Jan 30, 2023
Wiping a counter with a bleach solution is an example of sanitizing. Although the words “cleaning” and “sanitizing” are often used interchangeably, there is a big difference between both processes.
Cleaning can be defined as the physical act of removing dirt, grime, and stains from an area. It also includes vacuuming, dusting, and other acts that are meant to make a room or area look good. That doesn’t necessarily mean there is any sanitizing going on. Sanitizing is defined as cleaning an object to make it free of bacteria or disease-causing elements.
Building owners or facility managers should not understand commercial cleaning as a cost. There are many advantages to maintaining a clean workspace, such as:
Improving employees health and reducing sick workdays
Preserving and protecting building assets such as carpets, floors, tile surfaces and equipment
Creating a welcoming atmosphere, and often subconsciously encouraging hard work and collective effort
Cleaning must be done regularly. A good housekeeping program identifies and assigns responsibilities for:
- Clean up during the shift
- Day-to-day cleaning
- Waste disposal
- Removal of unused materials
- Inspection to ensure the cleanup is complete
Sanitation and housekeeping are important to job site safety. Good housekeeping reduces illnesses and injuries and promotes positive behaviors, habits, and attitudes. An effective housekeeping program is an important element in workplace safety and health management systems, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
OSHA’s minimum housekeeping requirements to protect workers establish employers include:
- Maintaining good housekeeping practices
- Storing materials in a way that hazards are not created for workers
- Solid waste must be cleared at the end of the job or work shift
- Keeping work surfaces clean
Effective housekeeping is an ongoing operation. It is not a one-time act of tidying up done occasionally. For help on keeping your facility clean and germ-free, contact Vanguard Resources.