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PHS Besafe stays Bright, not Out of Sight!

55233 — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:14:08 GMT

A tough, working environment can leave its mark on specialist workwear. It is crucial that an effective laundry process be used to ensure contaminants that could affect the performance of garments be removed, without detriment to the fabric of the clothing itself. Continual conventional laundering of garments can be ineffective on heavy soiling, leading to clothing looking dull, faded and lack-lustre. In addition, reflective tapes and specialist fabric finishes can be damaged, reducing the level of protection and safety. Many employers will therefore resort to discarding garments and replacing with new in an effort to protect their staff. This is damaging to both the environment and the pocket!

However, PHS Besafe has provided a solution. Experts in the provision of specialist, technical workwear and workwear laundry services, PHS Besafe has launched Premier Arc, a dedicated laundry service exclusively designed to remove the heaviest of soiling whilst maintaining the effectiveness of the Arc:Gear range. This ensures the life of the clothing is extended, dramatically reducing the workwear replacement cycle.

The Premier Arc laundry process encompasses a 12 point procedure, each part designed to ensure garments are cleaned, repaired and replaced with the maximum of care and the minimum of disruption. In terms of the wash method, all products are presented for the PHS Besafe unique wash process utilising the Aqueous wash cycle at 40 degrees. This wash process is designed to remove as much contaminant as possible whilst protecting the fabrics and components of the garment. Once the garment has been laundered, a visual inspection is carried out to ensure contaminant removal has taken place. If required the garments will be laundered again to ensure optimum removal of contaminants has occurred. All high visibility arc products are then dried through the PHS Besafe tunnel process. The temperature does not exceed 90 degrees to ensure reflective and sealing tapes and fabrics are not damaged in the drying process. An integrity inspection is then undertaken to check zips, press studs and sealing tapes are all still intact.

Although the wash process is an integral part of the service, PHS Besafe recognises the need for a fully comprehensive service. In addition to the washing of the garments, the Premier Arc service also includes:

collection of all clothing from the client’s site
scanning of all items for tracking purposes
repairing faults when necessary
inspection sheets outlining all guaranteed checks
a commitment ...

PHS Datashred set for boom 2012!

carolinewilliams@phs.co.uk — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:18:03 GMT

2012 is set to be a boom year for PHS Datashred, the £33million turnover confidential shredding company. In preparation, Datashred has invested £1.2 m in state-of-the-art shredding equipment to service an increased client base.

Datashred’s investment includes “state of the art” new machinery in their Manchester and London depots as well as four new MDX – 1GT mobile shredding vehicles, the first to be used outside of the USA and Canada. These vehicles have a significantly increased throughput as well as allowing Datashred to tap into the market for high security shredding within Central Government.

In 2011 PHS Datashred started working with many high profile new clients including Barclays Bank, Rothchilds and various Government departments.

Anthony Pearlgood, commercial director of PHS Datashred, said:
“This is an exciting time for PHS Datashred. We’re developing the technological capabilities of the business so we can offer customers the most thorough service possible. This year we’re aiming to increase our nationwide client portfolio even further whilst being more environmentally responsible and offering a quicker service on site.”

PHS Datashred is committed to offering customers improved services and recently enhanced its fleet of mobile shredding trucks with on-board hard drive crushers. The service will make the shredding process more thorough and convenient. The vehicle is capable of shredding paper twice as fast as standard mobile shredders at three tonnes of paper per hour. This increased efficiency means lower vehicle emissions and less time that the truck needs to be on site.

The company has also invested £1m across the Crayford and Manchester depots to develop their in house shredders. Manchester’s shredder can now shred up to three tonnes per hour, whilst Crayford’s can destroy 12 tonnes per hour; that’s an increase in capacity of roughly 18,000 tonnes per annum – the weight of 100 blue whales!

"You're Hired" - PHS Maxitech partners Southgate College in Apprentice scheme

carolinewilliams@phs.co.uk — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:20:00 GMT

PHS Maxitech, PHS's North London based IT recycling company, is one of the UK’s leading providers of secure recycling, reuse and refurbishment services for redundant IT equipment.

