Safe hands

 

Industries: Major transport hubs and other high foot traffic areas

Our customer is a major public transport hub currently consuming large volumes of hand sanitiser gel. They were quite rightly concerned about the potential fire risk of storing large volumes of product containing flammable alcohol.

Also of concern, for frequent users, was the potential problem of skin defatting and contact dermatitis promoted by solvent additives such as alcohol.

We proposed a trial of GelGuard Aqua to solve the problem. GelGuard Aqua is fully aqueous – alcohol and solvent free. So completely safe for transport and storage, and kinder on the hands too.

• No alcohol or solvents
• Gel based
• User friendly skin conditioners
• No sticky residues
• Economical

Combat Covid with GelGuard Aqua.

Person using hand sanitising gel

Tested against SARS-Cov-2/Covid 19
Exceeds BS EN 14476:2013 and A2:2019

 

Click here for more information on Gel Guard Aqua

 

Bert Story BMW Dealer

Bert Story is a well-known BMW and MINI dealer. The Story branches in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Waardenburg and Nijmegen are all part of the Pala Group which includes a total of nine BMW dealers. Story is part of the German car brand’s biggest dealership in the Netherlands..

Hein Dekkers, Aftersales Manager at Story in ‘s-Hertogenbosch told us: “Hand care is very important to us. We have 11 fulltime mechanics working here who I would estimate wash their hands 10x a day. We changed to Dreumex hand soap a few years ago because for us it offers a quality that cleans dirty hands really well and it protects them too. We have noticed that hand care is important to our mechanics, especially in winter and I have never heard any of the mechanics complain about it so it must be good.”

“A couple of years ago we started using the Dreumex One2clean concept. Consumption reduced considerably as a result and consequently so did the costs by 61%. Furthermore, the automatic dispenser system works really well, which means there is less waste and we are taking better care of the environment. So one hand washes the other, both literally and figuratively.”

  Download PDF for Bert Story BMW Dealer

Keeping an iconic London landmark open as temperatures freeze

As one of the UK capital’s most important river crossings, keeping this famous London bridge open to traffic and pedestrians is vital when temperatures drop below zero.

Here we look at some of the challenges posed by maintaining through traffic across the River Thames during the icy winter months.

Protecting bridges from ice

Overview

Each week millions of people cross one of London’s 33 bridges. They are an essential component in the city’s highly complex transport infrastructure.

Opened back in 1824, our clients bridge remains one of the oldest and most attractive of its sort in the whole of Europe.

Yet when the temperature drops, this suspension bridge becomes hazardous to cross and there are a number of unique factors that make treating this problem a bit of a challenge.

Corrosion

The first big problem is how the salts typically used to treat ice can corrode the old iron that the bridge was originally made from.

As a Grade II listed bridge this is obviously problematic.

Wildlife

Another difficulty for the bridges operators has been some the harmful pollutants present in traditional salts. These can be quite toxic and as such poisonous to the river’s wildlife.

How does CHELA helped keep this Thames river crossing ice free?

We supply a powerful, yet environmentally friendly anti-icer and de-icer called IceBlast Plus. This is a spray on liquid that can be used in close proximity to water courses and vegetation without causing harm to the natural environment.

An aqueous solution of potassium acetate, it is an efficient anti-ice as well as quickly melting ice and snow.

It is non-corrosive and performs down to temperatures of -25c

Eurowash 1000 Plus

Click here to find out more about IceBlast Plus or to discuss a whole range of other Industrial or Institutional market leading cleaning solutions, please contact our specialist team by calling +44 208 805 2150 or by emailing [email protected]

Removing non-cured silicone and grease from equipment and flooring

Keeping your equipment and flooring free from non-cured silicone and greases can be time-consuming as it is difficult to remove thoroughly.

Here we look at this problem in more detail and how CHELA’s professional products can help save you time and increase efficiency.


Removing grease from machinery

The problem with standard degreasers

If you have ever had difficulty getting rid of uncured silicones, greases and oils it could well be because you are using a bog-standard industry degreaser.

These alkaline based degreasers often have the right chemical technology which leads to poor cleaning standards and potential workplace hazards.

How can CHELA help you remove non-cured silicone?

We are the industry leader in this field and recommend CHELA Di-Aqua.

This will effectively emulsify silicone oils, greases and uncured elastomers as well as remove adhesive tape residues.

It has a specialist cleaning action that also quickly and efficiently removes ordinary oils, greases and soils. CHELA Di-Aqua has been formulated for the environment, using detergents that are biodegradable and phosphate free.

It contains no chlorinated, fluorinated, aromatic or hydrocarbon solvents. This product is both safer and more effective than conventional solvents.

