Training Manual
Parking Lot Sweeping Operations
Course: Self-Perform / QC Operations
Module: Landscape
Topic:
Parking Lot Sweeping Operations
CONTROLLED COPY NO.:
Issue Date:
Issued By:
[Uncontrolled unless numbered and dated (in red)]
Approved by:
Name: Ivan Dubow
Position: Chief Operating Officer
Checked by: Kevin Longland
Name/Position: VP: Account Management.
© USM 2010
This document is the property of USM (TIN 23 2522463). This document must not be copied or reproduced in any way whatsoever, and
must not be passed on to any third party without the written authority from USM.
Date: July, 2010
Revision: 0
Page 1 of 10
USM
TRAINING MANUAL PARKING LOT SWEEPER OPERATIONS
Contents
Topic Objective & Overview
3
Section I – Sweeping Equipment
4
Section II – Preparation
5
Preparation Checklist
Pre-Work Checklist
Section III – Sweeping Operations
7
Section IV – Sweeping Operation Safety
9
TMD-8303-OP-0004
Revision No: 0
© USM 2010
This document is the property of USM (TIN 23 2522463). This document must not be
copied or reproduced in any way whatsoever, and must not be passed on to any third party
without the written authority from USM.
Date: July, 2010
Page 2 of 10
USM
TRAINING MANUAL PARKING LOT SWEEPER OPERATIONS
Topic Objective
Upon completion of this module topic, the employee will have a comprehensive
understanding of parking lot sweeping operations, quality standards, safety implications, and
sweeper truck maintenance and use.
Overview of Sweeping Operations
Parking lot sweeping is an exterior service that continues to be in greater demand with our
customers. A debris free parking lot is an essential aspect of the maintenance mix that
enhances community perception of our customer and allows our company to ensure that we
provide a broad spectrum of services requested or required by our customers. Successful lot
sweeping operations will achieve:

A clean and debris free parking area.

Removal of trash or litter that is unsightly and diminishes community perceptions.

Elimination of hazardous debris that may accumulate in a parking or pedestrian traffic
area such as spills or noxious litter.

Additional revenue through the provision of value added services to the customer.

Added exposure and documentation for exterior service items such as stripping,
asphalt repair, and seal coating.
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© USM 2010
This document is the property of USM (TIN 23 2522463). This document must not be
copied or reproduced in any way whatsoever, and must not be passed on to any third party
without the written authority from USM.
Date: July, 2010
Page 3 of 10
USM
TRAINING MANUAL PARKING LOT SWEEPER OPERATIONS
Section I – Sweeper Equipment
The sweeper operator utilizes several pieces of equipment to complete his scheduled tasks.
The vacuum sweeping truck is the primary piece of equipment. However, additional items
such as a hand held blower, broom pan, or flashlight can be as essential in ensuring that
sweeping operations are effective and comprehensive.
I.
Lot Cleaning Equipment
The following items make up the equipment arsenal for a successful lot cleaning operator.
Each piece has a specific use that benefits the cleaning operation.

Sweeper/Vacuum Truck – The sweeper truck is the primary piece of
equipment for collection of debris. It allows collection of significant amounts
of litter in addition to providing a clean swept surface upon completion of
work.

Hand Held Blower – The blower serves to assist consolidation of litter. It is
used to collect and consolidate litter and debris from peripheral areas that
cannot be accessed by the sweeping truck such as sidewalks, alcoves,
dumpster corrals, etc.

Broom Pan – The broom pan is utilized to collect litter or debris which is of a
noxious nature such as diapers or blood borne pathogens.

