October 2021 - Kiasu Workforce

What Is Confidential Waste, and How To Dispose Of It Properly

Posted on October 17, 2021July 29, 2023 by rob.fullsend

What Is Classed As Confidential Waste?

Confidential waste is any document containing personal information about an individual. Due to the sensitive, private nature of the information – confidential waste disposal is a service most offices require. The documents may contain information about:

Staff
Clients
The general public

It is crucial that confidential waste is disposed of correctly. This information includes:

Home address
Financial information
National Insurance Number
Health Records

Confidential waste can also include information that could put a company at risk if read by the public or a competitor. This could consist of any financial data or marketing strategies. Some companies will have a much higher amount of confidential waste than others. For example, healthcare facilities hold a large amount of personal information and also healthcare records.

Why You Must Dispose of Confidential Waste Correctly

Every company must follow laws included in the Data Protection Act 2018; these laws ensure that companies are held responsible for protecting personal information. If a data breach occurs, the company could receive a ‘maximum fine now reaching the higher of €20m (£17.5m) or 4% of the company’s global turnover’.

According to Government records, 90% of large companies and 75% of small businesses in the UK experienced a data breach in just one year! This just proves how important it is to take the protection of confidential data seriously.

There are other reasons why you must dispose of confidential waste, such as preventing security breaches and ensuring the public’s privacy is not violated. It also creates space; hoarding documents in an office can be dangerous, a fire hazard, and a waste of space.

Which Documents are Confidential?

There are too many types of confidential documents to list, but here are a few examples:

Payroll Information
CV’S
Bank Statements
Supplier Information
Staff Appraisal
Healthcare Records
ID
Contact Details

So, what’s the main thing to consider when deciding if a document is confidential? Does it contain information that relates directly to an individual or a company that is not usually available for the public to see? If your document includes this kind of information, then class it as confidential.

How to Set Up a Confidential Waste Policy

It will help if you put a policy in place, so your staff know how to deal with confidential documents. Some companies must keep information for a specific period due to legal reasons. In this case, you should always have somewhere safe to store the documents before they get destroyed, such as a locked filing cabinet.

You need to list all confidential documents in your workplace and provide your staff with this information to avoid data breaches. Your policy should also outline where to put waste to be destroyed and how often the waste will be collected.

How to Dispose of Confidential Waste

Shredding

This process is where confidential waste is cut into small pieces and mixed, making reconstruction impossible. You can do shredding in-house if you only have a small number of documents. Shredding is HIPAA approved and great for the environment, as shredded documents can still be recycled.

Burning

This is the only process that can guarantee documents can never be reconstructed. However, this process isn’t possible in most areas due to laws against open fires. Some companies can burn documents if they have an incinerator. Burning is HIPAA approved but is not a popular waste disposal choice.

Soaking

An effective way to destroy small amounts of documents, but if destroying more than a few pages, you would have to leave the documents for a long time for them to become unreadable. This method is not often used because once soaked, documents are no longer recyclable.

Cutting

This method is only ever used for a small number of documents, as it is time-consuming. The process involves manually cutting through any confidential information, but you must remember to ensure the documents aren’t reconstructable. You must mix up all the waste and dispose of it in separate recycling boxes to do this.

Do You Need a Professional Recycling Service?

As discussed above, you can destroy confidential information in-house, but this is not always the best option or even possible at all. If your company has a high volume of personal documents, you should consider hiring a professional.

Hiring a professional will save you money in the long run, as you will not need to buy suitable equipment. Professionals have had the relevant training and access to the best equipment, ensuring you have peace of mind that your waste has been destroyed properly.

For all your rubbish removal needs in London, give us a call on 020 8988 1662 – our phone lines are open 24/7, so there’s always someone ready to take your call. Alternatively, please e-mail us, we guarantee a speedy reply.

Your Ultimate Guide to Lower Energy Bills

Posted on October 15, 2021July 29, 2023 by rob.fullsend

We all want to save money on our household bills, ensuring your electrics are adequately fitted and repaired can play a huge factor in energy bills.

The average household in the UK spends around £1,254 a year on energy bills, according to Ofgem. That makes energy one of the highest annual costs for UK families. It only makes sense that as we spend so much on energy bills, we should try and bring the cost down while still ensuring our properties are running to the expected standard. So, what can you do to get your energy bills down in residential and commercial properties?

Heating

Heating properties is the biggest culprit for causing our energy bills to skyrocket but is possibly the easiest way to make changes to bring the cost back down.

Turn Down Your Thermostat

We often have our heating on higher than what it needs to be. Try knocking it back 10 degrees, especially when you’re asleep. Doing this for 8 hours could bring your annual bill down by 10%. A smart meter does this for you…

Install a Smart Meter

Smart thermostats enable you to control your heating when you’re away from home via your smartphone. They can make your heating more efficient by only warming the rooms you’re actually using. This is great for landlords of multiple properties. You won’t be paying to heat buildings that aren’t occupied.

They also learn what it takes to heat your home, ensuring the heating is only on at the correct time for the right period.

