Mops, brooms, brushes, rags, cleaners and squeegees — that’s a lot for one building service contractor to carry. But most, if not all of these tools will be needed at one time or another to clean efficiently.

Carts, buckets and belts are used to help transport tools around a job site, while keeping employees organized and safe. What method will be most effective depends on the task and the cleaner. As with the tools themselves, methods for carrying objects are always improving, so it may be time for BSCs to rethink their current situation and possibly update the means of tool transportation.

Larger jobs, larger carts
Carts have always been a common method for carrying an abundant amount of tools. Keith Brown, president of Tridon Services Inc., Harrisburg, Pa., still remembers using metal scissor-carts with cloth shoe bags hanging off the side to hold tools and burlap bags for collecting trash.

Today, Brown and his staff use a 40- or 50-gallon, plastic mobile bin to collect trash and carry tools and small janitor carts to clean restrooms.

“Our restroom carts have small collection bags on them. We could get a cart with a bigger trash bag, but then the cart would be off-balanced,” says Brown. “It’s just handier [with the bin].”

Tall tools can be placed in the bin for easy moving. The bins also feature trays that can hold lighter items or aprons that can hold rags, brushes or cleaners.

Mobile janitor carts are another common and handy way for a contractor to keep all needed tools within an arm’s reach. Carts can carry tall brooms and mops, heavy and awkward vacuums, small wipers and squeegees, and still have room for a mop bucket and trash bag.

“Before carts you were struggling to keep it together and get from point A to point B,” says Stan Shelton, vice president of sales and marketing, Millennium Building Services, Portland, Ore. “Mobile carts keep [items] contained and you’re not likely to forget things.”

Carts should be modified to fit the job, says Shelton. For example, Shelton customizes some of his carts for restroom cleaning while other carts are equipped with hoses to clean outdoors. Loading the cart with extra unnecessary tools can make the cart disorganized and cluttered.

Shelton recommends making a list of the tools one would need for the job. This way, janitors will ensure they don’t forget anything and reduce trips back to the closet.

In addition to carrying tools, Brown uses his restroom cart as a tool itself by placing the cart in the doorway of the restroom.

“It prevents people from walking in when you’re trying to clean [the restroom],” he says. “Also, it serves as a safety sign as well.”

Also, since most of the time the flooring outside the restroom is carpeted, Brown tries to get the cart fully into the restroom to avoid wringing the mop on the carpet.

Just a handful of tools
There are other methods available to transport a few tools for smaller jobs. Many BSCs find that a bucket or caddy is an effective way to carry small tools.

“[A caddy] lifts off the cart to bring tools into the bathroom so you don’t have to bring the entire cart in,” says Neil Warar, president of United Cleaning Contractors, Asbury Park, N.J.

Brown uses a twin pail on smaller jobs, such as cleaning a couple of bathrooms. The pail is able to go where his carts can’t.

“It makes a good carrier when you don’t have an elevator and you have to walk steps,” says Brown.

Another safe and effective way to carry hand tools such as brushes and razor blades is a belt with holsters. Contractors can move from room to room with the tools while still keeping their hands free. Belts also keep tools within a convenient reach.

“With the belt, you’re not bending over all the time, maximizing your effort,” says Dave Marvel, president of A&D Building Services, Inc., Anchorage, Alaska.

Belts are also useful when performing tasks in high places. Since contractors can’t make frequent return trips to the ground, wearing a belt can put tools such as squeegees, wands, sponges, towels and even water at the hands of the cleaner.

Belts that include water pouches are an effective way to compensate for a bucket when not on the ground, but some BSCs find it has its disadvantages.

“We tried [the pouch method], but our employees thought they were too heavy and awkward,” says Warar. “It’s a personal preference for most people.”

Belts and holsters are most useful when standing on platforms or ladders, but some contractors find that when window washing sitting in a boatswain chair, it is more convenient to hold the tools in a bucket hung off the chair. The belt leaves the tools in an awkward position, and the bucket can be more comfortable.

Safety
It is easy to see the added convenience a cart, caddy or belt can bring to the job. Equally important is the added safety they provide.

Carts help eliminate unnecessary lifting and pulling, says Shelton. With a cart or belt, employees can reduce bending their back to pick up tools off the ground.

Always equip workers properly to help keep them safe. They will enjoy their job more and be more effective, says Shelton. For example, move heavy or awkward equipment with a cart. When using hand tools in high places, tether the tools to the boatswain chair or belt with a rope.

“A squeegee dropped from 10 stories can go through a guy’s head,” adds Brown.

In the end, what will work best is whatever carries the most tools, but is still not overloaded, creating strain and inhibiting maneuverability.

Pick a method that will allow you to get the tools you need with the fewest trips, says Shelton. And only take what you need to get the job done right.




POSTED ON: 9/1/2003