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Hands. Face. Space Hygiene Campaign Launched For Winter

Posted on by MAXAM INFO

The government has launched a new campaign to help prevent the spread of coronavirus indoors over the winter months, urging people to continue washing their hands regularly for at least 20 seconds, covering their faces and observing social distancing measures to control infection rates and avoid a second wave.

The Hands. Face. Space campaign will run across print, radio, TV, out of home, social and digital display advertising, as well as on community media channels over the coming weeks, with a new video being released to help drive home the message, showing how coronavirus can spread indoors.

The film encourages people to follow simple steps to help reduce the risk of infection at a time when it’s expected that they will be spending more time at home and indoors during the colder months.

While coronavirus isn’t likely to survive for long on outdoor surfaces in sunlight, it can survive for over 24 hours in indoor environments, so hand-washing regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or making good use of hand sanitiser can reduce the risk of both catching and passing the virus on.

Wearing a face covering is also advised because the virus is carried in the air by respiratory droplets, which can land on surfaces or other people. They can also stay in the air indoors for at least five minutes, longer if there is no ventilation.

And social distancing is necessary because virus transmission is most likely to happen within two metres of an infected person. It won’t always be possible to maintain this exact distance but the campaign aims to encourage people to remain mindful of their surroundings.

Chief medical officer professor Chris Whitty said: “As we approach winter and inevitably spend more time indoors, we need the public to keep following this important advice to control the spread of the virus.

“Following these simple steps could make a significant difference in reducing the transmission of Covid-19 and help protect you and your friends, colleagues and family from the virus.”

Regular cleaning of office environments, as well as domestic properties, is certainly wise at the moment and, as winter approaches, you may want to increase your vigilance in this regard. 

Remember that surface contamination is one of the main ways that the virus can spread so implementing a robust cleaning regime is certainly wise, particularly in the office where people come and go all the time. Make sure that all desks, tables, telephones, keyboards and other office equipment are wiped down with disinfectant regularly throughout the day.

You may also want to put up posters reminding people of the importance of good hygiene now and in the future to help prevent the spread of the virus as winter approaches.

Do you need to stock up on surface disinfectant? See what we have in stock today.

Concerns Raised About State Of Potholes In Oxfordshire Road

Posted on by MAXAM INFO

A privately owned road in West Oxfordshire has come in for criticism about the state of its surface. The road at Swinford Toll Bridge, which charges cars five pence to cross, has been described by one road user as looking like the tarmac “has melted”.

The Oxford Mail reported on the concerns, with both motorists and councillors weighing in on the state of the road surface. Jane Johnson, from Minster Lovell, who uses the stretch of road regularly, told the newspaper that both her and her husband are worried that the deteriorating condition of the road could lead to an accident.

“There’s five really bad potholes and one like a crater, where if there’s another car, you have no option but to go into it,” she revealed.

Dan Levy, West Oxfordshire district councillor for the Eynsham and Cassington ward, told the news provider that as well as being concerned for drivers, he is also worried that the potholes could cause serious problems for cyclists and motorcyclists.

“With my cycling hat on, you see all these chippings come up which can be dangerous for cyclists,” he asserted.

Mr Levy also revealed that the owners, who bought the toll bridge along with the cottage next to the bridge, a car park and four acres of land, stopped collecting the toll in January and the road’s condition has deteriorated in that time.

The land, road and cottage were all sold at auction in 2009 for just over £1 million, the newspaper revealed.

County councillor for the Eynsham division Charles Matthew told the newspaper that he frequently receives emails from his constituents complaining about the state of the toll bridge, adding that he is “fed up” by the lack of action on the part of the owners.

In March this year, the Guardian reported that local authorities in England and Wales filled fewer potholes in 2019/20 than they had in 2018/19.

The publication revealed that they filled 1.5 million potholes in the last tax year, compared with the 1.9 million potholes that were dealt with in the 12 months before, research from the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) found.

The report also noted that, during this time, average highway maintenance budgets for councils fell by 16 per cent, while the amount that they were forced to pay out in compensation as a result of damage caused by poor road conditions climbed by 17 per cent.

According to the report’s authors, it would take 11 years and require funding of £11.1 billion to get all the roads in England and Wales back into “a reasonable, steady state”.

