Construction Cleaning Crews

Cleaning crews work at the end of construction, removing dust, debris, adhesives and paint from new and renovated buildings. They share the site with trades, handle strong cleaners and clean windows from lifts and ladders. They are often less trained than other trades but face many of the same hazards.

• Construction Cleaners
• Janitorial Crews
• Window Cleaners
• Laborers

Main hazards

• Chemical exposure: acids, strippers, glass cleaners, adhesive removers and bleach. Mixing products can release toxic gas. See Hazard Communication and Secondary Container Labels.
• Dust: drywall, concrete and silica dust when sweeping and blowing. See Silica and Dust Control Methods.
• Debris and sharps: nails, screws, glass, metal and broken materials in trash and under tarps.
• Falls from ladders, scaffolds and lifts while cleaning windows and high surfaces. See Window Cleaners and Ladder Basics.
• Floor machines, electrical cords and wet floors: shock, trips and slips. See GFCI Protection.
• Lifting and repetitive work carrying debris, buckets and equipment. See Lifting & Ergonomics.
• Active construction around you: overhead work, lifts, equipment, open floor holes and hot work. See Holes & Floor Openings.
• Unknown materials: mold, asbestos or lead in renovation areas. See Asbestos.

Safe practices

• Get site orientation from the general contractor, wear a hard hat, high-visibility vest, safety glasses and boots, and know emergency exits and alarms. Check with the superintendent before entering areas with active work.
• Read labels and SDSs. Use only the products you are trained on, dilute as directed, and never mix chemicals. Label spray bottles and buckets. Provide ventilation and wear gloves, goggles and respirators as required. See Chemical-Protective Clothing.
• Use HEPA vacuums and damp methods, not dry sweeping or compressed air, for dust. Wear a respirator in dusty areas.
• Handle debris with heavy gloves, use a magnet sweeper for nails, and put sharps in rigid containers. Don't reach into trash by hand.
• Use stable ladders, platforms or lifts with training. Don't overreach. Work from the ground with extension poles where possible. Keep three points of contact.
• Plug floor machines into GFCI outlets, keep cords tidy and use wet floor signs. Lift with your legs and use carts.
• Don't use or clean near open holes and edges without guardrails. Report unprotected openings.
• Report suspected hazardous materials and unusual conditions. Don't disturb them.

Construction cleaning checklist

• I got a site orientation and wear a hard hat, vest and eye protection
• I read SDSs, never mix chemicals and label containers
• I use HEPA vacuums or damp methods, not dry sweeping
• I use stable ladders or lifts and GFCI outlets for machines
• I report open holes, hazards and suspect materials

Last updated: October 8, 2026