A clean industrial facility is essential for ensuring the health and safety of workers, meeting regulatory standards, and maintaining efficient operations. Regular cleaning and maintenance help remove contaminants, prevent accidents, and preserve equipment longevity.

6 Cleaning Tips To Ensure a Clean Facility

Here are nine (9) cleaning tips you can use for your industrial facility:

1. Develop a cleaning schedule and stick to it.
2. Train employees on proper cleaning techniques and safety protocols.
3. Use appropriate cleaning products and equipment for specific surfaces and materials.
4. Conduct regular inspections and deep cleaning to address any hidden or hard-to-reach areas.
5. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers handling hazardous materials.
6. Implement a colour-coding system for cleaning tools to avoid cross-contamination.

#1 – Cleaning Schedule

A cleaning schedule is integral to maintaining a clean and safe industrial facility. It ensures that all areas of the facility are cleaned regularly and thoroughly, reducing the buildup of contaminants that can pose health and safety risks. A cleaning schedule provides accountability by assigning cleaning responsibilities and improves efficiency by reducing unplanned cleaning and maintenance.

A cleaning schedule facilitates the use of resources, such as cleaning supplies and equipment, in an organised and cost-effective manner. In addition, it supports compliance with regulatory standards and helps maintain the facility’s reputation. By having a systematic approach to cleaning, a cleaning schedule is a crucial component of maintaining a clean and safe industrial facility.

#2 – Employee Training

Investing in employee training on proper cleaning techniques and safety protocols is crucial for ensuring a facility’s safe and effective cleaning process. Properly trained staff are more likely to follow established protocols and procedures, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries and improving the quality of cleaning. To do this, list priority processes where your staff need up-to-date knowledge and skills. It is vital to assess your team’s skill sets regularly so you can plan the frequency and intensity of training. Investing in relevant training contributes to the overall health and safety of the industrial workplace.

#3 – Appropriateness of Cleaning Products & Equipment

Using appropriate cleaning products and equipment is critical for ensuring effective and safe cleaning in an industrial facility. It increases the effectiveness of cleaning, protects workers and the environment from harmful chemicals and toxins, and prevents damage to surfaces and equipment. Doing so increases the longevity of cleaning equipment, reducing maintenance costs. Ultimately, you can achieve a higher standard of cleanliness and safety while protecting your equipment from immediate wear.

#4 – Regular Inspections & Deep Cleaning

Regular inspection and deep cleaning ensure that all areas are addressed. Inspections are a must when crafting a cleaning schedule, as you will identify areas in need of attention. Assign a responsible person or a team to do the inspections. Schedule deep cleaning for high-priority areas and allocate resources, including personnel and equipment, accordingly. These two processes are imperative because a well-maintained facility addresses not only the frequently-used areas but also isolated ones. Monitor and evaluate the results of the cleaning process so you can make adjustments as needed.

#5 – Personal Protective Equipment

You need to ensure that personal protective equipment (PPE) is available at all times to ensure your workers’ health and safety during deep cleaning and other high-risk operations. PPE provides a barrier between workers and hazardous substances, thereby reducing the risk of injury or illness. It also plays a role in infection control, particularly in facilities handling food or medical waste. Wearing PPE can improve worker efficiency and effectiveness, as they are protected from harsh chemicals while performing their tasks. Examples of PPE used in cleaning industrial facilities include gloves, masks, eye protection, gowns, and respirators.

#6 – Colour-Coding System

Assign specific colours to tools used in designated areas. Here is how it works:

• Designate colours: Assign different colours to different areas based on the level of risk. For example, red for high-risk areas, yellow for medium risk, and green for low risk.
• Mark the tools: Mark cleaning tools, such as mops, buckets, and cloths, with the designated colour.
• Train the staff: Train your staff on this system to ensure they fully understand the importance of using the correct tools for each area, preventing cross-contamination.
• Enforce the system: Ensure that the colour-coding system is strictly followed and that tools are not used interchangeably between areas.

By using a colour-coding system, industrial facilities can minimise the risk of cross-contamination, improve hygiene and safety, and promote best practices in cleaning.

Conclusion

With careful attention to these important cleaning tips, you can create a thriving workplace for employees, reduce the risk of accidents, and boost productivity and efficiency. Ultimately, proper cleaning procedures are essential for the success of any industrial facility.