One might think that cleaning is the same everywhere. Well, no! Each sector has its own specific characteristics and requirements, and specialized factory cleaning is a special case. Generally speaking, factories have one thing in common: a heightened focus on safety.
Indeed, in the industrial sector, there is a lot of traffic, both on foot and on wheels. In the heat of the moment, it's easier to lose focus and become oblivious to danger. This is why factories have established rules within their walls. Each factory may have its own specific rules, depending on what it produces or the equipment it uses. However, some basic rules are common to all factories.
Safety rules common to all factories
First, factories require employees to have completed WHMIS training. This training teaches them to recognize hazardous products and use them safely.
Pedestrians must walk in the designated corridors.
And above all, don't run in a factory! On the contrary, take the time to look both ways to make sure no forklift is approaching. Furthermore, there's usually a code of conduct for transporting equipment or accessories. So follow the factory's rules.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Depending on the factory, you may be required to wear personal protective equipment, such as a helmet, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, or a vest. In all cases, safety shoes are mandatory in any factory.
Everyone is responsible for safety
In a factory, each person is responsible for safety. In other words, everyone must remain vigilant. Therefore, a person who fears for their safety has the right to refuse dangerous work. They can also report a risk to their immediate supervisor. Each person is thus part of the health and safety solution.
Equipment use and lockout/tagout (Title 3)
There are very often rules for using and operating equipment. It may even be necessary to do a padlocking before working on any equipment. Here is an excellent document produced by the CNESST relating to lockout and other energy control methods.
Additional rules in food factories
- No jewelry. No piercings, bracelets, or watches. No nail polish or false nails. Also, keep your nails short: they're easier to wash, and it's immediately obvious if they're clean.
- Handwashing. You will need to wash your hands every time you enter the factory. So even if you only leave for 5 minutes, you will need to wash them again as thoroughly as the first time.
- The hairnet. You will wear a hairnet, a beard net, and possibly even factory socks, according to the establishment's rules.
- The dress code. Generally, you should wear long sleeves and clothes without holes. Trousers should reach the ankle. So, no tank tops or shorts.
- The boots. If you're applying for a washer position, you'll almost certainly need to wear food-grade, non-slip washing boots. These boots will remain on the premises. Depending on the factory, you may also need to wash them daily or weekly. Sandals, sneakers, or open-toed shoes are not permitted.
- The disease. If you are contagious, you will most likely need to stay home to avoid transmitting your bacteria to food.
- Allergens. You could be prohibited from bringing food that contains an allergen, if the factory produces food without that allergen.
- Washing equipment. You will need to wash your washing equipment every day. After all, you can't wash with dirty things!
- Garage doors. Even when it's hot, you won't be able to open them, so as not to let vermin in.
Of course, this is just a basic list. Each factory may have its own rules.
Daily specialized factory cleaning
Cleanliness and tidiness are paramount in a factory. Indeed, disorder and dirt can cause workplace accidents or contamination.
Daytime cleaning
First, let's talk about the Regular daytime cleaning. Many factories operate 24/7, sometimes even on holidays. Furthermore, they typically employ a large number of people. Therefore, it's necessary to visit the restrooms, changing rooms, cafeterias, and kitchenettes several times a day.
Evening and night cleaning
In the evenings and at night, the restrooms, locker rooms, cafeterias, and kitchenettes are also cleaned. However, since production is often reduced, the employee will likely have other tasks, such as washing floors. Of course, the production equipment is also cleaned every day, and sometimes even several times a day. However, this is usually the responsibility of the operator of each machine.
The specialist cleaning team
The factory may also require wall and ceiling cleaning, more thorough equipment cleaning, and other specialized work. Sometimes, it outsources this work to an external company. Indeed, high-rise structures are complex, and only specialized cleaning teams can handle them.
The work plan and roadmap
All of these works are part of a work plan, which describes each task. This plan very often includes preventative maintenance and regular work. In addition, each employee generally has their own roadmap. It describes, day by day, the tasks to be done and the times at which they must be done. Sometimes, the route must even follow a specific direction.
Each factory is unique
You will understand that it is impossible to compile an exact list of health and safety rules for every factory. Indeed, each factory has its own specific characteristics, and therefore its own rules. Furthermore, the washing procedures depend on the volume of traffic, the production process to be followed, break and meal times, and many other factors specific to each factory.
CF Salubrité specializes in determining the work to be done, then developing the work plan and route sheets for each employee. We have worked in numerous industrial and food processing plants. We therefore know this environment well, both on the ground floor and in elevated structures. Do you need to establish your plan or review your work methods? Don't hesitate to contact us. We work with both management and on-site personnel.
Need help preparing your cleaning schedule or quotes? Contact us.
