Floor Safety

PURPOSE

The purpose of this procedure is to clearly state the steps necessary to provide safe floors in university buildings.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Director is responsible for the implementation of this procedure.

Assistant Director for Operations, Housekeeping Managers, and Supervisors are responsible to ensure that all associates are: aware of the contents of this procedure and to enforce its implementation.

Housekeeping Associates are responsible to be aware of persons passing through a wet floor area and to use caution when participating in wet floor work.

PROCEDURE

1. All floor finishes used shall be designated as non-slip or slip resistant on the manufacturer's label.
   
   
2. All spills shall be mopped up as quickly as possible after notification.
   
   
3. Wet floor signs shall be placed where floors are being mopped, stripped, refinished or carpets shampooed and shall be left in place until the floor or carpet has dried.
   
   
4. In addition to wet floor signs, barricades shall be placed, where possible, when floors are being stripped or refinished.
   
   
5. Use extreme caution when stripping floors. The combination of water, stripper, and old wax makes a very slippery surface.
   
   
6. Stairway work is hazardous. Remember that mop buckets and mop handles can become tripping hazards.
   
   
7. Where barricades are not feasible and stripping or refinish work is being performed in high traffic areas, an associate should be designated to stand watch to warn people of the slippery conditions. Only one half of the traffic area should be worked on at a time.
   
   
8. Building entrances are to be watched, wet floors mopped, walk off carpets used and changed as they become saturated during rainstorms or snow conditions. Signs and barricades shall be erected whenever wet floors are discovered.
   
   
9. Report damaged stair treads when found. Stair treads shall be repaired or replaced when damaged.
   
   
10. Report loose handrails in stairways or on porches when found. Loose handrails shall be repaired as soon as possible after notification.
    
    
11. All floor surfaces shall be maintained with minimal (or no) surface irregularities i.e. chipped tiles, torn carpets, etc. When these items are found report them to your supervisor immediately.