Growth in the industrial sector continues to increase, along with health and safety standards to ensure the productivity and safety of employees at every level. Of course, many of these industrial facilities have people moving around throughout the day, as well as operating heavy machinery and moving supplies in rapid succession. All these things can take a once perfectly clean facility and turn it into a disheveled mess.
At the same time, a lot of stakeholders, investors, and visiting clients gauge the success of an industrial facility based on its cleanliness, just as much as its production and potential profitability. Ultimately, a properly cleaned facility is one that has fewer accidents, as well as fewer sick days taken by employees.
So, it’s no wonder why so many commercial property owners and industrial facility managers are always looking to update and improve their health and safety standards. Many find that it helps to adopt a series of standard operating procedures for best practices customized to their facility. This typically requires a multi-phase strategy during duty shifts, as well as daily cleaning tasks and even periodic specialty cleaning services.
Developing A Comprehensive Cleaning Plan
Taking the time to develop a comprehensive cleaning plan also empowers you, and your management staff to define actionable steps as well as maintain measurable goals. Ultimately it is much easier to undergo regular cleanings than it is to procrastinate cleaning practices until you need to perform a massive deep clean every week or month.
When developing a comprehensive cleaning plan for your industrial facility, be sure that you include essential things like sweeping regularly, keeping floors clear of obstacles and potential safety hazards, as well as setting up rules for maintaining employee workstations.
Along the way, don’t pass over little details such as dusting, spot inspecting equipment at the start of every shift, and checking for any damage or spills. It’s best to keep a cleaning log so that you can stay on top of tasks and avoid getting backlogged. It can also serve as a duty reminder to all employees throughout their workday.
When it comes to industrial cleaning best practices, you need to make sure that you regularly clean equipment, as well as disinfect high-touch areas, undergo industrial carpet cleaning, and service windows, as well as all glass surfaces.
Also make sure to develop a cleaning plan for places like the loading dock, and the HVAC system, as well as check the exhaust system. Routine cleaning of these essential systems goes a long way toward reducing maintenance costs from emergencies.
Designate Cleaning Zones
A lot of industrial facility managers find it helps to set up cleaning zones. You can then assign specific employees to each zone in your facility. Empowering them to be responsible for cleaning and organizing throughout the day reduces the accumulation of big messes.
This simple act of ongoing cleaning in clearly defined areas takes very little time out of their workday. Yet it also goes a long way toward ensuring that your facility stays safe for all shifts. Also make sure that all employees know that before clocking out, have them do a quick sweep and wipe down of the area.
Improve Accessibility For Cleaning Supplies & Equipment
Making sure that cleaning supplies and equipment are easily accessible to your employees ensures that they’ll be used when needed. Making cleaning supplies readily available encourages their use, while also serving as a visual reminder that cleaning is important throughout your facility.
If an employee has to walk all the way back to the warehouse just to get a broom or mop, they are less likely to do so. When it’s close at hand, it’s easy for them to handle spot cleaning duties at a moment’s notice.
You should also make sure that you have the proper cleaning procedures for specific pieces of equipment posted nearby. Then make sure that the correct cleaning products are readily available and stored nearby.
Train Employees On Cleaning Techniques
Even when you provide your employees with the best possible cleaning products, tools, and equipment, they still need to know how to use them. This includes providing safety data sheets for all cleaning products to prevent chemical mixing hazards, as well as training on how to operate power tools for cleaning.
Then make sure that each employee signs off on knowing how to use the proper cleaning products and equipment safely. Not only does this ensure that everything is cleaned correctly, but it also reduces your liability.
Provide Disposal Areas For Trash & Debris
Trash, industrial equipment, and debris can all turn into a serious safety obstacle, that increases the chances of a major on-site accident. By placing dumpsters in key locations throughout your industrial facility, you encourage employees to throw things away and keep their areas tidy.
While it might seem simple, this is one of the easiest ways to reduce on-the-job accidents. It also encourages employees to be proactive about maintaining a clean workspace. It can also come in handy if stakeholders, investors, or clients happen to pop in for a tour of the facility.
The Benefits Of Hiring A Professional Cleaning Service
A lot of industrial facility managers find it’s easier to hire a third-party cleaning service like Building Services Inc. Than it is to train and task employees with more complicated aspects of cleaning and servicing equipment. Especially if you have a manufacturing facility where timing is critical for maximizing production.
We have years of experience working with all manner of industrial facilities in a wide variety of sectors. Our cleaning technicians are all rigorously trained and have access to professional cleaning supplies and equipment with the training necessary to use them safely.
If you prefer, we can set up a custodial staff to service your industrial facility during normal hours of operation. With our flexible schedule, we can even set up cleaning services for after-duty shifts, or in between shifts. We even have extensive experience and equipment necessary to maintain a lot of standard equipment, including HVAC systems.
