Check out TURI's recently completed tip sheet for 12 Do-It-Yourself Cleaning recipes, complete with test results.
End User Testing
1 company, 1 trial – metal working company
Site visits – 2; Metal sign manufacturer, Gear Manufacturer
Re engaged with Gear Mfr to work on cold solvent regulations and how to switch them to aqueous.
Small Contract Work
Ongoing or Completed
2 chemical manufacturers – 9 trials, 2 cleaning equipment companies – 3 trials
• Completed testing for sustainable solvent testing. Evaluated all purpose and graffiti removal capabilities.
• Completed testing for household cleaning product line and product labeling and MSDS reviews.
• Completed hard floor cleaning equipment project.
• Received equipment for steam vapor cleaning. Will evaluate range of applications for cleaning and disinfecting.
• Established testing methodology to compare dry mop and vacuum cleaning
In the Works
• Working on proposal for reviewing cleaning methods of a maid service
• Scheduling visit for company to discuss hard floor cleaning testing for their equipment – possibly 10-19-10.
• Second round of aerosol testing – engine cleaners
• Outdoor all purpose testing
• All purpose, household grease, oil and grease cleaner, road salt
Database Web Tool
DIY conversations with IEHA may influence development of new end user interface for CleanerSolutions site.
Disinfection Testing
Heidi, Tim and Katie have had some training in the Clinical Lab Science facility on basic microbiology techniques. Dr. Goodyear and Jason have discussed the testing proposal and will be working on the specifics. Karen will be working on a write up for the SHE newsletter with input from Nancy and Jason.
Do-it-Yourself Cleaning Recipes
The Lab met with IEHA members and Liz Goldsmith to discuss revamping the DIY pages on the TURI.org site. They are putting together a scope of services for the end of October.
Student testing of recipes picking back up.
Formulations
Completed testing for sustainable solvents.
Review of household product line formulations.
Hands-on workshop
Working on IEHA-TURI High Performance Cleaning Product training webinar that will be held after ISSA show in November.
Met with Karen to discuss hosting a Massachusetts vendor open house at the TURI Lab. May have end users (such as maid services) attend to see what is available from local vendors.
Discussion with EPA about services for Connecticut companies.
Mobile Lab
May have connection with IEHA and field testing integration with lab performance testing.
Outreach
• Presented at WPI for Air Quality Management class in chemical engineering department.
• Article in Journal of Cleaner Production completed editing.
• Chapter in Handbook for Critical Cleaning in final stages of editing/proofing
• Met with Karen to develop updated lab brochure
• Conference call with IEHA, University of Washington to discus field testing partnership and HPCP testing – possible visit to UWashington in January
• Scheduled to participate at NESF conference in November
• Scheduled to participate at ISSA and IEHA conferences in November
• Heidi went to Green Jobs fair in Marlborough Oct 1st
• Heidi and Tim speaking at a meeting in Attleboro for Linda Darveau on the 21st
• Heidi speaking at coatings meeting with OTA on the 28th
State-of-the-Art Facility
Chemical storage cabinets received and old cabinets removed.
Lab reorganized for better flow and tracking of ongoing projects.
TURI Projects
• Providing services TURI Community grant recipients focused on green cleaning.
• Reviewed Industry Research proposals. Input for several related to Lab. Attended one kick off meeting. Have touched base with database project to revisit this proposal.
• Industry matching grants program - sign mfr
• Continuing Education conference session
• Helping with TCE implementation plan
1 company, 1 trial – metal working company
Site visits – 2; Metal sign manufacturer, Gear Manufacturer
Re engaged with Gear Mfr to work on cold solvent regulations and how to switch them to aqueous.
Small Contract Work
Ongoing or Completed
2 chemical manufacturers – 9 trials, 2 cleaning equipment companies – 3 trials
• Completed testing for sustainable solvent testing. Evaluated all purpose and graffiti removal capabilities.
• Completed testing for household cleaning product line and product labeling and MSDS reviews.
