Method Statement MS 18
Dry sweeping (broom)
StatementMS 18
Persons involved or affected
EmployeesContractorsVisitors / public
Statement status
InitialChange / incident review
1
Introduction
The purpose of this method statement is to outline the procedures and safety measures for performing dry sweeping using a broom. This ensures that floors are effectively cleaned of dust, dirt, and debris while maintaining a safe working environment.
2
Scope of work
This method statement covers the use of brooms for dry sweeping in various areas, including:
Commercial and industrial floors
Office spaces
Warehouses
Public areas
Any location where dust and debris need to be removed without the use of water or cleaning solutions
Commercial and industrial floors
Office spaces
Warehouses
Public areas
Any location where dust and debris need to be removed without the use of water or cleaning solutions
3
Responsibilities
Cleaning Supervisor: Oversees the dry sweeping operations, ensures staff are trained, and conducts quality inspections.
Cleaning Staff: Perform the dry sweeping tasks according to the procedures, report any issues, and maintain equipment.
Health and Safety Officer: Ensures compliance with health and safety regulations, performs risk assessments, and provides safety guidance.
Environmental Officer: Monitors the environmental impact of sweeping practices and ensures compliance with environmental regulations.
Cleaning Staff: Perform the dry sweeping tasks according to the procedures, report any issues, and maintain equipment.
Health and Safety Officer: Ensures compliance with health and safety regulations, performs risk assessments, and provides safety guidance.
Environmental Officer: Monitors the environmental impact of sweeping practices and ensures compliance with environmental regulations.
4
Equipment and materials
Equipment:
Broom (appropriate for the type of floor and debris)
Dustpan and brush
Vacuum cleaner (for fine dust, if required)
Materials:
Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and masks (if dust levels are high)
Waste bags or bins (for collecting debris)
Broom (appropriate for the type of floor and debris)
Dustpan and brush
Vacuum cleaner (for fine dust, if required)
Materials:
Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and masks (if dust levels are high)
Waste bags or bins (for collecting debris)
5
Procedure
Preparation:
Gather all necessary equipment and materials.
Inspect the broom and other tools to ensure they are in good condition.
Place safety signage if necessary, especially in high-traffic areas.
Sweeping:
Start Sweeping: Begin sweeping from one end of the area and work systematically to cover the entire floor. Use a consistent, gentle sweeping motion to avoid spreading dust.
Use a Dustpan: Collect the swept debris into the dustpan and dispose of it in a waste bag or bin. For large areas, periodically empty the dustpan to prevent overflow.
Fine Dust: If dealing with fine dust, consider using a vacuum cleaner to ensure all dust is removed.
Post-Sweeping Cleanup:
Dispose of Debris: Properly dispose of the collected debris in waste bags or bins. Ensure that waste is handled and disposed of according to local regulations.
Clean Equipment: Clean the broom and dustpan after use to remove any remaining debris and dust. Store equipment in a clean, dry location.
Final Inspection:
Inspect the swept area to ensure it is free of dust and debris. Check for any missed spots and re-sweep if necessary.
Gather all necessary equipment and materials.
Inspect the broom and other tools to ensure they are in good condition.
Place safety signage if necessary, especially in high-traffic areas.
Sweeping:
Start Sweeping: Begin sweeping from one end of the area and work systematically to cover the entire floor. Use a consistent, gentle sweeping motion to avoid spreading dust.
Use a Dustpan: Collect the swept debris into the dustpan and dispose of it in a waste bag or bin. For large areas, periodically empty the dustpan to prevent overflow.
Fine Dust: If dealing with fine dust, consider using a vacuum cleaner to ensure all dust is removed.
Post-Sweeping Cleanup:
Dispose of Debris: Properly dispose of the collected debris in waste bags or bins. Ensure that waste is handled and disposed of according to local regulations.
Clean Equipment: Clean the broom and dustpan after use to remove any remaining debris and dust. Store equipment in a clean, dry location.
Final Inspection:
Inspect the swept area to ensure it is free of dust and debris. Check for any missed spots and re-sweep if necessary.
6
Safety precautions
PPE: Wear gloves and masks if dust levels are high to protect against skin irritation and respiratory issues.
Avoid Dust Clouds: Sweep gently to minimize dust clouds that can affect air quality and cause respiratory discomfort.
Clear Obstacles: Ensure the area is clear of obstacles before sweeping to avoid tripping hazards.
Handling Equipment: Use the broom and dustpan correctly to prevent strain or injury. Ensure that equipment is well-maintained to avoid accidents.
Avoid Dust Clouds: Sweep gently to minimize dust clouds that can affect air quality and cause respiratory discomfort.
Clear Obstacles: Ensure the area is clear of obstacles before sweeping to avoid tripping hazards.
Handling Equipment: Use the broom and dustpan correctly to prevent strain or injury. Ensure that equipment is well-maintained to avoid accidents.
7
Emergency procedures
Injury: Administer first aid if needed and seek medical attention for serious injuries. Report any incidents to the Health and Safety Officer immediately.
Dust Exposure: If experiencing discomfort or respiratory issues due to dust, move to a well-ventilated area and seek medical advice if necessary.
Spill: In the case of spills or leaks in the area, follow the facility’s spill response procedures and clean up the spill appropriately.
Dust Exposure: If experiencing discomfort or respiratory issues due to dust, move to a well-ventilated area and seek medical advice if necessary.
Spill: In the case of spills or leaks in the area, follow the facility’s spill response procedures and clean up the spill appropriately.
8
Environmental considerations
Minimize Dust: Use sweeping techniques that minimize dust dispersion, such as sweeping with a slightly dampened broom if allowed.
Proper Disposal: Dispose of swept debris according to local regulations. Avoid using excessive amounts of disposable materials.
Reduce Waste: Use durable, reusable equipment to reduce environmental impact.
Proper Disposal: Dispose of swept debris according to local regulations. Avoid using excessive amounts of disposable materials.
Reduce Waste: Use durable, reusable equipment to reduce environmental impact.
9
Training and competence
Training: All staff involved in dry sweeping must receive training on proper techniques, equipment use, and safety procedures.
Competence: Regularly assess staff competence through direct observation and provide refresher training as needed.
Knowledge: Ensure staff are aware of the importance of minimizing dust and maintaining a clean environment.
Competence: Regularly assess staff competence through direct observation and provide refresher training as needed.
Knowledge: Ensure staff are aware of the importance of minimizing dust and maintaining a clean environment.
10
Review and monitoring
Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with this method statement and to maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety.
Feedback: Gather feedback from staff and facility users to identify areas for improvement and address any issues.
Procedure Review: Review and update sweeping procedures based on audit results, feedback, and changes in requirements.
Incident Review: Regularly review incidents and near-misses related to sweeping activities to identify trends and implement corrective actions to enhance safety and effectiveness.
Feedback: Gather feedback from staff and facility users to identify areas for improvement and address any issues.
Procedure Review: Review and update sweeping procedures based on audit results, feedback, and changes in requirements.
Incident Review: Regularly review incidents and near-misses related to sweeping activities to identify trends and implement corrective actions to enhance safety and effectiveness.