Keeping a Clean Shop —

Crew Handout

Why is a clean shop important?

A cluttered shop is an accident waiting to happen. Using good housekeeping practices to keep the shop clean will help protect you from slips, trips, and falls that could result in serious injuries. It's easier to be safe and productive when you're working in clean, organized surroundings.

Keep your eyes open for potential hazards

Watch out for the following slip, trip, and fall hazards:

sawdust accumulation around the infeed and outfeed of machinery
wood and other debris
spills of liquids
cluttered walkways and aisles
cramped workspace
inadequate lighting
uneven floors
power cords left in and across walkways

Sawdust accumulation around the infeed area of a power saw can create a slipping hazard.

Safety tips for good shop housekeeping

Clean up waste materials and spills before they accumulate in your work area. According to the Regulation, materials such as scraps of lumber must not obstruct access to doors, fire exits, passageways, and other shop areas.
Sweep the shop area daily and whenever sawdust and debris build up.
Avoid tripping hazards. Keep air hoses and electrical cords out of the way.
Stack materials in straight, neat piles. Proper stacking makes the shop safer.
Store equipment such as goggles and face shields in a safe place where they won't be tripped over or damaged.
Be responsible for your own toolbox. Don't allow it to become a tripping hazard.
Avoid slipping hazards. Pick up pieces of material lying around, and store them in a secure area.
Be responsible for your own work area, including under and around any work surfaces.
Don't use compressed air for cleaning your clothes.

Preventing slips, trips, and falls

Wear appropriate non-slip footwear in the shop.
Clean up spills, sawdust, and other debris immediately.
Post warning signs around wet floors.
Move air hoses and electrical cords out of the way.
Stay out of infeed and outfeed areas and keep them clear of materials.
Make sure you have a disposal bin for scraps of materials.
Report hazardous conditions to your supervisor as soon as possible. If it's something you can remedy easily, just fix it.

Air hoses and electrical cords can cause tripping hazards if left in aisles and work areas.