Copyright © 2012 American Safety Management Inc. Housekeeping.
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Copyright © 2012 American Safety Management Inc.
Housekeeping
Why is Housekeeping Important?
• Job Efficiency• Business Image• Legal Requirement• Safer Environment
Job Efficiency
• Easier to find tools, equipment, and supplies• Save time not having to maneuver around
clutter• Saves money by minimizing investment in
tools, equipment, and supplies• Avoids counter-productive injuries
Business Image
• You will be more likely to invite visitors into your workplace
• Visitors will have a more positive opinion of your product if it is produced in a clutter-free environment (more likely to buy it!)
• Good housekeeping says “you care”
Legal Requirements
OSHA’s regulation with respect to housekeeping reads:
“All places of employment shall be kept clean to the extent that the nature of the work allows.”
Safer Environment
• Effective housekeeping creates a safer environment and can help minimize hazards such as:– Tripping and Falling Hazards– Contact Hazards– Puncture and Splinter Hazards– Electrical Hazards– Fire Hazards– Chemical Hazards– Egress Hazards
UnderstandingHousekeeping
Hazards and How to Prevent Them
Tripping and Falling Hazards
• Anything on the floor that does not belong there and conflicts with a clutter-free environment– i.e., tools,
equipment, supplies, water and grease
How to Control Tripping and Falling Hazards
• Putting things away• Keep floors and steps
clean and in good repair• Adequate lighting• Adequate trash
receptacles• Wet floor signs• Other warning signs (e.g.
uneven floors)
Contact Hazards
• Objects that can hit you or that you can bump into– i.e., open drawers,
protruding sharp tools
How to Control Contact Hazards
• Put things away• Close drawers and cabinets• Cover sharp tools• Provide sharps containers for disposable sharp
items• Post appropriate warning signs
Puncture and Splinter Hazards
• Sharp edged or pointed tools that are left out– i.e., Box Cutter,
screwdriver• Splinters that can
develop on any surface or on a variety of tools– i.e., Wood hammer
handle, metal splinters
How to Control Puncture and Splinter Hazards
• Put things away
• Cover pointed items
• Cover or remove splinters
Electrical Hazards
• Overloaded circuits• Cords left near heat
or water• Exposed live
electrical that could cause fire or shock
• Extension cords that become tripping hazards
How to Control Electrical Hazards
• Only use extension cords on a temporary basis and keep away from walkways
• Enclose permanent wiring in conduit• All live electrical conductors must be totally
enclosed• Rely on a qualified electrician
Fire Hazards
• Combustible debris or improperly stored flammable liquids
• It is important to remember that it is the vapor that burns, not the solid or liquid
• Examples of hazards include oily rags, gasoline, acetylene, or any other substance capable of burning
How to Control Fire Hazards
• Properly store flammables and combustibles (e.g. oxygen and acetylene)
• Properly dispose of flammable and combustible waste (e.g. oily rags go in to a metal container with lid)
• Smoke only in designated areas and properly dispose of smoking materials
Chemical Hazards
• Open, improperly stored chemical containers• Unintentional mixing of incompatible chemicals– Ex. pouring water into acid instead of acid into
water
How to Control Chemical Hazards
• Keep chemicals capped and properly stored
• Label all chemicals• Do not block eyewash
stations• Rely on MSDS sheets for
storage and labeling requirements and other safety information
Egress Hazards
• Blocked access to emergency exits and fire protection equipment – i.e., blocked pull stations,
fire extinguishers, telephones, and bulletin boards
• Doors that open inward to work area instead of outward
How to Control Egress Hazards
• Fire exits must remain unlocked during business hours
• Do not block access to fire exits, pull stations, fire extinguishers, telephones, or bulletin boards
• Outside sidewalks leading from fire exits must remain free of ice and snow
Summary
• Housekeeping is an important business strategy that improves image, efficiency, and safety
• It requires daily, ongoing effort• Everyone’s responsibility• A place for everything and everything in its place
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