and surface hygiene. Most cold and flu viruses are spread because people touch surfaces in their immediate area and then touch their faces, other objects and other people. Washing and drying your hands frequently throughout the day, can help prevent your risk of getting sick or spreading illness around the office.” 

“The likelihood for illnesses to transfer from the objects that people use every day like ATMs and parking meters is eye-opening,” said Brad Reynolds, North American Platform Leader, The Healthy Workplace Project*, Kimberly-Clark Professional*. “These findings indicate that illness-causing germs are everywhere and have the potential to travel with you into your office space. That’s why we developed The Healthy Workplace Project* – a unique approach to hand and surface hygiene that helps employees understand and reduce the spread of cold and flu germs throughout their workplaces.”

The Healthy Workplace Project* is a new, multi-faceted program that Kimberly-Clark Professional* has designed to help companies provide their employees with a healthier and more productive office environment. The program provides educational materials in conjunction with hand and surface hygiene products to employees, arming them with the tools and knowledge necessary to break the cycle of germ transmission in the office. By reinforcing the importance of “washing, wiping and sanitizing” through The Healthy Workplace Project*, employers can help reduce that impact.

About Kimberly-Clark Professional*

Kimberly-Clark Professional* is dedicated to providing essential solutions for a healthier, safer and more productive workplace. These include a unique portfolio of innovative, cost-effective and sustainable offerings for office buildings and lodging properties, healthcare facilities, manufacturing environments, laboratories and cleanrooms, educational facilities, food preparation and processing operations, and home professionals. Kimberly-Clark Professional* offers a comprehensive array of hand hygiene and contamination control solutions to break the germ transmission chain and help create a healthier workplace as well as wiping and safety solutions that minimize risk and drive productivity. Its trusted global brands include Kleenex

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One innovative Skin Care Hand Soap dispenser

 The STOKO® Refresh 4 in 1 dispensing system is the latest cost – cutting Innovation from the worldwide leader in skin care solutions. Now, one durable, attractive, easy – to – use and economical dispenser is all you need for all of your hand hygiene programs.

 One dispenser works with four Skin Care systems

1. Thick Foam encourages frequent washing and proper skin care– environmental friendly and easy on your budget
2. Concentrated spray cleansers and sanitizers deliver superior STOKO quality at the lowest cost per use 
3. Mild liquid cleansers are ideal for use in high – traffic or high – volume work areas 
4. Hand sanitizing gel effectively sanitizes hands without water, killing 99.99% of germs that can cause illness

Flexible skin care System

• Complete system choice with abilityto switch product type at any time
• Easy to operate, simple and quick to refill
• Secure key–entry or convenient  Keyless push–button option
• One dispenser for all product types
• Can be customized with customers logo or colors

Economical Skin Care

•Low Cost per use
•High use per refill

Durable Skin Care Dispenser

• Sturdy, high impact dispenser housing
• Low maintenance, clean design

Better for the environment

• Environmentally preferred ingredients
• Conforms to recognized ecological standards
• Complete system choice with ability to switch product type at any time
• Easy to operate, simple and quick to refill
• Secure key–entry or convenientkeyless push–button option
• One skin care dispenser for all product types
• Can be customized with customer’s logo or colors

 Economical Skin Care Products

• Low cost per use
• High use per refill

Durable

• Sturdy, high impact dispenser housing
• Low maintenance, clean design

STOP throwing money down the drain.

STOKO Refresh 4 in 1 – the best solution for facility operation and business profit!

 Cost effective

• Save time. Save money
• Simplify your purchasing – no morefiguring out which product goes inwhich dispenser
• Streamline your inventory – no needto stock multiple dispensers
• Competitively priced refills
• Improve cash flow – less inventoryto carry
• No confusion at point of use – you always have the right dispenser at hand

Trusted quality from one world class supplier

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Dumpster Detox

The dumpster is an ingenious tool that has been around since the 1930′s.  It’s a simple container which permits you to temporarily accumulate and store waste, while maintaining an overall neat appearance to your property and buildings.  The dumpsters may vary in color, size, style and contents; however they do have a few things in common… the concerns of diseases, hazardous materials and rodents – very serious issues you have to worry about when it comes to dumpsters.  All of those issues have been overlooked simply because they’re not thought of.  Not thought of until….the smell!  The unpleasant stench can attract unwanted rodents and flies. It can also become overwhelming to people who have to walk past, live near or work in an area near the dumpster. Many business owners don’t think about maintaining the dumpster, it’s not practical to give the dumpster frequent scrubbing, but measures can be in place to control dumpster odors.

So what causes these odors?

As one can imagine, the dumpster contains all types of waste like food, commercial and residential items, landscape debris… So as the garbage sits in these dumpsters, bacteria begin to grow, the change in the Ph balance of items change, temperatures fluctuate, food spoils… Putting all of this together, you generate horrible smells, a mixture of liquids and solids, all of which can leak out of the dumpster and onto the driveway or loading dock.  As a result, there is now a risk of causing health problems to those who may work and live near where the dumpster is stationed.  These health risks are from the Carbon Monoxide, Sulfur Dioxide and fine particulates that have developed and are in the air surrounding the dumpster. 