• Completed hard floor cleaning equipment project.
• Received equipment for steam vapor cleaning. Will evaluate range of applications for cleaning and disinfecting.
• Established testing methodology to compare dry mop and vacuum cleaning
In the Works
• Working on proposal for reviewing cleaning methods of a maid service
• Scheduling visit for company to discuss hard floor cleaning testing for their equipment – possibly 10-19-10.
• Second round of aerosol testing – engine cleaners
• Outdoor all purpose testing
• All purpose, household grease, oil and grease cleaner, road salt
Database Web Tool
DIY conversations with IEHA may influence development of new end user interface for CleanerSolutions site.
Disinfection Testing
Heidi, Tim and Katie have had some training in the Clinical Lab Science facility on basic microbiology techniques. Dr. Goodyear and Jason have discussed the testing proposal and will be working on the specifics. Karen will be working on a write up for the SHE newsletter with input from Nancy and Jason.
Do-it-Yourself Cleaning Recipes
The Lab met with IEHA members and Liz Goldsmith to discuss revamping the DIY pages on the TURI.org site. They are putting together a scope of services for the end of October.
Student testing of recipes picking back up.
Formulations
Completed testing for sustainable solvents.
Review of household product line formulations.
Hands-on workshop
Working on IEHA-TURI High Performance Cleaning Product training webinar that will be held after ISSA show in November.
Met with Karen to discuss hosting a Massachusetts vendor open house at the TURI Lab. May have end users (such as maid services) attend to see what is available from local vendors.
Discussion with EPA about services for Connecticut companies.
Mobile Lab
May have connection with IEHA and field testing integration with lab performance testing.
Outreach
• Presented at WPI for Air Quality Management class in chemical engineering department.
• Article in Journal of Cleaner Production completed editing.
• Chapter in Handbook for Critical Cleaning in final stages of editing/proofing
• Met with Karen to develop updated lab brochure
• Conference call with IEHA, University of Washington to discus field testing partnership and HPCP testing – possible visit to UWashington in January
• Scheduled to participate at NESF conference in November
• Scheduled to participate at ISSA and IEHA conferences in November
• Heidi went to Green Jobs fair in Marlborough Oct 1st
• Heidi and Tim speaking at a meeting in Attleboro for Linda Darveau on the 21st
• Heidi speaking at coatings meeting with OTA on the 28th
State-of-the-Art Facility
Chemical storage cabinets received and old cabinets removed.
Lab reorganized for better flow and tracking of ongoing projects.
TURI Projects
• Providing services TURI Community grant recipients focused on green cleaning.
• Reviewed Industry Research proposals. Input for several related to Lab. Attended one kick off meeting. Have touched base with database project to revisit this proposal.
• Industry matching grants program - sign mfr
• Continuing Education conference session
• Helping with TCE implementation plan
IEHA and UMass Lowell TURI Lab Announce Color and Gloss Measurement Technology as Part of the HPCP Testing Program
by
Dr. Jason Marshall,
in
The International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA) and the University of Massachusetts Lowell TURI lab have announced that performance analysis during the IEHA/TURI High Performance Cleaning Product (HPCP) testing program will be enhanced through use of the BYK-Gardner Spectro-Guide to measure the color and gloss of surfaces before and after cleaning.
Read more
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Proposed Projects of the TURI Lab for FY 2011
Project Detail: End User Testing
Brief Description: Continue to provide testing services to end users in MA. Establish methodology for providing consistent services to New England
GOALS or OBJECTIVES
Goal 1 Provide testing services to end users 10 end users
Goal 2 Improve on-site assistance program
Goal 3 Create Green Facility Cleaning – fact sheet
Project Detail: Small Contract Work
Brief Description: Conduct R&D testing for new products or other cleaning related applications.
