Staying compliant with cleaning regulations is crucial for any cleaning business. As regulations change, it’s important to stay up to date to avoid penalties and ensure the safety of your staff and clients. Here are my tips for keeping up with changing cleaning regulations:
Monitor Industry Resources
The first step is to monitor industry resources to stay on top of regulatory changes. Here are some good places to keep tabs on:
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Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – The EPA regulates cleaning chemicals and processes. Follow their news and guidance.
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Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – OSHA creates standards for worker safety and health. Bookmark their cleaning industry page.
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Industry associations – Organizations like ISSA and BSCAI often share regulatory updates. Subscribe to their newsletters.
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State agencies – Check your state’s health, labor, and environmental agencies for local rule changes.
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Local municipalities – Cities and counties may have their own cleaning ordinances. Verify requirements.
Staying plugged into these agencies ensures I catch wind of any new regulations that may impact my business.
Review Compliance Calendar
I maintain a compliance calendar that outlines important regulation review and renewal deadlines. This helps me periodically verify I remain in compliance as rules change.
Key dates I track include:
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OSHA training renewals – OSHA may require new or updated training on safety topics.
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Chemical inventory updates – I review the safety data sheets (SDS) for all chemicals annually to check for changes.
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EPA disposal regulation reviews – Proper disposal rules for cleaning products and waste may change.
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Permit/license renewals – My business license, pesticide license, stormwater permit, and any other permits need periodic renewal.
Reviewing this calendar quarterly ensures I don’t miss important compliance milestones.
Conduct Internal Audits
I perform regular self-audits to inspect my cleaning processes, training, and documentation for compliance. I use checklists to verify:
- Staff training is up to date on safety and regulations
- Chemicals are properly labeled, stored, and disposed
- Documentation like safety data sheets are complete and accessible
- Processes align with regulations for cleaning methods, equipment, disinfecting, and more
These audits help me identify any areas that need to be updated to maintain compliance. I can then make necessary adjustments right away.
Seek Outside Expertise
For complex regulatory questions, I consult professionals like attorneys, HR consultants, and environmental advisors. Their expertise helps me:
- Correctly interpret how new regulations apply to my business
- Update employee handbooks and contracts to stay compliant
- Determine necessary changes to cleaning methods and chemical use
- Navigate license and permit applications
While staying on top of the news is helpful, sometimes I need trusted specialists to ensure I fully understand how to integrate regulatory changes into my operations. Their guidance gives me confidence I’m doing things by the book.
By making compliance a regular priority, I can ensure my cleaning business grows while meeting all legal and safety obligations. Keeping processes up to date takes continuous effort, but it’s worth it to maintain my reputation and stay in business. Consistent monitoring, reviews, audits, and expert advice keep me successfully adapting as regulations evolve.