Install a New Boiler

You could save a large amount of money in the long run by installing a new boiler. This may seem expensive, but you will save a considerable amount of money over the years on your energy bills. It’s also a great idea to get a boiler service; this ensures your boiler is working efficiently and all of the parts are in good working order.

Check Seals on Windows and Doors

Look at the seals on your fridge and freezer and make sure they are keeping the cold air inside. Do the same for the seals on your windows and doors. You want to ensure that the cold air is staying outside and not passing through your window frames. If seals don’t appear to be working, get them sorted, or your bills will be flying high.

Water

Hot water is the ‘second-largest energy expense in your home’ studies have shown. Cutting back on your hot water usage can cut a big chunk out of your energy bills.

Don’t Leave Taps Running

Do the dishes in a bowl rather than under a running tap. Cut down the amount of time you spend in the shower and limit the number of baths your household has.

Replace Your Shower

Look for a showerhead with a WaterSense label, which means it is certified to meet efficiency criteria set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Products with this sticker are 20% more efficient than the average product of the same type.

Buy Efficient Appliances

When purchasing a new appliance such as a washer or dryer, go for products with the Energy Star label. Prioritise the appliances you use most and ensure these have the label. A dishwasher with the label can save gallons of water per cycle. Ensuring your appliances are energy efficient is a considerable investment.

Enquire About Discounted Rates

Shop around for your energy supplier. Also, keep in mind that some suppliers offer cheaper rates at certain times of the day, so give them a call and find out if yours do! Using your washing machine in the morning rather than the evening could end up saving you some money.

Power

Lights and electronics make up for the rest of our energy bills – how can we bring that down too?

Turn Off Standby Appliances

You can get plug sockets that can be switched on and off via your mobile phone. This means you can ensure plugs are off when not in use. You can also get timer plugs; these are a cheaper way to schedule appliances to turn off.

There is also an option to install smart power trips, you can plug sockets into this system, and the power will cut off when none of the items is in use. This is an excellent option for business owners, for example, in offices that are often empty for many hours at a time.

Change your lightbulbs

Swap out your light bulbs for those with the Energy Star label. Compact fluorescent or LED bulbs are best for energy saving. These bulbs can be more expensive, so maybe focus on changing the bulbs used most, such as in your business’ reception or your living room.

Install dimmer switches

Dimmers let you decide how strong the lighting is in a room; this is a great way to save money as you won’t be wasting electricity lighting a room fully when it’s not needed.

If you would like some further advice on getting your energy bills down or have any questions, please contact us at Kiasu Workforce. We pride ourselves on delivering 100% of your project requirements 100% of the time.

4 Differences Between Deep Cleaning and Regular Cleaning

Posted on October 13, 2021July 29, 2023 by rob.fullsend

Something we can all agree with; keeping on top of cleaning is a struggle. When you get in from a long day at work, the last thing you want to do is scrub the bathroom tiles. According to a recent poll, the average person spends more than five hours a week on domestic cleaning tasks. Having a regular cleaner pop round to do all the time-consuming (but all-important) cleaning jobs can make your life a lot easier.

Also, there are times when regular cleaning isn’t enough! Maybe you’re planning on selling your house, and you want it looking spick and span; this is where deep cleaning comes in. Ensuring no bacteria or grime is left behind takes a lot of time, effort, and speciality cleaning products. Leaving it to the professionals ensures the job gets done correctly, quickly, and to the highest standard.

1. Regular Cleaning Occurs More Often

The main difference between regular and deep cleaning is that regular cleaning takes place on a schedule. Deep cleaning is a one-off service, often used when a property is being sold or a new tenant moves in. Regular cleaning schedules can be set to meet specific needs; they can be daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, whatever the client wishes!

2. Deep Cleaning Removes Dirt and Grime

Deep cleaning covers areas not usually touched by regular cleaning. Behind appliances such as ovens and washing machines is thoroughly cleaned during deep cleans; no dirt is left behind! Stains will be removed from carpets, and limescale removed from taps.

3. Regular Cleaning Keeps Your Home Clean

Regular cleaning is more of a maintenance service than deep cleaning. The cleaning tasks you would usually carry out daily, or weekly, are the focus of regular cleaning. Cleanliness is maintained by regular cleaning, preventing build-up of dust and grime; stopping things from getting worse.

4. Deep Cleaning Is More Thorough & Ensures Ultimate Cleanliness

Because deep cleaning is more thorough and takes longer, it comes with a slightly bigger price tag. But, It’s still affordable and worth every penny. Hiring professionals to complete a deep clean ensures the job is done correctly; untrained people will not reach the same level of cleanliness. This is why people who are selling properties or getting new tenants always use the service!

When Is A Deep Clean Required?

The regular and deep cleaning tasks are similar; the main difference is that attention to detail! Here are some situations where you should consider a deep clean service:

You are a first time customer. Most cleaning companies have a standard rule that new customers must have a deep clean before regular cleaning.
You are planning on selling your home. You want to impress; people who view a clean, well-presented home are more likely to buy a property and pay more for it too!
You are moving out of a rented property. Landlords expect properties to be left in fantastic condition, suitable for another tenant to move in.
You are hosting an event. If a wedding is taking place at a premise you own, or you’re hosting a party for your mates, you want everything to look good, and be hygienic too!
You’ve moved into a property left in a bad state. People should always get a deep clean before moving out of a property, but unfortunately, not everybody does.

