A Clean Facility is a Safe Facility

Keeping your trucking facility in proper order will contribute to a safe and efficient operation. Encourage employees and your management team to contribute to a clean work environment by picking up debris and cleaning up spill they encounter in the work area. Clutter and spills in the workplace present fire and health hazards and have the potential to cause worker injury. Each area of your facility has specific requirements that need to be addressed.

FREIGHT DOCK AREAS
The working areas on and around the dock must be kept clean, dry, well-illuminated, and free of defects and hazards. Make sure the area at the base of the dock is cleared and free of debris. Encourage employees to help in these efforts by providing convenient trash containers and never allowing them to overflow. Keep staircases and areas where workers will be walking clear and in good condition. Aisles and passageways must be wide enough to easily maneuver loads.

A plan should be in place to address both hazardous and non-hazardous spills. Cleaning supplies, including brooms and absorbent material, should be on hand to clean non-hazardous liquid or dry spills. A hazardous material clean-up kit should also be easily accessible. An appropriate hazardous material clean-up kit will include absorbent materials, packaging and personal protective equipment. All supervisors should be trained to use these kits.

If a spill or accident occurs, it is important that a first aid kit be readily accessible. Keep a certified first aid responder on duty at all times, and post emergency telephone numbers by each telephone.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AREAS
The floors, aisles and all work areas must be kept clean, dry and free of any objects that could cause a slip, trip or fall. Fueling areas should also remain free of these hazards, and clean-up materials for oil and grease spills should be stored in a convenient location.

Covered trash containers should be placed in convenient locations where they will not be in the way. Lids should always remain closed, especially on containers that hold oily rags or other hazardous waste, to prevent spontaneous combustion and sparks from welding or cigarettes from igniting.

Keep first aid kits on hand and require first aid responders to attend a documented blood-borne pathogen program.

ADMINISTRATIVE AREAS, DISPATCH AREAS, BREAK ROOMS, DRIVERS’ ROOMS, REST ROOMS AND ALL OTHER AREAS OF THE FACILITY
As with the freight dock and vehicle maintenance areas, it is important to keep work areas clean, dry, well-lighted, and free of defects and hazards. Trash containers should be conveniently placed around the facility and emptied daily. All work benches and walkways should be free of hazards and clutter. First aid kits should be strategically placed, easily accessible and readily identifiable.

Janitorial cleaning supplies should be clearly labeled and properly stored. The rest room facilities, locker rooms and eating areas should be cleaned and sanitized daily. Soap and towels should be available in each of these areas.

GROUNDS
As with the work areas, your entire property should be clean, well-lighted, secure and free of debris. Maintain any surface that will be driven on by repairing potholes and uneven surfaces. Place covered trash bins conveniently throughout the grounds.

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