Day Custodian Minimum Responsibilities
Listed according to priority / priority may be determined by Principal :
1. Complete all duties assigned by school Principal or administration.
2. Dust mop hallways at least twice daily: at least once in the mornings after school starts,
and at least once in the afternoons after break is over.
3. Clean main entry doors and windows a minimum of twice daily. This task should be
done as soon as school has begun, and in the afternoon when the adequate amount of time
is available.
4. Check each restroom hourly:
a) Flush commodes and urinals as needed.
b) Mop urine from the floor.
c) Keep toilet paper in dispensers.
d) Keep soap in dispensers.
e) Keep trash off the floors, walls, and ceilings.
f) Keep mop rinsed and bucket emptied.
5. Sweep exterior of main entry and pickup all trash. This includes cigarette butts.
6. Wet mop all spills in halls and classrooms ASAP.
7. Keep all water fountains clean during the day.
8. Clean black marks as you go through the halls, cafeteria, and gym areas.
9. Clean office windows and all side entrance glass doors.
10. Spot clean walls, doors, and door jambs.
11. Wet mop halls and main entrances on rainy or snowy days.
12. Watch for and remove all graffiti as soon as possible.
13. Mow and trim weeds as needed.
Important Reminders
1.
Call the custodial supervisor and the principal if you are not able to report for work. Day
shift custodians call 769-8881 before 6:00 a.m. (please leave voice mail); Evening shift
custodians call before 12:00 noon (please leave voice mail).
2.
Notify your supervisor if any emergency arises.
3.
Notify your supervisor or principal within 24 hrs. of any personal injury. Get medical
attention, if necessary, and fill out an accident report.
4.
Take your lunch breaks at designated times. There are two breaks of 10 minutes each and
one lunch break of 30 minutes for an eight-hour shift.
5.
Notify your head custodian or night supervisor of any repairs needed in the building.
6.
Notify your head custodian or night supervisor of any ballast that needs to be replaced, after
changing the light bulbs.
7.
Keep your custodial closet and equipment clean. Keep all equipment in good working
condition.
8.
Turn off all lights in classrooms and re-lock the doors when you have completed your
cleaning.
9.
Do not use any chemicals or equipment without knowing the proper way to use them. If
you have any questions, ask your supervisor for assistance.
10. Do not mix any two chemicals together. It may be dangerous to you and harmful to the
facility.
11. Label all of your containers and spray bottles. Always list the product and the M.S.D.S.
number on the label. M.S.D.S. numbers are located in your Hazardous Communications
Notebook placed in the main custodial closet.
12. Do not purchase or bring any chemicals into your schools. All chemicals are purchased and
supplied to you by the custodial supervisor.
13. Measure all chemical dilutions with a measuring cup or 1 oz. pump. No guesses or
estimations. Be exact according to the manufacturer’s label. Exactness ensures safety and
effectiveness. Read the manufacturer’s label and follow directions as they are given.
Please!
Custodial Procedures
Minimal Daily Restroom Care
1.
High Dusting
1. Use high duster.
2. Vents and louvers (vacuum if necessary).
3. Ceiling area, especially corners.
2.
Clean Walls, Stalls, & Entrance Doors
1. Use wall washer or pot brush under hand dryers and soap dispensers.
2. Use disinfectant cleaner.
3. Do not rinse or dry.
4. Clean especially well the wall area around the urinals and commodes.
3.
Clean Sinks
1. Use a scrub sponge and disinfectant cleaner.
2. Clean fixtures.
3. Clean bowls.
4. Clean mirrors.
5. Do not rinse or dry.
4.
Clean Commodes
1. Use bowl mop and disinfectant cleaner.
2. Clean the commode completely (underneath sides as well).
3. Do not rinse or dry.
4. Clean wall and partitions (boy’s restrooms)
5.
Clean Urinals
1. Use bowl mop and disinfectant cleaner.
2. Clean the urinal completely.
3. Flush the urinal drain with disinfectant cleaner.
4. Do not rinse or dry.
5. Clean wall around urinals.
6.
