Commercial cleaning involves numerous challenges and some of the most pertinent ones come up after the construction of a property. In this post, we’ll take you through some of the challenges of post-construction cleaning along with the steps to take to make things safer for the cleaners.

1. Construction dust

From sawdust to drywall dust to metal fillings to cement dust and more – a construction site may be full of toxic elements that may trigger allergies. Volatile organic chemicals or VOCs are also things that commercial cleaners should be aware of. These chemicals are released into the air from building materials (such as paint) and when cleaners inhale too much of them, they can cause lung cancer and asthma.

What’s required to overcome this challenge: Commercial cleaning companies should equip their cleaners with high-quality personal protective equipment or PPE. Dust masks, in particular, are crucial for preventing inhalation of VOCs and other construction dust. They can go a long way toward preventing allergies and serious diseases. Cleaners should also clear air closed spaces thoroughly before starting their work. This can remove excess contaminants and pollutants from the indoor environment.

2. Power tools

Heavy-duty power tools are necessary for construction. However, these tools may cause problems especially if the construction crew doesn’t remove them. Sometimes, commercial cleaners are left to deal with these tools. Even a moment’s lapse in concentration can lead to injury-causing accidents.

What’s required to overcome this challenge: A commercial cleaning company can’t control what construction crews do. Even though it’s the responsibility of a construction crew to remove power tools and other heavy-duty equipment, the failure to do it means that it’s up to the cleaners to be more responsible. This is where training can be effective in making the cleaners aware of the potential dangers of power tools and keeping them safe.

3. Stray nails, shards of glass, screws, debris, and loose fixtures

All these elements can pose injury risks. Cleaners may trip on them if they’re not careful or they may cut their hands and/or feet.

What’s required to overcome this challenge: Protective gloves and boots can be helpful in avoiding potential injuries caused by stray objects. All cleaning work done to remove them should be carried out while wearing protective gear. After cleaning has been completed, the protective gear must be set aside. Sometimes, sharp little objects may get stuck in the gloves and/or footwear. So it’s important to keep them aside carefully.

The importance of a safety checklist

Before cleaners go to a construction site and commence post-construction cleaning, it’s important that they create a safety checklist. Safety checklists are documents that underline all the necessary tasks that need to be undertaken. They can be of great benefit to new and inexperienced cleaners for adhering to safety standards and precautions.

All in all, it’s fair to say that post-construction cleaning isn’t the easiest task for commercial cleaners. However, despite the challenges involved, there are ways for cleaners to exercise caution and complete their work successfully without injuring themselves. The trick to doing this lies in identifying potential risks and steering clear of them through a commitment to safety.