Pay attention to the plant floor

Industrial plants are, by their nature, challenging to clean. Dust is a common occurrence in these spaces due to the processes taking place, as well as the movement of products, vehicles and people. It may seem innocuous, but dust can cause all manner of problems: Products can become dirty and contaminated, leading to final goods being rejected due to quality concerns; the efficiency and performance of equipment can be degraded, driving up maintenance costs and downtime; and the health and well-being of employees can be at risk.

Typically, the dust you can see with the naked eye only accounts for a small percentage of the total amount of dust around – in reality, 80% of all dirt in facilities is dust. While it generally contains low-level pollutants such as airborne microbes and aerosol particles, dust may also contain a variety of toxic chemicals such as phthalates, volatile organic compounds, flame retardants and heavy metals, all of which inevitably end up on the floor. As such, controlling contamination at or near floor level is a fundamental part of keeping industrial plants hygienic. 

Cleaning considerations

Because it is so easy for contaminants on the floor to spread – if left unmanaged, floor level dust contamination can be redistributed throughout the plant via airborne particles, on workers’ shoes and on the wheels of carts and other equipment – it is essential that floors are kept free of dust and other potential contaminants. However, removing dust without just moving it around the space is crucial. 

This means that sweeping plant floors with a broom is not recommended as particles become airborne and can be transferred throughout the facility. Similarly, traditional wet mopping and cotton floor cloths and wipes can contain dirt and contaminants – even after laundering or rinsing – spreading it onto the next surface and causing cross contamination.

To help plant floors meet safety, in-house efficiency and regulatory compliance requirements, it should be cleaned using dry mopping – a method that picks up and holds dust, dirt and other debris without the need for chemicals. 

This cleaning method boasts several benefits: It is ideal for critical areas where electronic machine cleaning is not possible; it reduces allergens, bacteria build-up and the risk of cross contamination; it leaves floors completely dry, avoiding the risk of slips, trips and falls; and it can be used for all environmental surfaces to support and maintain cleanliness.

Mops that minimise risks 

Different types of cleaning equipment remove contaminants with varying effectiveness. As such, choosing the right cleaning tools is paramount. Thankfully, there are a variety of options to help keep industrial plant floors free from dust and debris. 

One such option is offered by Chicopee, a brand of Berry Global and the leading provider of professional cleaning materials. The company’s range of innovative cleaning solutions includes the 3D structured Stretch ’n Dust Light floor mop, which traps dust, dirt and debris, thus making it ideal for plant floors, critical areas and controlled environments. 

Used in combination with a fluid mopping system, it will enhance hygiene standards by ensuring dirt and other contaminants are removed from the floor while reducing the risk of cross contamination.

It goes without saying that maintaining optimum levels of hygiene, health and safety in industrial facilities is crucial. In order to avoid putting your staff and operations at risk, it is your responsibility to ensure that downtime – whether of employees or equipment – is prevented. This starts by paying attention to the plant floor.