Sanitation workers in this unit group clean production areas, machines, and equipment in food processing facilities. They tend to be employed in larger companies where production quotas warrant designated sanitation workers. While many sanitation workers need to be able to use computers and take significant training to be able to maintain a plant's cleanliness, the job remains a very physically demanding occupation.

• decision making/problem solving.
• scheduling and planning.
• document use.

The typical text reading tasks of sanitation workers are at Complexity Level 1 and 2. Their most complex text reading tasks are at Complexity Level 3.

Sanitation workers:

• read labels on chemicals and cleaning agents to learn about their use. They may also refer to labels for first aid instructions or to refresh their memory about mixing instructions. (1)
• read clean-up plans so they can organize their work plan. (1)
• read notices on the bulletin board that inform them of events, meeting minutes, or changes. On average, this means reading 2-3 new pages per week. (1)
• may read answers to questions they have asked in their log book. (1)
• read cleaning "worksheets" or "procedures" to learn how to clean a machine or disassemble it for cleaning. These procedure sheets may also be used to refresh the memory as to frequency or method of cleaning and any equipment or materials necessary to do the cleaning. (2)
• read MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) to learn about the chemicals they will have to use. Material Safety Data Sheets vary in length from 1-4 pages. (3)
• may read reference or training manuals to learn the cleaning procedure for a new machine or to remind them of the same. These manuals could refer to such things as the administration of concentration tests (e.g. pH-strip tests) and the analysis of results, the operation of a forklift, or policies concerning HACCP. (3)

The typical document reading tasks of sanitation workers are at Complexity Levels 1 and 2. Their most complex document reading tasks are at Complexity Level 2.

Sanitation workers:

• read completed forms to learn which areas may need to be cleaned further or better. Forms may be prepared by persons who do the pre-operation checklists or they may be lab reports. (1)
• read warning signs around plant and on equipment. (1)
• may use informal maps or layouts to locate animal traps set around the plant. (1)
• use manufacturers' assembly drawings to disassemble a piece of equipment for cleaning. (2)
• read work schedules (related to manpower) and cleaning schedules. These may be expressed as daily plans or weekly plans. Some sanitation workers will have to use multiple schedules detailing personnel, work areas, cleaning frequencies, and time allotted. (2)
• use charts (supplied by test manufacturer) to interpret such results as a pH test. (2)

Sanitation workers:

• check boxes on a form regarding duties performed and perhaps explain what the problem was if not performed. Could similarly record information in a table regarding temperatures and cleaning concentrations.
• sketch a mechanical problem for maintenance to address.
• enter data (temperatures, progress, status, etc.) on forms according to established procedures. (1)

Sanitation workers:

• read signs, labels or lists.
• complete forms by marking check boxes, recording numerical information or entering words, phrases, sentences or texts of a paragraph or more.
• read completed forms containing check boxes, numerical entries, phrases, addresses, sentences or texts of a paragraph or more.
• read tables, schedules or other table-like text.
• enter information on tables, schedules or other table-like text.
• obtain specific information from graphs or charts.
• read assembly drawings.
• make sketches.
• obtain information from sketches, pictures or icons.

The typical writing tasks of sanitation workers are at Complexity Levels 1 and 2. Their most complex writing tasks are at Complexity Level 3.

Sanitation workers:

• write short notes or memos regarding things observed during their cleaning (e.g. a guard rail is broken) as well as memos to the person in charge of ordering cleaning supplies (e.g. we're low on bleach). (1)
• may inform of problems or request answers via a log book for maintenance or the production manager to read. Such examples are common to night shift workers when they cannot ask the question directly. (2)
• write a short paragraph in an incident report to explain why something happened or to justify why something was not done according to plan/schedule. (infrequent) (3)

The numeracy tasks of sanitation workers involve:

• measurement and calculation math at Complexity Level 1.
• data analysis math at Complexity Level 1.

• numerical estimation at Complexity Levels 1 and 2.