How can you be proactive and treat your dumpster?

Very easily, all you need to do is treat the dumpster with a few additives.  The first product is Nilodew.  Nilodew is a clay and Zeolite (microporous, aluminosilicate minerals commonly used as commercial adsorbents) based granular deodorizer that contains a natural odor absorbent.  It also contains Citronella to deter flies and other pests.  The second product is Chute & Dumpster Wash.  This product is specially formulated with friendly bacteria, citrus oils and a proprietary odor neutralizer to clean, cut grease and counteract severe malodors.  Finally, add superSOCK- a deodorizer that uses natural ingredients to hold the powerful concentrated deodorizer. superSOCK was designed to deodorize odors in sewers, elevator shafts, dumpster areas, garbage collection areas, or anywhere that strong undesirable odors are present.  superSOCK will provide deodorization for up to 60 days.

  As a result of using Nilodew, Chute & Dumpster Wash and superSOCK, gone are the days of the stench, rodents and health hazards.  Simply put, your dumpster will be as attractive as a dumpster can be! 

Buy these products today at www.amerisourcesupply.com or contact Customer Service at  313-924-0696

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Germ Hot Spots in the Workplace

Research shows that these hot spot areas harbor the greatest number of germs:

* Stair Railings – Wipe and clean these surfaces daily

* Doors – Wipe knobs often and place hand sanitizer near entrance/exits

* Elevator Buttons – Sanitize hands and place hand sanitizer in high traffic areas

* Copy Stations – Sanitize or wash hands when using common office machines

* Water Cooler/Kitchen Space – Wipe all surfaces, even if they appear to be clean

* Conference Tables – Wipe tables, phones, etc. before each meeting

* Lobby Areas – Wipe hard surfaces and provide hand sanitizer for guests

* Reception – Provide hand sanitizer in public or common areas

**For surface cleaners/disinfectants, hand sanitizer and all of your Janitorial Supply needs visit http://www.amerisourcesupply.com or call Customer Service @ 313-924-0696**

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 Refillable Soap Dispensers:

A Breeding Ground for Bacteria

Jan/san distributors have understood for some time that refillable soap dispensers in public facilities are prone to accumulate bacteria and other contaminants. A recent study surprised some, but for a great many in the industry, it affirmed the already-recognized need for steps to protect against such risks.

Refillable dispensers come in a variety of options — they can be mounted on walls or in counters or even be a bottle placed on the counter in a small restroom — but all pose the same potential threat.

Dr. Gerba studied 541 soap samples from around the United States, finding that 25 percent had unsafe levels of bacteria (more than 500 parts per million) and 16 percent contained coliform bacteria, which are fecal-based and can cause illnesses. While Gerba expected that, the volume surprised him.

When bacteria like coliform contaminates soap, it thrives in it. And, unfortunately, when custodians add new soap to the old supply without rinsing out the dispensers first, it only exacerbates the problem.

However, the study found no pathogens in soap dispensed via sealed systems.

To avoid contamination, the best possible solution in most cases is to use sealed containers that are thrown out after being used, says Dr. Gerba.

Sanitary sealed systems typically use individual bags that come with their own dispensers. The bags are inserted into a casing or “box” — either counter-mounted or wall-mounted — and are simply removed and replaced in full when they are empty. In most cases, refills snap into place and the use of a new dispensing valve with each new bag eliminates the accumulation of germs.

Hand washing is supposed to rid users of germs, but unfortunately, that’s not always the case for restrooms with refillable dispensers. To keep restroom patrons healthy, distributors will have to continue to educate their customers about the potential dangers of these dispensers and how to alleviate the threat of bacteria.

*Visit www.amerisourcesupply.com to purchase sealed system hand soaps or contact Customer Service at 313-924-0696 today!*

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What’s Going On With Cotton, Leather & Rubber?

In recent months, the price of cotton, leather and rubber has been consistently rising. Shortages and high demand of these products have caused these rapid price increases. In our industry – products that have certainly faced increases include: string knit gloves, hot mill gloves, PVC gloves, any cotton containing gloves, leather gloves, latex gloves, safety apparel, mop heads, some first aid products, etc.

Unfortunately, the outlook in the next few months does not look any better. Prices are expected to rise through at least the end of this fall. (Maybe longer!) Cotton is projected to increase 10-25% this year. Leather & Rubber are expected to rise 10-15%.

Please be aware that over the next several month cotton, leather and rubber containing products may take longer to receive in  than normal. Stock is limited on several products (especially gloves). Please allow extra time for these products to come in and order far in advance! We appreciate your understanding and continued support. We are monitoring the market conditions closely so we can provide you with the most up-to-date information. As always, do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns!

www.amerisourcesupply.com

Customer Service: (313) 924-0696

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Janitorial & Industrial Supply Products – Michigan - Tennessee – Wisconsin

Helpful Laundry Tips

1. Sort laundry by like fabrics and discard all trash and debris. Items that don’t belong in the
laundry, such as plastic bags, will interfere with the cleaning and destaining process. Laundry
which is balled or knotted up will not clean properly.

