Industrial cleaning is a broad term for cleaning services in specialized facilities such as factories, warehouses, medical offices, and any other environment that requires special cleaning. Often, industrial cleaning uses special products or follows specific practices to comply with laws and regulations. Industrial cleaning also accounts for disposal, in the case where debris must be carefully handled.
Industrial cleaning is important for a variety of reasons. Most importantly, it helps to prevent accidents and injuries by removing hazardous materials and debris from the work environment. Second, industrial cleaning accounts for vital and expensive equipment in a facility, taking care to follow best practices for their care and longevity. Finally, industrial cleaning is important for maintaining compliance with industry regulations and standards, as failure to maintain a clean and safe work environment can result in fines, penalties, or legal action.
Here some of the more common places that need industrial cleaning:
Manufacturing facilities often generate large amounts of dust, dirt, and debris from the production process. Industrial cleaning services can help keep the facility clean, minimizing the risk of equipment failure and improving the overall efficiency of the operation.
Warehouses are often large facilities with high ceilings and hard-to-reach areas. Regular industrial cleaning can help prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris, which can improve air quality and reduce the risk of accidents.
Hospitals and medical facilities require a high level of cleanliness to prevent the spread of infection. Industrial cleaning services can help maintain a sterile environment, reducing the risk of contamination.
Data centers house critical IT infrastructure that requires a clean and controlled environment to prevent equipment failure and ensure data security. Dust can be a major problem in these buildings, which need strong ventilation to keep equipment cool.
Power plants generate large amounts of heat and have a tremendous number of systems that must be meticulously maintained. Cooling towers, turbines, and boiler rooms all require specialized equipment to clean.
There are a few scenarios where you would absolutely need to employ industrial cleaners to avoid major liabilities and violations:
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates harmful pollutants and environmental hazards. Because of their broad mandate, they cover almost every sector of the economy. Here is a link to each of the EPA’s regulations by sector. If you’re not following EPA regulation, you can be reported by anyone. Certain clients for your industry, like the government, may also need you to prove you’re EPA compliant to get contracts.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates workplace safety. In theory, they touch every workplace that employs people. Industrial environments, even safe ones, have more inherent risks than offices. So, it’s highly likely that OSHA has a few things to say about yours. Fair warning, OSHA is a massive bureaucracy, and it can be tedious to find which laws apply to you. Luckily, OSHA now allows you to connect with compliance specialists for a free consultation.
We probably don’t need to tell you that your equipment represents a significant investment in your business. Equipment that isn’t properly maintained could have a significantly shorter lifespan. Replacing equipment isn’t just expensive, it could put a halt to your business until it’s back up and running.
Even office environments may need to call industrial cleaners in emergencies. Spills, fires, and leaks are a few scenarios where your regular cleaning team might not have the tools to properly restore, sanitize, and dispose of waste. Improper cleaning can lead to a host of problems later and might even leave you open to liability.
Industrial cleaning is a broad term, nearly every industry will have its own needs, but here’s some common types of industrial cleaning:
Deep cleaning refers to cleaning parts of a facility of equipment that aren’t normally observed or accessed every day. This could involve dismantling equipment or accessing crawlspaces. Parts of your facility that are “out of sight out of mind” can often contain issues that are neglected and grow into serious hazards.
Cleanrooms are used for a wide range of applications, including manufacturing pharmaceuticals and medical devices, assembling electronics, conducting scientific research, and even in some surgical environments.
Tanks are used to store a variety of materials, including chemicals, oils, and gasses. Over time, these materials can leave behind residue and buildup that can compromise the integrity of the tank and contaminate future batches. Tank cleaning services use a variety of cleaning methods to remove residue and buildup from tanks, including high-pressure water jetting, chemical cleaning, and abrasive blasting. The choice of cleaning method depends on the type of tank, the material being removed, and the level of cleaning required.
Neglecting to clean storm drains can result in environmental pollution and fines for non-compliance with regulations. The work can be hazardous due to the presence of debris, sediment, and standing water. Industrial storm drain cleaning services follow strict safety protocols to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries, including the use of personal protective equipment and safety harnesses.
Mold can become a serious liability if left untreated. Mold grows in dark, damp spaces that are often not visible. Once mold is loose in your facility, it can be difficult to remove completely. Remediation refers to containing and minimizing mold by removing the affected areas, stopping the source of moisture, and applying antimicrobial agents to the remaining areas.
Expect to pay more for industrial cleaning than general janitorial services. Workers will have better training and be more meticulous. They will also come with any special cleaning agents and equipment. That being said, the cost of cutting corners can be far greater. Skirting safety and best practices may save you money in the short term, but accidents and equipment failures can quickly cost you tens of thousands or more. In some cases, insurance companies may deny your claims if you cannot demonstrate that you took steps to maintain workplaces with industrial cleaning practices.
Industrial cleaning isn't a nice-to-have for your business, it’s a must-have. At Pegasus, we offer comprehensive industrial cleaning services to help businesses in all industries keep their facilities clean and safe. Here are just a few reasons why you should partner with our team for your industrial cleaning needs:
At Pegasus, we have some of the best cleaning equipment and solutions in the industry, and our technicians have a tremendous amount of experience across multiple sectors and types of facilities.
We invite you to learn more about how Pegasus can serve your facility maintenance needs, so reach out to us today to speak to our team.