No one could have anticipated the strain on PPE and cleaning supplies caused by the sudden onset of the coronavirus pandemic. It did, however, emphasize the importance of having an organized janitorial closet in your facility.

The intense focus on cleaning and disinfecting has caused facilities to increase their janitorial budget. Hiring a building service contractor that understands how best to organize a janitorial closet in order to track inventory, maximize space, and keep safety data sheets organized, will greatly benefit your business and improve your bottom line.

Janitorial closets tell the story of the cleanliness of a facility and a company's commitment to the health and safety of their employees and customers. Here are a few reasons why it is important to have an established janitorial closet:

Cleanliness and Organization

The janitor's closet is the control center of any facility's cleaning operation. If a facility does not have a well-organized and clean janitor's closet, then it is safe to assume that the rest of the facility has similar issues. A good building services contractor will understand the importance of establishing a good janitor's closet system when they work for a facility.

A company that you hire to maintain the cleanliness of your facility should also keep a clean janitor's closet. You should be able to inspect the janitorial closet and see immediately that they take their job seriously and are committed to quality. Upon initial inspection of your facility's janitorial closet, you should see:

• Clearly labeled equipment
• Organized shelving
• Safe chemical storage
• Well-maintained equipment
• Inspection sheets
• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Not seeing these things in your facility's janitor's closet is a red flag that you have not hired the right building services contractor for your building.

Maximize Space and Storage

Equipment and chemicals must be stored properly in janitor's closets to avoid hazardous situations and safety violations. Good janitorial service providers educate all of their employees in the latest up-to-date procedures and regulations. But it is important that your facility provides adequate space for your in-house or hired janitorial team to properly establish a compliant and effective janitorial closet.

It is important that janitor's closets contain the proper shelving. The shelving should be rack-type to promote air circulation that is necessary when storing potentially hazardous chemicals. The shelves should also be secured by wall-mount holders to ensure that they are sturdy and strong enough to carry the weight of equipment and stored supplies.

Organize Safety Data Sheets and Inventory Lists

Janitor's closets are the quality-control hub of any facility. Labeling everything is required by law because doing so promotes safety and prevents accidents. Safety data sheets (SDS) should be accessibly stored in janitor's closets for easy reference. These sheets include all of the safety information about the proper use of chemicals and equipment, and how employees should safely conduct their daily cleaning tasks. Employees should be trained in the use of safety data sheets and how to fill them out and file them in janitor's closets.

It is also necessary to include inventory lists in your janitor's closet. This way you can keep track of supplies and inventory information is easily communicated between shifts. Controlling and tracking inventory keeps costs in check and prevents running out of necessary supplies that keep your facility safe and clean. A good inventory system in a janitor's closet also exhibits your building services provider's commitment to staying within a budget.

To schedule your Free Cleaning Audit with SMO, fill out the form on our website or call 1-800-717-4766 to speak with one of our experienced representatives today.