Cleaning times changed to early mornings

In late November 2017, a trial was conducted to consider the impact of moving the cleaning to an early morning time slot. The trial was largely successful and as a result the change of time was gradually rolled out to all buildings across the campus.

The changes for the cleaning company occurred earlier this year. With some concerned with additional noise impacts, the company met with the University cleaning managers to raise our concerns and it was agreed that the cleaners would rotate different floors to be cleaned at different times each day so that the floors would be impacted differently each day.

By and large, the change has had positive affects for the University as well as for the cleaners who are able to use public transport and travel at more reasonable and safer times. For staff it has meant occasional noise of vacuums and wet floors to avoid, but is has also enabled staff to meet the cleaning staff and develop relationships.

From an OHS perspective, it is important that you:

• Be cautious about wet floors in the toilets after they have been cleaned. Cleaners are meant to put out bollards when the floor is wet
• Be cautious about electrical cables when the floors are being vacuumed

Early Morning Cleaning takes place between 6AM and 10AM. While priority is given to teaching spaces and wet areas it is inevitable that some mopping may be done right up until 10AM. ISS have specific Safe Work Practices for the cleaners to follow which includes ensuring that the appropriate signage is displayed when mopping.

Please contact MSE OHS if you have any questions or concerns.