GOALS or OBJECTIVES
Goal 1 Provide testing services to 10 vendors
Goal 2 Identify industry trade group for non-janitorial products
Goal 3 Identify and contact other MA based manufacturers of cleaning products for testing services/database listing
Project Detail: Database Web Tool
Brief Description: Continue to expand database features. Use the search log to focus student testing. P2OASys population and on-line version
GOALS or OBJECTIVES
Goal 1 Create and pilot Janitorial/household interface
Goal 2 Populate products in CleanerSolutions with P2OASys data
Project Detail: Disinfection Testing
Brief Description: Establish testing program for “safer” disinfection chemicals and practices
GOALS or OBJECTIVES
Goal 1 Work with SHE Clinical Science lab to pilot "green" disinfection testing
Goal 2 Create fee-for-service infrastructure
Project Detail: Do-it-Yourself Cleaning Recipes
Brief Description: Focus on providing test results in household user friendly format. Test most common recipes.
GOALS or OBJECTIVES
Goal 1 Complete existing formulation testing
Goal 2 updating layout of DIY turi.org pages
Goal 3 DIY Cleaners demonstration - hands-on workshop demo
Project Detail: Formulations
Brief Description: Investigate possible new solvents for cleaning applications - aerosol substitutes, green/sustainable solvents, green vapor degreaser
GOALS or OBJECTIVES
Goal 1 Generate a list of ingredients for possible formulations
Goal 2 Formulate basic "green" products and test performance
Project Detail: Hands-on workshop
Brief Description: Target janitorial service providers for on-site workshop. Duplicate RI workshop and assistance with other states regarding TCE – partner with EPA
GOALS or OBJECTIVES
Goal 1 Target janitorial service providers - DIY recipes
Goal 2 Hold an open house for MA cleaning product manufacturers
Goal 3 Hold off-site workshop and provide assistance to companies out of state (Connecticut)
Project Detail: Mobile Lab
Brief Description: Determine ways to acquire and outfit mobile surface cleaning lab.
GOALS or OBJECTIVES
Goal 1 Identify alternative sources of financial support
Goal 2 Expand capabilities to include outreach and training
Project Detail: Outreach
Brief Description: Promoting services and success of laboratory.
GOALS or OBJECTIVES
Goal 1 Create case study on Green Facility cleaning
Goal 2 Create case study for high hazard replacement project
Goal 3 Attend and present on testing program with IEHA at ISSA
Project Detail: State-of-the-Art Facility
Brief Description: To ensure the lab is still providing relevant testing expertise.
GOALS or OBJECTIVES
Goal 1 Verify current vendor information
Goal 2 Identify and acquire new cleaning product/equipment
Goal 3 Replace, upgrade and expand coupon inventory
Project Detail: End User Testing
Brief Description: Continue to provide testing services to end users in MA. Establish methodology for providing consistent services to New England
GOALS or OBJECTIVES
Goal 1 Provide testing services to end users 10 end users
Goal 2 Improve on-site assistance program
Goal 3 Create Green Facility Cleaning – fact sheet
Project Detail: Small Contract Work
Brief Description: Conduct R&D testing for new products or other cleaning related applications.
GOALS or OBJECTIVES
Goal 1 Provide testing services to 10 vendors
Goal 2 Identify industry trade group for non-janitorial products
Goal 3 Identify and contact other MA based manufacturers of cleaning products for testing services/database listing
Project Detail: Database Web Tool
Brief Description: Continue to expand database features. Use the search log to focus student testing. P2OASys population and on-line version
GOALS or OBJECTIVES
Goal 1 Create and pilot Janitorial/household interface
Goal 2 Populate products in CleanerSolutions with P2OASys data
Project Detail: Disinfection Testing
Brief Description: Establish testing program for “safer” disinfection chemicals and practices
GOALS or OBJECTIVES
Goal 1 Work with SHE Clinical Science lab to pilot "green" disinfection testing
Goal 2 Create fee-for-service infrastructure
Project Detail: Do-it-Yourself Cleaning Recipes
Brief Description: Focus on providing test results in household user friendly format. Test most common recipes.
