Housekeeping

PURPOSE

To ensure that all personnel are aware of the necessity of good housekeeping, and will work towards maintaining their respective workplaces in a clean and orderly fashion; to provide suggestions for supervisors and employees to follow to ensure that standards are met.

REGULATIONS

A floor or other surface used by any worker shall,

  1. be kept free of,
    1. obstructions,
    2. hazards, and
    3. accumulation of refuse, snow or ice. O. Reg. 851 S. 11

Material, articles or things,
(b) shall be…placed or stored so that the material, articles or things,

  1. will not tip, collapse or fall, and
  2. can be removed or withdrawn without endangering the safety of any worker. O. Reg. 851 S. 45

Machinery, equipment or material that may tip or fall and endanger any worker shall be secured against tipping or falling. O. Reg. 851 S. 46

PROCEDURES

General

All personnel will work towards maintaining their respective workplace in a clean and orderly manner. Housekeeping encompasses all activities related to the cleanliness of any facilities, materials, and equipment and the elimination of nonessential materials and hazardous conditions in the workplace. The following general housekeeping practices must be applied to all areas under the direct control of the Security Guard:

  1. Garbage, scrap, and other trash materials are to be disposed of in containers constructed of noncombustible materials or approved nonmetallic materials.
  2. Ensure that exits and aisles are clear of obstructions to allow easy evacuation of the building.
  3. Material and equipment will be stored only in appropriate storage locations.
  4. Liquid spills are to be cleaned up immediately.
  5. Equipment is to be kept clean and in good working condition.
  6. Individual work areas are to be kept clean to insure that work activities may proceed in an orderly and efficient manner.
  7. Supplies and equipment will not be used in a manner that would be hazardous or adversely affect the work quality. Control should be used to insure that the work area is maintained in an acceptable manner.
  8. Shelved items must be placed in an orderly manner and arranged so that the items cannot easily fall while nearby items are being retrieved.
  9. Items will not be placed in front of shelves so that employees must climb or reach over the items stored in front of the shelves to retrieve items.
  10. Report concerns such as uneven boards, cracks, burnt-out lights and trip hazards.

Inspections

Work areas will be inspected for deficiencies in cleanliness and good physical appearance. Inspections must be performed at a frequency that will ensure the desired level of cleanliness and appearance are maintained.
In shared storage areas, shops, or offices, supervisors of the various employees must work closely together to insure that housekeeping is maintained in an acceptable manner.
Supervisors should develop an inspection checklist that is tailored to the individual site and/or area. All deficiencies noted during the inspection should be documented in sufficient detail to allow the use of the checklist as a cleanup guide.
Maintenance deficiencies that pertain to Client facilities should be documented and reported to the Client.
During inspections, any safety related deficiencies that constitute hazardous conditions must be given priority attention. Hazardous conditions that constitute imminent danger shall be immediately reported to the Client.

GUIDELINES

  1. Housekeeping is being maintained as an integral part of every work operation.
  2. Receptacles are available for waste and debris.
  3. Cleaning and removal of waste, debris, dust, loose grit and gravel is being performed regularly.
  4. A sufficient number of waste receptacles are available to make their use convenient.
  5. Stairways, aisles, corridors, and passageways are free from loose material and debris and are not used for storage.
  6. Wiring, cords, and other materials are not strewn about where they may cause tripping or other safety hazards.
  7. Deficiencies in physical appearance (such as a need for painting and other appearance related maintenance items) should be noted during the inspections.
  8. Deficiencies in the area of corrective maintenance such as leaking valves, fittings or seals, excessive motor vibrations, etc., should be noted during the inspections.

SUPERVISOR AND GUARD PRACTICES

Supervisors shall:

  1. Ensure that requirements of this Standard Practice are being followed by conducting inspections, reviews, spot-checks, and other warranted follow-up action.
  2. Liaise with Client to ensure sufficient equipment is on hand to maintain good housekeeping procedures.
  3. Conduct or arrange for inspections in their area of responsibility.
  4. Ensure that each work area under their supervision is maintained at an acceptable level of appearance and cleanliness.
  5. Initiate corrective action for deficient items noted during inspections.

Guards shall:

  1. Follow the requirements of this Standard Practice.