Custodial Equipment

Custodians and Housekeepers are exposed to a variety of ergonomic risk factors and have a high risk of injury. Equipment and procedures that reduce or eliminate bending, lifting, and other awkward postures are key components to reducing injuries in these physically demanding areas. UCLA Insurance & Risk Management-Ergonomics partnered with the Facilities Management - Custodial & Grounds, Housing and Hospitality - Rooms & Maintenance Division, and Associated Students UCLA to assess risk factors and evaluate equipment needs.

Equipment criteria assist decision-makers in selecting commonly used custodial and housekeeping equipment. The goal of the criteria is to reduce the risk of injury. Criteria were established through a comprehensive review of equipment specifications, direct observation, and analysis of work environments, as well as consultation with supervisors, staff, and vendors.

A thoughtful selection of equipment has multiple steps. Decision-makers should review the following considerations.
 

Equipment

• Include a variety of perspectives in the selection process. This includes staff, supervisors, and subject matter experts (manufacturer, safety and ergonomic specialist)
• Arrange for demonstration of the product by the manufacturer.
• Pilot the preferred equipment for a minimum two–week trial period.

Pilot

During the pilot period, consider the following:

• Space: Area(s) where the equipment will be used. Is it appropriate for the size of the space and will there be doorways, obstacles, or furniture to navigate?
• Surfaces: Type of flooring the machine will be used on. Is the machine appropriate for the particular type of surface? Is it adaptable to different types of surfaces?
• Users: The physical characteristics of the end-users. Is the unit adaptable to be used by different height users? 
• Ease of use: How difficult is it to use the machine? Is there a steep learning curve? Are the controls easy to access and are they intuitive?
• Storage: The unit will need to be stored somewhere. Is there storage space in an existing custodial closet?
• Portability: The ease by which a user can get the equipment to the job site. Is there elevator access?
• Maintenance: Ease of maintenance. Is a special tool needed for regular field and daily maintenance?
• Power: Access to power. Units can be corded or battery-powered. Are there outlets available? Is the cord long enough? Is the battery capable of lasting the entire shift on a single charge?
• Noise and Vibration: Are noise or vibration an issue where the unit will be used? Are equipment operators exposed to hand-arm or whole body vibration? 
• Testing and Feedback: Demo the product. What was the users’ feedback on the unit after trying in the work environment?

Training

Training on the proper use of equipment should be provided upon initial use and annually thereafter. Training is best provided in small groups with the involvement of supervisors, leads, ergonomists, and vendors.

Training should include:

• Hands-on performance of job tasks and related activities.
• Proper equipment use, maintenance, storage, safety procedures, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
• Instruction in proper body mechanics.
• Verbal, written, and illustrative materials to accommodate non-English speaking workers.

Staffing Guidelines

Staffing guidelines ensure that employees are adequately trained and assigned reasonable workloads. Guidelines include:

• Staff levels that provide adequate coverage to complete assigned work tasks in the time desired.
• Cross-training to allow for job rotation as needed.
• Staff levels to avoid overtime.
• Backup staffing to accommodate unplanned absences.
• Use of task and job rotation to limit repetition and fatigue.
• Use of teams for heavy lifting and moving tasks.
• Pre-shift exercises to warm up muscles to prepare for work.
• Frequent rest breaks.
• Implementation and support of a work hazard notification system to identify problems such as excessive weight in trash containers.

Criteria

• Carpet Cleaners and Extractors
• Minimum Criteria
  • Extractors: Provides good suction ≥ 93 CFM
  • Power cord ≥ 25’
  • Pads and brushes are easy to remove/replace
  • If Walk-Behind: Self-propelled
  • If not Walk-Behind: ≥ 15’ hose w/wand with bend or S-curve
  • Easy to fill and empty tanks
   
  Preferred Criteria
  • Capable of cleaning close to walls and in corners
  • Built-in/optional hose and wand (for ride-on/large walk behind)
  • Height-adjustable handle or steering column  
• Carts
• Minimum Criteria
  • Height of handle from floor: 36” - 38”
  • Outfitted with spring-loaded lift or side cut-out with removable closures or straps
  
  Preferred Criteria
  • Motorized tug adapter: For use with various tugs; carts must have 2-swivel and 2-rigid casters
  • Durable construction: Tear, puncture, and abrasion-resistant material
• Floor Machines

• Buffers and burnishers

  Walk-behind

  Minimum Criteria
  • If Corded: Cord Length ≥ 50’. If Battery Powered: Battery Life ≥ 3 hr, Charging Time ≤ 4 hr
  • Pads and brushes are easy to remove/replace
  
  Preferred Criteria
  • Adjustable height brush pad for different surface heights
  • Capable of cleaning close to walls and in corners
  • Height adjustable steering wheel or handle
  • Folding handles for storage, transportation
  • High-efficiency filtration. (e.g. HEPA or similar)

  Scrubbers

  Ride-on

  Minimum Criteria
  • Battery Life ≥ 5 hr, Charging Time ≤ 4 hr
  • Adjustable brush rollers for different surface heights
  • Pads and brushes are easy to remove or replace
  • Sweepers: Easy to remove and replace bags
  • Scrubbers: Easy to fill and empty tanks
  
