Cleaning process
Cleaning is the process of removal of unwanted matter, contaminants or pollutants from the environment or the prevention of soiling thus it should be - GREEN clean.
‘Green-cleaning” means the need to clean up the cleaning process and protect themselves.
Necessity of cleaning of workshop
A clean workplace ensures safety and health of employees and injuries can be prevented by taking action to ensure a clean, safe work environment.
Reasons for cleaning the workplace
• Cleaning of dry floors essentially to prevent slips and falls in the workplace.
• Disinfectants prevents the spread germs and illness, because it will stop germs in their tracks.
• Proper air filteration reduces the exposures of hazardous substances like dust and vapors.
• Cleaning of light fixtures improve lighting efficiency.
• Using green cleaning products which is safer for both employees and the environment.
• Proper disposal of waste and recyclable materials keeps work areas clean.
Benefits of a shop floor maintenance
• Productive can be improved.
• Improves operator’s efficiencies.
• Improves the support operations such as replacement moves and finished goods.
• Reduction of scrap.
• Manufacturing process can be controlled effectively.
• Reduction of downtime due to better machine and tool manitoring.
• Better control of inventory process.
Common cleaning procedure
• Before starting to clean, read the product and equipment labels and usage instructions.
• Wear recommended Personal Potective Equipment (PPE) like rubber or surgical type gloves, goggles, dust mask or respirator, earplugs etc.
• Cleaning must be performed to prevent or remove soils, contaminants or pollutants.
• Select and use less toxic products and this system is known as “Standard Operating Procedures” (SOPs).
• SOPs is the part of the over all operation and maintenance plan for bending.
Other different methods of cleaning are
– Sprinkling
– Spraying
– Power wash process
– Boiling under pressure
– Carbon dioxide cleaning
– Pre cleaning
– Main cleaning
– Rinsing
– Drying etc,
For improving the standardizing the way to clean Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as a set of written guidelines must be provided to the cleaners which includes
1 Cleaning procedures
2 Chemical handling and tracking requirements
3 Communication protocols
4 Training and inspection programs
5 Reporting and record keeping procedures.
The above guidelines should be made available to all cleaning personel and occupants.
Recommended activities for green cleaning
• Provide easily understood directions to cleaning staff in written with local languages.
• Use the appropriate technology (coarse spray, automatic chemical dispensers etc).
• Provide directory for the proper rinsing and disposal of expended or empty solution containers.
• Reduce, minimize or eliminate the need for using cleaning chemicals if possible.
5 Steps (5s) - Concept
5s is a people-oriented and practice-oriented approach. 5s expects every one to participate in it. It becomes a basic for continuous improvement in the organisation.
The terms (5s) 5 steps are
Step 1: SEIRI (Sorting out)
Step 2: SEITON (Systematic arrangement)
Step 3: SEISO (Shine cleanliness)
Step 4: SEIKTSU (Stanardization)
Step 5: SHITSURE (Self discipline)
The list describes how to organize a work space for efficiency and effectiveness by identifying and storing the items used, maintaining the area and items and sustaining the new order.
Benefits of 5s
• Work place becomes clearer and better organised.
• Working in working place becomes easier.
• Reduction in cost.
• People tend to be more disciplined.
• Delay is avoided.
• Less absenteeism.
• Better use of floor space.
• Less accidents.
• High productivity with quality etc.