understand the importance of knowledge sharing, we have to understand the importance of knowledge itself and how it differs from information.In his article on knowledge sharing, David Gurteen gives an exceptional explanation of knowledge with a cake analogy Contrasting colours warn of physical hazards and mark obstructions such as pillars. The plan also makes sure that work areas are not used as storage areas by having workers move materials to and from work areas as needed. Allowing material to build up on the floor wastes time and energy since additional time is required for cleaning it up. If the sight of paper, debris, clutter and spills is accepted as normal, then other more serious hazards may be taken for granted. In case of hotels, the housekeeping duties involve maintaining the hotel to the best possible state in terms of cleanliness, and keeping it at highly desirable ambience. This left a lot of room for information to be forgotten or rushed when recorded. Also, if dust and dirt are allowed to accumulate on surfaces, there is a potential for a slip hazard. The eating area should be separate from the work area and should be cleaned properly each shift. If they’re working as a live-in maid or cleaner this is especially important. importance of housekeeping Housekeeping is an operational department in a hotel, which is responsible for cleanliness, maintenance, aesthetic upkeep of … It also manages the equipment of the hotel such as linen, beverage etc. All the employees of the organization play an integral role in housekeeping and cleanliness. Storage of materials should meet all requirements specified in the fire codes and the regulations of environmental and occupational health and safety agencies in your jurisdiction. When spills do occur, it is important to clean them up immediately. They also need to have a good supply of soap, towels plus disinfectants, if needed. Modern knowledge can only be acquired through education as it plays a very important role in enhancing the professional life of the individuals. Also regular inspection is needed for ensuring that the practices are followed at the workplace. ), (iii) dusty and dirty floors and work surfaces, (iv) items lying on the shop floor which are in excess or no longer needed, (v) blocked or cluttered aisles and exits, (vi) tools and equipment left in work areas instead of being returned to proper storage places, (vii) broken containers and damaged materials, (vii) overflowing waste bins and containers, and (viii) spills and leaks etc. In the occupational setting, housekeeping refers to the routine cleaning and organizing of the workplace. Workers should regularly inspect, clean and repair all tools and take any damaged or worn tools out of service. When cleaning a spill, it is required to use the proper cleaning agents or absorbent materials. are to be provided for the employees at the workplace so that employees can use them when there is a need. This department has many duties and it does not focus only in one service; according to Manpreet Singh in his article “Importance of Housekeeping” he establishes that “Accommodation in hotels tend to be the largest part of a hotel” So as we can see it is not an easy job. So it is important to replace or fix broken or damaged items as quickly as possible. It can help prevent injuries and improve productivity and morale, as well as make a good imprint on the people visiting the workplace. Also, the use of drip pans where spills might occur is a good preventative measure. The plan also ensures that work areas are not used as storage areas. Additionally, these activities are also very visible indicators of the general standards of quality at the workplace. Fig1 Important aspects of housekeeping and cleanliness. All bedding and bathroom linens must be removed and replaced with clean ones. Waste disposal – The regular collection of the waste materials contribute to good housekeeping and cleanliness practices. For example, vacuum cleaners fitted with HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters may be used to capture fine particles of asbestos or fibreglass. and reporting any unusual conditions. /* 300x250, created 1/18/11 */ When you already have all the necessary skills to be a housekeeper, you’ll look more favorable because the only training you’ll need is on procedures which allows the training period to be shorter. Often it is referring to training and learning in an organization or of its customers. When spills do occur, it is important to clean them up immediately. Cleanliness of both guest rooms and common areas is imperative if a hotel is to provide a pleasant experience. Like any other process, it is better if the standard operating procedures (SOP) are written for the housekeeping and cleanliness. Warning signs and mirrors can improve sight lines in blind corners and help prevent accidents. Bathrooms. Part of the plan could include investing in extra bins and more frequent disposal. Housekeeping is just not cleanliness. Poor housekeeping and cleanliness, on the contrary, creates workplace hazards which lead to various accident such as (i) slips, trips and falls, (ii) caught in-between objects, (iii) struck by falling objects, (iv) struck by moving objects, (v) cut/stabbed by objects, and (vi) struck against objects. Housekeeping is not just cleanliness. Regular audit, walkthroughs and inspection schedules need to be put in place since these in turn help in sustaining good housekeeping and cleanliness practices in the organization. A good experience of the visitors starts from the main gate upon arrival observing the cleanliness and