Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Cleaner - Industrial- from: Youtube Search
- Cabin Appearance- from: Aer Lingus [Video]
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
- Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Working Life
Industrial cleaners may work for a contract cleaning company and do cleaning work in factories, shops and offices.
The work they do depends on the kind of place they work in and the standards set by the employer.
Industrial cleaners use familiar domestic appliances, such as vacuum cleaners, but they may use larger industrial machines such as scrubber dryers, high-pressure hoses, sandblasting equipment and various chemicals.
Cleaners may work on their own or as part of a team. You may have to work in dirty and dusty conditions. Uniforms and protective clothing are usually supplied.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Service, clean, or supply restrooms.
- Clean building floors by sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, or vacuuming.
- Gather and empty trash.
- Follow procedures for the use of chemical cleaners and power equipment to prevent damage to floors and fixtures.
- Mix water and detergents or acids in containers to prepare cleaning solutions, according to specifications.
- Clean windows, glass partitions, or mirrors, using soapy water or other cleaners, sponges, or squeegees.
- Notify managers concerning the need for major repairs or additions to building operating systems.
- Requisition supplies or equipment needed for cleaning and maintenance duties.
- Dust furniture, walls, machines, or equipment.
- Strip, seal, finish, and polish floors.
Further Information
- Cleaner- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Cleaner - Industrial
You should be able to do your work well without supervision. If you are working with other cleaners, you should be able to work in a team.
You will also have to be able to understand written and spoken instructions; be honest and reliable; and be fit and active as you will be on your feet most of the time and some of the equipment can be heavy. It may not suit people with allergies, asthma or skin complaints as some cleaning products may cause a reaction.
Interests - Cleaner - Industrial
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Cleaner - Industrial
Industrial cleaning companies may provide some in-house training with a more experienced cleaner. Large contract cleaning firms may provide a short induction programme covering aspects of safety, customer care and the use of machines and chemicals.
Key Skill Certs:
Health & Safety CleanPass HSA Guidelines
SafePass
Manual Handling
Drivers License
Working at Height Certs: MEWP / Scissors Lift.
These courses may be available at low or no cost via local training centres. You can search for these key skills certs via Search our FET CourseFinder
Pay & Salary - Cleaner - Industrial
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €38k
Salaries vary by employer, location, duties. Role, experience, and location.
Data Source(s):
Glassdoor / Indeed/ Payscale/ Talent.com
Last Updated: February, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Cleaner - Industrial
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Window cleaners; Street cleaners; Cleaners and domestics Launderers; dry cleaners and pressers; Refuse and salvage occupations; Vehicle valeters; cleaners Elementary; cleaning occupations n.e.c.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Employment for cleaners grew in recent years but remains below pre-COVID-19 levels. Those employed as cleaners were primarily female and working part-time. The share of non-Irish citizens, at 38%, was far above the national average. The high volume of recent job hires indicates that job churn is a factor.
Jobs advertised on DSP Jobs Ireland primarily related to accommodation assistants, housekeepers and cleaners, while the Recruitment Agency Survey identified issues with filling vacancies for cleaning staff. Despite this, issues with recruitment relate primarily to staff retention rather than any potential shortage.
Useful Contacts - Cleaner - Industrial
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Irish Contract Cleaning Association (ICCA)