Rick Green, chairman of the AIA criticised the government’s approach to local highway maintenance budgets, describing the “stop-start approach” as “wasteful”. He added that providing short-term cash injections with no longer-term plan “does nothing to improve the condition of the local road network on which we all rely”.

Whether you have responsibility for maintaining a private road or you work within a local highways department, you may find that pothole repair products can help you fix road surfaces quickly and efficiently.

Top Hygiene Tips For Your Workplace After Lockdown

Posted on by MAXAM INFO

Now that lockdown restrictions are being eased around the UK, businesses of all shapes and sizes, and across all industries, are beginning to open their doors once again, allowing their workforce to return to the office and welcoming customers back with open arms once more.

But it’s important to make sure that employees are comfortable about returning to work and that your customers feel safe coming into your place of business to say hi.

The World Health Organization has published guidance to help companies ready themselves for a return to work, advising them on how to prevent the spread of covid-19, how to manage risks when organising meetings and events, what to consider when travelling for business and preparing your workplace in case the virus arrives in the community.

Making sure that workplaces are clean and hygienic is key, because surface contamination is one of the main ways that the virus spreads. It’s essential that you set up a robust cleaning regime and ensure that all desks and tables, telephones, keyboards and so on are wiped down with disinfectant regularly.

It’s also important that employees, contractors and customers follow certain procedures as well, so make sure that you’re promoting regular and thorough hand-washing. This can be achieved by installing hand-sanitising stations in prominent places throughout your workplace, refilling them regularly.

Ensuring that there are places where people can go to wash their hands with soap and water would also be useful, since this kills the virus and prevents the spread of coronavirus.

Carrying out a risk assessment will help you identify the right kind of cleaning strategy for your particular business.

Consider frequently touched surfaces and focus on these as a central part of your cleaning regime, such as doors, bannisters, workstations, door handles, toilets, changing rooms, vehicle handles and steering wheels, shared equipment, taps, kettles and so on.

Adequate cleaning strategies involve a two-pronged approach – deep cleaning at least once a day and periodic cleaning at various times throughout the day. The latter could include cleaning items immediately after use, for example.

It might also be a good idea to set your workplace up in such a way as to reduce the need for contact with surfaces and objects in the first place, such as by reducing equipment, propping open doors and fitting automated sensors on doors.

You will also need to ensure that your members of staff are aware of their own personal responsibilities when it comes to preventing the spread of coronavirus. Keeping surfaces as clear as possible will help keep the workplace more hygienic – and easier to clean, for example.

Keeping the store cupboards fully stocked with all the cleaning products you need is all the more important these days, so make sure you do a stock take on a regular basis and replace items before you run out.

Our surface disinfectant offers protection against harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi to any hard surface. Find it in our online shop.

Govt Announces £2bn Green Homes Grant

Posted on by MAXAM INFO

The government has announced a new scheme that will allow homeowners to receive finance of up to £5,000 to make energy-saving improvements to their home.

As part of his ‘Mini Budget’, Chancellor Rishi Sunak revealed a £2 billion Green Homes Grant initiative that will cut the cost of energy bills for homeowners, as well as provide more than 100,000 jobs.

Business secretary Alok Sharma told BBC Breakfast: “What [the scheme] ultimately means is lower bills for households, hundreds of pounds off energy bills every year, it’s supporting jobs and is very good news for the environment.”

The initiative will see the government paying two-thirds of the cost of installing energy-saving measures in the home, including fitting floor, loft and cavity wall insulation or replacing windows with double-glazing.

Vouchers of up to £5,000 will be issued after suppliers have given a quote and the work has been approved.

The poorest households will be able to receive £10,000 for the energy-saving job, without having to contribute to the cost of the work themselves. As a result, they could save up to £600 a year on fuel bills.

In addition to this, the grant will support the economy, which has taken a huge hit as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, by creating lots of jobs.

Mr Sunak was quoted by Money Saving Expert as saying: “As Britain recovers from the outbreak, it’s vital we do everything in our power to support and protect livelihoods across the nation.”

He added: “Our Green Homes Grant will not only cut families’ bills by making their homes more energy efficient, it will also kick start our economy by creating thousands of green jobs – and supporting those skilled tradespeople who are ready to work.”

The grants will become available from September, with homeowners able to apply for the funding through an online application procedure. The government will also provide information on recommended energy-efficiency measures and details of local suppliers that are accredited.

