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WAREHOUSING, HANDLING & STORAGE A


clean and organised warehouse is crucial for several reasons. Not only is it important to comply with health and safety regulations, but it can also help make operations run more smoothly.


A hygienic workplace can help foster a culture of wellbeing while also helping to drive productivity. For instance, clean machinery can run much more efficiently, while an organised storage system can make materials, tools, and products much easier to find, streamlining your operations. To help you maintain a clean and organised warehouse, Brushtec is sharing its expert advice, from developing a cleaning checklist to adopting sustainable methods.


CREATE A CLEANING CHECKLIST To ensure that every area of your warehouse is sufficiently maintained, it is a good idea to establish a thorough cleaning checklist. This should include daily, weekly, and monthly tasks to ensure you and your staff can keep on top of everything.


DAILY TASKS Staff should be instructed to clean as they go and ensure their workstation is ready for the next person at the end of every shift. Some daily cleaning tasks you’ll want to focus on include:


Cleaning up any spills and debris immediately Throwing away rubbish and emptying bins Cleaning and putting away equipment Sweeping and mopping floors


Wiping down and sanitising workbenches, counters, and tables Cleaning and disinfecting bathrooms


Sanitising touch points such as light switches, door handles, and trolley handles Refilling supplies like toilet paper and soap


WEEKLY TASKS While daily tasks will help keep clutter at bay, it’s important to pay attention to harder-to-reach areas at least once per week. This includes:


Sweeping and mopping in corners and under storage racks


Checking and cleaning vents Dusting and cleaning shelves


Checking inventory and reorganising if necessary


Inspecting light fixtures and replacing broken bulbs


Cleaning out the fridge in break areas and throwing away old food


WAREHOUSE HYGIENE: EXPERT TIPS FOR A CLEAN


AND ORGANISED FACILITY A thorough cleaning routine is an essential aspect of successful warehouse management. Barry Crackett, product designer at Brushtec, shares his expert tips for keeping your facility clean, organised, and efficient.


MONTHLY TASKS Alongside your regular cleaning tasks, you should conduct a deep clean at least once per month. So that it does not get overlooked, it is a good idea to dedicate a certain day to your deep clean, such as the first or last day of the month. Focus on:


Deep cleaning floors Deep cleaning bathrooms Cleaning walls and windows Cleaning signs


Deep cleaning surfaces, including shelving and storage areas Cleaning entryways and loading bays


Cleaning furniture upholstery in offices and break rooms


Checking break room cupboards and throwing away expired food


PROVIDE THE RIGHT CLEANING EQUIPMENT To ensure warehouse cleanliness, it is important to equip staff with the necessary cleaning equipment for the job so they can clean efficiently and to a high standard. This includes providing fully stocked cleaning stations around the warehouse. If these are situated close to hand, staff are more likely to clean as they go. Alongside regular cleaning supplies, you should also provide cleaning equipment that can make deep cleaning much more effective. For example, investing in an industrial floor cleaner can help make sweeping floors much faster. These are also available with various attachments that can be swapped out depending on the job. If you are looking for a more economical approach, forklift brushes can be attached to your regular forklifts, making cleaning as efficient as possible using equipment you already have. You may also want to invest in specialist solutions, such as conveyor brushes, for more targeted cleaning.


14 APRIL 2024 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS


INVEST IN STAFF TRAINING In order to keep your warehouse up to a high standard of cleanliness, all staff must be aware of your health and safety measures. The best way to do this is by conducting staff training to inform them of their role in keeping their workplace clean and organised. Whether you do this through an email, handout, or a meeting, this training should cover topics like your cleaning checklist and the safe handling of cleaning equipment and machinery. Integrating cleanliness into your company


culture can also help instil a sense of pride in the workspace. Ensure everyone is doing their bit to maintain standards, including senior staff members, and keep everyone accountable for their own area. It can help to include sufficient cleaning time as part of your work schedule. This way, staff won’t be tempted to clean up after finishing time or while they’re busy, which can result in a poorer standard of cleanliness.


CONSIDER SUSTAINABILITY When it comes to cleaning, businesses should consider sustainability as well as hygiene. By implementing environmentally conscious measures, you can do your bit. Plus, many eco- friendly solutions can also save you both time and money in the long run. Consider investing in energy- and water- efficient equipment, designed to minimise electricity and water consumption. Up-to-date machinery will also run more efficiently, so it is worth switching out old equipment that’s showing signs of wear and tear. Opt for eco-friendly cleaning products that are


non-toxic or biodegradable where you can and choose concentrated formulas that produce less packaging. You could also educate employees on the benefits of more sustainable cleaning strategies and encourage them to make more conscious switches, such as using buckets instead of hoses for spot cleaning. Maintaining a clean and organised warehouse


is essential for ensuring safety, efficiency, and productivity in your operations. By implementing these strategies, you can create a clean and safe work environment that promotes employee wellbeing and maximises workflow.


Brushtec brushtec.com


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