Appearance of janitorial staff matters just as much as appearance of the facility. These next questions of the Custodial Snap Shot look at the janitorial tools and staff.

Remember the scoring is 1-5, with 5 being the highest. Following are the next questions to answer:

Number 15: Janitor closet(s)/office = Is the janitor closet(s) and office neat, organized and clean? Are the legal posters visible? Would a new hire be impressed with how this area is set up since it can communicate the standards for what is expected throughout the building?

Number 16: Supervision/Lead Workers = Are the supervisor(s) and lead workers knowledgeable? What about appearance and attitude? A positive, proactive supervisor and lead team is essential to the success of any cleaning contract. Since this is a snap shot, the visiting staff member may catch them on their best behavior but it is still important to score this area.

Number 17: Custodian appearance and training = Are workers in uniform (or consistent appearance)? ID badges visible? Do they seem to be on task? Knowledgeable? Attitude? Remember that the front line custodian has more direct contact with tenants than anyone else in the building.

Number 18: SOW/OSHA/Right to Work = Is there a copy of appropriate sections of the SOW and contract available? Does the supervisor understand and abide by it? What about legal postings? Is there an SDS (Safety Data Sheet) book visible for staff and tenants?

Number 19: Equipment/tools = Is equipment appropriate for the job at hand? Clean/well maintained? Stored correctly and safely? Mop heads clean and odor free? This will vary due to the equipment required for the contract and may be a few simple vacuum cleaners and mop buckets or may have large automated equipment.

Remember that this is a Snap Shot and the visiting staff member scores the areas as they see them without regard for short staff or other excuses. Your comments and questions are important. I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, keep it clean...

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678-314-2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net


posted on 1/19/2016