• measure exact quantities of chemical and water. (measurement and calculation) (1)
• may measure temperatures of water to make sure water is sufficiently hot to sanitize. (measurement and calculation) (1)
• may calculate the time spent completing tasks to enter in work log. (measurement and calculation) (1)
• may measure the concentration of cleaning agent (e.g. soap) using a colour-coded strip; then compare the result to guidelines to see if the sample falls within a prescribed range (e.g. reported either as 2-6% or 200 ppm). (data analysis) (1)
• perform rough estimation when assembling non-exacting mixtures (e.g. 3 parts soap to 1 part bleach). (numerical estimation) (1)
• must estimate the times required for various jobs to determine pace of work. Some variables, like broken equipment, short staff, and varying levels of cleanliness impact on time required. (numerical estimation) (2)

a. Mathematical Foundations Used

b. How Calculations Are Performed

• in their head.
• using a pen and paper.
• using a calculator.

c. Measurement Instruments Used

• time - using a watch or clock.
• distance or dimension - using a tape measure.
• liquid volume - using a pre-measured pail.
• temperature - using a probe thermometer.

• the metric measurement system.
• the imperial measurement system.

The typical oral communication tasks of sanitation workers are at Complexity Levels 1 and 2. Their most complex oral communication tasks are at Complexity Level 3.

Sanitation workers:

• listen to instructions on how to clean a new or unfamiliar piece of equipment. (1)
• phone (or radio) maintenance or production manager to report any problem observed. (1)
• monitor their radio for information being passed between other users. (1)
• may be asked by production workers to clean something or empty garbage. Similarly, may receive general work orders or special requests orally. (1)
• communicate with supervisors or co-workers. The worker may report observations, provide suggestions on future cleaning, or ask for advice/help. (1)
• get maintenance staff to make a repair a priority. Maintenance prioritizes all of the requests they receive. If a sanitation worker needs something done in a rush or needs something done to complete an important job, the worker will have to communicate this in a way that animates the maintenance staff to action. (2)
• co-ordinate their work with other sanitation workers. Some machines require two or more workers. Co-ordination is especially important when short-staffed or when an unexpected assignment is introduced to a worker's already full schedule. (2)
• listen to safety instruction from chemical suppliers on the use and safe handling of sanitation and chemical products. (2)
• actively participate in general meetings. They often serve as representatives on safety committees because their work takes them into contact with most of the plant and its operations. (3)

Sanitation workers communicate:

• in person.
• using the telephone.
• using a two-way radio or other such means.

Communication can be affected by a number of factors, depending on the workplace. Noise from production machinery can make communication difficult, especially if ear protection is mandated. In general, the use of high-pressure hoses and other cleaning operations produces additional noise to affect communication. Many sanitation workers will find themselves in isolated conditions where communication may be difficult or impossible (e.g. inside a bread proofer). The wearing of respiratory masks may also make talking difficult. Oral Communication Profile

1. Problem Solving

The typical problem solving tasks of sanitation workers are at Complexity Levels 1 and 2. Their most complex problem solving tasks are at Complexity Level 2.

Sanitation workers may:

• discover that a machine or piece of equipment is broken or in need of repair. The worker will inform a mechanic if a mechanic is available. If a mechanic is not available, the sanitation worker may inform his supervisor or make a note in the log book. (1)
• face unexpected problems such as exceptionally dirty machinery. This requires that they evaluate their work schedule and see where time might be taken to attend to the unexpected need. (2)
• find that a piece of cleaning equipment is not functioning correctly (e.g. a hose or foamer). Workers will evaluate the equipment and see if they can fix it themselves and if this is not possible, they will either get a new piece of equipment or contact maintenance (if available) to fix it. Generally, the problem cannot be ignored or left to another time because sanitation must be completed on schedule and before production is to begin again. If necessary, workers must improvise. (2)
• experience a malfunction with the computer system (PLC - programmable logic controller) in charge of sanitizing "cleaned-in-place" (CIP) equipment. If computer cannot be brought back on line, the equipment must be cleaned manually. This requires manually adding chemicals, timing cycles, monitoring gauges, and starting system up again. (infrequently) (2)

The typical decision making tasks of sanitation workers are at Complexity Levels 1 and 2. Their most complex decision making tasks are at Complexity Level 3.

• decide how much time to spend on a particular task. In making this decision, the worker must weigh a number of factors: time needed for other duties, when equipment will be used again, and "how much cleaning is enough?" (1)
• decide on the severity of a problem. Night shift workers must decide if a problem warrants a phone call to the supervisor/production manager or whether the problem can be dealt with at a later time. (2)
• decide order of cleaning, best way to clean, and most efficient method. For example, they may decide to wash a certain area first since they know that this area will be first in use the next day, and therefore give it the maximum time to dry. They prioritize their tasks. In many cases, a single PLC (programmable logic controller) is used to maintain numerous production lines that must be "cleaned-in-place" (CIP). The worker must decide which lines to clean first since cleaning often requires a shut down of production on that line. The worker must bear in mind the production schedule. (3)

Sanitation workers plan and organize their job tasks at Complexity Level 3.

