Ride-on cleaning machines are handy and effective tools that can clean a large area in a small amount of time. But with the increased efficiency comes increased risk. Operating such a large piece of machinery can be hazardous to the driver as well as to others. Building service contractors need to apply additional safety practices when using ride-on equipment. By following a few simple rules and taking a little extra precaution on the job, an accident could be averted.



Training the driver

Not every employee is capable of handling the responsibilities of ride-on equipment. Drivers need to be trustworthy and confident as well as competent.

“Some people can’t drive a car effectively, so why should they be able to operate a ride-on scrubber well?” asks Dave Frank, president of Knowledge Worx in Highlands Ranch, Colo. “People assume that anyone can clean, but that’s not correct, especially when you give them a $10,000 piece of equipment.”

Trust in an employee is important with equipment such as ride-on scrubbers because of the elevated risk. This type of heavy machinery not only puts the driver in danger, but also can put other employees, the building’s occupants and the building itself in harm’s way. Screening employees for a criminal record, driving history or an alcohol or drug problem is one method of helping to ensure a reliable driver.

Employers needing drivers should start the screening process at the beginning. Advertise for an equipment specialist or someone with experience operating heavy machinery, but be willing to pay the specialist a higher salary.

“If you hire for a specialty task, you eliminate the general employees,” says Frank. “Pay the extra costs to get that experience level.”

Besides equipment experience, BSCs can benefit from using drivers with floor-care knowledge. Dale Cato, vice president of business development for Unibar Maintenance Services in Ann Arbor, Mich., makes sure his drivers are familiar with the surfaces they are cleaning.

“The driver must be in a utility position, like a floor technician,” says Cato. “They have to have training with all floor procedures such as waxing and stripping.”

Comfort level is important when finding a driver for a machine. A BSC needs to match the machine to the operator.

“If somebody is uncomfortable riding equipment, don’t make them ride it,” says Frank. “There are other things they can be doing.”

Since there is no driver certification program for cleaning equipment as there is for other heavy machinery like forklifts, it is a good idea to have the manufacturer send a representative to train employees on the machine.

Ed Moschler, vice president-plant division of Southern Building Maintenance Co. Inc., in Greensboro, N.C., finds the manufacturer training sessions to be a good, middle of the road solution. The representative teaches the drivers proper and safe use, maintenance and repair and also watches them practice driving the machine. The representative will then approve qualified drivers.

While these training sessions are the best option so far, they are not perfect.

“Ideally, you want a highly experience trainer instructing your employees, not just a sales representative,” says Frank.



Speed demons

Many BSCs say the biggest problem with their ride-on equipment is getting their employees to slow down.

“They are not race cars,” says Cato. “There is no reason you should have to go fast.”

Employees driving too fast are a serious hazard and there is increased potential for something to go wrong. Slowing down when turning will help prevent the machine from tipping over. When a floor is slick, slower speeds will help prevent a collision.

“With stripper on the floor, there is no control over the machine,” says Cato. “Make sure there is at least a 10-foot, clear, wide area with nothing to hit.”

Some BSCs try to tackle the speed problem before it begins. Cato uses “governors” to keep the machine from operating at its full capacity. A governor is placed on the accelerator mechanism—computer or cable—and can regiment a slower cleaning speed while keeping running speed the same. Governors vary in design depending on the manufacturer and type of machine, but each has the same general placement and purpose.

Another option to curb speeding is to use ride-on equipment with a dynamic brake. The brake automatically engages and the machine slows to a stop if there is no foot on the gas pedal.

Craig Arnold, vice president-systems development and technical support for Aramark ServiceMaster Facility Services in Downers Grove, Ill., instructs his employees to clean at certain paces depending on the floor surface. Going too slow will put too much friction on the floor and damage the finish. Too fast and the machine is not cleaning effectively and increases safety issues.

“A standard speed takes everything out of the picture from a safety and cleaning standpoint,” says Arnold. “The area is not only safe for the people on the machines, but also in the building around them.”



Safety first

There are numerous ways to increase safety while using ride-on equipment, but different dangers call for different safety measures. BSCs need to assess their situations and see what solutions are applicable to them.

When picking out ride-on equipment, look for a machine with a low center of gravity, with the batteries in the lowest possible position, says Frank. This will help keep the machine from tipping over.

Moschler uses flashing lights for increased visibility while driving in crowded areas.

“They have a dual purpose for the customer to see us and also to protect our people,” says Moschler. “We use them to have our equipment be seen and not run in to.”

Moschler also installs cages over the machines to protect them from falling objects and requires all employees to wear a hardhat.

Visibility is a key factor in preventing accidents. Position the operator high enough on the machine to see all areas and obstacles in front of them.

“People don’t have a good estimation of distance,” says Frank. “When teaching operators the machinery, instruct them that there are certain places to avoid.”

For example, operators should keep a little distance from docks and stairwells—if cleaners clean too close, they may find themselves falling into a lake or riding down a staircase.

Even though safety measures may be in place, accidents still can occur. To prepare for such instances, it is good to have an accident procedure in writing. Also, be sure to have insurance to cover possible damage and employee injury (see related story).

“If an accident does happen, make sure the driver is okay. Assess the damage and fill out an incident report to see what happened and also an investigation report,” says Cato. “Then find ways to prevent it from happening again.”

By Dan Weltin, Assistant Editor




POSTED ON: 5/1/2003