MANUALS/TROUBLESHOOTING
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Q:
I'm using pitchers or buckets to pour chemical into my machine. Does OSHA require
that I label these transfer containers? Don L., Newark, NJ PACIFIC:
It depends on whether or not the chemical will sit for a period unattended. If
you simply transfer chemical directly into a machine and use up all of the chemical
that was transferred, then you do not need to label the secondary container. If
the chemical is held in the container, then the secondary container must be labeled.
Of course, you still need to have an MSDS sheet for any chemical on your premises.
For more information, see OSHA's Hazardous Communication Standard Title 29, Section
1910. Q: It
seems like whenever I spot clean my carpet, the spots seem to reappear. Any ideas
on why this happens? Ann G., Akron, OH
PACIFIC: Reappearing
spots most likely are caused by incomplete soil retrieval or chemical
residue left behind. Spots can also "reappear" if the carpet isn't
allowed to dry or if spills wick up from the carpet when moistened.
Immediate foot traffic over wet or damp carpet can quickly resoil
the fibers. It's also possible that the spot has turned to a stain
because it sat too long before being cleaned. When spot-cleaning,
you should use a spotting solution or one designed specifically
for the spill you're cleaning (oil or water-based or specific purpose
chemical). Spotting agents should not be used for wide area cleaning.
Be sure to rinse the spot thoroughly with clean water to completely
remove the soil and chemical. Pacific's new HotSpot model is a portable
spotter and emergency cleanup kit that allows you to treat the spill,
rinse out chemical with clean water and then dry the spot with the
unit's warm air exhaust.
Q:
What can I do to minimize streaking while I'm scrubbing? Dale M., Baltimore, MD
PACIFIC: Streaking
is usually caused by a worn squeegee or debris getting caught in
the squeegee. Always sweep areas before scrubbing unless you are
using a scrubber that has a dual sweep/scrub function – such
as Pacific's ScrubMaster 30R or 26R cylindrical brush models. If
streaking occurs, you should check the condition of the squeegee,
adjust the squeegee setting, if needed, and check for blockage in
the vacuum recovery hose. If those all check out fine, you could
be using a chemical that's incompatible with the floor or coating
and should investigate further.
Q: We have
a clothing store with hard wood floors. We're in a beach area with
a lot of sand that gets tracked in. The floor is nearly new, but
is starting to look dull. What can I do to maintain the floor so
that I don't have to polish or refinish so often? Carlos R., Clearwater
Beach, FL
PACIFIC:
Wood floors are becoming very popular for retail, but they can be tricky to maintain.
The first line of defense is preventing sand and soil from getting into your store.
Keep the sidewalk just outside your store swept clean of pebbles, sand and soil.
Pacific offers several highly effective, low-cost manual sweepers for this purpose.
Next, be sure to have at least a large 12-ft. walk-off mat in your entranceway
to capture most of the tracked in soil. Keep in mind that dirty mats can become
a source of soil if not regularly cleaned! Third, vacuum the floor or dust mop
regularly. Damp mop only (never over wet) when needed and be sure to use a cleaning
solution formulated especially for wood floors. To restore the finish, use one
of Pacific's polishers with a white buffing pad as needed. You will need to refinish
the floor every so often to keep it beautiful and inviting.
Q: I've always
wondered how equipment manufacturers calculate productivity rates.
Machines with the same specs from different manufacturers seem to
vary widely. What's the formula? Scott T., Minneapolis, MN
PACIFIC: We've
often wondered ourselves how some pretty high productivity rates
are calculated when the specs are the same! Here's a good general
formula that we use and you can, too, to determine your productivity
rate. Divide the width of the machine by 12 (to determine feet)
and multiply this by 150 as an average rate of speed per minute.
The absolute highest rate of speed, mainly used for rider machines,
is 246 sq. ft./min. Multiply that number by 60 (to convert minutes
to an hourly rate) and you'll get your total square footage per
hour. Keep in mind there are many factors that determine the actual
vs. ideal productivity rate, such as battery charge, motor type,
down pressure, cleaning task (light or stripping), pad or brush
used, operator/machine speed, and facility layout.
Q: I
just purchased a Tsunami Portable extractor and I have to say I
used it for the first time on 3/2/04 and I am totally amazed at
its performance. My question is, is there an optional vacuum hose
attachment so upholstery can be done? Duane B.,St. Paul, MN.
PACIFIC: There
is an upholstery kit for the Tsunami. The Pacific part
number is 228831. This kit includes an upholstery tool, hoses,
the
accessory cover for the unit, and a bag to carry all of it in.
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