Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Industrial Cleaner

🎯 Role Definition

As an Industrial Cleaner, you are the backbone of our facility's safety and operational integrity. This is more than a janitorial role; you will be responsible for executing comprehensive cleaning protocols on heavy industrial machinery, within production zones, and across our entire plant. You'll operate specialized equipment and handle industrial-grade cleaning agents to mitigate hazards, prevent cross-contamination, and ensure our workspace meets and exceeds all regulatory standards. Your work directly contributes to a safer environment for all team members and the seamless flow of our production processes.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer
Custodian / Janitor
Warehouse Associate

Advancement To:

Cleaning Team Lead / Supervisor
Facilities Maintenance Technician
Safety Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

Sanitation Technician
Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate heavy-duty industrial cleaning equipment, including high-pressure washers, ride-on floor scrubbers, vacuum systems, and steam cleaners, to maintain plant floors and production areas.
Execute detailed cleaning and sanitation of complex production machinery and equipment to prevent product contamination and support preventative maintenance schedules.
Safely handle, mix, and apply industrial-grade cleaning chemicals and solvents, strictly adhering to Safety Data Sheet (SDS) guidelines and company safety protocols.
Perform comprehensive cleaning of facility infrastructure, including walls, ceilings, structural beams, ventilation systems, and overhead pipes, often requiring work at heights.
Manage the collection, segregation, and proper disposal of industrial waste, recyclables, and hazardous materials in compliance with EPA and OSHA regulations.
Execute established Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures before cleaning, servicing, or accessing any machinery to ensure a zero-energy state and prevent accidental startups.
Respond to and clean up chemical, oil, and other material spills promptly and safely, using appropriate containment and absorption materials.
Work within confined spaces, such as tanks, vessels, and pits, utilizing all required permits, safety equipment (e.g., harnesses, air monitors), and procedures.
Perform physically demanding tasks, including manual scrubbing, shoveling, and lifting, for extended periods in various environmental conditions (heat, cold, humidity).
Conduct routine inspections of work areas to identify potential safety hazards and ensure all cleaning tasks meet stringent quality and regulatory standards.
Disassemble and reassemble machine parts and guards as necessary to facilitate deep cleaning and sanitation, using basic hand and power tools.
Maintain meticulous records and logs of all cleaning activities, completed work orders, and chemical usage for compliance and reporting purposes.
Clean and sanitize restrooms, breakrooms, and other common areas within the industrial facility to ensure a hygienic environment for all employees.
Strip, seal, wax, and polish various types of industrial flooring to protect surfaces and maintain a professional appearance.
Follow precise cleaning schedules and checklists to ensure all designated areas and equipment are addressed systematically and on time.

Secondary Functions

Collaborate closely with production, maintenance, and safety teams to coordinate cleaning schedules that minimize operational downtime.
Assist the maintenance team with minor, non-technical tasks and facility upkeep as needed during scheduled shutdowns or lulls in cleaning activity.
Monitor and manage inventory levels of cleaning supplies, chemicals, and personal protective equipment (PPE), submitting reorder requests to the supervisor.
Participate actively in all safety training sessions, team meetings, and continuous improvement initiatives related to facility cleanliness and safety.
Report any identified equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, or facility damage to the appropriate supervisor or maintenance personnel immediately.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficiency in operating industrial cleaning equipment such as pressure washers, steam cleaners, and commercial floor scrubbers.
Strong knowledge of chemical safety, including the ability to read and interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and properly mix/handle cleaning agents.
Understanding and practical application of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures for equipment safety.
Experience with specialized cleaning techniques for industrial machinery and production environments.
Ability to operate aerial lifts (scissor lifts, boom lifts) and forklifts (certification is a major plus).
Familiarity with OSHA standards and general industrial safety protocols.

Soft Skills

Exceptional attention to detail to ensure thoroughness and adherence to quality standards.
High degree of physical stamina and strength to perform demanding tasks for full shifts.
Unwavering commitment to safety and a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating hazards.
Strong time management and organizational skills to complete tasks efficiently according to a schedule.
Problem-solving ability to address unexpected cleaning challenges or spills effectively.
Reliability and a strong work ethic, with a proven track record of punctuality and attendance.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate in Industrial Maintenance or a related safety certification (e.g., OSHA 10/30).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Industrial Maintenance
Workplace Safety

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years

Preferred: At least 1 year of proven experience as a cleaner or laborer in a manufacturing, industrial, or heavy construction setting is highly preferred. Experience handling chemicals and working with LOTO procedures is a significant asset.