Viewpoint: the benefits of equipment cleaning are crystal clear
11 Jul 2017
Cleaning equipment in the workplace is perceived as a small and mundane task, but it’s actually one of the most important duties to maintain an efficient working environment, writes Tork’s Anders Hellqvist.
The UK Engineering industry collectively employs 5.5 million workers, generating revenues of £455.6 billion GDP to the UK economy (Source: Industry Sector Guide).
Recruitment is expected to continue to thrive in this sector until 2020, according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports, with employers anticipated to recruit an additional 182,000 people per year to fill current demands.
Employers are under more pressure than ever before to ensure they are staying on top of this competitive market, implementing the latest technology to rise above the competition and to remain as efficient as possible. With productivity targets looming, there is always the risk that firms could put pressure on their workforces to carry out essential tasks, such as cleaning, too quickly.
Some methods of cleaning being used may appear quicker and easier in the short term, but could actually be a contributing factor to health and safety incidents with people not playing close attention to the task in hand. Longer term, there could be an impact on productivity.
Some methods of cleaning being used may appear quicker and easier in the short term, but could actually be a contributing factor to health and safety incidents
Particular problems with the use of rags include cluttering the workplace, with over-extension, awkward postures, repetitive movements, chemical hazards and dust inhalation.
Rags are often used to clean machinery and the surrounding areas but better alternatives are available.
Particular problems with the use of rags include cluttering the workplace, with over-extension, awkward postures, repetitive movements, chemical hazards and dust inhalation.
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act (1974) and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999), employers have a legal duty to assess all risks that could impact the health and safety of employees.
Used rags are completely soaked in solvent chemicals that evaporate into the air, potentially affecting the health of the operators who are at risk of exposure.
Rags clutter the workplace, can be unhygienic, unsafe and stained, and a lack of proper dispensers means that cleaning supplies are often not close to hand.
There is proof that nonwoven cloths enhance hygiene and safety, using 41% less solvents than rags, saving 35% more time, and requiring 26% less storage space
Time is also wasted sorting and choosing mixed rags. With a duty to protect their workforce, employers should take this issue seriously and look at new methods that strive to reduce health and safety risks.
However, there is proof that nonwoven cloths enhance hygiene and safety, using 41% less solvents than rags, saving 35% more time, and requiring 26% less storage space.
These cloths are disposed from fixed dispensers or portable handy-boxes that enable employees to access and handle the cloths, even with gloves on.
The uniform construction also helps a business to reduce overall environmental impact. As the cloths are so easy to use, individuals can work smarter and safer, increasing worker satisfaction as the maintenance task can be done quicker. As when any new working method is introduced, practical support and guidance on the use of this new type of cleaning cloth will prove invaluable.
Demonstrating the positive benefits in regard to health, safety and productivity will yield the best results.
- Anders Hellqvist is assortment manager wiping and cleaning at Tork
