JANUARY EDITORIAL, CLEANING MATTERS
I.C.M.M.A., the acronym for the Industrial Cleaning Machine Manufacturers Association has long played a significant role within the cleaning industry, although general awareness of this role has been low.
I.C.M.M.A. was established to represent the views of its members to the cleaning industry and to the many organizations in the wider world that have an interest in what the cleaning industry is about.
The activities of I.C.M.MA. has greatly increased over the last year with a Chairman and Secretary that set out to make I.C.M.M.A. more meaningful, and it is worthwhile reviewing current I.C.M.M.A. activities as an indication of the breadth of its interests recognising that there is both a General Committee covering all I.C.M.M.A. issues, and a Technical Committee that works on detail.
Since cleaning is very much associated with the environment, it would come as no surprise to learn that members of I.C.M.M.A. continue to be in close discussion with Government Agencies on the topic of the more efficient use of water in all mechanical cleaning processes which inevitably also is linked to the development of techniques that allow for the reduced use of detergents in the cleaning process. This year should see recommendations of ‘preferred machines’ being detailed on Government listings that will allow clients to claim capital allowance relief against their taxation. Members of I.C.M.MA .recognise their responsibility in protecting the environment and work to reflect a more efficient use of natural resources and an associated reduction in the pollution generated by waste product arising from cleaning.
Continuing the theme of environment responsibilities, I.C.M.M.A. are at the forefront of evaluating the impact of the recently introduced W.E.E.E. Directive into U.K. Law, seeking to identify the Business to Business responsibilities to which they may be committed. This involves members working hand in glove with the leading W.E.E.E. Compliance Schemes operating within the U.K. and various departments of the D.T.I.
However, regardless of the recently introduced legislation, I.C.M.M.A. members are committed to materials that are not harmful to the environment with an accent upon the recyclability of all the materials they use in the manufacturing of their product.
I.C.M.M.A. has also developed a close working relationship with the H.S.E. not only through being a member of H.S.E. Cleaning Industry Liaison forum, but through the extension of this activity into working parties that progress specific topics of common interest. In particular the Association is seeking to introduce the greater efficiencies of mechanical cleaning into the ongoing work of H.S.E. associated with the elimination of ‘Slips and Trips’.
Although many will not be aware, I.C.M.M.A. are also represented, and are an active partner, on the Board of B.C.C.E. Limited, the joint Quartz Publishing/British Cleaning Council company responsible for the bi-annual U.K. Cleaning Show, once again being held at the N.E.C. during March of this year.
One other activity of I.C.M.M.A. is the maintenance and development of its web-site, recently significantly upgraded the web-site now provides a useful reference point, whereby anyone interested in the purchase of a cleaning machine can quickly identify suppliers of equipment that will fulfil all of their requirements. The selection of an I.C.M.M.A. member as a preferred supplier of cleaning equipment provides a guarantee that the supplier operates to the highest of standards and provides full support to a potential customer, whether by pre-purchase demonstration, a full after sales service package and a guarantee of long term availability of Spare Parts.
Within the web-site, I.C.M.M.A. publications may be downloaded covering various aspects of the specification and selection of industrial cleaning machines, these publications providing very useful information to both newcomers and established operators within the cleaning industry.
Then, I.C.M.M.A., where appropriate, works closely with other Associations within the cleaning industry, their most recent activity being the drafting of Standards of Excellence Associated with the purchase of cleaning machines, this being undertaken in conjunction with C.S.S.A.
Although a ‘backroom’ activity, I.C.M.M.A. also provides a focus for an enormous range of enquiries from all and sundry, with regard to cleaning industry matters, most of which are redirected to other trade associations within the industry.
Lastly, and by no means least, I.C.M.M.A. participates in most relevant activities associated with the setting of National and International Standards that are likely to effect the membership and, since the world is getting smaller by the day, I.C.M.M.A., representing, as it does, U.K. interests also maintains a dialogue with the equivalent American Association and the newly established European EUnited Association.
The Association continues to go from strength to strength with membership growing, this is a sign of a healthy Association and one that can play a growing role in the affairs of the Cleaning Industry.
Graham Jones
Secretary – I.C.M.M.A.
1st February 2007