Tips For Keeping A Facility Safe For Industrial Cleaning Staff
The most efficient type of manufacturing plant or warehouse is a clean and organized one. Mainly, because its more productive and safer compared to an unorganized dirty space. Depending on the size and company policy’s whether or not the cleaning is handled inhouse or using an outside industrial cleaning company in Michigan to handle the cleaning and maintenance process.
Outside Michigan industrial cleaning crews will not be as familiar with the facility in the beginning but quickly learn exactly how everything works and the expectations of the facility. Also, any reputable cleaning company will have all their staff properly trained on safety and proper workplace practices.
Nonetheless, the cleaning staff that will be cleaning the facility will need to follow proper safety protocols to ensure that no injuries occur. We will outline some of the most common hazards a industrial cleaning crew may encounter and what can be done to ensure the safety of everyone on the team.
Having Assigned Work Areas
Similar with facility employees, having dedicated work areas on a specific paint booth or in a specific office assures the cleaning is done correctly and safely. Often, each designated work area will have the supplies needed to complete the cleaning or maintenance of that specific area. In addition, organizing your cleaning supplies/equipment prevents cluttered storage areas and the potential injuries.
Storage of cleaning equipment should be in an area of your facility that has proper ventilation with ample space for cleaning personnel to access them without tripping hazards. In addition, the cleaning personnel may be stacking cleaning products and preparing for the next day’s cleaning activities. The industrial cleaning crew needs enough space to properly prepare and complete preventative maintenance without anything getting in the way or preventing them for preventing them for successful completing their tasks.
Proper Handling of Chemicals
Industrial cleaning and maintenance personnel encounter a wide variety of chemicals in their daily tasks, including bleach products, degreasers, and sanitizers. Improper exposure to chemicals from cleaning products has been found to cause skin rashes, headaches, and lung damage, so it’s important that industrial cleaning personnel receive thorough training on the products they use.
Product Labels: Promoting safe handling of cleaning supplies and ensuring all of the chemicals/cleaning products have clear labels with safety data sheets readily available. Most importantly, this allows cleaning personnel to know exactly what materials they are handling and where to look for additional safety information. Finally, this is critical to preventing accidents and injury.
Spills Protocols: Spills often occur during the mixing or diluting liquid cleaning solutions or when transferring a chemical from a larger tote to a smaller container. Industrial cleaning personnel should be properly trained to always refer to the safety data sheets if they have any questions about how to handle and clean up a specific cleaning product. Also, clearly visible instructions outlining what personal protective equipment (PPE) to use, is extremely important. Additionally, if a spill results in harm to industrial cleaning personnel, all personnel should know how to address the situation in a timely manner.
Paying Attention To All Moving Equipment
Mot all Manufacturing plants and warehouses have many moving parts, including machinery and forklifts. In addition, not only can these machines present danger to the workers of the facility, they can be hazardous to industrial cleaning personnel. Most often, industrial cleaning personnel could be working while machine operators are doing their tasks, so it’s extremely important that industrial cleaners are always mindful of their surroundings.
Industrial cleaning personnel wearing high-visibility vests or jackets make it easy for to spot them as they approach active work areas. However, industrial cleaning personnel will benefit from having a plan for their day. Importantly, communicating with facility manager at the beginning of each shift to ensure proper lockout/tagout is enforced and the area has been approved for cleaning.
Avoid Slipping, Tripping, and Falling
Slipping, Tripping, and Falling continues to be a leading cause of workplace injuries in industrial settings. Industrial cleaners, especially, have a high risk of slipping since they handle liquid cleaners and situations that involve water, oil, or grease spills. In addition to high-visibility clothing, the cleaning personnel’s uniform should include properly fitted, nonslip shoes that help create traction against a wet floor. Not only can the right shoes improve safety, but they can also increase the comfort of workers who may spend multiple hours on their feet.
It’s crucial that plant managers properly train industrial cleaning personnel on how to handle spills. Also, the longer a hazard lingers, the higher the chance of something bad happening, so it’s best that a industrial cleaning crews addresses a spill as soon as possible. Importantly, proceeding a spill to set up a perimeter around the area to make others aware of the situation. After that, the industrial cleaning crews can decide on the proper cleaning method for handling the spill.
In Conclusion Industrial Cleaning Safety Tips
Many factors can contribute to slip, trip, and fall incidences in a manufacturing setting, including clutter, uneven surfaces, and obstructed views. In addition, staying observant of debris throughout the facility can help prevent accidents. Finally, industrial cleaning crews should take their time while completing their daily work and always be aware of their surroundings. Strength H2O Industrial Solutions is the best industrial cleaning company to service your facility!