Organisations that wish to maintain a safe and healthy working environment will need to effectively clean large areas such as warehouses from time to time. In fact, some regulations even require that such practices take place at regular intervals. This can be a bit challenging; particularly in the case of larger storage areas. Let’s break the process down into five easy steps so that the correct approach can be taken from the beginning.
1. Preparation
Prepare the are to be cleaned. Remove any vehicles such as hand trucks or forklifts in advance. If necessary, remove delicate items or cover them up with protective wrapping to avoid accidental damage. Look for any additional obstructions that might present a hazard when cleaning.
2. Preliminary Cleaning
Before any in-depth cleaning takes place, it is a good idea to remove large spots of dirt or debris. This will make the subsequent tasks much easier and cut down on the overall time required. Use large brooms to sweep up such materials and be sure to dispose of them in the proper manner. An industrial-strength vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter can also help to prevent a massive amount of dust in the air.
3. Addressing High Areas
Clean any high locations first, as the debris will naturally fall to lower levels. In other words, this approach can prevent you from sweeping the floors twice. Some areas to address include (but might not necessarily be limited to):
- The tops of pallets and pallet racks.
- Upper windows and frames.
- Heating and/or cooling ducts.
Telescoping cleaning attachments can be used although some prefer to employ accordion lifts to access otherwise difficult areas. Be sure to follow all safety standards associated with working at heights when performing these tasks.
4. Floors
Thoroughly clean the floors from dirt, grime and any noticeable stains, as these can present real safety risks for employees. Much of the manual labour can be taken out of this process by leveraging the power and versatility associated with modern industrial floor cleaning machines. These units are available in a variety of sizes and they can tackle even the most daunting of tasks.
5. Reviewing a Checklist
Before the cleaning session is over, review a checklist with a site manager or a similar individual in charge. This is the best way to ensure that no spots were accidentally missed. It is also wise to distribute such a checklist to fellow employees so that they become aware of the steps that need to be taken in the future.
Cleaning an industrial warehouse does not necessarily have to represent an impossible task. Following these five suggestions will ensure that this area never poses a threat to your employees.
We often take the reliability of modern floor cleaners for granted. After all, these heavy-duty machines are meant to stand up to years of wear and tear without experiencing any issues. The fact of the matter is that this assumption can lead to problems over time. Even the most robust units will require regular maintenance if you hope to get the most for your money. What are some general care suggestions and why will these recommendations come in handy?