Flashlight – Since the majority of sweeping operations are conducted at
night, the flashlight is a useful tool for both safety and identifying
accumulations of litter that might otherwise be missed.
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Revision No: 0
© USM 2010
This document is the property of USM (TIN 23 2522463). This document must not be
copied or reproduced in any way whatsoever, and must not be passed on to any third party
without the written authority from USM.
Date: July, 2010
Page 4 of 10
USM
TRAINING MANUAL PARKING LOT SWEEPER OPERATIONS
Section II – Preparation
There are a number of items that the operator should ensure prior to commencing sweeping
operations. Follow the steps below to achieve a seamless shift of sweeping operations:
Preparation Checklist – Before you leave the base
1.) Every operator must have a valid driver’s license and have completed the USM
Driver Certification course with a passing grade.
2.) Prior to leaving base, ensure that all gas powered items (truck and blower) are
topped off and ready for use. Secure a mix gas can on the truck for the blower.
3.) Conduct a pre-inspection of the truck and equipment to ensure all are in working
order and all supplies are stocked. Pay particular attention to safety devices, the
reticulating brush, and the vacuum hood.
4.) Review the contract specifications to ensure compliance with the customer’s
expectations.
5.) Familiarize yourself with local noise ordinances.
6.) Be aware of customers operating hours so that you perform tasks at the
optimum time and avoid the greatest number of people or vehicles in the
parking areas.
7.) Ensure that you have all PPE required for the job. Refer to section below to
identify the PPE.
Pre-Work Checklist – When you arrive at the property before you commence work
1.) As for all tasks you perform, review the S.T.A.R.T. initiative prior to
commencing work:
Stop –
Step back and Observe…
Think –
Through the tasks…
Assess - Hazards, Pathway, Impact, Activity
Review - and Document findings…
Talk TMD-8303-OP-0004
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it through, Discuss, Complete task…
© USM 2010
This document is the property of USM (TIN 23 2522463). This document must not be
copied or reproduced in any way whatsoever, and must not be passed on to any third party
without the written authority from USM.
Date: July, 2010
Page 5 of 10
USM
TRAINING MANUAL PARKING LOT SWEEPER OPERATIONS
2.) Upon arriving at the property, drive the entire lot and work area.
3.) Identify hazards and items that may be outside the scope of work. These
may include:
a)
b)
c)
d)
Illegal dumping such as furniture or large amounts of trash/debris.
Hazardous materials
Tires and dumping in loading dock or dumpster corral areas.
Homeless encampments.
4.) Document and report hazards or items out of scope to your supervisor.
Avoid items that may cause injury, harm, or conflict.
Helpful Hint:
Because sweeping operations are invariably performed in the evening
and early morning hours, you may encounter pedestrians of a less than
accommodating nature. These include the intoxicated, homeless or
vagrants. If approached by such a person, do not engage them in
conversation or any discourse. If they seem the least bit aggressive or
disagreeable, contact the police immediately and relocate your
vehicle/equipment off site temporarily.
AVOID & REPORT
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AVOID & REPORT
AVOID & REPORT
© USM 2010
This document is the property of USM (TIN 23 2522463). This document must not be
copied or reproduced in any way whatsoever, and must not be passed on to any third party
without the written authority from USM.
Date: July, 2010
Page 6 of 10
USM
TRAINING MANUAL PARKING LOT SWEEPER OPERATIONS
Section III – Performing the Sweeping Operation
Sweeping operations follow a specific set of steps to ensure contract compliance and a
thorough and effective operation. Follow the steps below to achieve a successful sweeping
operation:

As mentioned above, always drive the entire job site prior to commencing work. This
will allow you to identify potential hazards and items that may require notification your
supervisor or the customer.

After assessing the entire job, exit your vehicle with your handheld blower, broom pan
and flashlight. Secure your vehicle!

Walk the perimeter of the property building and auxiliary structures such as alcoves,
dumpster corrals, and loading docks.

Blow any litter that has accumulated in these areas into the main parking area where it
can be collected by the sweeping truck.

Any items that are small enough to be inside the scope of work but present a hazard to
you or the truck should be removed using the broom pan and placed in a secure
receptacle such as the truck hopper or dumpster.

There are some items that a vacuum truck typically will not pick up. These items
include paper plates, banana peels, and plastic soda bottles. This is due to shape or
weight. These items must be collected with the broom pan and deposited in the
hopper.

