| Safety and cleanliness in the workplace starts | | | | - Adequate space for proper storage of all |
| with well-organized janitors closets. Hospitals, | | | | equipment |
| universities, apartment complexes, and office | | | | It is vital that janitor closets not be overlooked |
| buildings are all places that rely on an efficient and | | | | when considering health and safety in the |
| effective janitorial staff to keep things running | | | | workplace. A working sink and proper drainage |
| smoothly. But this can only be accomplished if the | | | | ensure buckets of cleaner are not left out; ample |
| supplies for that staff are well-organized and kept | | | | shelf space and a proper workbench will prevent |
| properly stored. | | | | supply bottles with dangerous materials from |
| Janitor closets are often the unseen source | | | | being left out. If there is a place for everything, |
| chemical hazards and accidents. The first step to | | | | it's more likely to be put away, and clean, |
| preventing a mishap is ensuring your cleaning staff | | | | organized storage makes it easier to find what |
| has ample space for all their equipment and | | | | you need in the event of an emergency. |
| required products. When considering how much | | | | Health and Safety inspectors frequently check |
| space to devote, be sure to include enough space | | | | janitor closets as part of their regular examination |
| for extra supplies and room for your employees | | | | of facilities. They look for strict adherence of |
| to maneuver. | | | | health and safety regulations, such as MSDS |
| Material safety data sheets (MSDS) should be | | | | sheets, proper storage of dangerous chemicals, |
| posted in your janitor closets for all chemicals | | | | enough ventilation, a clutter-free work area and |
| used in your workplace. Make sure your cleaning | | | | enough space for all the equipment the janitorial |
| staff is familiar with these, and know where to | | | | staff requires. These are all simple precautions |
| find them in the event of a mishap. As well, make | | | | that can save your company a lot of money and |
| sure employees are aware of proper disposal | | | | prevent workplace injury. |
| procedures for any hazardous materials. This | | | | Most importantly, it is vital that all cleaning staff |
| should be a part of their training, and is your | | | | receive the appropriate training, and that they are |
| responsibility as an employer to make sure they | | | | familiar with all the janitor closets in the building. |
| have all the information they need to prevent | | | | Don't leave this up to more experienced |
| mishaps. | | | | employees: start good habits and safe procedures |
| Well-equipped janitor closets should have: | | | | yourself by taking the time to train your new |
| - All appropriate MSDS sheets | | | | staff. This way you can ensure they understand |
| - Proper labels on all bottles | | | | and adhere to your company's standards and |
| - Emergency phone numbers | | | | policies. |
| - First aid supplies | | | | It might be the smallest room in the building, but a |
| - Extra supplies | | | | well-organized janitor's closet can make all the |
| - Goggles, gloves, aprons, or any other personal | | | | difference when it comes to safety and |
| protective equipment (PPE) necessary | | | | cleanliness. |
| - A sink and tap with proper drainage | | | | |