Housekeeping29 CFR 1910 Subpart D

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HousekeepingAccording to OSHA (29 CFR 1910.22), “All places of employment, passageways, storerooms and service rooms shall be kept clean and orderly and in a sanitary condition.” This applies to maintaining floors as well as repairing such things as protruding nails, splinters, holes or loose boards.

Having an orderly and uncluttered workplace is essential to safety. Slippery floors, obstacles in aisles and tools left laying about are just a few dangerous housekeeping hazards. A cluttered, unkempt workplace is a dangerous workplace.

Housekeeping Hazards

Poor housekeeping habits can lead to:

Poor employee attitude toward safety in general. Slips, trips and falls from slick, wet or poorly maintained walking and working surfaces. Tripping hazards from improperly stored materials in walkways and work areas. Accidents caused by overhanging or protruding objects, badly stacked and spotted pallets, and use of

walking and working surfaces for storing materials and equipment.

Workplaces where the aisles and exits are blocked or obstructed, where debris litters the floor, or tools and equipment are not put away properly, have hazards built into them.

Benefits of Good Housekeeping

Part of everyone’s job should include common housekeeping tasks. Benefits of good housekeeping include:

Improved employee morale and improved safety culture. Elimination of causes of accidents and fires. The conservation of space, equipment, operating materials, time and effort making work easier for

everyone. The reduction in product or materials resulting in smaller inventories, fewer accidents and less damaged

merchandise. Reduced likelihood of fire or other catastrophic events.

Fire Prevention

Employees must be aware of the following housekeeping items, which can help in fire prevention.

Crowded material storage arrangements can affect the spread of fires, and can prevent the spray form water sprinklers from reaching the fires.

Blocked traffic aisles can aid the spread of fires and preventing fire fighters from reaching fires. Fire extinguishers and fire-fighting equipment should ever be blocked. The same holds true for heating

equipment, vents, lighting and electrical equipment.

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Orderly Workplace

Proper housekeeping and an orderly workplace will decrease the chances of injury or accident, no matter what type of work is being done.

An orderly workplace must be constantly maintained. It requires a conscientious effort by all employees, on a daily basis, to maintain a clean and orderly workplace.

Training Tips

Review the employee handout (2 handouts are included for your use). Review workplace housekeeping procedures, along with clean-up schedule or philosophy and inspection

routines. Explain how employees can report poor or dangerous situations, and who to report them too.

For more information see 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D—Walking/Working Surfaces.

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Housekeeping Handout 1OSHA requires that the workplace be kept clean and orderly in order to reduce the chance of accidents.

An uncluttered workplace is essential to worker safety. Industrial housekeeping must also include proper arrangement and storage of materials and goods.

Housekeeping HazardsPoor housekeeping habits can lead to:

Poor attitude toward safety. Slips, trips and falls from slick, wet or poorly maintained walking and working surfaces. Tripping hazards from improperly stored materials in walkways and work areas. Accidents caused by overhanging or protruding objects, poorly stacked and spotted pallets, or

improperly stored materials.

Benefits of Good HousekeepingIndustrial housekeeping is more than sweeping the floor and cleaning the break room. Industrial housekeeping also refers to keeping tools and equipment in order and in their assigned places. The benefits of good housekeeping include:

Better morale and improved safety culture. Reduced chance of fire and accidents. Making working easier for everyone. Reduction in the amount of cleanup and janitorial work needed. Creates a well-organized work space. Reflecting an image of a professional, well run workplace.

What are My Employer’s Housekeeping Procedures?

Your employer has policies and procedures regarding industrial housekeeping. Your employer will explain:

The company housekeeping program. How the program functions and is run. The daily clean-up policy. Inspection and supervision in regards to

housekeeping.

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Housekeeping (1) Sign–Off Sheet

The employees of __________Company Name______________________________, have taken part in a training session on Housekeeping. The session covered:

Housekeeping policies in the workplace. The benfits of an industrial housekeeping program. Why a clean, orderly work area is necessary for an injury-free workplace.

DATE OF TRAINING: FACILITY:

EMPLOYEE SIGNATURE PRINT NAME

________________________________________________________Supervisor’s Signature

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Housekeeping Handout 2According to OSHA, all places of employment, passageways, storerooms and service rooms shall be kept clean and orderly and in a sanitary condition.

Benefits of a Clean WorkplaceThere are several benefits of having organized storage:

Materials, tools, etc. are easier to find, and harder to loose. Obsolete items are more noticeable, so it’s easier to dispose of materials that aren’t needed. Less clutter means a lower risk for fire. Clean, clear aisles and floors reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls. Orderly surroundings make you feel better—you can be proud of where you work.

Keep Up with CleanlinessDon’t wait for a formal plant safety inspection to find examples of poor housekeeping in your department. Take a little time each day to put things away and clean up at your workstation.

Housekeeping Checklist

Use the following checklist to keep housekeeping hazards under control:

Is the exit access kept clear at all times?Are stored items kept out of the aisles?Is there clear access to all fire extinguishers?Is there plenty of clearance around electrical panels?Are wet floors promptly mopped up?Are floor swept regularly?Are materials stacked on pallets and shelves that are stable?Are carts and trucks parked where they do not block aisles?Are chemical containers kept closed unless in use?Are hazardous chemicals put back into proper storage?Is food kept away from areas where toxic materials are used?

Catch yourself before you add to housekeeping

problems. Put tools or other items

back where they belong. Sweep up after a messy

job.

Wipe up any spills. Report all leaks you notice from any of the machines

in your area. Pick up and throw away all

trash.

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Housekeeping (2) Sign–Off Sheet

The employees of __________Company Name______________________________, have taken part in a training session on Housekeeping. The session covered:

OSHA’s housekeeping expectations. Benefits of a clean workplace. A housekeeping checklist.

DATE OF TRAINING: FACILITY:

EMPLOYEE SIGNATURE PRINT NAME

________________________________________________________Supervisor’s Signature