When it comes to facility maintenance and cleaning, there are many aspects to consider. OSHA doesn’t have a definitive “standard for cleaning,” but there are a few OSHA standards that are important to consider when it comes to facility cleaning, especially when it comes to “housekeeping and sanitation.”
Here are the OSHA standards most associated with facility cleaning and what these standards mean in practical applications.
OSHA Housekeeping Standards for Floors, Walkways, and Slip Prevention
OSHA standards state that work areas and walking-working surfaces shall be kept clean, orderly, and sanitary (29 CFR 1910.22(a)(1)). OSHA also states that the floor of each workroom shall be kept clean and, to the extent feasible, dry (29 CFR 1910.22(a)(2)).
Here’s what that means in real life:
- Entryways and lobbies: When there’s rain or snow outside, entryways and lobbies need special attention. This relates to keeping floors clean and as dry as possible.
- Hallways/Walkways: Keep hallways/walkways clear of cords, boxes, etc. This relates to keeping floors orderly, as required by 29 CFR 1910.22(a)(1).
- Spill-prone areas: Develop a response plan for break rooms, restrooms, and sink areas. A space may look clean but still be a slip-hazard if wet floors are a regular occurrence.
OSHA Sanitation Standards for Restrooms and Hygiene Areas
The OSHA standard for sanitation has specific requirements for hand-washing supplies. OSHA requires hand soap or similar agents for hand cleaning. OSHA also requires provisions for drying hands, either with individual paper towels or cloth towels or air blowers. (29 CFR 1910.141(d)(2)(iii) & (iv)).
So, restroom cleaning isn’t just about wiping the surface. An effective program that stands up to operational scrutiny means a schedule that matches actual use and a quick check to make sure soap and drying agents are available throughout the day
Cleaning Chemicals and Hazard Communication Standards
If your team works with cleaning chemicals, then Hazard Communication is one of the most common OSHA compliance areas. OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard requires that all chemicals be communicated through labels, Safety Data Sheets, and training. This is under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard, also known as 29 CFR 1910.1200.
Practically speaking, this means:
- Containers should be labeled, especially when chemicals are transferred to secondary spray bottles
- Access to Safety Data Sheets is easy and practical, not hidden in some obscure place that nobody can find
- Your training program will include information about what personal protective equipment you’ll need when you use a specific product
It’s an area where many facilities struggle, not because people are trying to break any rules, but simply because working with chemicals can become a habit.
Bloodborne Pathogens Standards for Cleanup and Exposure Control
When dealing with places where blood or potentially infectious materials are a concern, OSHA has a standard related to bloodborne pathogens, and it has requirements related to cleaning and decontamination procedures. OSHA says, “Equipment and environmental/working surfaces shall be cleaned and decontaminated after contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials.” (29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(4)(ii)(A))
That’s why it’s a good idea to think of two separate things:
- Routine cleaning (day-to-day messes)
- Exposure response (a process with a response team, proper PPE, disinfectants, disposal, documentation, etc.)
If you don’t have a plan for these incidents, staff often improvise, which is where risk increases.
PPE, Ventilation, and Flammable Liquids Standards That May Apply
Some OSHA standards are only relevant if what you’re doing in your cleaning operation has specific conditions. OSHA points out several examples of what may come up depending on what you’re doing in your cleaning operation:
A few examples:
- PPE: OSHA states employers need to assess hazards and provide appropriate PPE (29 CFR 1910.132(d)). This standard applies if you’re working with certain chemicals that may splash or come in contact with employees’ skin.
- Flammable liquids: If you’re working with solvents or similar materials, the OSHA cleaning standards under 29 CFR 1910.106 may apply.
- Ventilation: Depending on what you’re doing, you may need ventilation. OSHA points out a list of standards under 29 CFR 1910.94 that may apply.
Not all of these may apply to you. What you need to do is match what you’re doing to what the standard applies to.
Common OSHA Cleaning Standards: Gaps in Facility Cleaning Programs
The majority of the issues seem to boil down to a handful of recurring issues that need attention:
- Cleaning is being done, but not consistently from shift to shift or team to team.
- High-traffic areas don’t receive adequate attention based on the level of use.
- Chemical safety tends to get sloppy over time, whether it’s labeling, access to SDS, storage, or even mixing.
- There isn’t a clear plan in place for exceptions such as spills, bad weather, or even more critical situations such as bloodborne pathogens, which may require adherence to the standards under 1910.1030(d)(4).
How to Build a Cleaning Program That Meets OSHA Cleaning Standards
A good cleaning program is probably simpler than you think. It’s not about doing it all every day. It’s about doing the right things every day in the right areas.
A simple approach to developing your cleaning program:
- Take a walk-through to look at traffic patterns and problem areas (entrances, bathrooms, shared space)
- Develop your cleaning frequency based on usage patterns, so high-risk areas are not cleaned at the same frequency as low-usage areas
- Standardize your cleaning products and training to ensure Hazard Communication doesn’t change over time (1910.1200)
- Use simple checklists and inspection tools to maintain consistency from shift to shift
Need Help Improving Your OSHA Cleaning Standards Compliance?
If you’re trying to get your cleaning program into alignment with OSHA cleaning standards, it can be helpful to work with a company that understands what it takes to happen daily.
Reach out today to schedule a walkthrough. We’ll learn your facility, identify priority areas, and put together a clear cleaning scope you can use internally or in a proposal.