tackling trouble areas guidelines regarding weight and height limits. The ladder selected should be non-metallic. This helps reduce the possibility of elec-tric shock. Also, always use a ladder that is long enough for the job at hand. A great number of ladder accidents are the result of using a ladder that is too short for the task. Other points to consider include: • Don’t carry equipment while climbing a ladder. Invest in a tool belt or have some-one hand the equipment to you. • Face the ladder when climbing up and down; keep your body centered between both side rails. • While up on the ladder, don’t overex-tend your reach. Make sure you keep your weight evenly distributed. • Never move a ladder while standing on it. Always make sure people and equip-ment are off the ladder before moving or closing it. Safety first! To safely replace most fluorescent light bulbs: • Turn off the light fixture at the switch and allow it a few minutes to cool • Select a replacement bulb of the correct length for the fixture • Remove the diffuser (if fitted) by unclipping it • Twist the tube a quarter turn to allow the contact pins at each end of the tube to drop down through the grooves in the end-support brackets • Place the old tube in a safe location where it will not be stepped on or moved • Slide the new tube into the contact pins and up through the grooves in the end-sup port brackets • Twist the tube a quarter turn to hold it in place • Switch on the light to be sure it works. • Never stand on a ladder’s bucket shelf. Read and follow the warning stickers for highest standing levels. Compared to other add-on services, lighting maintenance is one of the least expensive for BSCs to add to their arsenal of services. However, the right tools, along with proper training and good old common-sense, are essential — as is an awareness of how to do the task in a healthy and envi-CM ronmentally preferable way. Mike Nelson is vice president of marketing for Pro-Link, a JanSan-focused marketing and buy-ing group based in Canton, MA. He was direct-ly involved in preparing and writing Pro-Link’s BSC Resource Book, which is available to the group’s members. He can be reached at 800-74-LINKS or [email protected]. Train your front line staff on: The chemistry of soil removal, disinfection vs. sanitization, hazardous/infectious waste, blood & bodily fluid clean up, physical cleaning actions, the pH scale, dilution ratios and much more. Chemical Safety is the only training DVD in the market incorporating humor. Why? Because humor grabs the participants’ attention, keeps them interested in content, clarifies a point, ensures key points are memorable, creates a relaxed atmosphere, builds a positive relationship between you and your participants and most importantly… can ease the way through difficult content. Our educational content is surrounded with humor while maintaining the integrity and importance of the cleaning profession. Call Bea Kelly today to learn more. (518) 783-1281 ext. 3139 Cleaning Management Institute ® (CMI) is a professional janitorial/sanitation society that was established in 1968. Our Mission is to educate, train and provide career improvement opportunities within the facility maintenance industry. www.cmmonline.com 43
CMM – Archives Mar 2009: 43
