So you’re on an exploratory call with a prospective cleaning service, trying to get a sense of whether they are qualified to work in your facility. It’s a big decision. Letting third party workers into your workspace, and trusting them around your sensitive equipment. You hope it’ll go right, but what are the questions you should be asking to vet a potential partner. Here’s a guide with some of the standard industry-leading practices in industrial cleaning to tighten up your vetting process.
Not sure if you need industrial cleaning? Read about what it is and why your facility needs it.
Environment matters
The first question to ask yourself is “What kind of facility am I managing and what are its compliance rules?” That will serve as a launching point for any conversation around what kind of contractor to hire for your industrial cleaning. Every industry is different, and industry-leading practices in one may not apply to another. You can always start with consulting your federal, state, and local governing bodies like the EPA, OSHA, and your state agencies. In some cases, they might even have a list of approved industry-leading practices or even vendors. If they don’t you should still be able to get a sense of the requirements for working safely in your facility.
Workers should have licenses or certifications
Industrial cleaning is distinct from janitorial services because of the specialized nature of the work. In most cases, workers will need special training and documentation to work a job site. This may be a license issued by the government, but at least it should be a certification from a training organization.
You may not know all the particulars of what is required. But when you ask a potential vendor about worker qualifications, they shouldn’t hesitate at all. Reputable organizations should be happy to explain the qualifications of their workforce, and even willing to provide documentation.
They should use industrial strength equipment
For the most part, industrial cleaning services don’t use household cleaners or tools. Every industry has their tools of the trade, but here’s a couple buzzwords to be on the lookout for and what they mean:
Antimicrobial agents
This is a broad term referring to special cleaning liquids specifically designed to inhibit the growth of microorganisms or kill them. Household soaps, such as dish soaps or hand soaps, are primarily designed for cleaning purposes and removing dirt, oils, and other contaminants from surfaces or skin. They work by reducing surface tension and allowing water to effectively remove debris. While household soaps may have some antimicrobial properties due to their ability to physically remove microorganisms from surfaces, their main function is not to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
HEPA filters
Consumer vacuums often have low-level filters that won’t affect small particles. High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are known for their high filtration efficiency. They are designed to remove at least 99.97% of airborne particles that are 0.3 micrometers in diameter or larger. This level of efficiency makes them highly effective in capturing even small particles. Household vacuum filters, on the other hand, may have varying filtration efficiencies depending on the type and quality of the filter.
PPE
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) refers to a variety of clothing worn by workers to limit their exposure in a hazardous environment or cleanroom. Sometimes PPE above and beyond the minimum requirements will be worn by workers simply out of a sense of heightened safety. Industrial cleaning services should be able to describe their PPE worn in the field. It will likely include cover-all suits, gloves, and an N95 mask that covers a worker’s face and filters out air.
PPE requirements may be relaxed in a non-hazardous environment like a warehouse, but it’s still worth asking a potential vendor when exploring their industry-leading practices.
Waste Management and Disposal
Far from out-of-sight-out-of-mind, you still own all waste that leaves your facility, even if it’s in a landfill somewhere. Any waste above a certain weight needs to be transported to a landfill. Since landfills are highly regulated, there is an extensive process to document waste dumps and a chain-of-custody. It’s always smart to ask about this when you’re exploring options. Even if the particulars are a bit over your head, you’re looking for a well thought out process on the part of the potential vendor.
Documentation
You may not enjoy paperwork, but a solid paper trail can be a lifesaver when things go sideways. An industrial cleaning service should be a partner, meaning transparency with diligent record keeping. You may want to ask about check-in and check-out sheets, disposal manifests, and how often you would get regular reports or access to needed files on cleaning services.
Pegasus is the industry leader in industrial cleaning and facility management
Pegasus Clean offers a wide range of facility maintenance and cleaning solutions. We include in-depth consultation on facility management services, cost-saving audit and negotiation of existing service contracts, industry-leading practices in waste management and landfill diversion, innovative and cost-effective solutions to recycling and water savings, and professional staffing of building engineers or facility managers.
Pegasus Clean is committed to providing clients with the highest quality of service possible. We have a team of experienced and qualified professionals who are dedicated to meeting the needs of clients. Pegasus Clean is also a certified green company, committed to using environmentally friendly practices in their work.
If you are looking for a company that can provide you with comprehensive facility maintenance and engineering services, then Pegasus Clean is the perfect choice for you. Contact us today to learn more about their services and how they can help you improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your facility.
