How do you convince resistant employees to wear backpack vacuums because they claim to be too heavy, uncomfortable, etc.?

Expect employees to be resistive to any shift away from conventional cleaning methods that are familiar and comfortable. However, once employees are fitted with a vacuum, and taught proper vacuuming technique, their fears often vanish. It makes sense to assume that because the vacuum is carried, instead of pushed, vacuuming would be more grueling, but the opposite is true.

The weight of an upright vacuum must be pushed back and forth with the arm and shoulder, causing asymmetrical stress and fatigue to one side of the body. Ninety-percent of the weight of our ergonomic backpack vacuum sits on the hips and is distributed evenly between both legs, for maximum user comfort and mobility. After a couple weeks with the backpack vacuum, few want to go back.

— Jacalyn High, director of marketing, ProTeam, Boise, Idaho


Backpack vacuums are designed for increased cleaning efficiency with an emphasis on ergonomics, featuring a lightweight frame and harness that can be adjusted to rest comfortably on the user’s back and a wand and hose configuration that helps reduce stress on user’s wrists. Some users prefer the varying range of movements that backpacks offer, including the push-pull type motion typical of uprights as well as the side-to-side sweeping motion exclusive to backpacks. 

— David Parkes, general manager, Sanitaire, Charlotte, N.C.


The issue is the cleaning application. There are many cleaning situations or applications that warrant using another type of vacuum cleaner. Like painting, do I use a roller or a paint brush.

— Brad Nyholm, product manager: commercial/dealer for Hoover/Royal Brands, TTI Floorcare North America, Glenwillow, Ohio


Can backpack vacuums be worn by elderly employees, or those with back problems?

An ergonomic backpack vacuum can go a long way to reducing strain or fatigue while cleaning, a job that typically requires an employee to be able to perform a certain amount of physical labor and the ability to lift a certain amount of weight. However, if there is any doubt, the employee should consult his or her doctor. Our lightest vacuum is only 10 pounds and could be accessible to those with physical limitations, if a heavier vacuum is problematic, and a physician approves.

— Jacalyn High, director of marketing, ProTeam, Boise, Idaho


Since the weight of a backpack vacuum is designed to be centered on a user’s strongest part of the body — the back — it is not recommended that employees with back problems use backpack vacuums. A lightweight, durable upright vacuum would be a better fit for these employees to maintain an efficient cleaning routine. Lightweight vacuums come in a variety of sizes under 16 pounds for easy maneuverability and are ideal for fast, frequent cleaning around obstacles.

— David Parkes, general manager, Sanitaire, Charlotte, N.C.


That would be totally a call by a physician.

— Brad Nyholm, product manager: commercial/dealer for Hoover/Royal Brands, TTI Floorcare North America, Glenwillow, Ohio


Are backpack vacuums designed for women operators?
Not only do today’s compact vacuums feature low-profile designs that fit better on a female frame, but at only 10-pounds and with a telescoping wand for height adjustment and better reach, they are easy for the petite operators to use.

— Jacalyn High, director of marketing, ProTeam, Boise, Idaho


Yes, backpack vacuums are designed for both men and women to operate. 

— David Parkes, general manager, Sanitaire, Charlotte, N.C.


All vacuum cleaners can be operated by both male and female users. There are many styles available based on the cleaning requirement.

— Brad Nyholm, product manager: commercial/dealer for Hoover/Royal Brands, TTI Floorcare North America, Glenwillow, Ohio

next page of this article:
Tips For Vacuuming Frequencies and Machine Maintenance


POSTED ON: 9/22/2011