24 May Floor Buffer Safety

Floor Buffer Safety

Floor buffers, burnishers, scrubbers, and other powered floor-maintenance machines can make cleaning and finishing hard-surface floors more efficient, but improper use can result in slips and falls, chemical exposure, electrical shock, struck-by injuries, and loss of machine control.

Machines vary considerably, including electric corded buffers, battery-powered walk-behind units, propane-powered equipment, and ride-on machines. Employees must be trained on the specific equipment they operate and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Before Operating the Machine

Before using a floor buffer or similar machine:

• Operate the equipment only if you have been trained and authorized.
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions.
• Inspect the machine before each use.
• Make sure guards, handles, switches, and safety devices are installed and operating properly.
• Inspect pads, brushes, and attachments for damage and verify they are properly secured.
• Select the correct pad or brush for the machine, floor surface, and task.
• Remove damaged or malfunctioning equipment from service and report it to your supervisor.
• Inspect the work area for obstacles, stairs, floor openings, electrical hazards, and other conditions that could interfere with safe operation.

Never bypass, disable, or defeat an automatic shutoff, interlock, guard, or other safety device.

Chemical Safety

Floor strippers, cleaners, waxes, and other floor-care products may contain chemicals capable of causing skin, eye, or respiratory irritation or injury.

Before using a chemical:

• Read the container label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
• Follow the manufacturer’s dilution and mixing instructions.
• Never mix incompatible chemicals.
• Use dispensing systems when provided rather than manually pouring concentrated chemicals.
• Wear the PPE specified by the SDS and company procedures.
• Know the location of emergency eyewash or washing facilities when required.
• Immediately clean up or isolate chemical spills according to established procedures.

Never use an unlabeled chemical or transfer chemicals into an unlabeled container.

Personal Protective Equipment

PPE must be selected based on the equipment, chemicals, and work being performed. Appropriate protection may include:

• Slip-resistant footwear.
• Safety glasses.
• Chemical splash goggles when mixing or dispensing chemicals that present a splash hazard.
• Chemical-resistant gloves appropriate for the product being handled.
• Protective clothing or aprons when required.
• Hearing or respiratory protection when identified by the hazard assessment or SDS.

Electrical Safety

Corded floor machines present additional electrical and trip hazards.

• Inspect power cords and plugs before use.
• Do not operate equipment with frayed, cut, crushed, or otherwise damaged cords.
• Never remove or defeat a grounding prong.
• Use GFCI protection where required.
• Keep electrical connections away from water and wet areas.
• Never pull, lift, or carry equipment by the electrical cord.
• Keep the power cord behind and away from the rotating pad or brush.
• Disconnect the machine from its power source before installing, removing, or adjusting pads or brushes and before performing maintenance.

Do not operate electrical equipment in standing water unless the equipment is specifically designed and approved for that application.

Safe Operation

Floor buffers can move suddenly when started, particularly single-disc machines. Maintain control of the equipment at all times.

• Start the machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Maintain a firm, balanced stance and secure grip on the handles.
• Keep both hands available to control the machine when required.
• Do not operate the machine faster than conditions allow.
• Watch for pedestrians, furniture, doors, glass, equipment, and other obstacles.
• Maintain a safe distance from stairs, ramps, loading docks, floor openings, and other changes in elevation.
• Do not leave operating equipment unattended.
• Never allow passengers on equipment unless it is specifically designed for them.

If control of the machine is lost, release the operating controls and allow the machine’s safety system to stop it.

Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls

Floor-maintenance operations frequently create wet or slippery surfaces.

• Schedule work during periods of low pedestrian traffic whenever practical.
• Place appropriate Wet Floor or other warning signs before beginning work.
• Barricade or restrict access when conditions warrant.
• Keep cords, hoses, tools, and supplies out of pedestrian pathways.
• Clean small sections when practical rather than unnecessarily creating large slippery areas.
• Keep entrances and exits accessible.
• Never remove warning signs until the floor is safe for normal pedestrian traffic.

Changing Pads and Performing Maintenance

Before changing a pad, brush, or other attachment:

1. Turn the machine off.
2. Disconnect the electrical plug or otherwise isolate the machine’s energy source.
3. Wait until all moving components have stopped.
4. Follow the manufacturer’s procedures for installing or removing the attachment.

Never reach underneath a machine while a pad or brush is rotating.

Repairs and maintenance should be performed only by employees authorized and qualified to perform the work.

Battery- and Propane-Powered Equipment

Battery-powered equipment must be charged according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Charging should take place in designated areas with appropriate ventilation and protection from ignition sources when required.

Propane-powered floor equipment presents additional hazards from fuel, fire, exhaust gases, and carbon monoxide. Use propane-powered equipment only in locations and under conditions permitted by the manufacturer and company procedures. Adequate ventilation must be maintained, and required atmospheric monitoring must be performed when applicable.

Never operate fuel-powered equipment in an area where exhaust gases could accumulate to hazardous levels.

Storage

After completing the work:

• Turn the machine off.
• Disconnect corded equipment from the power source.
• Store electrical cords loosely to prevent damage.
• Store the machine where it will not obstruct aisles, exits, electrical equipment, or emergency equipment.
• Properly store chemicals and supplies.
• Remove defective equipment from service and clearly identify it as DO NOT USE until repaired.

Remember

A floor buffer is powered equipment, not simply a cleaning tool. Inspect it before use, wear the required PPE, control chemical and electrical hazards, protect others from slippery floors, and maintain control of the machine at all times.