Is your janitorial closet organized and easily accessible? Making supplies and equipment readily available to cleaning and janitorial staff means more efficient operations and increased productivity. A stocked and organized closet can streamline tasks, simplify inventory management, and increase employee satisfaction.

According to OSHA’s requirements (1910.22), your maintenance and janitorial closets must follow certain protocols:

• Cleaning areas are to be clean, orderly, and sanitary.
• Floors must be kept clean and dry.
• Aisles and passageways must have sufficient clearance. They are to be kept clear, without obstructions that could create a hazard.

Beyond following these guidelines, there are a few simple steps you can take to make your supply closet live up to its full potential.

Get prepared

Keep your supply closet fully stocked, so your team can be confident that they have what they need whenever they need it. That means conducting regular audits, keeping a close eye on inventory, and disposing of anything that’s expired or no longer usable to make room for current supplies and equipment. Keep a checklist handy that can be easily updated and will serve as a regular reference for your teams.

Stay organized

For spaces that are cluttered or small, ensure that there is safe accessibility once inside. Store your supplies in a way that makes regularly used items the most available. As well, put heavier items on lower shelves to allow staff to get what they need without any aid, while mitigating the risk of injury. Consider labelling the shelves so everything has its place, and items are quickly found and easily put away.  Keep hazardous products stored as per their labels and do not allow access to unauthorized team members.

Train teams

Ensure that your staff is all on the same page by prioritizing the management of your janitorial closet. Set up a schedule for cleaning the closet, assign inventory management to a staff member, and solicit feedback from your teams for better maintenance of that space. This regular attention will also ensure that any spills or messes are taken care of promptly to mitigate damage and keep staff and property safe.

Properly maintaining your janitorial closet enhances the experience for your staff, improves inventory management, and increases productivity.