We also stock a wide range of other sealant removal products, such as our handy Sealant Wipes. These come pre-wetted to remove sealant, paint and glue and can remove partially cured and uncured sealants. This includes silicone, polyurethane and polysulphides.

CHELA Di-Aqua

Click here to find out more about CHELA Di-Aqua or to discuss a whole range of other market leading cleaning solutions for rail and train stations, please contact our specialist team by calling +44 208 805 2150 or by emailing [email protected]

How do you Remove Mould Spots from Concrete or Outdoor Tiles Quickly?

Removing mould spots from outdoor tiles or concrete floors with industrial cleaning products is essential to prevent floors becoming slippery and dangerous.

Here we look at mould, moss and algae removal and some of the more efficient, time-saving ways to manage the mould removal process professionally and effectively.

Cleaning mould from concrete or tiles

The problem with mould spots

Mould, mildew, lichen, moss and algae can all grow on buildings and outdoor surfaces, causing an unsightly looking mess.

However, on a more serious level, they also increase the risk of slips, falls and injury and can even cause long-term damage to the flooring.

Eating into your bottom line

For building contractors, removing these problems can be a time-consuming process. This means more time spent on site and higher labour costs.

Unfortunately, many of the products you find on the market are designed and manufactured for the domestic retail market. These products are based on biotechnology, and can take time to show results.

While these are fine for removing mildew from an outside patio area, they don’t give busy contractors the results they need fast enough.

How can CHELA help with mould spot removal?

If you’re looking for a fast-acting, industrial moss and algae removal product, we recommend CHELA DC64 Moss & Algae remover.

This is a rapid acting cleaner that has been designed specifically for heavy-duty use on brick, stone and other exterior surfaces.

It washes off moss, algae, general biomass and all organic growth, and can even be used on smooth surfaces.

It’s economical, easy-to-use and fast acting. A professional moss and algae removal product for the construction and plumbing industry.

CHELA DC64 Moss & Algae remover

Click here to find out more about CHELA DC64 Moss & Algae remover, or to discuss a whole range of other market leading industrial cleaning solutions for builders and plumbers, please contact our specialist team by calling +44 208 805 2150 or by emailing [email protected]

 

How to use fewer chlorinated products in the food and beverage industry

Chlorine is widely used in the food and beverage industry but comes with a number of significant drawbacks.

Here we look at what these are and investigate some of the smarter alternatives for you here on our website.

Chlorine in cleaning detergents

Is chlorine overused in the food and beverage industry?

Chlorine compounds are widely used to disinfect equipment and worksurfaces. Although it is a very cost-effective method, it comes with a number of problems.

The bulk of chlorinated products on the market offer limited performance. Not only do they take longer to get the job done, but they also increase the risk of hazards in the workplace, for both the user and the wider environment.

But how do you cut through the grease and grime on an industrial scale in a way that’s both time efficient and cost effective?

How can CHELA help reduce the amount of chlorine in your workplace?

CHELA Code 100 BALANCE is a powerful and highly effective alternative to chlorine and glycol-ether based cleaning products.

This professional grade product has been carefully formulated and contains a blend of non-ionic detergents and emulsifiers designed for maximum performance.

Our smart chemistry creates a synergism that unleashes rapid grease dissolving properties. The upshot is that it removes all animal and vegetable oils and greases and kills pathogens. It has been tested to BS EN 1276:1997.

CHELA Code 100 BALANCE

Click here to find out more about CHELA Code 100 BALANCE or to discuss a whole range of other market leading cleaning solutions for rail and train stations, please contact our specialist team by calling +44 208 805 2150 or by emailing [email protected]

Graffiti removal; how do you remove graffiti without damaging the building?

There are few things more that are more irritating than having to remove graffiti from your walls, but it’s even worse when your best efforts end up doing more damage in the long run.

Here we look at this problem and show you how to approach graffiti removal in a way that preserves your façade’s long-term integrity.

HOW MUCH DOES GRAFFITI REMOVAL COST?

Just in London alone, scrubbing graffiti off walls is estimated to cost well over £100 million each year.

Although some might see it as art, this is an awful lot of tax money that could be spent elsewhere.

To make matters worse, this figure only accounts for the cost of graffiti removal. It doesn’t consider the cost of long-term structural damage that graffiti can cause.

THE PROBLEM WITH GRAFFITI REMOVAL

The biggest problem many councils and institutions have is that most graffiti removal products are not water permeable.

Non-water permeable surface coatings do not allow the underlying surface to breathe, which over time causes damp and structural building issues.

HOW CAN CHELA HELP WITH GRAFFITI REMOVAL?

