Factory cleaning is not just sweeping; it is a professional process that helps maintain a safe and effective working environment. A clean factory not only protects the health of employees but also extends the sustainability of machinery and improves product quality. Let’s KTG Industrial explore the details in this article
What is factory cleaning?
Factory cleaning is the comprehensive process of cleaning the working environment in the factory, including floors, machinery, equipment, and production lines. The main goal is to eliminate dirt, oil, and waste to ensure labor safety, maintain production efficiency, and extend the lifespan of machinery.
In a continuous production environment, factories are prone to dust, pollution, and waste accumulation. If cleaning is not carried out promptly, this situation can harm workers’ health, reduce productivity, and damage equipment. Therefore, establishing a regular cleaning process with clear standards and proper tools is essential to maintain a safe and effective working environment.
A clean factory ensures workers’ health
Why is Industrial Factory Cleaning Necessary?
Industrial factory cleaning plays an important role in creating a healthy, safe, and effective working environment. When cleaning the factory, it can:
- Protect workers’ health: Eliminate dust, and bacteria, and create a safe, ventilated working environment.
- Increase machinery lifespan: Prevent dust and chemicals from causing damage, reducing repair costs.
- Ensure product quality: Minimize errors and maintain high quality, especially in food and mechanical production.
- Impress partners: A clean factory enhances credibility and increases cooperation opportunities.
- Comply with regulations: Meet hygiene standards and avoid legal violations.
Industrial Factory Cleaning Standards
When it comes to industrial factory cleaning standards, the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) standard cannot be overlooked. GMP is a standard for good manufacturing practices that ensures a clean, safe production environment and maintains product quality.
Basic Cleaning Principles According to GMP
- Clean from dry to wet: Remove dirt and physical contaminants before performing wet cleaning to optimize effectiveness and reduce cleaning time.
- Clean from top to bottom: Clean the ceiling and walls first, then clean the machinery and floors, to avoid dirt falling onto already cleaned areas.
- Clean from inside out: Start cleaning the areas inside the factory and then move to the other areas such as corridors and entrances to avoid cleaning again.
- Clean in one direction: Ensure effective cleaning without spreading dirt from one area to another, increasing consistency in the cleaning process.
Factory Cleaning Process According to GMP
- Step 1: Clean the ceiling
Use a long broom or suitable equipment to clean dust and cobwebs from the ceiling. Ensure safety with protective equipment such as shoes, helmets, and safety harnesses when cleaning at heights. - Step 2: Clean the walls and surfaces
Sweep off dust and cobwebs from wall surfaces, then wipe and blow dust to ensure no impurities are left. - Step 3: Clean machinery and equipment
Use a vacuum cleaner and dry cloth to clean machinery and equipment. Depending on the structure and material of the equipment, technical support may be needed to ensure that no damage occurs to the machinery. - Step 4: Clean the floor
Use a floor scrubber and vacuum cleaner to clean the workshop floors. Suitable cleaning chemicals should be carefully selected to ensure they do not harm workers or equipment. - Step 5: Inspect and review
Recheck all areas that have been cleaned to ensure there is no remaining dirt, oil, or chemicals. This process helps maintain a clean production environment and meets GMP requirements.
GMP requires that all production areas be properly cleaned and maintained to avoid product contamination. This standard includes regular inspections, cleaning of equipment and production tools, and ensuring that factors such as people, materials, and machinery are controlled during the cleaning process.
Industrial factory cleaning according to GMP standards helps maintain cleanliness, protect workers’ health, and improve product quality.
When cleaning the factory, refer to GMP standards.
What Equipment is Needed to Clean the Factory?
Here are the common cleaning tools for factories:
- High-pressure washer: Cleans large areas and stubborn stains.
- Industrial vacuum cleaner: Effectively vacuums large areas, capable of handling both dry and wet dirt.
- Floor scrubber: Quickly removes dirt and cleans floors.
- Floor polisher: Polishes and smoothens floor surfaces.
- Handheld polisher: Shines materials and removes scratches.
- Carpet and upholstery washer: Cleans carpets and upholstery quickly.
- Scissor lift: Used for cleaning high areas.
- Other equipment: Step ladders, floor scrub pads, cleaning tool kits, and scrapers for stains.
- Cleaning solutions: Specialized chemicals that help remove tough stains.
Areas to Clean in the Factory
When cleaning the factory, attention must be paid to the following areas to ensure that the cleaning meets standards and achieves high quality:
- Entrances and exits: Ensure they are clear and unobstructed.
- Ceilings, walls, and corners: Wipe to remove dust and cobwebs.
- Machinery and equipment: Clean carefully to maintain efficiency and prevent damage.