Operating since 2003, Maxitech provides award-winning solutions for organisations to dispose of their redundant IT equipment, in accordance with legislation and the WEEE Directive. PHS Maxitech, reconditions the computers and donates them to charities and voluntary groups, rather than disposing of old equipment into landfill.

Maxitech has been working alongside local colleges to help train unskilled workers, providing them with an opportunity to get into the IT Industry. Maxitech currently has four successful employees who started with the company as apprentices (Gokhan Akbas, Nathan Patrizi, Michael Lansbury and Jacob Soultanian).

Success Stories
Gokhan Akbas, started a formal apprenticeship in IT, after which, with his newly gained knowledge and skills, he was offered permanent employment as an IT Technician, before being promoted to the role of Production Manager.

Nathan Patrizi became an apprentice because he wanted to improve his skills and knowledge. After completing his apprenticeship programme, he was employed as an IT Technician at PHS Maxitech and has since been promoted to Team Leader.

Michael Lansbury started working at PHS Maxitech on a 2 year Apprentice program in 2008 and has vastly improved his knowledge and skills during the apprenticeship. All the team at Maxitech are very happy with Michael’s performance, and he has recently completed his apprenticeship. He is currently working as IT Technician with the company.

Jacob Soultanian was studying for a Foundation Degree in IT at Southgate College when he started the Apprenticeship. After completing his course at College, he started employment with PHS Maxitech as an IT Technician.

Find out more about PHS's IT recycling centre

The Dentistry Show 2012

debbiemartin@phs.co.uk — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:41:53 GMT

Managing the budgets for the waste disposal requirements across your business and ensuring your legislative compliance at the same time is no simple task. With increasing legislation and the demand to be more environmentally conscious, the pressure is on many businesses to balance the right disposal route, while getting the best value for money.

The Dentistry Show provides an excellent opportunity to meet our team and to find out how we can help you manage your waste disposal in compliance with the latest legislation while saving you time and money.

We offer a complete range of cost-effective services for the collection and disposal of all forms of hazardous and non hazardous wastes, as a license waste carrier and with over 40 years experience in waste management, we offer an unrivalled level of expertise and experience.

Come and join us at The Dentistry Show and find out what we can do for your business ... Register now for free entry!

www.phswastemanagement.co.uk
2nd and 3rd March
NEC, Birmingham
Stand K13
Hall 4

Cut staff sick days with SteriTouch antibacterial surface protection

stephenlloyd@phs.co.uk — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 11:28:18 GMT

Workplace services expert, PHS Washrooms, has launched a campaign to target the financial impact of sickness absence, with the implementation of antibacterial surface protection in UK washrooms. SteriTouch® is a permanent antibacterial protection that the company claims to reduce the spread of germs and minimise cross infection. This treatment is now incorporated as standard into a core selection of its washroom products.

According to a the latest CBI/Pfizer Absence and Workplace Health Survey, published in May this year, workplace absence cost the UK economy £17bn in 2010, thanks to 190 million lost working days. This figure, CBI and Pfizer say, does not include the other indirect costs of absence, such as reduced customer service and lost productivity. This suggests that the total cost could be even higher than the £17bn reported.

“Whilst not all workplace sickness can be attributed to infection transmitted at work,” explained PHS Washrooms’ managing director, Ian Osborne, “There is a causal link between poor hand hygiene and cross infection. Indeed, the World Health Organisation publishes guidelines on hand hygiene for health care professionals to reduce transmission of pathogenic microorganisms. Perhaps not surprising, given that the NHS alone is estimated to spend £1bn a year to treat hospital-acquired infections! We constantly strive to support washroom hygiene across the UK, to reduce the spread of germs and minimise cross infection. An important and unique weapon is antibacterial SteriTouch; a permanent surface protection that is now incorporated into nine core products. We are the only company to offer such a high level of protection as standard within our range.”