We make EliteGuard G1, a unique high-performance façade cleaning product designed especially for porous and polished surfaces which are subject to graffiti attack.

It also works just as well against weathering, UV degradation and general soiling.

It reacts chemically to become part of the surface, giving it permanent protection whilst allowing the underlying façade to breathe.

EliteGuard G1 is a solvent-borne graffiti removal treatment that gives hydrophobic and lipophobic properties that are extremely easy to clean and maintain, even on the most challenging surfaces.

Grafitti how to remove it without casuing damage

 

 

 

 

 

EliteGuard G1

Click here to find out more about EliteGuard G1 or to discuss a whole range of other market leading cleaning solutions for rail and train stations, please contact our specialist team by calling +44 208 805 2150 or by emailing [email protected]

 

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Railway dust; removing the industrial fallout from exterior rolling stock

Railway dust, also known as brake dust or industrial fallout, is an ongoing issue for anyone concerned with the smooth maintenance of railways and rolling stock.

Here we discuss these fine metal particulates and how CHELA helps rail operators manage this persistent menace with effective rail and train cleaning.

Chemical solutions for railway dust

What is brake dust?

When a train’s brake pad rubs against the rotor, and the wheels against the rails, fine particles are produced, known as metal particulates. This process creates the railway dust that causes iron stain.

How is brake dust produced?

All vehicles produce their own variant. However, the vast, industrial nature of railways and the safety considerations of transporting huge numbers of people each year, makes the efficient management of brake dust an on-going problem across the railway industry.

What problems can break dust cause?

The problem is much more than cosmetic. If left untreated and train cleaning is irregular, the fine particles will build up over time, corroding copper solder joins and electric circuits. Furthermore, the build-up can trap moisture. This can exacerbate the effects of corrosion and can lead to a general deterioration of rolling stock.

Is break dust dangerous for humans?

There are health issues surrounding the inhalation of break dust, and many reports that it can lead to terminal illnesses such as cancer. As such, we strongly recommend a structured and on-going programme of train cleaning and maintenance to ensure the removal of iron stain from all rolling stock.

Eurowash ISR SheenPlus

How can CHELA help with iron stain removal?

CHELA supplies a number of leading rail companies with its specialist iron stain, train cleaning solution, Eurowash ISR SheenPlus.

This rail cleaning product has been especially designed to remove ingrained iron stain either manually or with the use of automatic ash equipment.

It has been carefully tested and assessed by ESG Scientifics, the UK’s leading provider of testing, inspection and compliance services. We are pleased to say that it consistently outperforms other industry-standard acid products at train cleaning.

As well as dealing thoroughly and effectively with the issue of brake dust and iron stain, Eurowash ISR SheenPlus has also been designed to leave a high gloss sheen on all rolling stock.

This repels soiling and ensures high presentation levels, whilst also reducing your train cleaning times.

We have designed the product to the highest specification, making it safe to use across all rolling stock exteriors.

Eurowash ISR SheenPlus
Click here to find out more about Eurowash ISR SheenPlus or to discuss a whole range of other market leading train cleaning solutions, please contact our specialist team by calling +44 208 805 2150 or by emailing [email protected]

 

TNT: addressing the degradation of fleet paints and materials caused by detergents

Part of the Fisher Darville Group of companies, Chela Ltd was established in 1988 and is a UK manufacturer of innovative specialised industrial cleaning chemicals and technical solutions. Serving the UK, Europe and the rest of the world, Chela Ltd specialises in industrial cleaning solutions for all mass transport industries such as bus, rail, tram and coach.

A primary objective of Chela Ltd is to manufacture specialised high performance detergents using safer raw materials. Chela Ltd manufacturing operations are executed in-line with strict ISO 9001/14001 guidelines.

Chela Ltd provides industry approved product ranges, and was awarded the Green Apple award in 2014 for engineering and manufacturing.

Overview

This case study focuses on the challenge faced by Paul Crowley (FCILT MCIPS, Procurement Manager of TNT), who was concerned that the use of a large number of fleet cleaning detergents on TNT sites and fleets would cause degradation of the paint and materials of the fleet, as well as environmental damage.

There were also a number of complaints from drivers about the cleanliness of the fleet.

Furthermore, Mr Crowley planned to rationalise the number of contractors cleaning the fleet.

 

Thanks to Chela Ltd, the number of interior and exterior fleet cleaning solutions used on TNT owned vehicles was reduced from 22 down to 1: dramatically reducing the risk of environmental damage, saving time and reducing costs.