Most production plants have a prescribed sanitation schedule that specifies the frequency with which things need to be cleaned. In some cases, workers are given a daily/weekly work schedule of cleaning to be performed. Workers often have to revise this schedule since production requirements often change with little notice, machines break down, or other unforeseen changes occur. Workers must determine their own pace - they cannot spend more time to do jobs than is reasonable. Some days machinery is cleaner or dirtier than on other days, so time required for repeated tasks is not consistent. At times like this, workers must be able to prioritize their tasks according to many known factors, though information may have to be obtained to make a decision.

In most cases, sanitation can only happen when production is not occurring in an area. As a result, sanitation must be co-ordinated around production and, if necessary, sanitation workers must decide when the best time is to stop production on a line. In such cases when production is shut down for sanitation, sanitation workers must work within a very tight time schedule so that production is not held up. Because decisions regarding organization have to be made while their work is being performed, and because a sanitation worker generally works individually, a significant amount of judgement is required on an ad hoc basis. Workers are discouraged from going to their supervisors to confirm every organizational decision.

Examples

Sanitation workers:

• remember cleaning schedule for machines.
• remember mixing ratios for chemicals and cleaning agents.
• remember sanitation codes for PLC. Each line, run from the same PLC terminal, has its own code for activation.
• remember the function keys used to activate the PLC sequence which will sanitize the CIP lines. There can be as many as 12 function keys each with 4 sub-functions ("alt," ctrl," "shift," and "function"). Memorization is especially important to workers with poor English abilities and who cannot follow onscreen prompts.
• remember sanitation steps and procedures (including disassembly). Some machines can have as many as 30 steps to be cleaned. Workers must remember to empty outside lines and hoses when outside temperatures get too low.

5. Finding Information

Sanitation workers' tasks that involve finding information are at Complexity Level 1 and 2.

Sanitation workers:

• read the log book for answers to questions. Answers will generally appear chronologically and near to the original question. (1)
• refer to schedules for frequency of cleaning or job assignments. (1)
• phone or radio mechanics to find the location of a piece of equipment. (1)
• refer to policies and manuals to refresh their memories. (2)
• consult with co-workers or supervisors for advice on how to clean a piece of equipment. Finding the correct source may not be immediately apparent or available; therefore, the worker may have to go to more than one source (or a second choice) and hope the information is correct or adaptable. (2)

Most sanitation activities are performed individually and many are performed unsupervised. Nevertheless, there might be 15 workers sharing in all the tasks. They function as a team insofar as they are jointly responsible for the condition of the facilities. If a worker needs help (e.g. emptying a heavy wheelbarrow full of barley mulch), they must co-ordinate with the duties already assigned to others. If a worker is away or sick or something extra needs to be done, the "team" must pool their resources to get the job done. In some industry sectors, workers might perform single tasks as part of a single cleaning (e.g. one washes, one sanitizes, one scrubs, and one rinses). In such cases, co-ordinating effort is very important for quick and efficient cleaning. In other sectors, there are some common "two-man jobs" (e.g. cleaning floor grates), but such jobs are the exception and not the rule.

While sanitation workers have to co-ordinate their cleaning with production, they do not generally have to co-ordinate their work with individual production workers. As required, they will tell workers or operators of their need to clean areas and request the opportunity to shut down an area.

Depending on the sanitation worker's experience and interpersonal skills, he may be asked to handle part of a new employee's training or teach a particular sanitation procedure. Most sanitation training occurs on-the-job and via the buddy system.

Sanitation workers:

• participate in formal discussions about work processes or product improvement.
• have opportunities to make suggestions on improving work processes.
• inform other workers or demonstrate to them how tasks are performed.
• orient new employees.
• assign routine tasks to other workers.

The computer use tasks of sanitation workers are at Complexity Level 1.