Evidence to support the link between good hand hygiene and improved attendance was published in August in the American Journal of Infection Control. A three month study was reported upon which showed that in a group of 324 elementary school students who were given instruction on hand disinfection, a 66 per cent decrease in absence over four days or more was observed, plus a 20 per cent increase in children with zero absences, compared to the previous year.
“As the Health Projection Agency states, hand hygiene is the single most important method of preventing and controlling infection,” said Ian Osborne. “However, it is well proven that effective hand washing and safe standards of personal hygiene are not comprehensive or consistent in the UK population and, as such, it is advisable to reduce the spread of harmful germs in the areas ...

PHS Interclean tackles dirt and germs across the country!

55233 — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:49:00 GMT

Washroom Deep Cleaning Service

Despite our best efforts to keep our washrooms clean and sparkling, the reality is most washrooms offer an ideal breeding ground for contagious bugs and viruses such as MRSA, E-Coli and Salmonella.

While regular cleaning staff may successfully remove superficial dirt, marks and grime, if you want to eradicate ingrained stains, hidden germs and bacteria that thrive in urinals, toilets and basins, you need to call in the experts!

So PHS Interclean has come to the rescue by launching a Deep Clean Service, tailored to meet all requirements! PHS Interclean’s professional deep cleaning team use advanced cleaning equipment and chemicals to eradicate built up of organic minerals and matter that harbour germs and stain facilities.

If it’s a one off deep clean or a regular preventative maintenance programme that’s required, we’ll offer a service that suits any budget. Our fully trained, expert cleaning team ensure washrooms are left highly sanitised with appliances thoroughly cleansed.

In addition, the risk of infection will be significantly reduced, malodour will be eradicated and washrooms facilities will enjoy a longer life! Choose the experts and keep your washroom looking spotless and germ-free for life.

For more information on our Washroom Deep Clean service, please visit: http://www.phsinterclean.co.uk/services/Washroomdeepcleaningservices
Or call us on 029 2080 9090

PHS Datashred's Expansion Plans

carolinewilliams@phs.co.uk — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 10:25:00 GMT

PHS Datashred is aiming to shred the competition and increase current turnover by 50 percent over the next three years.

In the upcoming months PHS Datashred has further expansion plans after an aggressive year of growth, including the purchase of Trafford Park based data destruction business Shred Easy.

The company will be opening a new site in South-West England to service their growing client base in the area. They are also building a new, modern site in Gateshead to replace their depot in Durham, which is due for completion in January 2012.

PHS Datashred is also committed to offering customers improved services, having recently invested more than £1m in new equipment at their depots in Crayford, Rotherham and Manchester. The company has also invested in new technology and recently enhanced its fleet of mobile shredding trucks with on-board crushers, this service will make the shredding process more thorough and convenient.

Anthony Pearlgood, commercial director of PHS Datashred, a BSIA endorsed national shredding business, said:

“This is an exciting time for PHS Datashred. The nature of our business means in an economic downturn our client’s become more security conscious. Our services must expand to meet these demands. In the next three years using a combination of organic growth and targeted acquisition we hope to increase the size of our business by 50%.

“In the last 5 years the company has invested heavily in sales, marketing and customer service teams. As the need for more thorough ways to eradicate ID fraud and put a stop to criminal business activity increases our services have improved to meet our customers’ demands.”

Big Freeze

debbiemartin@phs.co.uk — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 10:24:52 GMT

The UK has been warned of the possibility of another big freeze this winter with snow predicted to hit as early as next month!

Check out the forecast and predications from Exacta Weather on The Express website

PHS Dynamics advise that it is wise to stock up on your high quality white de-icing salt and traditional rock salt now to avoid paying a premium for your salt when the temperature starts to fall. Remember December 2010? Road came to a standstill, footpaths became treacherous and car parks turned into ice rinks as heavy snowfall brought the UK to a halt. Demand was so high for salt that many companies and local authorities ran out completely. Keep your business operating safely this year and stock up now.

Salt supplies from PHS Dynamics are available in convenient 23kg bags, pallets or buy in bulk to get even more savings!

Buy your salt online or for larger orders and ongoing supply solutions call us now for a quote on 01268 578819

Don't get caught out in the cold ... order your salt supplies now!