GOALS or OBJECTIVES
Goal 1 Complete existing formulation testing
Goal 2 updating layout of DIY turi.org pages
Goal 3 DIY Cleaners demonstration - hands-on workshop demo
Project Detail: Formulations
Brief Description: Investigate possible new solvents for cleaning applications - aerosol substitutes, green/sustainable solvents, green vapor degreaser
GOALS or OBJECTIVES
Goal 1 Generate a list of ingredients for possible formulations
Goal 2 Formulate basic "green" products and test performance
Project Detail: Hands-on workshop
Brief Description: Target janitorial service providers for on-site workshop. Duplicate RI workshop and assistance with other states regarding TCE – partner with EPA
GOALS or OBJECTIVES
Goal 1 Target janitorial service providers - DIY recipes
Goal 2 Hold an open house for MA cleaning product manufacturers
Goal 3 Hold off-site workshop and provide assistance to companies out of state (Connecticut)
Project Detail: Mobile Lab
Brief Description: Determine ways to acquire and outfit mobile surface cleaning lab.
GOALS or OBJECTIVES
Goal 1 Identify alternative sources of financial support
Goal 2 Expand capabilities to include outreach and training
Project Detail: Outreach
Brief Description: Promoting services and success of laboratory.
GOALS or OBJECTIVES
Goal 1 Create case study on Green Facility cleaning
Goal 2 Create case study for high hazard replacement project
Goal 3 Attend and present on testing program with IEHA at ISSA
Project Detail: State-of-the-Art Facility
Brief Description: To ensure the lab is still providing relevant testing expertise.
GOALS or OBJECTIVES
Goal 1 Verify current vendor information
Goal 2 Identify and acquire new cleaning product/equipment
Goal 3 Replace, upgrade and expand coupon inventory
Project Summaries completed from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010
Project
End User Testing
Brief Description
Conduct process specific testing for both industrial and janitorial testing as requested by companies
Summary
Four end user cleaning projects took place with seventeen cleaning trials. Multiple site visits were made to assist in the implementation of lab recommendations.
Project
Small Contract Work
Brief Description
Conduct R&D testing for new products or other cleaning related applications.
Summary
Ten testing contracts were conducted with 56 trials run. Most projects focused on green certification testing. Two formulation projects were run and one equipment evaluation was started at the end of the fiscal year.
Project
Database Web Tool
Brief Description
Continue to expand database features. Use the search log to focus student testing. P2OASys population and on-line version
Summary
Minimal updates were conducted for the web database. No new features were added during the year. There were more than 29,000 searches conducted during the past year. Additional health and safety data was gathered for a handful of products as part of a pilot project with the P2OASys tool.
Project
Do-it-Yourself Cleaning Recipes
Brief Description
Continue to evaluate performance of DIY cleaning recipes. Investigate possible lab created formulations based on health, safety and performance
Summary
Work study student conducted some testing of the formulations listed on the TURI DIY website pages. Data has not been entered into testing base or posted on website.
Project
Hands-on workshop
Brief Description
Incorporate lab workshop into possible course for UML WED or continuing education
Summary
Some of the lab's testing methodologies and EHS screening were introduced to the TUR course offered at UML. In addition the same topics were preseneted during the professional TUR course offered by TURI.
Project
Outreach
Brief Description
Promoting services and success of laboratory.
Summary
Several outreach venues were undertaken. A chapter in Handbook for Critical Cleaning was completed (available January 28, 2011), a submission was accepted in the Journal of Cleaner Production focusing on the implementation efforts of the lab in RI. Monthly posting to blog and daily microblogging via Twitter. A Facebook page was started for the lab. Several press releases in partnership with IEHA. Participated in the 20th TURA events during the year.
Project
State-of-the-Art Facility
Brief Description
To ensure the lab is still providing relevant testing expertise.