Regular Clean Vs. Deep Clean; Which Do You Need?

So, suppose it’s your first time booking a professional clean. In that case, you should schedule a deep clean before planning regular cleaning. This service can be daily, weekly, monthly… it’s up to you!

At Kiasu Workforce, we offer a deep cleaning service to commercial and residential properties throughout London. We use products to kill over 99% of harmful pathogens! We make sure your premises are a safe and hygienic environment. Contact us today to find out more; our skilled team are here to help.

How Does Combined Heat and Power Work?

Posted on October 8, 2021July 29, 2023 by rob.fullsend

Power stations generate electricity by burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. But there’s a problem; we are running out of fossil fuels. These fossil fuels are a significant contributor to global warming; our extensive burning of fossil fuels has negatively impacted our planet. We are on a mission to use more renewable energy, such as solar or wind. Still, we can’t just swap all of our energy overnight.

One solution is to use combined heat and power systems (CHP), where a single fuel source produces both heat and power. Traditional power stations produce heat and electricity separately, therefore using up more of these precious fuels.

CHP systems were initially created for use on large premises with excessive heating requirements, such as hospitals. The good news is that combined heat and power systems are now also available for domestic use! Smaller CHP systems can be used in any size property; they are similar in size and design to conventional boilers. You’re probably thinking, what exactly is a CHP system? Let me explain.

What Is A CHP (Combined Heat and Power) System?

Combined heat and power (CHP) is a highly efficient process that captures and utilises heat, a by-product of electricity generation. In other more traditional ways of producing electricity, this heat is usually wasted; a CHP system generates electricity and captures heat.

In traditional coal, oil, and natural gas stations, up to two-thirds of the overall energy produced is lost! Have you ever seen a cloud of steam rising from cooling towers? That’s all wasted heat, which we could use in other ways!

A CHP system can reduce carbon emissions by up to 30% by generating both heat and power! (When compared to conventional generation, via boiler and power station).

How Does A Combined Heat and Power System Work?

Fuel causes the engine to run; there are multiple ways this can be done.
This engine causes an alternator to produce heat.
Coolant is used to stop the alternator from overheating.
A heat exchanger recovers this heat.
The heat exchanger heats the water; this water is then used to heat homes and other premises.

The Difference Between CHP and Traditional Electricity Generators

A conventional electricity generation system ran by fossil fuels is a pretty inefficient process. Traditionally, we’ve created electricity by first burning fossil fuels in a furnace to release heat. This heat is then used to boil water and create steam, the steam then drives a turbine, this turbine then drives a generator, and ta-dah! The generator then makes electricity.

The problem with this process is that energy wastage occurs at every step and quite a lot! The water that is boiled has to be cooled back down. This is done in giant cooling towers; in the open air, wasting so much heat which we could utilise! We’ve now realised we do not need to waste this much energy in the process.

This water usually gets cooled back down; why can’t this be used as hot water for properties? This is the thinking behind CHP systems, to use this heat instead of cooling it back down. So, a traditional power plant creates electricity and then wastes heat. A CHP system makes both electricity and hot water, then supplies both to premises.

Using Combined Heat and Power In Domestic Properties

As mentioned, CHP systems can be used in domestic properties! Systems suitable for smaller properties are called micro-CHPs. They still generate heat and electricity simultaneously; they’re just smaller than power stations!

Domestic combined heat and power systems are usually powered by either mains gas or liquified petroleum gas. Some models can be powered by oil or bio-liquids. Fossil fuels typically power CHP systems, but they are still considered low carbon as they produce electricity and heat! Traditional boilers do not do this.

The Benefits of Using Combined Heat and Power In Domestic Properties

Here are some of the advantages of using CHP systems (these apply to domestic and commercial properties!). All of the figures stated below are as per the government website.

Cut Your Carbon Footprint

CHP operators can save up to 30% on carbon emissions compared to traditional boilers.

Standard Maintenance

Servicing costs and maintenance are similar to a standard boiler; a specialist will be required. Not a problem, as they are easy to get hold of!

Cut Your Electricity Bills

When using combined heat and power systems, energy bills can be reduced by around 20%! Installing CHP systems can save a lot of pennies and do good stuff for the environment.

Easy Installation

There is very little difference between a CHP boiler and a standard boiler! If you currently have a conventional boiler, you should be able to replace it with a CHP boiler, as they are roughly the same size! Always have your boiler fitted by qualified professionals and make sure your boiler is MCS-approved.

Find Out More About Installing a Micro-CHP In Your Home!

At Kiasu workforce, we source, install and maintain combined heat and power systems in domestic and commercial properties. Our team of qualified engineers can swap your conventional boiler for a new and improved CHP system. You’ll save money in the long run AND reduce your carbon footprint alongside! Contact us today to find out more.