Construction sites, due to the nature of the work, are areas that can become very chaotic and disorganized, which inevitably turn into a magnet for accidents. As per the law, construction sites must also follow the safety protocols for on-site workers, visitors, and passersby around the site.
Keeping the site of construction clean and safe requires systematic and regular cleaning with adequate construction cleaning equipment that is designed specifically to withstand the rough environment and usage. A safe and clean site will increase work efficiency and aid in the timely completion of the project.
Keeping in mind the following tips suggested by professionals in the cleaning industry will help you keep the construction site clean and safe:
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Pro tips for construction site cleaning
- Planning: Developing a cleaning plan befitting the site before beginning the project will be helpful and avoid chaos at a later stage. Choose the correct construction cleaning equipment after identifying the areas with high traffic and the nature of work that will cause debris in particular areas. Do not forget the mandatory signs and barricades to highlight risk or danger zones.
- Keep access points clear: It is important to keep all access points and pathways clear and equipment and debris-free. Staircases leading to and fro from the construction site, sidewalks, roads flanking the site, paths, and entryways. This is not only a preventive step to curtail the chances of accidents but also necessary to keep the pathways clean to rush through in case of an emergency.
- Safety gear: Provide the workers and the visitors with the necessary safety gear and personal protective equipment like helmets, gloves, high-visibility vests, and visors for specific tasks like welding, etc. Make sure to keep a first-aid box on the site to attend to minor injuries and conditions like allergic reactions to certain elements.
- Correct cleaning equipment: Once your cleaning plan is set, it is time to select the right construction cleaning equipment for the cleaning schedule to go smoothly and properly.
- Pressure washers: Pressure washers are best for cleaning and washing away dust and debris from multiple surfaces like walls, floors, and machinery.
- Floor scrubbers and sweepers: You can choose either a walk-behind or ride-on floor scrubber, depending on the area of the site.
- Industrial vacuum cleaners: These are also essential for cleaning debris and dust from various surfaces.
- Trash bins and roll-on dumpsters: To manage and dispose of all the collected dirt on a regular schedule. You will also need debris chutes for the disposal of waste from the upper floors to avoid spillage on the stairs and lower floors while carrying the waste downstairs. This is also a more economical method than wasting precious time by doing it manually. Plan the waste management system and coordinate with the relevant services for collecting the waste as per the schedule.
- Dust control: Erect and install dust barriers and curtains to contain the dust from spilling outside the construction site area and on the roads. You can also use water sprinklers and dust suppressants to minimize dust particles in the air.
- Regular brooms, mops, and shovels
- Proper toilet facilities: On-site toilets and their proper maintenance are essential for the hygiene and health of the workers and visitors. You can also place portable toilets behind the construction site to prevent the public from using or misusing them.
- Train the workers: Train the workers to operate the construction cleaning equipment properly, including cleaning and maintaining the equipment. Instruct them to return the equipment to its storing place, especially the idle heavy equipment, which should be returned to its natural position and kept clean in order to avoid damaging it and accidents at the site.
- Proper cleaning solutions: Different surfaces and machines require different cleaning solutions. Make sure to have the right cleaning solutions that are not made of harsh chemicals to avoid damaging the environment, various surfaces, and cleaning machines and equipment.
- Compliance documentation: Make sure you follow the cleaning and safety regulations and environmental standards. Document and maintain a record of your cleaning schedules and efforts.
Follow these basic guidelines by investing in quality construction cleaning equipment and maintenance for a clean and safe construction site. You can further improve the cleanliness regimen, processes, and efficiency of work by inviting suggestions from on-site workers and visitors.