Safety Operating Procedure s12

SAFETY OPERATING PROCEDURES – HAZARDOUS MANUAL TASK

Wiping of surfaces

Extending the shoulder and arm, and twisting and bending of the wrist to wipe forcefully with the whole hand for long periods of time is tiring. Alternate the wiping hand regularly to prevent fatigue.

POTENTIAL HAZARDS

n Repetition of movement n Awkward posture n Duration of task

n Over-extension n Slip/Trip/Fall n Sprains/Strains

PRE-OPERATIONAL SAFETY CHECKS

1.  Ensure sufficient time is allocated to complete task safely.

2.  Only micro fibre cloths are to be used unless removing large spillages or body fluids. In these instances a standard cloth is to be used.

3.  Squirt bottles are to be used in lieu of buckets unless directed otherwise. If damp wiping, do not over wet a microfiber cloth. Only use a damp cloth. This will minimise repetition of using a squirting action and reduce the amount of hand wringing of the cloth required.

4.  Micro fibre clothes are to be folded flat and held loosely with a flat hand.

5.  Use chemical dilutions as prescribed by the chemical manufacturer.

6.  Do not leave chemicals or cleaning equipment unattended.

7.  Seek assistance to help manage any work environment issues that make the job harder (e.g. furniture that restricts easy access to surfaces being cleaned, very dirty surfaces such as chewing gum or graffiti)

OPERATIONAL SAFETY CHECKS

1.  Keep equipment (e.g. cloths, squirt bottles) close by so they are easy to access.

2.  Use appropriate protective equipment as recommended by the manufacturer when mixing concentrated cleaning products.

3.  Wear gloves and goggles when mixing concentrated cleaning products. Do not under- or over-dilute concentrated cleaning products. Decant concentrated chemicals using taps or funnels to prevent spills. Always decant or mix into a labelled bottle.

4.  Ensure surfaces are easy to reach. Use long handled tools for high, low or large surface areas.

5.  Face the surface to be cleaned. Stand upright. Move feet to the area rather than over-reaching.

6.  Work with arms close to the body and use even, symmetrical movements.

7.  Alternate between low, medium and high areas and horizontal and vertical surfaces regularly to reduce repetition, sustained awkward body positions and fatigue.

HOUSEKEEPING

n Clean all equipment, allow to dry then store in the designated area.

n Maintain good personal hygiene. Wash hands thoroughly at completion of task.

Review this document to develop safe workplace practices relevant to your work tasks. Make use of any Cleaner Training programs to complete tasks correctly.

Organisational Health Issued August 2014, V1

Department of Education, Training and Employment Uncontrolled when printed