• may use programmable logic controllers (PLC) terminals to operate sanitation sequences or to shut down a line for manual cleaning. Terminals may also be monitored to ensure that correct chemical applications are occurring and that cycles are of the correct length. (1)

Sanitation workers learn both on the job and through in-house training. Chemical supply companies or consultants expert in the handling of chemicals often provide training specific to the chemicals used in the workplace. When new equipment or new chemicals are introduced into the workplace, new training must occur. WHMIS training is mandatory for most sanitation workers. Similarly, some work environments also provide forklift training, confined space training, and training to use rigging to clean in high places. Sanitation workers have the opportunity to learn first aid if they desire to do so. Some workplaces are also being trained about HACCP, though in some sub-sectors HACCP is broken down to relevant actions and is not presented as an overarching philosophy. For example, workers may be taught that certain areas have to cleaned especially well without understanding that they are "critical control points."

• as part of regular work activity.
• from co-workers.
• through training offered in the workplace.
• through reading or other forms of self-study:
  - at work.
  - using materials available through work.
• through off-site training:
  - during working or non-working hours at no cost to the worker.

In addition to collecting information for this Essential Skills Profile, our interviews with job incumbents also asked about the following topics.

The sanitation workers interviewed mentioned these physical aspects of their jobs.

Body Position

Sanitation workers spend almost all of their time on their feet and moving. Additionally, they may find themselves hanging from rigging or using ladders to reach high areas. They may also have to crouch into odd positions to reach under/around machines or apparatus.

Limb Co-ordination

In case of having to clean high structures like silos or beams, co-ordination is extremely important to preserving a sanitation worker's health and safety. While the co-ordination required to use a foamer or hose might be less dramatic than hanging from a harness, the ability to direct cleaning solutions into all areas of production is important.

Strength

Significant strength is required for many cleaning operations. Sanitation workers must be able to control high-pressure hoses (e.g. 250 psi is not uncommon), lift heavy containers of chemicals, and empty trash receptacles around production. A sanitation worker could be expected to lift loads of 50 pounds or more in a single motion. Most workers use considerably more strength over the course of a shift. Handling 40 feet of inch-and-a-half water hose at 250 psi is physically demanding.

Sensory

Sanitation workers must use their senses to discover possible sanitation or equipment problems. For example, while cleaning a machine, a worker would use his hands to feel for any burrs that might indicate wear. Similarly, a worker would use his olfactory senses to notice non-visible areas that are dirty and require cleaning. These senses are also employed in the use of chemicals (e.g. mixing bleach and water to the correct consistency) and as a warning sign when working in potentially toxic environments.

The workers interviewed felt that sanitation workers should be able to put a positive spin on their work. Sanitation generally requires the workers being willing to get dirty and wet and to work around smelly, dirty things. Therefore, the worker should be able to put the unpleasantness of the work into perspective - as more than one worker said, "the day's work depends on them." It is a lonely job not only because of the isolation that comes with the work, but because few other workers fully appreciate the job and think of sanitation workers as being simply menial labourers. In general, sanitation workers have to be patient and tolerant, able to grit their teeth at some jobs, and have pride in their work.

There is already a movement within many sectors to the use of computers in the cleaning process. This is especially true of industries that require CIP. Nevertheless, the jobs will continue to maintain a physical dimension - it is unlikely that these workers will simply be replaced by computer operators. Nevertheless, as automation and computerization continue to take on new aspects of production, many of these machines will also be capable of taking on cleaning roles. As a result, the future will likely have some sanitation duties shifting to machine operators who control the same machines.

Part of this is already happening in the food processing industry and can be seen in the trend towards non-designated sanitation workers. Plants are mandating that all workers take responsibility and an active role in the cleaning and sanitation process. While this is sometimes dictated by the smallness of an organization (not enough cleaning to warrant designated sanitation workers), in other cases large plants have also moved away from a designated sanitation crew as well. The result is that workers clean their stations and machine operators clean the lines. There is little else to demand a full-time or designated sanitation worker or crew.

The implementation of HACCP and other regulatory bodies that monitor sanitation (e.g. the American Institute of Bakers) has also partly led to a decreased presence of sanitation workers since HACCP requires every worker taking responsibility for food safety. Still, in plants which continue to use designated sanitation crews, HACCP has meant more rigorous sanitation regimens as well as increased documentation.

Copyright is held by the Alberta Food Processors Association.

For more information on Finding/Training Workers: Email training@afpa.com or contact the AFPA Team.

Index to Essential Skills Profiles
Find and Train Workers
AFPA Home Page