What operators need to know

Industrial floor cleaning equipment is a major investment. How that equipment is used plays a major role in the return you get on that investment as well as the state of your floors.  Your operators have a lot of control over how the equipment is used and cared for, so it makes sense to train them thoroughly.

When you buy floor cleaning equipment from Morrison, our professionals will train your operators on your specific equipment based on the realities of your facility and the specifications of your cleaning program. But if you don’t buy from Morrison or want a quick reference, this article will cover the basics of what operators need to know about the floor cleaning equipment they’re using.

Training topics to cover

Training for floor cleaning equipment is not covered by OSHA since they don’t consider the equipment to be part of the “Powered Industrial Trucks” category. However, there are circumstances where elements of a sweeper/scrubber require certification by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). Read here for details.

Here are our suggestions for what a thorough scrubber operator training session should cover:

Operation:

The importance of cleaning for safety and image (Dirty, wet floors pose a slip/fall hazard. Dirty floors present an unattractive image.)

Machine controls (Review the operators manual since every model is different.)

Proper chemicals and amounts (Improper use of cleaning chemicals can damage floors.)

Elements of the pre-scrub check:

 

Brushes/pads - condition and pressure

Squeegee condition and height

Filling the solution tank

Checking the hopper and recovery tanks

 

Importance of sweeping before scrubbing (This promotes better cleaning and prevents clogging the scrubber.)

Battery charging procedures (This ensures the scrubber is ready for the next shift.

Specifics of your cleaning program and your expectations (Let operators know what you expect and how their performance will be evaluated.)

Safety:

Removing obstacles before cleaning

Procedures for picking up large debris

Pedestrian safety precautions:

 

Putting out safety signs

Making sure brakes, horns and lights work before cleaning

Monitoring scrubber performance to avoid wet floors

Maintenance:

End-of-shift procedures (These may vary based on your machine.)

 

Clean and inspect pads/brushes.

Clean and inspect squeegee blade.

Empty and wipe out recovery and solution tanks.

On a sweeper/scrubber, empty and clean hopper and dust filter

Clean recovery tank filter; clear out hoses

For electric machines, charge battery and add water, if needed

Park machine with squeegee blade and brushes/pads up

Review this blog post for additional maintenance tasks.

Rely on Morrison

Our floor cleaning professionals will work with you to determine what’s best for your operation -- from machines to cleaning procedures to preventive maintenance. Answering your questions and helping you establish a tailored floor cleaning plan are integral parts of our service.

We offer top quality floor cleaning equipment from leading OEMs, and our factory-trained service technicians offer ongoing support and fast, knowledgeable service for your floor cleaning equipment.