When we think of warehouses, cleaning protocols are likely not the first thought that springs to mind.  It’s just a warehouse, after all; why would we need it to be clean?  In fact, a clean, organized warehouse promotes a safe and healthy work environment while also ensuring the warehouse space is utilized to its optimal efficiency.  There are many cleaning tasks that should be considered when it comes to keeping a warehouse tidy; so before you hire professional warehouse cleaning staff, consider this checklist of items carefully.

Outside the Warehouse

Sure, we’re talking about keeping the warehouse clean, but you also want to keep the areas surrounding your warehouse in good order.  Access to your warehouse is likely very important with respect to moving the goods housed within the warehouse.  As such, you want to regularly inspect parking lots, pathways, and roads on site to ensure areas are free from damage and debris.  Obstructions should be cleared, signage should be visible and easy to read, and snow and ice needs to be managed to prevent accidents.

Warehouse Supplies

Obviously, the goods and products stored in your warehouse need to be neatly and clearly organized.  In addition, all the supplies required to operate your business need to be organized in the warehouse.  Forklifts should be stored appropriately with fuel and associated materials secured.  Dangerous chemicals or other warehouse materials should be stored properly; in fact, every item in your warehouse from equipment to stock should be kept in a designated place.

The warehouse office should be adequately organized and working spaces within the office should be regularly cleaned to promote efficiency.  Your employees should have access to clean spaces for lunch and coffee breaks as well as storage for their personal belongings.

Warehouse Floors

With respect to safety, ensuring warehouse floors are properly cleaned and free of obstacles and debris is very important.  Wet, oily, or dirty warehouse floors can pose a significant risk to the health and safety of your staff members.  As such, warehouse floors must be swept and washed regularly.  Cleaning staff should have access to appropriate signage to indicate that floors are wet or slippery; and your staff should be aware of procedures for reporting dangerous spills.

Warehouse Organization

As already mentioned, your warehouse and all items housed within should have designated storage spaces and your employees should know where to find and keep all items.  Storage spaces should be clearly labeled, and signage must always be visible.  Ensure shelves are not overloaded, not only with respect to their weight-bearing capacity but also when it comes to physical space, i.e. you don’t want items stacked precariously or haphazardly.  Unwanted stock or unnecessary supplies should be removed from the warehouse to ensure you have enough space for more important items.  Finally, as in any working environment, washrooms and toilets in your warehouse should be regularly cleaned; garbage and recycling needs to be emptied; and windows and doors should be kept clean and clear of debris.