1. WET WORK SAFETY TRAINING
Performing floor stripping operations safely

2. Overview
Floor stripping or “Wet Work” operations present an assortment of safety challenges. Understanding the hazards and the correct preventative measures are the key to working safely. We will discuss & review the following:
Wet work hazards
Equipment hazards
Concern for the customer
Preventative measures including:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
START Right initiatives
Three points of contact
Establishing your circle of safety
Accident reporting

3. Wet Work Hazards
Slip and Fall accidents are the most common safety incidents associated with Wet Work. The solution used to remove the wax build up causes a very slick work surface – always wear slip resistant boots for wet work
Splash and spill concerns are also present when performing Wet Work. Whether mixing or disposing of chemicals, splash and spill incidents pose a risk to the employee – always wear safety glasses/goggles and rubber gloves when handling chemicals
Improper lifting may also lead to injuries or accidents. Incorrectly lifting heavy containers or mix solutions can cause serious injury – always lift safely with your legs, not your back

4. Preventing Slip & Fall Hazards
Always watch where you are walking and wear appropriate footwear (slip resistant boots for wet work)
Maintain good housekeeping – clean-up all spills immediately
Place at least 2 warning signs by wet floors
Mark spills and wet areas with warning sign and barricades
Remove obstacles from aisles & stairs and always keep them free of clutter
Cover cords and cables that cross walkways
Keep working areas and walkways well lit
Do not hurry or rush - take your time and pay attention to where you are going (watch where walking)
Make sure you can see over any load you are carrying
Always hold onto the handrail when using stairs

5. Preventing Splash and Spill Hazards
Be sure that you know exactly what chemicals to use for each task, and how to use them safely
Be familiar with the location and content of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Always wear the appropriate PPE (gloves, safety glasses, splash goggles, slip resistant boots for wet work, etc)
Make sure all PPE is maintained in good and sanitary condition – get replacement PPE from your supervisor as needed
Make sure all containers are properly labeled
Strictly follow manufactures guidelines when diluting products – always add chemical to water, not water to chemical (splash)
DO NOT mix chemicals
DO NOT bring chemicals from home
DO NOT store or consume food or beverages near chemicals
Properly store all chemicals
Wash hands after using chemicals & before eating, drinking, smoking
Address all spills immediately & report to your supervisor

6. Preventing Lifting Hazards
When Filling:
DO NOT attempt to lift heavy/full bucket, use a hose or a smaller container to add water to the bucket
DO NOT overfill the bucket with water / washcloths / sponges
When Lifting:
Use two hands to grasp opposite sides of the rim of the bucket to stabilize your body
Keep your back straight, (don’t stoop) bend your knees, and use grips that allow your elbows to remain at or near your sides (lift with your legs)
When Carrying:
Increase the diameter of the handle by adding padding, attaching a thicker handle, and/or wearing gloves
Distribute weight evenly by dividing the contents equally into 2 buckets
When Emptying:
Use floor drains if available or use smaller container to remove some of the water before emptying
Lift the bucket from the cart to the edge of the sink, supporting the weight on the sink as you empty it
ALWAYS use good body mechanics – lift with your legs, not your back

7. Specific Equipment Hazards
Always remain aware of the hazards associated with each piece of equipment and never operate equipment that you are not trained and authorized to use.
Lacerations
Changing brushes or squeegees on auto scrubbers
Handling or changing blades on scrapers
Pinch Points/Crush Points
Operating the auto scrubber (especially through doorways)
Moving store displays or other items
Storage Concerns
Falling items such as chemicals, ladders, and tools
Trip hazards for equipment not stored correctly

8. Preventing Equipment Hazards
Always handle all tools and equipment with caution
DO NOT engage in any horseplay or “at risk” behavior
Always wear ALL required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Wear proper fitting clothing and avoid loose articles such as jewelry, untied shoe laces (entanglement or trip hazards)
Ensure that all cords are covered and kept away from ALL work areas
Maintain a safe distance from equipment to eliminate pinch points and entanglements
Always use both hands when operating tools and equipment
Wear gloves whenever required to prevent cuts
Dispose of all damaged/replaced equipment such as blades properly
Store all tools and equipment properly to avoid slip/trip hazards

9. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Make sure you know what PPE is required for which tasks. Always where required PPE – it is mandatory for your safety.
Failure to wear or utilize required PPE can result in injury, as well as disciplinary action
Check that you have all required PPE, BEFORE starting any task
All PPE must be maintained in sanitary condition, fit comfortably, and be inspected prior to each use. For example - check rubber gloves for cracks, holes, cuts, or other signs of damage.
Report missing or damaged PPE to your supervisor immediately

10. PPE Requirements
Handling Electrolytes / Battery Acid
General Cleaning
(Wet Work)
Mixing Chemicals

11. S.T.A.R.T. Right…™ – Wet Work
By following the S.T.A.R.T. Right principles outlined below, you can prevent injury and accidents
S.T.A.R.T. – Always follow the START Right principles before beginning a task or handling equipment:
Stop – and ask yourself: Are all the tools and equipment I need available and in good working order?
Think – of the risks you will face when filling, lifting, carrying, and emptying buckets.
Assess – the hazards and how to prevent, minimize, or protect yourself.
Review – your work plan with all co-workers for clear understanding.
Talk – communicate to be sure everyone on the crew understands exactly what needs to be done.

12. General Safety Practices
Engage your brain. The majority of all accidents and injuries are caused by the employee not paying attention or not thinking through a task before starting – always think “what could happen?”
Remain alert at all times. Walking on a floor undergoing wet work operations requires caution and concentration at all times. Strive to avoid walking through wet areas as much as possible.
Maintain Three Points of Contact – In addition to always keeping both feet on the floor, balance is greatly improved by employing the tools and equipment you use to establish a third point of contact
Maintain a Circle of Safety – Ensure that your work area is clear of other employees. Working in close proximity to others can lead to accidents.
Never begin wet work tasks without the required PPE
Block off the wet work areas at least three feet BEYOND the area to be addressed. This prevents customers from entering the area and being exposed to potential injury.

13. Safety Reporting and Documentation
Notify your supervisor immediately if you are involved in an accident or become injured (regardless of severity)
DO NOT delay notification until a later date
Supervisors must complete and submit a Supervisor Incident Investigation Report (SIIR) within 24 hours of the incident or injury to their Regional Manager
If the injury is serious or life threatening, call 911 immediately (and notify supervisor ASAP)
Ensure that all chemicals used are documented in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) binder
Ensure that an updated Clinic Care list is included in the MSDS binder

14. QUESTIONS?
Remember:
Always Work SAFE - No injuries to anyone, anytime!