5 replies to this topic

[matthewcc]

Hello all, we've started to use a floor scrubber/squeegee machine on our warehouse floors: 

 

Tennant T1581 Ride On Scrubber From PowerVac - YouTube,

 

I'm sure we'll need to maintain an SDS for the substance used to fill it. Aside from that, do we need to train people on any more than this video linked above? I suspect we do, but is a full-on work instruction or SOP needed for its operation?

 

We are regulated in the United States under 21 CFR Part 111 and 117 and we have SQF and NSF GMP certifications. 

 

Thank you,

Matthew

 

[SHQuality]

While these machines don't come with certificates like a reach truck, I would treat them similarly. 

Make sure that the people who use this machine are trained. 

• They should know what each light means.
• They should be familiar with the "traffic" rules in your warehouse so they don't collide with anyone else.
• They should be aware of the emergency procedure of what to do if an accident happens with this machine.

Make sure there is a SOP for the handling of this machine and that there is a list of properly trained people who are qualified to ride this thing.

That's the only way to ensure safety for everyone on the floor.

[GMO]

Yes, more for people safety than food safety I'd have an SOP. There will be chemical, physical, electrical risks it's going to count as workplace transport etc. I know US rules are different but if you had an accident later, e.g. someone slipped because the chemical was used at the wrong concentration and left a residue, then you want to be able to be sure you've done everything you can to prevent that with ideally of course it never happening!

[TimG]

I've never had OSHA request training info for our sanitation zamboni driver, but he's forklift trained so it would be a moot point. What you're going to have to determine is if they consider it a 'powered industrial truck' as they set out in reg..ugh I think it was 1910.178. It's been a while since I've had to deal with employee compliance but I'm pretty sure 1910 is the main reg for forklift/PIT.

[MDaleDDF]

I've never had OSHA request training info for our sanitation zamboni driver, but he's forklift trained so it would be a moot point. What you're going to have to determine is if they consider it a 'powered industrial truck' as they set out in reg..ugh I think it was 1910.178. It's been a while since I've had to deal with employee compliance but I'm pretty sure 1910 is the main reg for forklift/PIT.

Nobody has ever questioned ours either, but we're a small place, and the driver is also forktruck trained, and he comes in on Saturdays when nobody else is here and production isn't running to scrub.   Same guy, every time.   I do have an SOP on cleaning it, dumping the water, etc, but that's all.

[jfrey123]

Like others mentioned, I'd make sure to have an SOP for operating it.  Last time I had one of these, we just updated our forklift training program to include instructions on the floor scrubber, trained all equipment operators to the same standard.  Covers the operation of the machine from the OSHA standpoint.

 

Possible blind spot would be ensuring the person operating it has your training for mixing chemicals.  Lots of warehouse forklift operators don't have chemical training beyond where to find the SDS for a spill, but whomever runs the floor scrubber needs to show training for mixing chemicals and disposal of the waste water.

 

Lastly, floor scrubbers are notoriously dirty and will absolutely draw attention from your GFSI auditors.  You'll want to add contact points from it to your environmental monitoring program for listeria to be able to prove it's not a source or cause of spread within your facility.  Likewise, make sure it's added to your master sanitation schedule with detailed instructions on how to break it down for cleaning.