8/16/2019 Hotel Housekeeping Final

1/2

HealthandSafetyOntario .ca

What You Can DoWatch for things that may cause accidents andreport them immediately to your supervisor Place mops, buckets, and other equipment whereno one can fall over themPractice safe lifting techniques – lift with your legs,not your back Be careful with cleaning solutions or chemicals

– an MSDS must be available for all cleaning products – be sure to read and follow theinstructions on them

Use the right tools for the job, such as long-handled scrubbers to reduce stooping and bendingwhile cleaning

Cleaning a RoomStore cigarette butts and sharp objects in a separate,metal container Roll up all linen, rugs, and spreads before puttingthem in the soiled laundry bundleWear rubber gloves when using strong cleaningsolutionsPush (don’t pull) tall or heavy pieces of furniture

– get help if necessaryAlternate tasks between your handsTake regular mini-breaks for stretching ormoving to improve blood circulation and reducemuscle tension

HOTEL HOUSEKEEP ING

What Can HappenCuts and bruisesWrist, elbow, and shoulder tendonitisMusculoskeletal injuriesCarpal tunnel syndrome

ElectrocutionChemical-related injuriesInfections

The following points are a few things to keep in mind whileworking, but the employer’s specific policies and procedures relatedto the job requirements should be reviewed with you by yoursupervisor/manager.

8/16/2019 Hotel Housekeeping Final

2/2

2© 2011, Safe Workplace Promotion Services Ontario,publicly known as Workplace Safety & Prevention Services.

1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | www.wsps.ca

Hotel Housekeeping

Housekeeping CartsUse the wheel lock when the cart is stopped

Pack the heaviest items (e.g., linens, towels)on the bottom of the cartMake sure that linens or towels are not hangingover cart edgesMake sure your view is not blocked by loadingsupplies too high on your cartCheck that all hazardous materials are

properly labeledKeep your personal protective equipment (PPE)on your cart and wear it whenever it is necessaryIf your cart is too heavy to push, remove someitems and return for them later Push the cart slowly at all times

Never pull the cart – it may crash into youKeep your hands on the cart handle to avoid

bruising them when going through narrowdoorwaysSlow down and be aware of causing collisionsat corners or intersectionsKeep to the right to avoid other traffic inthe hallways

Safe Li ingTake a balanced stance – put your feet shoulder

width apartTest the weight of the load before trying to lift itGet as close to the object as possible – squat downto pick up the load – making sure you have asecure gripLift gradually and smoothly, keeping your back andneck straightLift and carry the load close to your bodyTurn your whole body when carrying a load,instead of twisting your back

And Remember...Do not touch light switches or handle equipmentwhen your hands are wet or you are standing ona damp floor Do not stand on the edge of bathroom tubsDo not mix ammonia and chlorine-based cleanerstogether – poisonous gas is producedDo not try to repair machines or equipment – report

problems to your supervisor Do not run your hands along or inside objects

unless you have checked first for razor blades,needles, broken glass, etc.Do not use your hands to compress garbage ina bag – use a stick or plunger

© Workplace Safety and Prevention Services 2011.Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS) grantspermission to approved end users to reproduce this document inwhole or in part, provided its intended use is for non-commercial,educational purposes and that full acknowledgement is givento the WSPS. Approved end users are firms registered with the

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. WSPS reserves the rightto extend this permission to other stakeholders and interestedparties by express written permission upon application. WSPSextends no warranty to materials amended or altered by the enduser. Under no circumstances is this document, or any portionthereof, to be duplicated for purposes of sale or for externalreproduction or distribution.

Revised: February 2011