P2 Business Basics: Basic Operations

Often, we do things a certain way because that's how we learned it. We may not even know why we do it that way. Maybe the real reason for how it was done in the past no longer applies. Every so often it is a good idea to step back and look at how we do even simple tasks in a business. Is there a good reason behind it or is it just a habit?

Train employees about safe handling of materials and wastes.

• Training can improve product quality, employee morale, and reduce waste generation

Procedures for equipment use should be written in simple form and posted for quick reference.

• Plastic lamination can protect instructions
• Instructions should be posted as near to the procedure as possible

Close containers with tight fitting lids and bungs when not in use.

• Reduces evaporation loss
• Reduces chance of spills or contamination with other materials

Use spigots and nozzles for dispensing fluids from bulk containers.

• Provides more precise dispensing and no drips

Require employees to return empty containers before getting new supplies.

• Reduces number of partially full containers in your facility

Only use raw materials for intended use.

• Use the correct and least toxic material for the job

Use funnels for transferring wastes to storage containers.

• Reduces the possibility of spills.

Reuse "used absorbents" to soak up puddles of fluid.

• Reuse partially saturated floor absorbent to cut down on waste. You can collect absorbent in a barrel. Use a coarse screen on top of the barrel to catch nuts and bolts and a fine screen halfway down the barrel to separate fine, partially saturated floor-dry from coarser material. Reusable material collects at the bottom.

Use absorbent pads instead of some other floor absorbent.

• Wring out the pad and recycle the liquid. The pad can be reused
• Hazardous materials should not come in contact with skin; use personal protective equipment
• Do not breathe vapors

Squeegee excess cleaning solutions from parts, drip pans, or floor before cleaning or applying an absorbent material.

• Material can be reused or recycled instead of collected as waste

Moisten rags with a squeeze bottle instead of soaking rags in solvent.

• A little solvent goes a long way; save solvent and money

Collect recyclable or reusable liquids from shop rags.

• Wring out with a hand-operated or mop wringer
• Use separate labeled rag containers for each material. A wire rack in the bottom of each container allows the liquid to drain for reuse or recycling

Collect and clean shop rags through a laundry service for reuse.

• Rags used to clean hazardous materials may need to be treated as hazardous waste
• Contact your commercial launderer to find out what materials they can handle