2. Items containing fecal matter or bodily fluids can contaminate the entire load. Washing any
protein stains like this in hot water will actually set the stain, so using COLD water is paramount.
Extremely soiled items should be placed in a presoak solution using COLD water and detergent
for at least 10 minutes prior to washing.

3. Washers must NOT be overstuffed. Overloading inhibits the flow of water through the fabrics
and around the wheel as it rotates. This water flow is necessary for the cleaning process,
particularly for ample rinsing and flushing, which are vital for the removal of free-floating,
water-soluble soils. Finally, overloading of washers hinders the proper dispersing of cleaning
chemicals and can lead to chemical stains and burns.

4. Avoid using too much bleach. Bleach weakens clothes fibers and returns the synthetic polymers back to their original color – YELLOW.

5. Laundry that has been sorted by fabric type will dry around the same time, avoiding cooking
some articles and over-drying others. This will also help save energy.

Other helpful tips:
Be sure to clean & disinfect laundry carts before loading clean clothes. Laundry carts that
carried contaminated laundry will contaminate the clean laundry and spread germs.

Pre-Soaking laundry only takes approximately 10 minutes while re-washing takes 45 minutes or
more.

Clean the lint traps often and thoroughly, laundry will dry quicker.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes that “overloading” washing
machines in nursing homes is a HUGE problem. According to the CDC, the entire laundering
process – as it pertains to institutional machines – is effective at eliminating bacteria as long as
certain factors are achieved: sufficient rinsing and flushing of all soiled linen; a high and low pH
range achieved during the detergent and “sour”/neutralizer cycles; the correct concentration of
the bleach bath; and washing and drying temperatures.

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For Perfect Floors – Follow These Instructions

Preparation

1) Remove all displays, carts, mats, etc. from the floor
2) Dust mop the area to be stripped
3) Display ‘Caution – Wet Floor’ signs
4) Place towels or mats at door entrances to prevent tracking

Stripping the Floor
(Approximate coverage: 600-800 square feet per dilution gallon)

1) Dilute stripper according to directions with water.
2) Apply liberally with mop – keeping floor saturated for at least 10 minutes.
(NOTE: Stripping solution should not be allowed to dry on the floor – work in manageable sections)
3) Agitate slowly using a floor maching with a strip pad. Use a maintenance pad holder and black pad for corners and edges and TAKE YOU TIME! Rewet areas that start to dry until you can pick up the emulsified finish.
4) Pick up emulsified finish with a wet/dry vacuum.
5) Apply clean rinse water liberally and wet vac or mop up the rinse water.
6) Using clean water, damp mop entire floor.
7) Allow floor to dry. (A fan or floor dryer may be used to help dry the floor faster.)
8 ) The floor should look evenly dull with no coloration difference. Look for strip areas that look uneven and rinse these areas well.
9) Run your hand over the floor and if any residue is found – damp mop the floor again.
10) Using a slow speed maching (165-190 rpm) and a red pad, quickly dry buff the entire floor.

Finishing the Floor
(Approximate coverage: 1500-2000 square feet per gallon)

1) Pour finish into a clean mop bucket lined with a plastic trash bag.
2) Using a new finish mop head, slowly immerse mop into the finish and gently wring out the bottom 1/3 of the mop head.
3) Draw mop along the wall next to the baseboard.
4) Apply a thin, uniform coat of finish using a sweeping, figure-eight pattern.
(NOTE: If it looks milky, it has been applied too thick – apply enough to allow the finish to level)
5) Allow to dry for at least 30 minutes between coats. Wait at least an hour between the 3rd and 4th coat.
6) Apply 3 – 4 coats in this manner.
7) Do NOT pour left over finish back into the container.

Routine Cleaning

1) Dust mop floor daily.
2) Clean floor with diluted solution of neutral cleaner. (1-2 oz. per gallon of water)  Apply with an automatic scrubber or a damp mop.

Restoration

1) Dust mop floor to remove surface grit.
2) Apply a thin coat of floor revitalizer or rebuff to the floor and let dry completely.
3) Burnish with a high speed buffer and a combo burnishing pad. Clean and change pads frequently.
4) Dust mop floor if any powder of dust is present after burnishing.

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Cotton Prices Continue to Soar!

Over the past several months the cost of cotton has increased over 30% and is predicted to continue to rise. Terrible weather conditions, increased crude oil prices and high demand are the culprits behind the shortages and resulting price increases.

Cotton is currently selling at a record-breaking price of approximately $2 per pound. Several of our products such as gloves, mops, personal protective apparel and some first aid products will be effected by these unfavorable market conditions. If you purchase any of these products – please be aware that prices will be rising.

We are working with our vendors to minimize the effects of the price increases on our cotton products, but due to the shortage of product and high demand, the prices will inevitably rise over the upcoming months. We assure you that we are watching the market carefully and are doing our best to keep you informed. Thank you for your support and understanding. And as always, feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns!

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