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SWEEPING
SAFETY RULES
Beware or correct lifting and sweeping techniques to protect your back - if in doubt, ask
your Supervisor.
Do not leave broom lying on the floor
.
Put equipment away after use.
1. All large items of litter (cigarette packets, waste paper) to be picked up and placed in waste bin.
2. Correct broom to be selected for the particular surface.
3. Sweeping must be carried out in a straight line using overlapping strokes and pushing the broom
away from you, not towards you.
4. Sweep under furniture. Light items of furniture can be moved and replaced after sweeping has been
done. Hand brush and dustpan to be used for large items and for under desks - sweep the dirt into
the dust pan.
5. When sweeping large areas collect the dirt in a dust pan several times and empty into waste bin.
6. Dry brooms must be used on dry surfaces.
7. Sweep one area at a time and do NOT take dirt from room to room.
8. Equipment to be checked before and after use and any damage or unsafe conditions to be reported to
Supervisor.
HAZARDS
Manual handling hazard
Do not stretch beyond your capability.
To avoid back strain, use a straight back posture when sweeping
and rotate jobs when repetitive work is required.
Trip hazard
Put broom away immediately after use.