Safe Mopping Practices-WET FLOOR

Safety Training Handout

Mopping is not just about cleaning the floor, it’s also about keeping people who walk on the floor safe from dirt, soil and slip hazards. Here are some things to keep in mind…

Posting caution signs

  • A caution sign MUST be posted IN ADVANCE whenever a liquid is on the floor
  • Post the sign at every possible entry point into the area you’re about to mop
  • Keep signs clean to allow maximum visibility and legibility
  • REMOVE signs once floor is dry. Failure to do so will de-sensitize people to the sign’s purpose and they may not take it seriously when there is a floor hazard.
  • Post signs in entry ways during days of heavy wet weather – remove when conditions improve.

Work effectively and not dangerously

  • Do not place too much cleaner in your mop bucket. Follow the product guidelines. More is NOT better and may damage the floor or create a possible safety hazard.
  • Careful not to hit the ceiling with your mop handle when placing in or removing from the mop bucket. You could break a light, damage the ceiling and create possible falling debris that could injure yourself or others.
  • DO NOT carry items across a wet floor.
  • Avoid placing excessive amounts of water down on the floor. Do not ‘slop’ mop.
  • Avoid heavy amounts of water around electrical panels or power transformers.
  • Be sure to change your water frequently, clean your mop head out when done (replace if heavily soiled) and dry upright avoiding its resting on drywall walls or near any type of electrical system, panel or plug.

It is all about the motion

  • Hold the mop handle upright and mop in a figure eight (8) pattern using your legs, not your back. This will provide for the best results and reduce any chance of injury. Flat mops have a similar figure 8 pattern keeping the leading edge always moving with the flow of motion.

FOLLOW PPE

  • Some sites and some mop solutions (chemical) require special PPE such as gloves, special foot wear/boot covers. ALWAYS wear ALL PPE required.
  • If the PPE for the job is not available STOP, notify your supervisor.

GDI Integrated Facility Services