Its Green Homes Grant will help the government work towards its zero-carbon goals, after it become the first major economy to commit itself to bringing all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.

Last June, it passed laws to end its contribution to global warming over the next 30 years by offsetting greenhouse gas emissions to achieve a balance of zero.

Mr Sunak announced a wider £3 billion investment into green initiatives earlier today (July 8th), which involves improving insulation in public buildings and retro-fitting low-carbon heating systems in social housing.

Schools and hospitals will benefit from the new energy-saving measures, while they will also help the UK meet its environmental target.

One way they could reduce their heating bills is by fitting solar reflective film on windows. As well as reducing glare and preventing furniture from fading, they deflect 80 per cent of the heat from the sun and reflect heat back into spaces during cold weather. Therefore, they are effective at keeping buildings cool during the summer and warm during the winter, creating a barrier with the weather conditions outside.

How To Plan Your Home Improvements

Posted on by MAXAM INFO

The lockdown has had everyone gazing at the same four walls for what feels like an eternity, so the chances are that you’ve got a mental list of home improvements you’d like to achieve to improve your home and living space.

Some people have the advantage of already possessing the necessary DIY skills, while the rest of us frantically searching for YouTube tutorials on how to renovate the kitchen counters. Either way, you’re far from alone in taking on DIY home improvement tasks.

Home improvement website Houzz surveyed 1,000 people that revealed 80 per cent of respondents have thought about making significant changes to their homes.

Whatever your skill level, while it might appear to be the perfect time to launch into a new project, it’s worth considering planing your DIY task, and if you have the budget for it.

 

Proper Planning

Whether you’re desiring a new kitchen, transform your garden, or paint a room, start by knowing just what you want to accomplish, and then develop a plan of action.

When planning, it’s good to be aware of what jobs you can handle, and which ones fall out of your skillset. It’s also best to figure out what jobs may be easier or better done during the summer months. For example, if you’re wishing to install a new bathroom, paint the exterior of the house, and landscape the garden, it’s easier to start with the garden while the weather is suitable.

It’s maybe an idea to hold off on larger interior jobs for a later date. The bathroom would make a much better winter project, and maybe a professional can paint the house faster and better than you can.

Any jobs that need wiring or plumbing are best left to professional plumbers and electricians, for your own safety, and that of others in your household.

 

Do Your Research

It’s exciting to plan out a remodelling project, but the difficulty can lie in working out just exactly how to get it done.

If you’re unfamiliar with the task at hand, make sure you watch as many videos on how to attempt it as you can. Watch videos from multiple reputable sources, such as on DIY retailers websites, or places like Apartment Therapy. YouTube has endless hours of DIY tutorials, but some of quite questionable quality.

Set Your Project Budget

Okay, so you know what you want, and you know how to get it done, but do the sums all add up, and can you afford it?

It’s essential to know exactly how much the cost of the project will be so you can figure out your budget and compare that to the expendable income you have. Always add 15 per cent more to the budget, as you never know what might happen, and then you’re covered for any accidents and extra materials.

Installing solar reflective glass film is a simple and straight forward job for any skill set, while also transforming the light that enters a room, so why not start with this easy task?

 

How To Ensure Your Home Is Secure

Posted on by MAXAM INFO

The coronavirus lockdown has had everyone spending much more time at home, but that doesn’t mean you can forget about maintaining your home safety and security.

During the summer months, it’s likely that windows are open, doors left ajar, and the garden is full of high-value items left out in the sun. While there are many high-tech security solutions and deterrents, sometimes a physical barrier is the best way to deter thieves.

 

1. Reinforce the front door

74 per cent of burglaries happen when the thief gains access through the front door, so this is the place to begin any home security improvements.

The lock is the best place to start, so ensure that it conforms to British Standards BS 3621, which certifies that it stands up to a minimum level of performance. It is also recognised by insurers, should the worst happen.

Other ways to deter potential burglars is to fit a spy hole to the front door, as well as attaching a latch chain for an extra level of security.

 

2. Safeguard windows

Windows are another favoured entry point for intruders. Always ensure windows are closed and locked when you’re not in the room, and for added protection, consider installing cable window restrictors. They can be installed into the window frame, allowing the window to open, but only partially, letting you get some fresh air without leaving you open to intruders.

