Information Sheet 2.
1-1
Types and Uses of Cleaning Equipment
Learning Objectives: After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be
able to:
1. Identify the different cleaning equipment
2. Familiarize the proper use of each cleaning equipment
Good housekeeping requires very thorough cleaning. Being clean means
the absence of visible dirt. Some critical areas and guest amenities should not
only be cleaned. They have to be sanitized. For a thorough cleaning, the hotel,
lodging house or any building must be equipped with appropriate cleaning
equipment as follows:
Vacuum Cleaner
It is used to eliminate
loose soil and dust
particles from carpet surfaces, upholstered furniture and even hard surfaces.
Dust bags must be emptied daily. After using, roll back the wire neatly on the
back of the vacuum cleaner. Place it on one end of the trolley.
Floor Polisher
It is used in scrubbing, stripping and polishing hard floor surfaces and also
vinyl, wood parquet, etc. Use the appropriate pad for scrubbing, stripping and
polishing. Give the wax on the floor enough time to dry before polishing.
Carpet Sweeper
It is used to pick-up dirt and particles from the carpet. Press the handle and
push towards the dirt to vacuum-sweep the carpet.
Hydro-Vacuum or Wet and Dry vacuum
It is an all purpose vacuum for dry and wet surfaces. It is also used for
absorbing water in flooded or wet surface.
Carpet Extractor
It is designed for dry foam shampooing of
carpets. It removes dirt that sticks to or penetrates into the carpet layers.
Room boys’ cart or Trolley
Used for stocking cleaning supplies and chemicals so as to make cleaning
easier and faster.
Information Sheet 2.1-2
Types of Cleaning Materials and Supplies and their Uses
Learning Objectives: After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be
able to;
1. Enumerate/identify the different types of cleaning materials and
supplies.
2. Identify the uses of the different cleaning materials and supplies.
Cleaning Supplies and Materials/Tools
Supplies Purpose Proper Usage
1. Scouring Pads Green: For scrubbing - Should not be used for painted
purposes only; surfaces, mirrors and glass panels.
Neither should it be used with
White: For cleaning
scouring powder.
painted
surfaces, - Always make sure the pads are wet
glass mirrors, before using them.
marble and - Wash and rinse after each use. Also
porcelain; rinse at the end of each day to insure
that there is no soap left on the
pads.
2. Dusting Cloths For dusting wooden Make sure the cloths are clean
and painted parts otherwise the dusty cloth will merely
rub the dust unto the surface being
dusted.
3. Cleaning Towels Use for drying Make sure the cloths are dry.
bathroom walls and
floor tiles after they
are cleaned.
4. Polishing cloth For polishing metals Use cloths that are made of fiber to be
and surfaces like able to absorb the water left behind
bathroom fixtures during the cleaning process.
5. Hand For brushing away Always make sure that the brush is
brushes/Push dusts from rough not left immersed on the cleaning
Brushes surfaces such as water for too long a time.
rattan, wickerwork,
etc.
Also use for cleaning
tiles.
6. Toilet bowl For cleaning toilet Toilet brush should be kept after use
brush/swab bowls in the storeroom either in a holder or
in a plastic bag hanging on one end of
the trolley. Never leave the brush with
other cleaning materials/equipment as
this may contain a lot of dirt and
bacteria.
7. Mop w/ Mop For manual floor Clean water must be retained in one
handle mopping bucket while dirty water has to be
squeezed into another bucket.
8. Floor and Used to remove Make sure that rubber strips are
window excessive water from supple. Have it replaced the moment it
squeegee the surface and turns hard and brittle.
corners. It also speeds
up the drying process.
9. Ceiling For removing cobwebs Clean the brittles of the broom after
Brooms/Cobweb in the ceiling use and at the end of each shift.
ber
10. 10.oilers Used in hinges of Use sparingly. Once there is no more
doors to prevent squeaky sound, wipe excessive oil
squeaking noises away as it can break
on floor or carpet.
11. 11.Tongs For picking up dirt This is used to prevent the hands from
and cigarette butts on getting into direct contact with the dirt
ashtrays. that maybe a source of bacterial
contamination and disease.
12. Trash Bags Used to underline Containers of wet garbage shall always
garbage containers so be underlined with trash bags.
that the wet garbage
does not penetrate
into the corners or Bags should be closely tied before
surfaces, a situation disposal to avoid the spread of foul
that causes odor and odor.
proliferation of
bacteria.
12. Soft broom and For sweeping Use soft broom for fine surfaces like
stick broom floors, stick broom for rough surfaces
like grounds.
13. buckets Used in mops for Buckets must be emptied when the
cleaning floors, walls water is dirty. At the end of each shift,
and other parts of the they must be emptied, dried and
building. cleaned. Parts must be lubricated from
time to time.
