Housekeeping

A very large number and a very wide range of accidents may be caused in part at least, by bad housekeeping, for example:

• Falls on floors left slippery, greasy, or damp;
• Striking against or falling over machine parts, material or other obstructions left lying in passageways;
• Cuts from objects left protruding from benches; and,
• Punctures by nails protruding from wood, especially on construction sites

Risks from internal transport are intensified if passageways are not kept clear or stacking of materials impedes vision. Badly-stacked materials may fall and cause serious injury.

Fires may be started if combustible waste is not regularly removed or if excessive quantities of flammable materials are kept in workshops. Health risks from dangerous dusts and chemicals are greatly increased unless all working surfaces and surroundings are kept clean.

Good housekeeping cannot be left to the unplanned activities of persons employed but is, in its broad outlines, a responsibility of management. The undertaking should be laid out in such a way that it is easy for order and cleanliness to be observed.

Aisles, walkways, traffic areas and exits should be properly marked and defined.

Special areas should be set aside for storage of raw materials, finished work, tools and accessories. Racks for hand tools or implements above workbenches and an underbench slot or other simple provision for storage of small personal possessions will keep working areas clear.

Adequate receptacles for waste and debris should be conveniently placed.

Floors and workbenches should be constructed of materials suitable for the work done and also be easy to clean; non-slip surfaces allied with non-slip polishing methods will obviate the risk of slipping which sometimes occurs in public offices.

Many machines are liable to eject quantities of oil, swarf or water but much can be done by screening and simple physical devices to prevent deposit on the surrounding floors. Wet processes or plant should be provided with drainage channels and sometimes isolated by curbs.

In an establishment of any size, day-to-day cleanliness cannot be left to the last few minutes of the working day of the production workers. It may be reasonable to expect a man to leave his immediate workplace in a clean and tidy condition but the general cleaning of workshops, sanitary facilities and yards can be effectively carried out only by special gangs, employed or hired for that express purpose.

In many trades this cleaning will take place after the end of the working day with a thorough weekly cleaning during the weekend pause, but special arrangements will be necessary where continuous shifts are worked or where cleaning during the working day is essential. Where dangerous dusts, such as those containing free silica, may be evolved into the air, continuous cleaning by vacuum methods may be necessary.

Tidiness and good order throughout working time are especially difficult to maintain in trades where there is rapid production of finished goods and/or waste. Finished goods should be removed to a proper storage area and regular arrangements made for the removal of waste and emptying of waste receptacles. Particular care is needed to prevent accumulation of debris and clutter under benches.

Each type of industry has its particular housekeeping problems, from large steel works to a small dressmaker's workroom. Construction sites present serious difficulties: only the most rigorous supervision and the co-operation of all employees can keep the site, work platforms, etc., free from tools, bolts, planks, (including upturned nails) and other objects likely to cause serious accidents.

Supervision and cleaning arrangements for sanitary facilities, bathrooms, cloakrooms and messrooms are as essential as for the work areas.

The worst risk to persons engaged in housekeeping activities is that excessive zeal may lead to cleaning up in proximity to machinery in motion, normally safe by position. Cleaning should never be carried out when any risk of entanglement is present.

Removal of waste and debris may involve serious risks of cuts from scrap metal, swarf or broken glass.

Detergents and cleaning materials may cause dermatitis and skin infections.

Personal protective clothing, overalls, hand protection and foot protection are often necessary; respiratory protective equipment may be required when dangerous dusts are present. Washing facilities and first-aid treatment should be available to cleaners employed outside normal working time.