by Brianna Crandall — May 30, 2014—Stuttgart-based Columbus, part of The Staehle Group, has presented its first scrubber-dryer machine with the noBAC antibacterial system to meet the demand for consistent, systematic hygiene management in hospitals, nursing homes, canteens and food production facilities.
According to the company, all of its cleaning machines help achieve HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) hygiene according to U.K. Food Standards Agency requirements: large openings in recovery tanks enable thorough and quick cleaning and disinfecting, lid seals can be changed easily, and solution tanks can be emptied completely. Plus all of the tanks in the company’s walk-behind and ride-on machines are smooth-walled and made from high-density polyethylene, giving them strength and durability.
For environments with more stringent requirements, Columbus has presented its first scrubber fitted with the noBAC system. The noBAC brand name refers to solution and recovery tanks made from a special blend of materials, explains Columbus. Polyethylene is enriched with an antibacterial, inorganic additive which works from the inside out and reliably prevents microbial growth in micro-fissures, dead spots and rough surfaces. Bacteria find nowhere to breed, cannot multiply, and die off, says the company.
According to Columbus, the results of an independent laboratory test showed just how well noBAC works. Its blend of materials was tested in relation to the bacteria strains Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), as stipulated by ISO 22196. The result measured after three days confirmed the system’s efficacy: bacteria strains were reduced by 99.9%.
The most important benefit of scrubber dryers fitted with the noBAC system is greatly improved hygiene in solution and recovery tanks—both inside and outside, says Columbus. Another major benefit with regard to economy is that noBAC does not have a use-by date—it works for the entire lifespan of a tank, which the company says means it is well suited to the longevity of Columbus’ toughly built scrubber dryers.
This combination of polyethylene and additive is reportedly both food-safe and compatible with every cleaning chemical—there are no interactions, says Columbus. According to the company, noBAC is safe to use and also protects cleaning personnel against contact with high-risk bacteria. The system is even said to benefit the environment: the production, use and recycling of the tanks is engineered not to damage the environment at any point.
The first machine that Columbus showcased with the noBAC system is its RA 66|BM 60 scrubber dryer, recognizable at the recent ISSA/Interclean show in Amsterdam by its fresh and clean-looking white tank. The noBAC antibacterial solution and recovery tanks are now available for Columbus walk-behind scrubber dryers in the 20, 40 and 60 liter categories as well as the 100 liter ride-on machine.
