Lockout Tagout
There are many facets to a clean, safe and productive environment. Boar’s Head, once a purveyor of fine delicatessen meats and since 1905 , has closed its Jarratt, Virginia plant due to a listeria outbreak. While the workers are represented by United Food and Commercial Workers Local 400 Union, the closure is indefinite. Boar’s Head did take corrective actions; inspectors documented flies “going in and out” of pickle vats and “black patches of mold” on a ceiling. One inspector detailed blood puddled on the floor and “a rancid smell in the cooler.” Also noted: liquid dripping from ceilings, and meat and fat residue on walls, floors, and equipment. Willing labor is hard to find. AI can never, ever do this job.
From food production plants and escalator cleaning; anything to “control hazardous energy” , Lockout & Tagout procedures are set by OSHA.
Routine cleaning & maintenance is the cornerstone of any successful company.
In popular culture, McDonalds gets dragged relentlessly for their ice cream machines breaking down. Searching the Internet, you can easily find a map that will tell you where the broken McMachines are. The manufacturer of these ice cream machines, Taylor Company performs maintenance beyond routine. McDonald’s employees cannot perform such maintenance. And if Taylor Company has a backlog, your choice dessert may be delayed.
While waiting for my lunch order at a popular chicken franchise, I had some down time while waiting for my own food. It wasn’t as much people watching as noticing the common issues even the most successful franchises have. Looking up at the ceiling, I noticed the hvac grill covers that are routinely cleaned and were in need of servicing because of dust buildup. I wondered if they had a system in place or if this is cleaned as needed. Many venture capitalists gobble up older, aching companies and inherit their maintenance woes. But this chicken restaurant isn’t Staples, yet.
Commercial & residential cleaning operators as well as property managers can call upon me to discuss your own issues regarding cleaning & maintenance.
