The Do’s and Don’ts When Hiring a Critical Space Cleaning Provider
Selecting the right critical space cleaning provider is, well, critical. Choose wisely, and you’ll prosper. Choose poorly, and you’ll be dealing with equipment failures, downtime and disruption.
When it comes to hiring a critical space cleaning provider, there are things that facility managers should be doing—and then there are things they absolutely should not be doing. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind as you search for the right critical space cleaning vendor for your facility.
DO hire an experienced and knowledgeable vendor. Carefully review the background and expertise of potential vendors. Do they have specialized experience and OSHA 10, OHSA 30, confined space and NFPA 70E training? Are they third-party validated? The absence of these should raise red flags.
Remember, not all training is the same. Dealing with things like static electricity and sensitive equipment or removing micron-level contaminants demands specialized knowledge. Make sure your vendor has it.
DON’T hire a company that is not established in the industry. Not all cleaning companies are the same. If a vendor doesn’t have a track record in critical space cleaning, they are not going to be up to the task. You need someone who knows the industry—and its demanding nature—inside out.
DO hire a company with proactive safety processes. Look for a vendor that has a proven focus on safety. An impeccable safety record is a good indicator of investment in training and accreditations (not to mention ability).
A vendor’s methods of procedures (MOPs) and work processes can tell you a lot about their commitment to safety. Examine them to ensure they are safety-compliant and account for potential hazards inside your facilities. Where they seem unclear, don’t hesitate to ask questions and hold vendor management accountable. It’s in your interest.
DON’T hire a company without a solid safety track record. A lower experience modification rating (EMR) means a better record on worker safety. A higher one means the vendor has had more incidents in the past. That could indicate a poor attitude toward safety and an increased likelihood of having an accident on your premises.
DO hire a company that values its employees. High turnover rates often result in decreased efficiency and increased safety incidents. Conversely, companies whose employees remain with them for many years tend to have a stronger, more committed team.
Good people are hard to find and harder to keep. Seek out a vendor who provides competitive wages and benefits. When you do, you’ll also find happier employees, lower turnover, and consistent staffing and service.
DON’T hire a company that uses temporary labor. The use of temporary labor often indicates lower cleaning standards. Look for a vendor with a permanent field team to give yourself more assurance you’ll have experienced and dedicated people cleaning your critical space.
APEX Group has been providing critical space cleaning via a dedicated service team for more than a decade. If you need advice on cleaning your critical space, we’re here to help. We offer free consultations during which our experts will examine your facility’s unique needs, determine the frequency and type of care needed, and suggest the right people, processes and technology you should be using to maintain your critical space at the level you need. Schedule your free consultation today!