14. insect Sprayer Used for fumigation so Spray the area while windows and
as eliminate pests and doors are close. Leave it closed for at
mosquitoes. least 15 minutes then opens to allow
vapors and smell to evaporate; then
remove dead mosquitoes.
Wipe smooth surface after spraying to
remove any oily film that settle on
them. Use protective mask to cover the
nose so as not to inhale the chemical,
as this is dangerous to health.
Cleaning Chemicals
1. Wood polish To polish wood surface, leather Spray it sparingly and evenly
and imitation leather surfaces. on the surface.
2. Insecticides For fumigation; to eliminate In as much as the chemical
insects/pests. is toxic, avoid spraying food
containers and food items
3. Methylated For polishing all glass surfaces This chemical is highly
Spirit such as mirrors, windows, etc. flammable and must never
be used near fire or flame. It
also has high degree of
evaporation and should
therefore be used in small
area sparingly one at a time
to avoid wastage.
4. air Freshener Used to remove foul odor in Use sparingly
guestrooms, comfort rooms or any
area with foul odor.
5. Carpet Stain For attain or spot removal on See procedures for spot
Remover like carpets. removal
atomizer.
6. disinfectant Used to disinfect toilet bowls, -Dilution will depend on the
like Lysol urinals, sink and other areas that degree of disinfection. The
together with are most vulnerable to bacterial average is one cup of Lysol to
sprayer contamination. 1 gallon of water.
-Pure Lysol maybe applied to
urinals and toilet bowls since
these areas contains already
contain water.
-When using Lysol in
atomizer can, apply the
chemical directly to the
surface, wipe the damp cloth
or wet brush, then rinse and
dry.
7. Metal polish For polishing brush copper and Apply small amount on a
metal surfaces cleaning towel and rub metal
surfaces until the tarnish
will disappear. Rinse
immediately and clean with
hot water to remove left-over
polish.
8. Lacquer or Used to remove lacquer or paint -Apply with cleaning towel or
paint thinner from hard surfaces. scouring pad until left-over
are removed. Dry and polish
surface.
-Since the solution is highly
concentrated, light spraying
is sufficient to be able to
economize
9. Muriatic Acid To be able to used only for -Hands should not set into
removing cement or plastic direct contact with the acid
remains from floors. as this can cause skin
irritation. If the remains are
thick, leave solution on the
This is not advisable for toilet area for a few minutes or
bowls since it is very strong and it longer. Then remove the
can damage the tiles. remains with scraper or hard
brush. Repeat until all
cement over plasters are
Dilution will depend on the removed, rinse thoroughly
thickness of cement or plastic with water since any acid
remains. that remains on the surface
may cause damage.
-Never mix muriatic acid
with any other chemical.
10. Wax stripper Formulated to break up, loosen See procedures for stripping
and strip off tough old waxes.
11. degraser Used to remove grease, oil, dirt See procedure for
carbon, ink, mildews, soils and degreasing.
waxes.
12. Polymer A non-buffable wax that is highly
Sealer recommended for wooden floors.
13. Solvent wax A kerosene base wax used for See polishing procedures
wooden floors
14. Paste wax For polishing stone floors, wood
and resilient floors.
15. drain cleaners To expedite draining of clogs.
Information Sheet 2.1-3
Setting-up of Trolley/Caddy with Cleaning Materials according to
establishment procedures
Learning Objectives: After reading the INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be
able to:
1. Follow the procedures in setting up of Room boys’ Trolley with cleaning
materials according to establishment procedures.
Procedure:
1. Prepare the Room boy’s Trolley
1. Clean and dust the shelves and containers before placing the
guestroom supplies inside the trolley.
2. Check for threads that might have twirled around the wheels. These
threads will make it hard for the cart to be pulled, thereby causing
injury.
3. Check rubber bumper if they are worn out.
Rubber
bumper
4. Check the screw or sharp edge that could catch your clothing and
could cause cuts.
5. Request for guest room supplies like lines, amenities, cleaning
chemicals and cleaning tools from your Supervisor.
6. Stock the trolley with the requested supplies according to allocated
par stock or according to the number of guests.
7. Label all the chemical sprayers to avoid mixing with other chemicals
8. Stock the cart by putting all the guestroom amenities on the top shelf.
9. Folded bed sheets and towels should be filed in the second shelf of the
cart
10. Put all the chemicals at the lower level of the shelves including the
tools like scouring pad, rags, spatula, etc.
11. Vacuum cleaner, dust pan and soft broom are to be placed on one
side of the room boys cart (under the trash bag)
Vacuum Cleaner
12. Clean the soiled linen canvas and put plastic liner on the trash
canvass.
