Communicate Floor Cleaning Slip Risks and Controls

Section 21 requires employers who share a place of work to co-operate and keep each other and employees informed

Section 12 of the 2005 Act requires employers to assess the competence of a contractor

Section 10 requires employers to provide instruction, training and supervision in a form, manner and language reasonably likely to be understood

For wet cleaning of slippery surfaces, it is important to communicate

The wet slipperiness of the floor
The danger of damp and drying floors - particularly hazardous as they look dry but are still slippery
The very limited impact of signs alone and the requirement to remove them when no longer needed

Floor Cleaning Instructions

Step-by-step floor cleaning instructions should include the correct specification and combination of the three types of energy required for cleaning

Physical energy – type of mop/ brush/ scrubber
Chemical energy – incorrect chemicals (some could damage a floor), correct chemical, not mixing chemicals, dilution (including required dilution equipment), contact time and rinse advice
Thermal energy – required water temperature

Chemical information sheet

Clear advice on the prohibition of polish
Specific times when areas will be unoccupied, times when cleaning is scheduled, times when areas can be segregated for cleaning
Clear instructions on segregation of wet, damp or drying floors