Sweep The Floor And Empty All Trash Receptacles
7.
Fill All Dispensers
8.
Flood Mop The Floor With Disinfectant Solution
9.
Flush The Floor Drains With At Least ½ Gallon Of Disinfectant Solution
10. Turn Off Lights
Note:
Use rubber gloves and splash goggles. Always read the manufacturer’s labels
noting dilution rate and safe use of each product.
*** Your custodial cart should be equipped to handle all cleaning responsibilities.
Custodial Procedures
Daily Maintenance - Hard Floor Classrooms
1.
High Dusting
1. Vents.
2. Ceiling area, especially corners.
3. Wall mounted TV.
4. Shelving.
5. Clocks, etc.
2.
Clean Chalkboards & Chalk Rails
See Cleaning of Chalkboards (Page 5).
3.
Low Dusting
1. Window seals.
2. Bookcases.
3. Teacher’s desk, etc.
4.
Empty Pencil Sharpeners & Trash Cans
5.
Dust Mop
6.
Clean Desk
7.
Arrange Furniture
8.
Clean Gum From Floors
9.
Spot Clean Walls With Disinfectant Detergent
1. Light switch covers.
2. Pencil sharpener areas.
3. Any soiled area.
10. Clean Door & Door Glass
11. Wet Mop Floor With Neutral Disinfectant
(Spot or complete mopping - whatever is necessary.)
12. Shut Off Lights & Lock Door
Note:
If there are several sinks and/or a restroom in your classroom area, do these first
throughout your area. If there are only a few, you may decide to do them after you
have done all of your classrooms - just before you would do your public restrooms.
Follow the same procedure outlined in Daily Restroom Care (Page 2).
*** Your custodial cart should be equipped to handle all cleaning responsibilities.
Custodial Procedures
Daily Maintenance - Carpeted Classrooms
1.
High Dusting
1. Vents.
2. Ceiling area, especially corners.
3. Wall mounted TV.
4. Shelving.
5. Clocks, etc.
2.
Clean Chalkboards & Chalk Rails
See Cleaning of Chalkboards (Page 5).
3.
Low Dusting
1. Window seals.
2. Bookcases.
3. Teacher’s desk, etc.
4.
Empty Pencil Sharpeners & Trash Cans
5.
Clean Desk
6.
Pick Up All Materials From Floor That Cannot Be Vacuumed
7.
Vacuum Floor
8.
Clean Gum As You Vacuum, “Freeze-Break Up Vacuum”
9.
Spot Clean Spills
10. Arrange Furniture
11. Spot Clean Walls With Disinfectant Detergent
1. Light switch covers.
2. Pencil sharpener areas.
3. Any soiled area.
12. Clean Door & Door Glass
13. Shut Off Lights & Lock Door
Note:
If there are several sinks and/or a restroom in your classroom area, do these first
throughout your area. If there are only a few, you may decide to do them after you
have done all of your classrooms - just before you would do your public restrooms.
Follow the same procedure outlined in Daily Restroom Care (Page 2).
*** Your custodial cart should be equipped to handle all cleaning responsibilities.
Custodial Procedures
Cleaning of Chalkboards
The use of chalkboard cleaners is not recommended for daily maintenance of your chalkboards.
The dry cleaning method is recommended. Oil, grease, wax, soap, and similar materials should
never be put on a chalkboard.
1.
Each school principal establishes, with the teachers and custodians, the procedure to follow
concerning the erasing of chalkboards. You will be informed on what procedure to follow.
Do not violate the school policy.
2.
Clean the chalkboards daily with a clean felt eraser or a stretch-n-dust cloth. Clean from
side to side or up and down, whichever suits you best.
Note: Once or twice a week, wipe off excess dust with a clean dry chamois (sham’e) or a dry
soft cotton cloth.
3.
Clean the chalk rail daily with a cotton cloth or with a vacuum.
4.
