Why is my vacuum losing suction power?
The environmental and system variables that could affect actual results include the condition of the motor’s carbon brushes, how enclosed the airflow path is (such as secure lid latches), any possible airflow restrictions such as stuck debris through the air path or a “loaded” filter bag- meaning the walls are full of fine dust even though the bag itself looks much less than full of debris, etc.
Can I vacuum a wet rug or suck up water with my vacuum?
NO!
A vacuum cleaner will suck up any particle near its nozzle, including water particles. The problem is that most vacuums are not made to hold water. That means the water can leak into the electrical section, shorting out the motor or causing a fire.
Should I wear gloves when cleaning?
Yes.
It is common knowledge that hands are the primary means of spreading germs. Frequent hand washing has been promoted universally by public health officials for many years; however, the importance of using gloves as an infection control tool goes along with hand washing. Hands are kept cleaner and do not spread harmful organisms nearly as often when protected by a glove barrier.
Gloves should be worn by all janitorial workers when cleaning and handling chemicals. OSHA requires that gloves be worn when using almost every commercial chemical. Certainly, this is a good practice from a worker safety perspective but it is equally important regarding infection control.
Should I put wet floor signs out even when customers are not in the building?
Yes.
Wet floor signs are used to notify and/or remind people of slip and fall hazards in the immediate area. These hazards include the presence of liquid or other slippery substance on the walking surface as a result of routine cleaning, accidental spills, product leaks, or the presence of inclement weather conditions. Proper use of wet floor signs clearly communicates the hazard and reduces the potential for slips and falls.