Organized Janitorial Closets for Better Facility Management

Have you looked into your company’s janitorial closet lately???We mean?really?look. Was it dirty or difficult to access???If so, that’s a problem.??After all, the cleaning staff aren’t the only ones utilizing the paper supplies or service sink.??Poorly managed custodial closets can easily become a cluttered, dysfunctional mess.??Maintaining organized janitorial closets for better facility management is one of our favorite subjects! The fact is, keeping closets in good working order should be a team effort. Any responsible cleaning company should be your partner in this process.

?Ever spend 15 minutes navigating a messy garage seeking out a single tool???We feel your pain.??Imagine that a customer’s dog has suddenly made a mess in your lobby…you’ve got to address the issue…and fast.??Only, you find the janitorial closet is packed.??There are empty cardboard boxes. The sink can’t be reached and none of the bottles have labels.??Scary, right???Friends don’t let friends keep dysfunctional janitorial closets. This post will break down why.

The federal authority on safe workplace environments is the?Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Surprisingly enough, they don’t require training on housekeeping.??Well-trained cleaners who know the reasons why a tidy workplace is important will be more diligent in their efforts.

3 Essential Rules for a Better Janitorial Closet

1 – Clutter is bad!

OSHA has requirements for walking and working surfaces. This includes the inside of your maintenance and janitorial closets.??This rule consists of the following:

• Cleaning areas are to be clean, orderly, and sanitary.
• Floors must be kept clean and dry.
• Aisles and passageways must have sufficient clearance. They are to be kept clear, without obstructions that could create a hazard.

Yes, some janitorial closets are smelly and off-putting. As such, it may never have occurred to you how vital an asset they are.??Vendors such as plant care services may need access to the water on a routine basis. Day porters may pull from the inventory of bathroom supplies.???In older buildings the water heater and even electrical panels may be located inside these closets.??Many people may come and go throughout the business day.??When maneuverability becomes a challenge, this can impede getting a simple job done.??People will toss things aside and shove them wherever it’s convenient. Good luck finding that carpet stain remover!

2 – Keep it Clean

Ever see an open bag of chips, or maybe fast food being kept in a janitorial closet? Bags of trash sitting on the floor???This is not a good look. Trash liners can leak, creating wet floor hazards and insect infestation. OSHA has requirements for sanitation that include some housekeeping provisions:

• Floors must be kept dry.
• Disposal containers used for liquids or solids that may turn putrid must not leak, and they must have tight fitting covers.
• Sweepings, waste, and trash must be removed.
• No food or beverages can be stored in an area that is exposed to a toxic material.

General tidiness and an overall awareness for others will go a long way here.?Also, consider talking with your cleaning company about end-of-night procedures such as making sure the closet is reset for the next day.

3-Put a Label on it!

Unlabeled bottles full of mystery cleaning product…pink, green, blue, what???This is a hallmark of poorly managed business cleaning.??Cleaning chemicals left open.??Missing lids.? The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard sets the guidelines for safety data sheets.?The SDS includes information such as the properties of each chemical; the physical, health, and environmental health hazards; protective measures; and safety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting the chemical.?

• cleaning chemicals should be appropriately labeled with the manufacturer’s sticker.
• SDS information should be kept on site, in the chemical storage area.?
• All chemicals should be properly closed up and stored appropriately.

Remember that even green cleaning products can be toxic.??More caustic chemicals are sometimes utilized when removing difficult things like mineral buildup from faucets.??That’s why it’s important to know what’s being stored in your facility.??

Insider tip: you have every right to periodically peak into your maintenance closet and audit what you see.??Pro-active facility management keeps your cleaning company honest and allows you to get a snapshot of how organized they are.??As you give your closet an honest assessment, consider asking your cleaning company the following questions:?

• Would it be helpful to install more storage shelves or cabinets?
• Are there any areas where food and beverages should be prohibited?
• What is the scope of work for keeping the closet clean?

A well-equipped janitor closets should have:

?All appropriate SDS sheets

• Proper labels on ALL bottles
• Emergency phone numbers
• First aid supplies
• Extra supplies (remember, too much creates chaos)
• Goggles, gloves, aprons, or any other personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary
• A sink and tap with proper drainage
• Adequate space for proper storage of all equipment
• Good lighting

An ignored janitor closet indicates an unsafe and unhealthy workplace.?

A working sink and proper drainage ensure buckets of cleaner are not left out. Ample shelf space and a proper workbench will prevent supply bottles containing dangerous materials from being left out. If there is a place for everything, it's more likely to be put away. A clean, organized storage makes it easier to find what you need in the event of an emergency.

Health and Safety Inspectors frequently check janitor closets as part of their regular examination of facilities. They look for strict adherence of health and safety regulations, such as SDS sheets, proper storage of dangerous chemicals, enough ventilation, a clutter-free work area and enough space for all the equipment the janitorial staff requires. These are all simple precautions that can save your company a lot of money in fines in addition to preventing workplace injuries.

Cleaning and maintaining the closet should be part of every cleaning technicians training process and should be included as part of the quality assurance guidelines. They have procedures to clean different areas of the customers building and the janitors closet should be no exception. The closet should also be included as part of the regular quality control inspection regiment or inspected at least monthly. ?

It might be the smallest, overlooked room in the building, but a well-organized janitor's closet can make all the difference when it comes to efficiency, safety and cleanliness.