the up-keeping of the property till the check-out. Periodic "panic" cleanups are costly and ineffective in reducing incidents. Dust and dirt removal – Working in a dusty and dirty area is unhygienic as well unhealthy for the employees since there can be respiratory type irritations. An effective and successful housekeeper has several important skills, including an eye for detail and organization skills. Employees’ training is an essential part of good housekeeping and cleanliness practice. The standards of housekeeping and cleanliness are often the first impression which is observed by the visitors to the organization. Housekeeping and cleanliness is crucial to a safe workplace. Cleanliness is so important to European and American guests, they prioritise housekeeping above bed and furniture comfort, customer service, room lighting and internet access. Periodic and panic cleanups are costly and ineffective and do not improve work environment where the employees can give efficient performance. The term is also used to refer to the money allocated for such use. Tools are to be cleaned and returned to their storage place after use. Examples of checklists include inspecting offices and manufacturing facilities. the cleanliness increases the guest’s comfort and the housekeeper must have thorough knowledge of the sanitation equipment. This avoids the employees moving the materials to and from work areas as needed. Danger to the employees increases if the established exit routes and doors are blocked. Through the ispatguru.com website I share my knowledge and experience gained through my association with the steel industry for over 54 years. They also need to know how to protect other workers such as by posting signs (e.g., "Wet - Slippery Floor") and reporting any unusual conditions. The orderly arrangement of operations, tools, equipment and supplies is an important part of a good housekeeping cleanliness practices. One way to ensure that these practices are followed at the workplace is to integrate them with the job responsibilities of the employees. All storage areas should be clearly marked. Hotels employ front-desk staff, housekeeping staff, restaurant staff, managers, and sometimes porters, event planners, and a concierge, depending on the type of hotel. Areas that cannot be cleaned continuously, such as entrance ways, should have anti-slip flooring. It gives a lift to morale, which is reflected in the quality of production and overall efficiency. All waste receptacles should be clearly labelled (e.g., recyclable glass, plastic, scrap metal, etc.). Poor housekeeping can be a cause of incidents, such as: To avoid these hazards, a workplace must "maintain" order throughout a workday. Even if all you have is a high school diploma and extracurricular activities, you should use these to your advantage to prove that you're equipped for the position. Floors: Poor floor conditions are a leading cause of incidents so cleaning up spilled oil and other liquids at once is important. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or Housekeeping and cleanliness refer to the processes which ensure facilities, equipment, work areas and access routes are kept in good condition. Additionally, during the emergency, housekeeping and cleanliness ensure that the plant operations are not inhibited. This means keeping buildings, equipment and machinery in safe and efficient working condition. Trapping chips, shavings and dust before they reach the floor or cleaning them up regularly can prevent their accumulation. They include a material flow plan which ensures minimal handling. Industrial models have special fittings for cleaning walls, ceilings, ledges, machinery, and other hard-to-reach places where dust and dirt may accumulate. Employees need to know how to work safely with the products they use. Effective housekeeping is an ongoing operation: it is not a one-time or hit-and-miss cleanup done occasionally. Individual workspace – Individual workspace need to be kept neat, cleared of everything not needed for work. Warning signs and mirrors can improve sight-lines in blind corners. Excellent housekeeping is essential to the hospitality industry, even though the work is usually considered mundane. The housekeeping department is an integral part of hotel operations. It is important for all housekeeping personnel to know about first aid as they could be the first ones on the spot to give immediate attention to a guest or an employee. You may also be interested in the following related products and services from CCOHS: Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent Upon checkout, a guest room must be thoroughly cleaned. Often, ineffective or insufficient storage planning results in materials being handled and stored in hazardous ways. Customers and the other stakeholders of the organization have more confidence in the organization since they notice that the work is being carried out efficiently in clean, pleasant, and well-ordered surroundings. It also requires paying attention to important details such as the layout of the whole workplace, aisle marking, the adequacy of storage facilities, and maintenance. It is important that housekeeping staff be informed about hazards in the workplace, including the risk of injuries to the musculoskeletal system. It is important to establish a housekeeping schedule. Workers need to know how to work safely with the products they use. All Rights Reserved © 2019, Design & Developed By: Star Web Maker. Individual work practices, including lifting habits, are … The practices are to comply with the regulatory norms and requirements. Make