Once all areas that cannot be accessed by the sweeper truck have been blown out to
accessible areas, re-enter the vehicle and commence operations using the vacuum
truck.

Commence sweeping along all curb lines utilizing the side brush. Travel at a slow rate
of speed to ensure you have collected all curb line debris such as seed millet, cigarette
butts and other litter. Maintain a parallel course to the curb line and ensure that the
brush assembly does not come in contact with the curb.
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© USM 2010
This document is the property of USM (TIN 23 2522463). This document must not be
copied or reproduced in any way whatsoever, and must not be passed on to any third party
without the written authority from USM.
Date: July, 2010
Page 7 of 10
USM
TRAINING MANUAL PARKING LOT SWEEPER OPERATIONS

Sweeper truck operations should proceed at a slow and reasonable speed. Do not
race or travel at too fast a pace. This will not assist the operation as the vacuum hood
will not pick up items passed over too quickly. Additionally, driving at too fast a speed
is unsafe. The recommended operational speed is 10 mph or less.

Sweep all open areas of the parking lot to include entrances, exits, and auxiliary
parking areas. Sweep in parallel directions (rows) to ensure that all areas are covered.

Remain aware of any potential hazards to the sweeper such as speed bumps, curb
blocks, ADA signage or ADA ramps.

Always lift both the brush assembly and the vacuum hood when crossing over the
obstacles pictured above.

Once you have completed the sweeping of all primary areas with the sweeper truck,
make one additional drive of the entire area to ensure all litter is collected and the job
is complete.
TMD-8303-OP-0004
Revision No: 0
© USM 2010
This document is the property of USM (TIN 23 2522463). This document must not be
copied or reproduced in any way whatsoever, and must not be passed on to any third party
without the written authority from USM.
Date: July, 2010
Page 8 of 10
USM
TRAINING MANUAL PARKING LOT SWEEPER OPERATIONS
Helpful Hint:
When performing the peripheral walk with your hand held blower to blow
out litter in inaccessible areas, address obstacle areas like those shown
above as well. Blow out any litter adjacent to these areas and this allows
you to avoid these areas as you make your sweeper truck passes.
Section IV – Sweeper Operation Safety
Sweeper operations pose a number of potential hazards and safety risks. Follow the
guidelines below to ensure that you are operating safely and minimizing or eliminating these
risks.
I.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
=
Safety
Glasses
Work
Boots
Safety
Vest
Hearing
Protection
Work
Gloves
Dust Mask
(Recommended)
Sweeper Operations
II.

Personal protective equipment is required in all phases of sweeper operation.

The above PPE must be worn during truck sweeping, blowing, and hand
collection tasks.
Safety Requirements

Sweeper operations may only be preformed by trained personnel.

PPE must be worn at all times.
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© USM 2010
This document is the property of USM (TIN 23 2522463). This document must not be
copied or reproduced in any way whatsoever, and must not be passed on to any third party
without the written authority from USM.
Date: July, 2010
Page 9 of 10
USM
TRAINING MANUAL PARKING LOT SWEEPER OPERATIONS

DO NOT handles hazardous materials such as automotive batteries, solvents,
etc. Report these items to your supervisor.

Exercise caution when exiting and entering the vehicle. During typical sweeper
operations you may exit and enter the vehicle numerous times per shift and
should always remain alert and cautious.

Ensure that rotation beacon/strobe is on and functional while operating the
sweeper vehicle.

Handle all potential blood borne pathogens with extreme care. These items
must be remove utilizing the broom pan and are NOT to be touched with your
hands.

Do not engage undesirable pedestrians. Secure your vehicle offsite and contact
the police.
TMD-8303-OP-0004
Revision No: 0
© USM 2010
This document is the property of USM (TIN 23 2522463). This document must not be
copied or reproduced in any way whatsoever, and must not be passed on to any third party
without the written authority from USM.
Date: July, 2010
Page 10 of 10