How to brief a temporary cleaner on their first shift

Who meets the worker on arrival

Meet the cleaner at the business entrance to greet them and introduce yourself. This sets a welcoming tone right from the start.

Provide a brief overview of your company's expectations for their role, focusing on key tasks like cleaning toilets and common areas.

Explain how to use your site’s colour coding system for waste bins and cleaning products.

• Meet at the business entrance to greet the cleaner.
• Briefly introduce yourself and outline the day’s tasks.
• Demonstrate the correct use of colour-coded bins and cleaning supplies.

A short site walk-round

Start the walk-round by showing them your site's colour coding system, if you have one, to ensure they understand which areas are theirs. Point out any specific equipment or tools they will need for their tasks, such as a microfibre cloth or a vacuum cleaner.

Discuss the layout of the premises and highlight key areas that require more attention, like toilets or high-traffic zones. For example, if you're in an office, remind them to focus on desks and meeting rooms after lunchtime.

Explain your own procedure for reporting issues, such as damaged equipment or spills, and show them where the nearest spill kit is located.

• Show the cleaner your site's colour coding system
• Highlight key areas needing more attention
• Explain how to report any issues

Fire exits and emergency procedures

Show the cleaner all fire exits and ensure they know which one to use in an emergency. For example, point out the main exit at the front of your shop and the side door behind the staff room. Explain that if there's a fire, they should always go to the nearest marked exit.

Provide a quick explanation of your business’s emergency evacuation plan. Mention where the fire extinguishers are located. For instance, explain that you have a fire alarm system, and in case of an alarm, everyone needs to evacuate through the main exit and meet at the designated area outside.

Make sure they understand who to report to if they see something suspicious or concerning. This could be your manager or another named person on site.

• Identify all fire exits and demonstrate their use in an emergency.
• Explain the specific evacuation procedures, including alarm systems and meeting points.
• Assign a point of contact for any concerns or issues observed by the cleaner.

Where materials and equipment are kept

Point out where cleaning supplies such as cloths, mops, buckets, and cleaning products are stored. Show the cleaner exactly which cupboard or shelf to use for each item.

Explain your site's colour coding system if applicable. Ensure the cleaner understands how to identify different types of areas and what supplies are appropriate for each area.

Show the cleaner where to find any necessary tools or equipment, such as a vacuum cleaner or steam mop. Make sure they know which tool is best suited for specific tasks like carpet cleaning or tile maintenance.

• Demonstrate the location of cleaning supplies and tools.
• Explain your colour coding system if used.
• Show where to find any necessary tools or equipment

The task list and the order to do it in

Provide a written task list detailing what needs to be cleaned, including specific areas like toilets, floors, and windows.

Explain the sequence in which tasks should be completed for efficiency, starting with high-traffic areas before moving on to less used spaces.

Ensure that the cleaner understands your site's colour coding system for waste bins and cleaning products.

• Write a clear task list for each area
• Outline the order of cleaning to maximise efficiency
• Communicate your colour coding system

Who to ask when something is unclear

Before starting their first shift, you should inform the cleaner of a named person they can approach if unsure about any task or procedure. For example, at your shop, gym, or office, let them know that they can ask Sarah in the management team for guidance on cleaning protocols.

Ensure this named individual is always available during the cleaner’s shift to answer questions and provide support. This could be a manager or another staff member who understands the specific requirements of each area.

Make sure your site's colour coding system is clearly explained, as this will help them identify which areas need cleaning and what products should be used.

• Identify a named person for guidance on tasks
• Ensure availability of the named individual during shifts
• Explain your site’s colour coding system

Questions

Who meets the worker on arrival?

The site manager or a designated member of staff should meet the cleaner at the agreed time and location to introduce them to the workplace.

What should be included in a short site walk-round?

A brief tour showing the layout, key areas that need cleaning, and pointing out any specific equipment locations is advisable.

How can fire exits and emergency procedures be addressed?

The cleaner should be shown all fire exits and familiarized with the nearest alarm points. A quick review of the company’s emergency procedure guidelines should also be conducted.

What should you check at the end of the first shift?

Reviewing the completed tasks and ensuring that areas are left in a clean state, checking for any issues or unclear instructions, and providing feedback to the cleaner is important.

Related guides

• How to write a cleaning specification for your premises
• Building an office cleaning schedule for a hybrid office
• What to have ready to get a fast quote for temporary staff