G U I D E L I N E S F O R

C O M M E R C I A L

M A I N T E N A N C E

FLOOR

C O M M E R C I A L

M A I N T E N A N C E

A N D T H E L A W

FLOOR

Currently, there are no specified

laws or regulations that govern

commercial floor cleaning and

maintenance. This means that each

business owner is responsible for

keeping floors maintained to a

“reasonable” standard, which can

vary considerably, according to

what judges and juries deem to be

“reasonable.”

Reasonable floor care is generally

considered to include regular

cleaning, floor inspections, and

responsible behavior if a slip and

fall accident does occur.

This presentation outlines the

steps for cleaning and inspecting

floors, as well as addressing

accidents that can lead to litigation

(lawsuits).

T O C O A T O R

N O T T O C O A T :

BARE FLOORS VS.

F L O O R C O AT I N G S

Some bare floors are

reasonably slip-resistant

without any coating, such as

concrete.

Other floors, particularly vinyl

and vinyl composition tile

(VCT) tend to become slippery

and dangerous when wet.

Floor coating does more than

just protect people walking on

the floor, it also:

•Extends the life of the flooring

•Makes floors easier to clean

•Looks prettier and shinier

•Can reduce the amount of light

necessary to illuminate the area

Most floor coatings available

today are made to meet the

ASTM D-2047 standard. This

standard defines coating that is

reasonably slip-resistant. Some

bare flooring also meet the ASTM

D-2047 slip-resistance

standards.

Ask your flooring distributor or

floor coating salesperson if your

floor or coating meets this

standard of slip-resistance.

Though this standard is not

required by law, its use is

considered to be taking

“reasonable” precautions to

protect employees, customers,

and visitors from injury.

Without a flooring made to this

standard, the company can be

open to legal liability for slip and

fall accidents.

C O A T I N G S T H A T

MEET THE STANDARD

HOW OFTEN SHOULD

COMMERCIAL FLOORING

B E C L E A N E D ?

Again, the law provides no

standards for the frequency of

cleaning commercial flooring.

The responsibility lies with the

business owner.

Cleaning frequency should be

determined by how contaminated

the floors become during the

course of a typical business day.

Most retail businesses can clean

floors once per day, followed by

regular inspections for spills that

could lead to slip and fall

accidents. Hourly inspections are

considered normal practice in

most businesses.

If a hazardous condition is

reported between inspections,

prompt cleaning within 10-15

minutes of the report is generally

considered “reasonable.”

Abrasive anti-slip flooring and

floor coatings generally tear up

regular mops quickly.

Commercial businesses can

clean floors by:

1.Thoroughly sweeping,

including nooks and crannies

where debris likes to hide.

2.Use a commercial-grade mop

or floor scrubber and

commercial-grade mopping

solution. Mix and use according

to the package instructions.

HOW SHOULD COMMERCIAL

FLOORING BE CLEANED?

3. Treat stains with commercial-grade mopping solution and a hard-bristled

brush.

4. Supplement regular cleanings with a quality floor buffing to maintain shine.

5. Pay attention to the wear and tear on the floor coating, particularly in heavy-

traffic areas. Re-coat when necessary.

Since most business owners depend on cleaning and maintenance staff to

keep floors in good shape, training these employees to identify and address

floor issues that affect the appearance and safety of the business is essential.

•First, set up policies to address floor cleaning and maintenance issues, as well

as a log indicating reports of safety issues and what was done to address each

of these reports.

•All employees should be trained to check floors for spills. Employees should

have a specific procedure to follow when cleaning or safety issues arise.

•Keep “Wet Floor” signs handy to set up until the cleaning crew can address

spills.

•Cleaning and maintenance staff should have the appropriate materials and

equipment on hand at all times to clean up spills that could lead to slip and fall

accidents.

•Pay particular attention to entranceways during inclement weather, including

ice, snow, and rain. Absorbent mats are good for keeping these areas slip-free,

but mats can sometimes roll up and become tripping hazards. Train employees

to keep mats in place and to remove mats that are in the way.

TRAINING WORKERS ON FLOOR

CLEANING AND INSPECTIONS

O T H E R P O T E N T I A L

S L I P A N D F A L L

FLOOR HAZARDS TO ADDRESS

Aside from spills and wet floors, other hazards can lead to

accidents and potential litigation. Address these situations

immediately:

• Damaged flooring that could cause people to trip. Repair

damaged flooring as soon as possible.

• Wires laid across walkways that could cause trips and falls.

Install plugs where needed, so no wires have to be strewn

across walkways.

• Paint used on concrete should always be abrasive to

prevent slips. Paint over any slick paint used on floors or

parking lots with an abrasive concrete paint.

Even the most cautious and conscientious businesses sometimes have

accidents. Take these steps to reduce your chances of facing litigation.

•Get the victim comfortable. Do not move anyone that potentially has neck or

back injuries.

•Call for emergency help. Even if the person insists they are okay, it’s better to

have a medical professional check them out.

•Try to find what caused the person to slip and fall.

•Make note of the clothing and especially the footwear the person is wearing.

Write down everything the fall victim says, exactly how they say it.

•As soon as the victim is removed from the scene, take photos of the area

where the accident occurred. Try to find any witnesses to the accident and get

their statements.

•Avoid making any public statements about the cause of the accident. Fill out

your internal accident reports, sticking to the factual information only, no

speculation.

•If necessary, contact your insurance company regarding an accident claim.

WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE

D O E S S L I P A N D F A L L

Every business wants and needs great cleaning equipment, but

not all can afford the pricey new models. PS Janitorial doesn’t just

sell “used” equipment, we offer high-quality refurbished floor

sweepers, floor scrubbers, and buffers, which have been

refurbished and tested by trained technicians. This equipment is

available at as much as 50% less than new equipment costs,

saving you money without sacrificing anything in terms of quality.

For more information and to view PS Janitorial’s inventory,

please visit www.psjanitorial.com.

Sources:

https://www.issa.com/data/files/articles/88/StandardsofCareGuidelines_JD.pdf

http://www.astm.org/Standards/D2047.htm

Image Attributions:

Slide 1 – Photo “1439458” is provided by http://www.freeimages.com/

Summary:

Well-cleaned and well-maintained commercial flooring doesn't just make your

business look great, it can also impact your chances of facing litigation for slip

and fall accidents. Learn how to keep floors clean and cut down your legal

liability.