3.7 – Housekeeping Standards

Introduction

Every employee should consider it their responsibility and do their part in maintaining good housekeeping at each job location. The cooperation of all employees is necessary if grounds, equipment, and buildings are to have a good appearance. This is not only important to safety, but makes the workplace a more pleasant place to work. The following practices related to housekeeping should be observed by all.

Guidelines

• Employees must be instructed on the proper disposal method for wastes. Employees should place waste paper, rags, and other debris in containers for waste and deposit soiled shop towels in special receptacles provided for the purpose. If wastes generated are classified as hazardous, employees must be trained to ensure proper disposal.
• Debris and scrap materials which accumulate as a result of maintenance or construction work should be promptly disposed of at the conclusion of such work. The job is not considered complete until the area has been thoroughly cleaned up.
• When dismantling or making repairs to equipment which results in an accumulation of tools and materials at the job site, all loose items should be kept in an orderly arrangement and located so as not to constitute an obstruction or present the possibility of injury to others. Small items such as bolts, studs, small parts, etc., should be placed in receptacles and not strewn over walkways and platforms.
• All stairways and walkways should be kept clear of tools and materials so as not to create a tripping hazard.
• Hoses, extra fittings, ladders, etc. shall be returned promptly to their storage facility when they are no longer needed.
• Materials shall be stored in an orderly manner, maintaining proper aisle ways and stocks stored in a secure manner.
• When maintenance employees have work areas or workbenches, it is the duty of the employees to keep the section of the building they occupy neat and orderly.
• Oil spills on concrete pads, walkways, or flooring in and around operating units are hazardous and shall be hosed down immediately or covered with oil-absorbent materials and cleaned up to minimize the fire hazard and the danger of falls. Oil shall not be allowed to drain into the workplace surface water drainage ditches.
• All accumulations of oil or other process materials occurring from small leaks in packing glands, drips, sampling operation, etc., shall be cleaned up promptly. Sources of such leakage shall be repaired as promptly as possible.
• Employees are responsible for doing their part in maintaining a healthful workplace.
• Griffin Properties encourages all employees to use recycling bins when available to reduce the impact on the environment.
• Griffin Properties will identify waste streams with the customer during the bid process to ensure that proper management of waste is performed within regulations (Federal, Provincial and Local).