Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Equipment Washer

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a hands-on individual with a keen eye for detail? We're looking for a dedicated Equipment Washer to become a vital part of our operational core. In this role, you will be the backbone of our production and maintenance efforts, responsible for the meticulous cleaning, sanitization, and preparation of a wide range of industrial equipment. You will ensure that all machinery is free from contaminants and ready for safe, efficient operation. This position is perfect for someone who takes pride in their work and understands that cleanliness and safety are the cornerstones of a successful operation. Your efforts will directly impact our compliance with safety regulations and our ability to deliver high-quality products.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer or Warehouse Associate
Dishwasher or Kitchen Porter (in food service)
No prior experience, with a strong work ethic and willingness to learn

Advancement To:

Lead Sanitation Technician or Wash Bay Lead
Maintenance Technician Assistant
Quality Assurance (QA) Technician

Lateral Moves:

Production Line Operator
Facilities Maintenance Worker

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate high-pressure washers, steam cleaners, foamers, and automated cleaning systems (CIP/COP) to thoroughly clean and sanitize industrial machinery, parts, and processing equipment.
Disassemble complex machinery and equipment components prior to cleaning and accurately reassemble them upon completion, ensuring full functionality.
Meticulously scrub, scrape, and rinse equipment surfaces to remove residues, product buildup, grease, and other contaminants.
Handle, measure, and mix industrial-strength cleaning and sanitizing chemicals in strict accordance with Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and company protocols.
Adhere to all established Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), and sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOPs).
Perform visual inspections and quality checks on cleaned equipment to ensure it meets or exceeds established cleanliness standards before releasing it back to production.
Document all cleaning activities, chemical usage, and inspection results accurately and consistently in daily logs, checklists, or digital systems.
Follow all safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), when working with machinery to prevent accidental startups.
Wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as waterproof gear, safety glasses, gloves, and non-slip footwear, at all times.
Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and safety of the designated wash bays, cleaning stations, and chemical storage areas.
Transport heavy equipment and parts to and from the wash area using pallet jacks, carts, or other material handling equipment.
Identify and report any equipment damage, malfunctions, or maintenance needs discovered during the cleaning process to the shift supervisor or maintenance department.
Manage the inventory of cleaning supplies, chemicals, and tools, notifying a supervisor when stock levels are low to ensure continuous operation.
Perform environmental sanitation duties, including cleaning floors, walls, and drains within the production and wash areas.
Assist in periodic deep-cleaning projects and shutdown sanitation efforts as scheduled by management.
Collaborate effectively with maintenance and production teams to coordinate equipment availability and minimize operational downtime.
Conduct pre-operational swabs and tests to verify sanitation effectiveness as required by the quality assurance team.
Safely operate floor scrubbers and other janitorial equipment to maintain the overall facility hygiene.
Dispose of waste materials and wastewater in accordance with environmental regulations and company policies.
Participate actively in safety meetings, training sessions, and continuous improvement initiatives related to sanitation and operational efficiency.

Secondary Functions

Provide support to the maintenance team by assisting with minor preventative maintenance tasks like lubrication or filter changes.
Assist in organizing and maintaining the tool and parts storage areas.
Support production or warehouse teams with general labor tasks during periods of high demand or when primary duties are complete.
Participate in team problem-solving sessions to identify root causes of recurring sanitation challenges.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient in the operation of industrial cleaning equipment, including high-pressure power washers, steam cleaners, and automated wash systems.
Strong knowledge of chemical handling safety, including the ability to read and interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
Understanding of sanitation principles and procedures, especially within a manufacturing, food processing, or industrial environment.
Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and other regulatory compliance standards.
Familiarity with Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) safety procedures for machinery.
Mechanical aptitude for disassembling and reassembling equipment correctly.
Ability to perform basic quality inspection to verify cleanliness.
Experience with material handling equipment such as pallet jacks and forklifts is a plus.
Basic record-keeping and documentation skills for logging cleaning activities.
Ability to read and interpret technical manuals and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Soft Skills

Exceptional Attention to Detail: A meticulous nature is essential for ensuring no spot is missed.
Strong Work Ethic: Reliable, punctual, and committed to completing tasks thoroughly.
Time Management: Ability to work efficiently to meet tight turnaround schedules without compromising quality.
Physical Stamina: Capable of standing for long periods, lifting heavy objects (up to 50 lbs), and working in wet or humid conditions.
Problem-Solving: Ability to identify issues with equipment or processes and suggest improvements.
Teamwork and Communication: Works well with supervisors and peers in production and maintenance.
Safety Conscious: Prioritizes a safe work environment for oneself and colleagues.
Adaptability: Flexible to work in various conditions and handle changing priorities.
Ability to Follow Instructions: Can precisely follow verbal and written directions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate in industrial maintenance or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

N/A
Industrial Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0 - 3 years of experience in a related role.

Preferred:

1+ year of experience in a sanitation, industrial cleaning, or production role within a manufacturing, food processing, or heavy equipment environment.
Direct experience working with GMP, HACCP, or other regulated industry standards is highly desirable.