In every industrial setting, making sure that the space is clean and safe is essential to protecting the health of your workers and the well-being of your machinery. To achieve this, you need to inspect every corner of your workplace and implement a regular cleaning routine.

But, because of the sheer size of manufacturing facilities in Singapore and the technicality involved in performing specific tasks, many owners find it a daunting task to undertake. 

To help simplify the process, here’s a step-by-step guide you can follow to maintain the condition of your facility properly. 

STEP 1: Organise the workplace

One of the easiest ways to maximise productivity and ensure safety is to organise it. Make sure that the layout of your facility is conducive to your work operations. The equipment should be easily accessible, movement from one place to the next should not be constricted, and everything should have its own space. In addition, make sure that walkways are constantly clear of unnecessary materials to prevent accidents like slipping or tripping. 

When possible, also try to simplify work processes to improve the safety and efficiency of your facility. Doing so can help you create a smoother workflow for all employees.

The organisational structure of your industrial building will be the foundation of its cleaning and maintenance.

STEP 2: Develop a plan for cleaning the facility and the equipment

Once everything is organised, it’s time to create a list of the various areas and equipment that need to be cleaned, whether on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. 

Oftentimes, there’s not a simple, one-time solution to clean everything. The different areas tend to require different attention and cleaning methods. That’s why formulating a plan that caters to their unique needs is essential. 

To do this, here are factors you need to consider.

• The elements that need to be cleaned per area (surfaces, equipment, and other materials)
• The necessary cleaning supplies to execute the tasks
• The employees assigned per area
• The optimal cleaning schedule

Provide a clear outline in your plan of the items that need to be cleaned regularly before and after use to instruct your employees better.

STEP 3: Provide workers with accessible cleaning supplies

In order to carry out the plan you have developed, your employees will need access to the necessary supplies.

The most basic supplies you need are disposable gloves, disinfectant wipes, and antibacterial soap. These can be used to wipe down surfaces like equipment and high-touch areas after every use. 

Other equipments include vacuum, garbage bags, and mop. These can be used to clean the floors and remove unwanted substances. 

STEP 4: Train and educate your employees on how to clean and sanitise the facility

Besides providing them with the right tools, you also need to provide them with the essential knowledge to execute the tasks. Therefore, employee education is a crucial step to ensure your manufacturing facility’s safety and efficiency. 

Especially when there’s new equipment or technology installed, you need to dedicate time to train your employees on proper handling, using, and cleaning. This will enable them to do their jobs better, smarter, and safer. 

Your industrial cleaning training can cover the following tasks:

• Removing debris: Use lint-free wipes to physically remove deposits like dirt, chemicals, food particles, dust, and other alien substances from surfaces. For larger surface areas like floors and walls, you can use scrapers, brushes, vacuum, or floor mops.
• Rinsing residue: Then, rinse the remaining residue with warm potable water. Avoid using a pressure washer on equipment as it can destroy the paint and alter the functions. If the rule book of the machinery explicitly forbids washing with water, you can wipe it down with the proper solutions. 
• Scrubbing equipment with detergent: For deep-cleaning purposes, it’s recommended to scrub the equipment with a detergent to break down persistent dust and dirt residue and eliminate deep-seated bacteria, especially in the hard-to-reach areas. For this step, pay close attention to the appropriate dilation rates to optimise efficiency. Before moving to the next step, be sure to rinse away all traces of the detergent. 
• Sanitising and disinfecting: To reduce bacteria build-up and prevent the spread of microorganisms, finish the cleaning process by sanitising and disinfecting every piece of equipment. 

STEP 5: Get regular industrial cleaning services for professional deep cleaning

While you can equip your employees with the basic tools and knowledge for facility maintenance, you may need to get professional assistance to perform more specialised tasks. 

Conclusion

Industrial cleaning Singapore companies have a team of trained professionals who can execute technical cleaning duties like exterior washing, carpet cleaning, equipment handling, etc., to help your facility maintain its optimal conditions.