What Commercial Cleaning Training Do Scrubber Operators Need?

March 03 2021

Commercial cleaning training is the employer’s responsibility. Knowing how to prepare employees to clean effectively and safely is critical to your facility’s success. Every part of the operation needs to run smoothly for your company to operate productively.

There are no specific commercial cleaning training guidelines from OSHA regarding floor scrubbers and sweepers. However, some circumstances require operator certification by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL).

It’s important to know when industrial scrubber training is necessary, and how to implement it. It is also important to be able to teach employees how to use a floor scrubber correctly. This is especially essential in places like hospitals or other facilities where cleanliness directly impacts health.

Learn more about these topics below and find tools for commercial cleaning training.

Industrial Scrubber Training

OSHA states that it does not regulate industrial cleaning equipment since it is not considered part of the “powered industrial truck” family. However, there are circumstances where industrial scrubber training and certification may be required by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL).

For example, in non-hazardous (non-classified) environments:

1. The battery chargers of battery-operated industrial cleaning equipment must be certified by an NRTL regardless of whether they are built-in or supplied separately.
2. Operators of petroleum gas models must follow the guidelines in OSHA’s section 1910.110 regarding the storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gas.

In hazardous or potentially hazardous (classified) environments:

1. In addition to the battery requirements outlined for non-hazardous environments, the motors of battery-operated models must be certified by an NRTL for use under the appropriate classification.
2. Follow the same previously-mentioned requirements for petroleum gas models.

Keep in mind that OSHA’s General Duty Clause does place responsibility on the employer to create a hazard-free work environment. This involves ensuring that industrial cleaning is done in a way that prevents employee exposure to dangerous industrial byproducts.

Even though OSHA doesn’t provide or enforce commercial cleaning training, you’ll still need to train your employees to use cleaning equipment properly. This will protect the lifespan of your machinery, the quality of your flooring, and the safety of employees and visitors alike. Learn more about how to use a floor scrubber below.

How to Use a Floor Scrubber

While operating a scrubber or sweeper may not be difficult, there are a few things that employers should go over with their employees before use.

Here’s a quick rundown on how to use a floor scrubber:

1. Remove excess debris and loose dirt. A quick sweep can prevent wear and tear on the scrubber pad.
2. Fill the machine’s intake tank with water and detergent. Add the water first to avoid foaming. Always follow manufacturer guidelines for industrial cleaning. Not every scrubber or flooring is designed to handle all cleaning solutions. 
3. Check that the scrubber pad is securely fastened. Turn the machine on and ensure that the squeegee is in the down position, making even contact with the floor. Activate any solution flow or vacuum systems.
4. Start cleaning in the corner furthest from the door and work towards it. Keep in mind that some scrubbers are designed to move forwards and others are actually designed to move backward. Move in the intended direction of the machine. 
5. Keep an eye on the recovery tank and empty it as needed. 
6. When finished, remove the recovery tank and rinse it thoroughly to avoid chemical buildup. Wipe down your machine and plug it into its charger.

When teaching employees how to use a floor scrubber, always emphasize machine maintenance. Industrial cleaning equipment isn’t cheap. Protecting the lifespan of your equipment is critical. Learn how to care for your floor scrubber or sweeper here.

To access scrubber training videos, click here. Find videos for other equipment here. OSHAcademy also offers a variety of industrial cleaning training courses for a variety of cleaning or janitorial roles.

During scrubber training, have operators use the equipment. Demonstrate best practices and inform employees of common workplace hazards. Provide PPE during industrial cleaning to avoid contact with industrial byproducts or cleaning chemicals.

Purchasing Industrial Cleaning Equipment

Industrial cleaning training can help protect employees while ensuring that they are getting the job done as efficiently as possible. Still, scrubber training is not enough to protect workplace safety and productivity.

Improper or damaged cleaning equipment won’t work the way you need it to do. ScrubberShop can help. We offer a huge inventory of new and used floor cleaning equipment for sale. We also offer pricing on every piece of equipment in our inventory.

When you use our comparison tool, you’ll receive free quotes on scrubbers or sweepers that fit your needs. Compare your options online to find the best deal on equipment in your area.

ScrubberShop is here to help your business succeed. Whether it’s industrial cleaning training or a new ride-on floor scrubber, we have you covered.

Find Pricing on Floor Scrubbers & Sweepers Online.