PHS Wastemanagement at Recycle Waste Management show

debbiemartin@phs.co.uk — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:15:39 GMT

The show which attracts over 650 exhibitors and 13,000 visitors is the biggest event in the UK for recycling, waste and resource efficiency. This year the show took place from 13th to 15th September and the PHS Wastemanagement team were there to advise visitors on waste management, recycling and recent changes to legislation. As well has launching our brand new website, which features Healthcare and Chemical services together. Following a decision by Clare Noble our MD, we have brought the two business sectors of healthcare and chemical together into one website, demonstrating our expertise across both industry sectors. Visit our new site at www.phswastemanagement.co.uk

Also, take a look at the Waste Matters newsletter from PHS Wastemanagement for news and guidance on all the latest changes in legislation, how we got on at the National Recycling Awards and to meet the latest team member, click here to download

Waste Matters Newsletter

debbiemartin@phs.co.uk — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:10:59 GMT

Take a look at the Waste Matters newsletter from PHS Wastemanagement for news and guidance on all the latest changes in legislation, how we got on at the National Recycling Awards and to meet the latest member of our team ... click here to download

Millions of SMEs missing out on energy-efficiency savings

stephenlloyd@phs.co.uk — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 11:36:44 GMT

New research from the energy firm npower shows that 53% of the nearly five million SMEs in the UK have “no methods in place to manage energy efficiency”.

Many of these companies could be overlooking an opportunity to make sizeable savings. Indeed, when the researchers looked more closely at firms that do monitor energy efficiency, they found that 50% reported “savings of up to 10%”, indicating the potential benefits.

If that isn't enough to convince managers, consider figures from the Carbon Trust, showing that SMEs could save as much as 20% if they reduced their emissions, against 8% for larger businesses.
Such savings would make a big difference at the best of times, but they are all the more important in light of the prevailing economic backdrop, with many companies struggling to deal with the tough trading environment.

The water and energy saver range from PHS Washrooms can help you meet sustainability targets by saving water, energy, money and time. Please click on the products in the range below:

Flow-saver® Water Management System

Flush-wiser® WC Flush Control

Eco-shield™ Urinal Sleeve

Adapta Taps

SMARTdri™ Hand Dryer

Airforce™ Hand Dryer

To see how much our water and energy savings range can save you please visit www.phswaterandenergysavings.co.uk and use our product calculators.

World Water Week 2011

stephenlloyd@phs.co.uk — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:50:50 GMT

World Water Week in Stockholm saw experts meeting to share thoughts and develop solutions to the planet’s most urgent water-related issues.

Global leaders called for increased investment and smarter water management to "avoid droughts, floods and pollution from further threatening the food, energy, and water security in a rapidly urbanising world."

By 2050, 80% of the world’s population is expected to be living in cities, with a lot of the growth taking place in areas prone to both water shortages and floods.

Anders Berntell, executive director of the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) said: "Cities provide great economies of scale and offer excellent opportunities for effective infrastructure development, for increased re-use of water and waste, and for more efficient use of water and energy."

At PHS, we pride ourselves in the development of water and energy saving products and services. We aim to help make a difference with the environment, in doing so we have created the water and energy savings range:

Flow-saver® Water Management System

Flush-wiser® WC Flush Control

Eco-shield™ Urinal Sleeve

Adapta Taps

SMARTdri™ Hand Dryer

Airforce™ Hand Dryer

To see how much our water and energy savings range can save you please visit www.phswaterandenergysavings.co.uk and use our product calculators.

Datashred Named as DM Awards Finalist

carolinewilliams@phs.co.uk — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 16:02:03 GMT

PHS Datashred has been named as a finalist in the "Document Destruction Company of the Year" in the Document Manager Awards for 2011!

The awards aim to recognise and reward business excellence across all sectors, private and public, and will be presented at an awards ceremony on 29th September in London.

This category, and the category of "DM Industry PR/Marketing Campaign of the Year" which PHS Datashred have also been named as finalist, are voted for by the public and readers of DM (Document Manager) Magazine.

