The biggest enemy of efficiency is entropy, and entropy can manifest itself at any facility as disorganization, uncleanliness, and chaos. If you run or work at a factory, mill, or similar place, it’s up to you and every other worker to prevent disarray so things can keep working. Here’s how to keep a manufacturing facility clean and ensure entropy stays away!

Proactive Cleaning

Cleaning shouldn’t be left to the midnight maintenance staff. Cleaning should be everyone’s job, at least at a basic level. When you come across a nontoxic piece of trash, a pile of dust, or a puddle of water, take the time to clean it up. Excessive messes might be a sign that some machinery or devices are experiencing problems, so always investigate thoroughly. You never want anything vital to running your facility to be broken.

Maintain and Upgrade Equipment

The next step in knowing how to keep a manufacturing facility clean is to evaluate the machinery that’s made to reduce dust and recycle materials. Dust collectors, for example, require regular maintenance, since their job is to keep the air in the factory safe to breathe. They prevent the buildup of dust, powder, and other detritus that can raise the risk of fires, explosions, and the general destruction of machinery and materials. Wipe down and sterilize the surfaces of your machinery and other equipment. Periodically vacuum them to prevent dust from entering, solidifying, and causing breakdowns.

Get Organized

It’s worth taking the time to note how long it takes employees to perform tasks and to suggest how they can improve their work habits and procedures. If great workers are taking too long to get things done, see if environmental factors are stopping them. Inspect your layout. Figure out how far employees travel from their workstations to get supplies or equipment. Based on that, set up storage areas that are closer to the workers. Make paths between them and the shop floor. Remove obstacles and hazards so there is no risk of accidents.

Education

A smart workforce is an effective and efficient workforce. Keep your employees knowledgeable and safety-conscious through regular updates and training in safety protocols and the correct operation of equipment. Insist they always wear their safety equipment. Clearly mark areas where extra caution needs to be taken due to moving machinery and sundry processes. Reward employees who make great suggestions that improve production and keep everyone safe.

Stay smart and stay safe!