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Keeping the workplace tidy minimises the risk of accidents. You
should ensure things are put away after use, especially at the end
of the day or work period. When a regime of tidiness isn t applied,
a casual attitude soon develops amongst the workforce.
Examples include:
" discarded boxes, cartons, packing materials and personal
protective equipment
" poor storage of equipment, furniture, products and materials
" substances left out after use
" work surfaces littered with discarded tools
" thoughtlessly parked mobile plant or vehicles
It is easier not to put items away after use in the hope someone else will, but this
defeats the objective of a clean, tidy workplace. Good housekeeping calls for a
combination of self-discipline, organised storage, effective supervision, proper
management and training to develop the right attitude. Housekeeping and
cleaning are an essential part of accident and occupational ill-health prevention.
Hazardous substances in particular demand good housekeeping standards, and
certain basic rules should apply, such as:
" planned systematic storage
" exclusion of food, drink and smoking from work areas
" clear and accurate labelling of containers
" issue of formal written procedures to all staff involved
" adequate and effective training.
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MAINTAINING STANDARDS Cleaning and Housekeeping
Maintaining Standards
To maintain satisfactory standards and make a significant
contribution towards reducing the risk of accidents and
occupational ill-health, you need to plan an effective management
system for cleaning and good housekeeping.
To achieve this you should
" examine each section of the workplace
" identify problems
" allow for prompt and effective action, and then
" follow it up to ensure all action has actually been taken.
Routine inspections should be based on a checklist (see the example on the next
page) so each aspect or potential hazard is covered in an orderly, systematic way.
Of course good housekeeping is common sense, but you can t depend on
everyone always behaving sensibly, so regular, planned, systematic checks of the
workplace are essential.
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Cleaning and Housekeeping BASIC CHECKLIST
Basic Checklist for Good Housekeeping
" Are all floor areas free of liquids (e.g. water, oil,) or solids Yes No
which could easily cause people to slip?
" Is there a procedure for reporting spillages and leakages, Yes No
and attending to them speedily?
" Does your Health & Safety Policy clearly set out who is Yes No
accountable and responsible for good housekeeping?
" Do you actively promote and publicise good Yes No
housekeeping? (E.g. by effective supervision, or posters,
or good housekeeping competitions)
" Are materials and substances suitably stored and not Yes No
liable to constitute a hazard?
" Are waste or surplus materials and substances returned Yes No
to a designated storage area or placed in a waste
bin/skip?
" Are designated pedestrian walkways kept clear? Yes No
" Are trailing leads from portable electrical equipment Yes No
(office machinery, portable power tools etc.) tied away
and not liable to constitute a hazard?
" Is there adequate lighting so that people can safely Yes No
make their way through the premises?
(This is particularly important on staircases)
" Is there a procedure for reporting and replacing Yes No
defective light fittings, blown bulbs/tubes etc.?
" Is there adequate artificial lighting for outdoor Yes No
pedestrian routes during the hours of darkness?
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ACLD019R (01/06) (10650) [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]