Background

In 2015, Paul Crowley of TNT contacted Chela Ltd to discuss the type of vehicle cleaning detergents that the TNT contractors were using to clean TNT owned vehicles. TNT employed a large number of contract fleet cleaning contractors across the UK to clean their vehicles, and they in turn used a large number of vehicle cleaning detergents of unknown quality and performance. Mr Crowley was concerned that the use of fleet cleaning detergents on TNT sites and fleets could cause degradation of the paint and materials of the fleet and cause environmental damage. Having dealt with Chela whilst working for Alstom Transport UK Ltd, Mr Crowley knew that Chela’s technical ability support would be invaluable.

Client

TNT Express is an international courier delivery services company founded in Australia in 1946. The firm, who has headquarters in Hoofddorp, Netherlands, has fully owned operations in 61 countries and delivers documents, parcels and pieces of freight to over 200 countries.

Problem

The starting point was an evaluation by Chela of the SDS (safety data sheet) of all the existing vehicle cleaning detergents. It soon became apparent that a number did not comply with legislation and also contained materials that had been classified as hazardous to health and the environment.

An inspection of the material safety data sheets of the 22 cleaning chemicals in-use revealed that 14 out of 22 products did not fit in the recommended pH range:

Fleet Cleaning Products’ Recommended pH range

Testing and inspection specialist ESG (Environmental Scientifics Group) recommend a pH range of 6-10 to avoid potential environmental issues and to ensure best practise in relation to corrosion.

3M Vinyl Manufacturer Instructions – Maintenance and Cleaning: The cleaner must be wet, non-abrasive, without strong solvents, and have a pH value between 3 and 11 (neither strongly acidic nor strongly alkaline) (ref. 3M product Bulletin IJ180/180C, Release UKH, Effective June 2010).

Moreover, the Product Ingredients Analysis revealed that the products in use contained dangerous and non-biodegradable Raw Materials:

  • Nitrilo Triacetate Acid “NTA”: possible cancer causing properties
  • Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid “EDTA”: non-biodegradable
  • Sodium Hydroxide (known as “Caustic”): potential for corrosion/surface damage
  • Phosphates: negatively effects effluent levels/promotes algae growth
  • Hydrofluoric Acid
  • Sulphuric Acid
  • It was also revealed upon inspection that not all hazards were properly listed on the material data sheets.

A closer look at the substrate compatibility further illustrates the need to revise the current mix of products-in-use:

As seen above, the products in-use prove to be harmful to both the vehicles and the environment, causing damage to many areas of the vehicle due to the highly alkaline and highly acidic nature of the chemicals.

Unlike the UK Rail Industry, where all chemicals used are monitored and independently tested, the UK Fleet Industry does not have specific guidelines in relation to best practice chemical manufacture, and no independent testing house to provide analysis in relation to potential for corrosion. As a result, highly hazardous and corrosive raw materials are in use, providing the potential for health, environmental and substrate compatibility issues.

Results

After extensive use of Eurowash 1000 Plus, the TNT fleet showed considerable improvement in cleanliness and the drivers commented on the levels of gloss, one of whom shot the picture on the right.

It performed exceptionally well: TNT approved the product for use on their vehicles, and all their contractors had to comply. The number of contractors was reduced from 20 to 2 approved contractors, the number of products used reduced from 22 to 1.

Update

TNT are now using Chela’s FleetClean Plus through the automatic wash.

Chela automatic wash products, FleetClean Plus and more now Kirton approved:

Kirton

Kirton provide water treatment and filtration systems, ranging from seawater desalination to fully installed MBR systems. The systems are used in automatic vehicle wash systems.

Solution

Eurowash 1000 Plus is a foaming, caustic-free transport cleaner

Chela Ltd put forward an alternative product to TNT: Eurowash 1000 Plus.

Eurowash 1000 Plus is a foaming, caustic-free transport cleaner to remove traffic film from trains, cars, lorries, vans, buses, coaches as well as street furniture. It uses biodegradable surfactants and modern complexing agents (NTA and EDTA free), and has a high dilution rate, making it ecological and economical to use.

This product, used in the rail industry, has extensive materials compatibility testing and is classified as a low hazard. Eurowash 1000 Plus was specifically designed to provide the highest levels of presentation whilst eradicating the potential for long term substrate compatibility issues and potential negative impacts on the environment. Eurowash 1000 Plus holds an independent analysis certificate (4-Rail Services) and does not contain any of the following raw materials: NTA, phosphates, caustic.

Eurowash 1000 Plus

Click here to find out more about Eurowash 1000 Plus or to discuss a whole range of other market leading cleaning solutions for rail and train stations, please contact our specialist team by calling +44 208 805 2150 or by emailing [email protected]