Keeping your office warehouse facility clean and sanitized can be a difficult task to undertake. However, failing to do this can negatively affect the quality of your products and the health of your employees. Because of this, it should be a top priority at your workplace. It may sound daunting, but there are ways to make it less of a burden. Making it a habit by developing a routine will ensure that your warehouse stays clean and safe for both your employees and your products.
Why is it essential?
Warehouses are usually packed with items. Because of this, they can become breeding grounds for dirt, mold, and harmful bacteria and viruses. Even if products are securely packed and stored, mold and mildew can still damage them. Not only that, but employees who handle these products and packages on a daily basis are more susceptible to illnesses if proper disinfection protocols are not followed.
However, the potential for harmful bacteria is not the only reason to keep a warehouse clean. A disorganized and messy warehouse can directly affect your business activities and daily workflow. Employees need to be able to move around efficiently in order for them to be productive. It could also negatively impact their motivation. Nobody enjoys working in a dirty, cluttered area.
The differences between disinfecting, sanitizing, and cleaning
These terms are often used in conjunction with one another, yet they have slightly different meanings.
Cleaning
Cleaning involves using soap, detergent, and water to remove dust, dirt, and germs from surfaces and objects. Doing so will remove many germs, but not all of them.
Disinfecting
Disinfecting is the use of chemicals to remove the majority of germs from objects or surfaces. This includes bacteria and viruses. Alcohol solutions and bleach are among the most common disinfectants. They are usually sprayed onto areas and left for a period of time before being wiped down to ensure that germs are killed.
Sanitizing
Sanitizing is referred to as a combination of disinfecting and cleaning. Sanitization is important because different facilities have certain health standards that have to be met to be considered safe. For example, employees in a warehouse should not be directly exposed to any harmful chemicals that are stored there. Where chemicals are being used or stored, there should be adequate ventilation. Good ventilation is also crucial due to the amount of dust that quickly builds up in a warehouse. There should also be no unnecessary waste that can cause a fire or tripping hazard. Bathrooms and workstations must be clean and hygienic.
Tips for keeping your office warehouse clean
The best way to ensure that your office warehouse is organized and adheres to hygiene standards is to have an effective cleaning and sanitizing routine. It would likely be impossible to deep clean your warehouse every day. Instead, make a list of things to be done each day of the week or once a month.
Regular cleaning that should be done every day in a warehouse includes:
Mopping and sweeping the floors.
Sanitizing bathrooms.
Taking out trash from all areas, including the bathrooms, kitchen, etc.
Cleaning areas with heavy traffic, such as light switches, countertops, and even heavy machinery.
Encouraging your employees to wash and sanitize their hands regularly throughout the day will also minimize the number of bacteria and germs present in the facility.
Deep cleaning tasks that should be completed at least once a month in a warehouse include:
Checking for any leaks that could cause a build-up of mold or mildew.
Cleaning behind major appliances or machinery that do not get moved regularly.
Wiping down on and under shelving units.
Decluttering.
Consistency is key when keeping your warehouse clean and organized for the safety of your employees and products. Keeping your warehouse free from dirt, clutter, and germs will increase productivity and functionality. Let Bayside CBS handle the dirty work from the inside out! Contact us today for your free quote.