Safety and security window film adds an extra layer of protection, preventing the glass from being broken, either by accident or through malicious means.

 

3. Invest in a home security system

Just the knowledge that a house has a home security system can be enough to make burglars think twice about breaking in. If you install one with a CCTV system, make sure the cameras are directed towards potential targets, such as cars, garages, and sheds, or to capture weak spots around your home.

Smart doorbells are an economical alternative to a full security system. They record video of your driveway and anyone who approaches the front door, as well as connecting to your smartphone, wherever you are.

 

4. Garden watch

Criminals like to ‘case the joint’ before they decide to strike. They will assess the easiest points of entry, as well as track the daily comings and goings of the house owners. An overgrown garden is the perfect place to camp out and watch your property.

Keep your garden tidy, and trim back any bushes or overgrown trees. Check from inside of your house which parts of your garden are not visible, where burglars could potentially hide.

 

5. Keep it locked up

Keep all your valuables, such as bicycles and garden tools locked away each night in the shed or garage. A standard bolt and hardened steel padlock are difficult to break into, but if you want extra protection, then a deadlock or a smart lock – which requires a corresponding fob or up to a 20-digit code to open – will offer greater peace of mind.

Visit our site today, if you want to know more about glass protection with safety and security window film.

 

Most Common DIY Mistakes Revealed

Posted on by MAXAM INFO

Homeowners and landlords might be tempted to conduct their own property maintenance at the moment, as lockdown has made it harder than usual to get professional help to repair faults.

However, not everyone is handy with tools and many people end up making costly mistakes when they attempt to fit solar reflective glass film or fix tiles on their roof.

Here are just some of the most common DIY mistakes many people end up making that you should try and avoid.

 

  • Hitting yourself with a hammer

Although this seems like a simple mistake to avoid, it is surprising how many people are guilty of slamming a hammer into their fingers, even experienced handymen and women.

DIY expert and TV presenter Max McMurdo told Ideal Home that this “still happens to me”, adding: “A top tip of mine for avoiding this is to practice on an old piece of wood until you perfect your swing, holding the hammer at the end of the handle away from the head.”

 

  • Gluing things together

Another mishap that clumsy DIY-ers are prone to is gluing things together, including their fingers. Superglue is incredibly strong and can be difficult – and even painful – to remove. Therefore, it is important people take proper precautions when using it, making sure to be precise when applying the glue and washing hands immediately afterwards.

The article advised: “DIY mistakes are easy to make but can lead to injuries. So always take care when performing home improvements.”

 

  • Wrong measurements

Something most of us can admit to doing is taking the wrong measurements. We might have cut everything down to size or ordered certain furniture to fit the space only to find the measurements are slightly off. When it comes to DIY, a few millimetres can make all the difference, so it is essential to be precise with measuring and double check the results you take down.

Bianca White, founder of the DIYher Workshop, told Best Life Online: “Measure your space or item twice so you can make sure your finished product will turn out perfect.”

 

  • Rushing the job

Homeowners might have grand plans for their DIY project, only to want to rush the job once they begin due to it being bigger, more time-consuming or complicated than they anticipated.

However, it is essential they do not rush their project, as this can lead to many mistakes in the long-run. A rushed job is likely to be imperfect at best, and need re-doing entirely at worst, so take care with every step, even if you lose motivation.

Leah Maria of Leah Maria Designs told the publication: “It can be hard to stay motivated when you think your project will take you a day and it turns into a week.”

She suggests having breaks when taking it slowly to avoid frustration, adding: “You can bet the end result will be that much better because it wasn’t rushed.”

 

  • Cost-cutting on materials

Just like you should not cut corners when it comes to how much time you devote to a project, you should also not scrimp on the cost of materials.

While the most expensive items do not always mean you get the best results, buying the cheapest products could mean you have a lot of maintenance repairs to do in the future.

Ms Maria said: “Having quality materials will make your life so much easier.”

What’s more, it could end up more cost-effective if you do not have to redo the project in the future.

 

Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Flush Wet Wipes

Posted on by MAXAM INFO

Being careful with what you send down the drains at home or at work is the best way of making sure that you don’t end up with blocked and clogged sewers, which can quickly become very problematic – potentially even resulting in backed-up sewage flooding into your property.