  Preferred Criteria
  • Capable of cleaning close to walls and in corners
  • Detachable accessories: hoses/wands          
  • High-efficiency filtration. (e.g. HEPA or similar)
• Mopping Systems

• Automated Mopping Systems

  Minimum Criteria
  • Cleaning path ≥ 18"
  • If Corded: Power cord ≥ 25’.
  • If Battery Powered: Battery life ≥ 45 min / Charge time ≤ 5 hr
  
  Preferred Criteria
  • Battery Life ≥ 60 min
  • Attached training component

  Traditional Mopping systems

  Minimum Criteria
  • Four 3” swivel casters
  • Dual bucket - e.g. clean/dirty buckets
  • Wringers: Down-press handle with a bent handle
  • Wringers: Plastic single-piece construction
  
  Preferred Criteria
  • Buckets with bottom drains
• No-Touch Cleaning Systems
• Minimum Criteria
  • If Corded: Power cord ≥ 25’.  If Battery Powered: Battery life ≥ 45 min/Charge time ≤ 5 hr
  • 2 rear wheels and 2 swivel wheels in front allow for easy maneuverability
  • Small to med areas ≥ 12 gal
  • Large areas: ≥ 17 gal
  • Storage attachment to hold brushes, poles, and hoses
  • Adjustable water pressure levels
  • Water hose ≥ 30’
  
  Preferred Criteria
  • Dilution capability for chemicals
  • Attached training component
• Sweepers
• Minimum Criteria
  • If Corded: Cord Length ≥ 50’.
  • If Battery Powered: Battery Life ≥ 40min/Charging Time ≤ 2 hr
  • Pads and brushes are easy to remove/replace
  
  Preferred Criteria
  • Capable of cleaning close to walls and in corners
  • Height adjustable handle/Steering column
  • Folding handle for storage/transportation
  • Attached hose/wand
• Trash Collectors
• Minimum Criteria
  • 2 Rear wheels and 1-2 Front swivel wheels
  • Height of sides 38”- 43” from floor
  • Fits through 32" wide doorways
  
  Preferred Criteria
  • Venting channels to allow for easy removal of trash
• Vacuums

• Backpack Vacuums

  Minimum Criteria
  • Provides good suction ≥ 58 CFM
  • Overall weight: Corded ≤ 12lbs. Battery Powered ≤ 18lbs
  • If Corded: Cord length ≥ 50’
  • If Battery Powered: Battery life ≥ 45 min, Charge Time ≤ 2 hrs
  • Adjustable back straps
  • High-efficiency filtration. (e.g. HEPA or similar)
  
  Preferred Criteria
  • Available wall-mounted, “mounting-station” option
  • Telescoping wand attachment

  Large Area Vacuums

  Walk-Behind

  Minimum Criteria
  • Provides good suction ≥ 90 CFM
  • Power cord ≥ 50’
  • Adjustable brush rollers for different surfaces and carpet heights
  • 2 Drive Wheels and 2 swivel wheels in front to allow for easy maneuverability
  • Working width ≥ 20”
  • Easy to service and maintain – bags are easy to replace and serviceable parts are minimal and easy to access
  
  Preferred Criteria
  • Magnet in front to catch paper clips or other metal objects
  • High-efficiency filtration (e.g. HEPA or similar)
  • Height adjustable handle
  • Built-in hose and wand
  • Auto adjustable brush rollers for different carpet heights

  Stand on

  Minimum Criteria
  • Battery Life ≥ 5 hr/Charging Time ≤ 4 hr
  • Adjustable brush rollers for different surface heights
  • Pads and brushes are easy to remove/replace
  • Easy to remove and replace bags
  
  Preferred Criteria
  • Capable of cleaning close to walls and in corners
  • Detachable accessories: hoses/wands          
  • High-efficiency filtration. (e.g. HEPA or similar)

  Upright Vacuums

  Minimum Criteria
  • Provides good suction ≥ 90 Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM)
  • Weight ≤ 20lbs
  • If Corded: Cord length ≥ 30’.
  • If Battery Powered: Battery life ≥ 50 min, Charge Time ≤ 2 hrs
  • Manually adjustable brush rollers for different carpet heights
  • Ability to tilt back on 2 wheels for easy maneuverability
  • Brush roller working width ≥ 12”
  • Built-in hose and wand
  • Easy to service and maintain – Bags are easy to replace and serviceable parts are minimal and easy to access
  • High-efficiency filtration (e.g. HEPA or similar)
  
  Preferred Criteria
  • Magnet in front to catch paper clips or other metal objects
  • Auto-adjustable brush rollers for different surfaces
  • Height-adjustable handle
  • Lie flat capability

  Wet-Dry Vacuums

  Minimum Criteria
  Provides good suction ≥ 100 CFM
  Power cord ≥ 20’
  Curved wand
  2 drive wheels and 2 swivel wheels in front allow for easy maneuverability
  Easy to service and maintain – bags are easy to replace and serviceable parts are minimal and easy to access
  
  Preferred Criteria
  High-efficiency filtration (e.g. HEPA or similar)

Conflict of Interest: Per UCLA Policy 150 the catalog content is meant to enhance UCLA's mission of teaching, research and public service. UCLA Ergonomics does not receive any financial benefit, actual or perceived, from individuals associated with suppliers or manufacturers of the products listed in the catalog.   

For questions or corrections please email contact@ergonomics.ucla.edu