Summary
We were able to add Gloss/Color meter from BYK; Dino Lite digital microscope; Hygiena System Sure Plus for ATP measurement
Project
End User Testing
Brief Description
Conduct process specific testing for both industrial and janitorial testing as requested by companies
Summary
Four end user cleaning projects took place with seventeen cleaning trials. Multiple site visits were made to assist in the implementation of lab recommendations.
Project
Small Contract Work
Brief Description
Conduct R&D testing for new products or other cleaning related applications.
Summary
Ten testing contracts were conducted with 56 trials run. Most projects focused on green certification testing. Two formulation projects were run and one equipment evaluation was started at the end of the fiscal year.
Project
Database Web Tool
Brief Description
Continue to expand database features. Use the search log to focus student testing. P2OASys population and on-line version
Summary
Minimal updates were conducted for the web database. No new features were added during the year. There were more than 29,000 searches conducted during the past year. Additional health and safety data was gathered for a handful of products as part of a pilot project with the P2OASys tool.
Project
Do-it-Yourself Cleaning Recipes
Brief Description
Continue to evaluate performance of DIY cleaning recipes. Investigate possible lab created formulations based on health, safety and performance
Summary
Work study student conducted some testing of the formulations listed on the TURI DIY website pages. Data has not been entered into testing base or posted on website.
Project
Hands-on workshop
Brief Description
Incorporate lab workshop into possible course for UML WED or continuing education
Summary
Some of the lab's testing methodologies and EHS screening were introduced to the TUR course offered at UML. In addition the same topics were preseneted during the professional TUR course offered by TURI.
Project
Outreach
Brief Description
Promoting services and success of laboratory.
Summary
Several outreach venues were undertaken. A chapter in Handbook for Critical Cleaning was completed (available January 28, 2011), a submission was accepted in the Journal of Cleaner Production focusing on the implementation efforts of the lab in RI. Monthly posting to blog and daily microblogging via Twitter. A Facebook page was started for the lab. Several press releases in partnership with IEHA. Participated in the 20th TURA events during the year.
Project
State-of-the-Art Facility
Brief Description
To ensure the lab is still providing relevant testing expertise.
Summary
We were able to add Gloss/Color meter from BYK; Dino Lite digital microscope; Hygiena System Sure Plus for ATP measurement
Green Cleaning Testing
Site Visits
Toluene replacement – waiting to get paint prep cleaner from vendor. Also sent them info on acetone replacement solvent and they ordered a sample. Waiting on adhesion testing results on new solvent.
Tool & Die –In contact with vendor and company - Have new solvent to try, an acetone replacement product.
Bank – Sent some lists of products they use in their facility. Said they have all MSDS’s. They are going to schedule a meeting with vendors. Will give support and guidance when needed.
New & Ongoing End User Testing Projects
Wax removal from glass –First round of testing done. nPB worked for them. Will also be looking at a few other solvents, dibasic esters and new acetone replacement solvent.
Plating company– They are working with DEP to find a solvent that is ok for cold solvent regs. Lab is working on this also and looking at the EH&S profile of the alternatives. They are sending parts for us to clean here with now acetone replacement solvent.
Café – Wants to use green cleaners in store. Sent list of products they use. Will work on finding suitable replacements and connect with some vendors.
Cable company – pulled list of cleaners to try on two projects. Testing has started. They want to clean cable and a faster clean for PVC
Vendor Product Testing
The lab has been working with manufacturers of janitorial/household cleaners. Testing has been conducted to help these products get Green Seal and/or EPA DfE certification/recognition. Areas of testing included this month: all purpose, bathroom, glass, manual/automatic dishwashing.
One project for dishwashing (manual and automatic) that is wrapping up.
Testing microfiber/squeegee cleaning process using ATP measurements – compared paper towel of various quality
Formulation project - Alternative solvent testing for all purpose cleaning (Dipropylene glycol methyl ether) and graffiti removal (Dibasic esters) – have UML approval of NDA – waiting on materials to be sent
Formulation project – replacing surfactant in existing formulation in order to pass Green Seal EHS. Test resulting formulation for performance – completed formulations and started baseline testing
Overall, the lab has worked with 13 companies since July 2009 and conducted 60 trials.
