An Industrial Cleaner is a professional who plays a vital role in maintaining a clean and safe working environment in industrial settings. They are responsible for keeping industrial facilities, such as factories, warehouses, and manufacturing plants, free from dirt, debris, and hazardous materials. In this blog post, we will explore the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Industrial Cleaners.

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Main Responsibilities of an Industrial Cleaner

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of an Industrial Cleaner:

Adhere to

Adhere to company policies and protocols for industrial cleaning.

Assist

Assist in spill cleanup and emergency response procedures.

Attend

• Attend all required training.

• Attend meetings as required.

Clean

• Clean and disinfect bathrooms and fixtures.

• Clean and disinfect glass doors.

• Clean and disinfect points of contact (door knobs, door plates, faucets, etc).

• Clean and disinfect restrooms to ensure hygiene and sanitation.

• Clean and maintain industrial-grade machinery, such as conveyor belts.

• Clean and maintain ventilation systems to ensure air quality.

• Clean and sanitize lunchroom.

• Clean and sanitize production machinery and equipment.

• Clean building floors by sweeping, mopping or scrubbing them.

• Clean, lubricate and perform routine maintenance work on factory equipment and pits daily.

• Clean lunchroom and change room areas on a daily basis and office area as assigned.

• Clean mixers, machines, pits and production molds daily.

• Clean and stock plant and office restroom facilities.

• Clean light fixtures and changes bulbs / tubes.

• Clean tables with wet vacuums to ensure all water is removed.

• Clean surfaces in lunchrooms, offices, restrooms, and shop area.

• Clean windows and glass surfaces for a clear view and appearance.

• Clean, wipe, disinfect all equipment on manufacturing floor.

Collaborate with

Collaborate with other cleaning staff to coordinate tasks and schedules.

Communicate with

Communicate with supervisors and other team members to address cleaning needs.

Complete

• Complete group insurance after 3 months of service.

• Complete other miscellaneous tasks on a daily basis for the client.

Conduct

• Conduct deep cleaning and periodic maintenance of facilities and equipment.

• Conduct regular inspections to identify and address cleaning issues.

Create

Create presentations and reports to clients on Weekly, Monthly and Quarterly basis.

Determine

Determine needed supplies and equipment.

Dry

Dry dusts light fixtures using a dry mop.

Dust

Dust and wipe surfaces, including walls, ceilings, and fixtures.

Empty

• Empty and clean / disinfect all waste containers.

• Empty all wastepaper baskets in offices and warehouse.

• Empty trash and recycling.

• Empty trash cans and other waste containers.

• Empty trash cans and recyclables into disposal areas.

• Empty trash containers and dispose of waste properly.

Ensure

• Ensure all PVC piping is wiped down or hosed down with appropriate materials and chemicals.

• Ensure all rooms are sanitized including tables, floors, walls, and all tools and equipment.

• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations in the workplace.

• Ensure drain covers are cleaned with the appropriate materials and chemicals.

• Ensure that work is completed on schedule.

Establish

Establish and maintain good housekeeping standards in all work areas.

Follow

• Follow all lockout / tagout procedures.

• Follow safety guidelines and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Follow SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) with work instructions for the day.

• Follow specific cleaning protocols for sensitive areas, such as cleanrooms.

• Follow the health & safety regulations for a safe workplace.

Full

Full training on all our requirements, regulations and any equipment that would be used.

Handle

• Handle and dispose of hazardous materials safely and responsibly.

• Handle and store cleaning chemicals safely and according to protocols.

Input

Input into creative campaign ideas and strategies to build global brand awareness.

Inspect

Inspect and repair cleaning equipment as needed.

Keep

• Keep accurate records of cleaning activities and maintenance logs.

• Keep a record of all the necessary supplies needed and order if any goes out of stock.

• Keep the plant outside clean and organized i.e., shovel snow, salting.

• Keep track of cleaning supplies and request replenishment when necessary.

Lead

• Lead and drive the efficiency reporting.

• Lead on all work forecast planning.

Maintain

• Maintain a clean and safe work environment.

• Maintain cleaning equipment.

• Maintain high product standards across all team members.

• Maintain supplies at all press (i.e. cleaning supplies, towels) and mop floor at press areas.

