Safety rules for custodians provide guidelines for working with dangerous equipment and chemicals. When used safely, these items can disinfect a variety of surfaces and provide a clean workplace. Safety rules for using this equipment properly are set by the employer using guidelines provided by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration.

Types

Custodians must follow safety rules that apply to the chemical products and equipment they use on a daily basis. Many of these safety rules are determined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These rules help determine the proper way to store equipment and chemicals, proper safety equipment and knowing the company’s safety plan when an injury or health hazard occurs.

Benefits

Custodial safety rules benefit both the custodial staff and those who work in the building. Rules for proper storage of equipment and chemicals are essential to ensure the safety of those who are not familiar with the dangers of these products.

Every chemical should have its material safety data sheet (MSDS) where it is stored. This sheet provides information on the composition of the chemical, adverse reactions and what to do if it comes into contact with the skin or eyes.

Considerations

In addition to the rules for using cleaning chemicals and equipment, a custodian should also know when it is best to work in pairs rather than on his own. If a custodian works with a ladder, someone should be there to prevent any chance of a fall.

Working on locks for the doors and windows on a facility may be a dangerous job depending on the value of what is inside the building. When checking the perimeter of the building for repairs, custodians should work in pairs and have a phone or radio to report any suspicious activity.

Equipment

Safety equipment is essential for custodians. The first safety precaution any custodian should take is to wear the proper attire when working around dangerous machinery or chemicals. Those who use floor buffers and other rotating equipment should not wear any loose clothing that could get caught in the mechanisms. Custodians who use dangerous chemicals should always wear gloves, as well as safety glasses to avoid contact with eyes. Custodians should wear shoes with nonslip soles to prevent injuries from falling.

Continued Safety

Once a safety plan is put into place, all custodians must comply with the rules for reporting any injuries that occurred on the job. OSHA requirement 1960.70 states that all serious injuries or deaths on the job must be reported to the Office of Federal Agency Programs within eight hours of the initial incident. Employers should also have similar regulations in place for minor accidents and injuries that do not require hospitalization.

Routine inspections of custodial closets should be initiated by employers to ensure that equipment is stored properly and that access to unauthorized personnel is restricted.