Disinfection Testing Partnership within UML SHE
The partnership will start out by looking at how to compare the ATP measurement with traditional analytical methods for biological evaluations.
Student capstone project completed
Lab has done some ATP testing
Will check in with SHE Lab about testing fees and structures
Piloting products – Vital Oxide, Activeion, Steam Cleaner
Working on pricing for initial project
Partnering with IEHA
Laying ground work for future disinfection projects
Outreach
IEHA-TURI partnership revisions and improvements
Chapter in Handbook for Critical Cleaning 2nd edition coming out in some time this year. Chapter focuses on the lab’s technical assistance program. Only one complimentary copy
CE Conference – Edited and sent answers to questions out of CE conference to participants. Many happy to hear from us and have follow up.
Carpet cleaning video with IEHA - editing should be done in June
Attended EASTEC conference
Attended NEFA sponsored wet cleaning seminar and class on May 15th in Rochester NH. Great technical class on fibers and fabrics with hands on work after.
Site Visits
Toluene replacement – waiting to get paint prep cleaner from vendor. Also sent them info on acetone replacement solvent and they ordered a sample. Waiting on adhesion testing results on new solvent.
Tool & Die –In contact with vendor and company - Have new solvent to try, an acetone replacement product.
Bank – Sent some lists of products they use in their facility. Said they have all MSDS’s. They are going to schedule a meeting with vendors. Will give support and guidance when needed.
New & Ongoing End User Testing Projects
Wax removal from glass –First round of testing done. nPB worked for them. Will also be looking at a few other solvents, dibasic esters and new acetone replacement solvent.
Plating company– They are working with DEP to find a solvent that is ok for cold solvent regs. Lab is working on this also and looking at the EH&S profile of the alternatives. They are sending parts for us to clean here with now acetone replacement solvent.
Café – Wants to use green cleaners in store. Sent list of products they use. Will work on finding suitable replacements and connect with some vendors.
Cable company – pulled list of cleaners to try on two projects. Testing has started. They want to clean cable and a faster clean for PVC
Vendor Product Testing
The lab has been working with manufacturers of janitorial/household cleaners. Testing has been conducted to help these products get Green Seal and/or EPA DfE certification/recognition. Areas of testing included this month: all purpose, bathroom, glass, manual/automatic dishwashing.
One project for dishwashing (manual and automatic) that is wrapping up.
Testing microfiber/squeegee cleaning process using ATP measurements – compared paper towel of various quality
Formulation project - Alternative solvent testing for all purpose cleaning (Dipropylene glycol methyl ether) and graffiti removal (Dibasic esters) – have UML approval of NDA – waiting on materials to be sent
Formulation project – replacing surfactant in existing formulation in order to pass Green Seal EHS. Test resulting formulation for performance – completed formulations and started baseline testing
Overall, the lab has worked with 13 companies since July 2009 and conducted 60 trials.
Disinfection Testing Partnership within UML SHE
The partnership will start out by looking at how to compare the ATP measurement with traditional analytical methods for biological evaluations.
Student capstone project completed
Lab has done some ATP testing
Will check in with SHE Lab about testing fees and structures
Piloting products – Vital Oxide, Activeion, Steam Cleaner
Working on pricing for initial project
Partnering with IEHA
Laying ground work for future disinfection projects
Outreach
IEHA-TURI partnership revisions and improvements
Chapter in Handbook for Critical Cleaning 2nd edition coming out in some time this year. Chapter focuses on the lab’s technical assistance program. Only one complimentary copy
CE Conference – Edited and sent answers to questions out of CE conference to participants. Many happy to hear from us and have follow up.
Carpet cleaning video with IEHA - editing should be done in June
Attended EASTEC conference
Attended NEFA sponsored wet cleaning seminar and class on May 15th in Rochester NH. Great technical class on fibers and fabrics with hands on work after.
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