There are many industrial jobs available in Quebec, as the industrial sector plays an important role in the provincial economy.
Industrial cleaning operators, sometimes known as industrial cleaners, play a vital role in supporting industrial operations. Although the profession isn’t well known, the tasks these cleaners perform are essential.
Today, our industrial cleaning company describes everything you need to know about working as an industrial cleaning operator, and what makes this profession especially interesting.
What is an industrial cleaning operator?
An industrial cleaner works on industrial sites like factories, warehouses and production facilities. They implement specific cleaning techniques using industrial cleaning equipment.
Waste, chemicals, hazardous materials and stubborn dirt can make industrial sites difficult to clean. An industrial cleaning operator will use specific equipment and products to meet the challenges of cleaning and disinfecting production sites.
This cleaner’s job is important to industrial plant safety. Their work impacts staff and production efficiency. A dirty industrial site can pose health hazards and lead to interrupted production or even regulatory compliance issues. On the other hand, a clean and well-maintained plant will reduce health risks and improve productivity and at the same time, reduce production costs.
What are the responsibilities of an industrial cleaning operator?
An Industrial Cleaning Operator may do different work depending on the type of site where they work, but in general, their responsibilities include:
- Facility cleaning: Industrial cleaners are responsible for cleaning industrial plants, warehouses, production rooms, etc. This may include floors, walls, ceilings, work surfaces, ventilation ducts and equipment.
- Waste management: An industrial cleaning operator manages site waste collection and disposal, including sorting, storing, handling and disposal according to local and environmental regulations.
- Equipment Maintenance: Industrial cleaners are responsible for the preventive maintenance of cleaning and safety equipment. This can include vacuum cleaners, floor scrubbers, cleaning products, personal protective equipment, ultrasonic cleaners,
- Compliance with safety standards: An industrial cleaning operator must comply with site safety standards, which could include understanding risk management and emergency procedures.
- Environmental Compliance: An industrial cleaner must comply with environmental standards when managing the handling and disposal of hazardous waste. They may also need a knowledge of emissions and discharge regulations, and how to put environmentally friendly practices in place.
- Communication with other team members: An industrial cleaner must communicate regularly with other team members to coordinate site cleanup and maintenance.
What does an industrial cleaning operator do?
An industrial cleaning operator needs to come prepared with a knowledge of what the client needs (specific constraints). Next, they will make sure they have everything necessary to do the job, and finally they will clean the space as quickly and efficiently as possible.
After cleaning, it might also be necessary to collect and transport any waste to an appropriate disposal site.
Cleaning the client’s workspace is not the industrial cleaner’s only responsibility. They must also:
- Make safety their number one priority and respect all plant safety rules
- Participate in daily safety meetings and ensure safety and efficiency at every step
- Fill out documentation (e.g. field risk assessment, inventory of tasks performed and equipment used, etc.)
- Provide excellent customer service by causing as little disruption to the client’s business activities as possible
Industrial cleaning companies have considerable skill and experience. Solutions Trexo has been operating in Quebec since 1987.
What is required to work in industrial cleaning?
While some employers require a high school diploma or GED, generally speaking, no specific degree is necessary to start a career in industrial cleaning.
Certifications or training in skills such as working at great heights, respiratory protection and cleaning equipment use are sometimes required to ensure that the cleaner is able to follow current safety regulations.
Those interested in a career in industrial cleaning must be prepared to travel to clients and be familiar with the necessary heavy equipment. Having a driver’s license and a few years of experience in the field can be a great advantage.
Candidates should enjoy working with their hands as part of a team. They should want a stimulating, unconventional job where they can make a difference and contribute to improving environments.
How to become an industrial cleaner in Quebec
There are two main ways to become an industrial cleaning operator in Quebec:
- By obtaining a Skills Training Certificate for industrial cleaning operators
- By participating in the Workplace Apprenticeship Program(PAMT) offered by Emploi-Québec
Industrial cleaning operator salary
An industrial cleaning operator’s salary depends on their experience, skills and the sector they work in.
According to Talent.com, industrial cleaners in Canada make an average of $43,417 per year, or $22,27 per hour.
At entry level, an industrial cleaning operator will start with a salary of around $40,000 per year, while someone with many years of experience will make up to $50,000 per year.
What are the skills and competencies needed for this job?
The industrial cleaning trade requires a variety of skills and competencies:
- Knowledge of products and equipment
- Physical ability
- Organizational and planning skills
- Manual skills
- Observation skills
- Communication skills
- Sense of responsibility
- Knowledge of health and safety regulations.
In summary, working as an industrial cleaning operator requires a combination of technical, physical and social skills which will allow you to work safely and effectively in industrial environments.
Contact Trexo to learn more about industrial cleaning
An industrial cleaning operator plays an important role in industry. They need to have specific skills and demonstrate good attention to detail to be able to create a clean, healthy and safe work environment. If you’re interested, there are training and certification programs that can teach you what you need to know to join this trade.
At Trexo, we are proud of our skilled and experienced team of industrial cleaners. The mission of our company is to provide superior cleaning services, and we’re always seeking motivated and qualified individuals to join our team.
If you would like to join a dynamic and committed company in the industrial cleaning industry, go ahead and apply today. At Trexo, we offer exciting career opportunities, ongoing training, and a challenging work environment so you can succeed and grow in your career.