housekeeping a daily part of your operation. At a minimum, housekeeping is required to be done at the end of each shift. Despite the fact that many housekeeping jobs are entry-level positions that will train you, employers still want to see housekeeping skills on your resume. Housekeeping refers to the management of duties and chores involved in the running of a household, such as cleaning, cooking, home maintenance, shopping, and bill payment. First of all, I consider the housekeeping department as vital in the services provided to you when you stay in a hotel. It includes a material flow plan to ensure minimal handling. Maintenance – One of the most important elements of good housekeeping and cleanliness practices is the maintenance of the equipment and the buildings housing them. Part of the plan can include earmarked area for different materials and frequency of material disposal from the earmarked area. Also it is important that all containers be labeled properly. Compressed air should not be used for removing dust, dirt or chips from equipment or work surfaces. The degree, to which these activities are effectively managed, is an indicator of the safety culture of the organization. In this article, we discuss what housekeeping skills are and how you can improve them, with examples and tips on applying for housekeeping jobs and using these skills at … It is also important to replace worn, ripped or damaged flooring that poses a trip hazard. Housekeeping means performing all the duties towards cleaning, maintaining orderliness, and running a house or a business property. Lockers may be necessary for storing employees' personal belongings. Furthermore, poor housekeeping and cleanliness also create fire hazards which inevitably lead to increased fire risk. It is also to be ensured that the waste products are disposed of properly. Good housekeeping and cleanliness mean that there is an effective management of the workplace. Cleaning and organization must be done regularly, not just at the end of the shift. The hallmark of an expert housekeeper is the commitment to professional, trustworthy conduct. Smoking, eating or drinking in the work area should be prohibited where hazardous products are handled. The regular collection, grading and sorting of scrap contribute to good housekeeping practices. dusts, vapours), better control of tools and materials, including inventory and supplies, more efficient equipment cleanup and maintenance, better hygienic conditions leading to improved health, reduced property damage by improving preventive maintenance, improved productivity (tools and materials will be easy to find). Absorbent materials are useful for wiping up greasy, oily or other liquid spills. For this reason, as well as to prevent slips and trips, assorted waste materials need to be disposed of promptly in the appropriate waste containers. Paint can highlight railings, guards and other safety equipment, but should never be used as a substitute for guarding. Also, housekeeping and cleanliness being an ongoing process, it is necessary that all due measures are taken to maintain the sanity of the workplace. Good housekeeping and cleanliness involves every phase of the operations and are necessary to be applied throughout the entire area at the workplace. Similarly, part-time hotel maids and hospital cleaning staff have a key responsibility that requires a deep level of trust. There are several signs which reflect poor housekeeping and cleanliness at the workplace in the organization. The best way to control spills is to stop them before they happen. Integrating housekeeping into jobs can help ensure this is done. Knowledge Helps You Solve Problems In life, you will constantly face problems every day, sometimes problems that you can’t possibly seem to overcome. Clutter is not only unattractive but, in a work area, it is also a serious threat to safety. The main goal of knowledge management is to improve an organization's efficiency and save knowledge within the company. The major elements which are normally included in the housekeeping and cleanliness practices at the workplace are described below. At this time employees are expected to inspect, clean and remove unused or discarded materials. These practices are to have clear objectives which are practical and attainable. It includes keeping work areas neat and orderly, maintaining halls and floors free of slip and trip hazards, and removing of waste materials (e.g., paper, cardboard) and other fire hazards from work areas. Create your account. SOPs ensure that the housekeeping and cleanliness practices are well defined in the organization. Elements of housekeeping and cleanliness at workplace. The main function of Housekeeping is to ensure Cleanliness, Comfort, Convenience, Privacy, Health and Hygiene in a safe environment. Aisle space allows for the movement of people, products and materials. It is also important to maintain adequate lighting in stairways. Poor housekeeping practices frequently contribute to incidents. Almost all the travellers, especially the family travellers are very keen on the cleanliness and up-keeping of the Hotel. Some facilities may require two locker rooms with showers between. Room maids should never give the floor key to any guest or other hotel staffs. These tasks may be performed by members of the household, or by other persons hired for the purpose. Time for a Scrub. It also requires paying attention to important details such as the layout of the whole workplace, aisle marking, the adequacy of storage facilities, and maintenance. 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