Information Sheet 2.1-4
Safety Measures in Handling Different Cleaning Equipment
Learning Objectives: After reading the INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be
able to:
1. Check the working condition of the cleaning machines.
2. Observe safety in checking the condition of the cleaning machine.
General rules in the Use of Cleaning Equipment:
1. Check electrical appliances and equipment before use. Check if there
are frayed wires, loose plugs and connections. Never use any
appliance that is defective.
2. Handle equipment with care and make sure it does not bump on hard
surfaces.
3. Clean and store equipment in their custodial room immediately after
use.
4. Empty dust bags of dry vacuum cleaners before they overload and
after each use.
5. Follow manufacture’s operating instruction.
6. Schedule regular check-up of equipment to prevent serious
breakdown.
7. To avoid electric shock or short circuit, do not expose equipment to
rain or to water. Store them indoors to protect them from getting wet.
Electrical equipment should never be used in wet surface.
Repairs and maintenance
There is always the chance that someone in the workplace will not
know enough about a particular machine to be able to see that is not
complete.
Apart from that, the dismantled part may be hidden.
Partly dismantled machines should have the power locked off, and
notice should be fixed to a prominent part of the machine: “Danger.
Do not start machine under repair.”
Electrical Repairs are for electricians. Only certified electricians
should attempt electrical repairs adjustments.
Portable machine: It is easy to under-estimate the damaging and
destructive power of portable power machine when its power is
compared to that of any of the fixed machines. But the portable
machine’s potential for danger lies in the simple fact that it is
portable.
There are two safety areas to be concerned with:
1. Electrical safety
2. mechanical safety
Electrical safety watch for the following points:
Earthing. There are two alternatives. The tool must be double
insulated, or else it must be properly earthen. Management should
ensure that all tools are regularly checked on this point by certified
electrician.
Cables. Must not be allowed to become worn. They are best
suspended over aisles and work areas, but if they have to run at
ground level, they should be protected by board each side, or bridge
by runways. No extension cable should run more than 36 meter from
fuse to tool or machine.
Mechanical Safety:
a. Check before using tool that all fitting and removable parts have been
properly tightened. A loose screw can cause havoc.
b. Leave the guards where they have been fitted, so that they can do
their job.
c. Switch off the machine and unplug it before you do any cleaning or
adjustment.
d. Protect your eyes from flying swart, chips, knots and dust. Just as it
is important not to under-estimate the power tool, nor should you
under-estimate the need for the operator to have a good footing, and
to be in a steady and comfortable position. The essential thing is to be
able to hold the implement firmly without having strain.
Moving and Lifting Safely
1. Wear the right shoes. Working shoes should be slip resistant, with a
closed toe and fit to give you the best comfort.
2. Watch where you are going to prevent slips and falls.
3. Use door stopper and not linens or object that could cause a slip or
fall.
4. Turn on lights and look at all sides before entering any room. There
maybe spills or broken glasses on the floor that needs to be cleared.
5. If a broken glass is found, sweep the floor and place the glass in a
container separate from the trash.
6. To push the room boy’s cart easily, check if it has sticking wheels.
Without it, it will be harder to push and could injure user. Remove
sticking thread on the wheels.
7. Be careful with loose screw or sharp edges as they could catch on
one’s clothing and cause cuts.
8. When pushing the cart, lean forward into the cart, rely on one’s legs
and feet not unto one’s back across the body.
9. Keep the cart close, use your feet and legs and not the arms and
shoulders.
10. In case a cart fall down, do not try to stop or stand it up by alone. It
is heavier than you think and can cause accidents. Ask for help.
Lifting Objects
CORRECT POSITION WRONG POSITION
First Aid for Accidents
1. When accidents occurs causing injury, do the following:
2. Be calm, do not panic.
3. Take the injured person to the clinic or to a safe place if there is no
clinic.
4. Inform your supervisor right away. Make an accident report.
5. In case the accident is caused by electrical power contact (as in
electrocution), do not touch the victim. Turn off the main switch first
before moving him to safe place.
6. For light burns, apply cold compress.
7. For heavy burns bring to the clinic or hospital.
8. Never open blisters.
9. If a person is fractured, do not move the victim so as not to cause
more serious injury. Call for a professional help.
10. If there is a severe bleeding, apply clean cloth on the wound and
transport the victim to the hospital immediately.
Information Sheet 2.1-5
Safety Measures in Handling Chemicals and Pathogens
Learning Objectives: After reading the INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST
be able to:
1. Practice safety measures in handling chemicals and pathogens.
Safety Measures in Handling Chemicals and Pathogens
1. Read the labels and the materials safety datasheet.
2. Wear personal protective equipment like goggles and hand gloves to
protect yourself from spills and splashes.
3. To use the chemicals correctly, follow the direction of the label.
4. Use chemical only for the purpose that is intended for their use.
5. Be sure the correct chemicals are properly labeled in containers.
6. Cap of bottles/containers should be tight and the broken nozzles
must be replaced to prevent drips.