Clean the erasers daily using one of the following methods:
1. Using an electric eraser cleaning machine.
2. Using a backpack vacuum.
3. Using the beater bar on an upright vacuum.
5.
If you have a board that will not clean up, report it to your head custodian. He will assist
you or contact the custodial supervisor for assistance.
Note:
Do not use water on the chalkboards.
Do not use dust mop oil on the chalkboards.
Do not use paper towels or any coarse material on the chalkboards.
Cleaning of Stair Wells and Hallways
1. Follow the same procedures as with the hard floor classrooms.
2. Remember to sweep and clean all corners and clean the glass in trophy cases and dust any
wall fixtures.
3. Walls should be cleaned with general purpose cleaned as needed and during each break.
4. Floors should be scrubber with the auto-scrubber at least once a week.
5. Floors should be high-speed buffed at least once a week.
Custodial Procedures
Dust Mopping Program
A good dust-mopping program is essential for an attractive appearance and the life of the floor
finishes. The dirt, grit, and/or sand deposited on the floor from students’ shoes will destroy the
finish when it is walked upon. The weight of the students, the shifting of the grit under the soles
of their shoes scratches and wears away the wax. Therefore it is essential to dust mop
frequently, especially those most used entrances.
1.
Floors should be dust mopped as often as possible, especially after students enter the
building from an outside activity or after they arrive in the morning.
2.
Proper treatment of the dust mop is essential.
1.
Newly laundered dust mop (untreated): Spray completely with dust mop treatment
using 1 ounce of dust mop solution to 1 linear foot. (Example: A 3-foot laundered
dust mop should be sprayed with 3 ounces of dust mop treatment.)
2.
Night maintenance of dust mop: Sweep the dust mop out using a dust mop broom
and re-spray the dust mop. Use ½ ounce of dust mop solution to 1 linear foot.
(Example: A 3-foot used dust mop should be sprayed nightly with 1½ ounces of dust
mop solution.) After spraying, the dust mop should not be used again until the next
morning. Hang the dust mop up, get it off the floor, as air needs to filter through dust
mop strings. Any excess solution will evaporate over night, leaving the day custodian
a properly prepared dust mop to maintain the floors.
3. Change the dust mop head: when it ceases to clean the floor adequately or if it
becomes wet.
Utilize Personal Protective Equipment
1. Non-slip Foot Treads – to be worn during floor scrubbing or stripping procedures.
2.
Safety Goggles or Glasses – to be worn while working with corrosive chemicals or
while using power tools (saws, weed trimmers, etc.).
3.
Dust Masks – to be worn while working around mold, solvent based paints/finishes or
extremely dusty circumstances.
4. Hearing Protection or Ear Plugs - to be worn while mowing or using power tools.
5. Latex or Vinyl Disposable Gloves – to be worn while working with any chemicals and
during clean-up of body fluids.
Custodial Procedures
Clean-Up of Body Fluids
Be Safe - Reduce The Risk Of Infection
Assume All Body Fluids Are Contaminated
The term “body fluids” includes blood, semen, drainage from scrapes and cuts, feces, urine,
vomit, respiratory secretions or nasal discharge, and saliva.
1. Contain The Body Fluid
1. Set up a caution sign for safety and sanitation.
2. Sprinkle absorbent on the body fluid. (This will absorb the fluid and eliminate any
unpleasant odor.)
2. Clean Up The Body Fluid
1. Put on a pair of disposable gloves.
2. Use a broom and dustpan to sweep up the emergency clean up and soil.
3. Place in a plastic bag, saturate soil with disinfectant, tie up bag and dispose of it.
4. Set aside broom and dustpan to be disinfected when clean up is complete.
3. Disinfect The Soiled Area
1. Mix a solution of disinfectant: Such as Virex II or equivilent in a mop bucket. Must
be HBV, HIV and MRSA effective solution.
2. Thoroughly saturate a mop in your disinfectant solution. Mop the soiled area until
clean, rinsing your mop frequently in your disinfectant solution.