Vote for us at www.dmawards.com. Voting closes on 15th September.

PHS PLC

stephenlloyd@phs.co.uk — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:12:00 GMT

NOTICE OF RETROFIT FOR CERTAIN WORLD DRYER HAND DRYER MODELS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JUNE 2005 AND NOVEMBER 2006 (Manufacture Date Codes 200506 to 200611 Inclusive)

Description

World Dryer Universal Nozzle A48 Models manufactured between June 2005 and November 2006 have nozzles that are electrically isolated from the base of the dryer and therefore not connected to earth.

A Universal Nozzle is one that rotates 360 degrees.

There are no electrical components within or touching the nozzle itself. However, if an electrical malfunction were to occur that caused an electrical component to come into contact with the nozzle, a user who touched the nozzle could experience a shock.

The risk of such an occurrence is possible, but remote.

Retrofit Kit

World Dryer have supplied a retrofit kit which PHS will supply and fit free of charge, for those customers who have one of the affected dryers.

It is recommended that customers with an affected dryer cease using the product as a precautionary measure and contact PHS.

Dryers Affected

The dryers affected are World Dryer hand dryers that include model numbers:

DA48, A48, A48SS, DXA48, XA48, XA48SS, XM548, DXM548

Batch Serial Numbers of affected dryers can be downloaded by Clicking here. Please read this list carefully. The 'Sequence' column refers to a production batch. In some cases the affected batch consists of a single dryer (marked as 'Individual'). In other cases the affected batch includes dryers with Serial Numbers included within the 'Start' to 'Finish' parameters below.

Any customer with a dryer with a Serial Number included within this list should contact PHS as detailed below.

The Serial Number is located on the right-hand side of the cover label

This notice only affects those dryers manufactured between June 2005 and November 2006.

Recommended Action

PHS has identified that we may have supplied you with an affected dryer between June 2005 and February 2007 (dryers supplied before and after these dates are not affected).

PHS requests that you contact us on 02920 809311 and we will arrange to fit the upgrade as soon as possible.

on behalf of
PHS Washrooms Managing Director

New rules on Data Breaches

carolinewilliams@phs.co.uk — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:00:09 GMT

Businesses of all sizes that store customer data are being warned by the European Commission that they will soon be forced to publicise any data breach they might suffer, running the risk of destroying their company’s reputation.

The European Commission is making changes to data protection laws that are expected to be introduced in over the coming months. European Union justice commissioner Viviane Reding , announced at the recent British Bankers' Association (BBA) Data Protection and Privacy Conference, that the laws would force all businesses, especially the financial sector, to take data protection more seriously.

Although many businesses are conscious of their confidential data responsibilities and have data protection policies in place, more can still be done.

This move, coupled with the fact that the Information Commissioner’s Office is now imposing fines of up to £500,000 on companies found guilty of breaching the Data Protection Act, is causing businesses to sit up and take notice.

Anthony Pearlgood, commercial director of national shredding company PHS Datashred, and former Chairman of the BSIA’s (British Security Industry Association) information destruction section, said:

“Destroying confidential customer data in every type of business is now a legal and Europe – wide necessity. The alternative is daunting - loss of faith, brand damage, breaking the law and the risk of a hefty fine. Companies, especially those in financial services, must start thinking about making data destruction a top priority in offices, factories and warehouses throughout the country.”

Tips to prevent data leaks in your business
1. Create a confidential data policy – if you don’t have one already you are already in the high risk category for being a victim of data theft.
2. Store & dispose of data safely – don’t assume that binning it is the end of the matter. Criminals often rifle through bins in car parks where confidential data has been poorly disposed of.
3. Destroy data properly – Arrange for a properly accredited company to help store, collect and securely destroy information. Ensure you know where your data is heading. Even better, have your data destroyed on site, using a mobile shredding vehicle and watch the destruction.
4. Check identities – use credit reference agencies to verify the identity of your preferred suppliers.
5. Secure your accounts – don’t allow bank details to escape into the public domain. Thieves are adept at falsifying signatures.
6. Inform staff – train staff on ...