It seems like a no-brainer to make sure your workers are properly trained and maintaining a top-level of machine proficiency. However, as we all know, this is more of a challenge in practice than it is in theory. Training of any kind can be tricky, especially when productivity, labor, paperwork, and all the other daily twists and turns come into play. However, regular floor cleaning machine training is not only important for maximizing the life of the machines themselves, but it's also essential to keeping workers and the workplace safe.
Improve Workplace Safety
Nearly a quarter of all workplace accidents are due, in full or in part, to lack of or inadequate machine operator training. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more than 2.8 million workplace injuries in 2019, with more than 235,740 severe injuries due to contact with objects and equipment. That number alone should suggest the importance of proper floor scrubber and sweeper training, as well as re-training and regular evaluations.
Facilities rent or purchase new machines, new attachments are used, new operators come and go, and it's not enough to simply trust even an experienced operator to know exactly what he or she is doing. Even an experienced operator just coming on board may not have been factory trained, for example. Improper use and handling can lead to operator injury, and also injury to surrounding workers.
Guidelines for Training Floor Scrubber Operators
Start With the Manual
First and foremost, be sure that you and your employees are familiar with the scrubber or sweeper manual. If the manual outlines proper use, those guidelines are worth following. Proper use and maintenance are essential to prolonging the life of the machine and keeping operators safe.
Identify Hazards
Make sure operators can spot potential hazards, both throughout the facility and with the industrial floor cleaning machine itself. Basic maintenance checks need to be performed before a machine is used, and workers need to be made aware of this as part of their training.
Follow OSHA Standards
It's imperative that all floor cleaning machine training is in compliance with OSHA requirements. OSHA does not specifically classify industrial floor scrubbers and sweepers as powered industrial trucks. However, while operators do not fall under those particular regulations, there are definite requirements for handling batteries, certain chemicals, and propane tanks for LP scrubbers and sweepers.
Require Proper PPE
Along those lines, the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required. Any gasoline- propane-, and diesel-powered scrubber create enough noise to require hearing protection. Eye protection is also warranted in many cases. Goggles are likely necessary for filling a floor scrubber with certain chemicals, for example. The same eye protection used when filling a tank should also be used when emptying the tank or any dirty water tanks.
Checking or changing batteries is also something that likely requires eye protection. It's far too easy to be lax with these types of things, but one misstep could have extraordinarily harmful implications. Respiratory equipment, gloves, or other protective clothing items might also be required, so be sure that you not only provide such PPE for your operators but include their use in the training and re-training procedures.
Training goes well beyond the first day of work. Even the most experienced operator might not be up-to-date on the latest OSHA requirements or PPE guidelines. Workplace injury is serious business, and while re-training is by no means convenient, it's essential to a safe work environment.