3. Allow a 10 minute kill time.
4. Clean Up Items
1. After clean up is complete, return all used items to the custodial closet.
2. Rinse your mop thoroughly in your disinfectant solution, wring out, and hang up to
dry.
3. Remove wringer from the mop bucket and submerge the dust pan several times in the
disinfectant solution. Use the broom to thoroughly clean the dust pan and allow to
drain dry.
4. Submerge the broom several times in the disinfectant solution. Using the bottom of
your mop bucket, press the broom, spreading the straws for thorough cleaning. Hang it
up to dry.
5. Dump mop bucket and allow it to drain.
5. Personal Care
1. Return to the disinfected area. Remove caution sign, returning it to the custodial
closet.
2. Remove and dispose of your gloves.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly using the liquid hand soap provided, rinse thoroughly,
and dry.
Note:
Some steps may be eliminated depending on the size and type of the soiled area.
Never eliminate the disinfectant step on the soiled area or items used.
Custodial Procedures
Cleaning Cart Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Broom: household & counter.
Wet mop, mop bucket, & wringer.
Dust mop & vacuum cleaner.
Paper products: toilet paper, paper towels.
Plastic liners for the trash cans.
Dust pan.
Cleaners:
1. Glass cleaners.
2. Hospital grade disinfectant.
3. All purpose cleaner (walls, doors, & furniture).
4. Bowl cleaner.
5. Carpet spotter.
6. Stainless steel cleaner.
7. Furniture polish.
Tools:
1. Putty knife.
2. Safety scraper.
3. Screw driver.
Rubber gloves.
Dust cloths.
Feather duster.
Container to clean toilet & urinals - including a mop or toilet brush.
Sponges & rags.
Gum remover for carpets.
Cart Maintenance
The following are several good ideas to help make your cart work for you:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Clean and lubricate the wheels often to keep hair and other debris from collecting on the
wheels.
Be careful not to throw things you find, such as trash, on the cart.
Separate items you use most often from the items you use occasionally.
Stock and clean your cart each night. This will save valuable time the next day.
Limit the amount of personal items you carry on your cart.
Your cart is also an extension of your custodial closet, if stocked properly. Planning what is
necessary and what isn’t in terms of what will go on the cart is important in maximizing the
effectiveness of the cart. As you work in your cleaning area, remember that every step saved is
valuable to you.
Why The Cleaning Cart Is So Important
No matter what you call your cleaning cart, “maid’s cart”, “utility cart”, or “custodial cart”, it is
an extension of your custodial closet. This is the tool you take with you from room to room to
assist in your cleaning performance. In most cleaning operations, time is limited, so any time
saved is valuable. A cleaning cart, if used to your advantage, can help save time, as well as help
in getting the job done more efficiently and more cost effectively.
Having a well-organized cart can help you do a quicker and more effective job. This is
accomplished by the ability to quickly find what you are looking for on the cart. The biggest
hindrance to a well-organized cart is the storage of unnecessary materials, tools, or too many
personal items on the cart. You must remember the cart is not a storage device, but rather a
work tool.
It is amazing the amount of space available on a cart once it is organized. One way to maximize
the cart’s space potential is to put cleaners in 32 oz. spray bottles. (We use 32 oz. spray bottles
that are labeled to conform to our Hazard Communication Program.) Spray bottles tend to take
up less space than cleaners that are kept in their larger sized purchased containers.
Having all the necessary materials, tools, and equipment at your disposal when needed to clean
is another key to saving time. We have about 15 to 20 minutes (or less) to clean a room. If a
tool is forgotten, you will have to stop working to go and get the tool. This fetching method will
waste approximately 8 to 10 minutes of valuable cleaning time. This lost time is over 50% of
the time allotted to clean a room.
In conclusion, the cleaning cart is a valuable tool that, if used properly, can make your job easier
and more manageable. The cart is also a reflection of your professionalism. A well-organized
and maintained cart shows others that you are serious about your job effectiveness.
HARDIN COUNTY
SCHOOLS
CUSTODIAL
HANDBOOK