Prevention in cleaning and maintenance: real risks and essential PPE you cannot ignore

Prevention in cleaning and maintenance: real risks and essential PPE you cannot ignore

Industrial cleaning and urban maintenance remain two of the most overlooked activities when it comes to occupational risk prevention.

They are often perceived as ‘simple’ jobs, when in reality they involve constant exposure to physical, chemical and ergonomic risks.

This lack of risk awareness is, precisely, one of the biggest problems. These are not jobs that are dangerous only at specific moments, but tasks where risks are present throughout the entire working day.

Real risks in cleaning and maintenance

These are the main risks that recur on a daily basis:

  • Slips and trips: wet, greasy or dirty surfaces make the floor one of the main causes of accidents.
  • Exposure to chemicals: detergents, disinfectants or degreasers can cause irritation, burns or respiratory problems.
  • Cuts and blows: handling waste, tools or street furniture.
  • Overexertion and repetitive movements: particularly in continuous tasks such as sweeping, scrubbing or loading materials.
  • Risks on public roads: traffic, machinery or interaction with pedestrians during urban work.

These are not exceptional risks: they are constant.

Essential PPE: real protection, not just theory

The use of personal protective equipment is not optional if you want to work in complete safety:

  • Non-slip footwear
    This is the most critical piece of equipment. It directly reduces the risk of falls on wet or contaminated surfaces. Not just any sole will do: it must be specifically designed for this type of environment and comply with current regulations.
  • Chemical-resistant gloves
    They protect against irritation and the absorption of substances. It is important to choose the right material depending on the type of product used.
  • Safety goggles
    They prevent splashes in the eyes when handling liquids or spraying.
  • Face masks or respiratory protection
    Essential when working with volatile products or in poorly ventilated areas.
  • High-visibility clothing
    Essential for urban maintenance or outdoor work, where visibility reduces the risk of being hit by vehicles.

A common mistake is to use PPE only partially or incorrectly. Protection is only effective if it is comprehensive and appropriate to the risk.

Common mistakes that increase the risk

In this sector, many accidents are not due to complex situations, but to basic errors:

  • Wearing non-professional or worn-out footwear
  • Failing to replace damaged gloves
  • Mixing incompatible chemicals
  • Failing to mark wet or slippery areas
  • Working in a hurry, without following procedures

These mistakes, repeated on a daily basis, ultimately lead to avoidable incidents.

Quick safety checklist

BEFORE YOU START
☐ Full PPE in good condition
☐ Products identified
☐ Area assessed

WHILE WORKING
☐ Visible signage
☐ Correct use of PPE
☐ Attention to surfaces and surroundings

WHEN FINISHED
☐ Cleaning of equipment
☐ Review of incidents
☐ Safe storage of products

Cleaning and maintenance are not minor tasks from a preventative perspective. They are technical activities that require constant attention, suitable equipment and clear procedures.

Professionalising safety in this sector not only reduces accidents, but also dignifies the work and improves its efficiency.