Battery selection is one of the most important decisions for ensuring optimal operation of floor care equipment—from scrubbers and burnishers to vacuums and floor sweepers. Installing the proper battery will increase your equipment's reliability, enable it to achieve optimal cycle times, and improve its lifetime value. Purchasing the most appropriate battery is based on the type of floor care equipment, how it will be used, and where it will be operated. The proper battery can have a positive impact on the bottom line. More than US$2,000 can be saved over the lifetime of the equipment by selecting a battery that will perform reliably and at a high level. The savings are based on the cost of purchasing four 6V AGM batteries, an on-site visit from a service technician, and the rental of a walk-behind scrubber. To minimize the risk of a dead battery, facility managers, building service contractors (BSCs), and facility services managers need to select the best battery electrolyte chemistry for their applications. To reap optimum return on investment (ROI), they also need to have confidence that the batteries will withstand the demanding environments in which they will operate, charge quickly and consistently, and come with a comprehensive warranty. Consider battery technologies Optimizing battery performance requires understanding the various technologies. There are three main categories of motive (used for movement or transportation) batteries typically used in floor care equipment, each with benefits for certain applications. Flooded lead acid (FLA): FLA batteries are rugged and provide reliable performance when properly maintained. Additionally, FLA batteries are often the most affordable option. Because FLA batteries are not sealed, they must be kept upright to avoid the spilling of electrolyte. During the charging process, FLA batteries consume water and release hydrogen gas, which must be properly vented. The water consumed during charging must be periodically replaced based on equipment usage. FLA batteries are typically selected when cost is the main priority. One caveat with FLA batteries is that operators must know how to maintain them. With proper maintenance and charging, FLA batteries can provide years of reliable service in floor care equipment. Valve-regulated lead acid (VRLA): High-precision VRLA batteries are available in absorbed glass mat (AGM) or gel cell types. Both have long cycle lives and are fully recyclable. Unlike FLA batteries, they are sealed so they can be mounted on their sides and require less ventilation. AGM batteries have strong resistance to shock and vibration. It is very important that AGM batteries are not severely overcharged, as this will cause the battery to rapidly dry out. VRLA batteries are well suited for cost-conscious applications where little or no maintenance can be performed. They are best for applications with extreme temperatures, such as cold storage or hot/cold climates. Sensitive applications, such as hospitals, food or metal manufacturing facilities, and soft floor settings, are typical environments where VRLA batteries are used. AGM batteries are best suited in applications where high discharge currents are needed. Gel batteries are more suited for longer, lower current cycles. Lithium-ion: Maintenance-free lithium-ion batteries offer the longest cycle life and best value proposition. Lithium-ion batteries are acid-free. They do not require water and users don’t have to worry about corrosion, acid drips, or charging fumes. Lithium batteries are fast charging and lightweight compared to other battery technologies. If floor care equipment will be kept more than five years, lithium-ion is the best choice for achieving optimum total cost of ownership (TCO). Lithium-ion is also preferred if the floor care equipment is used during multiple shifts, and when long run times and fast charging are required. If the floor care equipment has advanced operational features that drain its battery, lithium-ion is preferred. Achieve optimal ROI Selecting the proper battery technology is only one step in the evaluation process. You must also consider cycle life, extreme deep cycling capacity, and reliability. Deep cycle batteries used in floor cleaning machines are often heavily cycled at partial state-of-charge (PSoC). Regularly operating at PSoC can quickly diminish the overall life of a battery, which results in frequent and costly battery replacements. Certain batteries, such as the one shown in figure 1, feature a specialized carbon-based formula and advanced technologies that address PSoC. Such batteries provide up to 15% improved cycle time when the batteries operate in PSoC, enhancing overall battery life in applications where the batteries are undercharged on a regular basis. Batteries that have undergone extensive testing and meet industry standards related to vibration and shock will prove to be highly reliable. A battery with a long warranty creates confidence that the battery choice will maintain performance benchmarks for the life of the floor care equipment. It’s also important to consider the manufacturer when conducting battery evaluation. A supplier with a portfolio that has multiple battery technologies will provide unbiased insight as to the best choice for the particular use.
