Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Equipment Cleaner

🎯 Role Definition

Join our dedicated team as an Equipment Cleaner, a critical role responsible for the sanitation and operational readiness of our state-of-the-art production equipment. We're looking for a meticulous and proactive individual who understands that cleanliness is the foundation of quality and safety in a manufacturing environment. You will be a key player in preventing cross-contamination, ensuring compliance with industry regulations, and maximizing our operational uptime. This position requires a hands-on approach, a strong work ethic, and an unwavering commitment to following safety and sanitation protocols. If you take pride in your work and want to be part of a company that values excellence, this is the opportunity for you.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer
Production Associate / Operator
Janitor / Custodian

Advancement To:

Sanitation Lead / Supervisor
Quality Assurance (QA) Technician
Maintenance Technician

Lateral Moves:

Production Operator
Warehouse Associate

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Meticulously disassemble complex production machinery and equipment components following detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for thorough cleaning.
Operate high-pressure washers, steam cleaners, automated floor scrubbers, and other industrial cleaning equipment to remove tough residues and contaminants.
Accurately mix and prepare cleaning and sanitizing chemical solutions according to manufacturer specifications and company safety guidelines.
Thoroughly clean and sanitize all surfaces of production equipment, including hard-to-reach areas, to eliminate bacteria, allergens, and other contaminants.
Carefully reassemble production equipment after cleaning, ensuring all parts are correctly installed and functional for the next production run.
Conduct pre-operational inspections and swabbing on cleaned equipment to verify sanitation effectiveness and ensure readiness for production.
Adhere strictly to all safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, when working with and around machinery to prevent accidents.
Wear and maintain all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as gloves, safety glasses, and chemical-resistant aprons, at all times.
Document all cleaning activities, including dates, times, equipment cleaned, and chemicals used, in sanitation logs for compliance and traceability.
Properly handle and dispose of waste materials, including chemical waste and production byproducts, in accordance with environmental and safety regulations.
Perform routine cleaning of the general production area, including floors, walls, and drains, to maintain a GMP-compliant environment.
Identify and report any equipment malfunctions, maintenance needs, or potential safety hazards to the shift supervisor or maintenance department immediately.
Manage and maintain an inventory of cleaning supplies and chemicals, notifying a supervisor when stock levels are low to ensure continuous availability.
Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP, and other food safety or industry-specific quality guidelines to ensure product integrity.
Collaborate with the production and quality assurance teams to coordinate cleaning schedules and minimize operational downtime.
Troubleshoot minor issues with cleaning equipment and perform basic preventative maintenance to keep them in good working order.
Participate in ongoing safety and chemical handling training sessions to stay current with best practices and company policies.
Utilize wet and dry vacuum systems to clean up spills and remove debris from equipment and surrounding work areas efficiently.
Scrape, scrub, and polish machine components using a variety of hand tools to remove baked-on or stubborn product residue.
Assist in period-end deep cleaning activities that require extensive teardown and sanitation of the entire production line or facility.

Secondary Functions

Support maintenance technicians with basic preventative maintenance tasks during equipment downtime.
Assist in the training and onboarding of new sanitation team members on proper cleaning procedures and safety protocols.
Participate actively in team meetings and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives related to sanitation efficiency and safety.
Maintain cleanliness and organization in sanitation closets and chemical storage areas.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Chemical Handling: Knowledge of safely mixing, using, and storing industrial cleaning chemicals, including reading Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating industrial cleaning equipment such as pressure washers, foamers, and floor scrubbers.
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO): Understanding and practical application of LOTO procedures for equipment safety.
Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to disassemble and reassemble complex machinery using basic hand and power tools.
Sanitation Procedures (SOPs): Ability to read, understand, and strictly follow detailed written instructions and procedural documents.
Knowledge of GMP/HACCP: Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices and other industry-specific quality and safety standards.
Documentation: Experience with accurately completing sanitation logs and other required paperwork.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Extremely meticulous and thorough in all cleaning tasks to ensure the highest standards of sanitation.
Time Management: Ability to work efficiently and manage time effectively to meet tight cleaning schedules between production shifts.
Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying and reporting issues with equipment or processes.
Physical Stamina: Capable of standing for long periods, lifting heavy objects (up to 50 lbs), and performing physically demanding tasks.
Reliability & Dependability: Strong work ethic with a commitment to punctuality and consistent performance.
Teamwork & Communication: Ability to work well with others and communicate clearly with supervisors and team members.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational training certificate in sanitation, industrial maintenance, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Food Safety
Industrial Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience in a sanitation or industrial cleaning role.

Preferred:

Previous experience in a food and beverage manufacturing, pharmaceutical, or other regulated production environment is highly preferred.
Experience working a night shift (sanitation is often performed overnight) is a plus.