Workplace housekeeping and cleanliness practices by Prof. MukeshKumar Langiya

 Workplace housekeeping and cleanliness practices  by Prof. MukeshKumar Langiya

As we know that Starting point for housekeeping and cleanliness in the

organization is the setting of the housekeeping and cleanliness practices and then

training the employees in those practices. These practices must have clear

objectives which are practical and attainable. The practices are to comply with the

regulatory norms and requirements. These practices must be safe and simple so

that employees are motivated to follow them.

Good housekeeping and cleanliness practices ensure an orderly storage and

movement of materials from point of entry to exit. The plan also ensures that work

areas are not used as storage areas. This avoids the employees moving the

materials to and from work areas as needed. Part of the plan can include

earmarked area for different materials and frequency of material disposal from

the earmarked area. This step at workplace results into the elimination of

repeated handling of the same material and more effective use of the employees’

time. Often, ineffective or insufficient storage planning results in materials being

handled and stored in hazardous ways. Knowing the shop layout and the movement

of materials throughout the workplace helps in planning of the work procedures.

Employees’ training should be planned for good housekeeping and cleanliness

practice. Employees need to know how to work safely with the products they use.

They also need to know how to protect other employees such as by posting signs

(such as ‘wet – slippery floor’ etc.) and reporting any unusual conditions.

The practices of housekeeping and cleanliness are to be ‘maintained’ and not

‘achieved’. To be effective, these practices are to be used on a regular and

continual basis by the employees in the organization. One way to ensure that these

practices are followed at the workplace is to integrate them with the job

responsibilities of the employees.

For housekeeping and cleanliness practices special attention is needed for the

places which are ‘out-of-the-way’ or which are unmanned since without special

attention these places are likely to be overlooked. The orderly arrangement of

operations, tools, equipment and supplies is an important part of a good

housekeeping cleanliness practices. Also regular inspection is needed for ensuring

that the practices are followed at the workplace.

Fundamentals of housekeeping and cleanliness at workplace

The major fundamentals which are normally included in the housekeeping and

cleanliness practices at the workplace are described below.

 Removal of Dirt and Dust – Working in a dusty and dirty area is unhygienic as

well unhealthy for the employees since there can be respiratory type

irritations. Also, if dust and dirt are allowed to accumulate on surfaces,

there is a potential for a slip hazard. Hence, regular sweeping the workplace

for the removal of dust and dirt is an essential housekeeping and cleanliness

practice.

 Employee facilities – Adequate employees’ facilities such as drinking water,

wash rooms, toilet blocks, and rest rooms etc. are to be provided for the

employees at the workplace so that employees can use them when there is a

need. Cleanliness at the place of these facilities is an important aspect of

the facilities.

 Flooring – Floors are to be cleaned regularly and immediately if liquids or

other materials are spilled. Poor floor conditions are a leading cause of

accidents in the workplace. It is also important to replace worn, ripped or

damaged flooring that poses a trip hazard.

 Lighting – Adequate lighting reduces the potential for accidents. It is to be

ensured that inoperative light fixtures are repaired and dirty light fixtures

are cleaned regularly so that the light intensity levels are maintained at the

workplace.

 Aisles and stairways – Aisles and stairways are to be kept clear and not to

be used for storage. Warning signs and mirrors can improve sight lines in

blind corners and help prevent accidents. It is also important to maintain

adequate lighting in stairways. Further stairways need to have railings

preferably round railings for adequate grip.

 Spill control – The best method to control spills is to prevent them from

happening. Regular cleaning and maintenance on machines and equipment is an

essential practice. Also, the use of drip pans where spills might occur is a

good preventative measure. When spills do occur, it is important to clean

them up immediately. When cleaning a spill, it is required to use the proper

cleaning agents or absorbent materials. It is also to be ensured that the

waste products are disposed of properly.

 Waste disposal – The regular collection of the waste materials contribute to

good housekeeping and cleanliness practices. It also makes it possible to

separate materials that can be recycled from those going to waste disposal

facilities. Allowing material to build up on the floor wastes time and energy

since additional time is required for cleaning it up. Placing containers for

wastes near the place where the waste is produced encourages orderly

waste disposal and makes collection easier. All recyclable wastes after their

collection are to be transferred to their designated places so that the waste

materials can be dispatched to the point of use or sold.

 Tools and equipment – Tools and equipment are required to be inspected

prior to their use. Damaged or worn tools are to be taken out of service

immediately. Tools are to be cleaned and returned to their storage place

after use.

 Maintenance – One of the most important elements of good housekeeping

and cleanliness practices is the maintenance of the equipment and the

buildings housing them. This means keeping buildings, equipment and

machinery in safe and efficient working condition. When a workplace looks

neglected then there are broken windows, defective plumbing, broken floor

surfaces and dirty walls etc. These conditions can cause accidents and

affect work practices. It is important to have a replacement program for

replacing or fixing broken and damaged items as quickly as possible.

 Storage – Proper storage of materials is essential in a good housekeeping and

cleanliness practice. All storage areas need to be clearly marked. Flammable,

combustible, toxic and other hazardous materials are to be stored in

approved containers in designated areas which are appropriate for the

different hazards that they pose. The stored materials are not to obstruct

aisles, stairs, exits, fire equipment, emergency eyewash fountains,

emergency showers, or first aid stations. Also it is important that all

containers be labeled properly. If materials are being stored correctly, then

the incidents of strain injuries, chemical exposures and fires get reduced

drastically.

 Clutter control – Cluttered workplaces typically happen because of poor

housekeeping practices. This type of workplace can lead to a number of

issues which include ergonomic as well as injuries. It is important to develop

practices where items like tools, chemicals, cords, and containers are

returned to their appropriate storage location when not in use. Clutter is not

only unattractive but, in a work area, it is also a serious threat to safety.

Danger to the employees increases if the established exit routes and doors

are blocked. For this reason, as well as to prevent slips and trips, assorted

waste materials need to be disposed of promptly in the appropriate waste

containers. Aisles are to be kept clear of obstructions for obvious reasons.

 Individual workspace – Individual workspace need to be kept neat, cleared of

everything not needed for work. Many workplace injuries occur right in the

employee’s workspace. This space is often overlooked when conducting

general housekeeping and cleanliness inspections. It is necessary to make

a checklist which is to be used by the employees to evaluate their

workspace.