Copyright © 2012 American Safety Management Inc.

Housekeeping

Why is Housekeeping Important?

• Job Efficiency• Business Image• Legal Requirement• Safer Environment

Job Efficiency

• Easier to find tools, equipment, and supplies• Save time not having to maneuver around

clutter• Saves money by minimizing investment in

tools, equipment, and supplies• Avoids counter-productive injuries

Business Image

• You will be more likely to invite visitors into your workplace

• Visitors will have a more positive opinion of your product if it is produced in a clutter-free environment (more likely to buy it!)

• Good housekeeping says “you care”

Legal Requirements

OSHA’s regulation with respect to housekeeping reads:

“All places of employment shall be kept clean to the extent that the nature of the work allows.”

Safer Environment

• Effective housekeeping creates a safer environment and can help minimize hazards such as:– Tripping and Falling Hazards– Contact Hazards– Puncture and Splinter Hazards– Electrical Hazards– Fire Hazards– Chemical Hazards– Egress Hazards

UnderstandingHousekeeping

Hazards and How to Prevent Them

Tripping and Falling Hazards

• Anything on the floor that does not belong there and conflicts with a clutter-free environment– i.e., tools,

equipment, supplies, water and grease

How to Control Tripping and Falling Hazards

• Putting things away• Keep floors and steps

clean and in good repair• Adequate lighting• Adequate trash

receptacles• Wet floor signs• Other warning signs (e.g.

uneven floors)

Contact Hazards

• Objects that can hit you or that you can bump into– i.e., open drawers,

protruding sharp tools

How to Control Contact Hazards

• Put things away• Close drawers and cabinets• Cover sharp tools• Provide sharps containers for disposable sharp

items• Post appropriate warning signs

Puncture and Splinter Hazards

• Sharp edged or pointed tools that are left out– i.e., Box Cutter,

screwdriver• Splinters that can

develop on any surface or on a variety of tools– i.e., Wood hammer

handle, metal splinters

How to Control Puncture and Splinter Hazards

• Put things away

• Cover pointed items

• Cover or remove splinters

Electrical Hazards

• Overloaded circuits• Cords left near heat

or water• Exposed live

electrical that could cause fire or shock

• Extension cords that become tripping hazards

How to Control Electrical Hazards

• Only use extension cords on a temporary basis and keep away from walkways

• Enclose permanent wiring in conduit• All live electrical conductors must be totally

enclosed• Rely on a qualified electrician

Fire Hazards

• Combustible debris or improperly stored flammable liquids

• It is important to remember that it is the vapor that burns, not the solid or liquid

• Examples of hazards include oily rags, gasoline, acetylene, or any other substance capable of burning

How to Control Fire Hazards

• Properly store flammables and combustibles (e.g. oxygen and acetylene)

• Properly dispose of flammable and combustible waste (e.g. oily rags go in to a metal container with lid)

• Smoke only in designated areas and properly dispose of smoking materials

Chemical Hazards

• Open, improperly stored chemical containers• Unintentional mixing of incompatible chemicals– Ex. pouring water into acid instead of acid into

water

How to Control Chemical Hazards

• Keep chemicals capped and properly stored

• Label all chemicals• Do not block eyewash

stations• Rely on MSDS sheets for

storage and labeling requirements and other safety information

Egress Hazards

• Blocked access to emergency exits and fire protection equipment – i.e., blocked pull stations,

fire extinguishers, telephones, and bulletin boards

• Doors that open inward to work area instead of outward

How to Control Egress Hazards

• Fire exits must remain unlocked during business hours

• Do not block access to fire exits, pull stations, fire extinguishers, telephones, or bulletin boards

• Outside sidewalks leading from fire exits must remain free of ice and snow

Summary

• Housekeeping is an important business strategy that improves image, efficiency, and safety

• It requires daily, ongoing effort• Everyone’s responsibility• A place for everything and everything in its place