A lot of work goes into keeping a job site clean during all phases of construction. Construction site cleanup is an ongoing process that occurs during new construction and renovations, and it also refers to post-construction cleanup when the job is complete.
During construction, the focus should be on keeping your workplace clean so that it’s safe and efficient. After the project is complete, post-construction site cleanup involves detailed cleaning of the interior and exterior of the building. The following seven tips will assist you no matter your project’s construction stage.
1. Safety First
Construction is one of the most dangerous jobs, and keeping your job site clean during construction is an important way to avoid accidents and injuries. When construction debris is allowed to pile up, it can become a tripping hazard and make it hard to maneuver machinery and supplies in the work area. Everyone visiting your construction site, including employees, will feel safer when it is kept clean.
If you’re working on the post-construction cleanup, ensure that your team works with adequate personal protective equipment (PPE).
2. Keep the Area Clean and Clear
During construction, keep work areas clean and clear. It will be safer and easier to manage if you stay on top of the cleaning. In addition, your employees will respect the work area and equipment more, which can even boost employee morale.
You should clean spills and remove sharp objects immediately. Set aside time at the end of each day to clear the trash and remove unused items and equipment. You should also focus on keeping all ingress and egress points clear.
3. Organize and Plan
In construction, everything happens by design. Especially when it comes to large, busy job sites with many people, having a plan is critical for achieving the desired result.
If you want a safe and efficient work area, you must organize and plan for proper waste removal. Have the right tools, equipment, supplies, and systems in place to make construction site cleanup a priority. Everyone, from clients to employees, will expect a clean job site from your company if you make it a priority.
Post-construction job site cleaning requires planning and organization. Generally, it is planned around three phases that start with a rough clean. During the rough cleanup, all waste is removed from the job site, inside and out. Then, you move to detailed interior cleaning and follow that with thorough exterior cleaning.
4. Utilize Self-Dumping Hoppers
Self-dumping hoppers make construction site cleanup easier during all phases of construction. Self-dumping hoppers can be located directly in the work area, making it easy to dispose of waste as you are working. You can move them easily with forklifts or skid steers, and they are engineered to maximize efficiency in crowded workspaces.
There are many shapes, sizes, and types of self-dumping hoppers. For example, use low profile hoppers designed to fit underneath workbenches at table-saw cutting stations or use a sawdust hopper to provide an air-tight hopper for sawdust removal. Hoppers are also handy for creating a dedicated scrap location.
5. Use Chutes for Debris Disposal
Chutes are tubes designed to quickly and efficiently transport debris and waste from higher floors to a dumpster at ground level. They are designed for easy assembly and are excellent for roof work and demolition. Chutes can be made of plastic or metal and can even be used on small buildings.
6. Focus on Dust Control
There are several ways to control dust at a construction site. Depending on what type of construction you are doing, you can employ more than one of these methods to reduce dust as much as possible.
- Isolate your work area with a dust containment kit
- Seal off ducts
- Cover furniture and surfaces
- Use sticky floor mats
- Use water misters or sprinklers
- Cover exposed soil
- Install vacuum systems or create a vacuum space
- Used compressed air to blow dust out
Also, don’t forget to wear PPE in dusty conditions to protect your eyes, nose, lungs, and skin.
7. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Purchase materials in bulk to reduce waste, and try to source products with minimal packaging. Less packaging means less waste, which saves you money on waste disposal.
Communicate your plan to avoid overconsumption of materials to your employees and encourage them to reuse scraps. Also, utilize dedicated dumpsters for recycling construction materials. Dedicated dumpsters with separated waste can save you money, and the waste management facilities in your area might also require them.
Conclusion
Construction site cleanup is an integral part of the construction process and shouldn’t be overlooked. To ensure a safe and efficient job site on new construction and renovations, plan ahead and have the right tools and equipment in place to make cleanup easier.
Safety should always come first; if you prioritize a clean work environment, you’ll send a strong message about safety at your job sites. Follow these tips to help maintain a clean and organized job site throughout the construction process.