One of the worst culprits for causing blockages is wet wipes – even the ones that say they’re flushable on the packet – and you would be very wise indeed to make sure you never send these spiralling down the drain.

But it seems that there are many out there who aren’t aware of the difficulties that flushing these products can cause, not just for themselves but for their local community. After all, a blocked sewer will affect lots of people and water suppliers will have to divert funds that could be better spent elsewhere resolving the issue.

In fact, in 2017 trade organisation Water UK carried out the biggest-ever in-depth investigation of sewer blockages in the UK and found that flushed wipes are causing very real problems in our sewerage system.

It was found that wipes make up about 93 per cent of the material that causes blockages – important when you think that there are around 300,000 blockages annually, which costs the country £100 million to sort out. Instead, this money could be used to improve services or to reduce bills. 

And thousands of properties see sewer flooding as a result of blockages each year, leading to high cleanup bills and increased insurance costs. There’s also the environment to consider and sewer flooding can cause real damage in this regard, as well.

Just this week (June 2nd), Yorkshire Water had to issue a plea to local residents in Leeds to be careful with what they flush and send down the sink, after the city saw two big sewer blockages that needed to be resolved.

Key workers spent over three hours removing a fat blockage from Weetwood, while a large number of wet wipes had to be removed from a sewer in Headingley.

Similarly, over in Sheffield, key workers had to attend to an incident in the Gleadless area of the city, removing six bags of wet wipes from a single manhole. Once the blockage was sorted out, the sewer level returned to normal, reducing the risk of leaks.

It’s not just wet wipes and fat that you need to be mindful of when using toilets and sinks, however, and you would also be wise to make sure you don’t wash any coffee granules down the drain, as these can cause blockages, as well.

And if you’ve been doing DIY during lockdown, be mindful of how you dispose of any associated waste, as there has been an increase in building materials being sent down into the sewers (including concrete!) over the last few months… and these will cause blockages as well.

Do you need drain unblocker at the moment? See what we’ve got in stock.

Hackney Council Exploring How To Restart Housing Maintenance

Posted on by MAXAM INFO

With the government starting to ease the lockdown restrictions in England and prime minister Boris Johnson stating that those who can go back to work should do so if they are unable to work from home, many local authorities and councils are exploring how best to return to maintenance and housing repair work in the coming weeks.

The Hackney Citizen reported that Hackney Council is among them, with the council currently exploring the options for restarting maintenance and fire safety works on its housing stock after putting the majority on hold during lockdown.

Emergency repairs have continued to be completed throughout lockdown, but there is currently no non-emergency work being carried out on residential properties.

The Town Hall recently decided to extend its contracts for planned and responsive maintenance works to its housing stock. These will now run into 2021, the newspaper revealed. The contracts in question with Engie, Mulalley and Wates Group were due to expire on 31 August this year.

Head of property and asset management for the Town Hall Sinead Burke, explained that one of the reasons why the council requested the extension was because many of its planned projects had been “highly disrupted” by the lockdown.

This is because much maintenance work needs to be conducted in homes that people are currently living in, which she explained is “not considered appropriate at this time”.

Ms Burke also revealed that the lockdown had impacted the council’s procurement work, which means it is not currently able to source replacement contracts as staff have been diverted to work on planning for the coronavirus response.

In addition, the Town Hall postponed consultation notices that were due to be sent to leaseholders. This will mean that new projects will be delayed while council leaders work out how they can safely resume maintenance work across their property portfolio.

It’s not only councils and local authorities that have to work out how to restart maintenance work across property portfolios, but also those operating in the private sector.

To help businesses navigate the new regulations and restrictions, Propertymark has created guidance for its members that covers everything from how to conduct valuations and viewings for estate agents to how to safely carry out maintenance work on homes and obtain the necessary certification.

The organisation also shared a post explaining what businesses need to consider before they bring their staff back to work. Being able to maintain a distance of two metres between employees is essential, as well as ensuring everyone has access to handwashing facilities and hand sanitiser.

It also recommended carrying out a deep clean of any premises that have been unoccupied for a period of several weeks before bringing staff back in.

If you need heavy-duty cleaning products, get in touch with us at Maxam today to find out how we can help. We have heavy-duty cleaning wipes, multi-purpose surface disinfectant and hand sanitiser available. 

We also provide emergency window glass repair, in case your property has sustained any damage while it hasn’t been in use.