Sustainability has become an urgent priority across industries. Companies worldwide are establishing bold commitments to lower greenhouse gas emissions and operate more sustainably. In line with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, leading equipment manufacturers and their partnering fleet operators aim to make considerable contributions to a more sustainable planet. For the floor care industry, driving these ambitions starts at the source—with better battery and charger solutions. The rise of electrification Recently, floor cleaning and maintenance industries have seen a significant shift toward electrification. Grand View Research cites electrified machines as a key driving force behind the global floor cleaning equipment market’s compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% since 2019. And with modern advances in artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous mobile robotics, and cloud-based fleet management systems, the importance of electrification is anticipated to grow. The transition is not about replacing one power source with another; it’s about rethinking the entire approach to how cleaning equipment is powered and managed. For many forward-thinking manufacturers and cleaning industry professionals, electrification on its own is nothing new. The transition toward sustainability doesn’t end with adopting an electrified fleet. The real challenge lies in optimizing the efficiency and longevity of these electric machines. Central to this optimization is the management and maintenance of batteries and chargers. Together, these components play a crucial role in the overall environmental impact of cleaning operations. Equipment manufacturers, fleet managers, and operators can take three foundational steps to ensure their electric machines drive sustainability from the ground (or, in this case, the floor) up. 1. Maintain batteries for efficiency Battery condition is an easily overlooked aspect of sustainable operations. Batteries in poor condition reduce the efficiency of cleaning equipment, waste energy as excess heat during use, and result in lost energy while charging. These inefficiencies can quickly compound, leading to increased electricity consumption and a higher indirect carbon footprint. The key to breaking this downward spiral is to ensure regular battery checkups and maintenance. Consider implementing the following best practices: Clean the battery and cable components to remove any debris that could lead to charging resistance and heat buildup. Store unused batteries at room temperature, avoiding extreme heat or cold. Keep lead-acid batteries charged and check their water level frequently, adding water as needed. Use a battery management system with a low current draw for lithium batteries that are not in use. 2. Choose a reliable charger Many modern battery chargers offer complex switch-mode, high-frequency designs, making them difficult to repair and more likely to end up as electronic waste. Not only is the rise in e-waste a burden on disposal systems it also represents a wasteful expenditure of the energy and resources invested in manufacturing these products. To mitigate this issue, choose long-life chargers that can be repaired rather than replaced. Consider floor-cleaning equipment with modular components, including a charger designed for simplicity and ease of repair. Doing so delivers better operational flexibility while simultaneously meeting sustainability goals. 3. Ensure battery-charger compatibility In addition to choosing a quality charger, verify its compatibility with your goals of maximizing reliability and efficiency in floor cleaning equipment. Ask your battery and charging solution partners the following questions: What is the battery’s chemistry type, and is the charger specifically designed to support it? Different chemistries (e.g., lead-acid, lithium-ion) require different charging profiles for their best performance. Does the charger support the battery’s voltage and capacity requirements? Ensuring the charger adequately matches the battery in these areas is essential to avoid over- or under-charging. Are there any regulatory or compliance standards that the battery and charger need to meet? For example, verifying that chargers have low standby draw (consuming minimal energy when not in use) contributes toward compliance with California Energy Commission (CEC) standards for energy efficiency. Indirect impact on carbon footprint While batteries and chargers do not directly emit carbon, they do play a role in the overall electricity consumption of floor-cleaning operations. Electrified machinery falls under Scope 2 and Scope 3 indirect carbon emissions, as defined by entities such as the World Economic Forum and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The energy required to power cleaning equipment batteries falls under Scope 2 emissions. By enhancing battery and charger efficiency, companies can diminish electricity demand, effectively reducing these indirect emissions. The production and disposal of batteries and chargers contribute to Scope 3 emissions. Prolonging the lifespan of these components with proper maintenance and by prioritizing durability and repairability in product selection can help mitigate environmental impact. Smart choices in battery and charger technologies can substantially reduce the indirect carbon footprint of these operations. Through strategic improvements in efficiency and longevity, businesses can ensure their cleaning operations are as sustainable as possible. Future of eco-friendly floor cleaning The path to sustainability in floor cleaning equipment is not just about switching to electric models, but also about powering and maintaining these models. Businesses can make significant strides in their sustainability efforts by focusing on battery maintenance, choosing reliable and efficient chargers, and understanding the indirect impact these components have on their carbon footprint. By laying the foundation of reliable battery and charging solutions, cleaning operations can build on their goals for better performance, reduced operating costs, and improved longevity in their equipment. As the world continues to move toward a greener, more sustainable future, the role of advanced battery and charging solutions in the cleaning and maintenance industry will continue to lead the charge.
ISSA Scholars, a signature ISSA Charities program–the charitable arm of ISSA, named the recipients of the ISSA Scholars 2024-2025 Scholarship Awards. The generous contributions of several individuals and ISSA member companies provided 42 scholarships to new and continuing college students totaling US$144,500 in financial aid. “We had another exciting year with a competitive applicant pool, and are so excited to celebrate these amazing graduates,” said Sandy Wolfrum, ISSA Charities Director of Development. “Thank you so much to each of our donors and member companies who helped make these scholarships possible. Without your support, we could not introduce our vast industry to the next generation of professionals.” ISSA Scholars provides financial aid to help students achieve their dreams of higher education. Since 1988, the organization has awarded nearly $4 million in financial aid to more than 1,000 ISSA member company employees and their immediate family members. Scholarships relieve the burden of tuition for college and university students and introduce new professionals to career opportunities in the cleaning industry. Students entering or continuing studies at fully accredited four-year colleges and universities are eligible to apply for annual scholarships. An independent committee selects scholarship winners based on merit, individual accomplishments, and evidence of leadership. The full list of 2024-2025 Scholarships and recipients is available here: www.issacharities.org/scholarship-recipients/ Learn more about ISSA Scholars at www.issacharities.org/issa-scholars.
