Steve Hanson

Caution is always essential, but there are some specific things to watch out for when maintaining hard floors:

1. Do not load and unload your equipment alone. Either get someone to help you or break down the machine. Remember to use proper lifting techniques.

2. Begin by setting up your perimeters. Be sure to mark the area with tape, cones, and wet floor signs.

3. Floor stripper chemicals are caustic and can be very dangerous if not handled properly. Always use PPE (personal protective equipment) such as gloves, safety glasses, and rubber shoes.

4. Check your electrical equipment before use. Plugs should have three prongs in order to be properly grounded. In order to prevent electrical shock when stripping and waxing or cleaning carpets, make sure the cords do not have any cuts and scrapes or loose wires. Be careful not to run over the cord with the machine.

5. Be sure to use the right tools to avoid putting undo stress on your body. For example, put a scraper on an extension handle to avoid working on your hands and knees. When you do have to work on hands and knees, use knee pads.

6. When stripping and waxing, the floor will be less slippery if you work forward into the flooded area instead of working backwards out of it.

7. The handle of slow-speed floor machines should be held in a comfortable position, about waist high. Do not try to force the machine into the direction you want it to go -- your job is to guide it up and down with your arms in easy movements.

8. Watch for water on the floor when cleaning up your equipment after the job is completed.

9. Dump the stripper in approved areas only, not on the ground or in the sewer system. Check your state and local codes for more information.

10. When recharging the batteries on your equipment, be sure to add water to the machine after you have charged the batteries, not before.

Remember, the best way to handle accidents is to prevent them from ever happening. You will keep your clients and employees happy and save money on insurance claims.

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Steve Hanson helps owners of small cleaning companies build a more profitable and successful cleaning business through his online community at TheJanitorialStore.com. Read inspirational cleaning success stories at http://www.cleaning-success.com, and sign up for weekly cleaning tips at http://www.TheJanitorialStore.com.