7. Never mix chemicals; the result can be potentially deadly like fumes
created by mixing bleach with ammonia.
8. Use the right amount of chemicals. Excessive amount may damage
surfaces.
9. If a chemical spills, block the surface. A minor spill can easily be
cleaned up. If not sure how to clean up a spill, ask the
supervisor/employer.
10. If the chemical spill blocks your skin, rinse as directed in the
material safety data sheet.
11. If your eyes are expose and contaminated by spill, rinse it with
clean water and get immediate medical assistance.
12. Handle potentially contaminated items as little as possible.
13. Use proper container for disposal items.
14. Clean contaminated areas.
15. Thoroughly wash hands after using chemicals.
Safe Chemical Handling
Chemicals are all around us - in the food we eat, the clothes we wear,
in the products we use everyday. Chemicals can help us live better lives,
but if we don't understand about the chemicals we use, they can harm
us.
This program is designed to help you understand more about
chemicals and chemical safety. It's important to be informed and aware
of chemicals and chemical safety. The first and most important step is to
stop and read the label!
All the basic information you need to know is found on the label. It
will tell you the name of the basic substance, what types of hazards there
are, what it will do, what chemicals can't be mixed with this particular
substance, and any emergency medical information you'll need to know.
You'll also learn how to properly store, handle, and dispose of the
material.
Once you've read the label you'll be able to identify the type of
chemical and the proper instructions required for this chemical.
Basically, there are four types of chemicals. Let's take a look at what
they are:
1. Toxic agents: These are chemicals that are poisonous to you, and
can act upon the body very rapidly. Hydrogen sulfide and cyanide are
examples of toxic agents.
2. Corrosives: This type of chemical is usually an irritant. corrosives
can damage your body by burning, scalding or inflaming body tissues.
Examples of corrosives are chlorine, hydrochloric acid, of course,
battery acid.
3. Flammables: Flammables are the chemicals that burn readily. They
may explode or burn if sparks, flames or other ignition sources are
present. Examples are gasoline, benzene and ethyl ether.
4. Reactive: Reactive chemicals are those that require stability and
careful handling. Some of them can explode or react violently if the
container is dropped or hit. Other reactives may react violently if
mixed improperly with other substances. Nitroglycerine is an example
of a reactive chemical.
No matter what type of chemicals you're using, you need to be aware
of the ways that chemicals may affect you. If you're not properly
protected, you may be exposed to chemical hazards.
Here are the ways in which chemicals can enter your body:
Inhalation Chemical vapors, dust or gases can be inhaled if you’re
not wearing a respirator or proper respiratory equipment.
Absorption. Some chemicals can be absorbed right through your skin
and enter your body. You can prevent this hazard by wearing the
appropriate gloves and protective clothing.
Ingestion. You may be ingesting small doses of chemicals daily and
not even realize it. Chemicals can be absorbed by food, cigarettes and
drinks. They can also remain on your skin and be transferred to your
food if you don't wash your hands before eating. Always be sure to wash
your hands before eating and make sure you store food away from your
work area.
Spillage. There is always a chance that you may be accidentally
splashed or exposed to a chemical. To prevent injury you should always
wear the proper protective equipment, according to company policy and
the requirement of each specific chemical.
Basic Chemical Safe Handling Tips
1. Read the label.
It will tell you what you need to know about your chemical. If you find
you need more information, ask your supervisor for a copy of the material
safety data sheet. The MSDS gives more technical information about the
chemical than the label.
2. Dress the part.
Wear the proper safety protection, clothing and equipment as
required.
3. Follow directions.
If the label says, use only with adequate ventilation makes sure
you do so. Never mix chemicals unless you've been trained and
authorized by your company.
4. Know emergency procedures.
Be familiar with first aid procedures, and be sure to know where
the emergency eye wash showers are located; also know where
emergency phone numbers are posted.
5. Be careful!
Don't work alone; make sure there is someone there to help you if
necessary. Don't try to hurry or take shortcuts, you just can't rush
safety! Don't roughhouse or goof around. Chemical safety is a job
for professionals.
6. Report any suspected problems.
If you notice any malfunctioning equipment or any electrical equipment
that is in need of repair, report it to your supervisor immediately. Also
report any suspected problems with your chemicals, if the chemical odor has
changed or is unusual, don't use that chemical. It may have changed with
time. Report anything unusual to your supervisor.
7. Keep your work area neat, clean and organized.
You'll know where everything is, and you'll be able to work more
efficiently.
8. Store everything properly.
Make sure to close containers tightly. Keep flammables in a safe area,
and use only the smallest amount necessary for the job. Store compressed
gas in leak- free containers.
