Keeping a facility clean and organized ensures better compliance with environment and safety regulations. It is also connected to improved productivity and employee morale. Take a moment to see if these three common trouble spots are being addressed at your facility. They can actually indicate the overall performance of your safety program, and are usually targeted during regulatory inspections.
1. Food and Beverage in the Service Bay
The service bay is filled with oils, sprays, lubricants, and other hazardous chemicals. For this reason, the service bay (and body shop, detail area, etc.) is classified as a hazardous chemicals area, where it is illegal to prepare or consume food.
All food (including bagels and snacks) should be restricted to the break room. Food storage and preparation equipment also needs to be restricted to the break room.
The law permits some beverages in hazardous work areas, but with restrictions. All drink containers must be covered, and containers should clearly indicate contents.
2. Eyewash Stations
All stations need to have documentation of monthly inspections and maintenance, as prescribed by the manufacturer’s specifications. Stations needs to be kept clean, in proper operating condition, and accompanied by a correctly mounted sign. All stations must be easily accessible for emergency situations.
3. Clear the Clutter
Get rid of small groups of empty compressed gas cylinders, used batteries, full roll-arounds, and similar items that tend to collect in the corners of work stations and in quieter places in the service bay. All of these can bring fines if they are not properly stored or disposed of.
These areas won’t clean themselves. Enlist the help of employees or supervisors who work in the service area to monitor and address housekeeping issues for that area. Because they are the most familiar with the area and its problems, these individuals often are the best resource for suggesting the tools or equipment to eliminate or resolve housekeeping issues.
