P2 Business Basics: Good Housekeeping

Good housekeeping is always the first step for efficient operations. Is your business "house" in order? Most of these strategies can be applied by a wide range of business sectors. More specific information may be provided under Business Sectors.

All storage areas and work areas should be kept clean and well organized.

• Reduces the chance for accidents
• Time is not wasted searching for materials and tools
• Dollars are not wasted purchasing duplicates
• Spills and leaks are more noticeable and can be addressed quickly before they get out of hand

All containers should be properly sealed.

• Reduces evaporation or deterioration of product
• Reduces air emissions
• Reduces potential for worker injury
• In the case of flammables, reduces the potential for fire

All containers should be properly labeled.

• Reduces the chance of using the wrong material
• Reduces hazardous waste generation by preventing accidental mixtures
• Labeling is a regulatory requirement for hazardous materials and waste

Use drip pans and splashguards.

• Reduces potential for worker injury
• Saves time spent on cleanup

Keep track of where spills have occurred.

• Identify areas of frequent spills to determine why and how to avoid future spills
• Reduces potential for worker injury
• Reduces loss of materials
• Saves time spent on cleanup

Use absorbents to clean up minor fluid leaks and spills.

• Reduces potential for injury
• Absorbent can be reused until it no longer absorbs
• Absorbent used on spills of hazardous materials should be disposed of as hazardous waste