On July 24, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed to add five chemicals as high-priority substances for risk evaluation under the nation’s chemical safety law, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). If the EPA finalizes these designations as proposed, the agency will immediately move forward with the risk evaluation process. The five chemical substances EPA is proposing to designate as high-priority substances are: Vinyl Chloride—This human carcinogen is used primarily in the manufacturing and processing of plastic materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plastic resins, and other chemicals. This chemical was also involved in the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, last year. Acetaldehyde—The probable human carcinogen is used primarily in the manufacturing and processing of adhesives, petrochemicals, plastic, and other chemicals, as well as intermediates for products such as packaging and construction materials. Acrylonitrile—This probable human carcinogen is used primarily in the manufacturing and processing of plastic materials, paints, petrochemicals, and other chemicals. Benzenamine—The probable human carcinogen is used in the manufacturing and processing of dyes and pigments, petrochemicals, plastics, resins, and other chemicals. 4,4’-methylene bis(2-chloroaniline) (MBOCA)—This probable human carcinogen is used in the manufacturing and processing of rubbers, plastics, resins, and other chemicals. “The Biden-Harris Administration continues to make significant progress in protecting workers and communities from exposure to harmful chemicals as we implement the 2016 TSCA amendments that strengthened EPA’s authority on chemical safety,” said Michal Freedhoff, Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention assistant administrator. “Studying the safety of these harmful chemicals—all five of which have been linked to cancer and are used to make plastic—would help lead to critical public health and environmental protections in communities across the country and would ensure that the public has access to more data on these chemicals sooner.” All five chemicals were selected from the 2014 TSCA Work Plan, which is a list of chemicals identified by EPA for further assessment based on their hazards and potential for exposure. In proposing these five chemical substances as high-priority substances for risk evaluation, EPA considered the chemicals’ use and production volume, impacts to exposed or susceptible subpopulations—including children and workers—and the chemicals’ potential hazards and exposures. Prioritization is the first step under EPA’s authority to regulate existing chemicals currently on the market and in use. EPA began the process of prioritizing these five chemicals in December 2023 and also announced that it expects to initiate prioritization on five chemicals every year, which will create a sustainable and effective pace for risk evaluations. EPA will accept public comments on the proposed designations for 90 days. For more information, click here.
The hottest day ever recorded globally occurred on Monday, July 22, according to preliminary data from the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. This followed the previous hottest day ever recorded, which was the day before. Experts believe July 23 and 24 of this week might surpass Sunday and Monday's record-breaking temperatures, Rueter reported. Last year, four consecutive days in a row broke the record—from July 3 to July 6, Rueters reported. In the United States, July 21 also marked the fifth person to have died this month in state and national parks due to heat. The latest death occurred on Sunday in Utah, which marked another day of triple-degree temperatures in the West. The National Weather Service also has issued a heat warning for this week as triple-digit temperatures are expected across multiple western states. More than two weeks after Beryl hit the U.S., heat-related deaths during the prolonged power outages have caused the number of storm-related fatalities to increase to nearly two dozen in Texas, the Associated Press reported. The hurricane knocked out electricity to nearly 3 million buildings, and hospitals reported a spike in heat-related illnesses in the area. Additionally, as of July 13, 322 suspected heat-related deaths were tracked this year so far in Arizona’s Maricopa County, home to Phoenix and the fourth most-populated county in the U.S., according to its heat report dashboard. Almost 100 of those suspected heat deaths are attributed from July 7 to 13, when temperatures hit 118 degrees, NBC News reported. Nationwide, at least 73 heat-related deaths have occurred this year so far. Sequentially, last month was the hottest June on record, which continued a 13-month streak of the hottest months reported. This puts 2024 on track to become the world’s hottest year reported, according to the EU monitoring service.
Arizona public health officials have seen an increase in hantavirus cases—a virus spread by rodents to humans—from the beginning of the year to July 1. Seven human cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) have been confirmed, resulting in three deaths in Arizona. HPS is a severe and sometimes fatal respiratory illness caused by the infection with hantaviruses. Hantavirus is spread primarily from the deer mouse to people through airborne transmission from viral droplets spread through handling or stirring up materials contaminated with rodent urine, saliva, and feces. Hantavirus is not spread person-to-person. Symptoms of the illness can range from fever, headache, and muscle aches to severe difficulty in breathing and, in some cases, death. In the past 15 months, three hantavirus cases have been reported in Arizona’s Coconino County alone— resulting in two deaths. Previously, Coconino County, which is home to Grand Canyon National Park and Sedona, Arizona, last reported a hantavirus case in 2016. HPS is not limited to one geographic location though and can be present in many areas in the West. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tracked 850 cases of hantavirus disease in western states from 1993 to 2021.