Cleaning Strategies for Industrial Spaces: Boosting Safety and Productivity

Ever wonder if cleaning your industrial facility is doing enough to keep your team safe and productive? With heavy machinery, raw materials, and high-traffic areas, cleaning industrial spaces takes a different level of care.

Without the right approach, grime and dust can build up fast, becoming safety hazards and efficiency killers.

This guide breaks down proven cleaning strategies for industrial spaces, helping you understand how cleanliness impacts productivity and even your bottom line.

Why Cleaning Industrial Spaces Is Essential

Industrial cleaning isn’t just about aesthetics. In industrial settings, dust and debris can quickly impact everything—from equipment functionality to employee health and safety. Let’s take a closer look at why it’s so critical to maintain a well-planned cleaning routine in industrial spaces:

• Enhances Safety: Clean work areas reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls, helping to prevent costly accidents.
• Boosts Equipment Lifespan: Dust and debris can cause machinery breakdowns, increasing the frequency and cost of maintenance.
• Improves Air Quality: Regular cleaning controls airborne contaminants that can harm employees, especially in manufacturing or chemical-heavy environments.
• Increases Productivity: Workers are more efficient in a well-maintained space, and it’s easier to find the tools and materials they need without clutter getting in the way.

Key Cleaning Strategies for Industrial Spaces

To tackle the unique demands of industrial spaces, you’ll need specific cleaning strategies that go beyond the basics. Here’s how to keep your facility clean and efficient.

1. Create a Cleaning Schedule by Area

Industrial facilities often have varied zones, from production areas to storage and break rooms. Each of these areas requires a different approach and frequency of cleaning. Establishing a detailed schedule ensures no zone is overlooked.

• Daily: Clean high-traffic areas, such as entryways, aisles, and equipment touchpoints.
• Weekly: Deep clean production areas and sweep up dust from machinery.
• Monthly: Inspect and clean ventilation systems, high shelves, and less frequented storage areas.

2. Invest in Heavy-Duty Cleaning Equipment

Regular cleaning tools may not cut it in industrial settings. Industrial vacuum cleaners, floor scrubbers, and power washers are essential to get rid of heavy-duty dirt and grime.

• Vacuum with HEPA Filters: HEPA filters trap fine particles, reducing dust in the air, which is crucial in facilities that produce a lot of debris.
• Floor Scrubbers: Ideal for large areas, floor scrubbers save time and provide a deep clean that mopping can’t match.
• Pressure Washers: Useful for cleaning walls, floors, and even machinery, pressure washers tackle tough stains and build-up efficiently.

3. Use Industrial-Grade Cleaning Products

Cleaning industrial spaces often involves tackling tough grime, oils, and sometimes hazardous materials. Opt for industrial-strength cleaners designed to handle these tasks.

• Degreasers: Essential for machinery, degreasers help dissolve oils and prevent residue build-up.
• Non-Toxic Solutions: Choose non-toxic cleaners whenever possible to minimise health risks, especially in areas with high worker traffic.
• Anti-Static Products: For facilities with electronic equipment, anti-static cleaners can reduce the risk of static electricity, protecting both equipment and personnel.

Cleaning for Safety and Compliance

In many industries, adhering to strict cleaning standards is not just a recommendation; it’s a requirement. Proper cleaning can mean the difference between compliance and costly fines.

1. Addressing Hazardous Materials

If your facility works with hazardous materials, additional cleaning precautions are necessary to prevent contamination and ensure safety.

• Contain Spills Immediately: Have spill kits available and train employees on how to use them. The faster spills are contained, the less likely they’ll become a hazard.
• Dispose of Waste Properly: Hazardous waste requires proper disposal. Follow industry guidelines for safe removal to avoid fines and protect your team.

2. Managing Dust and Air Quality

Dust isn’t just a nuisance—it can pose severe health risks and impact air quality, especially in facilities with constant equipment use.

• Dust Control Systems: Install dust control systems, like industrial air purifiers, to keep particulate levels low.
• Regular Ventilation Checks: Dirty air filters reduce airflow and can cause machinery overheating or contribute to respiratory issues for workers. Keep ventilation systems well-maintained.

3. PPE and Safety During Cleaning

For industrial spaces, personal protective equipment (PPE) is a must. Cleaners should wear the appropriate gear depending on the area being cleaned.

• Gloves and Masks: Gloves protect against harsh chemicals, while masks prevent dust inhalation.
• Eye Protection and Coveralls: In zones with heavy debris or strong cleaning agents, goggles and coveralls are vital for protection.

Best Practices for Keeping Industrial Spaces Clean and Organised

Cleaning industrial spaces efficiently involves more than regular sweeping. It’s about establishing good habits and practices that keep the area organised and reduce the risk of hazards.

1. Label Zones Clearly: Define areas where tools, materials, and products should be stored, keeping the space organised and reducing the chance of clutter.
2. Encourage a Clean-As-You-Go Mindset: Train staff to clean up minor spills, pick up debris, and keep their work areas organised throughout the day.
3. Implement Waste Management Stations: Provide designated areas for waste disposal to prevent litter and keep the workspace clean.
4. Conduct Routine Inspections: Regular inspections help identify any issues, such as leaks or dust build-up, that could become bigger problems if left unchecked.

Wrapping It Up

Keeping an industrial space clean isn’t just good practice—it’s essential for safety, compliance, and productivity. From improving air quality to extending the life of machinery, these cleaning strategies for industrial spaces make a tangible difference.

By investing in the right tools and setting up a cleaning routine, you’re creating a workspace that’s safer, more efficient, and, ultimately, more profitable.

Do you need help setting up a cleaning routine for your industrial space? Perth Express Cleaning is here to help you learn how our services can keep your facility spotless and your operations running smoothly.

FAQs

How often should industrial spaces be cleaned?

A lot depends on the type of facility, but high-traffic and machinery-heavy areas should be cleaned daily, while others might require weekly or monthly deep cleans. A tailored schedule ensures each area is maintained according to its needs.

What’s the best way to reduce dust in an industrial facility?

Using industrial-grade vacuums and air filtration systems is essential for keeping dust levels low. Frequent cleaning and properly maintained ventilation systems also help.

Can regular cleaning extend the life of machinery?

Yes! Dust and grime build-up cause machinery to work harder, leading to breakdowns. A clean machine runs more efficiently and is less prone to unexpected repairs.

Are non-toxic cleaners effective for industrial spaces?

Many non-toxic cleaners are as effective as traditional cleaners and safer for high-traffic areas. They’re particularly useful in areas where workers are regularly exposed to cleaning agents.

Why is PPE important for industrial cleaning?

Industrial cleaning often involves strong chemicals and equipment, so PPE protects workers from exposure to harmful substances and reduces injury risk.