- Doors and windows: Clean dust, stains, and fingerprints.
- Furniture: Wipe and polish to prevent dirt accumulation and maintain a professional, clean working environment.
- Electrical wiring, cables, pipes: Clean to avoid short circuits and damage.
- Insect screens: Inspect and repair to prevent insect infestation.
Industrial Factory Cleaning Process
Cleaning the Ceiling
Ceiling features: Typically has crossbeam structures, lighting systems, and electrical cables overhead (8-12 meters).
Method:
- Use long-handled brooms and powerful vacuum cleaners to remove dust and cobwebs.
- For high areas, scaffolding or lifts should be used for access.
- Cleaning staff must be equipped with safety gear: helmets, gloves, non-slip shoes, and safety harnesses.
Objective: Ensure no cobwebs or accumulated dust are left, preventing damage to lighting systems and electrical cables.
Cleaning the Surrounding Walls
Cleaning scope: Walls, windows, interior surfaces, and hidden corners.
Method:
- Use dusting brooms and clothes to clean the walls.
- Use blowers or vacuum cleaners to remove stubborn dirt.
- For tough stains, use appropriate cleaning chemicals, ensuring no damage to surfaces.
Schedule: This area should be cleaned regularly after each production cycle to prevent dust buildup.
Cleaning Machinery and Equipment
Machinery features: Machinery in the factory is often covered in dust, oil, and chemicals during operation.
Method:
- Classify machinery by structure and material to choose appropriate cleaning methods.
- Use soft cloths and specialized brushes to clean easily accessible parts.
- For areas with electronic components, use compressed air or specialized vacuum cleaners to avoid damage.
Note: Consult the technical team to ensure proper cleaning and prevent operational disruptions.
Cleaning the Factory Floor
Floor features: Floors tend to accumulate dust, oil, and chemicals due to the production process.
Method:
- Perform a preliminary cleaning of large debris and dust.
- Use floor scrubbers and industrial vacuum cleaners for thorough cleaning.
- Choose appropriate cleaning chemicals for the type of floor (concrete, tile, epoxy) to remove oils and tough stains.
Schedule: Regular cleaning is needed, or immediately after each production shift, to maintain a safe and clean working environment.
Final Inspection
Objective: Ensure no areas are missed or inadequately cleaned.
Method:
- Inspect smaller details such as windows, columns, entrance gates, hidden corners, and hard-to-reach areas.
- Record the cleaning status and report any issues requiring further attention.
- If any areas are still dirty, the cleaning team must address them immediately.
When Cleaning the Factory, Ensure Proper Use of Equipment
Cleaning Tips for the Factory
To achieve effective factory cleaning, the following points must be observed:
- Follow safety regulations
Always adhere to safety regulations during cleaning to avoid accidents or health risks. Ensure equipment is used properly to prevent damage from improper operation. - Provide protective gear
Ensure that the cleaning team is equipped with protective gear such as boots, non-slip shoes, gloves, helmets, and specialized work clothing. - Avoid using water on electrical equipment
Never use water to clean machinery or electrical equipment to prevent the risk of short circuits or damage. - Establish general cleaning standards
Apply clear cleaning principles for workers to maintain a clean working environment. - Create detailed cleaning plans and checklists
Create task lists and cleaning schedules for each area to ensure continuous cleanliness and timely detection of abnormal issues. - Use specialized equipment
Equip the factory with the right cleaning machinery and tools to increase efficiency and save time. - Train staff
To keep the factory clean, the cleaning staff must work together, as they are the ones performing the tasks daily. Organize training sessions on proper cleaning procedures and raise awareness about maintaining workplace hygiene.
Regular Factory Cleaning Enhances Workplace Quality
Some Tips to Keep the Factory Clean
The best advice is to clean regularly. Routine cleaning and maintenance help maintain operational efficiency and ensure workplace safety. Establish a specific schedule for cleaning, machinery checks, and immediate replacement of damaged parts when detected.
Use appropriate chemicals and maintain detailed records of maintenance activities for effective management. Regular maintenance helps identify any issues with machinery, reducing risks and production downtime.
When cleaning, prioritize critical areas such as machinery, production lines, and chemical storage areas. Pay special attention to quality control areas and equipment repair zones to prevent production disruptions. Cleaning internal traffic areas also ensures safe material and equipment movement.
Many businesses choose to hire professional cleaning services with experience and positive customer feedback, which is also an effective way to maintain the working environment.
Conclusion
Maintaining a standard factory cleaning process not only creates a safe and clean working environment but also improves production efficiency and protects employee health. By following the correct cleaning steps, from regular maintenance to using proper chemicals and safe equipment, businesses can ensure their factories are always in optimal condition.