Manage

Manage their time efficiently, enjoys problem solving and finding effective yet scalable solutions.

Monitor

• Monitor all outside catch basins for contamination and document daily.

• Monitor and requisition for Liquid Waste Materials removal as required.

• Monitor inventory and order cleaning supplies as required.

Operate

• Operate industrial cleaning equipment, such as power washers and floor scrubbers.

• Operate industrial vacuum cleaners to remove scraps, dirt, heavy debris and other refuse.

Perform

• Perform and document daily maintenance or inspection activities.

• Perform general clean-up of all office facilities when required.

• Perform industrial cleaning on all equipment throughout the facility.

• Perform routine maintenance on cleaning equipment to keep them in good working condition.

Prepare

• Prepare and clean up construction sites.

• Prepare complete, concise, and accurate recorded documentation.

Pressure

Pressure washing and / or Water-blasting (up to 40K psi) experience is a plus.

Provide

• Provide all estimates and cost analysis for all external clients.

• Provide assistance in cleaning production and tool room area.

• Provide basic uptake maintenance services for both the Wash and Paint lines as required.

• Provide detailed disinfection services for three wash and paint lines.

• Provide excellent customer service to our clients.

Remove

• Remove all garbage and recyclable material and restock bins with clean bags.

• Remove grease, oil, and other stains from industrial equipment.

Replenish

Replenish paper towel dispenser toilet paper, soap and disinfectant dispensers throughout facility.

Respond to

• Respond to cleaning emergencies promptly and effectively.

• Respond to cleanup requests as necessary.

Restock

Restock supplies in washroom.

Stock

Stock and maintain supply room.

Support

Support 5S implementation and maintenance throughout the plant.

Sweep

• Sweep and mop floors to remove dirt, dust, and spills.

• Sweep and dry-vacuum the tables removing all debris.

Take

• Take accountability for the team.

• Take personal responsibility for ensuring a safe work place.

Use

• Use and upkeep of basic hand, air and power tools as required.

• Use cleaning agents and chemicals effectively and efficiently.

• Use of hand tools, application and material handling equipment.

• Use of personal protection equipment will be required (e.g. safety boots, respirator, etc.).

Vacuum

Vacuum carpets and rugs to keep them clean and free from debris.

Wash

• Wash tables using appropriate cleaning solutions with brushes to reach into all drainage areas.

• Wash windows, interior walls and ceilings.

Wipe

Wipe down walls and woodwork, doors, wall hangings, baseboards, etc.

Work

• Work both indoors and outdoors.

• Work with minimal supervision.

• Work with pressure washers, foamers, hand tools, chemical materials, etc.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of an Industrial Cleaner:

1. Knowledge of industrial cleaning techniques and best practices.

2. Familiarity with operating industrial cleaning equipment.

3. Understanding of different cleaning agents and chemicals and their appropriate use.

4. Ability to handle and dispose of hazardous materials safely.

5. Basic mechanical skills for equipment maintenance and repairs.

6. Knowledge of health and safety regulations related to industrial cleaning.

7. Proficiency in using cleaning tools, such as mops, brooms, and power washers.

8. Knowledge of cleanroom cleaning protocols and procedures.

9. Understanding of proper waste disposal procedures.

10. Ability to read and interpret safety data sheets (SDS) for cleaning chemicals.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of an Industrial Cleaner:

1. Attention to detail to ensure thorough cleaning.

2. Time management skills to complete tasks efficiently.

3. Physical stamina and ability to perform manual labor.

4. Ability to work independently or as part of a team.

5. Strong communication skills for coordination with team members and supervisors.

6. Adaptability to handle various cleaning challenges.

7. Problem-solving skills to address cleaning issues effectively.

8. Reliability and punctuality for adhering to cleaning schedules.

9. Positive attitude and willingness to learn and improve.

10. Ability to work safely and follow safety protocols at all times.

Conclusion

Industrial Cleaners play a crucial role in maintaining a clean and safe working environment in industrial settings. Their responsibilities include a wide range of cleaning tasks, from sweeping floors and vacuuming carpets to sanitizing equipment and handling hazardous materials. Possessing both technical skills in industrial cleaning techniques and safety protocols, along with essential soft skills like attention to detail and communication, is essential for a successful career as an Industrial Cleaner.